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My weight loss journey

Started by Okrafarmer, September 02, 2016, 09:35:03 PM

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Okrafarmer

I know a lot of us have discussed weight loss on here before, so the topic is nothing new. I could tell you about my whole life history and when I have been in better shape, worse shape, etc, but we don't need to bore anyone with the details. I have struggled with my weight for a long time. Those of you who have met me in person have met a guy of around 300 lbs, give or take.

I have tried several times to lose weight. You could say there are two kinds of people in the world, generally, those who have to watch their weight, and those who don't. Sometimes those who have never had the problem have a real hard time understanding life for those who do. Many times people have incredible advice for you. You hear things like. "Eat less." "Exercise self control." "Smaller portions." "Cut out carbs." "Don't eat fatty things." "Avoid fried foods." "Go running 3 times a week" "I can't see why you can't control yourself" and so on. They mean real well.

I have wanted to lose weight for a good while. I tried a few years ago, with a juicing plan. It worked incredibly. I lost 37 lbs. in about as many days. And I nearly went out of my mind. I was on a liquid diet of (mostly) disgusting vegetable juices. I couldn't stand it, and I stopped, and gained the weight back nearly as fast as I lost it.

July 19 is my wife and my's anniversary. The morning of this past July 19, I lay asleep in bed and woke partly up, and was grieved within myself for my failure to lose weight. I recognize I have a responsibility to my family, and ultimately to God (since I am a believer in Him) to be the best I can be, and to take care of myself so I can stick around and be effective, for my Lord and for my family. As I lay there, I cried out to Him for help and asked Him how I could lose weight properly. He gave me a feeling of peace, and then proceeded to impress on me three simple categories of foods to avoid. The first was pretty obvious-- sweets. The second was grains and grain products, and the third, though a sub category of the second, was pasta. I got peace that I was allowed to eat potatoes in moderation, and to continue avoiding soy products in large doses (info I was already acting on). I felt so at peace about the whole thing, I told my wife about it and from that day on I have been unswervingly devoted to this diet. My exceptions have been incredibly few.

I think it's been 46 days since I began, and I have lost at least 19 lbs. I have not changed my exercise amount. I do not have to count calories, weigh or count anything, or be particularly picky about how much I eat. I can eat fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, nuts, and dairy (non-sweetened) in any amount I want. I have gorged myself with fruit, veggies, nuts, and so on. I feel very satisfied in my diet, and generally don't feel I'm missing anything, except for when people eat special stuff under my nose. We've had birthdays for four of our kids in the past 46 days, and for all that I had one small spoon of ice cream. We were invited to friends' house for dinner one day, and I ate what was put in front of me, which was not allowed in my diet, but other than that, I have been very strict. I am now under 290 lbs. and I'm motivated to keep going with this until it's time to stop. My goal is to get down to 225 eventually, which could take a year or more, but I am enjoying this success as well as the delicious good food I am able to eat.

Yes, I do eat a lot of okra.

Hope you find this encouraging. I don't know whether this would work for you or not-- one thing I know for sure-- our bodies are all different, one from each other, as far as what we can do, and how our metabolisms work. This has been a spiritual journey for me as much as a physical one, and that part of things is going well, too.

O.F.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Magicman

It appears that you have finally found the proper motivation and you have a family that is very dependent upon your ability to reach your weight goal.  I know that you have their love and support. 
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Okrafarmer

So. Forestry-related things I am able to eat:
Okra, boiled peanuts (or other kinds of peanuts), tree nuts, even including pecan-is-the-devil nuts. Pork sausage. Coffee. Crispy chicken.

Things which are not allowed include:
Grits, cornbread, Moxie, maple syrup, honey, donuts.

Things that keep me going: Eggs, pork sausage, okra, gumbo, mixed nuts, celery, peaches, plums, nectarines, cheese, cottage cheese, unsweetened yogurt (usually with blueberries and nuts in it), and stir-fry.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

Also, the only things I use for cooking oils are: Butter, EVOO, coconut oil, and meat greases. These I consume in large quantities with my stir-fry, gumbo, etc.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Ljohnsaw

I love ice cream  period

But it keeps me from my goal to lose 20.  It would do good for my heart and I could probably get off the CPAP machine. 

