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Author Topic:   Women: food, calories, weight
SunChild
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Posts: 344
From: Melbourne. Victoria. Australia
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 26, 2009 07:08 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
UPDATE : Success! see my last post for details.

Okay. I'm getting fatter. Since having a baby my metabolism has changed. My weight has fluctuated quite a lot over the years, most of the time I am in a healthy weight range though. I remember looking back at photos where I am quite slim, and at the time I ate a lot of food and was happy that I didnt pack on the weight. Now, it seems I can't eat the amount I used to, I simply see the fat being stored in the wrong places! I see other mums with big bums and bellys and always thought I would never get like that, but if I'm not careful I could go that way, I'm a leo and a phlegmatic.

what is your body size? are you happy with it? and what amount of food do you eat in the day? My mother and brother are both very slim, and eat very little, they dont require much food to maintain their weight, and the bigger girls I know eat quite a lot more food than I, yet they don't realise they are eating more than they need. As we get older, do our portion sizes need to be reduced? I think so! Even if I eat half as much as I did when I was 18, I still put on weight.

I really enjoy food, gourmet,raw, vegan/vegetarian gourmet cuisine, healthy fats, I simply like a banquet most days . haha. For some people though, I notice, especially the slim people, that they dont think/ or plan their meals until the time comes. For me, I know what the day is going to bring, and I look forward to meals.

If I eat very little i feel deprived and irritated. Whereas my mum says she enjoys the sensations of being hungry, and is quite comfortable and used to it,and can wait a long time for a meal. I don't feel that way, and that's why I am overwieght I suppose, if my stomach rumbles I will be making food. Tomorrow I was thinking to stick to a routine, 3 meals,small, and if I am hungry in between I should learn to wait?

Thoughts please! Share and compare. I have been told by men and some girls that I look better with a bit of chunkiness, apparently it is sexy, I prefer the lean look though, otherwise I think my head appears smaller on a larger body. I truly dont think it suites me, as for some women, I think fleshy is sexy though (just not on me). hmmm


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T
Knowflake

Posts: 969
From:
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 26, 2009 10:48 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for T     Edit/Delete Message
What are you getting for exercise? I'm sure taking care of your little one burns up quite a lot of calories/energy. I'm just thinking about what someone told me about being careful with fruits - or how much fruit you eat without getting enough exercise. Alot of fruitarians are surprised when they start gaining weight. It can really pack on the pounds because of the amount of sugar you are taking in (even though it's "good" sugar). If your diet consists of a lot of fruit make sure you keep moving or you might notice you are gaining weight. Knowing you, it's balanced with plenty of veggies and other good things, but maybe it's because you arent burning off more calories than you are taking in? Lots of nuts and seeds could also be the culprit. Also having a baby will change things a bit as you know. I know what you mean about feeling irritated when you are hungry. I get pretty loopy when i dont eat (or forget to eat and get caught up doing other things) too. But I also know what your mom means about liking the feeling of being hungry and staying trim. I dropped a lot of weight a couple of years ago because of an intensely physically demanding job I had for over a year. People who hadnt seen me in awhile thought I looked fantastic - and I felt fantastic (most of the time), though some thought i needed to put on more weight. I also wasnt eating much back then, but felt better? So I know what your mom means and I also know what you mean. I'd like to get back to the point where I dont care for eating too much because I think humans eat too much anyway and I know how I felt when I wasnt. It's a habit to break I guess and you can get to the point where food isnt as important after some discipline. I felt so much better when I didnt eat much, lighter and healthier.

Yeah, on some people, a bit of extra weight looks good, but I dont think so on me. What's more important is I dont FEEL as good carrying around extra weight.

I think what you said here maybe your key:

quote:
Tomorrow I was thinking to stick to a routine, 3 meals,small, and if I am hungry in between I should learn to wait?

Yes, learning to wait or not giving into your body's every grumble is actually a good thing, I think. We shouldnt let our bodies control us so much, they can be beasts. lol The yogis speak alot on controlling your body's hungers and desires and how important that is. I agree with this, but it takes practice. Probably after a short period of time, you will notice that your body stops acting up like that. And your thirsts and hungers will be more properly regulated and under your control. Hungers and other desires can be beneficial meditations; if you can move through them and try to get into what they are and know that, really, you should be the one in control, not your rumbling tummy and things of that nature. Those are base bodily cravings and while we need them to survive, we have to have a certain degree of mastery over them, if that makes sense. They shouldnt be allowed to "rule" us.

Anyway, just some rambling thoughts. Every time I have seen you, you always look glowing and gorgeous. Maybe it's a matter of just eating a little less and moving your body more.

Keep us posted.

Love
T

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SunChild
Moderator

Posts: 344
From: Melbourne. Victoria. Australia
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 26, 2009 06:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
quote:
Maybe it's a matter of just eating a little less and moving your body more.
The simplest answer is the best one isn't it!

