University of Maryland Weight Management Center
A month ago, dLife sent out an invitation to join their new Tummy Trim Challenge. It's a six week program to trim an inch off your waist. This is important because abdominal, or visceral, fat increases your risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications. I thought it was perfect for me -- a great way to get re-motivated on my weight loss journey.
Guess what happened next? I saw that the 3rd step of week 1 was to start logging your food. I have been resisting this for months. So far in 2009, I have tracked all of 2 days. I KNOW that this is the best next step for me in continuing my weight loss. But I just don't want to do it!
So, I let that one thing dissuade me from joining the Tummy Trim Challenge. It kept percolating in the back of my head, and now I'm ready! I logged my food yesterday, but then went and had a bone graft in my jaw, which has me all messed up over food for a few more days. It's difficult to log 3 tablespoons of applesauce!
But never mind that! The important thing is to commit to this program! My goals are to A) write a blog post EVERY Tuesday about my progress, to help keep me accountable and B) lose 10 pounds and C) lose an inch off my tummy. The program offers a lot of information, a good plan, and the support of lots of other folks working on the same thing.
I have lost 30 pounds since I was laid off last August and committed to using this time to get in shape. I only have about 6 more pounds to go to leave the "obese" BMI category for the only "overweight" range. When I reach that; I should be able to apply for health insurance and get semi-decent rates - at least better than my COBRA rates. I may conceivably save $100 a month. Surely logging my food is worth that much!
Another benefit is stabilized blood sugar levels, which will help the gigantic hole in my gums (3 stitches!) heal faster. I suppose this means the bone will graft quicker too, but I haven't seen any documentation of that. As if I needed another reason to keep my BS level down.
Another great thing about the challenge is that you can start it any time; and still find support in the dLife Community group set up for it. So come on over here and join me!
HELP ..My NP has placed me on six small meals a day. What do I eat? Will someone give an example of six small nutritious meals a day..what type of foods to eat? Thanks!
The challenge sounds great! Lifestyle changes, i.e. diet and moderate exercise, can work to prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes by up to 58% for individuals with prediabetes. A 5 to 10% total body weight reduction is recommended by experts.
Bahminj - Your NP should have given you some sample menus, if not, contact him/her immediately for assistance. Otherwise, my understanding is you split up your calories for the day evenly, and work backwards from there. Protein, good fats and good carbs should be in every meal. Breakfast might be yogurt, fruit and whole wheat toast. A snack might be a bowl of raw veggies with hummus to dip in, lunch a turkey sandwich, veggies and an apple. I've never done this plan as my nutritionist is more a believer in 4-5 hours between meals. Definitely check out either the forums here or the dLife Community to discuss details of the plan and other menu ideas. Good luck!
The forums are here - http://www.dlife.com/diabetes-forum/ The community is here - http://diabetescommunity.dlife.com/
dimsi1- thanks for the resources you provided.