Positive comments about my weight loss make me really uncomfortable and embarrassed

Today a uni pal I hadn’t seen in a while came over, and in front of some of our friends loudly asked me if I’d lost weight. He had the best intentions, however all I felt was incredibly embarrassed and uncomfortable, and didn’t know how to respond before making a joke of it and changing the subject.

Having grown up fat, weight has always been a really sensitive subject for me, and until a few years ago I could barely stand to be part of any conversation pertaining to weight, regardless of whether mine was involved, which it almost never was. I’ve never been able to discuss my weight with anyone, jokingly or not, and it took me almost a year to say anything to my therapist.

I’ve lost about 10kg over a couple months so it’s been a slow progress and not too many people have noticed, however whenever anyone does my reaction is always the same - embarrassed and uncomfortable. I never really understood why until someone pointed out to me that essentially someone acknowledging my weight loss means acknowledging I used to be(/still am, just less) fat, and that my weight is an issue. Even though I rationally know everyone can see my body and see I’m overweight, I’m always in gentle denial due to the shame I carry over my weight.

Anyone else experience similar feelings?

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The 30 Most Popular Dessert Recipes of All Time

Nutrisystem makes losing weight easy because you don’t have to give up the kinds of foods you really enjoy, including deliciously sweet treats. You can satisfy your cravings for dessert with lots of options from the Nutrisystem snack menu. When it’s time for something extra special, try one of our easy recipes, each high in satisfaction yet low in calories. We love them all, but these are the most shared and liked.

Here are the top pinned dessert recipes of all time:

1. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups >

Make a better version of everybody’s favorite candy in minutes and have a supply on hand for whenever you’re ready. Bonus: the peanut butter provides one PowerFuel.

2. Cinnamon Spice Baked Apples >

It’s no surprise this delicious dish made the list; it’s packed with everyone’s favorite fall flavors and it’s super simple to make.

3. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies >

There’s no better combo than chocolate and mint. And there’s nothing better than being able to enjoy the decadent duo in diet-friendly cookies like these!

4. No-Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bites >

The picture says it all. This sweet treat is a light and airy option that makes perfect finger food at parties. Just be sure to double the batch: A dessert this delicious won’t last long!

5. Maple Walnut Fudge >

Featuring all the flavor of that utterly indulgent dessert, fudge, this delicious recipe is so sweet and so creamy, you’ll have trouble believing you can enjoy it while losing weight.

6. Cake Batter “Nice Cream” >

Nice cream is basically ice cream that’s nice to your waistline. And this one definitely does not disappoint. Wait till you find out what the delicious and healthy secret ingredient is!

7. 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies >

Featuring just four simple ingredients, this is one dessert you won’t have to work for. Good thing, because we’re confident that once you give it a try, it will become a staple in your post-dinner repertoire.

8. No-Bake Samoa Chocolate Cookies >

Chocolate-lovers go crazy for this delicious dessert that’s jam-packed with flavor… not with guilt.

9. Blueberry Almond “Nice Cream” >

Our readers love this refreshing treat during the hot summer months, when frozen temptations abound, because it’s sweet, cold and totally guilt-free.

10. Decadent Grasshopper Mint Brownie >

Turn your Nutrisystem Fudge Brownie into a super-indulgent dessert with a layer of quick minty frosting. All that flavor for just 179 calories per serving? Somebody, pinch us!

11. Skinny Cannoli Dip >

We bet you never thought you’d see the words “skinny” and “cannoli” in the same sentence, huh? Lucky for you, we’ve found a way to combine the two into sweet, creamy harmony. This one is perfect for parties and gatherings. Just lay out some fruit slices or graham crackers and you’re all set to be the hostess with the mostess!

12. Low-Fat Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge >

You can enjoy sinking your teeth into a thick piece of fudge and stay on track to your weight loss goal. This simple recipe takes just three ingredients—chocolate chips, peanut butter and almond milk.

13. Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing >

This one isn’t just pretty, it’s super tasty, too! Plus, it’s packed with all kinds of nutrients like antioxidents, vitamin C and fiber.

