I know I *need* to change my diet---but I don't *want* to

[Anonymous]

In general I eat a pretty good diet. I'm mostly vegetarian (sometimes will eat fish), gluten free and mostly dairy free. I have an autoimmune disorder that gluten and dairy exacerbate so I was able to cut those out and see some health benefits. It wasn't as tough as I had expected for it to be. I do either a 16/8 or 18/6 fast on weekdays and most weekends.

The thing is, I still have inflammation and cannot lose any weight (I have about 20 pounds to lose). I know I need to try a more restrictive diet like AIP or the like, but I have a really difficult time getting on board with it. I still enjoy being able to indulge in things like some chips at our weekly neighborhood get togethers or some frozen chocolate covered banana bites for dessert a few times per week or some peanuts as a snack. Not to mention nightshades--I LOVE tomatoes and bell peppers!

I know I need to get stricter about what I'm eating but it just seems like so much work to have compliant foods at every single meal and to not be able to have any "treats". I love food and am not one of those "eat to live" people although I need to become one.

Is it easier to make gradual changes or just rip off the bandaid and make a sudden change? If you have made a change like this how did you do it and how successful were you? What benefits did you see and could you sustain the diet long term?

Maybe if I hear success stories I'll be more motivated to try? You would think feeling and looking better would be motivation enough, but I'm struggling with the preparation needed and loss of spontaneity, in addition to how I'll endure social situations.

[Anonymous]

You’re already dairy free, gluten free, meat free...I would be pulling my hair out!! I just count calories and avoid sugar/bready carbs and it works for me. But I know having an autoimmune disorder is more complicated. What are your symptoms?? Sending you sympathies!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re already dairy free, gluten free, meat free...I would be pulling my hair out!! I just count calories and avoid sugar/bready carbs and it works for me. But I know having an autoimmune disorder is more complicated. What are your symptoms?? Sending you sympathies!

OP here. I have Hashimoto's and IBD. IBD is mostly controlled by Remicade but I still have some breakthrough symptoms like joint/muscle pain, fatigue and brain fog. I've counted calories and macros (1200 calories/day) and didn't lose any weight and felt deprived. I don't eat a lot of sugar/bready carbs--a little easier being gluten free--but I do enjoy the other things I mentioned. Taking even more things out of my diet will put me in the mindset of having very little choice and variety in what I eat which makes it hard to sustain. I know I need to get into the mindset of only eating foods that will make me feel good, but it's just really difficult when I'm already limited in what I eat.

As much as I want the health benefits, I also REALLY want to lose weight. It is so frustrating when people ask me "with the way you eat, why aren't you skinny?" (yes, people have actually said that) or "you eat the healthiest out of all our friends" and I'm still overweight and feeling bad about myself both physically and mentally. So I know I need to do more than I'm currently doing, but the idea of restricting even further (no bell peppers or tomatoes ) is really tough to swallow.

[Anonymous]

Can you try some new things that might help replace your desire for tomatoes and bell peppers. For example, jicama and snap peas? Also, I lost 15 lbs over 2 months when I stopped being a vegetarian and introduced lean meat like chicken and turkey. In your case, maybe more fish if not willing to eat chicken or turkey.

[Anonymous]

Is 20 lbs worth taking out all food that gives you joy and basically just subsisting? Not sure it would be for me. You are already very restricted by your sensitivities. Just not sure I could handle cutting out things like tomatoes that give my already limited diet some enjoyment factor just to lose some weight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re already dairy free, gluten free, meat free...I would be pulling my hair out!! I just count calories and avoid sugar/bready carbs and it works for me. But I know having an autoimmune disorder is more complicated. What are your symptoms?? Sending you sympathies!

OP here. I have Hashimoto's and IBD. IBD is mostly controlled by Remicade but I still have some breakthrough symptoms like joint/muscle pain, fatigue and brain fog. I've counted calories and macros (1200 calories/day) and didn't lose any weight and felt deprived. I don't eat a lot of sugar/bready carbs--a little easier being gluten free--but I do enjoy the other things I mentioned. Taking even more things out of my diet will put me in the mindset of having very little choice and variety in what I eat which makes it hard to sustain. I know I need to get into the mindset of only eating foods that will make me feel good, but it's just really difficult when I'm already limited in what I eat.

