Difficulty with weight loss due to Insulin Resistance

Any ideas would be most appreciated. Many thanks

Hi Mistymorningstar. I have always been overweight and have had what is recognised nowadays as an eating disorder. In ye olden times when I was growing up, such things didn’t exist !
I have the same conditions you have and managed to lose three and a half stones doing low carb over a six month period. The biggest problem I had was chronic constipation that needed a stick of dynamite rather than a stool softener.
However all good things come to an end and my weight loss did when I had an accident a few years ago, can’t walk properly or exercise - result all the weight is back on.
I feel defeated but am stuck because only low carb will work for me and yet the result is uncomfortable to say the least.
I looked at the Pear threads on here so maybe you too can start there.
Come in Gransnetters - can’t one of you invent the magic pill that melts it all off !

Mistymorningstar take a look at Michael Mosleys Fast 800, it has some very good reviews from women with PCOS and associated insulin resistance. Its essential that you read the book to understand the science and you need to think of it as a different approach to eating rather than a quick fix. I started last August and have lost 24kg. Have comfortably maintained my new weight since the springtime.

What is PCOS?

Shinamae

What is PCOS?

Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome

Over the years, I have tried loads of diets, with some temporary success, but all goes back on eventually.
PCOS and insulin resistance is the perfect storm, and if you add in not being able to move much, and the pain, not surprising weight loss seems out of reach.
I know you say low carbs recommended, but is that refined carbs and sugar?
The usual advice churned out is wholegrains blah, blah -I'm sure you know it off by heart by now.
Wholemeal bread is often white bread with brown coloured flour. Finding a decent, nourishing bread is a good place to start as you won't need much to satisfy you.
Feeling hungry isn't good, neither is deprived. Nourished, satisfied, are good words.
Single source foods rather than processed, lots of veg, bit of fruit, and ease up on the failure frame of mind.
I've started to use an app to keep a rough tally of calories but don't get fixated on it. Physillium husks can help if you get constipated.
The pear forum is good to check into sometimes if you need some support. Feeling that you aren't alone in your struggles is a great help.

Califig is the best laxative for a smooth experience. Believe me. I’ve tried all alternatives. It’s other name is syrup of figs but I notice that there is no longer any sugar in it. Figs themselves are very helpful in this area, so too plums and apples but I’m not sure how they rate re low carbs.

I have always had a weight problem. Difficulties with mobility and Lockdown and my sheer enjoyment of food - I put on weight last year. Shock in January, when my glucose levels started to take me close to type 2 diabetes. Gave me the kick I needed.

Nurse gave me so much information on lowcarb diet. I looked at this and knew I would NOT keep to it. No way could I completely cut out such things as bread,, pasta, potatoes, etc.

Okay, I thought, I know what I can and cannot do. Also know my own body - at 80 years of age and virtually no exercise knew it was going to be very slow going. So patience was required.

Went on a low calorie diet - having used this for the past sixtyh plus years to lose weight I had no need for aps, or calorie counting - I knew content of virtually everything I ate. Bit boring, but good healthy diet - loads of salad, my daily eggs, fish, chicken etc. I am never hungry- although do miss my evening sweet treats and going out for coffee and cake - and not being able to have cake does hurt!!!

since January I have lost just going for one and half stone - not a lot in seven months - but the only way I would be able to increase this loss would be with vigorous exercise and that is just not a possibility. I set my own short-term goals - am losing about half a pound a week (do not use modern terms - my scales are set to stones and pounds). My final goal is about a further six pounds and hope to do that by the end of the year.
Read all about keto and low carbs diet. Looked at 16/8 - but I eat at about 5.00pm and then breakkie at 8.00 in the morning so cannot quite make that sixteen hours. No way would I do the 2/5 diet - my digestive system would not cope with those sort of changes so often.
Calorie diet for me - just wish we were so surrounded by lovely looking food.

Oh, forgot to say that by April my glucose levels had returned to a safe level following this calorie controlled diet.

Wholemeal bread is often white bread with brown coloured flour.

This is not true, if it is actually called wholemeal bread.

However many breads, especially those with seeds, are cunningly made to look at if they are wholemeal when they are not.
Check the ingredients list.

to look *as if...

Wise words Franbern.
Calories in and calories burned in in every day living is actually what it’s all about.
Sensible well balanced calorie counted diet and it will pay dividends. The hard part is not being side tracked by all the temptations ?

Franbern, I think you do yourself a disservice by suggesting your one and a half loss is 'not a lot'. I think it's splendid and - well done you??

Hi Mistymorningstar have you taken a look at the Diet Doctor website? There’s a lot of interesting recipes on there. Sometimes you can easily get stuck in a rut with food, especially when you’ve got dietary requirements. I pretty much eat the same low carb things over and over again! Maybe up the protein and lower the fat for a while and see if that jumpstarts a bit of weightloss?

(And Infinity2 my Aunt in her 80s was actually diagnosed with an ED 50 years ago!! Thank goodness she’s still with us. And Anorexia has been around for centuries!)

Well done Franburn, I agree you shouldn't underestimate your weight loss progress!
I'm the same with cutting out carbs as really do need them to function.

Also agree with you FarNorth on the bread often not being what it seems.
I've found one in my local supermarket, baked on site, that is wholemeal with rye and spelt, that seems to be ok.
Of course a lovely artisan bakery nearby would be perfect then I could work my way through all of their different breads.
Could be a clue here in my weight control fight.

Nimble is quite a low carb bread. I’ve also just ordered some not cross buns and bread buns for my hols from Seriously Low Carb site. But recently I have taken to making a sandwich with lettuce in place of the bread!