Healthy Weight Loss

[Medusa]

EEK!

Ok - I've been super off-track for the last 3 weeks and my joints are shrieking about it quite loudly! Haven't worked out in over 3 weeks and have been smoking, drinking alcohol, sodas, eating crap, etc.

I have been avoiding the scales for the last several weeks because I knew I gained a little in Portland and haven't really been making a good effort since then.

I decided this morning that I needed to face the scales. I weighed and was shocked to see that I am at 291, which is only 2 pounds up from my lightest weighin for the last 2 months.

I am happy, don't get me wrong but I know that I missed out on 2 months of good weight loss and am determined to get back on track.

I want to encourage the peeps who are avoiding the scale to jump on that sucker and get an idea of where you are with it. It can be scary, yes, but it is much better to know than to wonder.

Today, my plan is:
*drink water and not soda
* cook a healthy lunch and dinner
* plan some meals for the rest of the week
* hit the elliptical or bike for at least 15 minutes.

Baby steps back toward losing!

[Stacy]

WTG Medusa!
I'm proud of you for facing the scales. It is hard after being off track for awhile.

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Cajun Dee
I went to the book store and bought a book with a list of near every kinda food you can think of,it list the carb count of the foods as well as the fiber count.I got it at BAM,there are tons of books to chose from,I went thrue it and picked what I like.. made me a list to keep handy to chose from.Recently my doc said my diabetis is in check and test are normal.I get the veggies in the steam bag wich have two servings at 8 carbs each but I often eat the whole thing for a meal with a meat/fish or fowl on the side.Also I keep hard boilled eggs handy,celery with pimento cheese is good,I can keep going on but u get the idea.Im on 60to 80 carbs a day and still loseing weight.

Wow Rockin that's really great! For ME, I am on less than 20 carbs a day and it's melting off, I am not allowed to be on the scale (old issues) so I am guessing by my clothes that I am down about 8-10 pounds. What I love? Seeing my muscles again, I was pouring my coffee this morning and I saw the muscles in my forearms!

The only way to lose weight on a low carb diet is to go into Ketosis, and the only way to test that is with ketostix, are you doing that? Tomorrow will be two weeks on induction, thank GOD and I can start having a little more, but this two week detox has felt great! I have energy and like I said I feel more toned already, and all I do is farm work for exercise.

Being a diabetic your diet is crucial so be very careful with it! You can also look up Atkins food list and there are lots of things you can have, like I add a slice of cream cheese here and there, went out to eat with the fam last night, ordered a wonderful juicy burger with cheese (no bun please) and a salad, I was so stuffed I could not finish it.

The BEST part? Everyone was having warm fresh garlic bread and butter, I had no desire for it in the least. I also *visualize* things I can't have as something disgusting.

[girl_dee]

Ok I am going to go out on a limb here and hope I don't offend anyone, I surely would never mean to do that.

Not sure if anyone wants this input if not please just skip over me! I am a hypnotherapist and a bodyworker by trade and deal with people with weight issues everyday, and this is one tool we use. Most of the people I see cannot exercise.

When you see something you want, and you shouldn't have for whatever plan you are following, use visualization. See it as something else. Like I visualize this when I see something like chocolate cheesecake:

which is actual fat, and think to myself *THAT is what the chocolate cheesecake is going to turn into after I eat it! *

It's such a turn off that I chuckle at myself for ever feeling deprived about such things. And I also say to myself while the others are enjoying it *you poor thing, if you only knew what that is going to turn into after you eat it*

Ok kinda lame but it works for me and others I work with. Kinda mind over matter when it comes to cravings.

[Stacy]

That is similar to how I handled my cheesecake temptation yesterday. I just kept looking at it thinking about how many points it was, almost as if it had an invisible post it note on it saying, "25 points". It helped a lot. I love your visualization suggestion. All those little tricks can help pull me through a bad temptation moment.

[BBinNYC]

Today was my first 1-week weigh-in day since going low carb last Monday. I've been pretty diligent, except for 1/2 piece of cake at a friend's birthday party.

The loss was 2.5 lbs, less than I had hoped for Week 1, but I'll take it. I was hoping for a first week 5-6 lb loss and then the smaller 2 lbs thereafter. But I haven't been exercising so I guess I'll introduce that this week and see if the results are any different next Monday.

BB

[Stacy]

That is a good weight loss, and any loss is a great success. Congratulations.

[girl_dee]

Yes and unlike many plans, low carb plans are more unforgiving, your body tries to enter Ketosis (a stage in which fat is being burned 24/7) and even one bad carb food will knock you back, so considering that you done good!

Exercise will help greatly, good luck!

[girl_dee]

Cravings:

Scientifically they are real, we really WANT something, and our body is asking us for it (Milk cravings mean you need calcium etc.) ..normally our body craves what it's deficient in. However it's been proven that after 3 bites the craving has actually been satisfied. The french folks love dessert, but they are TINY portions, (they also walk everywhere) so adopting this theory can help when it comes to eating that whole chocolate cheesecake or having a bite size chocolate candy!

