May 17, 2007

Stayed the same on the scale today. Not gonna complain about that. It's better than going up. TOM is due anytime, which is probably not helping things any. If I can just resist all the cravings and stick with it, I'll be happy.

I found a great article in the paper I'd like to discuss at length soon. I have a busy day but I'll try to find time to fit it in.

Today so far:
Breakfast: EAS Carb Control Shake - 2 carbs
Water: just getting started

Need to go get on the treadmill and do pilates. Wow.. are my thighs sore from yesterdays workout. But that's a good thing. Means I did something right - my muscles actually got used! :0)

Update #1

Lunch: Green Bean Almondine - 4 carbs

Exercise:
Treadmill - 26 minutes, 1 mile, 125 calories burned
Water: 32 ounces

So far I'm resisting the chocolate...

May 16, 2007

Happy Wednesday!

Yesterday was a rough day for me emotionally. I had some major stress yesterday, but I'm glad to announce I didn't cave in to it. I kept myself preoccupied and busy. At some points the stress was so bad that I was literally sick at my stomach.. which also aides in my lack of hunger I guess. Whatever the reason, I did well and the scale rewarded me. I'm down 1.5 lbs.. which only leaves 2.5 until I'm back at my lowest weight.

Today so far:
Breakfast: EAS Carb Control Shake - 2 carbs
Water: none yet

I'll update more later.. need to go get on the treadmill.

Update #1

Exercise:
Treadmill - 33 minutes, 1.32 miles, 153 calories burned
Pilates - 10 minutes Thigh workout

Water so far: 16 ounces (I need to get a move on this!)

Update #2

Lunch: Low-Carb Pizza - 5 carbs

Snack: Atkins Bar - 2 carbs

Dinner: Hamburger Patty, green beans almondine, pickle - 5 carbs

Dessert: Frozen Chocolate Kisses - 4 carbs

Total for the day: 18 carbs
Total water for the day: 48 ounces

Blogging on hold and update

I'm having to put my blogging on hold for a few days. I may be able to get back to it as soon as Wednesday, but I'm not promising anything. This is my children's last week of school and I'm up to my eyeballs in things to get ready for.

I'm back to eating well. Today has been as follows:

Breakfast: protein shake
Snack: Hood LC milk
Lunch: LC chicken salad
Snack: protein shake
Dinner: (will be) small portion of Dreamfields spaghetti w/my homemade meat sauce and small salad.

I've been enjoying decaf tea today instead of my usual Diet Rite. I'm using Lipton's Cold Brew tea, which tastes great and only takes 3 minutes to fix. I'm all for quick and simple right now.

My treadmill has been sadly neglected lately. I'm going to get all the paperwork cleared off of it so I can walk on it again (it's become a second desk the last week or so). Today I'll get my walking in when the repair shop calls to say my car is ready. I have to walk there to pick it up. It's probably less than a mile, so not a huge amount of exercise, but certainly more than I've gotten in a week or so!

I'm currently working off about 4 lbs that I've gained since Vegas. I guess I can't say that it's water anymore. Some may be since I've been bouncing up and down, but I'm not gonna worry either way. One thing I learned last time: It will happen if I'm patient. The benefit to losing slowly, compared to faster loss, is that my skin isn't lose or saggy. Exercise helps with that too, but last time my exercise consisted of walking now and then, nothing regular. I lost 50 lbs in just over a year.. and didn't have any lose skin because it came of slowly and allowed my body to adjust as I went.

Have a great day all!

Spring Break and other stuff

Hi everyone. Sorry I couldn't get in to post yesterday. It was a crazy day. We had some slightly stressful family stuff going on. Thank the Lord is seems to be working out ok now.

My kids are on spring break this week, so I may not be able to post daily. We are going to jump on some serious reoganizing and cleaning. We also promised them a couple of days of camping at the end of the week. According to the weather reports that's not gonna happen, due to freezing temps by the weekend, so it looks like we'll have to change plans and find something to do inside.

