Useful tips on how to lose weight. Also please share yours

Fubard

Well-Known Member
If someone insists on eating bread, eat whole grain, but it raises blood sugars just the same as white. Bread for a diabetic is a big no no. Whatever tiny benefits you gain (which can be made up with other foods) isn't worth the blood sugar rise.
As I say, it's all quantity. The best bread is a decent black german-style pumpernickel as the GI is so low thanks to the process it goes through, sourdough is almost as low a GI as whole, it is safe provided you're not shoving a loaf down your throat a day. The other thing is that over here we tend not to go for that mass produced muck in plastic bags, it's all "fresh" breads in the supermarkets and there's plenty bakeries around, the selection available here is, for example, much better than in the UK. The quality of the bread makes a difference as well, especially regarding sugars and salts.

Same with fruit, good for you with all the fiber and vitamins, just don't shovel a pound of grapes down your throat in one sitting.

It's the key thing, everything in moderation. Many, if not most, people with T2 have one thing in common, they are too short for their weight. I got lucky and got caught relatively early thanks to my foot going up like a balloon and a hole appearing thanks to my own stupidity landing me in hospital for 9 days, and the infection, etc, just tripped my glucose over the line. Even then, the cholesterol, triglycerides and so on were all saying "metabolic syndrome" for some time before that, but we had no reason for a blood test to get these warning signs, had I not had the big warning things would have ended differently.

So the weight has to drop (only another 4lbs to go and I am no longer classed as "overweight" by the inaccurate BMI scale), the cholesterol levels have to change, everything has to be brought into stability and that means a much better diet. My glucose meter tells me how stable my blood sugar is, and that's well under control, blood tests have confirmed that, and the cholesterols have to be brought into order. Thankfully, despite the abuse this body has had over the years, my heart is as strong as a bull on steroids so that's a plus. But things as a whole have to change, and since the only exercise I can do is slow walking that change can only be achieved through changing what I put into me, and so far it is definitely working. Biggest thing I have to worry about is weed and/or cocodamol dropping my blood sugar too far towards hypo.

You don't have to restrict yourself too far in diet when you have Type 2. It's all about quantities. Some things, like tea, you can have unlimited amounts. Other things, like bread/pasta/rice/spuds you have to not have too much. Other things, like fruit and beetroot, you have to be careful over the quantity depending on what they are (pomegranate is much better than grapes, as an example). And, of course, anything that is just sugar, or has added sugar, is a no-no.

Simple changes, quantity is everything, even little things like using smaller plates to trick your mind into thinking you have a big plateful of food helps on the losing weight side (it does actually work, because we are all used to judging whether there is enough food based upon the empty space on the plate, perception is everything). You have to change everything, not just one thing, but you don't have to restrict yourself too far, you can still enjoy many of the things you did before, just be careful with the quantities.
 

jonsnow399

Well-Known Member
As I say, it's all quantity. The best bread is a decent black german-style pumpernickel as the GI is so low thanks to the process it goes through, sourdough is almost as low a GI as whole, it is safe provided you're not shoving a loaf down your throat a day. The other thing is that over here we tend not to go for that mass produced muck in plastic bags, it's all "fresh" breads in the supermarkets and there's plenty bakeries around, the selection available here is, for example, much better than in the UK. The quality of the bread makes a difference as well, especially regarding sugars and salts.

Same with fruit, good for you with all the fiber and vitamins, just don't shovel a pound of grapes down your throat in one sitting.

It's the key thing, everything in moderation. Many, if not most, people with T2 have one thing in common, they are too short for their weight. I got lucky and got caught relatively early thanks to my foot going up like a balloon and a hole appearing thanks to my own stupidity landing me in hospital for 9 days, and the infection, etc, just tripped my glucose over the line. Even then, the cholesterol, triglycerides and so on were all saying "metabolic syndrome" for some time before that, but we had no reason for a blood test to get these warning signs, had I not had the big warning things would have ended differently.

