- How to bypass the TGA lock and gain access to NGU? ✅
Duromine: 15mg
Starting date: 9 October 2018
Starting weight: 95.6
Current weight: 89.9
Lost: 5.7kg
Exercise: a random assortment of yoga, walking, YouTube dance class, running, and stairs walks at work
Hi all,
I’ve loved everyone’s forum posts so far so I thought I should also contribute and say hi.
It’s my time on duromine. Day 12 and I am pretty amazed with the results!
My experience so far:
First and second day felt amazingly energised, and wasn’t hungry at all (for the first time in my life!). By the third day the intensity of the effects started to taper off. Day 8-10 felt extremely tired but seem to be mostly back to normal.
Side effects so far: Haven’t been too bad. I’ve had a bit of insomnia, but I’m used to managing it as I’ve had issues with sleep previously. Also had some mild skin irritations on my face which is less fun.
I had a bit of the dry mouth feeling, which just made me increase my water intake... so I’ll count that as a good thing. Finally, I got really tired and lethargic day 8-10 and found it hard to push myself to do any exercise more than walking. Think I’m coming out the other side of that and getting back to normalish energy levels.
I have to say I found it soo refreshing and unusual not to have nagging hunger and food cravings 24/7. Anyone else felt that? Makes me realise how much food affects me :/ hopefully I can change my relationship with eating and food and get my body used to a different way of doing things.
From day 5 onwards I’ve definitley been feeling hungry again. But it’s is taking the edge off so I am able to say ’no’ to treats and second servings without an extreme internal battle lol (of course everyone has been offering me baked treats and other food at work!). Potentially considering asking for 30mg down the track as the side effects have been manageable.
Really late night last night socialising, but I’m proud that I didn’t drink, and kept my food portions under control. I just have to push myself today and tomorrow to do some more quality exercise for the week and clean the house (on no sleep eek) and I will be on track
Goodluck ladies (and gents)
<3
Starting date: 9 October 2018
Starting weight: 95.6
Current weight: 89.9
Lost: 5.7kg
Exercise: a random assortment of yoga, walking, YouTube dance class, running, and stairs walks at work
Hi all,
I’ve loved everyone’s forum posts so far so I thought I should also contribute and say hi.
It’s my time on duromine. Day 12 and I am pretty amazed with the results!
My experience so far:
First and second day felt amazingly energised, and wasn’t hungry at all (for the first time in my life!). By the third day the intensity of the effects started to taper off. Day 8-10 felt extremely tired but seem to be mostly back to normal.
Side effects so far: Haven’t been too bad. I’ve had a bit of insomnia, but I’m used to managing it as I’ve had issues with sleep previously. Also had some mild skin irritations on my face which is less fun.
I had a bit of the dry mouth feeling, which just made me increase my water intake... so I’ll count that as a good thing. Finally, I got really tired and lethargic day 8-10 and found it hard to push myself to do any exercise more than walking. Think I’m coming out the other side of that and getting back to normalish energy levels.
I have to say I found it soo refreshing and unusual not to have nagging hunger and food cravings 24/7. Anyone else felt that? Makes me realise how much food affects me :/ hopefully I can change my relationship with eating and food and get my body used to a different way of doing things.
From day 5 onwards I’ve definitley been feeling hungry again. But it’s is taking the edge off so I am able to say ’no’ to treats and second servings without an extreme internal battle lol (of course everyone has been offering me baked treats and other food at work!). Potentially considering asking for 30mg down the track as the side effects have been manageable.
Really late night last night socialising, but I’m proud that I didn’t drink, and kept my food portions under control. I just have to push myself today and tomorrow to do some more quality exercise for the week and clean the house (on no sleep eek) and I will be on track
Goodluck ladies (and gents)
<3
Louise Kaye said:
Wow! Great result!! You must be really stoked over losing nearly 6kgs!! Thats amazing
Louise Kaye said:
I love it when people start posting
. It makes you become more motivated and energised and gives you that added boost to just keep going even if you are having a crappy day!The insomnia for me is a killer. I am one of those people who needs 8 hours at least, so this part I really struggle with personally. In regards to Days 8 - 11 and finding yourself lethargic, I think you are normal. That first week on Duromine can be really hard to adjust too, and because of the no sleep issues and having to manage, I think its around this time that your body tells the mind to "hold on, you've been pushing me for the first time in years, your not feeding me as you used to - I need a bloody good rest!"
