mattstoc's Journal, 10 January 2016

I do happen to love oatmeal; my favorite is kettle style, which is all I serve at camp, even kids who hate oatmeal decide it looks good and try some. Extras to go with are raisins and brown sugar, of course, but there are other times I offer sauteed apples with cinnamon, or dried cranberries and cherries instead of raisins. And some of my campers like peanut butter stirred into theirs, which gives a great boost of protein. Might that work for you? Even better, there is now a peanut butter powder available which gives you all the protein but a LOT less fat. Whatever you do, you've lost a LOT already and you got this!  

I love oatmeal. I have not heard of "Kettle Style". What does that mean - is it a specific product, a type of processing (e.g. - rolled, steel cut, etc), or a method of preparation (e.g. microwave, crockpot, stovetop simmering)? I found a specific Quaker oats product called Kettle Style, but it is for institutional kitchens and I can tell what makes it different. Thanks  

My dad is diabetic and getting him to realize that a lot of the stuff he still eats aren't the best choices for a guy with his condition is pretty tough. I stick with high fat/moderate protein/low-zero carb and keep losing weight. He's got his tiny bowl of pinto beans and cornbread and can't figure out why he can't. My mom knows and loves to loudly remind him, but he's one of those people you can't tell anything. I wish he would join FS and log his food, but nope, he won't do it. Good job figuring out what works and sticking with it!  

It is also interesting what "works" is so different for everyone. I realize that I MUST log or I will go back to bad habits. Others I know MUST have an in-person weigh in (like weight watchers) to be held accountable. Also how food "works" is different for everyone. Beans seem to be ok for my diabetes, cornbread (which I LOVE) is not. Good luck with your health and with helping your Dad. I read your post about seeing the person you are (thinning) vs the person you were (fat). I have issues with that as well. My center more around the struggle with how to change eating habits to a maintenance vs losing. You work so hard to get where you want to be that you are terrified to change. I did make a change (stopped logging) and ended up gaining a bunch of weight back. Unfortunately, I think this is going to be a rest of life struggle. 

You really nailed it in that last sentence, and that alone is a scary thought. There is no "normal" because it's a constant struggle to figure out the balance. Thanks for the comment on my self-image post, I know it won't get any easier, just praying to figure out the best way to deal with it.  

I agree, log everything, love the 'you bite it you write it motto', for me it's vital to log or I can't look back and see what and why anything happened, good or bad.. Philmck - body image is a toughie. You look amazing, your hose pictures are inspiring. I suppose as far as body image you could do what you might have done while you were gaining and just not look? ;) Seriously though, I too wonder about the phase to maintenance even though it will be a while for me. I think we need to expect a bit of a bumpy ride while we figure it out. The key is to not let it get us down, and see it as a positive learning experience.  

I am also diabetic, type 2 diagnosed in Nov 2013. I was 257 lb at that time. So with the wake up call, I lost 75 lbs in about 1 year and the doctor took me off the metformin. So true about lifestyle change. My kids (27 - 34) are also into fitness so that helps. Best of luck mattstoc!  

Love your motto!