"Day One or One Day - You decide."
I am not happy with my current plan. I realized this last night, and I think a lot of it has to do with the menus being posted on this site. I want to thank you all who do take the time to lay out what you eat, because it made me notice that my current plan is perhaps too restrictive. Don't get me wrong - low carb/keto works for the numbers. But I feel like maybe I'm missing out, or find myself wishing I had more flexibility in choices. Unlike Grains, I don't feel bored; I feel resentment. Anger. Hate. <<< Who needs THAT in their life?
As I am looking at 2019 as the Year of Remodeling, I need some changes. I've already made one. As you know, I often ride the fancy bike in the evenings to releave stress. It's a programmable bike, I can track my workouts on my phone, fancy schmancy blah blah blah -- Anyway, rather than going for "calories burned" (which probably isn't all that accurate), starting on Sunday, for the new week, my goals will be time-based. I really only need 20 minutes to crank it out and releave the day's stress and stiffness in my body, and not the previous 200-300 calorie goals I've been doing. This will free up more time in my evenings for other activites or going to bed early. This is a healthier approach for me, mentally & physically, but I'll re-evaluate and re-adjust as needed.
I decided on this after spending nearly 2 hours (!) trying to reach a 300 calories-burned goal. Ridiculous!
Yesterday was Mom's birthday (70 years), so I called her up to wish her a happy birthday. As you may recall, she's lost a lot of weight and kept it off, for many years. IDK how long, but the kids were in grade school still, and now they're adults, so it's been a while. In the course of our conversation, she told me that she's gained 20 pounds and is starting to work on that, before it gets out of hand. WHAT??? She didn't seem heavier when we visited in October... But she says it's either make changes now or buy new clothes, and she isn't going to buy new clothes!
So we talked about fresh produce and eating healthy, etc., and moved on. But I have to confess to you, fellow DD'ers, that this really hit me like a brick. It really is a never-ending battle, is it? There is no "before" and "after", because once you get to "after", it can still be a struggle to stay in After-land.
Progress as of today: 62 lbs lost so far, only -12 lbs to go!
Logging in from work on my phone, which I hate doing, but today is such a struggle against food. Maybe it's the snow and or colder weather... maybe it's genuine hunger.
The struggle is real.
Progress as of today: 62.5 lbs lost so far, only -12.5 lbs to go!
So I woke up today with that "excited that it's Friday" feeling... only to realize soon afterwards that today is Thursday. Usually this means it's going to be a very long day...
My husband is at the VA hospital today, for more evaluations, for most of the day, so he should have some good stories at dinner. Last night, he made shepherd's pie with sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. I'm glad he made it because this was probably going to be one of our holiday meals. While I'm so thankful that he made dinner, I was not a fan of the sweet potato substitution. I think that the dish would have done much better with the cauliflower "pseudo mashed potato" thing... The bright side is because it wasn't a favorite, I didn't eat as much nor did I feel tempted at all to eat a lot of it.
I think I may be on to something there...
I mentioned something about trying to do some keto bakinig -- how this is my intention every weekend for the past 3 weeks -- and that got a very positive reaction. I would really like to make the gingerbread, but I might do the keto brownies first, since it's easier. My thinking is that easy baking will lead to enthusiasm for a more challenging recipe. (And honestly, the gingerbread recipe isn't all THAT more complicated. It just has more ingredients, which is what makes for a little more work.)
I'm actually starting to look forward to the collegan supplement in my morning coffee. It makes it a little more foamy than just straight creamer. However, I have not seen ANY improvement in my hair or nails. Winter reaks havoc on my nails - they split, peel, and don't grow very quickly. The collegan has not done anything to change that. Neither have the "hair/skin/nails" gummy vitamins I've been taking for quite some time. I recently ran out of those, and I'm not sure it's worth buying more of that either! As Happy (I think) suggested, I'd probably be better served by bone broth, which will be nice during the winter, at least.
Progress as of today: 62.5 lbs lost so far, only -12.5 lbs to go!
the meal he made sounds good...healthier of course with cauli mash! ....which reminds me, i want to make my own cauli mash!
if you want a good keto brownie recipe, the 4 ingredient ones that i made with coconut oil were the best ones and everyone at work liked them!
Bone broth is the BEST way to get collagen and great for slow cookers / crockpots. i ALSO want to make this a couple times in Winter. maybe freezing the broth in ice cube form...! to have it throughout winter as i like to!
also, your nails, will prob take some time to improve...not overnight!