I love bananas but they need to be ripe.  And a bunch of ripe bananas only last a day or two before they rot.  So, I peel and freeze them.  When I want some ice cream, I eat one frozen - yummmm.  If you want more traditional ice cream, slice one up, throw it in the blender with just enough milk to blend, a touch of vanilla and you have vanilla ice cream with a hint of banana!
John Sawicky

Just North-East of Sacramento...

SkyTrak 9038, Ford 545D FEL, Davis Little Monster backhoe, Case 16+4 Trencher, Home Built 42" capacity/36" cut Bandmill up to 54' long - using it all to build a timber frame cabin.

Okrafarmer

Quote from: ljohnsaw on September 02, 2016, 11:12:15 PM
I love ice cream  period

But it keeps me from my goal to lose 20.  It would do good for my heart and I could probably get off the CPAP machine. 

I love bananas but they need to be ripe.  And a bunch of ripe bananas only last a day or two before they rot.  So, I peel and freeze them.  When I want some ice cream, I eat one frozen - yummmm.  If you want more traditional ice cream, slice one up, throw it in the blender with just enough milk to blend, a touch of vanilla and you have vanilla ice cream with a hint of banana!

Great idea!
8)  8)  8)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Left Coast Chris

I have had a similar experience but my motivation started with higher than recommended blood sugar number from the doctor's office.

I have not had to watch my weight too much in my past except for the last three or so years.   As I got older I slowly gained weight until I was up to 270 last winter.  Then the blood sugar issue.  Since that time I have lost 20 lbs and have been pretty steady at about 250 lbs.   I'm hoping to eventually get down to 240 or 235.   I have avoided anything with lots of sugar and stopped snacking.  I count my carb intake and that has helped.    I will be taking your advise on the grains and pasta (thanks).

My other thing is that I am 6'-5" tall so when I do gain weight it is not very noticeable and my pant size is not affected much if at all.  It seems to distribute all over pretty well.   That makes it deceiving regarding weight gain.   I also seem to struggle in the winter with less daylight for what ever reason.

Is your height a factor also?
Home built cantilever head, 24 HP honda mill, Case 580D, MF 135 and one Squirel Dog Jack Russel Mix -- Crickett

Okrafarmer

I'm only about 5'11, so a good bit shorter than you. 235 may well be a good weight for you to be at, for me, 225 is my target. I have a long way to go.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

thecfarm

No Moxie!!!  :o    ;D
Well good for you. Keep at it,sounds like a good way to lose weight.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

bobby s

Okra, congrats on your success so far! Sounds like you've turned the corner and are well on your way!

Things that have worked for me:
1-Don't drink your calories
2-Try to avoid added sugar
3-Whole foods, whole foods, and more whole foods. Eggs, poultry, and fruit. Satiety is important.
4-Portion control. All excess calories are bad, no matter what you are eating
5-Cheating is ok now and then. Life is short. Just try not to make a habit out of it and don't beat yourself up if you slip.
6-Watch for so-called "healthy foods". The food industry can be deceptive.

Best of luck on your journey. Please keep us posted. I know you can do this!

Ed_K

 Okra, I commend you on bringing out your revelation. Why not use this thread as a journey for others to read at later dates to help them. I'm trying to do the same on the thd about not asking for help, I have found many people have helped on the thd + PMs.
Ed K

LeeB

Good job buddy. I started on my own weight loss journey almost a year ago and have managed to loose 115 pounds so far. It can be done. You can do it. There are many different ways to get there but it has to have the desire and determination for it to happen. Sounds like you have found your motivation. Go get 'em partner.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

Okrafarmer

Thanks, guys!