Good on you for motoring through! and I am glad to hear your energy levels seem to be returning to normal. If you aren't already, consider taking some vitamins. I personally take a womens multi, B's and C's. With the big change in diet as well as exercise, I find that they really help. All the ones I listed will only be absorbed if your body need's it, and you will just pee out what you don't. The B's do affect my energy also, sometimes giving me another needed boost. If you do start having them - its probably best to have them with food, as some can make you feel a bit nauseous
In regards to the skin irritations? Have they settled down now? What were you experiencing?
Louise Kaye said:I have to say I found it soo refreshing and unusual not to have nagging hunger and food cravings 24/7. Anyone else felt that? Makes me realise how much food affects me :/ hopefully I can change my relationship with eating and food and get my body used to a different way of doing things.
From day 5 onwards I’ve definitley been feeling hungry again. But it’s is taking the edge off so I am able to say ’no’ to treats and second servings without an extreme internal battle lol (of course everyone has been offering me baked treats and other food at work!). Potentially considering asking for 30mg down the track as the side effects have been manageable.
Really late night last night socialising, but I’m proud that I didn’t drink, and kept my food portions under control. I just have to push myself today and tomorrow to do some more quality exercise for the week and clean the house (on no sleep eek) and I will be on track
Goodluck ladies (and gents)
<3
Cravings & Hunger: Isn't it amazing! I cant believe I don't actively think about food as I go about my day, when in hindsight that was what I did all the time. Now focusing on food (without the hunger) it allows me to plan what I want to put into my body, instead of reaching for the next fatty sugary snack. Because I am not eating as much - I want what actually goes in to my body to give me the most benefit!
30mg might be the way to proceed if they effects keep winding down, and like you said you have found the effects manageable. I would just keep monitoring - see how you go
Good on you for not drinking and keeping your food portions under control!
Cant wait to hear more of your journey *hugs*
Thanks @Rava
Glad to hear that the tiredness is pretty normal, thanks! I have been taking a berocca as a multivitamin most days but maybe I should try and be more consistent.
On a side note - I noticed a lot of people have had issues with being regular since taking duromine, and have started taking laxatives to cope. I’ve been meaning to suggest trying some psyllium husk first - it is natural, quite cheap, and doesn’t inflame, damage and scar the bowel lining, or dehydrate you (something to be careful of with prolonged use of a lot of laxatives and things like senna tea.) It has worked well for me in the past when my specialist recommended it. Might be worth a try for anyone having issues? To take it you mix a teaspoon or two with water. It doesn’t taste bad, although the texture is weird. I find the coarse ground husk nicer to take personally.
Glad to hear that the tiredness is pretty normal, thanks! I have been taking a berocca as a multivitamin most days but maybe I should try and be more consistent.
On a side note - I noticed a lot of people have had issues with being regular since taking duromine, and have started taking laxatives to cope. I’ve been meaning to suggest trying some psyllium husk first - it is natural, quite cheap, and doesn’t inflame, damage and scar the bowel lining, or dehydrate you (something to be careful of with prolonged use of a lot of laxatives and things like senna tea.) It has worked well for me in the past when my specialist recommended it. Might be worth a try for anyone having issues? To take it you mix a teaspoon or two with water. It doesn’t taste bad, although the texture is weird. I find the coarse ground husk nicer to take personally.
Rava said:Your very welcome @Louise Kaye
Great tip for constipation!
Thanks so much for sharing the info on psyllium husk - I didn't know that it didn't dehydrate or inflame the bowel - so its a great option!
No worries @Rava
I should note that you do need to increase water intake with psyllium husk to ensure things move smoothly - I know most people on duromine will be upping water intake anyway so I’m hoping it shouldn’t be an issue. While it doesn’t long-term dehydrate you it does absorb a lot of water (like oats or rice etc) so if you have it too dry it will have the opposite effect and clog things up! I’ve never ever had an issue with having enough water with it so hopefully won’t be a problem for others either - I just have like a glass and a half of water when I take it - one mixed with it and the other to wash it all down!I also haven’t tried it with duromine yet so I can be a test bunny for everyone and report back on findings
Hi all,
So I’m at week three and my weight has started creeping back up!
I have been working really hard on portion control, splitting my plate up to 50% veg, 30% protein and the rest healthy fats and a little low gi carbs.