So the weight has to drop (only another 4lbs to go and I am no longer classed as "overweight" by the inaccurate BMI scale), the cholesterol levels have to change, everything has to be brought into stability and that means a much better diet. My glucose meter tells me how stable my blood sugar is, and that's well under control, blood tests have confirmed that, and the cholesterols have to be brought into order. Thankfully, despite the abuse this body has had over the years, my heart is as strong as a bull on steroids so that's a plus. But things as a whole have to change, and since the only exercise I can do is slow walking that change can only be achieved through changing what I put into me, and so far it is definitely working. Biggest thing I have to worry about is weed and/or cocodamol dropping my blood sugar too far towards hypo.

You don't have to restrict yourself too far in diet when you have Type 2. It's all about quantities. Some things, like tea, you can have unlimited amounts. Other things, like bread/pasta/rice/spuds you have to not have too much. Other things, like fruit and beetroot, you have to be careful over the quantity depending on what they are (pomegranate is much better than grapes, as an example). And, of course, anything that is just sugar, or has added sugar, is a no-no.

Simple changes, quantity is everything, even little things like using smaller plates to trick your mind into thinking you have a big plateful of food helps on the losing weight side (it does actually work, because we are all used to judging whether there is enough food based upon the empty space on the plate, perception is everything). You have to change everything, not just one thing, but you don't have to restrict yourself too far, you can still enjoy many of the things you did before, just be careful with the quantities.
You sound like the teacher I had in a diabetes class! lol. I find for its just easier not to buy stuff like bread,pasta,rice etc. I think its too hard for most people too control themselves, if it isn't in the house, you can't eat it. oh yeh, my cholesterol and triglycerides have never been high. How high is your A1C?
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
You sound like the teacher I had in a diabetes class! lol. I find for its just easier not to buy stuff like bread,pasta,rice etc. I think its too hard for most people too control themselves, if it isn't in the house, you can't eat it. oh yeh, my cholesterol and triglycerides have never been high. How high is your A1C?
Can't remember but the doc said it was fine so no change to medication. That was 2 months ago.

Bottom line is that you find out what is and isn't good for you. My aunt can't eat grapes because she spikes after a few, I have no problems with a few. A pound, that's a different matter. The occasional beer has no real effect either, but I wouldn't drink a 12-pack.

I'm saying what works with me, the advice from more than one person, if you have issues with spiking when bread, etc, is involved then that's you individually and not everyone. In general, though, as one of the most common factors in T2 nowadays is being short for your weight, the general advice is sufficient. Cut out what causes wild swings in blood sugar, watch out on things that can make things bounce around, don't go overboard on things that are "healthy" because you're still going to end up shoving in more fuel than you use.

Everyone is different, everyone has their own needs, everyone has to make their own changes.
 

jonsnow399

Well-Known Member
You sound like the teacher I had in a diabetes class! lol. I find for its just easier not to buy stuff like bread,pasta,rice etc. I think its too hard for most people too control themselves, if it isn't in the house, you can't eat it. oh yeh, my cholesterol and triglycerides have never been high.
Can't remember but the doc said it was fine so no change to medication. That was 2 months ago.

Bottom line is that you find out what is and isn't good for you. My aunt can't eat grapes because she spikes after a few, I have no problems with a few. A pound, that's a different matter. The occasional beer has no real effect either, but I wouldn't drink a 12-pack.

I'm saying what works with me, the advice from more than one person, if you have issues with spiking when bread, etc, is involved then that's you individually and not everyone. In general, though, as one of the most common factors in T2 nowadays is being short for your weight, the general advice is sufficient. Cut out what causes wild swings in blood sugar, watch out on things that can make things bounce around, don't go overboard on things that are "healthy" because you're still going to end up shoving in more fuel than you use.

