topic Re: Weight gain in Community Chat

Weight gain

Italian gal — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:14:59 GMT

My husband passed away from cancer about a month before co vid hit. I have gained 15 lbs since then. My Dr thinks it is from stress.
Any ideas you sweet ladies on how to loose this? My cloes don't fit etc. I work out but my gym just opened again.
Thanks in advance

Re: Weight gain

Lisa Y — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:16:54 GMT

@Italian gal wrote:
My husband passed away from cancer about a month before co vid hit. I have gained 15 lbs since then. My Dr thinks it is from stress.
Any ideas you sweet ladies on how to loose this? My cloes don't fit etc. I work out but my gym just opened again.
Thanks in advance

@Italian gal Good Morning. My condolences on the loss of your husband. It's hard to lose a loved one and you're grieving. Weight gain or loss is grief and not unusual. Add Covid to that, and well, it doesn't help. May I suggest daily walks? I walk every day and it not only helps with maintaining my weight, it clears my head. Start with short walks a few times a day if you can, then build up to whatever works for you. Also, wear a comfortable pair of sneakers because blisters are not fun. This takes time to get into a routine and time to lose weight. Good luck on your weight loss journey and please keep us posted.

Re: Weight gain

Cats3000 — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:25:21 GMT

@Italian gal OK-your doctor thinks it's from stress. Did you ask him for any hints as to how to lose the weight? Did he offer you any hints as to what you could do? He's the best person to give you information about weight loss.

Re: Weight gain

godi — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:53:55 GMT

So sorry for your loss @Italian gal

Throw away all snacks or candy in the house. Start walking. If you can't go far do a few 15 minute walks a day. If you get hungry do something to take it off your mind. Keep fruit in the house. It's not easy but with a few modifications you can do this. Keep us posted.

Re: Weight gain

Stray — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:12:37 GMT

Condolences on the loss of your husband

Continue going to the gym, change your eating habits as another poster suggested, fruit and healthy snacks. Yoga is a very good way to get additional exercise and reduce stress.

It’s hard when you loose a spouse as many of your friends may be couples. Try a group to meet new people like spouses without partners or try volunteering; so many non profits need help right now and it’s a good way to meet nice people.

Re: Weight gain

Jaspertimes — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:40:34 GMT

Low carbs. And make it a way of life. You'll lose and keep it off. Good luck!

Re: Weight gain

Shanus — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:09:06 GMT

@Italian gal So sorry for your loss and right before covid, too. I can't imagine your grief and sudden changes in your life.

I agree with other posters here that even a short walk...around the house or up and down stairs several times if you cannot or don't feel like getting outside.

I stay on a low carb/no sugar diet becuase I need to watch out for diabetes. It does also keep my weight steady.

Good luck with your weight goal and know that we are here for you.

Re: Weight gain

4kitties — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:30:34 GMT

@Italian gal

My deepest sympathies to you. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband.

There is a Weight Watcher thread in Among Friends section. Please feel welcome to join us there. You may just get a tip or two to help you along. You will get many suggestions but it truly comes down to eating properly and finding the right exercise for you. So many different diet plans out there and what works for one of us does not work for others.

Portion control, keeping certain snack foods out of my house, and being sure I drink enough water has really helped me. No artificial sweeteners and eating as little processed food as possible has really helped tame my appetite. I try to focus on eating more veggies and higher fiber foods. They are filling and keep me satisfied.

The best of luck to you on your weight loss journey!

Re: Weight gain

4kitties — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:33:36 GMT

@Italian gal

Here is the WW thread if you are interested.

https://community.qvc.com/t5/Among-Friends/Girls-Whom-Among-Us-Did-WW-Exchange-Programs-Of-the-1980-s/td-p/6449648

Re: Weight gain

SXMGirl — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:27:34 GMT

@Italian gal First, my condolences. Adjusting to your new life can be difficult and food is comfort. I am a firm believer that there is nothing wrong with liking your body, even if you have gained 15 pounds. You are doing the right thing healthwise by returning to your gym. Eating healthy and in moderation is important, whether or not you lose the weight.

Years ago, I had a boss who wanted to lose weight. Every time that he wanted to eat or drink something that had lots of calories, he instead took a run/walk around the block. At first, he was doing a lot of those, but eventually they tapered off.

You might also visit your local humane society and get an older (several years old) dog that will keep you more active. Puppies are too much work, in my opinion, but a young dog will get you moving, thinking more about them, and get ting you out to meet others. Dogs are great at that. You might not think that you want a dog, but usually that changes one a dog enters the home.

Losing 15 pounds takes time, so do not try to lose it in the next week or month. It cannot be done, at least not in a healthy way. There are also online classes like Leslie Sansone's or Forever Young Fitness, as well as many free youtube classes. Anything that you can do to stay active and eat well is a plus, whether or not you lose the weight. Inches off and toning are always good.

