"Thar she blows!"

[laundry_queen]

54. I could hug you right now.

Your post was very validating and insightful. I never really thought about it, but every single time here at DU there is a weight thread, there is always someone saying, "I did XYZ to lose weight, you should try it." I have knee, foot and hip problems, and yet I manage to walk briskly for 30-40 minutes 3-5 times a week - despite being in school full time and being a single mom of 4. I try to watch what I eat (and try the odd strict 'diet') but have a tight budget. I have a bunch of health problems that have 'weight gain' as a symptom or side effect, including a newly found severe vitamin D deficiency. What is a symptom of vit D deficiency? Sudden weight gain! I have insulin resistance. What is a side effect of insulin resistance - hunger! What's a side effect for this pill or that - weight gain!

I probably know more about nutrition and exercise than some nutritionists (the last nutritionist I saw told me - after a few quick questions - I was wasting her time, because I was knowledgeable enough to know all the stuff she was going to tell me - she had a masters). When I hear 'you need to try...' the rest comes out like Charlie Brown adult speak. I know what I need to do, need to eat - and 80-90% of the time I DO do it. And yet, my own mother, who is only like that 60-70% of the time, is very petite and slim. I lived with my mom recently for 5 months and I ate exactly what she did - in the same portion sizes. I gained, she maintained. And I walked about an hour and a half a day at the time (wasn't working or in school so walked everywhere). And I get to hear 'helpful hints' from her too.