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.

The Training Begins

To prepare myself for my upcoming 6 mile walk on the morning of April 28th, which is to benefit the March Of Dimes Walk America program, I am starting a training of sorts. I'll be doing my best to drop as much of this excess weight as I can, since I know that will really help me. I'm currently walking 2.5 miles per day on my treadmill. My goal is to consistently walk 3 miles daily for the next few days and then increase it from there. Hopefully by the end of April I'll be able to get somewhere close to the 6 miles. I've never walked that far before in my life - not even when I was younger and thinner! It will be a challenge, but I say: "BRING IT ON!" :0)

I want to give a public thanks to Jimmy Moore of Livin' La Vida Low Carb blog for devoting a whole column to my cause. He's doing his best to promote the walk and build sponsorship for me. And don't think for a minute that he's all talk - He was one of my first sponsors!

I also want to thank those who have already signed up to sponsor me, as well as those who are planning on doing so. You have all given me great encouragement!

If you missed my previous posts about this and would like to learn more, please visit my page by clicking here.

I'll be posting my progress on "training" as often as I can. What I'm eating, how far I'm walking, how much I'm losing, etc.

And be sure to to check back after the walk is over! I'll be blogging about the experience, as well as posting pictures and totals.

Please help support the March of Dimes

My sister Lana, and I, are participating in the March of Dimes Walk America. For those of you who don't know, the March of Dimes foundation work to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. This is a great reason to help in itself. But there is a very special reason I'm asking for your help today....

Lana's boyfriend has a teenage son, Julian, who was born 4 months premature. He had a variety of health issues and was given a very grim prognosis. This wonderful young man has overcome the odds! He's a great kid, and as Lana has said, I'm proud to know him.

The other reason is my own daughter, Rachel, was born with heart problems. While I'm glad to say that she's now a healthy 8 year old, my heart still aches when I think back to it. Here is a picture of her, just hours after she was born, with all the monitor wires hanging off of her:




Please consider making a donation of any size to help with this cause. To donate, and learn more about Julian, Rachel and what the March of Dimes works towards, please visit the following links:

Lana walking for Julian


Me walking for Rachel


It would mean a lot to me, my family and others who have been affected by birth defects.