Re: Weight gain

chrystaltree — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:35:46 GMT

I think you need guidance and support, a plan. Think WW (formerly Weight Watchers) online would help you.

Re: Weight gain

manny2 — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:36:43 GMT

@Italian gal wrote:
My husband passed away from cancer about a month before co vid hit. I have gained 15 lbs since then. My Dr thinks it is from stress.
Any ideas you sweet ladies on how to loose this? My cloes don't fit etc. I work out but my gym just opened again.
Thanks in advance

@Italian gal I am so sorry for your loss. It is devastating to lose someone, but then to have the isolation during covid must have been unbearable. Be kind to yourself 15 pounds is nothing. Just start walking everyday, and then do the 80/20 plan. Eat healthy all week, and let yourself enjoy a little more over the weekend. Walk at least 40-45 minutes a day at a good pace, and do it at least 5 days a week. You will get results.

We are all here for support reach out.

Re: Weight gain

PilatesLover — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:52:20 GMT

I'm terribly sorry for you loss. It is entirely understandable that you put on a few pounds.

Try to think of it as self-care. You deserve some pampering and doing some healthier things for yourself is part of that. I find walking outdoors when the weather permits to be a tonic for the mind, body and spirit. I wish you the best.

Re: Weight gain

KCDiva — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:20:09 GMT

@Italian gal I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you are still grieving and that's stressful. I would keep going to the gym as that will help you mentally to keep active. Try cutting out sweets and junk food and eat a better diet. You have to have your mind in the right place to lose wight and maybe you're not there yet. Try to get in a walk each day if nothing else. Allow your self to grieve first. Don't be afraid to reach out for professional help if you need to.

Re: Weight gain

wagirl — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:25:37 GMT

Am very sorry about your husband---

I am battling the quarrantine 15 myself----also partly from tremendous stress but mostly not moving and eating too many carbs--my comfort food--so that is what I am cutting out of my diet--all things white--flour, sugar, breads, rice , pasta and buying a good pair of walking shoes and go for walks when I can. Also portions control works for me.

Am 67, going thru a surprise divorce, am a 9 year cancer survivor and the whole covid thing has hit us all like a ton of bricks---good luck!!!

Re: Weight gain

KingstonsMom — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:28:54 GMT

@godi wrote:
So sorry for your loss @Italian gal
Throw away all snacks or candy in the house. Start walking. If you can't go far do a few 15 minute walks a day. If you get hungry do something to take it off your mind. Keep fruit in the house. It's not easy but with a few modifications you can do this. Keep us posted.

I agree with @godi, also keep fresh veggies around to munch on, fresh baby carrots, celery sticks, radishes, bell pepper, whatever veggies you like and walking is a great exercise if you aren't interested/able for heavier 'gym' type exercising.

Good luck, you can do it!

Re: Weight gain

mizree — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:27:31 GMT

@Italian gal I am sorry for your loss. Stress eating has long been a problem for me also. What works for me is keeping a food diary. I do this by day and time. Then you can look back and see where you might have made better choices.

Carbs are my comfort food, so I have to be really careful with portions. I rarely eat bread which I use to eat daily. I no longer buy things (ice cream, cookies) that would tempt my willpower. I do eat dark chocolate (70%, 1 square) with roasted unsalted nuts daily.

I enjoy reading health and nutrition articles. I saw the article "how to lose 20 pounds for good" at today dot com that may help you.

You've got this. Wishing you much success.

Re: Weight gain

ECBG — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:53:14 GMT

I am so sorry on the loss of your husband.

It's easy to see how you have had a weight gain. I would imagine you just ate what was handy and we know that sugars, even those from carbohydrates, create endorphins in the brain which make us feel good and would certainly ease up stress.

Please feel free to join us in Among Friends on the Weight Watchers thread.

We've been doing the 'Quick Success" program which was the most efficient weight loss plan WW ever had and has out preformed their other plans.

Our group has easily lost 200 pounds since the first of the year.

Everything you need to know is in the beginning of the thread. Although, I embraced the design element of my college major, I have a strong nutrition background.

Re: Weight gain

wonderfulworld — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:59:43 GMT

15 lbs is really not very much...especially with all you have been through. They don't call it comfort food for nothing! Condolences to you.

Re: Weight gain

DSD2 — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:01:15 GMT

My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your husband. So much to bear.

Many excellent suggestions have been made. I agree walking is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Years ago, I got a stationary bike and it has been a life saver. No bellyaching it's too cold, too hot or too icy to walk! My bike has handles that move which helps in arm toning. I have a radio right next to it and news or music helps the time go faster.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Take it slow, try to eat as heathfully as you can and start a slow, steady exercise regime. Whatever works for you. Good luck and let us know how you make out.