exumfats's Journal, 11 December 2014

Inflammation can cause fluid retention. If you are only eating that small amount, you know its not fat. Make sure you are getting enough protein. Protein helps us lose fat and maintain our muscle mass. As we age, we lose a certain percentage a year, so protein can really help. Get in those fruits and veggies too.  

I get quite a bit of protein, drink a whey protein shake as soon as I awake each morning. About 30 mins later I eat an egg, a piece of fruit or 1/2 avocado, sometimes a slice of bacon or small sausage patty. Usually a small salad for lunch with chicken strips, a few grapes or 1/2 an apple. For supper salmon 3 nights a week with vegs. I eat venison & grass fed beef as well. No prepared foods ever. Very seldom do I have a snack. I do drink black coffee at least 3 times a day, and try to drink 64 ozs water. I agree about the inflammation & maybe water retention. I think if I could get my joints working again without the pain, it would turn things around. I'm going to give it my best shot. Appreciate any advice. 

I'm thinking by your food description that you may have a salt water retention problem (egg, sausage, salmon). Gotta balance that salt with plenty of water. 

That may be it, but I never add salt to anything. I do drink lots of water. One day a week I just have 3 smoothies in place of regular meals. For my dinner meal I had 1/2 cup plain almond milk, I scoop plain whey protein, a handful of chard, 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, 1/4 cup blackberries, 1/4 cup cranberries blended into a smoothie. A small cup black coffee, 12 ounces water. I rode 3 miles on my stationary bike, worked a couple hrs in my shed cleaning up & making a tool shelf.Walked around behind my wife about an hour pushing a shopping cart at a couple local stores. That was about my day. 

I would add in a few reps with some small weights. Sounds like you are doing great with the food. The weights will help retain muscle mass. Muscle burns more cals, sculpts, helps with fitness goals and will make you feel better. Even with Mr. Arthur there are a few weight lifting things you can do even if you use gallon milk containers filled with water. I use 8 lb and 10 lbs., started with 5 lbs. I'm going to put whey protein powder and 20 lb weights on my after Christmas wish list. Every lb I have lost has been a struggle :) and the weights have helped. Some people think 1200 cals is the minimum but I gain with that amount. 

Do you do any yoga? It's a good way to exercise for those with arthritis. 

Kattay, I use dumbells most everyday. I alternate the excercises every other day. I have 20, 10, & 5 lbs sets.There are a few exercises I cannot do with my left arm because of arthritis in my left shoulder. Still I do as many as I can. I read where movement is the best thing for arthritis, so I do all I can. Dymplez, no I don't do yoga. Maybe there are some I could do standing, but I can't do any sitting on the floor. At least I don't think so. If I manage to get oh the floor I have to use a table or chair to pull myself back up. Thank ya'll for the advice. 

There are some Chair Yoga videos on Youtube. You sit in a chair for all the exercises. You might try that.  

Glad you are using weights. Fall and winter are hard on people trying to lose weight, especially with all the holidays and events. Be patient with yourself, don't give up, and you should be seeing results. Good Luck!! :)