14. Crust-less Pumpkin Pie >

Celebrate the autumn holidays—or any coffee break—with a slice of this light but flavorful pie. It’s easy to make even if you have no baking skills.

15. Berry-Easy Bread Pudding Mug Cake >

When you’re in the mood for real comfort food, a few spoonfuls of this warm dish will hit the spot. With individual servings in each mug, you’re sure to eat just the right amount.

16. Chocolate Cherry Bliss Balls >

Made with just five ingredients, these sweet and chocolatey bites are rich and satisfying. And they’re so easy to prepare—no cooking necessary.

17. No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bites >

Yes, we’re talking about chocolate chip cheesecake, with the creamy texture and rich flavor you love, but only 115 calories per serving. Plus, you get two PowerFuels that keep you feeling full for hours.

18. Vanilla Berry Ricotta Mousse >

Creamy, whipped ricotta combines with fresh produce for a fruity favorite you don’t have to regret.

19. Salted Chocolate Pretzel Bread Pudding >

Just when you thought the Nutrisystem Soft Pretzel couldn’t get any better, this recipe enters the picture. The perfect combo of sweet and salty, this delicious take on a Nutrisystem snack is so decadent, it’s hard to believe it’s diet-friendly.

20. Kiwi Strawberry Slushie >

Naturally sweet and ridiculously refreshing, this fruity favorite will take your taste buds on a tropical get-away… without all the guilt of traditional frozen drinks.

21. Gingerbread Freezer Fudge >

Nothing says fall like the distinct flavor of gingerbread. And now, you can enjoy the seasonal staple all year round, thanks to this delicious fudge recipe that combines a few simple ingredients to create an unbelievably tasty treat.

22. Snickerdoodle Energy Balls >

Our readers absolutely adore these tasty little energy snacks because they’re jam-packed with flavor and they’re super simple to eat on the go.

23. Gluten-Free Chewy Ginger Cookies >

You can choose from lots of cookie options on the Nutrisystem menu, but when you’re hankering for the aroma and taste of fresh-baked, try putting a batch of these in your oven. The blend of ginger, cinnamon, molasses and vanilla bring maximum flavor to these soft and chewy cookies.

24. Red White and Blue Pudding Cup >

With three layers of flavor to dig into, each bite is juicy, smooth and creamy, and so sweet. Better make extra—the whole family is sure to want their own.

25. Peachy Honey Whipped Ricotta >

Sweet, creamy and packed with nutrition, one bite of this fabulously fruity, and you’ll be feeling peachy keen. And don’t worry: If you’re not a fan of peaches, you can easily swap them for any of your favorite fruits.

26. Chocolate Coconut Mug Cake >

Who knew such decadence could be made in a mug? Featuring a few simple ingredients, this decadent dessert is perfect for chocolate-lovers who don’t want to sabotage their slim-down. The sweetest part? No oven, necessary. Just pop your mug in the microwave and you’re good to go!

27. Pumpkin Spice Freezer Fudge >

The quintessential fall flavor, pumpkin spice tastes good in everything from coffee  to cake. And now, pumpkin spice tastes twice as nice in fudge! Creamy and sweet, this fudge is rich and decadent but totally guilt-free.

28. Salted Caramel “Nice” Cream >

Here’s the perfect blend of flavors: Gooey, sweet caramel with a spark of salt mixed in and on top frosty sweet banana-vanilla “nice” cream. It’s a sundae you can enjoy just about any day.

29. Pecan Pie Fudge >

This fudge isn’t just adorable… it’s totally tasty, too. Whip up a big batch over the weekend and have fabulous fudge at your fingertips whenever sweet treat cravings strike.

30. Easy Thumbprint Cookies >

Our readers love these crunchy little cookies because they’re easy to make and packed with fruity flavor. Bring these sweet treats to any party or gathering and we promise you they will be a huge hit.

The post The 30 Most Popular Dessert Recipes of All Time appeared first on The Leaf.

