Weigh In: America and Weight

[twinstars]

Originally posted by Rudey
I think guys have it worse than any of you girls. I don't know any guy that supersizes or doesn't sit there worrying about his weight lately.

-Rudey

Maybe it's getting more equal (guys are catching up with girls as far as worrying about their weight) but there's NO WAY that guys have it worse. Think about the stuff attractive girls have to wear- tight jeans, short, leg-baring skirts, little tank tops, bikinis, etc. Women's bodies are just so much more on-display all the time.

And just look at the incidence of eating disorders- women get them at least 10x more than men.

Anecdotal evidence: My parents came up to my college for graduation, and my dad remarked that he was surprised at the number of slightly chubby guys he saw, especially compared with the girls (most of whom, while not looking like supermodels or Playmates, are reasonably slim and cute and dress nice and wear makeup daily). The guys just don't have as much reason to care if they're carrying around 10 or 20 extra beer pounds. The same extra weight on a girl could make or break her hotness.

[krazy]

Originally posted by Rudey
I think guys have it worse than any of you girls. I don't know any guy that supersizes or doesn't sit there worrying about his weight lately.

-Rudey

I am not sure about that, but it is very prevalent in our society once college is left behind. I know a good deal of older people from my hometown who went off to school and gained a bunch of weight and used it as a trophy that they were having a god time. Now, they just look like fat men trying to work their job in a new fat body that doesn't handle real life as easily as it did in the college world. It is sad.

That said....

[krazy]

I have a big problem w/ the way that we deal with diet in America. There is nothing wrong with eating sweet/high-fat foods, as long as they do not become the basis of your daily diet. Just like drinking beer, if you sit around and drink 12 soda's a day, you will get big. But, one coke every other day is not going to hurt you. Matter of fact, the same goes for candy and other sweets. If you are constantly depriving yourself of something, you are going to have a mental attraction to it. It becomes compulsive. Automatically want it when you see it. That is why we are such a fat country, we are always trying strange diets and developing so many weird OCD problems. I am serious. Look at how many people are on the Atkins diet, the most unnatural and unhealthy thing you can do. Think about it. Yeah, it may take a few pounds off, but unless you are a cardiac patient, those should be lost through exercise and moderate eating habits. They will be re-gained w/ Atkins. I think depriving yourself of something for too long causes emotional issues.....

What say you Monet? Am I on target?

[Optimist Prime]

Eat right and exercise.

[blueGBI]

This topic hit a nerve with me.

All of my life I've struggled with weight and food issues. My family is rather screwed up. My dad used to be an alcoholic and when he drank he would become emotionally abusive. I spent my childhood and part of my adolescence being berated for being darker than my dad, for being what he considered fat, and for being born basically (now, things have changed.) I was never fat as a child, I just carried a lot of baby fat, some of which I still have now. When I hit middle school and was teased by my classmates for being a nerd, I started to eat to cope. By the time I was in 8th grade, i was 13 wearing a size 16. High school, I went to a school for the first time that wasnt majority black. Many of my classmates had issues with their weight and there was pressure to be thin. I started to starve myself during the day and at night I would eat a small dinner so my mom would think I was eating regulary. By the time I graduated, I was a size 10 but my metabolism was screwed up. After starting college, I started to eat normally again and I regained weight. I'm now a size 14 but I'm 5'8 so I look more like a size 12, but my metabolism is slow.

I'm currently on a plan to lose weight (20 lbs by Thanksgiving, lost 6 already!) after both of my parents were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes runs on both sides of my family tree so I need to lose the weight NOW and keep it off to lessen my chances of getting it. Even though ppl in my family say I don't need to lose weight.

The problem with America is that everything has to be bigger and faster and it has to be here now. I'm still learning portion control but its hard with all of the commericals for 20 oz coke and supersizing and stuff.

[bafromkc]

Originally posted by Optimist Prime
Eat right and exercise.

I couldn't agree more. So many people are looking for the easy way out and to place blame on other sources while the only real solution is to eat right and exercise.

[krazy]

Perfect Point Optimist Prime...