Ive also been working on snack and desert control (even said no to my favourite desert - homemade chocolate mousse - which broke my heart haha).
Plus I’ve been exercising hard and gaining strength and fitness.
But the last 3 days I’ve gone from 89.9 to 90.6
On top of that, the cravings and hunger are back full force, which is making life really hard so I feel like I need that number to be going down to give me the reminder that it’s worth it.
Now I know I shouldn’t let a number get to me, but it has really crushed my mood and I just feel flat.
Quick question- could it just be and adjustment my body is going through and I just need to push through? I was sooo happy to get under 90! My boobs are also a bit sore and big today so maybe I’m at a part of my cycle with a bit more water retention?? (Not pregnant don’t worry). I’m only on 15mg so I decided to take 2 today to make it 30mg to see if that makes a difference.
More importantly, I know I really need an attitude shift but I’m finding it really hard to change, or even want to change and face up to things. I’m so aware how lucky I am to have an amazing family and friends, a wonderful partner and a pretty good job. Plus while I have health issues (long term fatigue and pain issues), they aren’t anywhere near as bad as they could be. I am definitely letting myself be a bit self-pitying if I’m honest.
I also know that I obsess about weight loss, health and fitness to an unhealthy extent when I actively try to lose weight.
For some context (possibly just an excuse) - when I don’t obsess and I let go of body image issues, I feel happier and I achieve lots of wholeistic self improvement goals such as reading literature, learning new languages, progressing my learning of new topics, planning for the future etc. I also feel much more free.
However I crave food constantly, eat too much, and exercise too lightly or on a whim based on what is the most fun (I still always walk at least) and the weight creeps up. But then I usually bump up against the restrictions/ down sides of my weight - it’s harder to do the things I want to do and it hurt my joints more, and it’s embarrassing and expensive to have to buy larger clothes.
So I decide to bite the bullet and lose some weight and it’s all or nothing... I’m all in and I can’t think about anything else - I lose interest in everything but fitness and health (I do see the irony that this is a very unhealthy way to think). But letting go of that obsessiveness seems to inevitably lead to weight gain... even with passive lifestyle changes like walking to public transport, taking the stairs and eating mostly keto.
Portion/calorie control works for me usually but it takes sooo much willpower for me. So I’m constantly seeking motivations, and trying to reward myself with my progress by thinking of how much better I already look and great I could look - despite the fact that looks were not the reason I started trying to lose weight in the first place - just a side bonus.
Nothjng else seems to motivate in the same way, so I think I’m terrified of letting go of it as a motivating tool because I’ll quite possibly just go right back to gaining - and probably have an unhealthy binge out before getting back to just generally overeating.
The ‘thrill’ of seeing the number go down and of looking slightly thinner - or should I say slightly more like the magazines say we should look, is exhilarating and works as a little high for me. The other obsession I sometimes use is becoming so focussed on a sport or activity until i get frustrated with my lack of progress and inevitably feel resentful and it lose motivation - I don’t give up on it completely but it just stops being a powerful motivating force as soon as I’m not progressing as I’d like to.
These little ‘highs’ compete with the ones I get from eating lots of good food and chocolate - so they help me to push through and be in control. This might sound weird but I also find it kinda fun to obsess - although i notice I become quite boring to anyone not also trying to get fit and lose weight lol.
Has anyone else successfully gotten out of this mindset and managed to be healthy in body and mind? Right now it feels like a trade off lol. If I’m honest with myself this mindset has contributed to cycles of weight loss and weight gain until I’ve gotten old enough that the obsessive weight loss cycle wouldn’t work without extra help.
I’m trying to face up to myself and this issue... but it’s like I have a mental block when I try to imagine other ways of thinking or motivating - nothing seems as powerful as the all or nothing approach, or the image based or sports obsessed approaches.
Any ideas welcome - please help!
Even if I don’t come up with an answer yet I’m glad I at least did some self examination and was honest to the forum and myself. Sorry for the massive post! <3
Xx
So I’m at week three and my weight has started creeping back up!
I have been working really hard on portion control, splitting my plate up to 50% veg, 30% protein and the rest healthy fats and a little low gi carbs.
Ive also been working on snack and desert control (even said no to my favourite desert - homemade chocolate mousse - which broke my heart haha).
Plus I’ve been exercising hard and gaining strength and fitness.