As much as I want the health benefits, I also REALLY want to lose weight. It is so frustrating when people ask me "with the way you eat, why aren't you skinny?" (yes, people have actually said that) or "you eat the healthiest out of all our friends" and I'm still overweight and feeling bad about myself both physically and mentally. So I know I need to do more than I'm currently doing, but the idea of restricting even further (no bell peppers or tomatoes ) is really tough to swallow.

Honestly OP I think you laid it out -- further restricting your diet is likely to backfire. You'll end up gaining, not losing. Also what makes you think that cutting out peppers and tomatoes is necessary?

I would focus on exercising instead of restricting your diet. Not because it will help you lose weight, but because it will make you feel better.

[Anonymous]

At this point, keep your diet the same and add activity to your day. Even a 30 min walk at lunch would help - maybe not 20 pounds, but 5-10 isn’t out of the realm of realistic.

[Anonymous]

Most people with Hashimotos have a hard time losing weight, even on meds. Don’t beat yourself up! I think you will only lose weight with calorie counting but 1200 is too low by far. For context I am only five foot one and about 115 but I have lost weight before and I eat 1450 to lose and 1800 or more to maintain, roughly. I can lose at 1600, slowly.inalso exercise 3-5 times a week, a mix of cardio and weights, but nothing crazy, seriously. Like a 35-45 min workout.

[Anonymous]

Are you active at all? I wonder if 1200 isn’t enough for your body and so you’re hoarding fat as a result.

I’m trying to figure out with my body as well. I’ve been vegetarian since the 90s but just recently decided to drastically reduce dairy as I’m lactose intolerant. I suspect that I have a gluten intolerance as well that I’ve been trying to ignore, because I just can’t imagine eliminating anything else. I’m trying to lose 10 lbs myself. I decided this month to focus on an audacious fitness goal so that I have a “why”. I figured that I can tough it out for 3 months and then look at my progress and go from there. I have lost 4 lbs and toned so far (started two weeks ago).

[Anonymous]

How long have you been on that diet OP? I have been gluten/corn/oat/dairy free for about than 10 years and I am finding it difficult to find something to eat (mostly in the am). The upside is that my autoimmune issues are much better and I can function almost normally. I wouldn't advise you to restrict even more. Maybe try to figure out what foods are causing you problem. In my case I noticed long ago that xanthan gum had the same effect on me as gluten. Oats and corn too. Nuts also don't agree with me at all, unfortunately. Give it time and try to eliminate one at a time then reintroduce and see what happens. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I think you need to talk to your doctor. Being 20 lbs overweight while eating a 1200 diet isn't normal. Tomatoes and bell peppers aren't likely the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to talk to your doctor. Being 20 lbs overweight while eating a 1200 diet isn't normal. Tomatoes and bell peppers aren't likely the problem.

Ut depends how tall OP is and she didn't say. I'm only 5 ft and 1200 calories is definitely high enough for me...short people need fewer calories than taller people (sad reality of my life).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to talk to your doctor. Being 20 lbs overweight while eating a 1200 diet isn't normal. Tomatoes and bell peppers aren't likely the problem.

+1. OP, you need to talk to a serious health care professional, not the peanut gallery on DCUM. Go to your doctor or, even better, a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in IBD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to talk to your doctor. Being 20 lbs overweight while eating a 1200 diet isn't normal. Tomatoes and bell peppers aren't likely the problem.

Ut depends how tall OP is and she didn't say. I'm only 5 ft and 1200 calories is definitely high enough for me...short people need fewer calories than taller people (sad reality of my life).

The advice on this board is laughable. Thanks for the entertainment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to talk to your doctor. Being 20 lbs overweight while eating a 1200 diet isn't normal. Tomatoes and bell peppers aren't likely the problem.

Ut depends how tall OP is and she didn't say. I'm only 5 ft and 1200 calories is definitely high enough for me...short people need fewer calories than taller people (sad reality of my life).

OP here and I'm 5'0". My BMR is terribly low. I've also been to a dietician but her regimen didn't help me feel better or lose weight.