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6 Reasons You’re Tired All The Time

Our lives are so busy these days most of us feel exhausted when bedtime comes. But if you feel constantly fatigued during the day for no obvious reason, the cause could be a medical condition such as hypothyroidism, sleep apnea or undiagnosed diabetes. If your doctor clears you of those afflictions and you still feel tired all the time, the choices you make during the day may be the culprit. Being tired all day doesn’t just affect your energy level—it’s a common cause of overeating, which can work against your weight loss goals. Are any of these choices sapping your energy?

1. Skipping breakfast. You may not feel hungry when you first wake up, but a morning meal powers up your body when it has not been refueled for 10 hours or more. If you start your day with just a cup of coffee, you can be in an energy deficit for hours afterward. Solution: Eat a small meal or at least a snack each morning. An energizing breakfast includes whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. If eating doesn’t appeal to you early in the day, sip a smoothie made with low-fat milk, peanut butter and fruit.

2. Eating simple carbohydrates. Refined sugars, processed grains and other simple carbs can produce rapid spikes in your blood sugar, which invariably are followed by steep drops. Low blood sugar feels a lot like exhaustion. Solution: Keep your blood sugar levels steady by eating whole (unprocessed) foods, especially when snacking. Fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, or plain yogurt are smart options when hunger strikes between meals.

3. Lack of iron. Your body relies on iron to help carry oxygen in your blood to your organs and muscles. A persistent lack of iron in your blood is known as “anemia,” a condition that your doctor can treat. But anyone not getting enough iron may feel tired, sluggish, or just unable to focus. Solution: Be sure to include iron-rich foods in your daily diet. Eggs, lean beef, kidney beans and dark leafy green vegetables are all healthy sources of the mineral.

How to Drink More Water

Read More

4. Dehydration. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your metabolism slows down, your blood thickens (reducing the oxygen and nutrients that are supplied to your organs and muscles), and your energy level declines. Even before you start feeling thirsty, your body’s water supply may be below the optimum you need to stay alert and active.
Solution: Drink water and other fluids continually throughout your day. The recommended daily intake for women, according to the Mayo Clinic, is about nine cups (2.2 liters) of total beverages a day, for men it’s about 13 cups (3 liters).

5. Caffeine and alcohol. If you rely on coffee or soda to perk you up during the day or if you drink a nightcap to help you fall asleep, you may find that they have the opposite effect than you expect. While caffeine acts as a stimulant for most of us, an article published in the journal US Pharmacist reports that too much actually causes fatigue in some people. Alcohol, on the other hand, does act as a sedative, but it creates a “rebound effect” as it’s metabolized, stimulating a surge in adrenaline. That’s why you may wake up during the night after you’ve been drinking. Solution: If you’re feeling fatigued during the day, try drinking a glass of water rather than a second or third cup of coffee. And stop drinking alcohol at least three hours before bedtime.

How to Cut Back on Soda

Read More

6. Insufficient sleep. The average person needs around eight hours of sleep each night, but many of us are not getting it. According to a 2013 Gallup Poll, 40 percent of Americans get slightly fewer than seven hours. Up to 26 percent of us get no more than six hours. Studies show that people who sleep less than seven hours a day tend to gain more weight than those who get seven hours of slumber. Sleep-deprived people often have reduced levels of leptin (the compound that makes you feel full) and increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger-stimulating hormone). Solution: Keep your bedtime as consistent as possible to be sure you get no less than seven hours of sleep. By the way, use of electronic devices (such as smart phones and tablets) just before bed stimulates your brain and can keep you from falling asleep. Set aside the distractions before you settle in so you can easily drift off to a healthy, refreshing snooze.

The post 6 Reasons You’re Tired All The Time appeared first on The Leaf.

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Struggling with re-gain, and need motivation

A little back story...At the beginning of 2012, I weighed 310lbs (I’m a fairly short female). I began losing weight with CICO and by May 2016 was down to 137lbs. At that time, I was no longer menstruating and was struggling with some other symptoms that were seemingly related to my weight loss (met with several doctors, and my horomones had taken a huge dive with no other obvious causes). So I started maintaining and settled around 146-150lbs. I was pretty happy with my weight then.

