Hey everyone, I’m excited to share my progress and how easy it’s been to lose weight following this new approach. If you haven’t seen my first video where I talk about this plan, I’ll link it here. I highly recommend watching it first, as it explains the basics.
I’m no longer dieting! I’m working with a dietitian to unlearn everything I’ve ever learned about food and the diet culture. It’s been quite a journey, especially since I’ve been a Weight Watcher member since my daughter was born, at 24 years old.
The idea of points and calories has become so ingrained in my brain. So, when my doctor suggested I meet with a dietitian, I was a bit skeptical. I took an online nutrition course with her last winter, and then we started meeting one-on-one every six to eight weeks.
She’s helping me understand how to make better choices, especially since I don’t eat a lot of food but I’m a very emotional eater. Whenever I get stressed or anxious, I turn to sugary, high-fat foods, junk food, and even drive-through meals.
Since we got back from Alaska on July 9th, I’ve been working hard to break this habit. I’m not bringing junk food into the house anymore, and I’m trying my best to manage my cravings. I’ve always been a candy addict, but I’ve replaced my usual sugary treats with grapes. Yes, grapes!
I know people might think it’s silly, but it’s part of the plan I’m following, and it’s working for me. I didn’t get overweight by eating grapes, I got overweight by eating drive-through food, sugary snacks, and other high-calorie foods.
This is what I talked about in my emotional eating video, which was a hit with a lot of you.
It’s important to remember that sometimes people struggle with weight gain due to emotional eating, and it’s not always about overeating or laziness. Many people with weight issues are not lazy at all; they may have physically demanding jobs or have a lot on their plate.
My family says I don’t eat a lot, but when I do, it’s often high-calorie, high-fat, high-carb foods, which we know aren’t good for us. This balanced plate approach is helping me understand portions and choose healthier options.
I’m 55 years old, still haven’t gone through menopause, and I have hypothyroidism and PCOS. My cortisol levels are high due to stress, so losing weight is a slow process. I can’t just lose 10 pounds a month like I could when I was 30.
Plus, I don’t have the energy to exercise right now. I’m focusing on getting my eating habits right, as too much focus on exercise can lead to stress and anxiety, which triggers my emotional eating.
So, I’m taking things one step at a time. I’m still trying out different recipes and figuring things out. I’m not perfect, and I still slip up. But I’m committed to this balanced plate approach and it’s working!
Since July 10th, I’ve lost 9.3 pounds. My clothes fit better, I’m down a size, and I can see a difference in my face and my belly. My joints aren’t aching anymore, and I think that’s due to the reduction in sugar. I used to get pain in my knees and legs when I was going upstairs, and I thought it was arthritis. Now I realize it was inflammation from all the sugar.
I’m doing my best to follow the program at least 80% of the time. I’ve stopped buying those chewy candy bars I used to crave when stressed.
Now, I buy grapes instead. It seems to satisfy my cravings without the added calories. This whole balanced plate approach is still new to me, and I’m still a little skeptical, but I’m not going to give up!
Also Read: Is Oatmeal Really Good for Weight Loss?
What a Typical Day Looks Like for Me
So, let’s talk about a typical day. I wake up in the morning and take my thyroid pill. Then I make a smoothie. I alternate between plain Greek yogurt and vanilla Greek yogurt.
I know I could add vanilla to the plain, but I don’t like the taste or texture. I choose vanilla because it’s more palatable and makes me feel better. I don’t want to make myself miserable at the start of the day with something I hate!
Here’s how I make my smoothie:
- I put about three-quarters of a cup of yogurt in my Vitamix (or a blender).
- I add a mixture of frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Berries are low on the glycemic index and have tons of antioxidants.
- I add about five ice cubes.
- I throw in a small banana.
- I add two to three tablespoons of oats for fiber.
- Then, I blend it all up. This fills me up and keeps me feeling satiated until lunchtime.
If I had my way, I’d eat lunch around 1:30, but my husband likes to eat around noon. So, for lunch, if I know we’re having a big dinner, I have boiled eggs (I know, I don’t like eggs, but I’m trying to learn!).
I usually boil two or three eggs. It’s a good source of protein. I’ll have a piece of whole wheat toast with a little butter and some Everything Bagel seasoning.
It’s a bit salty, but it adds some pizzazz to the eggs. I also add some sliced strawberries or spinach and arugula with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
In the afternoon, I might have an orange. For dinner, we usually have some chicken dish. Once a week, we might have red meat, but I love stir-fry!
