Weight Loss

[jlbama]

I have been taking medication to help me to quit smoking and I am seeing a nutritionist. I am doing better with what I eat and have even added more protein in my diet. Since I have not been smoking I crave chocolate. I wake up in the middel of the night and eat M&M's. I have herniated disc in my neck so it makes it difficult for me to exercise. What is some suggestions that can help me?

[TheLightSeeker]

Cravings for chocolate (which is rich in magnesium) often indicate that your body is deficient in magnesium, which is BTW a very common deficiency.
I personally do for prevention 2x a week transdermal magnesium oil (50/50 magnesium chloride flakes and water) treatment. I find it to be more efficient and safer than oral magnesium (in therapeutic quantities it is very laxative,so in the end it doesn't work well)
A herniated cervical disc should not deter you from exercising, like going on a stepper, treadmill, recumbent bike,walking, hiking etc.
Eat a ton of greens and salads -preferably organic-
low mercury fish baked or grilled-  grass-fed meat,
free-run eggs and chicken (not commercial)
and avoid carbs from sugary foods,drinks and grains,
as much as possible.
Higher protein helps with weight loss, but the M&Ms kill the whole plan,lol!  Just don't buy them at all!
You got some good tips from Barb.
Cheers!
Niko

[Barb135]

When you wake up in the night, nosh on grapes, instead of chocolate... Eat lots of veggies and try to add in healthy fats, like coconut and olive oils, as they will make you feel more satisfied for longer.  You can use them to flavor foods and/or cook with.  To cut the taste of coconut when frying just add a dash of salt.  You can even use coconut oil in place of butter on your bread/toast...

Check out yoga for exercise... there are yoga poses that will help nearly everyone and it's low impact.  Be sure to check with your doctor first.