But the last 3 days I’ve gone from 89.9 to 90.6
On top of that, the cravings and hunger are back full force, which is making life really hard so I feel like I need that number to be going down to give me the reminder that it’s worth it.
Now I know I shouldn’t let a number get to me, but it has really crushed my mood and I just feel flat.
Quick question- could it just be and adjustment my body is going through and I just need to push through? I was sooo happy to get under 90! My boobs are also a bit sore and big today so maybe I’m at a part of my cycle with a bit more water retention?? (Not pregnant don’t worry). I’m only on 15mg so I decided to take 2 today to make it 30mg to see if that makes a difference.
More importantly, I know I really need an attitude shift but I’m finding it really hard to change, or even want to change and face up to things. I’m so aware how lucky I am to have an amazing family and friends, a wonderful partner and a pretty good job. Plus while I have health issues (long term fatigue and pain issues), they aren’t anywhere near as bad as they could be. I am definitely letting myself be a bit self-pitying if I’m honest.
I also know that I obsess about weight loss, health and fitness to an unhealthy extent when I actively try to lose weight.
For some context (possibly just an excuse) - when I don’t obsess and I let go of body image issues, I feel happier and I achieve lots of wholeistic self improvement goals such as reading literature, learning new languages, progressing my learning of new topics, planning for the future etc. I also feel much more free.
However I crave food constantly, eat too much, and exercise too lightly or on a whim based on what is the most fun (I still always walk at least) and the weight creeps up. But then I usually bump up against the restrictions/ down sides of my weight - it’s harder to do the things I want to do and it hurt my joints more, and it’s embarrassing and expensive to have to buy larger clothes.
So I decide to bite the bullet and lose some weight and it’s all or nothing... I’m all in and I can’t think about anything else - I lose interest in everything but fitness and health (I do see the irony that this is a very unhealthy way to think). But letting go of that obsessiveness seems to inevitably lead to weight gain... even with passive lifestyle changes like walking to public transport, taking the stairs and eating mostly keto.
Portion/calorie control works for me usually but it takes sooo much willpower for me. So I’m constantly seeking motivations, and trying to reward myself with my progress by thinking of how much better I already look and great I could look - despite the fact that looks were not the reason I started trying to lose weight in the first place - just a side bonus.
Nothjng else seems to motivate in the same way, so I think I’m terrified of letting go of it as a motivating tool because I’ll quite possibly just go right back to gaining - and probably have an unhealthy binge out before getting back to just generally overeating.
The ‘thrill’ of seeing the number go down and of looking slightly thinner - or should I say slightly more like the magazines say we should look, is exhilarating and works as a little high for me. The other obsession I sometimes use is becoming so focussed on a sport or activity until i get frustrated with my lack of progress and inevitably feel resentful and it lose motivation - I don’t give up on it completely but it just stops being a powerful motivating force as soon as I’m not progressing as I’d like to.
These little ‘highs’ compete with the ones I get from eating lots of good food and chocolate - so they help me to push through and be in control. This might sound weird but I also find it kinda fun to obsess - although i notice I become quite boring to anyone not also trying to get fit and lose weight lol.
Has anyone else successfully gotten out of this mindset and managed to be healthy in body and mind? Right now it feels like a trade off lol. If I’m honest with myself this mindset has contributed to cycles of weight loss and weight gain until I’ve gotten old enough that the obsessive weight loss cycle wouldn’t work without extra help.
I’m trying to face up to myself and this issue... but it’s like I have a mental block when I try to imagine other ways of thinking or motivating - nothing seems as powerful as the all or nothing approach, or the image based or sports obsessed approaches.
Any ideas welcome - please help!
Even if I don’t come up with an answer yet I’m glad I at least did some self examination and was honest to the forum and myself. Sorry for the massive post! <3
Xx
Hi all, wondering if anyone has had the same experience as me and how they got the weight to shed a bit faster!
I am on day 13 of 30mg, first few days I had dry mouth but other than that there were no side effects. It has however stopped me craving any junk food at all which is a great help!
I started at 84.1, and almost two weeks later I am at 82.6.
I am eating lots of fruit, Veges and protein and consuming heaps of water. I have been doing hard exercise just about every day and on the weekends I’ve been doing 8km walks. Has anyone got any tips for me or was in the same boat as I am? Would it be worth trying the 40mg?
Thanks!
I am on day 13 of 30mg, first few days I had dry mouth but other than that there were no side effects. It has however stopped me craving any junk food at all which is a great help!
