The results are in. This week has been frought with lack of sleep and a visit from TOM. The last couple of days I've been somewhat out of it (lack of sleep I believe), so I've fallen behind on my water intake and forgot to eat until midday. I also forgot to take my vitamins. Today I'm going to catch up on my water, eat breakfast (it's 10:30 and I've only been up about 30 minutes), and take my vitamins. Despite my poor habits the last couple of days...drum rollo please...
I lost TWO more pounds! That's a total of 6 1/2!
To give myself credit - I worked out on weights 3 days this week. Hubby tells me to expect to be tired the first two weeks - I believe it!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
When the going gets tough...
the tough stay on track! The last couple of days have been rough. I'm suffering from lack of sleep. Hubbie and son came home from camping Sunday night. I fixed dinner late and ate late. Since then I've been unable to get my sleep back on track. Last night I drank chamomile tea and took a warm ginger bath. It was after midnight when I finally gave up and took a Lunesta. I'm going to go and buy some Celestial Seasons Sleepy Time tea today and give it a try tonight.
Yesterday due to a lack of sleep, I just didn't feel good. I slacked off on my water, and didn't even feel like eating. Around 3, I finally ate a small amount of fruit. For dinner I fixed butterfly porkchops, creamed red potatoes, and green beans. Speaking of potatoes - I was CRAVING carbs...big time! So I had potatoes as an alternate to all of the processed food I could have indulged in. Yes - I used real cream and real butter. Yum! And I don't have a problem with it on a diet. The potatoes satisfied my carb cravings and calmed me down. Then I practically ate an entire watermelon by myself (I LOVE watermelon and they were on sale for $2!).
This morning I hopped on the scale. I LOST another 2 1/2 pounds! Let's hope it sticks (and keeps falling) before my official weigh in on Saturday. The best part is I FINALLY broke through a plateau. Everytime I've tried to lose weight in the last several months, I could not get past this stubborn 1/2 pound. The scale just stopped and wouldn't budge (except for up of course). Well, now I busted it! Yippee!
P.S. I went to the Y on Monday and lifted weights. I'm going back today.
Yesterday due to a lack of sleep, I just didn't feel good. I slacked off on my water, and didn't even feel like eating. Around 3, I finally ate a small amount of fruit. For dinner I fixed butterfly porkchops, creamed red potatoes, and green beans. Speaking of potatoes - I was CRAVING carbs...big time! So I had potatoes as an alternate to all of the processed food I could have indulged in. Yes - I used real cream and real butter. Yum! And I don't have a problem with it on a diet. The potatoes satisfied my carb cravings and calmed me down. Then I practically ate an entire watermelon by myself (I LOVE watermelon and they were on sale for $2!).
This morning I hopped on the scale. I LOST another 2 1/2 pounds! Let's hope it sticks (and keeps falling) before my official weigh in on Saturday. The best part is I FINALLY broke through a plateau. Everytime I've tried to lose weight in the last several months, I could not get past this stubborn 1/2 pound. The scale just stopped and wouldn't budge (except for up of course). Well, now I busted it! Yippee!
P.S. I went to the Y on Monday and lifted weights. I'm going back today.
Monday, July 16, 2007
One Day Menu - Post 1
Breakfast
Quinoa w/strawberries, bananas, flax, cinnamon, fiber powerder and two tbsp. of milk.
Snacks
2 cups of fruit (any kind)
1 apple with almond butter
V-8 juice
Lunch
Plate of raw fruits and vegetables: broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, cantelope, grapes, kiwi (pick your own combo)
Dinner
Grilled chicken, corn on the cob (rolled in butter w/garlic salt and pepper - unlike most diets, I don't have a problem with butter), steamed (sliced) zuchinni and squash, and tomato slices with Italian seasonings - sauted in olive oil
Water
12 cups per day + 2 cups for every cup of coffee, 2 cups during exercise, & 2 cups when outside in the heat
Discussion:
1. I choose healthy snacks. I should juice my own vegetables, but I don't have a Vita-Mix (it's on the wish list), so I stick with V-8 - it's the best I can do at this time.
2. Raw vegies and fruits are easy to prepare and easy to carry to work. Chop, chop and throw in plastic baggies or bowls. If you need some protein add a couple of boiled eggs, some almond butter or peanut butter, or a protein shake. If I have dinner leftovers, I always start there.
3. About butter. Have you read "The Swarzbein Principle"? http://www.schwarzbeinprinciple.com/ I have come to the conclusion that real butter and cream is not bad for you. I've lost weight while eating it. I have serious concerns about eating fake, chemical filled butter. I realize this is a hard one to buy, but visit Dr. Schwarzbein's website and read her book. She says you can have real mayo too, but I think she means the stuff you buy at the health food store, and it just doesn't look right to me, so I'll skip the mayo.
4. The cup of water on the hour, every waking hour works! In fact, I'm drinking about 16 cups a day.
Quinoa w/strawberries, bananas, flax, cinnamon, fiber powerder and two tbsp. of milk.
