New and would like a buddy

[catwings]

Wow Cheryl, that's a big drop and something to be proud of! LouAnn, your cheat doesn't sound all that bad, at least you got back on the bandwagon. i'm gonna tell ya'll when I cheat so I'll have to look at it on the internet.

I make my kool aid with 1/3 of a cup of splenda instead of a cup. It's really refreshing that way, sweet, but not sugary sweet. Tonight I'm going to try making a flavored coffee slushee type thing. Kinda like an frappacino. My recipe will be something along the lines of - crushed ice, instant coffee, splenda, powdered cocoa, davinci's hazelnut syrup and cream. Then give it a whirl in the blender. Any other ideas on how I could do it? I enjoy flavored coffee in the evenings (caffeine doesn't effect me much), but it's getting to be summer here in Florida and when I drink hot stuff I get a hot flash.

Wed Menu-
B- Bacon and coffee
L- Leftover chicken casserole and 3 banana peppers.
S- Handful of protein cereal (blue box special K)
D- Steak-ums with onions, peppers and cheese on low carb tortillas.

[catwings]

BTW, I have become a fan of steak-ums. I buy the store brand kind from Winn-Dixie and for 3.99 I can feed the two of us for dinner and have some leftover for a light lunch (I usually put the leftovers on a big salad).

I never ate steak-ums before I started low carb, I don't know why. I was under the impression they were a processed meat. It says on the ingredient list "beef" and that's all. They are just sliced meat with no salt or fillers. Plus it's fast and easy. If ya haven't tried steak-ums (called philly cheese steak in the generic bradn), do.

Polly

[Carolina Girl]

Laph: I think I'm going through the change also. I didn't have a period last month and nothing so far this month.

Been busy testing all week. Nightmare!!! I've been off plan all week! I'm up 2 1/2 lbs. Got to get my head together.

Hope every has a good week.

[laph]

Good morning! I stayed on plan yesterday! I am still not dropping but I am not gaining either. I guess I can't complain, I have lost 2 pounds so that is good.

I have a friend that is checking out Kimkins....does anyone know anything about it? I see it around here on the board. I think I will search for information.

I am tutoring this morning and then I HAVE to do the laundry that I never seem to get to each day.

Have a great day!

[KirbyTris]

My headache finally went away after 24 hours. I feel a slight one this morning. I'm only on Day 4. Hopefully, by tomorrow, I'll feel much better.

Due to not feeling well, I sort of screwed up last night and resorted to eating. Thank goodness, I binged on all low carb food. Even though I sort of feel bad about last night, I feel positive that at least I stayed away from high carb foods.

For dinner last night, I had two hamburger patties made with lettuce as the buns and garnished with onions, tomatoes, mayonaise, and low carb ketchup. I was still so hungry so I had another. Then I had a sugar-free jello. Then I started to eat a bunch of macadamian nuts. Then I had 3 sugar-free popsicles. Then I had a piece of string cheese. Then I overdosed on some almonds. I finally quit eating after taking a big scoop of peanut butter.

I'm trying to figure out what went wrong. I recently purchased the book, "The Beck Diet Solution." The book focuses on changing how you think while trying to lose weight and keep it off. I'm not even half way through, but I'm now realizing that I set myself up to fail last night.....I ate while sitting in the living room watching TV and I ate too fast.

I was very surprised when I weighed myself today and lost another pound. I must have been retaining a lot of water. I can't believe how much I have been going to the bathroom since I started back on low carb.

Thanks for the tip on the Steak Ums, Polly! That would make a great addition to the salads that I love to eat. Once I'm over induction, I'd love to have a Philly Steak and Cheese with onions and peppers on a low carb tortilla.

Carolina Girl.....it's so hard to get back on plan. I struggled for almost 5 months. Good luck! You can do it!

I, too, am at the point of my life when I'm starting to get hot flashes. I'm 48 years old. I just had a hysterectomy in November. I can't believe how incrediably wonderful it is not having a period anymore.

LouAnn: I belong to the Kimkins Website. I can't do her plans. They are too strict for me. There's a lot of good information about her plans here on LCF. Don't waste your money joining Kimkins. You can go to her site and get a lot of information without paying. One of the things you get when you pay is the message board. I prefer this message board.

