April/ May 2007 Issue - Give Us Your Ideas

I think this is an important and often not known or overlooked epidemic.
I, personally, just found out this year that I am intolerant to gluten. I also found out just how widespread a problem, in America especially, it really is and how it can contribute to or be mistaken for many other conditions. It can also lead to celiac disease which is as common as 1 in 133 people, in America. That's more common than ADD, ADHD or Autism, which are also in epidemic proportions.
Gluten is in many of our foods but it may be causing your body to attack itself.
If someone can do an informative article on this subject, for those who may not be aware of this protein in their diet and how it might be effecting them, it would be awesome! Oh...and incase you are wondering if this has anything at all to do with weight management; it certainly does. Some used to think it was a problem for only those who couldnt' gain weight but it's also been discovered as a problem in many who cannot lose weight, due to the need to overeat, to get the nutrients their body cannot absorb normally from the intestinal damage caused by this problem.
I, myself, have lost 3" in my waistline, just in the last two months, from going gluten free, when I hadn't been able to lose a single pound for five years, prior.
Hugs & Blessings,
Yahaloma

HI! I just joined today and am so excited about this site and forum. I am 31 and began getting fit again about one year ago. After graduating from High School, I stopped being physically active because of my asthma and allergies. Over the next 14 years I slowly gained about 40 pounds. I was a little underweight in High School so some of that was healthy gain, but then it got out of control. When I began serving as a missionary in Japan, food became my source of comfort and escape from culture shock!

I tried many times to work out and lose the weight, and generally get back into shape but always failed. Once about five years ago, I joined and gym and worked out fairly consistently for a full year, but only lost about 5 pounds and didn't seem to feel any better. If anything, I always felt worse.

Then I found a line of supplements that have changed my life. When I began taking them I felt so much better I decided to try working out again. Working out felt good so I began to watch what I ate and this became the magic formula for me!

In eating, I simply limited carbs and sugars, and stopped eating when I didn't feel hungry. I wait for physical hunger signs before I eat, and when I do eat, I don't scarf down the food. I changed to eating slowly and taking my time. Someone pointed out to me that I can enjoy food at anytime, there is no reason to eat as if you might not get another meal for a week. This was eye opening and changed the way I looked at mals. I found that slowing down and assuring myself I could have this yummy food anytime kept me from overeating, and the portions I was eating began to decline. If between meals I felt the urge to eat but there were no true physical hunger signs (growling stomach or empty tummy feeling), I would pray and listen to some of my favorite praise music. I also used a meal replacement shake from my favorite line of supplements with this "diet" plan. But otherwise I ate whatever I wanted to, just in controlled portions and with some common sense (staying away from greasy fried foods, and white carbs and stuff)

With working out, because of the supplements I felt better, didn't get too sore and could push myself for a more strenuous workout since my asthma stopped bothering me. It has been awesome to actually enjoy fitness and look forward to going to the gym! Sometimes when my workout is over I feel like starting it again, it felt so good!

I have to run for now. I hope to meet and enjoy some fellowship with you guys on this forum! Blessings from Japan

Marla

Missionary in Japan!
Starting my journey to fitness last year
have lost 11 kilo! Feel GREAT!

Well, I didn't post this first message, but I too am 44 and trying to get back into shape. I have tried Atkins. I had some good success with it, but got tired of always having to think carbs, no carbs, etc. when planning what to eat. I found that after 2 months on it though, my desire to snack between meals went away. That is until I ate that "just one" infernal doughnut 3 years ago and I've been struggling with my diet again ever since. I have also dabbled with South Beach, but didn't do it very long. I also tried the SlimFast thing, but got totally sick of chocolate and the constant sweet taste. That was what I was trying to get away from in my diet anyway. I have mostly just started to concentrate on eating fresh and lean. That seems to be working.

I enjoy the martial arts, which is something I didn't start until I was 41 (childhood dream fulfilled!). If you could get some info on here about aerobic kickboxing or other things like that to feed that interest, that'd be cool (you may already have it and I'm just not seeing it.). Also, low impact aerobics would be something I'm interested in too. I've got some lower back problems and at my current weight, running just isn't realistic. Walking is ok, but get's boring quickly.

Thanks!

Steve

just found you site today, and happy to see it. I am new to fitness at age 44. Been working out since Nov. I would love to hear about diet plans that will energize my workouts. And information on meal replacements and suplements.