BM issues during maintenance?

Hi everyone,

I have been lurking here a bit, because I am within about 10 pounds or less from my original goal. I know all the stuff about dealing with bm issues during the weight loss phase and they have worked pretty well for me. But do you all find that you continue to need to add some type of product be it fiber gummies, miralax, etc. or is it sufficient for most of you to add in additional veggies and fibrous foods? I seem to be having a little more difficulty with this now and I'm hoping it's not going to be a forever thing. Any advice or wisdom will be appreciated.

Judy

 For me it depends how many carbs I'm eating. Under 30, I need miralax once a week.  More carbs means more veggies so I'm good.

I have just started adding chia seeds to my food plan. Lots of good Omegas.  I put a tablespoon into a little milk and toriani syrup and add some water. It mixes up to around quarter to half cup.  It gets like a gel because the seeds absorb the fluids.  It keeps me very regular. If I miss a few days I can tell.

Thanks Lee. Great advice - I'll be hunting down the chia seeds. I really want this to occur "naturally" via foods, if at all possible.

Seconding the chia seeds- I started eating them 7mo ago, just 2 T a day keeps my guts very happy.. plus I love them gelled in water, in flavored water, mixed in yogurts, ice pops and even ground them up and used them in meatballs as binder (worked well!)

Oh, and ditto on the Mg oxide.. the calcium was stopping me up until I found one with Mg Oxide and sometimes need a dose at night if I've been low on fiber for too long.. and I no longer get calf cramps!

Hey Lee, I just saw these at the store the other day but didn't know what to do with them.  Now I know!  Thanks..

Laura

 Laura, I also put them into Greek Yogurt.  I've seen chia seed beverages at Whoe Foods.  You can put them into everything. They are crunchy like poppy seeds.

chia seeds or flax seeds help. also i eat a couple of prunes every day. old fashioned but effective. my hubby finds that using unsweetened coconut milk in his shakes is helpful. but getting in veggies is a great help. diane

I take a 400mg magnesium pill at night and this was the only thing to help me out.  My bm's were like rabbit pellets and now they are normal...soft and large.  I've been doing this for at least a year and a half now.  It really made a huge difference for me.  Hope you get this resolved cause it is not fun...


Laura

I also take Magnesium Oxide at night. It is good for cramps, as well as regularity. We never get enough magnesium.

I have started putting spinach in my after workout shakes for some added fiber and nutrition. I have never been one to eat a lot of salad. I also get fiber from almonds and soynuts, but those can be a slippery slope, if one isn't careful. I have also used Chia seeds in my yogurt.

I am really appreciating all of these tips. This may be tmi - but I have not gone for 5 days now and I am sitting at work feeling miserable. I am going to have to ask my boss to change my hours tomorrow and come in later, so I can drink my smooth move tea or take something else, and have a couple of hours in the morning for everything to work. I already went out at lunch today and bought the chia seeds; will be looking at the magnesium and maybe the prunes.

SO thankful for your help. Please keep the tips coming.