I'm staying steady on the scale. I was down a couple more ounces for the last two days. Went back up again today about a lb. Just normal fluxuation. My Vegas trip is a week from tomorrow so I hope to get off a couple more lbs by then. Not that two lbs will make a huge difference or anything, but it'd be nice anyhow.

I haven't had a chance to walk as much as I'd like lately. I'm going to get back on the treadmill today and give myself a good workout.

I need to measure today. I'll do that a bit later and then try to post the results afterwards.

The way I do it...

I've decided to write a quick post in answer to Katiep's question left in the comment section of my last post. I thought It might be beneficial for others who are wondering the same thing, which is what am I doing to lose weight.

First let me say that I'm doing the Atkins plan, which is considered the most "radical" of the low-carb plans. At present I'm doing a plan closer to the 1972 version of Atkins, than the newest version. My carbs are pretty low most of the time. I'd venture to guess they are regularly under 20 carbs. The reason I say "guess" is because I really don't know. I'm no longer keeping track because I tend to obsess over it, which seems to do me more damage than good. I have a good knowledge of what I can and can't eat, as well as the carb counts in most foods. So I look at my food choices and just mentally tally my carb counts in the meal. Sometimes I go over 20, sometimes I don't reach it. But I do not write it down or let a few grams of carbs bother me. I did that last time and I almost drove me nutso.

As an idea of my menu, here's what I normally do:

Breakfast: EAS protein shake

Mid-Morning (after workout): EAS protein shake (this is something I just started doing a couple of weeks ago)

Lunch: smoked turkey with melted cheddar/colby on top (just enough to fill a small plate - no huge portions) OR small bowl of chicken salad (I'd be glad to share my recipe) and a pickle, OR small salad and baked fish.

Mid-afternoon snack: I try not to snack between meals unless I just really feel hungry. (The after workout shake being the exception) If I do it may be a protein bar, shake, or a few ounces of cheese. I try to choose something that will last me a while.

Dinner: Grilled meats and veggies. Sometimes I'll make one of my favorite lc dishes, like Green Chili and Jack chicken. This meal will vary a lot with me since it's the meal that we almost always eat as a family.

If I am hungry between dinner and bedtime, especially if I'm wanting chocolate, I'll make my favorite flavored coffee (decaf) and sip on that through-out the evening. It really helps keep me from mindless eating.

I'll admit I don't drink near enough water. I'm a diet rite junkie. It's my biggest vice. But it could be worse so I don't concern myself over it too much. If I did drink more water I would almost bet the farm I'd lose even faster. I've seen it happen before that way.

This is just to give you a general idea. I don't count calories and I don't worry about fat.

My workouts are pretty simple right now. I spend a minimum of 30 minutes a day, but usually an hour, on my treadmill. I do this 6 days a week. I do try to make those 30+ minutes count by pushing myself enough to be sure I work up a good sweat. I am usually in dire need of a shower afterwards.

I'm also sure to take my supplements. I take a multi-vitamin, chromium, fish oil, and calcium. The calcium and multi really need no explanation. The fish oil helps with depression, as does the chromium. The chromium also has been shown to help metabolize fat. I have a book that tells all about this. I'll have to find it and share some info from it soon.

That's pretty much it. I keep it simple. I try not to indulge in lc sweets or lc junk food very often, although I do occasionally.

Do keep in mind that I still have over 45 lbs to lose. As I near goal, my loss will slow down and I'll have to be patient to see the lose last 10 lbs or so disappear. There's a chance I'll have to work a bit harder at it as well. But I NEVER plan to go back to counting like a maniac and panicking if I accidentally eat a crouton.

I don't fight my body, I work with it. I just try to live, have a good outlook, and be content where I am at right now, knowing that with each passing day I'm losing weight and seeing progress. And as long as I stick with it I'll be just fine. I think sometimes we slow ourselves down by stressing over it.

So anyhoo.. that's what I do. It's not scientific. It may not even make sense to some, but it works for me and I'm happiest doing it this way.

I'd be more than happy to share recipes, suggestions, etc with anyone who'd like me to. I used to moderate a low-carb forum several years ago, so I'm used to helping people with their menu's and such.

