***Bay Area Babes-Getting Beach Ready***

[hummingbird11]

woo-hoo!! I lost 2 more lbs!! I weigh 167 today!!

(Friday is weigh-in day w/ the Somersize Group I still blog with)

I have to tell you that this is the FIRST TIME in my life that I have ever been successful with INTENTIONALLY losing weight!! I am in shocked bliss and for once I feel like I know exactly how to manage my weight for the rest of my life!! It feels GREAT to know that I do NO have to suffer and miss favorite foods or even red wine (which I've been allowing myself 4 oz almost every night w/ dinner) yet I can STILL lose weight!! I don't even miss bread or pasta or sugar or flour or any of that!!

Sunday, April 20th at 1pm is good for me ~ assume both these places are in San Jose? I live in Martinez (East Bay) and not too familiar with the South Bay...

Thursday's Menu:

B: Atkins Bar & 4 strip uncured turkey bacon

L: leftover Stuffed Zucchini Bake (I added a splash of Marinara sauce)
Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes

D: hubby made the yummiest Salmon Patties ever! he used egg & parmesan cheese for the coating and pan-fried (lightly in grape seed oil. plus a butter lettuce, tomato, calamata olive & hearts of palm salad w/ Carb Free dressing (Newman's Lighten Up Italian - I love it because it has a hint of lemon)

TGIF!!!!!!!!

XO,
HB

[hummingbird11]

oh I forgot to tell you that on top of our yummy salmon patties was Trader Joe's Hollandaise Sauce!!
only 1 Carb per 2 Tbsp and 0 Sugar!

[Snowangel81598]

B: egg cream
L: LC waffle, scrambled eggs, sausage
D: poached eggs w/ alfredo sauce

I didn't mean to have an all eggs day, it just turned out that way. DH wanted to try the LC food at Pamela's, so I ordered him an LC burger and I tried the waffle so that I can let everyone here know if it isn't any good. It was pretty good. I think that it might have been better if we had eaten there rather than getting the food to go. It was a little dense for my taste, but not bad at all, as some substitutes can be. I enjoyed the scrambler with Hollandaise that I got yesterday better, but I'm glad I tried it.

I had a pleasant surprise today. My jeans have been feeling a bit loose, so I went to Macy's to try some smaller sizes, to see if I actually need a smaller size or just a different cut of jeans. I tried on DKNY, Calvin Klein and Style & Co. and fit 8's in all three. The DKNY's weren't cute because the low rise cuts right across my tummy pooch and gives me ugly muffin-top, but they zipped up easily. No jumping, squeezing or "sucking it all in" involved.

So it seems that even though my weight has been stuck at 148 for a couple of months now, I am still shrinking. Maybe a whoosh is headed my way.

[skinhealth]

Hummingbird - Awesome on the 2 pound loss!!
I know - this WOE really makes weight loss seem doable and almost effortless, doesn't it?
Thanks for the tip on the TJ's Hollandaise sauce - I'll have to check that out.

Angel - That's so great to hear about the jeans fit. It such a great feeling, isn't it?

So 2pm on the 20th would be the absolute best for me.
Would that work for everyone?
Also - I'd love to go someplace with outdoor seating and fresh food - Santana Row would be great - maybe Strait's?


Was a bit naughty last night. Usually I go out to a pub with co-workers after work on Friday nights for a glass of wine.
Last night we decided to go to the French restaurant, Gervais, across the street from us instead.
We each had a glass of wine and appetizer - mine was shrimp, herbed butter, and 4 gnocchi and 2 tiny croissants. I also had 2 small slices of yummy bread with butter. We also ordered one Grand Marnier Souffle to share amongst the 4 of us. No one who came with me had ever had a souffle before so I HAD to order one - besides, it's my favorite dessert ever and they don't use very much sugar - it was heavenly and everyone is now addicted (evil smiley here )
I didn't feel sick afterwards so it didn't seem to be a bad thing - thank God.