One thing to note BlueGBI. I don't think you can really blame this on the 20oz cokes. These things do not just appear in your hand. You can get a diet coke. That is an argument I do not comprehend.

I know a girl who is obese, literally obese, and drinks like 5-6 "code red's" a day. Well, these are 20oz and she is taking in 1650 calories from code red alone. this is more than she should be having anyway, and she still eats all the time. I feel bad for her, but she doesn't exercise, is lazy, a slob, and extremely nice, so I feel bad using her as an example.

The point is, this is ridiculous... it is purely her fault. She can have A "code red", but not a freaking dozen every two days. I am telling you, she realizes what she is doing. If she ever tried to blame the soft drink companies, it would be just stupid. I do not think anyone should be able to do that... ever.

[AKA_Monet]

Well, the research is suggesting that it is one's genetics that plays a significant role to the response to obesity and all the compendium diseases...

There are some people that have high metabolic rates and can eat all the junk they want and NEVER EVER get heart disease or type 2 diabetes... But they probably would get cancer, but not diabetes...

Whereas, there are those who can exercise regularly--in fact in great atheletic shape--Hell, they are atheletes and these same persons keel over with a heart attack...

Aside from the congenital hypertrophy these folks might have, there is also, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes with hypertriglyceridemia...

bluGBI--

What you may want to do is have a full hormonal blood work up... I will cost at least $2K without insurance. I know of a Dr. who does this sort of thing in Texas and will refer you to someone in your area... One of your hormones may be off that is causing you that massive imbalance. It may have something to do with your thyroid... The thyroid is a master gland regulating many things--one of them being appetite suppression... Your body is thinking it does not have enough nutrients so it is mis-signalling to your brain telling it--hey, eat more--anywhere--particularly carbs!!! Rather than eating like carrot sticks--you desire the rapid fire sugary drugs--Coke's, candy bars, etc. I know, been there, done that...

On top of that, you have had NO emotional support, so your self esteem is evaporated. You need to be around folks who will help you throughout your desired transition. So seek the kind of objective help that you deserve.

The weight management folks suggest keeping a food journal... That is one way to do it... But you must determine why you desire such foods, what time you desire them and how much do you eat??

Hey, refined sugar is close to that being a narcotic. Everyone is addicted to it. Try not eating sugary foods and one will go through withdrawal symptoms similar to that of a heroin addict...

On top of that most of our foods are highly processed to protect us from massive food spoilage, rot, infestation and infection... That was good when food was scarce, but now, food is not so scarce and those processing practices have not changed in the last 20 years or so...

I.E. High fructose corn syrup...

And if one is a vegan in Texas, they'd die...

Eating properly is a good mantra, but what does that really mean? Dieticians are finding they have to redefined that concept of the food pyramid...

Exercise is excellent always, but what difference would it make if one keels over and dies from cardiovascular disease?

IMO, eating a diet mostly of green veggies, lean cuts of proteins, high fiber grains and some good lipids (omega 3 FA's and flax seed oils) is a safe bet... The more veggies, the better. Research has shown that 5 mini meals a day are good... Moreover, eliminating processed foods from a diet helps... But this may be difficult in some areas...

IMO, exercise for the appropriate body type, not the "no pain no gain" mentality... For some people, it is cardio high impact aerobics. For others it is walking. But as long as you LIKE IT and desire to do it, I would think that would be what is best for you. Consistency is important. You cannot workout for 3 months, lose the weight you need, then stop cold turkey. It is a lifestyle choice. This is what you do when for the "me-time" self care--this is how YOU choose to take care of yourself for the rest of your LIFE!!!

Hey for some folks it is Yoga with some Pilates--others its bench pressing 300 lbs 100 times... Either way, find what makes you happy... Not everyone is triathelon material--I know I am not... However, I love to dance, so aerobics is more for me--specifically adult ballet class makes me estatic...

Remember, nothing is going to come naturally to you without you getting up and doing something about it. One has to find that motivation from every inkling in his or her body...

