online nutritionist/dietician

[Cbelle]

I've been struggling for 18 months with my wieght. Exercise has remained consistent (and yes, I've changed it up quite a bit to keep my body guessing), diet has remained the same in general terms although I've changed up from WW to Jenny Craig or just counting calories. NOthing has worked. I've consistently gained 15 lbs in the 18 months. My calories/day have been right about 1200/day except for days when I binge which isnt often enough to gain 15 lbs. I have an appt to get my thyroid checked to see if that is the culprit. But various friends have been pushing me to eat more calories (the suggestion was 1800-2000) so I was thinking maybe I needed to see a nutritionist. There don't appear to be alot in my town, acutally, only 1 and she's booked for many weeks to come.

Considering that I could 1) deprive myself, starve all the time, and still gain or 2) I could eat what I want within reason and gain, e3tiher way I'm gaining so I might as well enjoy my life more than I have been lately.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

 

[allwildgirl]

At 1200 a day, you're not eating enough calories. Especially if you're exercising 5-6 days a week.

I know a lot of ladies here have had great success with zig zagging calories. Fit Mom springs to mind. But you should definitely be eating more than 1200. Your body thinks you're starving, therefore it slows down your metabolism to compensate.

 

[kathryn]

I agree with Shelley, you aren't getting enough calories.

If you do find some online guideance, look for a registered dietician rather than a "nutritionist," as the latter title is not regulated.

You might check out www.ediets.com and see if that's what you're looking for.

 

[Cbelle]

thansk for the advice. I can't believe I actually need to eat MORE but it sure would be nice not to be starving all the time and living for my next meal...

 

[pink_fortitude]

Shelley and Kathryn gave you some good advice. Food is there to sustain us, to nourish us, to make us healthy. You need to eat when you are hungry so that your body can do its job and make you the best Cbelle that you can be!

Instead of focusing on calories, have you considered just eating whenever you are hungry, only making sure that you are eating whole and clean foods? Being healthy and losing weight shouldn't be stressful or painful. Food should be our friend!

Missy

 

[rjroubi]

Cbelle,
You may want to try a couple of visits to a registered dietician. I don't believe they are more than $25-50s for a visit. I'm not sure of the exact price because my medical insurance picks up the entire tab when I go. (I have a heart valve condition that requires I maintain over a certain bodyfat and weight for saftey reasons....being too thin is not always healthy) I found it tremendously helpful.

The registered dietician will motivate you and set you up on a food plan. Generally, they supply you with easy to follow booklets to help you with portions and food choices (called exchanges). She will adjust these exchanges bases on your weight fluctuations. You will learn a tremendous amount about nutrition and correct food choices benefiting yourself (and your family in the long run). Maybe after you feel secure enough to go it on your own any number of the online programs would be helpful.

Just some thoughts,
Robin

ETA: I am small, but I must admit I could "never" only eat 1200 calories in a day.

 

[amyg]

Cbelle-
I'm chiming in with another opinion you're not eating enough. I gained 3 pounds in a couple months when I wasn't eating enough last fall.
I also think the dietician would LOVE to see you!!! In my experience, many of them have patients who "have" to go see them (like recently diagnosed diabetics like I was once, etc)... the fact you're there to get their help, they're going to love to help you since you'll be so responsive!!
Good luck!