Not impressed with the PA (physician's assistant) evaluating my husband's heart test results. Very quick to prescribe a new pill, didn't mention diet, exercise, the desperate need to lose weight, sodium reduction.
I pointed this out to her and she replied, "Oh, I just assumed he was doing that already because he talked about working out." Yeah, going to the gym once a week and thinking you can eat whatever you want (candy, emergency frozen pizzas, Burger King) isn't really a plan.
My husband was only too happy to take another pill if that will solve the problem without facing to put forth much effort.
Still, we had a Whole 30 dinner. I was hungry.
Progress as of today: 62.5 lbs lost so far, only -12.5 lbs to go!
yes, someone talk sense into someone that it's not only a magic pill that is necessary!
So I didn't mention this, but on Friday, my husband got his test results back showing that he has an enlarged heart. This really had him worried, but then he spoke with a friend, who happens to be a radiologist, who talked him down, assuring him that this is not too uncommon and can be cared for, with medication (high blood pressure medication), reduced salt intake, and probably losing weight. Ever since we returned from Vegas, I've been urging him to get back to losing weight, and this seems to have pushed him to do that. So he's getting back on Whole 30, and I will participate when we're eating together.
Ironically, I was talking with my mom, who herself has lost and kept off quite a bit of weight, saying how I've mostly given up carbs and sugar, but I won't give up my salt (yet) or caffeine. And now Mr. Donkey will most likely need to reduce his salt. Needless to say, Mrs. Donkey (me) is not too thrilled, but realizes that she needs to be supportive.
While my husband's health issues are not caused by excess weight, it seems as though every doctor's recommendation to him has included "... and lose weight."
Tomorrow, I'm taking time off of work in the afternoon to take Mr. Donkey to the doctor to discuss the results of the test, what he needs to do now, and probably a referral to a cardiologist.
Progress as of today: 62.5 lbs lost so far, only -12.5 lbs to go!
remember one thing...you CAN enjoy your food still. you can always add your salt on after it's made? since i'm sure you will not use too much anyways...
most of Mr. Donkey's diet is really YOUR DIET as it is now...if he were smart he could eat like you.
i urge you not to change your diet too much to support him because you DO eat healthy now.
really, i want to say it's Mr. Donkey that NEEDS TO CHANGE.
there's a lot of studies that say weightloss doesn't change overall health, but, i'd even more support your husband changing is diet a little bit and adding in some exercise - even home exercise.
and YOU keep being you. You are doing great, Jdonk!
I have lots of little things to do today, which I am looking forward to doing: walking, laundry, library, shopping (OK, this maybe not so much), reading, maybe some baking. I have a recipe for keto gingerbread, and I would love my house to smell of gingerbread this weekend, but we'll see.
I was inspired by something someone said to me yesterday. The office manager for the business that occupies the 1st floor of the building I work in (a converted 2-story farmhouse) had weight-loss surgery about 2 years ago. Her journey, while different than mine, has been amazing to witness. As she has had some illness lately, I wanted to know if she had passed her goal weight, and she has, because she wasn't able to eat much during her illnesses. She has a new "goal" weight, but she said that if she stayed at where she's at, she'd be fine with that.
She's lost about 100lbs, maybe a little more, so obviously, loose skin is an issue. I mentioned to her that I once belonged to an online group where a lady who had lost about 100lbs on her own had reconstructive surgery a few months after reaching her goal weight (arms, tummy, breast), and it kind of messed her up emotionally (body-image, motivation, etc.). So I was asking THIS lady where she is at with considering surgery. She knows it's a real possibility in her future, but she said to me, "These past 2 years have been working on building a new body. I'm looking at 2019 as a year to "remodel" with toning and weight training to take care of the loose skin, and then I'll re-evaluate."
WOW - I LOVE IT! And I love this for myself! I think this is where I might be at, especially since surgery is NOT a realistic possibility for me, unless I win a lottery. IDK maybe I should have surgery on my inner thighs and knees, and just be done with my body issues. I can't see paying $8000 out of pocket for that; I'd have to do some kind of credit or financing option, and I do NOT want to take on any debt, especially for something like this.
But I might be better served by looking at my next goal as a "remodeling" project, rather than a numbers game. I'm already brainstorming what this might mean, and for starters, I think it might mean only weighing in 1x a month. I think that would be OK and doable. IDK I'm going to think about this. I'm rather *excited* about this!!!