I then got pregnant (intentionally) and was placed on bed rest for 10 weeks. I lost all muscle tone, and put on nearly 60lbs. My baby is 1 year now, and I’m still really struggling with losing the weight and getting back to 150 (initial goal I’m setting). I’ve got nearly 30 lbs left to go and it’s going so slow!

Please tell me, if you previously lost a significant amount of weight and re-gained, I need some success stories that I can get back there! I keep seeing old pics of myself at lowest weight and it makes me want to cry. Thanks!

TLDR: I lost 170+lbs over 4.5 years, gained some back during pregnancy and am struggling to lose it again.

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I gained 20 lbs :-(

Title says it all. Since Christmas, I've gained 20 pounds. I've essentially been eating whatever & whenever and had virtually no exercise. Of course, I've done this hundreds of times before, so it's not really a surprise that I've lapsed.

There are some important differences though, between now and all the other times I've fallen off the wagon.

1. I only had 2 or 3 binges like I used to have before. Given that I used to do that almost daily, that's a major positive change.
2. I haven't given up. Usually by now the ol' fat logic would kick in, I'd throw in the towel and eat myself to oblivion. Not this time. I stepped on the scale today, I logged everything yesterday and will again today.
3. I'm not beating myself up over it. Well, not too much. I am being a bit forceful with myself. After all, I've made some bad decisions and I need to do better but it's more about correction than punishment. If I punish myself, I'll feel bad, then I'll eat to feel better, then I'll punish myself, and so on. So definitely not doing that!
4. I'm treating it as a learning experience, which is advice I've given others when they stray. I learned that as my relationship with food normalizes over time, there is always risk. I can't get complacent and then talk myself into eating poorly. I learned that holidays can be dangerous and that if I allow myself a couple of days break from eating well, it could very well turn into months and a 20 pound gain. I also learned the value of exercise! Earlier I learned that exercising feels good but now I know just how bad not exercising feels.
5. This might sound wonky, but it's *only* 20 pounds. I'm used to gaining a hundred pounds between weight loss efforts! I'll be able to recover from this fairly quickly and I'll be right as rain in no time.

Thanks for listening!

Edit: I updated my flair to reflect my current weight. It's important to be honest and not feel ashamed.

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Shift work & my dramatic gain. Help!

So during 3 years of university and now 3 years into a full-time shift work position with very random back to back shifts, night shifts, and sporadic days off - my eating habits have gone to absolute shit. At my healthiest I was fully vegan and very conscious of what I ate. I have seen myself go from 70kg --> 85kg --> 105kg and recently my heaviest was +/- 135kg. At 70kg I had managed to lose 30kg during high school but only kept it off for around 18 months before the gain began.

That's insane to me, that I have almost doubled my lowest weight in 6 years. And what hurts the most is that my doctor suggested weight loss surgery, that he thinks it's gotten that bad. I'm distraught and feeling so bad about myself. I have loosely joined a gym and go at least once a week, at most 3 times a week. But i just never have the energy to cook healthy meals or prep anything for my long shifts. I have around 60kg to lose in order for me to feel healthy and more comfortable in my skin.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar issues with massive weight gain and how did you lose the weight, change your habits for good + keep it off? I'm scared I could potentially keep gaining weight... I'm so scared.

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50+ lbs weight loss in ~5 months, and a look at some details.

https://imgur.com/a/el14wV3

I started just below 100kg early October. I weigh less than 75kg now. I have had multi day binges, I have partied, I have stopped dieting entirely. I also started exercising, started a new job... I'm trying to show an example of weight loss in the context of a regular life where things get in the way.

To make it quick, I have eaten less than 900 kcal for a few months, most of the time doing only one meal a day (this wasn't planned, this is just how it felt best). I mostly eat canned vegetables, soup, fruit, cottage cheese, nuts, and meat.

My exercise in the beginning was just walking my dog between around 1.5 - 2 hours a day, and going everywhere by bike. I have now added running and crossfit.

I can answer any question you might have, what foods I ate, what I did, how I felt, how were the binges...

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