Yesterday's menu:
b: Egg Cream
l: Perfect Foods Bar, kombucha
d: tiny taco salad
s: food from French restaurant mentioned above

Exercise:
Callanetics

I just received my CallaneticsEvolution DVD today and I'm watching it now and I'm going to do it here in just a few minutes - can't wait!

Also made a stop at the local fish market today because I heard they had great ceviche - it's SOOO good and really reasonable - $3.50 for a pint and it has crab meat, shrimp, and scallops. It's a bit spicy but they told me they will custom make things as well...my new favorite place...

[Snowangel81598]

B: egg cream
L: cesear salad with grilled chicken
D: quesadilla on LC tortilla

I blogged about my new jeans size and also posted it here:
Another (almost) Success Story

So, it sounds like Sunday the 20th at Santana Rowe at 1:00. Liz, HB, does that work for you?

[pri17cess72]

Congrats Angel!!!!!!!! I read your blog and responded! You are amazing. Thank you for being my Inspiration!!! I am soooooo very happy for you. I look forward to writing my celebration blog and you have helped me through so much.

Yes, it looks like the date works for me. Keep in mind that my schedule changes based on what my training manager works. Usually they take off Sun and Mondays and I have been getting either sat/sun or sun/mon off so I am tentativley saying yes unless I have to change my schedule. It shouldnt be a problem though.

Last night I went to dinner at a pizza place with friends that serves reduced carb extra thin pizza crust. I decided that "what the heck" I have been doing well so I ordered a mini size and ate the whole thing. It was yummy!! But up a few lbs of water weight this morning. So back to chugging my water. I am nearing my stall point where I have a hard time losing. Angel, can attest to this problem I have. It is especially hard for me to lose weight at this point. I am not using PCOS as an excuse but I think it plays a big role for me in weight loss. I have to work EXTRA hard. So Angel, your "Almost success story" which is a success is really helping to inspire me. Thank you...it came at the right time for you and the right time for me. I may need some extra support in the next few days. I was supposed to get my period yesterday and I am a little disapointed bc it did not come. I was hoping from the medication I have been taking since Jan 30 I would get my periods naturally. I hope it comes in the next few days. If not, I may talk to my doc about bumping up the dosage.


Congrats HB on the 2lbs!!!!
Angela, I love ceviche. It is delicious.

Have a great day!

[hummingbird11]

Hey, check this out! I Can Make You Thin : TLC

it's on TONIGHT!

[pri17cess72]

Originally Posted by hummingbird11

Hey, check this out! I Can Make You Thin : TLC

it's on TONIGHT!

Great show. I watch it every Sunday night.

[pri17cess72]

Menu

B: Atkins shake with CO
L: Almond thins w/tuna
D: beef stroganoff
S: orange and almonds and cheese

[pri17cess72]

Good Morning Everyone!

[hummingbird11]

It's not Atkins but it's still a good read w/ good advice!

What to do if you're not losing weight, or hitting plateaus

Most of you Somersizers out there are having wonderful success eating the Somersize way and losing weight. I love getting your testimonial letters sharing your stories. Unfortunately, I have also received a few letters from people who say they are following all of the Level One guidelines but still are not losing weight. Others have lost quite a bit of weight, then hit plateaus and don't know why. This question came up in the live chat, but it's difficult for me to give lengthy answers with so many people waiting to ask questions. Here is a more comprehensive explanation.

There are a multitude of reasons why you may be having trouble getting started or getting jump-started.

#1. Cut back on your Fruit and Carbos meals. With Somersizing there is no portion control; but if you are eating too much fruit and too many carbohydrates, even whole grain carbohydrates, you may be giving your body more energy than it needs to get through the day. If your body is getting too much energy from fruit and carbos, it will not burn off your fat reserves.

For 98% of Somersizers, we do not have to tell you how much Fruit and Carbos you may eat; but if you are having trouble losing weight, or if you have hit a plateau, the first thing I would recommend is to cut back on these two food groups.