[blueGBI]

Originally posted by AKA_Monet

bluGBI--

What you may want to do is have a full hormonal blood work up... I will cost at least $2K without insurance. I know of a Dr. who does this sort of thing in Texas and will refer you to someone in your area... One of your hormones may be off that is causing you that massive imbalance. It may have something to do with your thyroid... The thyroid is a master gland regulating many things--one of them being appetite suppression... Your body is thinking it does not have enough nutrients so it is mis-signalling to your brain telling it--hey, eat more--anywhere--particularly carbs!!! Rather than eating like carrot sticks--you desire the rapid fire sugary drugs--Coke's, candy bars, etc. I know, been there, done that...

On top of that, you have had NO emotional support, so your self esteem is evaporated. You need to be around folks who will help you throughout your desired transition. So seek the kind of objective help that you deserve.

The weight management folks suggest keeping a food journal... That is one way to do it... But you must determine why you desire such foods, what time you desire them and how much do you eat??

Hey, refined sugar is close to that being a narcotic. Everyone is addicted to it. Try not eating sugary foods and one will go through withdrawal symptoms similar to that of a heroin addict...

On top of that most of our foods are highly processed to protect us from massive food spoilage, rot, infestation and infection... That was good when food was scarce, but now, food is not so scarce and those processing practices have not changed in the last 20 years or so...

I.E. High fructose corn syrup...

IMO, eating a diet mostly of green veggies, lean cuts of proteins, high fiber grains and some good lipids (omega 3 FA's and flax seed oils) is a safe bet... The more veggies, the better. Research has shown that 5 mini meals a day are good... Moreover, eliminating processed foods from a diet helps... But this may be difficult in some areas...

Thx for your response!

I never thought of getting the full hormonal blood work done. I know that if I ever started anything like Atkins again, I would have to get that and all of the other tests done.

My problem is that I eat when I'm sad. It doesnt matter what it is, if its there I'll eat it. The biggest thing that I've done is eliminate most refined sugars out of my diet. I don't have that much of a problem with refined flour, rice, and pasta. The only thing with refined sugar I'll eat is ice cream. Today I had some cupcakes and I now have a headache since I haven't had cupcakes in about 4 months. I eat alot of veggies and fruits but I don't really eat that much eggs and meat so I'm upping my protein levels by eating eggs at breakfast and lean meats during lunch and dinner.

My family situation has become better with my father no longer drinking like he used to. Its still screwy but its much better than what it used to be. I'm also involved with my church group here at school and I know they have my back.

I'm registered on ediets.com and I also have a food diary. The biggest thing is that refined sugar is in almost everything! Especially on campus because they tend to serve the food you DONT' need.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally posted by blueGBI
My problem is that I eat when I'm sad. It doesnt matter what it is, if its there I'll eat it. The biggest thing that I've done is eliminate most refined sugars out of my diet. I don't have that much of a problem with refined flour, rice, and pasta. The only thing with refined sugar I'll eat is ice cream. Today I had some cupcakes and I now have a headache since I haven't had cupcakes in about 4 months. I eat alot of veggies and fruits but I don't really eat that much eggs and meat so I'm upping my protein levels by eating eggs at breakfast and lean meats during lunch and dinner.

Now you know what you MUST work on...

Why are you sad? Do not answer that question to me, just ask yourself that...

Are you sad because you eat, or eat because you are sad?

If you do suffer from depression, then it is possible that your thyroid hormones are off... The Dr. Rose from Starcare.com says "when you think depression, think thyroid..."

The cupcakes you ate, did they contain chocolate? If so, chocolate has caffeine it it, which can cause headaches... The jury is still out on the benefits of caffeine and chocolate in terms of research...

I suggest you limiting you eggs... Eat egg beaters or egg whites--buy an egg separator... NO salt--use salt free spices... Salt is another foodstuff narcotic.

I really suggest to STAY AWAY FROM THE ATKINS UNLESS YOUR DR. MAKES YOU DO IT!!!

If you MUST have a breakfast and some people do, the regimen of breakfast is important. First, have a ton of water--at least huge bottles by your bed and drink that when you wake up, after you brush your teeth and before you eat breakfast.

