[krisakira]

i saw my GP 2 days ago, and she gave me the spiel about needing to lose weight. I am twice the weight I should be and it all started when going on meds for my first mental illness, panic disorder. So (mind you she is this tiny tiny asian woman) she gave me this chart of a plate divided up into what should be on it and how much. 1/2 the plate covered in vegetables. 1/4th the plate be protein (lean meat, peanut butter, nuts, cheese, eggs), and the other 1/4th the plate is to have carbs (whole grain bread or pasta, corn on the cob, potato, etc). Then on the side should have 1/2 cup fruit, then for drink, a cup of milk. (Since i am milk intolerant, i drink soy milk instead). It makes sense so i say ok and go home. Well, today I have encountered the problems. What on earth am i supposed to do when i am hungry? She also told me i need to exercise 2-3 hours a day. Who on earth does that?? I can't go from no exercise at all, to 2-3 HOURS a DAY! And then i tell her oh i am joining a Y, and she says "no dont do that, exercise should be a part of your lifestyle, not at a gym." So what, am i supposed to walk around my trailer park for 3 hours? This woman is psycho.

Not to mention I just got put on klonopin for my tourette's syndrome (by my new pdoc). The side effects are drowsiness and weight gain. How am i to exercise so much when i am being made so sleepy? I reluctantly took a walk today with my dog for 15 minutes. I was so tired i could walk no more.

[babygirl2201028]

As long as u are doing ur best and what u can, thats all that matters...some doc`s just don`t understand honestly, maybe u could get a buddy to exersize with....maybe. eat things that don`t have any calories....celery...fruit.greenbeans
Idk I wish you well though.....good luck

[Yoda]

Have you ever talked with a nutritionist? I did and she started by asking me what foods I like and we made a menu for a week. No calorie counting just eating proper portions of the healthy foods I like and small portions of foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients.

[Perna]

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/...es.asp?id=1351

[missbelle]

Lot of these Doctor's have to cover their *** by saying the right thing, and giving advice required, in case charts are audited, or you file a suit saying blah, blah blah...This way they cover themselves in the chart that they offered this advice, on eating and exercise, but patient was either non-compliant or compliant. Its like the sick mom with six school age kids and telling her to get plenty of rest. Looks good on the chart but not too realistic!!!

I agree, just do your best. Thats all you can do.
Many hugs;

[(JD)]

No, you can't go from 0 to 60 overnight. I think what your MD gave you is the goal.... eating healthy, exercise.

What I discovered is high protein sticks with the body longer, keeping hunger at bay. I also learned that the stomach can't tell the difference between needing water or needing food. Often we need more water, not food, and drinking a glass of water takes the feeling away.

Simple carbs only give short bursts of energy, and calories. Try to keep to complex carbs.

Raw veggies and plain (not canned) fruit are the best for me for "in between" meals. It can become more involved, but get into the habit first and then you can learn how to refine it more (such as green grapes are better than red because they don't have as much natural sugar in them.)

Good for you to walk the doggie! I bet dog loved it. So don't go out for so long next time. Any increase in activity is good, you know...doing a little more than you were when you saw the MD. I understand about the Y and your MD... it shows me she does understand your fatigue issues. Paying for the Y and not feeling up to going every day (all the effort in going wears you out to begin with?) so then you're out the money and adding guilt feelings to your life. She doesn't want that.

It's a good path... don't be discouraged...lifestyle changes for the long haul.

[serafim_etal]

Originally Posted by krisakira

She also told me i need to exercise 2-3 hours a day. Who on earth does that?? I can't go from no exercise at all, to 2-3 HOURS a DAY!

I would clarify the amount of exercise she is recommending. Who does 2-3 hours a day? Professional athletes, olympians, marathon runners...not average people trying to exercise. 20-30 MINUTES a day is recommended for most beginners...which would work out to 3 hours a WEEK if you do 30 minutes a day and take one day off. Please clarify this with her! This can be a dangerous level of exercise for someone who isn't already very, very fit!

[Jewels]

i understand about the plate and what it should be containing, but if you really want to lose weight, eat more protein and less vegetables, because the protein is the most difficult for the body to digest, leaving you full longer, then after you ingest the protein, leave room for vegys and fruits, and drink of your choice...but eat very small amounts and eat 4-5 times per day...this way the metabolism keeps the fire stoked and you will lose more weight...and you know that old addage about drinking 8 glasses of water a day...well, that isn't far off...because water causes the fat to be flushed out of the system...I drink a 2 liter of fluid...not necessarily water but a drink that has splenda in it instead of sugar...that will not give you calories but will give you the fluid intake...eat three small meals...and then have two snacks inbetween those three small meals...make it protein and vegys or fruit...like yogurt and then add banana or peach or berries to it...or...i like to make protein drinks...and make it Whey Protein which is better than Soy protein...use 6 oz of fatfree milk, whey protein powder, frozen strawberries and mix them in a blender...the drink will be thicker because the berries are frozen...and it does taste really good...you can also do it with any other fruit...my favorite is strawberry/banana...yes, you can freeze bananas!!!

Hope this helps...about the exercise...maybe she meant to say a week and not a day...then that would make more sense...I can't believe someone who has never exercised suddenly start exercising 2-3 hours a DAY...that is way over the top if you ask me...

Jewels

[krisakira]

ok everyone. thanks for the comments. but i swear to god she said 2-3 hours a day. please dont ask me about that again.

[serafim_etal]

Originally Posted by krisakira

ok everyone. thanks for the comments. but i swear to god she said 2-3 hours a day. please dont ask me about that again.

I think what Jewels and I are getting at is that she may have SAID that amount per day, but MEANT per week...a slip of the tongue type thing. And if she actually MEANT 2-3 hours a day, then I would advise finding another doctor!

[krisakira]

my reaction was "2-3 hours a day??" and she said yes 2-3 hours a day.

[serafim_etal]

Originally Posted by krisakira

my reaction was "2-3 hours a day??" and she said yes 2-3 hours a day.

Then I would say it's time for a new doctor. 2-3 hours a day is an unreasonable and unhealthy amount of exercise unless you are planning on competing at a professional level in the next couple weeks! Professional marathon runners don't even do that amount!