One woman told me she was faithfully following all of the Level One guidelines and still was not losing. She sent me a list of everything she ate for a few days. Every day she would have a Fruit, then Carbos breakfast, then Pro/Fats & Veggies for lunch and dinner. Sounds good. After reviewing her meals, however, I saw that she was eating fruit, then waiting 20 minutes and following up with a bowl of shredded wheat with non-fat milk and 3 pieces of whole wheat toast. Does it follow the Level One guidelines? Yes, but for her, it was more carbohydrates than she needed to get through the day, so her body never turned to her fat reserves to burn as fuel. My recommendation to her was that she have the fruit, then either the cereal or two pieces of toast. In addition, I told her to eat Pro/Fats and Veggies for breakfast 3-4 times a week, instead of the Fruit, then Carbos breakfast.

Each of us has a unique metabolism. What works miraculously for one person may not work for another. As I've said, it took me two months before I started losing weight. Others see results in one week! Remember, the general rule of thumb is that the more Pro/Fats and Veggies you eat, the more weight you will lose. In fact, you could eat Pro/Fats and Veggies at every meal and snack and stay perfectly healthy and slim. As long as you are eating plenty of fresh vegetables, your body will get the necessary carbohydrates, nutrients and fiber it needs in the form of low-starch vegetables. Limiting your fruit and carbos will help you to release the stored sugar in your cells and turn your body into a fat burning machine rather than a carbohydrate burning machine.

Once you are in full swing and losing weight steadily, then you may start incorporating a bit of fruit and whole grains. Use your body as a guide, and you will be able to determine just how much your body can handle.

If you've hit a plateau, your body has found the perfect amount of carbohydrates it needs to get through the day. You have stabilized. The ratio of fruit and carbos that helped you lose weight in the past, is no longer working for you. I saw on the Discussion Boards that some of you were recommending limiting your cheese intake. NO! Cheese causes no insulin response. Fats are an important part of the program. Eat your fats, proteins and veggies. Just limit your fruit and carbos. These foods do cause an insulin response. Take a few weeks and try this more extreme version of Somersizing. It should help; but if it does not, check the other points below.

2. No cheating! Especially for those who are more resistant to losing weight, you must not cheat at all. That means not even one bite of sugar. You must be diligent when you are converting your body to burn its own fat as fuel. My sister complained to me that she was eating perfectly... perfectly and still not losing weight. Then the truth came out and she told me that she'd have just a bite of cake, but not eat the whole piece. You cannot Somersize a little. A little cheat means a little insulin. That insulin can send your entire meal to the fat reserves. As long as there is no insulin present, you may eat full fat, high calorie meals; but a little insulin can spoil all your fun and set you back to your starting point.

#3 Exercise a little! If you are having problems getting started, or if you have hit a plateau, please try to incorporate a moderate form of exercise at least 3 times a week. Exercise is another way that we release the stored sugar in our cells. You don't need to become fanatical, just find a way to get yourself active for about 30 minutes, three times a week.

#4 Give up aspartame! Chemically laden soft-drinks and food products, especially those made with aspartame, can inhibit weight loss. Dr. Schwarzbein has read reports that aspartame can cause an insulin response. Do you body a favor and eliminate this harmful chemical from your life. It may be damaging you on a cellular level and it may be keeping you from losing weight.

#5 Have your hormones checked! You very well could be experiencing a loss of hormones related to menopause or pre-menopause. Somersizing helps balance your hormones; but in some phases of life, adjusting your eating habits is not enough. You may need to consider hormone replacement therapy. I highly recommend you see an endocrinologist and ask to have a blood test to check your hormone levels. If you need hormone replacement therapy, you must insist that your doctor prescribe natural hormones and not the synthetic kind created by the billion dollar pharmaceutical companies. Synthetic hormones only take away the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and lack of libido. Why would we need a synthetic version of hormones when natural estrogen, that has been evolved in a woman's body over millions of years, is readily available?! Natural hormones actually replace the lost hormones and restore your system to hormonal balance. With balance comes weight loss, increased health and longevity.