I started at 84.1, and almost two weeks later I am at 82.6.
I am eating lots of fruit, Veges and protein and consuming heaps of water. I have been doing hard exercise just about every day and on the weekends I’ve been doing 8km walks. Has anyone got any tips for me or was in the same boat as I am? Would it be worth trying the 40mg?
Thanks!
Louise Kaye said:Plus I’ve been exercising hard and gaining strength and fitness. But the last 3 days I’ve gone from 89.9 to 90.6
Ok you need to STOP beating yourself up! You are on week 3 - your body is going "holy crap what's happening?, where's my fuel? and WTF is all this exercise about?
I am here to tell you, that you are going FANTASTIC! You are doing an AMAZING job! You are SUCCEEDING!
I don't mean to be crude, but 700g can be because you haven't been able to use your bowels properly. It could be related to your cycle - its all so common for us girls to retain water weight when we are due. It could be that you are using muscles that you haven't used before, they are sore and inflamed - which again makes your body hold onto some weight.. How's your sodium intake? When are you eating carbs? It really could be any matter of things;
but guess what? You are still SUCCEEDING!
You have taken the steps to change your lifestyle - of course there are going to be days when we feel like crap and we question every single thing we have done, but @Louise Kaye you ARE making the changes, you have SEEN some of the results, and I know YOU CAN KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
Please do not compare yourself or your losses or even how your body responds to anyone else. Remember we are all individuals - its going to react differently in some way or form for each and every person!!
Louise Kaye said:
This is a great idea re taking two tablets - you can see how your body responds and how you cope with any extra or stronger side effects - if you feel that your results are better, you can cope with the dosage, than you can ask your GP for the 30mg.
You need to make a list
. Write down everything that you have changed since starting Duromine, look at how much weight you have lost and then write down what bad habits you were going on with before. You are doing great and Rome wasn't built in a day, nor did you gain your weight and mentality overnight!Louise Kaye said:
Goodness you are not alone! I know how it feels to be "all in" because this is me too! *hugs*. If Duromine was that magic pill, not only would it allow us to lose weight just by having it everyday, but it would suddenly change all those ingrained, negative views and feelings that we have had for such a long time - and wouldn't it be wonderful!!
You need to look at the upside - you already know how you react, why you feel this way and what the results are..
You my friend need to look at making healthy mental habits. You need to get something down so pat that it is no longer a whim - you need to make the habits become so ingrained that you no longer obsess! and the trick is doing it gradually - which is where I too become hung up, because for gods sake if I invest all this emotional as well as physical energy why aren't I getting the results straight away!
The reason I offer the above advice, is because it is what I am trying to do with myself every frickin single day
Louise Kaye said:
See my above paragraph - and re-read it *hugs*. No matter how our day is, no matter how much energy we put towards it.. the change needs to be gradual and habit forming, because then it becomes a sustainable success!
Louise Kaye said:
Honestly, I really felt by reading your post, that I was reading about myself - so I hear you
The only advice I can give is keep on with your self examinations, journal (it helps me) and reach out
.Don't be afraid to say well this way isn't working. Look at other options and know that its ok to change. Give yourself a time limit, and make sure that just as you did today you examine yourself mentally and find the reasons why it didn't work. Is it because of your way of thinking?, or was there something physical involved?
Realise that just because you decided this is how it is going to be, that your body or mind might not agree straight away and throw in a quick "F--- You" as retaliation, Accept it and move on.
RE-ASSESS, RE-EVALUATE AND KEEP MOVING FORWARDS.
Most of all remember to be kind to yourself *hugs*
Hi @ Sarah19 and welcome to the forums
There could be a few reasons why the weight isn't shifting faster.
Look really closely at your diet.. Are you having enough calories or is it too little? If so how much salt, carbs and fat is in your everyday diet? Its a really good idea to track your calorie intake with a program like "My Fitness Pal" or "Lose It". Both of those have free options which will still allow you to see how your food is broken down.
Don't forget to do your measurements! Sometimes when the scale doesn't move as quickly as we want it to, our bodies are still changing shape and that could be happening here
Consider the fact that you are now exercising nearly every day - and as you put it "hard exercise". Bet you have muscles that are sore. Muscles that feel sore and achey from your activity is actually inflammation - and this too can cause your body to hold onto some water weight.