Snacks
2 cups of fruit (any kind)
1 apple with almond butter
V-8 juice
Lunch
Plate of raw fruits and vegetables: broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, cantelope, grapes, kiwi (pick your own combo)
Dinner
Grilled chicken, corn on the cob (rolled in butter w/garlic salt and pepper - unlike most diets, I don't have a problem with butter), steamed (sliced) zuchinni and squash, and tomato slices with Italian seasonings - sauted in olive oil
Water
12 cups per day + 2 cups for every cup of coffee, 2 cups during exercise, & 2 cups when outside in the heat
Discussion:
1. I choose healthy snacks. I should juice my own vegetables, but I don't have a Vita-Mix (it's on the wish list), so I stick with V-8 - it's the best I can do at this time.
2. Raw vegies and fruits are easy to prepare and easy to carry to work. Chop, chop and throw in plastic baggies or bowls. If you need some protein add a couple of boiled eggs, some almond butter or peanut butter, or a protein shake. If I have dinner leftovers, I always start there.
3. About butter. Have you read "The Swarzbein Principle"? http://www.schwarzbeinprinciple.com/ I have come to the conclusion that real butter and cream is not bad for you. I've lost weight while eating it. I have serious concerns about eating fake, chemical filled butter. I realize this is a hard one to buy, but visit Dr. Schwarzbein's website and read her book. She says you can have real mayo too, but I think she means the stuff you buy at the health food store, and it just doesn't look right to me, so I'll skip the mayo.
4. The cup of water on the hour, every waking hour works! In fact, I'm drinking about 16 cups a day.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
A Visit from TOM
Back in May I spent 3 weeks (a record for me) in one of my "I'm getting healthy and losing weight diets." I did lose weight, but as usual, I busted out and got back off track. There is one thing I noticed that is worth noting. This particular diet event happened to coincide with a visit from TOM. I was eating healthier (but not quite as healthy as I am now) and I was drinking water (but not nearly enough) during these weeks. TOM came and went. It occurred to me that I spent the time emotionally calmer, my headaches (I get migraines) were not as bad, and TOM was lighter and shorter. Could there be a connection between my diet and PMS?
Yesterday TOM visited exactly one week early. He totally surprised me! No emotional issues (anger and watershed tears over nothing), no bloating, no cramping, no signs! Today I cramped a bit when I first got up, but after catching up on my water for the morning (I slept late), the cramps went away. TOM is very light. What's up with this? You mean eating healthy will make TOM nicer? The jury is still out. If the trend continues then I'll be convinced. Keep in mind I'm premeno, so TOM has been rather harsh the last few years. Throw out the junk and give me the good stuff. I can live without monthly migraines, cramps, bloating, and mood swings.
Yesterday TOM visited exactly one week early. He totally surprised me! No emotional issues (anger and watershed tears over nothing), no bloating, no cramping, no signs! Today I cramped a bit when I first got up, but after catching up on my water for the morning (I slept late), the cramps went away. TOM is very light. What's up with this? You mean eating healthy will make TOM nicer? The jury is still out. If the trend continues then I'll be convinced. Keep in mind I'm premeno, so TOM has been rather harsh the last few years. Throw out the junk and give me the good stuff. I can live without monthly migraines, cramps, bloating, and mood swings.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Report on Quinoa
Have you tried quinoa yet? I've abandoned all grains including wheat and oatmeal, but then I read about quinoa. It's called the "super grain". Supposedly it's really healthy. It expands when you cook it, and apparently it expands in your stomach causing you to feel full. For 1/3 cup (remember - it expands) you will only get 160 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. No saturated or trans fat. There are 30 carbs, but if you eat it as breakfast (instead of oatmeal) then it's just fine, or with dinner (including protein and vegetables) like a rice then you are keeping your carbs to recommended portions (American Diabetes Association). Now here is the best part...it has 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. It also has natural vitamins and minerals (including calcium).
So this morning I decided to try it in place of oatmeal. It's easy to cook. You just boil it in water until the water cooks down (about 15 minutes). I added flax, fiber (tasteless fiber powder from the Vitamin Shoppe), bananas, strawberries, cinnamon, a little milk, and a small handfull of walnuts.
The taste is light. It's as good if not better tasting than oatmeal. The texture is a little different, but not bothersome. I was able to eat the whole bowl without feeling like I was eating something yucky. It's really good. It's my new breakfast cereal!
Next I'll try it with dinner. Apparently it can be eaten like a rice pilaf.
I bought a package at the health food store. I wanted to try it first. It's expensive there, but I found a website where you can get it cheap if you are willing to buy more of it (that's why I tried it first). For a 25 pd. bag...http://www.incaorganics.com/quinoa.htm
Quinoa can be used for a variety of recipes including soups and desserts. I am looking forward to experiementing with this new food.