#6 Have your thyroid tested! Some people have problems losing weight because they have problems with their thyroid. Check with your doctor to make sure your thyroid is functioning well.

#7 Are you taking medication? Medication can interfere with your hormones and, therefore, may inhibit your weight loss. Ask your doctor if there are any natural alternatives to the medication you are taking.

#8 Be patient! Give your body the chance to heal. We all have varying levels of metabolic resistant. Your metabolism may need more healing than the average person's metabolism.

[hummingbird11]

Are you taking any nutritional supplements?

I just read that Atkins promotes the use of L-carnitine (it was also suggested in my Somersize group) - he suggests a daily dosage of 1500 mg for weight loss.

He says L-carnitine can help break up a weight loss logjam (stall) and help get you into lipolysis and ketosis.

Also, he suggests Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - says he often prescribes to people over 40, usually in a dose of 100 mg per day. And says it works in collaboration with L-carnitine (and chromium) to mobilize fat.

He suggests these supplements during weight loss:

Chromium [chromium polynicotinate] (300-1000 mcg)
Pantethine (20 mg)
Pantothenic Acid (60 mg)
Selenium (50 mcg)
Vanadium (40 mcg)
Biotin (150 mcg)
(apparently these first 6 are contained in “Atkins Basic #3 Formula”)

Plus:
L-carnitine (1500 mg)
CoQ10 (100 mg)

And:
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s): OMEGA 3/6/9

[hummingbird11]

Absolutely your PCOS plays a role in your weight loss so it's OK to blame it!
I blame my ascites & lymphedema (and my missing omentum) all the time!

There's a woman in my Somersize group that has PCOS and has been successful with weight loss, but yes, she has had to work extra hard at it - plus she takes all kinds of supplements. She takes L-carnitine in the morning with a tall glass of warm water, flavored w/ fresh, organic lemon juice.

I just Google'd PCOS and although I'm sure you already know all of this, it sounds to me like PCOS messes with your insulin, so Atkins is the perfect way of eating for you, and you will just maybe have to just be a little kinder to yourself and know that you are doing the absolute best that you can with the genetic hand of cards that you were dealt by mother nature. You are loved regardless of what size you wear. Hang in there!
XO, HB

What causes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

The cause of PCOS is unknown. Most researchers think that more than one factor could play a role in developing PCOS. Genes are thought to be one factor. Women with PCOS tend to have a mother or sister with PCOS. Researchers also think insulin could be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. For many women with PCOS, their bodies have problems using insulin so that too much insulin is in the body. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. This hormone is made in fat cells, the ovaries, and the adrenal gland. Levels of androgen that are higher than normal can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and problems with ovulation.

What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

[pri17cess72]

HB you are such a sweetie!!!! (((Hugs)))) for researching all of that for me. I want you to know how much I appreciate your time and effort into putting this together for me. I have a journal on this site as well and I am going to copy and paste this there as well. I cant tell you how much it made my day to come here and see your posts. Thank you again, sweetie!!

Just came by tonight to post my menu and then go to bed. I have to be at work at 4am...yikes! I will stay up a bit longer to read your posts thouroughly, HB.

B: tuna and almond thins (got recipe for almond thins from Linda Sue and they are awesome)
L: The almond thins are so awesome that I had more for lunch with tuna and probably will have the same tomorrow!
D: tri tip w/ artichoke hearts and a small amount of sweet potatoe w/butter.

Nite Nite Ladies!

[Snowangel81598]

I didn't get a chance to post earlier, but, finally, it looks like my stall has ended. This morning the scale said 147! Woohoo! Yesterday it said 146, but I'll take the 1 lb loss. It's been a while.

My menu:
B: egg cream
L: leftover Dreamfields w/ cheese sauce, diced tomatoes and sausage
D: ground beef, cheese, sour cream and salsa

That's such great info, HB. It's great that you took the time to put that together for Liz.