Monday, Monday

It definitely feels like a Monday.

TOM is here and I'm doing my best not to be miserable. I'm again retaining water like a camel. But I'm doing well on fighting the cravings this time. I haven't cheated and I'm getting in more water.

I'm happy to announce that I walked 3.25 miles on the treadmill today! So I'm finally making progress there. I also burned 388 calories. If I walk at a steady pace, and my legs don't cave, I think I could walk the 6 miles in around 2 1/2 hours. I have just over a month now before my March Of Dimes Walk. If any of you are considering sponsoring me, please be sure to get your pledge in before April 28th.

Well, I have a lot to do. I have an office area that has become the catch-all room and I need to organize. Have a great day!

Down another lb..

I've lost another lb of the water retention. Only a 1/2 lb to go to be a my pre-weekend weight.

I spent an hour on the treadmill yesterday and it was a great workout. I burned about 270 calories and walked about 2.5 miles. I plan to do the same today. I plan on varying my workout soon. I have Tae Bo, Pilates, Walk Away The Pounds and a home gym to use, as well as my treadmill. So no need for me to get bored. I'm sure I'll be ready to shake things up soon. I also need to start working on strength training. I love Pilates! It does an amazing job of strengthening your core muscles.

Have a great one!

Water is whooshing away...

Thankfully I have already dropped 2.5 of the 4 lbs of water I'm retaining. I knew I'd have a good whoosh today since I spent a lot of time running to the bathroom. If that doesn't count as exercise, it should! :0)

I'll be getting on the treadmill soon and plan to sweat for about 45 minutes. Then take a hot shower that lasts as long as my tank will allow.

My photo courses are progressing nicely. I've learned so much and can't wait to start my photo projects, which I send in at the end of each unit. If they turn out well I may share them here.. maybe. We'll see.

I hear dishes calling so I'd better get them done. Have a great one!

4 Topics for today...

There is so much to post about today that I don't even know where to start!

Topic #1: Let's start with one of Jimmy's latest blog posts. Today he posted more great blogs that I can't wait to check out. Ten of them to be exact. As I read down the post I was thrilled and honored to see that my website was #3! Here are his exact words:

3. Healthy Low-Carb Living

This isn't a blog, but it is one of the best-looking low-carb resources I have seen in a very long time from one of my most faithful readers--Sparky's Girl! "Healthy Low-Carb Living" organizes just about everything you could ever want about livin' la vida low-carb in one lovely package. You can read her and her husband's weight loss success stories, see pictures, find low-carb tips and links, see the myths addressed, and so much more! Check it out along with the companion "Healthy Low-Carb Living" blog.

How great is that?!?! I guess I'd better get a scoot on it and finished up the last few pages that are not working yet! I still haven't finished the myths page, the cookbooks page.. and to be honest the front page still looks pretty bare. But my goal is to have all those things finished sometime this morning. Anyway.. Thanks for the mention Jimmy! It really is an honor and I'm so glad you like the site!

Topic #2: My weight has stayed the same on the scale for the past couple of days. I've actually eaten less than normal this weekend due to not feeling too well. I can feel a bit of water retention, but nothing too major. So yesterday I get out of the shower and go up to my room to dress. I'm standing there in my underthings and happened to glance at myself in the mirror. I had to do a double take! Was that really me? Could 17 lbs really make that much difference? I was amazed. I was seeing MUCH less of me. Areas that had rolls are starting to flatten out, my stomach doesn't stick out so much anymore, and my arms and legs are showing marked improvements. I ran downstairs like an idiot to tell my husband what I'd seen (I was acting like I'd seen a miracle, and some ways I felt like I had). He smiled and told me how proud he was of me and how he'd noticed the same thing. He just told his parents a couple of days ago how well I was doing and that he couldn't remember exactly how much I'd lost, but it was really showing. It's so nice to have that kind of confirmation. It really helps you keep going!

