[b91hd7fjk]

I have been gluten-free for 2 1/2 years now. When I was diagnosed I was about 125 (due to a little weight loss prior to diagnosis) I am now close to 150 and I am 5'6 its getting to the point that my stomach should be healing and I need to regulate my weight again. Although it has been gradual...I have really noticed how different clothes are fitting and how I feel.

These days I am constantly craving sweets. I have found that 'Just Born' is gluten-free so I have been stuck on eating candies!!! Huge problem!!

Some days I dont get hungry at all and other days I can eat to fill 4 stomachs. I did a little of research on my own and began strictly counting calories...weather it is 900 calories a day or 1900 that I eat my body does not respond. Even cardio work outs 4x a week didnt make a difference...I know our systems are much different than others so PLEASE help if you have any suggestions...I am going to Hawaii with my boyfriend in a few months and need to shake off a few lbs. besides that im only 21 and dont want to develop bad habits.

Oh and I recently went to the doctors and my thyroid is great and i am not diabetic...although I need to watch!
Thanks to everyone for reading!

[pixiegirl]

Hmm.... I'm not sure what direction to approach this so I guess I'll hit all the stops... If you are gluten-free and feeling healthy again and you really are eating only 900 calories for say a couple weeks at a time and not losing a pound then there is something wrong and you need a doctor to evaluate your situation. I'm not sure but you might ask your doctor for a consult with an endocrinologist (i think they cover metabolism and such). But if I were you I'd keep a food diary for about a month or so, so you can prove that you have really been trying and its not working. A food diary should include everything that goes into your mouth, including water, gum, and just a sip or taste of this or that. If you have an HMO you might be able to get a consult with a dietitian.

I certainly am not in the medical field but I consider myself an expert on weight loss. I've watched my weight every single day of my life. People often laugh when I tell them I'm an expert they say, "oh right, your thin!" I'm thin because I watch everything that goes in my mouth.

My sister in law has gained a lot of weight over the past 5 years (change of life stuff) and she told me for a year that she was only eating 1000 calories a day and was not losing any weight. I kept telling her it was impossible. I went out there last summer for 2 weeks and she managed to lose 6 pounds while I was there. There is nothing wrong with her metabolism she just didn't count calories well. A nibble of this and sip of that, just a bite, and a glass of wine (which usually turns into 2).

Most people I know diet like this: day 1: really good on 1000 calorie diet. day 2: pretty good but had 1 cookie. day 3: did ok but had a few snacks. day 4-7: totally screwed it up.

The bottom line is that for someone your size that IS in good health, if you eat 900 calories and exercise every day you WILL lose weight. Its hard, believe me I know it. Have you tried any of those online diet places (e-diet I think and I know weight watchers has one too). I'm sure there are lots of people here that would be willing to offer advice and encouragement (maybe we should start a gluten-free dieting thread), myself included (I can be sort of boot camp however which I'm sure is apparent from my post).

In a nutshell this is what I do when I need to lose weight: walk 3 miles every single day, no days off (I have a big dog). I eat mainly fruits, veggies, protein. NO white in my diet (no rice, potatoes, cereal, baked goods, etc.) drink more water with lemon.

Here is how I live when I don't need to lose weight: walk 3 miles every single day, no days off (I have a big dog). I eat mainly fruits, veggies, protein. drink more water with lemon. I have an occasional glass of wine. I eat small amounts of rice or potatoes or a cookie or trail mix or power bar or even ice cream when I feel like it (but no more then once a day). The key with this stuff is small amounts. I love sweets too - chocolate and ice cream are way up on my list!

When I tell this to people sometimes I hear: but I want to enjoy my life. I'm a firm believer that our enjoyment in life shouldn't be centered around food. Hey I love to eat and drink, and I eat in good restaurants often and really savor it, but i get my real enjoyment from my family, my dog, my boyfriend, my friends, books, walking, my job, hiking, the beach, shopping, etc. Its a change of mindset and for the past 10 years or so... my glass is way more then half full, its positively brimming.

I'm 53, 5'7" I'm 2 pounds under my high school weight (I'm 119 this morning), healthy, happy, active. I really believe good health is a powerful key to happiness.

I really believe that anyone in good health can lose weight but I know first hand its not easy and to do it we can all use a lot of help, ideas and encouragement.