As you said, I thought I'd burn enough just running around, changing nappies, washing and chasing after her all the time but obviously my body has adapted. I don't do any other exercise. The thought of it is horrid, since I feel so tired by the end of the day- although I did hear that pushing through that tired barrier and doing exercise regardless actually promotes more energy. It's just hard to agree with that when I'm slumped on the couch by 9pm. lol

I remember fasting- and feeling hunger & the wisdom of the Yogis- I can do a fast however, when I know I can eat I go into piglet mode. I guess to apply the same ideas to eating as I did with fasting I would be more balanced. I'm sure there is a Zen to eating. I'll give that a go.

Thanks for your thoughts

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hippichick
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Posts: 68
From:
Registered: May 2009

posted May 27, 2009 11:04 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for hippichick     Edit/Delete Message
Hi Sun!

You are quite correct in realizing that as women age our metabolism changes, especially after we have children.

Women can never, ever compare their weight losses and gains to men cause we are very hormonally driven and our bodies are very different as we progress through life.

Genetics has alot to do with it as well. Look not only to your mom, but you dad, kind of mentally create a vision of what their two body types together would yield, you. While most favor either the mom or the dad, there is always a bit of mix between the two.

You have to find out what works for you at the point of life you reach as you get there.

For example, I am 47 and in the throws of peri-menopause. After my first child was born, when I was 26, I quickly lost the preg weight and could maintain a good weight with low fat foods and a minimum of exercise, really just keeping up with a baby and working, etc. When my 2nd was born at 30, I could not loose the preg weight as easy and have had to really work at it since.

Still in my 30's low fat, not eating after 4pm kept me farily in balance, but....

In my 40's things really began to change.

As my hormones are going more caty-wonkas than ever, and my metabloism is slower than ever (and getting slower) I have to adjust my food consumption to work with the age I am at, my genetics, my (already altered brain chemistry), stress, etc.

Very low carb and low intake works well for me now. I have to throw in a carb day, or week, or month from time to time just for a seratonin release so I can be really happy and sleep well, but low carbs is my basis for "diet."

All in all, you have to find out what works best for you and what works for you in one phase of your life will probably change in the next phase.

Use your intuition, and when you crave food, stop and analyze the craving. Is it emotional? Are you really hungry or just bored? Are you sad and craving a big bowl of pasta for a brain feel good effect? OR are your blood sugars out of wack, too much glucose lately? Not enough balanced intake? Etc....

Remember to flush with water also. Dont force water, just a moderate intake to help your body flush and function properly.

And the biggest thing to remember is to love your body, at all phases of life.

I too look back at pics of my teenage years, but I know that is not me now and I would not/could not go back there for anything, (for many reasons!)

Your body, a women's body, will never be what it was 5 years ago, it will always be better!

I have a tattoo on my back of the Celtic symbol of the druidac threefold goddess, maiden, mother, crone, and it always reminds me that we, as we age, are always at all phases, spiritually, emotonally, wherever our bodies be!

blessings

t~~~

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Randall
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Posts: 526
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 27, 2009 03:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Randall     Edit/Delete Message
How much weight are we talking about? It's natural for the body to gain quite a bit of weight during pregnancy, and then the weight tends to melt away rather quickly...except for a very stubborn 20 pounds. Usually, it takes a diet and exercise to whittle that 20 away.

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"Fortune favors the bold." Erasmus

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Valus
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Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 27, 2009 05:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Valus     Edit/Delete Message
I know how you feel, SunChild. If you can stop before you are full, the stomach will eventually shrink. I've read that there ought to be 1/4 of space left in the stomach (3/4 of food), after a meal. Also, if you can manage to do this, and just wait ten or fifteen minutes to digest a little, then, you may feel full, without having eaten to capacity. Filling up on liquids works for me, too, although it can wash away the stomach acids and slow digestion. They also say that four or five small meals are better than two or three bigger ones. You've probably heard all this, though. Hmm... what else... Could there be something else, some emotional neglect, or something, which you may be compensating for with food? I know thats certainly the case with me on some days. I will say that you are an absolutely stunning woman, and I can see what your friends are saying; sometimes zoftig is very sexy. I usually find softer, rounder features very attractive on a woman. But what matters most is how you see and feel about yourself; I understand that, too. Hmm.. Keeping the body alkaline probably has a significant effect on metabolism. I'll let you know if I think of something more. love to you, Valus

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listenstotrees
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Posts: 408
From: Stonehenge
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 27, 2009 06:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for listenstotrees     Edit/Delete Message
I lost the weight with my first child but am still carrying excess weight I gained during my second pregnancy 3 years ago....however I put this down to stress. With my first child I used to get out as often as I could with him and do lots of walking...but I stopped doing this after my second as I found getting out just too stressful. And when I am stressed, I crave sweet things for comfort, because of the mental/ emotional tiredness I feel....different from physical tiredness.