Topic 3#: Moderated comments. I have decided to moderate all comments on this blog. Not to be a dictator, but to keep offensive material and spam from showing up. I don't always have time to check the comments daily and I certainly don't want something offensive sitting there for several hours before I catch it. I get loads of spam in my website guestbook and have to delete it all the time. I have no problem listening to other opinions on the subjects we discuss here, as long as they are made in a kind and courteous manner. I will not tolerate hateful or vulgar comments though. They will simply be deleted. I know some subjects can become heated and emotions will run high, but not here. That's not why I started this blog. If someone wants to debate the merits and faults of this or that, find a forum for just that purpose. Also keep in mind that I have a very dry sense of humor.. and tend to use it when things get uncomfortable. I did so a couple of days ago after a post on a friend's blog got a bit personal and nasty. I guess one of the posters doesn't have a sense of humor. :0)

Topic #4: I think I'm fighting the bug my children had last week, though not as severe. My stomach has been upset off and on since Friday. So after finishing up my website, I'll probably take it easy today. I was only able to finish about half of my 11 oz. protein shake this morning before I felt a little sick. So anyhoo.. I doubt I'll be walking on the treadmill today.

Well, I'd better stop here. I plan on doing a couple of product reviews later today or early tomorrow. If I'm not spending the day bowing at the porcelain throne, I'll get them posted asap for ya.

Have a great one!

Going back down..

I've taken off that pound that came back a couple of days ago. I exercised for about an hour on the treadmill yesterday, which I'm sure helped a lot. I'm thinking part of my slow down is due to the protein bars I'm eating. While there great in a pinch, I've been making them a daily habit. I'm going to try cutting them out and go back to real food for my lunches.

Today I plan on printing some new recipes from Kimmer's site. There is bound to be some ideas on there to keep me from getting bored. I also plan on walking on the treadmill again, hopefully for another hour. I am also thinking of adding Pilates back in. It may just be time to start working on firming some areas up. What areas need the most work? Uh.. All of me. Yep, that sums it up.

Have a great day all!

Tired today...

Today is just one of those sleepy days. I'd love to stay in bed, wrapped in the warm blankets all day. Thankfully today isn't as cold as yesterday. We got down to 8 yesterday I believe. Not as cold as some of you poor people out there (-40 in some parts of the US!!!), but too stinking cold for me. I'm just not cut out to be an Eskimo. Hubby used to always talk about moving to Alaska... I'd love to visit but don't think I could live there. Speaking of Hubby, poor guy is stuck in Northern Illinois right now. The snow is coming down in torrents and the roads are getting too nasty to navigate. Instead of working he's sitting in his hotel bored to tears. We usually talk on the phone a couple of times a day when he's working out of town. We've already talked more than that today and I'm sure we'll talk again at least once or twice more since he has nothing else to do.

I thought we'd have a little fun today. How cold was it where you live yesterday? If you wanna play just post the coldest temp in your area, from yesterday, in the comment area. Then we'll compare and see who we should feel the sorriest for. LOL

I am up a pound today. Must be from all the ham I ate on Sunday. No biggie. It's just water and should disappear soon. I'm getting ready to workout on the treadmill, so that should help a lot as well.

My dental dilema may be coming closer to a resolution. We bought a dental discount plan for the whole family at a really good price. It covers all of us and we get about 50% off most procedures. According to the fee schedule I'm only going to have to spend about $1,500 to $2,000 on the work I need.. instead of over $4,000. Can't beat that.. next best thing to having insurance I guess. I have an appointment with my new dentist on Monday for a consultation. I'll let ya know how it goes.

Well, time to get on the treadmill. Have a wonderful day and keep warm!

Today's plans...

I was so busy yesterday I didn't have a chance to post. I'm glad every day isn't like that! But I've eaten well the last two days and am down 1.5 lbs of the two I gained over the weekend. Today I plan to spend about 45 min to an hour on the treadmill. I have errands to run today but they can wait until after lunch, which means I have all the rest of the morning for my workout and whatever else I want to do. I bought some new music for my mp3 player on Monday. For me, having several different playlists to workout to makes it more enjoyable, even if the workout itself is the same.

I did get my first unit in my photography course a couple of days ago, so I'm going to start on that today. I believe I'm really going to enjoy it.

Have a great day!