I don't know how much fruit you are eating, but try holding it back for a few days or even a week - you could be having too much natural sugar.
Fructose can only be processed by your liver. After absorbing fructose from fruits it enters your bloodstream to be transported right to your liver. Part of this fructose can be converted into glucose and stored as glycogen, but the remaining is converted into triglycerides, which is a type of fat. Both are then stored.
If you were a reasonably healthy eater before, it actually makes sense that you are not dropping as much weight as some others. Its the people who are making big changes to their diets that tend IMO to lose more weight when they first start out.
Please don't compare yourself to others - we are all different and thus our bodies will react differently also
If you are not having any cravings and the appetite suppression is working - I personally don't think upping your dose to 40mg will do anything. However, that being said you always have this option moving forward.
Hope this helps some
There could be a few reasons why the weight isn't shifting faster.
Look really closely at your diet.. Are you having enough calories or is it too little? If so how much salt, carbs and fat is in your everyday diet? Its a really good idea to track your calorie intake with a program like "My Fitness Pal" or "Lose It". Both of those have free options which will still allow you to see how your food is broken down.
Don't forget to do your measurements! Sometimes when the scale doesn't move as quickly as we want it to, our bodies are still changing shape and that could be happening here
Consider the fact that you are now exercising nearly every day - and as you put it "hard exercise". Bet you have muscles that are sore. Muscles that feel sore and achey from your activity is actually inflammation - and this too can cause your body to hold onto some water weight.
I don't know how much fruit you are eating, but try holding it back for a few days or even a week - you could be having too much natural sugar.
Fructose can only be processed by your liver. After absorbing fructose from fruits it enters your bloodstream to be transported right to your liver. Part of this fructose can be converted into glucose and stored as glycogen, but the remaining is converted into triglycerides, which is a type of fat. Both are then stored.
If you were a reasonably healthy eater before, it actually makes sense that you are not dropping as much weight as some others. Its the people who are making big changes to their diets that tend IMO to lose more weight when they first start out.
Please don't compare yourself to others - we are all different and thus our bodies will react differently also
If you are not having any cravings and the appetite suppression is working - I personally don't think upping your dose to 40mg will do anything. However, that being said you always have this option moving forward.
Hope this helps some
Rava... you are a Goddess, who knows a way to hearts and minds! Louise Kayes, I hope that you will read, absorb and use every single word and emotion. You are indeed doing a HUGE job, you work like crazy, and the results will come! Stay strong and don't let the numbers on the scales take away your motivation. Chin up and keep going strong! Women are true fighters... and you already are your own super hero!
@Rava you are indeed a goddess! Thank you so much for your kind words and understanding. I will write down what I achieved so far to remind myself it's not all about the number! *hugs*
Thankyou so much @April I will stay strong I promise <3
So I took the day to really self reflect on my way of thinking, and researched unhealthy relationships with food and found a few solutions that resonated. I'm giving these a try:
1) Food speak - being thoughtful with food and eating language:
Most of the articles and studies about attitudes towards food mentioned how the 'black and white' approach to food can create an unhealthy relationship. For example deciding some food is 'good' or food that is 'bad' is not ideal - it is probably better to instead be focusing on getting the key nutrients we need and enjoying a variety of food (with some things just in moderation). The black and white negative talk about food is something I definitely do and I am going to try to stop. In addition, one article said to try replace the word 'should' with 'want' with food wherever possible - when you are planning what you want to eat, or when you slip up and eat too much of one type of food, try not to say I 'should eat salad' and I 'shouldn't eat pasta' as this will just make all the delicious healthy foods you actually want to eat feel like a chore subconsciously, and make our brains crave the thing it is being denied. Instead being aware of your choice and framing it positively e.g. 'tomorrow I want to eat a nice big salad with avocado and goats cheese and a side of grilled halloumi.' In addition something I have struggled with is just compromise. For example if we want pasta or pizza that's OK! It's just best to have it with some salad or veggies to get all the nutrients we need, and to try to eat it when we aren't at our hungriest so as not to over do it. This may seem like a small thing but it's a huge deal for me - I have decided to have pasta again for the first time in a long time. I will use my plate and salad to make sure I enjoy it and don't overdo it, so have about 50% salad, 25% protein, 25% pasta. This hopefully means I can eat everything and trust myself to eat in a healthy way.
