I feel it. A change in attitude is happening inside of me.
I've been eating low carb since Tuesday. Two days. And I've lost 6 pounds of water weight from carb bloat. Uh. Ma. Zing.
This rapid weight loss has helped to keep my motivation going.
My cravings have also disappeared, which always happens when I switch to low carb and my blood sugar levels stay even.
The weekend is coming. Weekends scare me. But I can do this. I just have to get through this weekend to prove to myself that I can do it.
My first goal was 10 lbs. I have 4 pounds to go to reach my first weight loss goal. 166.
I welcome any good thoughts, positive wishes, and prayers to help me on this journey. :)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Sick of it...
You know...I'm just sick of the struggle. I'm sick of the temptations. I'm sick of giving in. I'm sick of giving up. I'm sick of it.
My weight sucks. I'm bloated. My willpower is there, but it's just not taking a front row seat. My motivation is simmering just below the surface, and I know what I need to do. I just have to do it.
But now I feel like it's too late. Summer is upon me. And I've wasted MONTHS just going back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and back and forth...you get the picture.
And I'm sick of it.
I feel my best when I eat less carbs. I feel more control when I eat less carbs. I feel my best when I eat real food. And drink real water.
And then I see a package of cookies in the pantry after a long, hard day's work...and I think, "That's just what I need to eat to feel better." And then I binge. And then I feel bad. And then I give up for a couple of days. Sick. of. it.
I know what I need to do. I just have to do it.
I have an all or nothing mentality when it comes to things. I gave up smoking with an all or nothing mentality. I knew that if I ever touched another cigarette, I would become a pack a day smoker again. So now (7 years later) I don't even think about cigarettes. My husband smokes, and I'm not tempted at all.
The breaking point came when I was trying to stop smoking (which is one of the hardest things in the world to do.) I got sick of the struggle. I got sick of thinking about smoking. I got sick trying to smoke in moderation or decrease my smoking. I got sick of fantasizing about smoking. I got sick of being around other people who smoked. Basically, I got sick of the struggle.
So one day I just stopped. And I never went back. No regrets. No temptation. No longing for the days when...I just stopped.
And that's what I need to do with the processed shit (excuse my french) that for some reason I think is ok to pour into my body, my son's body, my husband's body. Get. Rid. Of. It. It's not ok!!!
This is not FOOD that these companies are selling us! It's chemicals put together in such a way to resemble food. These companies are not interested in my health or longevity! They are in it to make money...to make me eat more...to make me want more...to make their pseudo-foods cheap and affordable so I turn to it on the weeks when my family doesn't have a lot of extra money, but I still need to buy them something to eat. That's bullshit.
And I've been buying, eating, and enjoying their crap for years. and years. and years.
I am sick of it.
I know what I need to do. I just have to do it.
My weight sucks. I'm bloated. My willpower is there, but it's just not taking a front row seat. My motivation is simmering just below the surface, and I know what I need to do. I just have to do it.
But now I feel like it's too late. Summer is upon me. And I've wasted MONTHS just going back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and back and forth...you get the picture.
And I'm sick of it.
I feel my best when I eat less carbs. I feel more control when I eat less carbs. I feel my best when I eat real food. And drink real water.
And then I see a package of cookies in the pantry after a long, hard day's work...and I think, "That's just what I need to eat to feel better." And then I binge. And then I feel bad. And then I give up for a couple of days. Sick. of. it.
I know what I need to do. I just have to do it.
I have an all or nothing mentality when it comes to things. I gave up smoking with an all or nothing mentality. I knew that if I ever touched another cigarette, I would become a pack a day smoker again. So now (7 years later) I don't even think about cigarettes. My husband smokes, and I'm not tempted at all.
The breaking point came when I was trying to stop smoking (which is one of the hardest things in the world to do.) I got sick of the struggle. I got sick of thinking about smoking. I got sick trying to smoke in moderation or decrease my smoking. I got sick of fantasizing about smoking. I got sick of being around other people who smoked. Basically, I got sick of the struggle.
So one day I just stopped. And I never went back. No regrets. No temptation. No longing for the days when...I just stopped.
And that's what I need to do with the processed shit (excuse my french) that for some reason I think is ok to pour into my body, my son's body, my husband's body. Get. Rid. Of. It. It's not ok!!!
This is not FOOD that these companies are selling us! It's chemicals put together in such a way to resemble food. These companies are not interested in my health or longevity! They are in it to make money...to make me eat more...to make me want more...to make their pseudo-foods cheap and affordable so I turn to it on the weeks when my family doesn't have a lot of extra money, but I still need to buy them something to eat. That's bullshit.
