Diet accountability thread

**forsbergacct2000** · October 23rd, 2009 05:48

Thank you for your kind words, Eagle and Dr NS.

I should add that the water weight is a good gain for me; I'm still only about 46% water; I should be at least 50%. (I'm improving slowly, but my body has never had "enough" water in it since I started.)

Back to the drawing board. The rain in Michigan is slowing down my walking yesterday and today. I really need to finish setting up my exercise bike and adjusting my elliptical machine so I can exercise indoors some more. (Although walking is my favorite exercise and I will always lean toward it.)

Yesterday, I pushed myself a little harder on the resistance exercise than usual because I did not walk much. (I did walk 2300 steps in Meijers before I pick up a few grocery items though. They don't seem to mind as long as I'm not knocking people over, etc. LOL)

**eagle2250** · October 23rd, 2009 06:34

Originally Posted by forsbergacct2000

...I should add that the water weight is a good gain for me; I'm still only about 46% water; I should be at least 50%. (I'm improving slowly, but my body has never had "enough" water in it since I started.)

....

Actually, staying sufficiently hydrated is crucial for our bodies to be able to process stored fat as the fuel burned in support of present physical activities! Your progress in improving your hydration numbers is probably your most significant accomplishment, in terms of facilitating future improvement on all other fronts.

**Dr. NS** · October 23rd, 2009 11:02

Also, let's not forget that adipocytes themselves are hydrophobic unlike other cells; therefore, your %H2O will continue to rise as you lose fat and gain muscle.

**forsbergacct2000** · October 23rd, 2009 11:39

Are "adipocytes" fat cells? I know that "adipose tissue" is a way that health professionals refer to fat.

**Dr. NS** · October 23rd, 2009 13:00

Originally Posted by forsbergacct2000

Are "adipocytes" fat cells? I know that "adipose tissue" is a way that health professionals refer to fat.

Yes. The individual cells are called adipocytes and in exchange for their ability to store fat, they have a very small amount of water in them (unlike muscle cells for example). Therefore, the more % body fat you have, the %H2O/body weight will decrease. I don't think we use %H2O/body weight to measure your level of HYDRATION, which can even vary tremendously throughout the day depending on your diet and the level of activity.

**eagle2250** · October 23rd, 2009 13:21

^^
My earlier comments on water weight were potentially misleading but, Dr. NS, is it not correct to assume that any significant degree of dehydration will limit the body's ability to process fat as fuel for our ongoing physical activities? Staying hydrated through out an extended exercise session or throughout our days activities is important, if one wants to maximize their weight loss potential....or so I thought. Is this wrong thinking?

**forsbergacct2000** · October 23rd, 2009 13:32

This is interesting. I thought that I could increase my water percentage by making sure I drink enough water. Now I am starting to understand that it's just as much a function of losing my fat cells.

They recommend 64 oz of water a day (possibly more if you sweat a lot.) My doctor was appalled a couple year ago when I told him I was trying to drink 80 oz to increase my water percentage. He was worried that I would pass a lot of nutrients out and strongly hinted that I need to stick to something nearer the 64 oz.

A few things are coming together now as I read Dr. NS's and Eagle's posts. Increasing my water percentage will be a result mostly of losing the fat, although I was able to add a couple pounds of water to my total.

Who knows, this may be similar to the issue of officially weighing myself on a Monday night, after I have sweated if I walked on a hot day, but before I replaced the water. That one night, you get a really "nice" weight reading, but when things are normal (RE sweating and replenishing water) you usually gain most or all of the weight right back. I don't know if this could affect the reading RE my water percentage on the body comp test or not. HMMMM

**Dr. NS** · October 23rd, 2009 15:38

Originally Posted by eagle2250

^^
My earlier comments on water weight were potentially misleading but, Dr. NS, is it not correct to assume that any significant degree of dehydration will limit the body's ability to process fat as fuel for our ongoing physical activities? Staying hydrated through out an extended exercise session or throughout our days activities is important, if one wants to maximize their weight loss potential....or so I thought. Is this wrong thinking?