Everyone is different, everyone has their own needs, everyone has to make their own changes.
But my point is that they give GENERIC advice at the doctor. What is the range of A1c he advises? Most advise 6.5 to 7 which will eventually kill you. Don't trust the doc, find out for yourself. Most of the advice they give is worthless. The govt said for years dietary cholesterol would kill you, now they say to totally ignore it and eat all you want! Same with fats. If you don't restrict carbs no plan will work. This generic regimens seem to work,until you need amputation.
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
But my point is that they give GENERIC advice at the doctor. What is the range of A1c he advises? Most advise 6.5 to 7 which will eventually kill you. Don't trust the doc, find out for yourself. Most of the advice they give is worthless. The govt said for years dietary cholesterol would kill you, now they say to totally ignore it and eat all you want! Same with fats. If you don't restrict carbs no plan will work. This generic regimens seem to work,until you need amputation.
Because everyone is different, they cannot give tailor-made advice, as I say you have to take the generic and find out what works for you. I know I can't eat fruit after a certain time or my morning blood sugar is higher than I like, same with eating a big meal in the evening. So meal times, and what is eaten, is adjusted to suit. These are things you find out for yourself

We know doctors contradict themselves, they used to say eggs were bad for you, now they recommend a boiled egg for breakfast. I got contradictory advice from the hospital as they gave the generic "advice" from two separate sets of "pamphlets", one diabetes and one cholesterol, so that's where the internet comes in and the knowledge and experiences of others. Again you see plenty conflicting info, but you get a bigger picture on things to be aware of, and can make further changes. Already came close to losing two toes, luckily I decided not to follow doc's advice and went to ER, so I'm watching out for things now on the amputation front. Luckily my circulation is not an issue, weed/CBD may have had an effect there too as it is a known vasodilator so will help with the circulation, my previous work was physical, so there was another benefit too.

But we're actually agreeing here, re: the bold bit. We just have different definition of "restrict". Different things affect different people differently so you have to take the "generic" and adjust it to suit your personal situation. The benefits of grains and other carbs can outweigh any spike, and the spike is much gentler than with the likes of glucose, provided you don't eat them to excess, you just have to find your own "limits".

Get the right balance of everything that isn't filled with fat, salt and sugars, take in less fuel than the body needs, keep moving and not sitting in front of the TV, the weight loss will come and the sugars will be controlled. There's no "magic bullet", no "one size fits all", and our disagreement merely proves that.

You choose not to eat carbs, I do. You have everything under control, so do I, others will have to find their own "system" and stick to it, for ultimately these "systems" all need the same thing, eat better quality food, eat less than you use, ease off on the beer, and get off your ass and do some exercise. That's the only way it works, eat better, lose the blubber and keep it off. That means making a load of changes, and not everyone needs the same things.
 

jonsnow399

Well-Known Member
Because everyone is different, they cannot give tailor-made advice, as I say you have to take the generic and find out what works for you. I know I can't eat fruit after a certain time or my morning blood sugar is higher than I like, same with eating a big meal in the evening. So meal times, and what is eaten, is adjusted to suit. These are things you find out for yourself

We know doctors contradict themselves, they used to say eggs were bad for you, now they recommend a boiled egg for breakfast. I got contradictory advice from the hospital as they gave the generic "advice" from two separate sets of "pamphlets", one diabetes and one cholesterol, so that's where the internet comes in and the knowledge and experiences of others. Again you see plenty conflicting info, but you get a bigger picture on things to be aware of, and can make further changes. Already came close to losing two toes, luckily I decided not to follow doc's advice and went to ER, so I'm watching out for things now on the amputation front. Luckily my circulation is not an issue, weed/CBD may have had an effect there too as it is a known vasodilator so will help with the circulation, my previous work was physical, so there was another benefit too.

But we're actually agreeing here, re: the bold bit. We just have different definition of "restrict". Different things affect different people differently so you have to take the "generic" and adjust it to suit your personal situation. The benefits of grains and other carbs can outweigh any spike, and the spike is much gentler than with the likes of glucose, provided you don't eat them to excess, you just have to find your own "limits".