2) @Rava I recall you previously mentioned learning to avoid using food as a reward:
This is a big one for me too, so I wrote a list of other rewards and treats that are easy alternatives but are still comforting and nice, including:
3) Preparing for vulnerable moments - social eating:
Taking a moment before going out for a social dinner to center yourself, take a breath and make a plan to enjoy the night. For example, plan to grab a plate and fill it with healthy proportion of food, and will try a little of everything. Planning alcohol consumption can also be helpful. This is something I have already started doing an it has made eating socially so much less stressful. This again allows me to trust myself with food which is a huge step toward having a healthy relationship with food.
4) After a slip up - addressing the mean self talk
After eating too much, or eating something 'forbidden' or not seeing the right number on the scales you might feel guilty and angry with yourself. I liked this quote for those situations:
"Note the Mean Girl mind chatter going on inside your head. Is your Mean Girl judging you? Is it telling you you’ve failed? Are you feeling guilty or angry with yourself? I want to remind you that that is just your Mean Girl doing her thang. Being harsh and fear based is its job, but it doesn’t mean it’s your truth."
I think this is a great way to look at it. It might be weird but I actually took this a step further, I found it helpful to think of the 'mean girl' as a bit like a cat. She will swat at you and harass you if she is ignored, but accept her nature and pay some attention to her and she will either purr affectionately (self love) or lose interest and leave you alone. I hope this doesn't sound too crazy, but hey it seemed to work - no more food guilt so far!
I'm very excited to make these changes and make them my 'new normal' <3
I hope these insights are helpful for others too
xx
Thankyou so much @April I will stay strong I promise <3
So I took the day to really self reflect on my way of thinking, and researched unhealthy relationships with food and found a few solutions that resonated. I'm giving these a try:
1) Food speak - being thoughtful with food and eating language:
Most of the articles and studies about attitudes towards food mentioned how the 'black and white' approach to food can create an unhealthy relationship. For example deciding some food is 'good' or food that is 'bad' is not ideal - it is probably better to instead be focusing on getting the key nutrients we need and enjoying a variety of food (with some things just in moderation). The black and white negative talk about food is something I definitely do and I am going to try to stop. In addition, one article said to try replace the word 'should' with 'want' with food wherever possible - when you are planning what you want to eat, or when you slip up and eat too much of one type of food, try not to say I 'should eat salad' and I 'shouldn't eat pasta' as this will just make all the delicious healthy foods you actually want to eat feel like a chore subconsciously, and make our brains crave the thing it is being denied. Instead being aware of your choice and framing it positively e.g. 'tomorrow I want to eat a nice big salad with avocado and goats cheese and a side of grilled halloumi.' In addition something I have struggled with is just compromise. For example if we want pasta or pizza that's OK! It's just best to have it with some salad or veggies to get all the nutrients we need, and to try to eat it when we aren't at our hungriest so as not to over do it. This may seem like a small thing but it's a huge deal for me - I have decided to have pasta again for the first time in a long time. I will use my plate and salad to make sure I enjoy it and don't overdo it, so have about 50% salad, 25% protein, 25% pasta. This hopefully means I can eat everything and trust myself to eat in a healthy way.
2) @Rava I recall you previously mentioned learning to avoid using food as a reward:
This is a big one for me too, so I wrote a list of other rewards and treats that are easy alternatives but are still comforting and nice, including:
- heating up a heat pack to sit with
- having a herbal tea
- getting a blanket out to snuggle under
- squishing my toes into the soft shagpile rug - or the sand at the beach
- have a nice warm bath
- getting a massage or getting my hair done
3) Preparing for vulnerable moments - social eating:
Taking a moment before going out for a social dinner to center yourself, take a breath and make a plan to enjoy the night. For example, plan to grab a plate and fill it with healthy proportion of food, and will try a little of everything. Planning alcohol consumption can also be helpful. This is something I have already started doing an it has made eating socially so much less stressful. This again allows me to trust myself with food which is a huge step toward having a healthy relationship with food.
4) After a slip up - addressing the mean self talk
After eating too much, or eating something 'forbidden' or not seeing the right number on the scales you might feel guilty and angry with yourself. I liked this quote for those situations:
"Note the Mean Girl mind chatter going on inside your head. Is your Mean Girl judging you? Is it telling you you’ve failed? Are you feeling guilty or angry with yourself? I want to remind you that that is just your Mean Girl doing her thang. Being harsh and fear based is its job, but it doesn’t mean it’s your truth."