Have a great day everyone!

Cheryl

[catwings]

Hey girls...sounds like everyone is hanging in there. Night eating sounds like a common problem and probably what caused most of us to get overweight to begin with. I'm like you Cheryl, when I do cheat at night, I do it with low carb foods, but I know I should limit myself to one snack and still end up feeling guilty anyway.

My scales have been staying around 215-213 for a while and yesterday I weighed it said 206. I was squealed in delight and then weighed again to make sure it wasn't a mistake. Then last night, I got on the scales yet again, 209 at 7:00 in the evening. But this morning I was back up to 213. Yesterdays menu was kinda strange-

B- leftover steak-ums and some celery sticks and coffee
L - 3 slices of bacon and some watermelon (fresh outa the garden, ice cold, I couldn't resist)
S- 2 thin slices of cheddar cheese, coffee
D- chick-fil-a sandwich on wheat bun. I tore about half of the bun away while I was eating it, I'd estimate about 20 carbs for the whole thing. Salad w/ ranch, pickles.
S- carb smart ice cream bar, a few cashews, a few pork skins...

Gonna strict things up over the weekend, see if I can see 206 again!

Polly

[KirbyTris]

You can do it, Polly!

I was able to accomplish a good day yesterday. I was so busy last night and had no time to overeat! I guess I should keep more busier in the evenings. The only problem is that I am so tired by night time.

Yesterday:
B: chocolate protein shake with some added fiber
L: Hamburger patty (plain); cut up peppers and cucumbers and some grape tomatoes.
D: Went out to eat at Outback Steakhouse. I ate no rools, drank only water with lemon, and had a their chicken salad with no croutons.
S: just a few almonds in the afternoon
Water: 12 cups
Exercise: none

Have a great day everyone, and have a fabulous weekend.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

Cheryl

[Teresa3]

Hi, laph--
I just signed up today and also want to lose 40 lbs. I live in Santa Cruz, CA by the ocean. 58 years old, married, a grandma. I did Atkins once before and lost some weight but gained it back. I would love to have a buddy for motivation. I hosted a women's weight loss group a few years ago and it helped me stay on track. Do you still need a buddy, or want another if you found someone? Thanks, and Good Luck! Teresa3

[KirbyTris]

Welcome, Teresa!

I have about 50-60 more pounds to lose. I'm 48 and live in western Pennsylvania. I'm married 26 years, and have two kids (boy 22/girl 21). I'll be an empty nester by the end of the summer. My daughter just moved out, and my son is moving to Washington DC, at the end of August.

I've tried low carb several times in my life, and I find it's the only diet I can follow and be successful at. I just need to make it a way of life and stick to it! My biggest reason to lose weight is for my health (looking better is a big plus, too!). Over the past few years, my sugar, colesteral, and blood pressure have been high and it's all due to having a BMI in the "obese" category.

I'm looking forward to having another buddy to stay in touch with.

Thanks!

Cheryl

[catwings]

Hey Teresa...welcome. We all just met recently and started up a conversation. Jump right in! I like how Lou Ann and Cheryl have pictures up, makes it easy to remember who I'm talking to. I'm gonna get one up tomorrow. The most recent one I have, I'm hiding behind a tomato plant cause I'm so fat ;-) But I think I have a face pic somewhere.

We're having burgers on double fiber whole wheat bread tonight....good bread at 6 net carbs a slice. But I try to keep it down to about 4-6 slices a week. Burgers, hot and spicy pork skins and pickles...what the heck, it's Friday night!

Have to work tomorrow, but won't have to feed my husband lunch at the store so I'll eat light.

What do ya'll have planned for the weekend?

Polly

[Teresa3]

Greetings, all!

Thanks for the welcome--I guess we all can use all the support we can get, huh! I am not experienced in how to use these computer forums, and wasn't even sure my post went thru, so it's really great to get responses! I just started back on Atkins 2 days ago. I lost 15 lbs. on it a couple of years ago, but of course gained it all back. I'm 5'2", 165. I have very painful feet and tendonitis due to inflammatory arthritis. I'm sure it would help make walking less painful if I lost about 40 lbs. I really have to do it this time! But I had such a bad headache last night I couldn't sleep! Feel better today tho.

