Apple or Pear?

[lauraelmore1033]

I think I'd rather be an artichoke than be a potato

[tctrek]

You may want to get tested for PCOS. Two risk factors/symptoms are the inability to lose weight and being apple shaped.

http://www.afterthediet.com/polycystic.htm

Thanks, michelem, but I had a complete hysterectomy 20 years ago. I do however have a tendency towards high glucose counts and I take Metformin for it, which is the medication they give most people with PCOS and with mild diabetes.

I actually lost 35 pounds last year- I ate 1200 calories a day and started taking the Metformin. When I got down to a more "normal" weight I started exercising and got my bike. As soon as I started to exercise I stopped losing weight. I've tried upping my calories, working at lower heart rates, you name it. I do resistance/weight training 3 times a week and some cardio every day. I ride hard on weekends. But stuck at the same weight for a year.

I'm not going to stop riding my bike and working out just so that I can lose weight! So, I keep trying different combinations of calorie input/output. Sooner or later I will get it

[tctrek]

By the way, I'd rather be an artichoke then an apple any day!!

[tulip]

Everyone's different, of course, but I found that I lost weight when I upped my intensity--not my mileage, but the intensity that I was riding. I also started doing pretty serious Pilates, which really reshaped my middle (I'm an apple, but now you can't really tell).

[malkin]

I love the TE fruits (and vegetables)!

[deedolce]

Funny, malkin!

I'm an apple from a long line of apples...how I wished I had hips. Well, less now at the mid-century mark, because it's more resistance on a windy day, but it ALL goes to my middle. Sigh. I took a intro Pilates class. Now if I can only find the discipline to do it...

[uforgot]

Okay, I didn't read through this thread, but I have input! (go figure!). I am definitely a pear. In high school I had to weigh under 120 lbs to stay on the dance team. I don't remember eating my entire senior year, but I made EVERY performance by not eating. Weight has been a lifelong struggle. I say it's just as hard for us pears.

[newfsmith]

Thanks, michelem, but I had a complete hysterectomy 20 years ago. I do however have a tendency towards high glucose counts and I take Metformin for it, which is the medication they give most people with PCOS and with mild diabetes.

I actually lost 35 pounds last year- I ate 1200 calories a day and started taking the Metformin. When I got down to a more "normal" weight I started exercising and got my bike. As soon as I started to exercise I stopped losing weight. I've tried upping my calories, working at lower heart rates, you name it. I do resistance/weight training 3 times a week and some cardio every day. I ride hard on weekends. But stuck at the same weight for a year.

I'm not going to stop riding my bike and working out just so that I can lose weight! So, I keep trying different combinations of calorie input/output. Sooner or later I will get it

From your description it sounds like you have probably built up muscle mass with your exercise regimen. Muscle weighs more than fat, and is far healthier. Maybe you should compare your measurements with those of a year ago, or have a body fat composition test. I'll bet your muscle building has just been covering up your loss of fat. Soon enough your muscle will stabilize and help you burn fat.

[txred9876]

I have always had a bigger middle section and weight loss is very hard. I started walking last fall every day and could not lose one pound. This spring I found that swimming and biking is bringing it off. I also had to adjust my calorie intake and the type of calories I was taking in. I also had to make sure I drank LOTS of water.

I thought I could not lose weight and have lost 22 pounds in the last 6 weeks. I have also started working out hard at a minimum 1 hour per day 6 times per week. On two of those days I might make it 1.5 to 2 hours for a workout. It seems to be working for me. I also found if I didn't eat enough protein I did not lose either. From what I was told by the nutritionist is that if you do not eat enough protein you will actually break down your muscles instead of the fat. I was also told to make sure to take in between 15-30mg of protien within 30 min of a workout.


So far things are working this time.......

Tina

PS I am also on three medications that say "could cause weight gain" and they have in the past.

[tctrek]

So far things are working this time.......

Tina, thanks for these great ideas!

I just have to find the sweet spot combination of eating/exercise that will start the weight loss again.

Thanks!