Progress as of today: 62.5 lbs lost so far, only -12.5 lbs to go!
it takes so long to learn to "fit" your new body...and surgery i agree with her...is when she's already more comfortable with herself in and out. :) love it!
I could have gone into work early today, but instead, I am taking some time for myself by reading and posting here.
I really need this weekend to re-charge. My mood and my attitude have been down in the dumps this week. We change the clocks here this weekend; I am so looking forward to getting an extra hour of sleep. I really NEED to make an EFFORT to take advantage of that. In the past, I've squandered that extra hour by staying up reading or watching TV. So I'm going to try very hard to maybe even go to bed a little earlier than usual.
I am bracing for a weight gain this week. Although I've done better with food, I've been using my wedding band as a gage, and every morning this week, it's felt tighter rather than looser.
PS Comment to Graindart: If you hadn't mentioned this in your own entry, I might not have taken the time to look at my own progress chart. It *IS* rather nice to see my chart, with a gentle slope downward. Every pound lost is truly a batte won at this point.
Progress as of today: 61 lbs lost so far, only -11 lbs to go!
the extra hr i look forward to also.
sleeping TONS now. and it feels good.
I "slept in" this morning until 6:55am and woke up with a headache. Not sure if it's caffeine related (because I drank my 1st cup of coffee at 7am rather than at 5am) or sinuses or what.
I'll have to check into the FB thing. I'm sorry about that, I too am not sure what happened.
Just writing to document that SOMEONE AT WORK IS EATING MY CHEESE STICKS!
I have a package of those individually wrapped cheese sticks (string cheese, I guess) for protein snacks. At first, I thought, wow, I've been eating a lot of cheese...? But yesterday, there were only 3 sticks left, and I know that on Monday, when I took one, I left 7 of them in the package.
My boss thought that was so funny. What these people don't realize is that I depend on this food, sometimes, for emergency back-ups. Like yesterday, lunch was kind of lame, but I told myself that I had cheese sticks to back me up, if lunch wouldn't hold me. It was the same thing with the frozen veggie burger that someone threw out.
So not only was yesterday emotionally difficult, and then occupationally difficult -- everyone wanted to argue about everything, but then I had to deal with my food issue as well. What the heck?
I think days like yesterday are another sign from Above that I have to get my things in order and move on.
Progress as of today: 61 lbs lost so far, only -11 lbs to go!
my body notices 2lbs (actual pounds) of fat added...so i'll be working on eating less as my exercise cannot be shifted too much more as i fit in what i can already. :)
with the eating, remember, a little change is all you need.
for me, i know why...too many sweets added throughout the workdays.
Checking in, but not too much to say...
Monday I was very sad, still, so I did not post. Yesterday... what the heck happened to yesterday...
I've been struggling with the eating part, feeling that I am eating too much... yet I am not feeling (over) stuffed. Maybe it's my food choices? This is really bothering me.
I suspect, as Horn (?) suggested, that this could all be related to the change in seasons. If so, then next week, when we change the clocks back, may be another difficult adjustment -- on top of all the other changes I've had to cope with these past couple of weeks.
Today is Halloween, but I'm already looking ahead to Christmas. Maybe that's a good sign :)
Progress as of today: 61 lbs lost so far, only -11 lbs to go!
I find that when I am more active on weekends, I eat more. Wow, last night, did I ever go off plan. My daughter and I had fun carving up our 2 pumpkins, and I roasted the seeds. Way too salt, but that didn't stop me from eating way too many! While I had those, I helped myself to several slices of salami. Problem was that I had an early dinner, I think, which was because my lumch was too light. I'm hoping that the salt will work itself out.
I do enjoy being more active. The weather is perfect for me for walking: cloudy, colder, maybe a little windy.
Contemplating what to do about weight training, inspired by Happy and her love of yoga, I thought that maybe I would do just the push-ups, planks (if my back can handle it), and some mild resistance & balance exercises. I might make this a November goal, I think, to give me some more time to make it through this week... or at least through Monday.
I went to the library yesterday - my "go to" place to cheer myself up - and checked out a book that I am really enjoying. Another task that I accomplished yesterday - without the kids' help - was chopping up the last big branch from the storms we had a month ago. Chopping wood is the best form of therapy, I think. Sadness, anger, frustration -- all of it can come out with the swing of the axe.
This week is Halloween. I probably bought too much candy. I know that I don't have to be tempted though because I can get sugar-free candy if I feel that I'm craving something sweet. I'm tempted to try some keto baking but that might not be a good idea this weekend, as I am feeling vulnerable, emotionally. The point isn't necessarily to eat atlernatives but rather, not to eat, period.