My husband went to a track meet so I took myself out to dinner at the Santa Cruz pier. Had caesar salad and sauteed halibut & shrimp w/mushrooms and bell peppers. Going to have tea and no-carb chocolate for dessert. If you haven't tried Ross lowcarb dark chocolate bars, they aren't to be missed!

Hang in there! Teresa

[Teresa3]

Hey, everyone, how is your Saturday going? I lost 1/2 lb. this a.m. so I have lost 1 1/2 lbs. in 3 days. Not fabulous, but I'll take it!

Breakfast was my usual little bowl of steamed spinach, some sausage and one egg. I'm hungry already and I just ate!

I'm going to the gym today to push a little weight on the machines. My lunch plan is to have a salad with some meat. Here's the hard part--it's a buffet place, and they have desserts that I can hardly resist. I guess I just will try to stay focused, and I've always got the lc chocolate for later.

What's anybody doing for exercise today, and eating plans?

Dinner is always hard because I'm so tired by the end of the day, and I don't like to cook, so I often either get something to go, or we eat out. And then my husband, who can eat all the carbs he likes and not gain weight, eats about 4 pieces of bread while I watch and salivate! Got to be strong!

Hope you all are doing well. Teresa

[KirbyTris]

I love it when I stop by and there are messages. This group is really helping me! Thanks for all your support! It's great to have someone to share this with!

I chalked up another good day yesterday! That was day 5 of doing well. I usually can't even go a day with sticking to my plan.

B: Chocolate protein shake with added fiber
L: Hamburger pattie, cutted up veggies, diet rite cola
S: almonds
D: Salmon and steamed cauliflower
S: 3 diet popsicles; more almonds; diet jello (had the munchies again)
Water: 12 cups
Exercise: 1/2 hr on treadmill; weight lifting 1/2 hr

I'm spending most of the weekend trying to cross off items on my to-do list. Tonight, we're going to visit my daugher. She's having a little get together at her new apartment. I'm making a veggie tray so I have something I can eat. I'm also making a fruit tray because it's her favorite thing to eat. Tomorrow evening, we're having a bunch of friends over. I got lots of cleaning to do!

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl

[catwings]

My Saturday was great...worked in my flowerbeds at the store, it's the prime time of year for the flowers...much longer and the heat is gonna take it's toll. Almost 98 degrees today and I sweated tons and drank gallons of water. Felt like I got a good hours workout bending, squating and stooping. Need to walk though. My exercise program is lacking. Teresa, you sound motivated, send some of that my way!

My eating has been pretty good.

B - handful of dry protein cereal, 3 slices of bacon and some blackberries, coffee
L - Salad w/ spinach, green onions, pepperocini, feta cheese and walnut salad dressing. 5 blackberries
S- about 24 ounces of water...was too hot to eat.
D- locally made sausage and fritatta w/ onions and peppers. Fresh banana pepper rings soaked in vinegar and oil.

S - will probably make coffee slushees in a little while. My husband and I enjoy watching Saturday Night Live, but unless we make coffee about 9:00, we'll be snoozing by 11:00. Oh...and there is a new box of carb smart ice cream bars in the freezer that will probably be calling my name between now and 1:00 AM.

Teresa, that halibut sounds good. I need to get more seafood in our diet. Here in the south, most seafood is breaded and deep fried. I'm gonna work on cooking some on the grill.

Ya'll have a happy weekend!

Have a happy weekend!

[catwings]

Let me say it again...happy weekend....haha.

[Teresa3]

Hi, Cheryl--
Sounds like you're having perfect low carb day, as well as the exercise! So you've been doing this since October? That's impressive! How much more weight do you want to lose?

Catwings, I'm definately motivated, but it's only day 4! I've never done the diet online before, so I hope communicating about it will help me feel (somewhat) accountable--there's definately strength in numbers!

Cheryl, it would be a huge challenge for me to do the social thing where eveyone's eating, and stick to my plan, so congrats for taking something you can eat. We're going out to dinner, and I'm going to be thinking of you guys and not blow it!