Get the right balance of everything that isn't filled with fat, salt and sugars, take in less fuel than the body needs, keep moving and not sitting in front of the TV, the weight loss will come and the sugars will be controlled. There's no "magic bullet", no "one size fits all", and our disagreement merely proves that.

You choose not to eat carbs, I do. You have everything under control, so do I, others will have to find their own "system" and stick to it, for ultimately these "systems" all need the same thing, eat better quality food, eat less than you use, ease off on the beer, and get off your ass and do some exercise. That's the only way it works, eat better, lose the blubber and keep it off. That means making a load of changes, and not everyone needs the same things.
I don't care what anyone does, they will pay the consequences. I just don't want people to take the "warm and fuzzy" advice given by the average doctor and ADA and think that everything is OK, it isn't. Diabetes is progressive and will shorten your life if not treated aggressively. If you don't have the a1c under 6 you're not under control. I j
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
I don't care what anyone does, they will pay the consequences. I just don't want people to take the "warm and fuzzy" advice given by the average doctor and ADA and think that everything is OK, it isn't. Diabetes is progressive and will shorten your life if not treated aggressively. If you don't have the a1c under 6 you're not under control. I j
When you find where I'm saying that, let me know.
 

chemphlegm

Well-Known Member
eat only off the ass of a beast, plucked from a tree or the ground and none of these issues plague the human organ.
mom was a diab2 for 12 years, constant pricking, fussing, insulin etc.
I took control of mom and six months later no more insulin, no more pricking, no more meds...guess what...
no more diabetes or extra weight either. diabetes is a lifestyle condition not a disease I found.
 

GoatSoup

Well-Known Member
At 71 my next door neighbor (77) got me to start going to the gym with him 3X a week . The first two months I had to push myself to go. We worked up to an hour (~10 miles) on the exercise bikes over about six months and did a few machines. I was getting in some sort of shape again. My weight was stable at ~165lb and at 6'2" I've never been over 190. I now miss the gym if I go two days without working out.

Then He got a book, "Younger Next Year" which suggested that you need 3 days of Cardio and then 3 days of weights/strength training a week. So we started six days a week about two months ago. I caged us a couple of free training sessions with the Trainers at the gym and they gave us some tips on free weights, bump squats, goblet squats and inclined planks! Holy shit I started to get a lot stronger and gained 10 Lbs! I'm holding about 175 lbs now and still have love handles, but It is working.

I got my wife (71) started at the gym in November, and I think it's doing her a lot of good. She had a heart valve replacement about 10 years ago and gained about 40 lbs. She's been going to the gym about a month and is starting to get in the groove with it. I cut off our cable and have been using the money to pay for her gym and training costs. Money well spent!

Now that I can grow six plants legally I see about growing up some good medicine for us.
 

Ripped Farmer

Well-Known Member
Lose fat in the kitchen, build muscle in the gym. Combine these two and you can drop lots of weight fast while building strong lean muscle. Not to mention just being a healthier person.

Work your ass off all day and mess it all up in 15 minutes of eating.

Can't just half ass measure your food. Portion control works best for those maintaining weight, not so much for large amounts of fat loss. Not saying you can't be successful on portion control. Also, gotta use the grams and ounce scales religiously to weigh your foods...Im sure you all know how those things work!
 

Lucky Luke

Well-Known Member
Being fit does not always equate with looking fit.

Life's to be enjoyed. Don't say no to a nice wine or sorbet.
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
Lose fat in the kitchen, build muscle in the gym. Combine these two and you can drop lots of weight fast while building strong lean muscle. Not to mention just being a healthier person.

Work your ass off all day and mess it all up in 15 minutes of eating.

Can't just half ass measure your food. Portion control works best for those maintaining weight, not so much for large amounts of fat loss. Not saying you can't be successful on portion control. Also, gotta use the grams and ounce scales religiously to weigh your foods...Im sure you all know how those things work!
That weighing everything religiously is too much hassle, a simple way for "portion control" is to use a smaller plate, think child size instead of regular, it looks as if there's a lot more food there than there really is and that does actually work as a way to trick your mind as we are all used to regular plates filled to the brim so, subconsciously, you think you're eating more than you are. It's a trick I've seen in, especially, the US, where you get a burger and fries on what looks like a regular plate, but what you don't realise is that the plate is "domed" in the middle so there's not nearly as much there as your eyes tell you. Even when you know that sort of trick is being pulled, your mind still says "That was a lot of food".