I make my stir-fry with tons of vegetables, a little rice, and a little soy sauce (no salt if I can find it) with some red pepper flakes for seasoning. I cook the chicken in a little garlic and olive oil.
I use a non-stick pan with a lid, and I always put in at least eight cups of vegetables. This makes enough for dinner and leftovers for the next night.
This helps me save time and avoid the stress of figuring out what to eat every night. I’m still learning to meal prep, but I’m working on it.
When we watch TV, I still have a snack. It’s hard to break these habits overnight. My dietitian told me to have a few almonds, maybe 10-15, and a cheese stick. This helps me feel full and satisfied.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Emotional Eating
It’s not easy, and it’s uncomfortable. I don’t like being uncomfortable, and I don’t like feeling anxious. Whenever I feel like I want a milkshake or a chocolate bar, I ask myself: “Why do I want this?” “Am I lacking something?”
It’s not about the food itself; it’s about what’s going on inside.
I’ve learned that I use food to soothe myself and to cope with stress and anxiety. It’s been a coping mechanism for years, used to help me get through stressful times, like when my husband had cancer, and even when I was raising my daughter.
It’s a habit I’m trying to break. It’s not the best way to cope, but it’s what I know.
I’ve been feeling a lot of anxiety lately. My husband’s cancer is still a challenge, and the uncertainty has been really hard. I realize that at 55, I need to take control of my health and well-being. I want to be healthy and strong when I’m 85.
When I feel that urge to eat something unhealthy, I try to sit with myself and ask what’s going on. I think about what I’m feeling and how I can manage it without turning to food. Often, the desire for a sugary treat is just a way to avoid uncomfortable feelings.
I know that I don’t want to feel anxious and stressed all the time, and I need to learn how to deal with those feelings in a healthy way. For me, it’s about understanding that the chocolate bar isn’t going to solve my problems. It’s just a temporary fix.
The Power of Self-Awareness
What I’ve been finding most helpful is that the more I pay attention to my body and my emotions, the easier it is to make better food choices. I’m trying to listen to my body when I feel hungry, and I’m trying to recognize when I’m reaching for food out of habit or to cope with emotions.
I’ve noticed that it’s not just about the food. It’s about recognizing the underlying feelings and finding healthier ways to manage them. It’s about taking responsibility for my health and well-being. It’s about building a new relationship with food.
Progress, Not Perfection
I’m still on this journey, but I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made. Nine pounds might not seem like a lot to some people, but it’s a huge deal to me. It’s better than gaining nine pounds, which is what would have happened if I didn’t make these changes.
I’m learning to make healthier choices and manage my emotions more healthily. This is a lifelong battle, and I know that I’ll have setbacks. But I’m committed to staying on track. I’m not perfect, but I’m doing my best. And that’s what matters.
A Look Ahead
I know I need to add exercise to my routine, but I’m not there mentally yet. I’m taking it slow and focusing on my eating habits. I’m learning to listen to my body and my mind. I’m making small changes and building a healthier lifestyle for myself.
I’m not interested in any restrictive or fad diets. This balanced plate approach is what’s working for me, and it’s a sustainable way to eat. I’m not trying to force anyone to follow my path, but I’m sharing my journey because I know a lot of you are asking me about it.
I’m still figuring things out, and I’m not always sure if this is the right path. But I’m committed to my health and well-being. I’m committed to finding a way to feel my best. I’m committed to loving myself and taking care of myself. I’m learning to listen to my body, to understand my cravings, and to make healthy choices for myself.
I hope you found this update helpful. Please go check out my emotional eating video if you haven’t already. You might find some useful tips. I’m always open to sharing my story and my struggles.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey. I’m not forcing anyone to do what I’m doing, but I’m sharing it because I believe it can be helpful to others.
Key Takeaways for Women Over 50 Seeking Weight Loss
- Emotional eating is a real challenge. Many women struggle with emotional eating, which can be especially difficult as we age and face life’s challenges.
- It’s important to find a sustainable approach to weight loss. Restrictive diets can be hard to maintain, leading to frustration and ultimately failure.
- A balanced approach to nutrition is essential. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and mindful eating is key to long-term success.
- Listen to your body. Pay attention to your hunger cues and identify unhealthy cravings.
- Embrace self-awareness. Understand your emotional triggers and find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
- Focus on progress, not perfection. Small steps and consistent effort are more effective than trying to achieve unrealistic goals.
- Seek support from a healthcare professional. A dietitian or other healthcare provider can offer guidance and support on your weight loss journey.