Catwings, halibut is great on the grill--sounds like you're a gourmet cook. That lunch salad sounds really yummy! I decided if I was going to eat a restricted diet, I would try to eat really great food, like steak and lobster! I haven't told my husband yet, tho! I'll just have to convince him it's a requirement on Atkins!

GReat hearing from you guys. Teresa

[KirbyTris]

I went grocery shopping yesterday and bought several boxes of Philly-Gourmet Steaks (aka Steak-Ums). They were on sale for only $1.99 a box (12.25 oz). No carbs and all that is listed in the ingredients is BEEF. They'll be great with onions, peppers, and mushrooms; eggs; and in a salad. Thanks for the suggestion, Polly!

I did great last night at the party. There was tons of food....which included lots of homemade cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. There were even some great drinks like homemade strawberry daiquiris. I successfully stuck with water and lemon, and I only ate my veggies and dip and a few pieces of cheese. I still enjoyed the party and did not feel deprived.

Here's how I did yesterday:
B: Chocolate protein shake with added protein
L: Two hamburgers with lettuce bun, tomato and onion and ranch dressing
S: Watermelon and cantaloupe (1 cup)
D: Low carb Chicken Divan (chicken, broccoli, cream, parmesan)
S: Lots of veggies and dip; a little cheese
Water: 18 cups
Exercise: none

I didn't get much crossed off my to-do list yesterday even though I kept very busy. I did get some grocery shopping done and stocked up with lots of low carb items.

Today I have to hustle and get the house cleaned for our company tonight.

My goal for the future is to get about 20-30 minutes of exercise everyday. It's going to be a challenge. The only exercise I'm getting is when I stop at the gym. It's so hard to motivate myself to do it at home. What's everyone else doing for exercise?

Have a great Sunday!

Cheryl

[KirbyTris]

Originally Posted by Teresa3

Hi, Cheryl--
Sounds like you're having perfect low carb day, as well as the exercise! So you've been doing this since October? That's impressive! How much more weight do you want to lose?... Teresa

Teresa:

Yes, I started on October 2 of last year. I went from 234 to 190 pounds. I was very motivated. I was scheduled to have an operation on November 29. Along with the operation came a blood test. In the past years prior, my blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure were climbing. The doctor was warning me that if I didn't lose weight, I'd be on five different medications for my aliments. I didn't want that, and at the same time, I was blessed with finding this site. By the time of my operation, I had lost 30 pounds in 2 months. I continued with low carb for another month and lost an additional 14 pounds in December. Some of that weight loss was due to having a hysterectomy and losing a melon size non-malignant tumor.

Right before Christmas, my daughter made about dozens of various Christmas cookies. I had several, and that's all it took for me to go off my low carb plan. Tons of cravings and binges followed that I couldn't control, all which lasted 5 months and a gain of 26 pounds. It was a nightmare! I tried so hard and couldn't get back. This past week has been my first week back.

It's been hard this past week with sugar withdrawal symptoms and weakness. Once I kick the sugar habit (all sugar and white products: potatoes, pasta, rice, bread), it's very easy for me to stick with this plan. I also avoid aspartame. I find it gives me cravings.

Good luck to you!

Cheryl

[catwings]

This is my first time on a low carb diet, but I have lost weight in the past on a low calorie/high exercise diet. As soon as I backed off on the exercise (4-5 mile walks daily plus a workout at least 4 times a week), I began to gain weight again till, as of April 1, 2007, I was back to where I started (240). I am kinda putting off exercising heavy right now because I don't want my weight loss to be dependant upon it. I do have an exercise bike at work I ride at least 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes and I am active at work and at home. Daily walks would probably make my weight drop faster, but in my mind I feel like it will be easier to keep off if I don't overdo it. But this may be a rationalization because I'm lazy ;-)

A comment on variety and gourmet cooking - low carb has opened a lot of doors on my cooking as well as closed some. I find myself thinking up interesting ways to cook veggies and whole grains, as well as meat. My fritattas and souffle's are close to being perfected. Before starting low carb, I might make a souffle twice a year.