Good luck! Susan

[mn farm gal]

I am a believer in all that pixigirl had to say. I know some people that say they try and then you accually find out well they are walking only 10 minutes on the treadmill that is no effort to me. Or the snack too. People snack and don't realize that they are even doing it. They had a donut at work but forgot to count it, snacked on candy at work or home thought that maybe it was 6 pieces today but it was accually 12. Things like this really do play into the weight loss. I am a firm believer of a journal if you want the weight to come off. Keep it in your pocket an mark down even a taste of something because it really does have calories. The biggest thing is change if you are not use to exersicing everyday or journalling everything that touches your lips it will seem like work at first. Do it for 2 weeks and it becomes a habit.

[celiac-mommy]

pixiegirl, on Jan 8 2008, 03:16 AM, said:

The bottom line is that for someone your size that IS in good health, if you eat 900 calories and exercise every day you WILL lose weight.

I have to disagree completely. I have lost a considerable amount of weight and maintained for a long time. If you are only eating 900cal/day, it's NOT enough. Your body goes into starvation mode and actually holds onto averything you put in because it doesn't know when it's going to be nourished again. For your height and weight, your BMI is 24.2 which is at the higher end of normal (18.5-24.9), more importantly, your RMR (resting metabolic rate) is 1750--this is the amount of calories needed to sustain LIFE FUNCTIONS with a sedentary lifestyle. This is what the RMR is for the following:
Lightly active (1-3 days/week) 2000 calories
Moderately active (3-5 days/week)-2260 calories
Very active (5-7 days/week)-2500 calories.

The more active you are the more calories you body needs to survive. To lose weight, you need a BALANCE of calorie reduction and exercise but I don't recommend going below 1500 calories unless you are confined to a wheelchair or bed and are not active at all. So eat ~1500-1600 calories a day and work out 5-6 days a week, you shouldn't have a problem at all.

(I am in the medical field...)

[pixiegirl]

Well I'd like to add those are general guidelines and everyone's metabolism isn't exactly the same.

I also want to make it clear that I wasn't implying she should eat 900 calories a day, that isn't healthy at all. I was just making the point that if one was eating 900 calories a day for weeks at a time, and they have no metabolic disorders, the bottom line is that you are going to lose weight. (and I do understand how the body slows down your metabolism if you don't get enough calories but you will still ultimately lose weight if you continue very very low calories)

Personally when I need to lose a few pounds (I never let myself go more then 5 lbs over my ideal weight) I go to about 1300 - 1500 calories a day and its gone quickly.

Just wanted to make sure no one thought that 900 calories is a good idea.

Susan

[celiac-mommy]

pixiegirl, on Jan 8 2008, 08:24 AM, said:

Well I'd like to add those are general guidelines and everyone's metabolism isn't exactly the same.

I also want to make it clear that I wasn't implying she should eat 900 calories a day, that isn't healthy at all. I was just making the point that if one was eating 900 calories a day for weeks at a time, and they have no metabolic disorders, the bottom line is that you are going to lose weight. (and I do understand how the body slows down your metabolism if you don't get enough calories but you will still ultimately lose weight if you continue very very low calories)

Personally when I need to lose a few pounds (I never let myself go more then 5 lbs over my ideal weight) I go to about 1300 - 1500 calories a day and its gone quickly.

Just wanted to make sure no one thought that 900 calories is a good idea.

Susan

I'm sorry if I misunderstood. Although I'm in cardiovascular services, I have done extensive training in nutrition and weight loss. I don't have a degree in it--wanted to but I my DH says I make too much $$ doing what I do and I do like it. I've worked with a lot of women with their health and nutrition so I feel really comfortable with my 'methods' but I realize that everyone has their own ways. What works for one doesn't work for everyone. I just want to help out in any way I can!

[pixiegirl]

Yes I didn't mean to sound argumentative and just like you I didn't want anyone to think that I thought taking in only 900 calories a day was a good way to lose weight. In my book its a good way to ruin your health.

I am very "into" being healthy... exercise, eating right, maintaining my weight, being positive and centered. For the most part I eat whatever I want too, I just eat the stuff with more calories in smaller portions. I don't want to make it sound easy either, like I said before its an every day thing for me and I know my sister in law struggles with her weight every day. Its certainly not easy.

And we put so much stock into being a certain weight, but whether you are at that weight or not, try and enjoy life.

Susan!