Also the average time a craving lasts is 10 minutes, I pop a piece of gum in my mouth (i do this while cooking too so I don't taste everything) and in just a few minutes the craving is all gone.

[Diavolo]

I see a few folks above talking about counting carbs and calories and such. I use Livestrong's Myplate application. It's free and it sure keeps me honest. There are some things that I will get in to and shouldn't. Once I started entering everything in there regular, I got a better sense of what everything was doing to me. There are some things I just need to leave alone!

Currently, I'm working on a recipe of turkey breast chorizo that I made. It's my third attempt and this came out pretty good. Of course the thing that makes chorizo so damned good is the fat in the pork, so I figured I'd spice it up real good. 107 cal, 1.5g fat, 19g protein, 3.62g carbs. I add 1/2 cup of egg whites to it and one corn tortilla and that makes about a 270 calorie breakfast that makes you feel like you've actually eaten a meal.

[SelfMadeMan]

Originally Posted by Cajun_dee

Cravings:

Scientifically they are real, we really WANT something, and our body is asking us for it (Milk cravings mean you need calcium etc.) ..normally our body craves what it's deficient in. However it's been proven that after 3 bites the craving has actually been satisfied. The french folks love dessert, but they are TINY portions, (they also walk everywhere) so adopting this theory can help when it comes to eating that whole chocolate cheesecake or having a bite size chocolate candy!

Also the average time a craving lasts is 10 minutes, I pop a piece of gum in my mouth (i do this while cooking too so I don't taste everything) and in just a few minutes the craving is all gone.

I've had a craving for fresh spring rolls for over a week...

[Zimmeh]

This is what my human nutrition professor told us..And it scares you to know that is what you are consuming...

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by Cajun_dee

Ok I am going to go out on a limb here and hope I don't offend anyone, I surely would never mean to do that.

Not sure if anyone wants this input if not please just skip over me! I am a hypnotherapist and a bodyworker by trade and deal with people with weight issues everyday, and this is one tool we use. Most of the people I see cannot exercise.

When you see something you want, and you shouldn't have for whatever plan you are following, use visualization. See it as something else. Like I visualize this when I see something like chocolate cheesecake:

which is actual fat, and think to myself *THAT is what the chocolate cheesecake is going to turn into after I eat it! *

It's such a turn off that I chuckle at myself for ever feeling deprived about such things. And I also say to myself while the others are enjoying it *you poor thing, if you only knew what that is going to turn into after you eat it*

Ok kinda lame but it works for me and others I work with. Kinda mind over matter when it comes to cravings.

[Zimmeh]

Next time when I go power walking around LR, I am going to find you and take you with me...

Congrats on your weight loss!

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by Medusa

EEK!

Ok - I've been super off-track for the last 3 weeks and my joints are shrieking about it quite loudly! Haven't worked out in over 3 weeks and have been smoking, drinking alcohol, sodas, eating crap, etc.

I have been avoiding the scales for the last several weeks because I knew I gained a little in Portland and haven't really been making a good effort since then.

I decided this morning that I needed to face the scales. I weighed and was shocked to see that I am at 291, which is only 2 pounds up from my lightest weighin for the last 2 months.

I am happy, don't get me wrong but I know that I missed out on 2 months of good weight loss and am determined to get back on track.

I want to encourage the peeps who are avoiding the scale to jump on that sucker and get an idea of where you are with it. It can be scary, yes, but it is much better to know than to wonder.

Today, my plan is:
*drink water and not soda
* cook a healthy lunch and dinner
* plan some meals for the rest of the week
* hit the elliptical or bike for at least 15 minutes.

Baby steps back toward losing!

[PinkieLee]

GOOD MORNING Y'all and happy Monday!

It's great to see all these healthy goal driven folks up in here! It's nice to see all the continued success and amazing motivation!

Well, it's been one week that I've gotten back on track, and I feel great! I did break down and have a couple Dr. Peppers over the course of the weekend, but I did manage to stay within my points range.

Yesterday, I had a very lean pork loin roast simmering in the crockpot all day long (with only using a can of CocaCola as a marinade). After 8 hours, I shredded that sucker and it made the best sandwiches EVER! I did not add any barbque sauce... that amount was up to our own preferences. I used whole wheat tortillas and D used the honey wheat sandwhich thin. We've got plenty leftover for lunches today and even brought some for my boss.

I did get on the scale this morning to see where I was standing after the 5 pound gain post reunion. I've already lost 3 of them... so yes, I'm back on track! No, if I could just really get back on the gym/exercise routine I would be doing even better. I work my 2nd job tonight, so I'll be running my butt off for 3 hours tonight. I'm thinking ahead, so I already have my gym bag packed for tomorrow night after work!

Meals planned for the day....