As far as missing high carb foods, I think I miss them more when planning meals that when eating. I'm planning a meal and my old way of thinking - meat, vegetable, starch and bread...and dessert - will take over. It seems like an incomplete meal to leave out my beloved starch and bread. But while eating, I don't miss them a bit. My meal is balanced and healthy and I'm full and satisfied.

But I still want to cheat! ;-)

Polly

[Teresa3]

Wow. 30 lbs. in 2 months is amazing--I'm sure it was demoralizing to gain a lot of it back, so kudos to you for getting back to the weight loss plan! I have always gained my reductions back, too. But not this time, right?!!! I think I have discovered that I really can't go back to eating many carbs and not gain weight; it just starts me on a binge cycle. I guess that has to do with fluctuating blood sugar levels that carbs cause.

You did so great, Cheryl, at your dinner--bravo! I'm going to follow your example next time I go to my women's group and they've got all the snacks on the table! I can't succeed with too many cheats! I've started carrying my lc dark chocolate bars around with me so I have part of one when the craving for a dessert comes up.

I think I agree with you on the exercise, Polly. The eating plan has to fit my normal life style. I find I actually do better with light to moderate exercise, because the times I've increased exercise my body gets stressed and I'm hungrier than ever then I binge. I'm trying to be satisfied with a slower weight loss now.

I'm starting to not miss the bread and potatoes so much now, too. But, hey, the good thing is you can eat all that wonderful creamy fat stuff, and I really love that!

Here's to sticking with the plan on Sunday--weekends are always the hardest for me! Have fun today! Teresa

[catwings]

Good deal on staying on plan at the party Cheryl...last time I went to a get together I got in the spinach puffs and some chips. Hopefully that won't happen again.

Sunday is generally a one meal day for us - we had coffee w/ cocoa and whipped cream for breakfast, some nuts and strawberries at lunch and I've got a pork roast in the oven that'll be ready about 4:00. Gonna steam a head of broccoli and slice up some tomatoes and cukes. And I might make a coconut custard w/ coconut milk if I'm feeling froggy.

Happy Day!

Polly

[KirbyTris]

When I exercise too much, I get too hungry and weak. So I'm not over-doing it with the exercise this time. I do belong to a ladies-only gym. It's very small. I try to go 3 times a week, and I'll do some cardio for 1/2 hr and then use the Nautilus equipment (weight bearing machines). I need to strengthen my body because I have a lot of joint and muscle pain and I'm in terrible shape. I also have a friend who weighs a lot more than me, but she's in a size smaller. We are the same size. The only difference is that she is very toned from exercising.

I wish I had more time so that I could exercise at least 30 minutes a day. My day just wizzes past me so fast. Most of the time, I don't have the energy to exercise also. Hopefully, with losing weight, I'll gain some strength and energy.

Cheryl

[catwings]

We really enjoyed the coconut custard I made yesterday. My husband said it made him feel warm and fuzzy because it had been so long since we had a homemade creamy dessert. Even though it was full of fat, it had a light texture that was refreshing on a hot summers day.

1 cup whipping cream
2 cups (1 can) coconut milk (unsweetened)
3/4 cup splenda
3 large eggs
vanilla bean

Whisk eggs and add other ingredients except vanilla. Pour into a double boiler and then whisk on and off for about 10 minutes. It's got to cook a certain amount of time in order to thicken, but you don't want it to boil much because it'll seperate. Split and scrape vanilla bean into custard (or add 1 t vanilla) and pour into custard cups. Chill one hour.

[catwings]

What kind of scales do y'all use? I am getting frustrated with mine. They are the $24.95 digital model from Wal-Mart. This morning I got on, let it settle and weighed 205. Just to check, I got off, let it reset and got on again - 213. Whatcha reckon? So now I'm really frustrated and get on again -205. I finally stopped because this could go on all day. The cat has taken to napping on them (he registers nine pounds!). I wonder if this has something to do with the irregularities? Tubby is notorious for causing trouble.

Do any of you use a scale that cost upwards of $30? Is it worth the price? Do you lose weight faster?...hahahaha. I can use any help I can get.

Goals this week -
water, water, water
limit after dinner snacks to one snack!

Polly