^^. Will dehydration limit body's ability to process fat? In a round about way. The problem with dehydration is that it causes electrolyte imbalance which affects the function of all the cells in our body (not just in particular to breaking down fat). We simply can't do anything when we are dehydrated, so your advise is valid; however, it is also important to understand that simply drinking water doesn't replace the electrolytes that you lose during sweating. Drinking too much water can actually cause hyponatremia (where the concentration of sodium is gets too low in the body). If you speak to experts who really know what they are talking about, people who actually DIE from running a marathon is not due to dehydration (like most people think) but from hyponatremia.

**Dr. NS** · October 23rd, 2009 15:45

Originally Posted by forsbergacct2000

This is interesting. I thought that I could increase my water percentage by making sure I drink enough water. Now I am starting to understand that it's just as much a function of losing my fat cells.

They recommend 64 oz of water a day (possibly more if you sweat a lot.) My doctor was appalled a couple year ago when I told him I was trying to drink 80 oz to increase my water percentage. He was worried that I would pass a lot of nutrients out and strongly hinted that I need to stick to something nearer the 64 oz.

A few things are coming together now as I read Dr. NS's and Eagle's posts. Increasing my water percentage will be a result mostly of losing the fat, although I was able to add a couple pounds of water to my total.

Who knows, this may be similar to the issue of officially weighing myself on a Monday night, after I have sweated if I walked on a hot day, but before I replaced the water. That one night, you get a really "nice" weight reading, but when things are normal (RE sweating and replenishing water) you usually gain most or all of the weight right back. I don't know if this could affect the reading RE my water percentage on the body comp test or not. HMMMM

Absolutely. If you eat some very salty food and drink plenty of water the night before, your body will gain weight (not fat but water). Most of the diet commercials that claim ppl losing 10 pounds a week are usually talking about water mass. But while that might make a small difference, the bulk of the water in your body is actually stored in the cells (2/3). Therefore, in the long run, the only way to bring up your %H2O to 65~70 percent is to lose body fat.

**smallwonder** · October 24th, 2009 00:23

I just got home from a night of drinking and I think my body is about 40% liquer now.

**forsbergacct2000** · October 24th, 2009 12:38

Originally Posted by smallwonder

I just got home from a night of drinking and I think my body is about 40% liquer now.

Hey, I was young once, too. (Although too many nights like yours contributed to the situation I have been documenting in this thread for a few years LOL.)

I hope you were exaggerating and I hope you are recovering well. At 53, nights like yours are a fond, but distant memory for me. The pain is not worth the party (or the contribution to weight gain) any more for me.

I hope you had a great time!!

**forsbergacct2000** · October 27th, 2009 05:24

251.9 There were a couple big meals and about three bad days for walking (rain).

I'm hoping for a better week.

I've also taken on a big assignment; I'm the peer group leader for the "before Thanksgiving" Monday night group session. (The behaviorist at the center has already promised he will help vet my presentation.)

**eagle2250** · October 27th, 2009 08:42

^^
I'm sure you will do well as the holiday peer group leader. You have walked the walk and it is now your time to share your experience by talking the talk to those less experienced. Keep up the good effort!

(the other) Chuck

**forsbergacct2000** · November 2nd, 2009 16:50

252.6

There was a large birthday party dinner yesterday, though. This week, other than rain interfering with walking, there are no situations where food will be served.

**eagle2250** · November 3rd, 2009 06:13

^^Stay focused!

As for me, several days of raking and disposing of fallen leaves, in an effort to maintain a wooded homestead, have ground the "Frankenmuth" weight gain (and then some!) off my frame! Back down to 196.5 pounds. Four and a half pounds stand between me and a home cooked feast (vs a Nutrisystem entree) on Thanksgiving (

)...Not!

**forsbergacct2000** · November 3rd, 2009 08:12

Yikes, does that mean you may have to "sweat off' a couple pounds of water before Thanksgiving or you don't get to have dinner? That does not seem like a healthy mental approach.

I won't say much more, what you have done with yourself clearly exceeds my best efforts. I just hope that you find some way to eat Thanksgiving Dinner without sweating or crash dieting to earn it.