So this morning I decided to try it in place of oatmeal. It's easy to cook. You just boil it in water until the water cooks down (about 15 minutes). I added flax, fiber (tasteless fiber powder from the Vitamin Shoppe), bananas, strawberries, cinnamon, a little milk, and a small handfull of walnuts.
The taste is light. It's as good if not better tasting than oatmeal. The texture is a little different, but not bothersome. I was able to eat the whole bowl without feeling like I was eating something yucky. It's really good. It's my new breakfast cereal!
Next I'll try it with dinner. Apparently it can be eaten like a rice pilaf.
I bought a package at the health food store. I wanted to try it first. It's expensive there, but I found a website where you can get it cheap if you are willing to buy more of it (that's why I tried it first). For a 25 pd. bag...http://www.incaorganics.com/quinoa.htm
Quinoa can be used for a variety of recipes including soups and desserts. I am looking forward to experiementing with this new food.
Week One Results
This past week I've limited my diet to fruit, vegetables, chicken, eggs, one steak, and two Jay Robb Whey Protein Shakes. I've added 8-12 cups of water per day (It took me all week to figure out the best way to get all 12 cups of water in...one cup an hour.), and supplemented with a multivitamin pack and spirulina. Yesterday I added Aloe Vera capsules to my regimen. I also drank 1-2 cups of coffee each morning, iced tea w/Stevia a about four times during the week, and chamomile tea at night. I have NOT felt hungry. My energy is slowly returning.
My two digressions...
One night I gave in to my daughter and had pizza...bad, bad, bad...
I traveled to Louisiana. I had a lunch portion of shrimp etoufee (sp?). It was so good, but even though it was small, it made me feel bloated. The rice was white (brown would have been better), and I don't even want to know what they put in the rue (white flour and sugar probably).
Now for the results...dudu...dudundundu...I LOST 4 1/2 pounds in seven days! Yahoo! Yipee! Woohoo!
My two digressions...
One night I gave in to my daughter and had pizza...bad, bad, bad...
I traveled to Louisiana. I had a lunch portion of shrimp etoufee (sp?). It was so good, but even though it was small, it made me feel bloated. The rice was white (brown would have been better), and I don't even want to know what they put in the rue (white flour and sugar probably).
Now for the results...dudu...dudundundu...I LOST 4 1/2 pounds in seven days! Yahoo! Yipee! Woohoo!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Weight Loss Tricks
Here are some tricks I've figured out on my weight loss journey:
1. Drink 1 cup of water every hour on the hour to ensure hydration. Drink extra water if you drink coffee or tea, exercise, or go outside in the heat.
2. Remove processed food from your pantry and refrigerator. Donate it or throw it out. I keep one small area with "kid" foods (I should get rid of those too...one challenge at a time).
3. Divide your plate in half. Fill one half w/raw or steamed vegetables. Divide your second half in half. Fill one part with lean protein and one half with fruit.
4. Drink 2 cups of water 20 minutes before eating a meal. Do not drink anything during a meal except for a few sips of water to aid swallowing. This helps with digestion.
5. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. Only drink a moderate amount of water or herbal tea.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep at night. Help sleep with a cup of chamomile tea one hour before bedtime, a warm bath, or a small protein/fruit snack (apple and almond butter). Newly washed sheets, a dark room, and soft sounds (such as a waterfall / music cd) will help aide sleep.
7. Say this prayer each day:
Dear God,
Thank you for this wonderful day. I surrender my body, health, and weight loss to your care. I ask that you remove all excess and unnecessary weight from my body by giving me the strength to exercise and eat healthy. Return my body to a healthy state. Give me eating habits that support my health. Teach me to love my body and care for it from this day forth. Amen.
8. Remember this Bible verse: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. - Phillipians 4:13.
1. Drink 1 cup of water every hour on the hour to ensure hydration. Drink extra water if you drink coffee or tea, exercise, or go outside in the heat.
2. Remove processed food from your pantry and refrigerator. Donate it or throw it out. I keep one small area with "kid" foods (I should get rid of those too...one challenge at a time).
3. Divide your plate in half. Fill one half w/raw or steamed vegetables. Divide your second half in half. Fill one part with lean protein and one half with fruit.
4. Drink 2 cups of water 20 minutes before eating a meal. Do not drink anything during a meal except for a few sips of water to aid swallowing. This helps with digestion.
5. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. Only drink a moderate amount of water or herbal tea.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep at night. Help sleep with a cup of chamomile tea one hour before bedtime, a warm bath, or a small protein/fruit snack (apple and almond butter). Newly washed sheets, a dark room, and soft sounds (such as a waterfall / music cd) will help aide sleep.
7. Say this prayer each day:
Dear God,
Thank you for this wonderful day. I surrender my body, health, and weight loss to your care. I ask that you remove all excess and unnecessary weight from my body by giving me the strength to exercise and eat healthy. Return my body to a healthy state. Give me eating habits that support my health. Teach me to love my body and care for it from this day forth. Amen.
8. Remember this Bible verse: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. - Phillipians 4:13.
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