And I've been buying, eating, and enjoying their crap for years. and years. and years.
I am sick of it.
I know what I need to do. I just have to do it.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Eggs
What are the benefits of eating eggs?
Eggs are excellent sources of protein (6 grams per egg) - it's a complete protein (contains all of the essential amino acids needed by the human body).
Eggs are good sources of all the B vitamins, vitamin A, some vitamin D and E.
Eggs contain the majority of the minerals that the body requires for health (especially idodine and phosphorus, but many more).
One egg only contributes to about 3 to 4% (78) of our calorie needs for the day.
Eggs benefit brain and memory.
Eggs benefit heart health.
Eggs help maintain healthy eyes and muscle.
Eggs assist with diet and weight loss.
Eggs promote healthy skin and hair.
Read more at Suite101: The Health and Beauty Benefits of Eggs: High-Protein Eggs are a Healthy Diet Addition and Beauty Trick | Suite101.com http://melissa-parks.suite101.com/the-health-and-beauty-benefits-of-eggs-a217894#ixzz1urhjBADn
Read more at Suite101: Eggs: They're Beneficial "Again" | Suite101.com http://melinda-lund.suite101.com/eggs-a138507#ixzz1urgagYqT
Eggs are excellent sources of protein (6 grams per egg) - it's a complete protein (contains all of the essential amino acids needed by the human body).
Eggs are good sources of all the B vitamins, vitamin A, some vitamin D and E.
Eggs contain the majority of the minerals that the body requires for health (especially idodine and phosphorus, but many more).
One egg only contributes to about 3 to 4% (78) of our calorie needs for the day.
Eggs benefit brain and memory.
Eggs benefit heart health.
Eggs help maintain healthy eyes and muscle.
Eggs assist with diet and weight loss.
Eggs promote healthy skin and hair.
Read more at Suite101: The Health and Beauty Benefits of Eggs: High-Protein Eggs are a Healthy Diet Addition and Beauty Trick | Suite101.com http://melissa-parks.suite101.com/the-health-and-beauty-benefits-of-eggs-a217894#ixzz1urhjBADn
Read more at Suite101: Eggs: They're Beneficial "Again" | Suite101.com http://melinda-lund.suite101.com/eggs-a138507#ixzz1urgagYqT
Greek Yogurt
What are the health benefits to eating greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein with almost twenty grams on average per eight ounce serving.
Greek yogurt is lower in carbohydrates than most standard commercial yogurts making it a good choice for keeping blood sugar levels under control.
The fat-free version is also low in calories, with only 120 calories per eight ounce serving.
Other health benefits of Greek yogurt include lower sodium content than standard yogurt – usually almost half as much as in most non-Greek brands.
It does have one drawback. It’s lower in calcium – sometimes significantly lower than standard yogurts since much of the calcium is removed during the triple straining it undergoes.
Read more at Suite101: The Benefits of Greek Yogurt for Breakfast: An Early Morning Meal That's Also Healthy | Suite101.com http://kristieleong.suite101.com/the-benefits-of-greek-yogurt-for-breakfast-a175436#ixzz1ur7iDjp2
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein with almost twenty grams on average per eight ounce serving.
Greek yogurt is lower in carbohydrates than most standard commercial yogurts making it a good choice for keeping blood sugar levels under control.
The fat-free version is also low in calories, with only 120 calories per eight ounce serving.
Other health benefits of Greek yogurt include lower sodium content than standard yogurt – usually almost half as much as in most non-Greek brands.
It does have one drawback. It’s lower in calcium – sometimes significantly lower than standard yogurts since much of the calcium is removed during the triple straining it undergoes.
Read more at Suite101: The Benefits of Greek Yogurt for Breakfast: An Early Morning Meal That's Also Healthy | Suite101.com http://kristieleong.suite101.com/the-benefits-of-greek-yogurt-for-breakfast-a175436#ixzz1ur7iDjp2
Coffee
What are the health benefits of drinking coffee?
Caffeine enhances cognitive functioning linked to alertness.
Coffee can help with weight loss: Caffeine increases our energy levels and speeds up metabolism.
Caffeine lowers the risk of heart disease.
Caffeine lowers the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Caffeine reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Coffee beans contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are substances that help fight off free radicals in the body and are thought to help fight cancer.
Read more at Suite101: The Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee | Suite101.com http://julia-bourque.suite101.com/a-toast-to-americas-favorite-joe-a253361#ixzz1ur5unBpG
Caffeine enhances cognitive functioning linked to alertness.
Coffee can help with weight loss: Caffeine increases our energy levels and speeds up metabolism.
