Why can't I lose weight?

Why can’t I lose weight?

After my orthopedic injury, I gained about 20 “excess” pounds. My doctor told me I had to lose them. Before my surgery, I had the perfect excuse that I could not exercise, could not even walk as evidenced by my handicapped status, and I milked that excuse for all it was worth. After surgery to repair the damaged joint, I found myself unable to eat anything because of nausea brought on by pain medications. My doctor again told me to lose the 20 pounds. Six months out, and still 20 pounds overweight, he reiterated his command. Now, one year after my surgery, I am doing famously- no drugs, and can even work out at the gym. My weight, however, continues to creep up. “Well,” said the trainer after two months had failed to take off even one pound (in fact I packed on two) “muscle weighs more than fat.” True, but I know fat when I see it! My BMI and body fat % both improved, but I can see it is going to be a long, slow road. Here’s why- I eat. And eat. My favorite food is chocolate, and I have found a way to put all four food groups into chocolate. Let me demonstrate:

Magic Cookie Bars from EAGLE BRAND®

Ingredients

· 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

· 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (Grains- whole, even)

· 1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (Dairy)

· 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels

· 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut (Fruits and Vegetables)

· 1 cup chopped nuts (Protein)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.

3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature. Enjoy!

See? All four food groups plus chocolate which will soon have its own group- antioxidants or mood enhancers or some such. Guilt free!

Nighty-night.

Radioactive Girl.