**eagle2250** · November 3rd, 2009 14:53

^^
In all fairness, it's more self-imposed than anything. That looming deadline provides me with the motivation I need to avoid any dietary distractions. As of this AM, I was down another half pound. Twenty three days to "T-day" and just four pounds left to drop. It's weird but, I seem to get some type of perverse enjoyment out of the enhanced competitive edge the challenge provides for me.

In any event, since I am the primary cook for holiday meals, I can't see myself going too hungry!

Have a great weight loss week!

**eagle2250** · November 9th, 2009 06:59

^^
From the scale, just five minutes ago on my pre-workout weight check...195.0 pounds. The three 6.3 mile walks in addition to last weeks regularly scheduled resistance and cardio sessions and a 24 hour fast (Saturday), seems to have helped!

Just three pounds remaining between me and the Thanksgiving day feast!

**forsbergacct2000** · November 10th, 2009 05:16

Cool.

Mine was 251.0 last night. At our meeting, there was a Tai Chi instructor. If Mr. Budget would permit, I might take some lessons. It would really be good for flexibility.

She also teaches martial arts, which would be great exercise also. (I have no visions of becoming an intimidating fighter or anything, though. That might be beyond my level of discipline and personality.)

**eagle2250** · November 11th, 2009 06:36

^^
Given the level of self discipline and commitment you have demonstrated in your weight loss efforts to date, I suspect you have everything required to succeed in a martial arts training program. We are presently looking for a low contact karate program for our youngest grandson. The older grandson is taking boxing lessons but, the younger one is more of a gentle spirit and I suspect he will benefit more from a program that teaches the techniques and instills the sense of self-discipline, without emphasizing the contact.

Perhaps you could talk with your Tai Chi instructor about the possibilities.?

**forsbergacct2000** · November 17th, 2009 09:37

251.9, but time to keep plugging away.

One interesting (but somewhat expensive) note. Last night I picked up my new tweed sport coat. My other one is now too big; I'm giving it away to one of my friends.

**eagle2250** · November 19th, 2009 04:58

^^
My weight check this past Monday morning reflected an additional 1.5 pound drop (to 193.5, just 1.5 pounds from goal!). However, when I jumped on the scale Tuesday morning, my weight had jumped back up a half pound to 194 pounds. I know that some recommend against daily weight checks but, when I see the weight tick up by even a half pound, it motivates me to redouble my efforts at achieving the task at hand. When I hit my goals and discontinue the daily weight checks, is when I get in trouble and start regaining the weight!

Enjoy that new Tweed jacket but, don't get too attached to it. Before you know it, you will be downsizing once again! Keep up the good effort.

**forsbergacct2000** · November 19th, 2009 05:18

Good show on your weight!!

**forsbergacct2000** · November 23rd, 2009 17:16

250.6 and I led the "Pre-Thanksgiving" Maintenance (Weight-Loss) Group tonight.

We talked about the obvious suggestions like filling up on soup and veggies and drinking a lot of water.

A big thing I pushed in addition was to not let overeating on Thanksgiving put you into some sort of a tailspin where you gain 10 pounds before you regain control.

Food is food and feeling guilty never caused anyone to lose an ounce. Feeling guilty can make some people feel that the weight problem is hopeless and stop trying.

Keep trying!! Always keep trying!!!

(And blood pressure was good, too! 110 over something. Does that lower number really matter?? I'm sure it does, but I've always been more scared of the high number. Now that you know for sure I have never been to medical school - - - -)

**eagle2250** · November 24th, 2009 06:39

^^
Good job on the weight drop! Sounds like the Weight Loss Mx meeting you led went pretty well. Did you enjoy leading the group?

As for your B/P readings, it is my understanding that the lower number is the more important of the two...ideally you want the lower number to be below 80 and the difference between the upper and lower numbers should be less than 50.

My weight check results yesterday were not so good...picked up 1/2 pound, weighing 194. Doesn't look good for being down to 192 for Thursday but, a 24 hour fast should be enough to do the trick. We'll see!

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