Caffeine lowers the risk of heart disease.
Caffeine lowers the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Caffeine reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Coffee beans contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are substances that help fight off free radicals in the body and are thought to help fight cancer.
Read more at Suite101: The Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee | Suite101.com http://julia-bourque.suite101.com/a-toast-to-americas-favorite-joe-a253361#ixzz1ur5unBpG
Almonds
What are the health benefits of eating almonds?
Eating almonds in moderation promotes lower cholesterol levels, prevents heart disease and can help with weight loss.
Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, with 25g providing 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance. They also have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fiber and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat. They contain more calcium than any other nut which makes them great for vegetarians who do not eat any dairy products.
They also contain amygdalin, also known as laetrile or vitamin B17, the controversial anti-cancer nutrient.
Read more at Suite101: Health Benefits of Almonds: High Protein, Heart-Friendly and a Good Diet Aid | Suite101.com http://fiona-wilkinson.suite101.com/top-healthy-foods-almonds-a72419#ixzz1ur067Mg1
Eating almonds in moderation promotes lower cholesterol levels, prevents heart disease and can help with weight loss.
Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, with 25g providing 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance. They also have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fiber and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat. They contain more calcium than any other nut which makes them great for vegetarians who do not eat any dairy products.
They also contain amygdalin, also known as laetrile or vitamin B17, the controversial anti-cancer nutrient.
Read more at Suite101: Health Benefits of Almonds: High Protein, Heart-Friendly and a Good Diet Aid | Suite101.com http://fiona-wilkinson.suite101.com/top-healthy-foods-almonds-a72419#ixzz1ur067Mg1
Consider your hunger as a signal that you need fuel, not that you have to go out and seek the most fantastic eating experience of your life.
Day four: 170.6 lb. No change from yesterday.
I feel great! I'm fine with the "no change" in my weight.
I feel great! I'm fine with the "no change" in my weight.
Instead of thinking there are “good” and “bad” foods, consider them as nutritional or non-nutritional.
This morning, while walking on the treadmill, I was reading my latest copy of Oxygen magazine. In particular, I was reading Tosca Reno's column. Among her infinite words of wisdom, I found this gem (paraphrased by yours truly)...
Everything that passes my lips must help me to achieve my personal goals.
I've been repeating this to myself today. and it has really put things into perspective for me. But I thought to truly embrace this new mantra, I must also do my research. How will the foods that I eat help me to achieve my goals?
Off the top of my head, here is what I want.
1. I want to eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. I want to eat real food.
2. I want to limit my carbohydrate intake to between 50 and 100 grams per day.
3. I want to exercise daily with one day off a week.
And by doing these things...
4. I want to lose 20 lbs.
5. I want to maintain the 20 lb. weight loss.
6. I want to eat in a way that will maintain my health.
7. I want to develop a passion for eating well.
I think that's it for now. Like I said, I will continue to think about these goals and revise/change as necessary.
Everything that passes my lips must help me to achieve my personal goals.
I've been repeating this to myself today. and it has really put things into perspective for me. But I thought to truly embrace this new mantra, I must also do my research. How will the foods that I eat help me to achieve my goals?
Off the top of my head, here is what I want.
1. I want to eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. I want to eat real food.
2. I want to limit my carbohydrate intake to between 50 and 100 grams per day.
3. I want to exercise daily with one day off a week.
And by doing these things...
4. I want to lose 20 lbs.
5. I want to maintain the 20 lb. weight loss.
6. I want to eat in a way that will maintain my health.
7. I want to develop a passion for eating well.
I think that's it for now. Like I said, I will continue to think about these goals and revise/change as necessary.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Never say anything to yourself you wouldn’t say to a young child you love...
Day Four Weigh-In: 170.2
I have lost 4.6 lbs in four days. This is what carbs do to my body, people.
I feel great! I feel smaller. I'm not hungry. I'm listening to my body. I'm planning.
I have lost 4.6 lbs in four days. This is what carbs do to my body, people.
I feel great! I feel smaller. I'm not hungry. I'm listening to my body. I'm planning.
Don’t put yourself down for the mistakes you make with food. Rather, lavishly praise yourself for all your successes, even the tiniest ones.
Day three: 172 pounds. I've lost 2.8 pounds in two days. And I see the bloat leaving my body.
