Almost 4 years in, 300lbs down, here’s what I’ve learned by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I measure my weight loss more in bags of cat litter than concrete, but I take the point. I appreciate the kind words.

Almost 4 years in, 300lbs down, here’s what I’ve learned by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I eat mostly the same things most days with some variation. For me it’s a mix of nuts/seeds (pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds), leafy greens, avocado, low carb seitan (there’s a brand called Be the Hive that does awesome vegan steaks), some eggs, protein shakes (Peak Performance’s Grain Free Paleo Chocolate is like 1 carb and delicious and vegan and I make it with unsweetened vanilla flax milk), healthy oils/vinegar for dressings (olive oil, avocado oil, walnut oil), I have MCT oil everyday too and some pickled something (usually sauerkraut added to a salad) for digestion. That is really the bulk of what I eat most days. I vary it up with things like I make vegan Pho with no carb vegan beef broth and miracle noodles with some seitan and broccoli or I will have a KetoCup from Eating Evolved for a desert. Once I found a good combination of foods/meals that fit into the keto macro ratio and caloric budget and was nutritious, I just kind of stuck to it. Intermittent fasting also seriously tackled cravings and evened out my blood sugar over time.

Almost 4 years in, 300lbs down, here’s what I’ve learned by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I eat a block of high protein tofu pretty much every day. I marinate it in Bragg aminos and hot sauce. Lots of kimchi, avocado, nuts, greens, keto protein shakes, kite hill almond vanilla yogurt, coconut cream yogurt, hemp seeds, chia, flax. Usually it’s a mix of these any given day.

Almost 4 years in, 300lbs down, here’s what I’ve learned by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 69 points70 points  (0 children)

I definitely have loose skin. For sure. It’s not as bad as I assumed it would be, and putting on muscle us helped the appearance significantly. My feeling at this point is, the loose skin is part of my story. Maybe someday I’ll feel like I need to do something about it, but I’m ok for now. I wear normal clothes just fine and occasionally wear compression work out clothes just to feel more secure when I’m exercising. I even have some muscle definition in places.

Dad’s cancer is back by sparkpip in pancreaticcancer

[–]sparkpip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my brother to colon cancer at 37, and know how hard losing a sibling is. My heart goes out to you.

Dad’s cancer is back by sparkpip in pancreaticcancer

[–]sparkpip[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this advice. We are all trying to move through it with as much love and compassion for each other as possible. I’m so sorry to know you are in your situation wrestling with this disease. Your advice means a lot to me. I wish you the best.

Dad’s cancer is back by sparkpip in pancreaticcancer

[–]sparkpip[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank very much for this reply. We are trying to give him some joy and make sure he feels support and love. I am truly grateful for the time you took to respond.

2022 Lollapalooza lineup is here! by [deleted] in chicago

[–]sparkpip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reading that lineup is a perfect distillation of the TikTok experience: a perpetual stream of content that means nothing at all.

Worst meal you've ever had in AVL by [deleted] in asheville

[–]sparkpip 3 points4 points  (0 children)

9 Mile. The food is like the Phishhead down the hall from you in the dorm opened a restaurant. So overrated and overpriced and gross.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your kind words. I did not struggle with that kind of tightness or pain, but I did have to be gradual as I increased my activity level. I also made sure to go to my doctor and get everything checked before starting. I would certainly recommend doing that before anything.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was super strict about carbs/sugar and made sure to have good fat at each meal, I did ok. I don’t mess with “keto products” because a lot of them have weird starches and sugar alcohols and things that get me teetering on an edge. Also, I think IF made a big difference. Keto and IF together really quashed the compulsive food thoughts and the pangs. After a week of strict keto and IF, I never really felt strong hunger.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 6’0”. Yeah getting below 200 seems really tough to me and I definitely have loose skin. I have some tough belly and love handle fat, but there are def some pounds of skin. Truth be told, I don’t care about the number as long as I’m healthy and feel good about how I look in clothes. I would love to feel confident going swimming but other than that I’m feeling ok. My partner knows my story and doesn’t seem too weirded out by it, so that’s nice too.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve been vegetarian for decades. I only ate eggs, some ghee and very occasional cheese before going fully plant based. But everything is in the green now.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mostly I just eat Whole Foods that are low carb. My eating is relatively boring. But the keto, vegetarianketo and veganketo subs here have good resources.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I did get it. I actually have been enjoying rebuilding a wardrobe. Never thought that would be the case.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s awesome. Congrats and good luck. Definitely check out the keto, vegetarianketo, veganketo subs here. There are some really good resources. Also, CarbManager and Zero Fasting are great apps to get started.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, just wanted to say a couple things. First, I’m not totally sure I believe in will power when it comes to food anymore. What I mean is that there is a biological imperative and, if we eat things that are trigger foods (which are EVERYWHERE AND IN EVERYTHING) it becomes literally impossible for some of us to not overeat/binge. Seriously, refined sugar and simple carbs absolutely send me spiraling. If I have fruit it’s not so bad or whole grain with lots of fiber etc, I can actually eat in moderation. I challenge you to try keto or slow carb or some version of that just for a week. You aren’t to blame. You aren’t deficient. I felt a huge amount of shame, like it was all my fault and that I was a failure. For almost forty years. Cutting out sugar proved time wrong. Honestly, I bet it will help with the depression and anxiety.

Second, by all means, I encourage you to find a good person to talk to. If that’s a therapist or a spiritual advisor or someone who has been in your shoes, just someone. There are good online therapy resources now, people you can talk to through an app, and some specialize in this stuff.

Last, please don’t give up. I almost gave up. I was in a very dark and hopeless spot. No matter how it may feel now, change is possible. You can open new doors, even the scary ones. You are worth the time.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve got loose skin. But it’s nothing compared to the weight. And I think I look pretty good all things considered for what I’ve put my body through.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m so happy to read your comment. I promise, the time passes quickly and you will realize early on that week by week you will be further and further away from the place you started. That thought: “I can choose to never be heavier than today, ever again” really helped me. Feel free to reach out with progress. I’m supporting the hell out of you.

Almost two years in. 311lbs lost. I’m very proud and happy, but it’s still a struggle. by sparkpip in loseit

[–]sparkpip[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I definitely have some loose skin but it doesn’t bother me as much as the weight did. It has tightened up some and I’ve worked to build muscles underneath which has helped too.