Food

[klwilliams]

Several years ago I finally found out what was wrong with my back, which let me get started on Weight Watchers (because I could exercise as well as diet). This led to me losing close to 70 pounds, though I've gained back most of it in the last couple of years. (MS diagnosis -> slowly losing mobility -> eating to feel better -> getting much fatter)

My husband cooks for me. He's a fabulous cook. He makes our bread, he makes our bacon, he grows our vegetables. I don't try to figure out the WW points for what he cooks, because I'm too lazy and, well, because the number would be high. However, I'm trying to follow Dr. Terry Wahl's diet to reduce MS symptoms, and it appears to be working, along with the exercising and medications I'm taking. Plus, I love all the vegetables and fruits.

Still, today I drove to McDonald's to grab a Big Mac meal for lunch. Note that I didn't use a walker at all, though that was just to walk to the car and back. I had a craving for fast food, and I ate it, but tomorrow for lunch I'll be in SF and can grab a fantastic kale salad from The Plant Cafe.

This has been an interesting time for me, regarding food. I need to pay more attention to weight management, but Chaz has been great at helping me eat well, both healthily and satisfactorily. This is an interesting time.

Comments

changes

[kahnegabs.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I need a Chaz for myself.
This medication is known for it's weight-gaining propensities, and like you, I'm not getting my old exercise. At the moment I am pretty much pain free in my relaxed state, and I'm walking fairly well for short distances of even a few blocks, but I've put on 20 pounds in less than 4 months!

Since I'm highly unlikely to find a "Chaz" for myself, and I've reached the point where I really do hate cooking, I think I need to find some other solution. I've wondered about those weight loss plans where they provide the counted calories all frozen and packed in nice little dishes. Is there a good one?

I'm currently re-considering moving back to S Hadley. There's a nice retirement home only a few miles from the college. It costs a lot, but meals can be provided, and it can graduate to continuing care if needed.

It's interesting to see life change so much in just a few years. I did not consider a senior community when I retired because I felt that I needed to be available here to Teresa and the kids, but they don't need me anymore, and I'm re-thinging my plans.

Re: changes

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I think you need to think of yourself at this point. South Hadley would be a wonderful place to retire to. You have a great daughter there, plus the environment is so relaxing and interesting. That sounds like a great plan.

Re: changes

[kahnegabs.livejournal.com]

I think so. I have been afraid of the snow, but I guess if I'm in a retirement community I don't have to drive in it or even go out in it at all.

It would be great to be close to Dani, and he girls visit there often. Amy even lives in New York!

Re: changes

[joycebre.livejournal.com]

yay for The Plant :)

[wild-irises.livejournal.com]

I will take just a moment on my standard soapbox, and then step down again.

In my opinion, "weight management" in and of itself is meaningless. If you are eating well, getting good nutrition, exercising as much as is reasonable for your body, and feeling mobile, what does weight matter? In a huge percentage of cases (but not all), weight is treated as a stand-in for whatever is really going on.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

For me, "weight management" means making sure I stay away from unhealthy eating, because that tends to lead to weight gain, higher blood pressure, etc. I'm less concerned with looks (my husband thinks I'm lovely the way I am, whatever I am) than I am with weight possibly interfering with what exercise I can do. I have enough odd, bad health issues that I try to minimize whatever I can.

Good luck.

[lilgabbymac.livejournal.com]

I have some major food allergies and have over the last eight years completely changed what I put in my face, yet with all the tests, doctors, nutritionists and research I've done it still amazes me how food can effect us in the ways that it does. Good luck figuring out your new diet, I sincerely hope it helps. It might take a bit to get into your groove and figure out what is working best for you , but stick with it, it really can make a difference.

Re: Good luck.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Thanks. You're right, it is amazing how it can affect me. I've long known the obvious things, like caffeine keeps me awake, but it's very cool to see how eating well makes me feel good. Who knew? :-)