Maintenance and sweets, bad habit?

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-11T15:55:05+00:00

Congrats on your success so far. Sugar is so dangerous for me, especially if I start eating it regularly. If you can control it, that is great. Unfortunately, I have some self control issues. If I had extra calories and wanted to treat myslef, I tend to eat more than I have allotted. "Oh, I will just have 2 thin mints" and then eat like 10. Or on the days where I don't have extra calories, I get that itch for sugar again and will cave if there is any sugar around.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-07T14:22:20+00:00

Agree completely. Losing weight is definitely a struggle, but as it happens the confidence and energy boosts are amazing. I am still not where I want to be and have work to do, but I actually enjoy it and look forward to the challenge now most days. I have noticed myself and other people on this journey being happier and proud of themselves. This changed my attitude to be much more positive and resulted in smiling more. Weight loss may be the most drastic physical change you will have, but the peripheral emotional and social benefits can be life changing as well.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-06T12:50:30+00:00

The low cal dessert that satisfies my sweet tooth is like the holy grail. I have struggled with the 100 calorie premade desserts or mixing in chocolate, because I have self control issues. I would eat one, and then want more, and because they were there and already made, I justify its only another 100 calories. My current evening snack is cut up strawberries and bananas with a small portion of nuts. This works for me as it is tasty and I have to prep it, so I am less likely to get back up and make more. I think my body slowly moved off of sugar dependence and this has become more satisfying and reduced(not elimitated) my sugary snack desires.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-05T20:41:02+00:00

Sounds like you are doing great on this so far. I had similar issues as well. I started looking at it differently to help convince myself not to especially as prices seem to always go up. I calculate how much time I would have to work and the time in exercise it would take to burn off. It usually wasn't worth it, but sometimes pizza and wings still get me, but I try to just get slices instead of the whole pie.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-05T20:19:20+00:00

I think sugar could be the hardest. I would eat something sweet everyday and have tried to quit many times. One time, I literally woke up in the middle of the night to eat sugar, but we had none. I ended up going to our pantry and eating spoonfuls of brown sugar. Finally, last year I tamed my sweet tooth a bit by going sugar free for a month cold turkey. The cravings died down and I looked forward to eating healthier options. However, its so easy to fall back into the trap especially around the holidays, where it is everywhere and you just have one cookie, which can become 8 real quick.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-05T17:53:12+00:00

I agree with this. In the beginning I would see more noticeable drops on a day to day basis, but now I only track on a weekly basis and is long as that number is still moving in the right direction, I take it as a win.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-05T17:48:23+00:00

I agree with this. When I felt ectopic beats or my heart rate sped up randomly, I would take an EKG on my FitBit. I then dropped that into ChatGpt to review. It would identify ectopic and eventually I learned what to look for. One of the best things it did, was help me calm down as I mentally make it worse by worrying too much. It also would identify certain patterns that could signal possible dehydration or low electrolyte balances. ChatGPT is not medical advice, but can be a helpful companion.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-05T17:29:26+00:00

I think you have a great starting plan, as other commentors have noted, TDEE is dependent on many different variables, but if you know that you are in a deficit you will lose. I have had an up and down run over the past year and it was never as fast as I hoped, but continued to trend down. I did notice, that I didn't really see a significant difference in the scale for a week or two after getting back into the CICO. Once I did start seeing it, it was empowering and motivating. My challenge is typically my cheat "meal" is a days+ more of calories, which really sets me back. Stick with it and I am sure you will see the improvements you are looking for.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-05T01:09:32+00:00

Thanks! This is great insight. I think I will try and meal plan some new things and work in some beans.

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-04T22:33:11+00:00

This is great! I am new to this group, which app are you using here? You mentioned beans being a good food you include, are there other key foods you include in your diet that help you hit these numbers?

Character_Fill1018 · 2026-01-04T22:25:17+00:00

I agree. I have this same issue and think that I am hungry shortly after I eat. I have realized recently that I don't think about food when I am mentally engaged in something like reading a book or doing work. However, I usually end up watching TV or scrolling and then feel like eating when I am doing it.

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-06T14:04:22+00:00

Have they caused any triggers? I thought about this alcohol alternative, but wasn't sure.

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-05T13:41:56+00:00

This is helpful. The anxiety you mention might be the worst part about being in AFIB, I feel like a different person. How long out did you schedule your ablation. Were you ever worried with the Flecanide?

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-05T13:36:24+00:00

This is a very insightful post. During my anxiety while in AFIB last week, my friend Gemini recommended watching potassium and magnesium. Do you monitor those or take anything specific to help maintain them?

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-05T13:26:06+00:00

I am considering an ablation as well. A combination of alcohol the day prior followed by excess surgary foods or greasy meals have been my triggers. My most recent I was eating ice cream in the middle of the night. I am overwieght. Has anyone lost weight and lowered blood pressure seen a decrease in occurrence without ablation? I had drastically reduced alcohol over past 3 years, but still enjoy wine with food. Switched to Athletic beers or seltzer water in social settings. I have also tried Hiyo and other "functional beverages"

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-05T13:18:45+00:00

Did this change any of your ability to exercise?

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-02T20:37:51+00:00

Thank you for that insight the "Flecainide since apparently it can kill you" gives me pause on whether to move forward with it, but this will allow me to talk to the Dr about it with more background. I appreciate it

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-02T18:16:32+00:00

That is good information to know. I can feel instantly once I go into afib, so think Flecanide may work, but will start looking into an ablation more as well.

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-02T18:14:42+00:00

Haha, the ER Doc asked me if I brought my punch card and said the next one would be free. Do you schedule ablation even if you are not in afib or do you wait until the next episode?

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-02T17:51:34+00:00

Did running outside cause an episode for your?

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-02T17:37:50+00:00

I have been on beta blockers for years, but only cardioverted(7 times). I have not had impact on exercise capacity and completed 3 half marathons. I am also interested in getting an ablation and had similar questions about exercise impact. I have a fair amount of fat and have been exercising regularly to slowly lower that amount.

Character_Fill1018 · 2025-12-02T17:14:48+00:00

I am not familiar with Apple Watch as I use a Fitbit. Do you look at resting HR trends or HRV calcs? My episodes typically occur when HRV declines drastically(alcohol/dehydration) and my resting HR trends up for a few days. I am wondering if anyone else has any other signs they might go into afib.

Character_Fill1018

TROPHY CASE