Then if you MUST eat meat, then choose like fish... Because really, biochemically, you may be craving the oils not the "fat"... The meat producers just have not engineeried lean cuts of breakfast foods--that is just the way it is... These foods are highly processed, too much sugar and salt and are just plain nasty when you determine how they got to your table... I'd say eat them at your own risk--but I do not eat that kind of food--I like Morningstar Veggie Sausages... But Lox is pretty good for a breakfast... Especially with some type of bonafide fruit juice, like OJ or Cranberry (Rasberry) juice...

But your body will NEVER have a lack for water...

Also remember, food culture--the way you eat--is a learned behavior... Some did not teach you properly... Moreover, you probably will need to un learn your poor eating habits and learn new eating habits...

Stay away from those cupcakes unless they are the real vegan style ones--sweet and uncooked made without things that have faces or dairy...

[bafromkc]

Originally posted by AKA_Monet
If you MUST have a breakfast and some people do, the regimen of breakfast is important. First, have a ton of water--at least huge bottles by your bed and drink that when you wake up, after you brush your teeth and before you eat breakfast.

If you MUST have breakfast? breakfast is the most important meal of the day. i know it might be hard for some people to believe but it is possible to eat three full meals a day and still lose weight and be healthy. Moderation is the key, you can eat most anything you want as long as you don't go over board and get exercise. its not good to cut whole meals out of your schedule to lose weight.

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by bafromkc
If you MUST have breakfast? breakfast is the most important meal of the day. i know it might be hard for some people to believe but it is possible to eat three full meals a day and still lose weight and be healthy.

Word. I eat breakfast every day (usually 1 cup of whole grain cereal with berries and 1/2 tablespoon of slivered almonds), and I've lost an entire person.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally posted by bafromkc
If you MUST have breakfast? breakfast is the most important meal of the day. i know it might be hard for some people to believe but it is possible to eat three full meals a day and still lose weight and be healthy. Moderation is the key, you can eat most anything you want as long as you don't go over board and get exercise. its not good to cut whole meals out of your schedule to lose weight.

I dunno, but for me, I am unable to digest and keep down food if I eat early in the morning. I usually have to wait until 10 AM before I can keep food down. 9:30 AM at the earliest.

The reason I say this is because there are some people, like me, that have an unsettled stomach when they wake up in the morning. At best, I can only drink water without upsetting my stomach.

With what I know about genes and the circadian clock regulation, not everyone's is the same. Generally, folks should eat breakfast to get their day going. I dunno how hearty that breakfast ought to be, but generally speaking, it is right to feed folks at least 30 minutes after they have arisen...

Whether on not one MUST eat breakfast as a health related issue, then for me, I would have to see the data on that. Because, eating breakfast may not have anything to do with one's health, predisposition to obesity or cardiovascular diseases.

Moroever, studies in aging in transgenic mice suggest the opposite, that limiting caloric intake increases longevity...

So, who knows...

[Lady Pi Phi]

Wouldn't it be best to eat breakfast when you start feeling hungry, rather than as soon as you get up. Some people may or may not be hungry when they get up. I know I am not usually hungry when I get up, but that's mostly because I usually have some sort of bedtime snack because I am a diabetic and it keeps me from having a hypoglycemic reaction in the middle of the night.

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by bafromkc
If you MUST have breakfast? breakfast is the most important meal of the day. i know it might be hard for some people to believe but it is possible to eat three full meals a day and still lose weight and be healthy. Moderation is the key, you can eat most anything you want as long as you don't go over board and get exercise. its not good to cut whole meals out of your schedule to lose weight.

Like AKAMonet said, some people just can't eat breakfast. Mr Munchkin can't keep anything down if it's the first thing he eats; if we wake up around 8, he won't eat until 12. Keep in mind, he does eat three meals a day. We've been fed the whole deal about breakfast being "the most important meal of the day," but it just doesn't work like that for a lot of people.

Think about it--it doesn't seem very healthy to down something fatty or extra sugary as soon as you wake up, does it?