I believe I would be back to my normal weight by now if it wasn't for the problems I still have with depression causing lack of motivation, etc. I have lost some of it- but still have a bit more to go. I'm hoping to do something over the next few months as the summer weather motivates me as it boosts my sense of well being.

Getting older does slow down your metabolism a little. I'm a big believer in intuitive eating though- I think the body will us what we need if we learn to listen- I find there are days where I don't feel very hungry (usually when I've not done much), and days when I do.

I also relate to what you said about feeling deprived and irritable when you don't eat. Besides, fasting/ dieting slows down the metabolism....and I would rather have the energy than go through all that than endure it and end up with less energy in the process!

I feel your frustration...although you look fantastic to me in all your pictures. People often tell me that I look alright....however all my weight clings to my legs; they are the worst part of my body that I am ashamed of and trying really hard to learn to love!

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katatonic
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Posts: 1294
From:
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posted May 27, 2009 07:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for katatonic     Edit/Delete Message
how old is your child? randall's right, the last few pounds can take a long time. in my case it was 8 lbs not 20, but it took two years!

the metabolism thing is real too...it could be fats and sugars only (that includes simple carbs) you could experiment with that ... where is tr jupiter in your chart right now?

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hippichick
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Posts: 68
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Registered: May 2009

posted May 27, 2009 07:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for hippichick     Edit/Delete Message
If I might add one more thing...

I took care of a patient several years ago...she was in her 70's of Mexican heritage, and the only reason I mention the heritage is that, seems to me, that this culutre "ages" about the same as anglos..

She was a spinster, never married, never bore child...

And her body was beautiful!!! Amazing!!! Not a streach mark, nary a scar....beautiful!!!

Really she looked as if she was in her late 20's to early 30's, and in my profession, I see alot of bodies ( )

sigh...

still is worth is, tho....

kids, that is!

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listenstotrees
Knowflake

Posts: 408
From: Stonehenge
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 28, 2009 03:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for listenstotrees     Edit/Delete Message
I used olive oil on my belly in my pregnancy and it worked- no stretch marks.

Pregnancy only changed my figure slightly in the way of permanent changes- my boobs are slightly smaller and my waist isn't as trim as it used to be.....however I have 2 gorgeous sons who I brought into the world!

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Nephthys
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Posts: 72
From: California
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 28, 2009 08:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nephthys     Edit/Delete Message
I didn't read all replies here, but YES as you get older you really need to cut down. It sucks and that is life for a lot of females.

If you get hungry in between meals, make some sliced raw veggies. Cucumbers, Red, Green, & Yellow Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Celery, Carrots. Always have your baggie of veggies available to you. Not only help to curb your appetite but as you know very healthy for you and packed with water to keep your skin nice and lovely and hydrated. And helps keep your insides clean. Oh, also keeps your blood sugar balanced so you won't crave stuff that is junky.

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SunChild
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Posts: 344
From: Melbourne. Victoria. Australia
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 28, 2009 11:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
I just realized herbal Tea with honey works too!

All the replies are good- gave me lots of ideas. I lost most of my pregnancy weight, it's been 19 months since I had my baby- had a life changing moment last year, became skinny because of stress, and being busy then moved back into my comfort zone and starting eating more. I love my raw food but find I am going for more comfort foods such as grains and diary sometimes.

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SunChild
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Posts: 344
From: Melbourne. Victoria. Australia
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 28, 2009 11:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
This is interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdhjw5AiEoY

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listenstotrees
Knowflake

Posts: 408
From: Stonehenge
Registered: Apr 2009

posted May 29, 2009 03:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for listenstotrees     Edit/Delete Message
Interesting link.

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SunChild
Moderator

Posts: 344
From: Melbourne. Victoria. Australia
Registered: Apr 2009

posted August 16, 2009 05:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
UPDATE

IT CAN BE DONE! I did it!

Over the last 5 weeks I have eaten probably HALF of what I used to eat, and now my stomach is smaller and only requires a smaller amount of food, I have lost 5kg! Still have energy, feel good and not hungry at all. I eat what I can fit into both of my hands at one meal, I used to eat double that. Woo.

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shiichan
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Posts: 15
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Registered: Jul 2009

posted August 17, 2009 02:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for shiichan     Edit/Delete Message
Congratulations, SunChild! This is great news!

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Aquarius/Pisces/Taurus

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Fases De La Luna
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Posts: 67
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posted August 17, 2009 07:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fases De La Luna     Edit/Delete Message
YAY SunChild, Congratulations!!!

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wheels of cheese
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Posts: 493
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Registered: May 2009

posted August 19, 2009 05:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for wheels of cheese     Edit/Delete Message
Well done girl!!

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