And yes, I am eating primarily whole foods. The more "manufactured" it is, the more I'm staying away from it. Not entirely, because it's too troublesome to get that micro-picky, but generally, stuff with "a list of ingredients" is not very likely to get eaten by me. The longer the list, the less likely, and the more the ingredients sound like the blueprint for bugspray or laquer thinner, the more likely I am to bypass it. For instance, I'm staying away from things like store-bought beef jerky. Though I could eat it, according to my simple rules.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Roxie

Glad you found your motivation, and your plan sounds good!~   8)
Say when

timberlinetree

Lean on the lord and eat good food sounds like a good plan! May you be blessed with strength to overcome. Keep up the good work!
I've met Vets who have lived but still lost their lives... Thank a Vet

Family man and loving it :)

Okrafarmer

Quote from: timberlinetree on September 05, 2016, 07:56:27 AM
Lean on the lord and eat good food sounds like a good plan! May you be blessed with strength to overcome. Keep up the good work!

Yup, sticking with it for the long haul through the edger!
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Okrafarmer

I kind of plateaued for a couple weeks, but I finally broke through again-- 20 lbs. off.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

Ed_K

 Way to go, all you can do is keep at it.
Ed K

timberlinetree

Nice! Keep at it and way to go.
I've met Vets who have lived but still lost their lives... Thank a Vet

Family man and loving it :)

Peter Drouin

I find for me to lose some lb is to put less in the mouth and to get off my backside.
A&P saw Mill LLC.
45' of Wood Mizer, cutting since 1987.
License NH softwood grader.

Bibbyman

Well good on you.

For some reason,  your diet plan sounds strangely familiar.  :)
Wood-Mizer LT40HDE25 Super 25hp 3ph with Command Control and Accuset.
Sawing since '94

Peter Drouin

Quote from: Bibbyman on September 21, 2016, 05:51:54 AM
Well good on you.

For some reason,  your diet plan sounds strangely familiar.  :)





When I quit smoking a long time ago I put on 40lb. :o
So I just got busy working. No snacks, no sitting around. JUST WORK.

Now I'm lean and strong :D :D :D :D
A&P saw Mill LLC.
45' of Wood Mizer, cutting since 1987.
License NH softwood grader.

sandsawmill14

i went to the doc for checkup a in july and he informed me i had gained 35 pounds since he seen me at the end of jan :o sugar was high cholesterol was 300 :o so he was not very happy with me  :)  im about 5'8 or so and my average weight has been as always been 140-150 now at the docs office i weighed 192 :o i knew it was getting harder to get my socks on and to button my jeans but i never thought about how it was impacting my health and i am seeing that it is alot easier to put on than to take off i been on a low cholesterol and low fat diet for about a month now and i have lost 2 pounds :o ;D ::) so i think im gonna have to do something a little more aggressive  :-\ sounds like your doing good with yours so stick with it and good luck :)
hudson 228, lucky knuckleboom,stihl 038 064 441 magnum

Okrafarmer

sandsawmill, I'm not a doctor, but my understanding is that a low cholesterol, low fat diet will never in itself be a way of losing weight. I am actually on a high cholesterol, high fat diet. It matters what we put in our bodies. Choleterol and fat are not generally added directly to our body's fat and cholesterol inventories from our food. They are processed in, depending on other factors. One of those factors, especially for the fat, is the presence of starches. I am on a low starch diet. Our bodies make fat primarily out of starch. Take away the starch intake, or drastically reduce it, and weight loss should occur.

You can see this effect on feedlot cattle and pigs. Feed them a lot of corn and other grain, and they'll get flabby. Feed them a diet higher in soybean and other protein, and they'll be lean and muscular.

However, I don't eat soy products myself, as a general rule, because they mess with my hormones and tend to give me depression.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Operating a 2020 Woodmizer LT35 hydraulic for Upcountry Sawmill, Dacusville, SC

Now selling Logrite tools!

Writing fiction and nonfiction! Check my website.

sandsawmill14

thats good to know okrafarmer thanks   smiley_thumbsup i may need to do a little  :P on diets i have always been under weight until now so i have never had to think about it before :)
hudson 228, lucky knuckleboom,stihl 038 064 441 magnum

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