7:00 am
Breakfast: 4 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 1 tbsp. coffeemate (2)
Atkins Advantage Strawberry Shake. (1)
20 oz. water (0)
9:30 am
Mid-morning Snack: 1 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 1 packet Stevia in the Raw (1), 1 tbsp. heavy cream(0)
12:00 pm
Lunch: 3 net carbs
1 carb blocker
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin (3)
2 hard boiled egg whites (0)
20 oz. water (0)
3:30-4 30 Day Shred Level 2
4:00 pm
Mid-afternoon Snack: 6 net carbs
20 oz. water (0)
Atkins Daybreak Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (3)
Dry roasted peanuts (3)
6:00 pm
Dinner: 9 net carbs
chicken (0), sweet peppers (free), onion (free), turkey bacon (0), Newmann's Own Low Fat Ginger and Sesame Dressing (5)
1 cup coffee (0), 1 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 1 tbsp. sugar free creamer(2)
8:30 pm
Evening Snack 5 net carbs
Breyer's Carb Smart Ice Cream Bar
I felt great today. I"m still not getting up early to exercise, but I did workout after school with Jen.
About 28 net carbs for the day.
7:00 am
Breakfast: 4 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 1 tbsp. coffeemate (2)
Atkins Advantage Strawberry Shake. (1)
20 oz. water (0)
9:30 am
Mid-morning Snack: 1 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 1 packet Stevia in the Raw (1), 1 tbsp. heavy cream(0)
12:00 pm
Lunch: 3 net carbs
1 carb blocker
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin (3)
2 hard boiled egg whites (0)
20 oz. water (0)
3:30-4 30 Day Shred Level 2
4:00 pm
Mid-afternoon Snack: 6 net carbs
20 oz. water (0)
Atkins Daybreak Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (3)
Dry roasted peanuts (3)
6:00 pm
Dinner: 9 net carbs
chicken (0), sweet peppers (free), onion (free), turkey bacon (0), Newmann's Own Low Fat Ginger and Sesame Dressing (5)
1 cup coffee (0), 1 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 1 tbsp. sugar free creamer(2)
8:30 pm
Evening Snack 5 net carbs
Breyer's Carb Smart Ice Cream Bar
I felt great today. I"m still not getting up early to exercise, but I did workout after school with Jen.
About 28 net carbs for the day.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Fake it til you make it.
Day Two
Weight 172.6 In one day, I've already lost 2.2 lb of water weight that my body retains from carbs.
7:00 am
Breakfast: 4 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 1 tbsp. cream (0)
Atkins Advantage Milk Chocolate Delight Shake. (2)
20 oz. water (0)
9:30 am
Mid-morning Snack: 2 net carbs
2 hard boiled egg whites (0)
Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds (2)
12:00 pm
Lunch: 0 net carbs
chicken salad chicken (0), celery (free), onion (free), mayo (0)
green beans (free)
20 oz. water (0)
1 Carb blocker, snack size peppermint patty, snack size hershey bar, 2 starburst (18)
I got a baggie in my mailbox this morning with these candies for Teacher Appreciation Week. A bit of regret when I ate them, but I'll own it.
2:30 pm
Mid-afternoon Snack: 3 net carbs
20 oz. water (0)
Dry roasted peanuts (3)
6:00 pm
Dinner: 12 net carbs
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin(6)
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 2 tbsp. sugar free creamer(4)
8:30 pm
Evening Snack 16 net carbs
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (I know how many carbs were in it this time. And I still ate it!. Eat it. Own it.)
I felt great today. We're laying off the exercise until our bodies adjust to low carb eating, and I can't say I'm sorry about that.
About 55 net carbs for the day
Weight 172.6 In one day, I've already lost 2.2 lb of water weight that my body retains from carbs.
7:00 am
Breakfast: 4 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 1 tbsp. cream (0)
Atkins Advantage Milk Chocolate Delight Shake. (2)
20 oz. water (0)
9:30 am
Mid-morning Snack: 2 net carbs
2 hard boiled egg whites (0)
Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds (2)
12:00 pm
Lunch: 0 net carbs
chicken salad chicken (0), celery (free), onion (free), mayo (0)
green beans (free)
20 oz. water (0)
1 Carb blocker, snack size peppermint patty, snack size hershey bar, 2 starburst (18)
I got a baggie in my mailbox this morning with these candies for Teacher Appreciation Week. A bit of regret when I ate them, but I'll own it.
2:30 pm
Mid-afternoon Snack: 3 net carbs
20 oz. water (0)
Dry roasted peanuts (3)
6:00 pm
Dinner: 12 net carbs
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin(6)
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 2 tbsp. sugar free creamer(4)
8:30 pm
Evening Snack 16 net carbs
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (I know how many carbs were in it this time. And I still ate it!. Eat it. Own it.)