EVENING EDIT: Rather than doing some keto baking or anything to do with food, I worked on cleaning and re-organizing litter boxes, now that we are down to just one cat. I also realzed that I needed to clean up kitty's food dish, since she was on special food for her kidney condition. I just finished doing that as welll; the food dish contraption is drying in the kitchen. So now she really is gone.
I went for a short walk after dinner. I'm actually glad to be going to work tomorrow, because it will help me get "back on track". I feel like this weekend was way out of control with eating and choices. Logically, I do not think this is so, with the one exception of those roasted, salty pumpkin seeds. But it FEELS that I ate too much, too bad all weekend. Some of this is hormones. I know, though, that being at work, as much as I do not like being there, will help.
Progress as of today: 61 lbs lost so far, only -11 lbs to go!
The book I'm reading is "The Best Land under Heaven" about the Donner party trekking out to California. I find true-life stories about traveling adventures gone wrong to be fascinating. This is not the first book that I've read about the Donners, but it's been a while.
also, nice job going out for you walk too! When i exercise more, I also do get hungrier too!
Also, I have also been eating tons last week as it was hormonal stuff going on...
there's somethign good about the keto stuff, the high fat and low sugar tends to "stick to you" and you can be satisfied more easily, i think, from less.
i'd say it's best to have a dessert iwth a coffee or unsweetened almond milk or something, to fill your stomach.
some of my keto recipes are good, some were not as good.
one of mine, a simple one of 4 ingredients, my coworkers loved. it was only cocoa powder, coconut oil, erythritol sweetener and ...why can't i remember?...eggs.
i doubt they'll like what i made this weekend - the pumpkin pie cream cheese fat bombs / and the avocado brownies.
however i'll say i do like the avocado brownies because they are so moist. so i'll eat them no worries for breakfast.
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The bottom line with weight loss or gain is just calories in and calories out.....there are lots of fancy plans...that I guess basically limit calories but they don't tell you that.....I actually think I was on a keto plan about 30 years ago ( and I really didn't need to lose weight...I see that now...but I thought I did).....it was called The Weight Loss Clinic...and I was allowed 400 calories a day....and they kept talking about burning ketones...I had no idea what that was...my boss told me I was messing up my body with that place...and I think he was right...because now..if I eat 1,500....I maintain...anything over that I gain. Donkey...I don't really know what you do eat...but if it makes you sad, mad or angry....I would try something else...When it comes to the bike...I always ride for 15 minutes...I could go longer...but it seems like enough right now...and it really does help my hip.....if I stop riding it...the hip gets touchy again...so I ride. Happy Birthday to your Mom...it is a lifestyle keeping it off...bless her....luckily she is catching the extra weight before it really gets out of hand.......and the clothes...I know that in WW in the past...they always talked about dropping or gaining about 15 pounds means a different size clothing...so your Mom is right around that point.
I've really noticed a change in my attitude since I've reduced the time I'm riding on the bike in the evenings. Not so stressful on my joints, more free time, more relaxed. In the morning, my time is pretty set because I ride the bike through local news and then the opening headlines of the Today Show. It's very low resistance and mostly pleasurable, even if it means waking up early.
graindart on 11/10/2018:
Whenever I've accomplished a goal before, I've reverted to eating whatever I want. This of course has caused me to gain the weight back every time. It's common sense, but every time, I think that the rules of life have changed and now I can be fit AND eat whatever.
This time will be different for me (although I've said that before). I've finally accepted the fact that if I want to remain at a certain weight, it will require continued effort. Daily at first, but hopefully weekly / monthly monitoring as I get used to maintaining.
And my emotions concerning this process are wide and varied. Sometimes bored, sometimes bitter, sometimes worn-out, sometimes ticked off. Weight, scales, fat percentage, carbs, calories, protein, etc - all of these things occupy way too much of my mental time.
You know, I think you've hit on something there. This is taking up way too much of my mental time. Maybe it's the feeling of "effort" that has me down.
And it might just be a seasonal blahs thing too.
graindart on 11/10/2018:
Forgot to mention, I did a 30 day trial of low-carb this spring and have similar opinions. It helped me drop a few extra lbs, but I really didn't enjoy the daily menu options / process.
I think this accurate reflects how I was/am feeling about the low carb thing. It's getting harder with the holidays coming up.