Breakfast:
Raisin bran cereal with 2% milk
a banana
1 cup cofffee with fat free vanilla creamer

Lunch:
Pulled pork on a wheat tortilla
fresh fruit

Dinner:
a Lunchable
an apple

Snacks:
94% fat free popcorn
and/or yogurt

Make it a great day y'all

[ruffryder]

Originally Posted by SelfMadeMan

I've had a craving for fresh spring rolls for over a week...

One of my favs at the chinese buffet. the other night I got some fresh made sushi summer rolls from Publix. sooo good! .. and I imagine more healthier than spring rolls, at least the fried ones. It is 232 calories for 2. However they do have carbs, sugar, and the fav addition of chinese food - sodium! I guess once every few months isn't gonna kill you and will satisfy your craving, could be worse! hehe.

Happy Monday everybody! It's a sunny week here, so I imagine I'm gonna be walking/running a lot, hopefully on the beautiful beach.

[ruffryder]

Pinkie, ever try Dr Pepper Ten ? It is actually pretty good and doesn't take away that regular flavor of a Dr. Pepper.

[SelfMadeMan]

Don't stress about the destination or be put off by the length of the journey.
Every day is a step towards your goal Love y'all!!
Have a great week!

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

Pinkie, ever try Dr Pepper Ten ? It is actually pretty good and doesn't take away that regular flavor of a Dr. Pepper.

No, I haven't tried the Dr Pepper Ten... honestly, I don't think that I have ever seen it around here! I'm tell you, when I gave up Diet Coke, it was one of the hardest things ever! If I were to drink one Diet Coke now, I'ld end up drinking a 6 pack! Luckily, I can drink one Dr Pepper and be ok with that and switch right back to my water and/or iced tea.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Cajun_dee

Wow Rockin that's really great! For ME, I am on less than 20 carbs a day and it's melting off, I am not allowed to be on the scale (old issues) so I am guessing by my clothes that I am down about 8-10 pounds. What I love? Seeing my muscles again, I was pouring my coffee this morning and I saw the muscles in my forearms!

The only way to lose weight on a low carb diet is to go into Ketosis, and the only way to test that is with ketostix, are you doing that? Tomorrow will be two weeks on induction, thank GOD and I can start having a little more, but this two week detox has felt great! I have energy and like I said I feel more toned already, and all I do is farm work for exercise.

Being a diabetic your diet is crucial so be very careful with it! You can also look up Atkins food list and there are lots of things you can have, like I add a slice of cream cheese here and there, went out to eat with the fam last night, ordered a wonderful juicy burger with cheese (no bun please) and a salad, I was so stuffed I could not finish it.

The BEST part? Everyone was having warm fresh garlic bread and butter, I had no desire for it in the least. I also *visualize* things I can't have as something disgusting.

Morning Dee
I doubt im in ketosis or if I am its barely on the scale,for a while I was doing 40 carbs a day but my doc near had a fit..said I wasnt eating enough.On many days I can get by on way ess that I should be geting..im expected to have 148 carbs a day,no way can I do that and feel near human..it really foggs up my brain cells.I have a free food list and diet sodas are on it but I only have one or two a day then drink at least three 20oz bottles of water.I dont think im loseing weight fast enough but I am droping a fue pounds at the time.One thing I know for shure is that when I was up to age 40 could do very well on 20 carbs but now it dosent work to well cause it makes me feel really crapy with headache's a bit dizzy and off center...I think its an agae thing or me needing to watch sugar leveals cause of me being pre diabetic.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Morning Dee
I doubt im in ketosis or if I am its barely on the scale,for a while I was doing 40 carbs a day but my doc near had a fit..said I wasnt eating enough.On many days I can get by on way ess that I should be geting..im expected to have 148 carbs a day,no way can I do that and feel near human..it really foggs up my brain cells.I have a free food list and diet sodas are on it but I only have one or two a day then drink at least three 20oz bottles of water.I dont think im loseing weight fast enough but I am droping a fue pounds at the time.One thing I know for shure is that when I was up to age 40 could do very well on 20 carbs but now it dosent work to well cause it makes me feel really crapy with headache's a bit dizzy and off center...I think its an agae thing or me needing to watch sugar leveals cause of me being pre diabetic.

Hey Rockin

Yes, diabetics like us have to be careful. The eating plans and/or diets that work for non-diabetics can be dangerous for us.

I've really cut down on carbs...eating the equivalent of 2 slices of whole wheat bread and 1 small potato or ear of corn a day, plus a couple servings of whole fruit (no juice).

It's making me lose weight (slowly), but I couldn't cut it any lower and be safe. I've had several "low sugar" episodes that made me reach for a couple ounces of orange juice to get me back into a safe place.

It's important to remember that ketosis is a natural process that occurs when you're burning fat for energy instead of carbs. However, ketones are toxic acids. Healthy people can handle that (mostly). In diabetics, too many ketones can throw you into diabetic ketoacidosis...which can lead to coma and death.

Warning signs are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, "fruity" smelling breath and breathlessness. If you cut carbs dramatically, exercise hard and are diabetic....you can push yourself into this very dangerous situation.

I vote for slow and steady...especially for us diabetics.