Weight Loss

Hi,  I have done all of the things that you have done.  I lost 1/2 of the weight that I wanted to lose the first year, and lost most of the second amount I wanted to lose the second year.  I changed the form of exercise because I wanted to have more people in my life.  I am your age.  I found doing the same exercises every day (walking is great) but I was doing it alone, or with an older dog.   I chose to do deep water exercises with a teacher.  I did this for one hour a day, 5 days a week.  What I found out by being in a class, is that the other people in the class become your partners in feeling and being healthy.  I was doing this 6 day a week and was feeling great.  But I broke a bone in my foot and tore a tendon and couldn’t get into the pool.  My pool friends called me to make sure I was alright.  And they continue to encourage me in my return to the pool.  I found that social part of the exercises made going each morning at 7:30 something I looked forward to and miss greatly now.  So, perhaps part of what might help is something like that.  And by the way, 4 people in that 10 foot deep pool don’t swim.  We all wear floatation gear around out waists and use whatever the teacher gives us to do all kinds of different exercises.  It makes it fun, silly, exhausting and I am in great shape.  I still have 10 lbs to lose, but that will happen as soon as I re apply myself to the total purpose of why and how I am doing what I am doing to be ALL I CAN BE.  Purpose behind losing the weight in the first place was to not have knee replacement surgery.  When I went two years after the diagnosis to see the Dr. and told him I didn’t need the surgery as I had no pain, and had lost 50 lbs. and that I exercised in a pool 6 days a week, He was thrilled, moved my knee and said, “Don’t get out of the pool (best all around exercise program you can continue for the rest of your life) and keep doing what you are doing.”  So, I applaud all you are already doing and believe simply adding an additive program involving people might help.  Also, I find that eating fish more than other protein has been helpful.  I hope that helps.

Sounds like you are doing many great things for yourself! Really wonderful to hear! Stubborn weight can be related to several factors besides diet and exercise including environmental toxicity, hormone imbalances, gut dysbiosis, and stress.

1) Think about where you might be able to clear out some environmental toxins like pesticides (think organic!), air and water pollution (if you can, get an air and water filter), and exposure to chemicals that can actually influence our metabolism (ie: cleaning products, body care products etc. See “Think Dirty” or “Environmental Working Group” for information on better alternatives).

2) Stress is a huge factor in our bodies holding on to weight no matter what we do. Consider your stress management/relieving activities, and include them often (socializing, meditation, creative pursuits, being in nature, etc.).

3) Gut health: our history of using antibiotics, artificial sweetener use, and exercise are just a few things that can create imbalance in our gut flora (between the “good” and “bad” bacteria), causing us to have difficulty losing weight. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, and taking a high quality probiotic supplement is essential for rebalancing.

4)  Hormone imbalances such as an under-functioning thyroid or high cortisol levels also have major influences on weight. If you haven’t recently, you might request a comprehensive hormone panel with an integrative physician.

Do any of these sound like areas you haven’t yet explored? Best! -Zoe

I’ve tried losing weight by eating healthier and exercising but my weight keeps climbing.  I’m 72 years old.  I have decided to try the diet pill that the Shark Tank people supposedly invested in.  What do you think.  I’ve already ordered it.

I’ve tried losing weight by eating healthier and exercising but my weight keeps climbing.  I’m 72 years old.  I have decided to try the diet pill that the Shark Tank people supposedly invested in.  What do you think.  I’ve already ordered it.

I am assuming you are referencing the turmeric/forskolin combination supplement, but let me know if you mean another product. Turmeric has many powerful anti-inflammatory effects and there is some research on its ability to help to attenuate weight gain in animals fed a high fat diet, as does forskolin. As with any supplement, I always caution to not rely solely on it for maintaining health, as the other factors you mentioned you are doing (eating well and exercising) are beneficial on multiple levels, not only for weight management but also for prevention of multiple diseases and optimal brain health. Best!