Mythic Weight Loss

NOTE: This started as a comment on a friend's Blog post.
http://boudicabooks.org/2012/09/18/what-is-dieting/

Dieting is one of those things that varies from person to person. Some people's metabolism just works a little differently, some people have underlying health issues that contribute to what they can/should eat. Some people are allergic to vegetables. Okay, so maybe they just eat like they were...

When I was working/living on a hobby farm and participating in Track & Field and going to the gym every Friday night with The Guys, my metabolism was insane. On a weekend, I would start my chores early and then come in and make breakfast. A ten egg omelet with half a tin of brown beans, chunks of cheddar cheese, diced green olives and whatever leftover meat and veggies there were from the night before, accompanied by two slices of thick, home made, whole wheat bread. After which I returned to chores.

Lunch was usually two sandwiches thicker than my hand, with fruits or vegetables, and supper was what you would imagine on a farm; meat and potatoes wit ha side of veggies. All through high school, I was 135 lbs soaking wet, 145 when I actually took my weight training seriously or in the fall when it was time to spend evenings and weekends splitting and stacking cord wood.

Some people gain weight when stressed, no matter what they eat or don't eat. Some people lose weight when stressed, no matter what they eat or don't eat. Some people naturally or purposely have a high fibre diet that helps to make them feel full and pass waste quickly and efficiently.

I tend to lose weight when stressed, because I stop eating, but gain when depressed, because that's all I do. Due to the amount of pain killers I take on a good day, never mind a bad day, Benefibre or a high fibre diet are a necessary evil, lending to my ability to feel full, and therefor not feel the need for seconds, or dessert.

Some people think cutting out all other junk except that 'one thing' is the way to go. For others, it's Fad diets. Some people drink more and eat less. Some people stop eating dessert. Some vie for low carbs, and some for less sugar. Most people do not realise that building muscle mass actually increases your weight, so depending on how their work out is structured, they're right, they won't lose weight. But that's what you get for being obsessed with numbers.

I grew up in a house where junk food was only around on special occasions, and dessert was pretty much the same. Our version of a treat was either one of Mom's good-for-you baked goods, or something we called Moo (see post script). I of course picked up the habit of junk food and dessert when I moved out on my own, but the novelty soon wore off and, these days, I often don't even think of dessert (if you come over for a meal and expect dessert, you might want to bring your own ;) ).

I am still very muscular, despite having to largely adjust my physical exertions. My arms are getting a little too scrawny for my likings, but the stairs in this house ensure that my legs are still tree trunks. Any weight loss that I do that is also accompanied by an exercise plan often leads to very few pounds lost, though I suddenly develop the need to wear a belt with all of my new jeans. I'm aiming for around 145lbs because I know that that is approximately the weight I should be when I've lost the extra chub on my arms, thighs, face and belly that I'd like to see gone. If I get rid of that before hitting that number, so be it. 145 is a guideline, not a requirement.

Here's the part where you're going to want to tell me to get off of my high horse.

The one thing that every diet needs to succeed is will power. Go ask the strongest, most determined people you know how they've lost weight and they'll give you a line that seems so simple that you just want to grab them and shake them.

For me, this was as simple as drinking lots of water, taking a fibre supplement, and changing my habit of sitting down to eat a full meal at meal time because it was the thing to do. I now have a small breakfast when I get up (typically about a third of a cup of cereal with milk and a yogurt cup, or a pouch of instant oatmeal), followed by small snacks through out the day. This changes slightly for 5 days starting on the 23rd day in a 28 day cycle, when my body decides that it wants a full meal, high in iron, and some chocolate, which I typically try to avoid, knowing that its my Kryptonite.

When all else fails, go with routine. Find a way to make dieting/exercising part of your routine.

However, speaking as one of those strong, determined people who has managed to lose weight and keep it off (so far), I can also attest to the fact that sometimes you've got to try a few different things before you find what works for you. I've been struggling with my weight for the last two years. Often, my weight gain was related to a decline in my mental or physical health. Now that I've finally got both of those more or less in hand, Ta da! Started at 175lbs and I'm now down to 161 in 80 days.

Bottom line. Dieting is not a myth, its just a boat load of misconception.

PS: Moo is Jell-O made with milk in place of cold water. Let the hot mixture cool first, or it gives it a gritty texture. But definitely try it! It gives the Jell-O a dessert quality. Though I'm not a fan of the Grape Moo