I felt great today. We're laying off the exercise until our bodies adjust to low carb eating, and I can't say I'm sorry about that.
About 55 net carbs for the day
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Failure is not an option. Period.
May 7, 2012
Day One Weigh-in 174.8 lb. At my lowest (after Phase One of Atkins) I was 166.6. That was a month ago.
Plan: Limit net carbs (not from vegetables and 2 servings of fruit) to between 20 and 50 net carbs per day.
(Sidenote: Vegetables and Fruit (up to 2 servings) do not count toward our 20-50 g. of net carbs. They are whole foods, from nature, and should not necessarily be limited (with the exception of high sugar fruit *i.e.bananas* and high sugar/starchy vegetables *i.e.potatoes*). Weight Watchers allows fruits and vegetables for zero points. So do we! ;)
8:00 am
Breakfast: 5 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 2 tbsp. cream (1)
Atkins Advantage Milk Chocolate Delight Shake. (2)
32 oz. water (0)
10:30 am
Mid-morning Snack: 2 net carbs
2 hard boiled egg whites (0)
Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds (2)
16 oz. water (0)
1:00 pm
Lunch: 0 net carbs
chicken salad chicken (0), celery (free), onion (free), mayo (0)
parmesan crisps (0)
half an apple (free)
carrots (free)
16 oz. water
chai and black green tea (0)
3:30 pm
Mid-afternoon Snack: 5 net carbs
Carb Smart Ice Cream Bar (5)
6:00 pm
Dinner: 0 net carbs
Garlic Parmesan Chicken (0)
String Beans (free)
8:30 pm
Evening Snack 16 net carbs
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (16) I would not have eaten this...I miscalculated and thought it was only 5.1 net carbs.
28 net carbs for the day! If I'm counting fruits and vegetables too...44 net carbs.
Day One=Success!
Day One Weigh-in 174.8 lb. At my lowest (after Phase One of Atkins) I was 166.6. That was a month ago.
Plan: Limit net carbs (not from vegetables and 2 servings of fruit) to between 20 and 50 net carbs per day.
(Sidenote: Vegetables and Fruit (up to 2 servings) do not count toward our 20-50 g. of net carbs. They are whole foods, from nature, and should not necessarily be limited (with the exception of high sugar fruit *i.e.bananas* and high sugar/starchy vegetables *i.e.potatoes*). Weight Watchers allows fruits and vegetables for zero points. So do we! ;)
8:00 am
Breakfast: 5 net carbs
2 cups coffee (0), 2 packets Stevia in the Raw (2), 2 tbsp. cream (1)
Atkins Advantage Milk Chocolate Delight Shake. (2)
32 oz. water (0)
10:30 am
Mid-morning Snack: 2 net carbs
2 hard boiled egg whites (0)
Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds (2)
16 oz. water (0)
1:00 pm
Lunch: 0 net carbs
chicken salad chicken (0), celery (free), onion (free), mayo (0)
parmesan crisps (0)
half an apple (free)
carrots (free)
16 oz. water
chai and black green tea (0)
3:30 pm
Mid-afternoon Snack: 5 net carbs
Carb Smart Ice Cream Bar (5)
6:00 pm
Dinner: 0 net carbs
Garlic Parmesan Chicken (0)
String Beans (free)
8:30 pm
Evening Snack 16 net carbs
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (16) I would not have eaten this...I miscalculated and thought it was only 5.1 net carbs.
28 net carbs for the day! If I'm counting fruits and vegetables too...44 net carbs.
Day One=Success!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
HARDCORE (cause that's how we roll)
And so it begins...
Tomorrow is Monday. Mondays are when I begin my new diet plans. Hence, tomorrow I will begin my new diet plan.
Over the past several months, my soul sister and I have tried a variety of diet approaches. The most effective one has been a low carb approach. We've done the first phase of Atkins, where you limit yourself to 20 net carbs per day. We've done moderate carb eating, where we limited ourselves to less than 100 carbs per day. Now we have a new plan. Hopefully, a plan that is doable as a lifestyle approach. One through which we can endure, lose weight, and stick with for the long haul.
Tomorrow is Monday. Tomorrow begins our hardcore controlled carbohydrate eating.
Our plan is simple. Eat between 20 and 50 net carbs per day. (Net carbs = carbohydrates minus fiber minus sugar alcohols)
We'll try it for a week. See how much we lose. And adjust accordingly. If we need to go back to closer to 20 g of net carbs per day, we will. If we continue to lose in the 50 net carb range (which of course allows for more flexibility) we will.
Wish us luck!
Tomorrow I'll post my beginning weight. My food diary. And my thoughts through this journey.
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