[Electra]

I originally gained weight when I went gluten free, but that was due to hording foods like Nacho's and ice cream out of withdrawls. After I had gained 20 pds and was at my mid pregnancy weight I finally decided enough was enough. I have since lost 42 pds and my motabolism has gotten a major boost. Before I went gluten free I could not eat more then 500 calories a day without gaining weight (NO JOKE). People never used to believe me when I said that but it was more then true. Now I eat normally and still seem to lose a little and gain a little thus my weight stays within a certain range. I wonder if it's the candy that's causing you to crave so much, and there could be something in it that your body wants to hold onto because it's missing out on all the other things you used to eat. If you can stand it try to eat fruits, veggies, and meats for a few weeks and see if that makes a difference (that's what I did and my motabolism finally took off)!! Good luck and I hope you are able to figure out what works for you really soon.
~~Angie~~

[Offthegrid]

My personal advice is to cut way, way, way down on processed foods.

Right now I'm eating meats cooked from scratch, veggies, fruits, rice cakes for snacks, nuts, peanut butter and honey and I'm losing weight very nicely -- without being hungry. In fact, I don't even limit the quantities I can eat. If I'm hungry, I just have a healthy snack.

I have lost 60 pounds from my pre-diagnosis weight.

Eliminate prepackaged gluten-free food. Stop the candy. If you drink regular soda, cut that out, too.

[b91hd7fjk]

I really appreciate all the feedback!! I would like to make my daily eating habbits a little clearer..currently I am on an elimination diet because after the holiday travels I feel sicker and sicker. Elimination diet for me basically consists of plain white rice (brown makes me sick) lettuce and other greens such as cucumbers and green peppers etc. uncooked. Fruits like grapes apples and oranges in small amounts. Egg whites and a cheese and butter in very small amounts. I started this on Sunday and tonight I am adding back in to my diet fish..ill probably only cook it with a little lemon and butter and seasons. Other than that its plain plain plain.

For about a month or more I was religious with a journal...every sip every bite all of it...thats how i knew about the actual calorie count (calorieking.com) the truth is I cant seem to train myself to get away from the sweets..I will drink coffee sweet or increase the fruits I am eating to substitute for the candies. I think its all in my head because I feel like I sacrifice so much by elimiating gluten from my diet I dont want to take anything else out of my system. Its important to maintain balance and I know that, but somedays I forget that now I actually have to work on it to lose weight.

My other problem is as of right now in my living quarters I only have a microwave toaster oven and fridge literally. No freezer no stove top...nothing. I can cook at my boyfriends but he has three roommates who do consume wheat so its a total catch 22. I know there are ways to buy hot plates and what not but financially right now there is not much I can afford. I am living paycheck to paycheck so basically I am looking for a diet that I do not need to cook a lot. I can attain it at a low cost. And will help me train my palate to not need sweets the way I do now.

I work as a sales associate so I am naturally on my feet 40 hours a week walking around....my boyfriend is a personal trainer and we plan to get back into the gym together with our cardio and weight training routines but even like now we are not working out and I would consider myself moderately active.

I am seriously thinking about seeing a nutritionist but you all were who I turned to first..I know the weight gain is normal but I used to be able to lose weight like it was nothing...now....not so much. I am willing to try any diets you might have for me but if you could be specific with times inbetween meals and snacks and stuff it owuld be much appreciated. This insane sweet tooth has got to go!!! and I can be very diciplined so let me know if something has worked for you.

Oh and another important thing to know is my boyfriend LOVES to take me out to dinner. He understands how difficult it is so im working on getting him out of that habit..I feel like that is where a lot of the gain is coming from too. Just something else to keeep in mind. ok Thanks!!!!

-Staci

[pixiegirl]

I eat out a lot too and if I'm not trying to lose weight I order what I want to, but I rarely finish it all I often bring some of it home. If I am in the weight loss mode I stick with fish and salad and veggies, or chicken, much plainer food. But we still enjoy going out (no cooking, no clean up, etc.). I usually splurge when we are out to dinner and have wine.

I know its hard to change your thinking around but I don't feel like I give up much by going gluten-free, I was so ill prior to finding out I had celiac that it was a relief to me that I could just take gluten out of my diet and feel so good.

Since then I've found I have food allergies too, so I can't have nuts, peanuts. I am allergic to but can eat in small amounts, tomato, lettuce, beans, squash. But I don't feel I'm giving up a lot, I'm health and happy.