Feel hungry? Have a cup of tea or coffee with no sugar instead of a snack, something goes into the gut and the signals saying "I've been fed" get sent to the brain.

The biggest weapon you have is that lump of mince between your ears, and it's easier to train that than you think.

Not that I know much, I've only dropped 20kg since July and now have a BMI in the "normal" range for the first time in maybe 20 years, probably longer, and that's without working out because, well, I physically can't.. Costing me a bloody fortune in new clothes though.
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
Being fit does not always equate with looking fit.

Life's to be enjoyed. Don't say no to a nice wine or sorbet.

Damn right. I still enjoy my beer, I still enjoy my bacon, but I stay away from sugary things.

The difference is the quantities involved, and you do enjoy these things more when you don't have them so often
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
eat only off the ass of a beast, plucked from a tree or the ground and none of these issues plague the human organ.
mom was a diab2 for 12 years, constant pricking, fussing, insulin etc.
I took control of mom and six months later no more insulin, no more pricking, no more meds...guess what...
no more diabetes or extra weight either. diabetes is a lifestyle condition not a disease I found.
Type 2 is MOSTLY lifestyle, but age and genetics do play a part as well.
 

Lucky Luke

Well-Known Member
Damn right. I still enjoy my beer, I still enjoy my bacon, but I stay away from sugary things.

The difference is the quantities involved, and you do enjoy these things more when you don't have them so often
I drink everyday. Lifes to short not to.
But I'm active.
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
I drink everyday. Lifes to short not to.
But I'm active.
A beer or two a day never does any harm, a case or two does.

It's all about the quantities and as long as you burn off at least as much as you take in then you're fine, and that's the bottom line for everything and not just beer.
 

Ripped Farmer

Well-Known Member
Type 2 is MOSTLY lifestyle, but age and genetics do play a part as well.

Our new neighbors little girl is type 1. Sadly the type 1's get lumped in the the type 2s as far as "you did this to yourself" and it is hard for her. I get not all type 2s do it to themselves, but still it is what it is. Born with a failing pancreas and her parents are vegetarians, but kids at school tell her McDonalds gave her diabetes. Kid looks like a stick too, so the fat jokes apparently are preemptive for "when" she gets fat later in life.

How shitty are those kids home lifes to do that. I blame the parents. End rant, sorry was just talking about this this morning with them.
 

Fubard

Well-Known Member
Our new neighbors little girl is type 1. Sadly the type 1's get lumped in the the type 2s as far as "you did this to yourself" and it is hard for her. I get not all type 2s do it to themselves, but still it is what it is. Born with a failing pancreas and her parents are vegetarians, but kids at school tell her McDonalds gave her diabetes. Kid looks like a stick too, so the fat jokes apparently are preemptive for "when" she gets fat later in life.

How shitty are those kids home lifes to do that. I blame the parents. End rant, sorry was just talking about this this morning with them.
I got hit with the triple, which is why I say it was caused by old fat bastard genes...
 

Lucky Luke

Well-Known Member
A beer or two a day never does any harm, a case or two does.

It's all about the quantities and as long as you burn off at least as much as you take in then you're fine, and that's the bottom line for everything and not just beer.
2-3 beers, 300-400 calories. Can burn that much rearranging your living room, literally.

But rearranging your living room daily is how you get the cops called on you by the neighbours...
I drink double that but yep as long as you burn more than you put in its all good. I play sport two to three days a week, In summer I kayak regularly and my job, even though I don't work many hrs is a non stop one and is a bit of a work out in itself.

My major down fall is a pack of biscuits every night. Good God I love a biscuit.
 
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