I think this is a great way to look at it. It might be weird but I actually took this a step further, I found it helpful to think of the 'mean girl' as a bit like a cat. She will swat at you and harass you if she is ignored, but accept her nature and pay some attention to her and she will either purr affectionately (self love) or lose interest and leave you alone. I hope this doesn't sound too crazy, but hey it seemed to work - no more food guilt so far!
I'm very excited to make these changes and make them my 'new normal' <3
I hope these insights are helpful for others too
xx
I love this, and good on you for doing some research! Swapping the "should" with "want" is brilliant! I too have struggled with compromise - its part of that "all or nothing mindset".Louise Kaye said:
I love how you are planning on reintroducing certain foods
. I'm pinching it!Love your alternatives!Louise Kaye said:
Yes! Old habits are very hard to change. Honestly I am still working on this. I've caught myself so many times saying "well done, you can now eat/have this....." - that its not funny! For me changing this mindset is a work in progress. I have found that as long as I am aware - I'm good - otherwise the ingrained crap starts to come through.
By trying to keep myself "aware" what I have found is an exercise (that funnily enough my daughter was given for coping with her anxiety) that makes me become "present".
Closing my eyes take 10 deep breaths in through your nose, out through your mouth - listen for 5 things that I can hear and say them out loud.
My focus than shifts from my internal debate, to the outside - which makes me become more present - it really helps me get rid of that internal voice trying to coax me back into bad habits
To be honest I use the above exercise a lot - with many things
I am also trying to implement exercise as a reward - walking in fact. Not the hell for leather lap around the park where I want to burn as many calories and outdo my prior distance... but that nice gentle walk (that can be only 15 mins) that allows me to take note of sights, sounds and smells. I ask myself, "how does the sun feel on my back?" - those type of things.
Louise Kaye said:
Awesome!
Louise Kaye said:
I love this! Thank you for reflecting and doing the research!!
It really gives me a good insight, into what my brain is playing at, whilst allowing me to acknowledge it and then move forward
Your brilliant!
Hi! I am new to this forum, which looks like a great place for support and to keep motivated. I am 12 days in on Duromine and have weighed in just once, losing 4.4 kilos. I am thrilled with that result! I suspect I have lost more since, as I tried my 'fat pants' on this morning and they were way too big. I'm not a big fan of the scales, but it is a measure! The first few nights I had broken sleep but that soon went away and I try and take them between 5am - 6am. Dry mouth is the other symptom, but my water intake is great I have no other issues and in fact am experiencing some extra energy so I have upp'ed my usual daily workout to include a few extra for the week. I am eating just lean protein and vegetables for lunch and dinner with 1 or 2 pieces of fruit and black tea or coffee throughout the day. I don't eat after 6.30/7.00 or before 8.30/9.00 and sometimes will extend that fast to 16 or 18 hours. I have also done 2, 36 hour fasts which I'll continue to do once a week, throughout this and ongoing as well. As the weight comes off, I will slowly start to introduce a little more food and variety. So far so good!
I have no other issues and in fact am experiencing some extra energy so I have upp'ed my usual daily workout to include a few extra for the week. I am eating just lean protein and vegetables for lunch and dinner with 1 or 2 pieces of fruit and black tea or coffee throughout the day. I don't eat after 6.30/7.00 or before 8.30/9.00 and sometimes will extend that fast to 16 or 18 hours. I have also done 2, 36 hour fasts which I'll continue to do once a week, throughout this and ongoing as well. As the weight comes off, I will slowly start to introduce a little more food and variety. So far so good!Welcome to the forum!!! And wow wow wow! What a result! Your approach to weight loss is fantastic! And the weight loss recipe is very modern and looks like it does work great for you. Btw, scales are not always the best way to measure your weight loss. There are many people out there, especially those, who exercise well, who notice small changes on the scales, yet HUGE results with measurements and clothes. Keep up the great work!!!
Hi, I wanted to update on my progress. One month down and I have lost 9.8 kilos. Really happy with the result. I’d like to lose another 4 to hit my goal so I’ll do another month on Duromine and then wean off it the first few weeks of the last months script I have. What’s worked well for me is the fasting regime. I usually do a 16/8 or 18/6 most days but have added in a 36 hour fast once a week as well. I’ve done 24s before without the Duromine so will probably keep going with these once a fortnight once I am at my goal and maintaining.