Susan

[hayley3]

I have been trying to figure out why I have gained weight and after much research I have decided it's the caffeine in the coffee, and I know that sounds silly but it can affect your cortisol levels. This might not apply to you as much as it would me, as I'm 51.
The endo is going to check my cortisol level and I read that coffee can increase your cortisol level just like stress, which can cause you to gain weight. I wasn't eating anything and gaining weight. It was killing me. I am switching to decaf to see if it helps. I only put 1/2 tsp of sugar in my coffee. I may have to rethink the sugar too.

Also, if you eat something sugary or starchy, it makes you crave something sugary. That's why eating protein and fruits, and vegetables is so good for a diet. It gets rid of the cravings. That plain rice also fuels cravings.

Update on the caffeine theory:
Dr Perricone says: "Coffee (and it's not the caffeine) can result in elevated levels of cortisol and insulin, leading to weight gain. Remember, elevated insulin puts a lock on body fat. If you substitute green tea for coffee, and do nothing else differently, you will lose 10 pounds in six weeks."

Just wanted to pass that along. And I just bought 2 packs of decaf organic coffee. Oh well....

This post has been edited by hayley3: 10 January 2008 - 07:58 AM

[sickchick]

I feel for you.

When I first got sick I gained about 40 pounds. Everything that was going through me like lightning and I was just trying to keep up.

I am 5'2 115 pounds and I watch everything that goes into my mouth. I also bought a scale (weigh myself DAILY) and I walk EVERY SINGLE DAY. 3 days did nothing, 4 days nothing I have to do it every single day and you know what I love it.

I am crossing my fingers you find what works for you.
Don't give up.

lovelove
sickchick

[CMCM]

I really think we're all different....different bodies/ages/metabolisms, etc. Speaking for myself, when I went gluten free I started experimenting with all the gluten free stuff (feeling sorry for myself), and most of it is really high sugar/low nutrient value, and I had to get a hold of myself and I reasoned that wait....I didn't hog down all this stuff "before", so why do it now. I was gaining weight, and even worse, all that stuff (weird alternative flours/starches/plus the sugar) just didn't agree with me.

When I cut all that stuff out....I cut out all the grains and starches, most dairy, ate limited fruit, and concentrated on plain meats, veggies, salads, ate frequent but SMALL meals, drank a lot of water....everything straightened out and I lost weight quickly and effortlessly.

I am VERY carb sensitive, and sugary things make me feel sick. I bloat up and start getting cravings and gain weight from all the stuff I eliminated.

Also....many people minimize how many calories they eat. I just saw a show about extreme obesity and there was this 400 lb. woman saying how little she ate, she guessed about 2,000 calories a day max, but when they really watched her and computed her calories, she was shoveling down 15,000 a day. I know you're not doing that, but you may actually be underestimating what you eat.

And I don't agree with those who say "a calorie is a calorie." I have seen with myself that while total calories are always a consideration, it's the composition of the foods that make all the different in my own case. If I ate 1500 calories of eggs, leans meats & veggies I'd be fine and probably lose weight. If I ate 1500 calories of breads/starches/fruit/sugar things I'd bloat up like a pig and put on 10 pounds very quickly doing that for a few days.

Control your cravings by limiting, or preferably eliminating sugars, starches, and other high carb-low nutrient foods. It only takes a couple of days to lose ALL the cravings.

[Tritty]

CMCM, on Jan 8 2008, 08:23 PM, said:

And I don't agree with those who say "a calorie is a calorie." I have seen with myself that while total calories are always a consideration, it's the composition of the foods that make all the different in my own case. If I ate 1500 calories of eggs, leans meats & veggies I'd be fine and probably lose weight. If I ate 1500 calories of breads/starches/fruit/sugar things I'd bloat up like a pig and put on 10 pounds very quickly doing that for a few days.

Control your cravings by limiting, or preferably eliminating sugars, starches, and other high carb-low nutrient foods. It only takes a couple of days to lose ALL the cravings.

I think you are totally right about this. If you eat 1500 empty calories - then you're just hungry and irritable too. I've been watching The Biggest Loser (looking for motivation!) and they mentioned that you cannot burn calories if your body is processing sugar. That makes total sense to me. I have almost the exact same problem as you - I'm 8 days from my "year anniversary" and have put on quite a bit of weight this year. I'm absorbing food for once, but haven't changed the amount I eat. I also had the - I have to give up so much - but I can still have candy - mentality. That's been hard for me. My big problem is hunger. I started my diet Jan 1 and I'm hungry all of the time. I don't count calories - I do weight watchers - and have been trying to exercise everday. I'm going to try and cut out the candy starting tomorrow!