Topic : A Circle of Friends with Loving Support

Mary, I have the same problems around snacks--especially chocolate.  I forget exactly how many trips my trainer told me, but a small Snickers bar equaled 25 +/- trips walking the football field.  That ruined Snickers.  I psych myself out many times.  This is gross, but I imagine that someone did something nasty to them--something that I wouldn't touch even if I was truly hungry.  That often works for me.

 

I also carry baby carrots or carrot sticks to munch on.  They are relatively clean to snack on and are portable.  I can chew and work at the same time.  Fat free pop corn is also good.  The small 100 calorie packs provide a lot of snacking time if you just eat one piece at a time.

 

I also like SlimFast snack bars to satisfy my chocolate needs--like you said, it isn't hunger....this is brain cravings.  They have a chewy carmel one that I can nibble on but have something to chew.

 

I also take grapes in my bag for meetings....they are sweet and also easy to eat.  I like them better in meetings as I can still listen and chew.  I can't hear much when I'm chewing on a carrot.

 

You are in a challenge that I haven't completely figured out yet myself. 

 

I often focus on the quote that stuck in my head from somewhere:  Don't give up easily on what you REALLY for something that you want in the moment. 

 

Hang in there, girl.  You'll figure out something that will help you,

Hugs,

Anita

Hi, Anita.  Thanks for telling me about the Natural History Museum in Atlanta.   I go to Marietta monthly for my Navy drill, and I've been thinking about arranging to stay an extra day and have my husband and the kids join me.  The Atlanta Zoo is a wonderful place, of course, but I didn't even know about the Natural History Museum.  We'll have to check it out!

 

Luckily, my two are great travelers.  But I have to remember that when I was there age, Gameboys and DVD players didn't exist!  They make traveling easier, but we have to be careful that they don't get "electronically isolated."  Every so often, we say, "Turn off the 'stuff' and let's play a car game, enjoy the scenery, talk about what we see, tell each other stories, etc., etc."  It's just too easy to let Pokemon babysit.    I'm glad my husband and I are on the same page with this.

 

Gertie

Bren, congratulations on the 50 pounds.  How'd you do it???

 

Jeanne, happy travels!  I've visited New England only once, when I was 9 (I'm 47), and have always wanted to go back -- especially in the fall!

 

Mary, I'm ADD too.  Didn't find out until my daughter was diagnosed, and just for fun, I took the quiz she was given.  I'm more so than she is! 

 

Anita, good luck with the chefs in your family!  Ask them if they cook tomato-based sauces instead of cream-based.  Also ask about marinades.  They should be experienced with those.  Lots of people prefer them, so a 5-star restaurant should have them on the menu!!!  :-)

 

Oh yes, Mary, I keep zip-lock bags of frozen grapes in the freezer at work.  They take a long time to eat and help satisfy a sweet tooth.

 

My daughter and I just got braces on our teeth.  She's lamenting the fact that she can't have popcorn or caramel, but she's very creative.  Last night when my husband and son made popcorn (grrr...), she got a bowl of Cheerios without milk.  She said it took her as long to eat them as popcorn, and it helped.  A wise 9-year-old!

 

Gertie

Grapes and other frozen munchies... 

Thank you, that's a good thought Gertie and Anita...  I'll see what I can do. :)

 

As I posted elsewhere to Anita I have moved through a lot of the grief of diagnosis now...  It was mainly tied up with the 'not knowing' for so long.  The shame and the guilt that resulted from behaviors and tendencies that I didn't understand left quite a legacy of self doubt and distrust.  If you can't trust yourself to be consistent and don't understand why you are brilliant under some circumstances and pathetic another time It is difficult not to internalize that.

 

I have spent the last few weeks learning all that I can about this brain and the theories surrounding AD/HD.  I've been reading books by world leaders on the subject...  So powerful!!  The news is all good.

 

I've found that compulsive over-eating is a commonly reported behavior amongst woman with AD/HD, more so than any other eating disorder and also that when the AD/HD is treated effectively the food issues become much easier to deal with.  It's got to do with the impulsively.... I know that even at my best I make poor decisions when I am tired.  This is really when my frontal cortex isn't moderating decisions anymore and I am operating with the 'Lizard Brain', that ancient part of the brain that directly wires into the pleasure center that food stimulates so well.

 

Every piece of information I can tie into how I use the 7 keys...  I even discovered that I require protein in my breakfast because it makes my brain work more effectively...  It's so simple and works on so many levels...

 

My choice of ballet as my interest when I was growing up was actually one of the best things I could have done according to research on exercise and AD/HD by John Ratey... explains why things didn't really fall apart until 17 when I had to quit classical ballet after 10 year and hormones hit at the same time.  John recommends any martial art, ballet and gymnastics as his top 3 sports to assist the AD/HD individual's brain and life to operate at it's smoothest.

 

I love my Karate.... and I'm heading back into vigorous training.

 

I have much more support now... I'm seeing a therapist weekly.  My husband is getting help with treatment for his long-term depression and my rather difficult  DD16 is finally allowing us to get help for her too.

 

I'm spending much more of my day doing the things that light me up.  These are the interests that fire my brain and allow me to funnel energy into other things...

 

As I said, It's all good!

 

Enjoying the sunshine,

 

Mary DownUnder

Just have a couple minutes, but Gertie I'm going to try the frozen grapes at home.  I could walk around quite a while with one grape. 

 

Thanks for the good ideas.

 

Had a really busy weekend....whew!!  And am I sure this morning.  Got down on the floor and actually got up by myself...now my legs hurt like crazy from that and the walking and stairs that I did.

 

Hugs,

Anita

Gertie, It took me about a year and a half to lose 50 pounds.  I worked with a Dietian and she helped me with things to eat that I like.  I don't eat red meat or pork.  I eat vegetable soup almost every night.  I also follow Dr. Phil's 7 Keys like a no fail environment really helps me.  The circle of support on this message board is very important to me as I check the message boards daily.  I exercise at least 5 days a week and enjoy swimming and walking.  I still have more weight to go on my weight loss journey.  Thanks for asking.  Have a good day.  Take care! :) Bren

Thanks, Bren, for the good info!  It sounds like you do all the right things.  On any given day, I do some of the right things, but I'm inconstent.  Right now I'm doing pretty well with the food, not so good with the IE.  I'm joining the Y today (waited till Oct 1 because of a special this month; they're waiving the registration fee, which will save us about $90), and I've made a schedule for myself.  It's equal parts swimming, workout room (which could be weights, treadmill, or bike), and playing with the kids.  A day off is also built in.  If I stick with what I've got written down, I should make progress!

 

Mary, I'm so glad things are going well for you.  My daughter said that once she started taking her ADD medication, she stopped eating out of boredom.  I think that's because she can now focus on things she likes to do:  drawing, reading, dancing, etc.  She also takes karate, and I always noticed that during class, even before she started the medication, she was very focused.

 

Anita and everyone else, hello and I hope you're all having a great day!

 

Gertie 

 

Gertie, I think that consistency is the most important thing in weight loss.  The YMCA is great.  That is where my mom and I swim.  You will really enjoy it.  Have a great day.  Take care! :) Bren

C21kimmy@aol.com

I don't blame you for laughing...it was funny!  E-mail me any time C21kimmy@aol.com.

 

LOL

 

Kim