Liz ~ You mentioned earlier that you are coming to that point in your weightloss where things have gotten hard for you in the past, but I think that this time it won't be a problem. You have medication for your PCOS, you learned from your past problems, and this time you are going to sail right through the 160's. I have faith in you.

Great job with the pizza! It seems to me that about a year ago that might have sent you into a few days of off plan eating. You've come a long way.

Hearing that I am your inspiration makes me a little nervous. I don't know that I've ever inspired anyone before. Thanks so much for the kind words.

HB ~ Do you think you'll be able to make it to our lunch on the 20th?

[hummingbird11]

Absolutely I will be at the BAB Lunch on 4/20 - would not miss it!

Wow, Angel - you've come a looooong way baby!
Congratulations on yet another lb closer to your goal!!

Awwwwww Liz! Well you made MY day by saying I made YOUR day!

Honestly, the universe just converged because your current concern just happenned to be the topic over at the SS group - there's a girl over there that is a health supplement guru and I've been picking her brain! She mentioned this stuff L-carnitine today and 10 minutes later I read it in Atkins too! It's meant to be I tell ya! We will sail thru our 160's and 150's TOGETHER!

Let's both start taking these 3 things ASAP:

L-carnitine (1500 mg) - NOW brand
CoQ10 (100 mg)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s): OMEGA 3/6/9

I looked around for the “Atkins Basic #3 Formula” - but looks like maybe they aren't made/sold anymore?
Tho I did see some expired ones for sale on eBay - hahaha!

Have a great (early) day Liz! 4am? Oh good gawd.

Can't wait to meet ALL 3 of you gals very soon!

Today:

B: 1 slice of low carb bread + 3 slices bacon
L: broccoli crunch salad
D: 2 homemade flax/bran muffins

yes, a carb fest today. I have been horribly constipated all week (even tho I take psylium husk) and finally broke down and took a "gentle" laxative (ha!) and OMG I paid the price last night when I woke up writhing in pain from severe cramps! holy lord. then i felt like warmed over crap all day and my tummy still isn't right how the heck do we keep from getting constipated when we are so lacking in fiber (since it contains carbs) HELP!!

XO,
HB

[Snowangel81598]

HB, I'm so sorry you're having difficulties right now. The best thing you can do is up your fat. More fat in your diet helps keep everything soft and kind of lubricate it in there so it moves easier. So, help yourself to some cream cheese, cook your food in real butter, maybe try some of the coconut oil everyone's raving about in your coffee or tea, use fatty cuts of meat. It will help you feel fuller for longer and solve your constipation problem, too.

[pri17cess72]

Yes HB, Angel knows what she is talking about...up the fats girl!

Yes I will be taking that supplements you mentioned ASAP. I have the Omegas and will get the other 2 in the next couple of days. Thanks for the tip.

Sorry for the quick post...yes it was a super long day. Up at 2:30am.

Menu
B Atkins shake
L: tuna and almond thins
D: artichoke
S: wheatgrass and fresh OJ (about 4oz)

[pri17cess72]

I forgot to mention TOM showed up only 4 days late! That is a celebration for me. Usually he shows up 14-25 days late. The medication must be working!!!

[skinhealth]

I'm still here...just overwhelmed with a tiny million little things and
I've been wasting time as well.

I'll write back when I'm more focused.

sounds like you are all doing great!

Oh - there's a chance I may not be able to meet with y'all on the 20th - I have to work that day and the time we're meeting is probably the worst time of day to be lined out for that particular day - I'm going to have to play it by ear - I should know for certain if I can make it a few days before. If anything - I probably can drop in with y'all for 45 minutes or so - I'll try to do that...

[Snowangel81598]

B: Egg cream
L: scrambled eggs w/ ham and hollandaise
D: grilled chicken burrito in a bowl

Angela, I'm sorry to hear you might not be able to make it. I'll keep my fingers crossed. (Is it wrong to hope that you don't have any clients that call for apts. Sunday afternoon?)

Liz, Yay for TOM showing up on his own (albeit 4 days late). I know how frustrating that can be for you.

Have a great evening, ladies!