Protein Power Girl

[peachy]

For snacks I usually do Mozzarella sticks or hard parmesian. I only nibble on nuts when the family is having something that I won't eat after dinner. Nuts are better than cookies or ice cream. But it's easy for me to overdo them.

Did you use protein power to lose weight the first time around? I've used it to maintain a few times -- but this is my first attempt at trying to lose weight on it. It seems to be slow but steady for me. I'm losing bodyfat and inches, but the weight loss is definitely slower than on Atkins or Kimkins (yes I fell for that) or Meat and Egg or any other form of crash low-carb. Maybe this time I'll be able to keep it off though.

How is your weight loss going?

[speedymagee]

Can I join you girls?

I did a 2 week Atkins induction Jan 1-14/08 and have been loosely following PP since then and loving it!

I borrowed PP LifePlan and The 30 Day Low-Carb Diet Solution from the local library. Both are great reads, but I have to say the 30 Day book is super easy to understand and apply.
sandy

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Welcome aboard, Speedy! The induction does help get you into it fast, doesn't it? I packed away my PPLP book, but I *need* to get it out. Lots of good info in there.

I love mozzarella! We have been known to eat a chunk of cheese as a side dish around here. I just buy the 1lb whole milk Mozzarella and cut it up, it's great. Cheaper than buying the prewrapped sticks, but not as convenient to carry. I'd love to make my own, but I don't have the citric acid (I think that's what it requires).

I had a little bit of a gain-stall (only 2 lbs, but still!) although it was very short lived. It was when we bought a big tub of nuts AND some Blue Bunny SF ice cream. I think I will stay away from the ice cream, for certain! It was a *tiny* bit, but apparently enough to stop things. Next time I want ice cream, I'll freeze a little cream in a cup with some berries and be happy.

Anyway, I had been eating all the holiday goodies, then on Jan 2nd went back to LC. NOT as strict as an Atkins induction, but the extra weight came off and then a couple. I weighed this morning after breakfast (as an afterthought) and was down a lb. from last weigh in, so that is good. It's tempting to stay on strict induction, but this is less stressful.

As an aside, I've been reading Gary Taubes' book, and also some side reading online about using a ketogenic diet to treat brain tumors and other cancers, and I really like the idea. So much so that I'm feeling guilt about what my kids eat. We'll be buying a side of beef soon. LOL!

[peachy]

Speedy!

Protein power makes me feel so much better than Atkins induction. But the appetite suppression and dumping those pounds so fast is amazing.

I feel stronger on Protein Power. I am always focused on the nutrition of things and not just looking for some low-carb creation to put in my mouth. But that's just how it turns out to work for me.

HotMama -- Hooray for the pound.

How often do you weigh yourself girls?

[flaminghotsauce mama]

I weigh weekly, on Tuesdays. Once in a while I monitor in between weigh ins, but not much. It works for me.

I'm not crazy about low carb "specialty foods" either, but sometimes it's a coping thing. I have a bunch of kids, and sometimes I really want a grilled cheese sandwich. LOL! It's getting easier turning down the carbage, at least. And today we have a birthday party here, DD wanted pizza and shrimp. Guess what I'm having!

[speedymagee]

Thanks for welcoming me!

I've tried lots of plans and each has helped me through different stages.
I only did induction in January because I really needed to get back on track...Halloween was a disaster that kept on going til almost Christmas.

Doing better now and really committed to getting in the proper amount of protein each day.

I usually weigh myself on Mondays, but try to avoid the scale a week to 10 days before TOM. It's too depressing!

[peachy]

I usually weigh everyday. I'm totally addicted to it. I do my bodyfat every two weeks and get measured every month. I'm totally addicted to the scale.

I'm going to try to stop smoking on Monday, so I'm sure my weight will go up or be at a standstill for awhile. But I've got to quit.

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Peachy, when I first lost in '06, I weighed nearly daily. Watching the numbers drop was such a rush! This time, I guess it's different. I know it will come off if I stay on plan.

Good job deciding to quit! My parents quit a few years ago, but not until after my mom was diagnosed with emphysema. They had tried multiple times, but usually sabotaged each other. So if *they* can do it, I know you can!

So did anybody else OD on hot wings yesterday? LOL! I think I'm in the zone to stay on plan. We had a birthday party on Friday for my dd, and I wasn't even tempted by the cake. I did make SF frosting from cream cheese in case I wanted a taste, but ate enough supper that it wasn't an issue. That was a HUGE boost to my confidence.

Have a great day!

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Speedy, the holidays were ugly here, too. I'm on a "biggest loser" challenge with some friends of mine, and we quit for the month of Dec., and I packed on 10lbs. It's gone now, but still...

[peachy]

I did it! One full day of not smoking. It was hard -- but I didn't hurt anyone or get crazy in any way. Maybe it's cause this time I'm using the patch. It's been better than the gum I tried before. I ate mostly on plan today -- although I bent the rules last night at the superbowl party. I did stay away from all desserts. But I had about 1/2 cup of chili and nibbled on tons of cheese and nuts. My calories were probably pretty high -- but I was still proud of my willpower.

The scale had a big number today -- and with quitting smoking I don't think I'll see it go down soon. Maybe I shouldn't weigh for awhile. But that might be a bad habit I can't break. Can't give up everything now, can I?

[speedymagee]

Hi there,

Peachy One day at a time! WTG! I think it's probably wise to avoid the scale for a bit, it can be evil at times!

Flaminghotsaucemama How do you like the The Biggest Loser Challenge?

I'm staying steady on plan. I never restrict my protein, I probably get more than the recommended 27g per meal. It's TOM for me now, but I'll weigh myself at the end and hope for the best.

Is anyone exercising? I'm not do formal exercise, just walking and my job (server).
Have a great day!
sandy

[flaminghotsauce mama]

All right Peachy! Hope today is going as well for you!

I'm only doing the diet portion of weight loss. Only because I'm lazy. I need to start my T Tapp stuff again. It's not too hard to squeeze it in, again, I'm just lazy.

I'm *starving* today! I don't seem to stay full long, so I'm off to eat some brisling sardines in OO. Appetizing, huh?

[peachy]

Speedy -- I'm trying to stay away from the scale, but I am so addicted to the d@mn thing.

HotMama -- What is TTapp like? Don't I know you from somewhere? Were we in banta challenge together? I swear we have 'met' before.

Today was a good day for me. Someone other than my husband remarked on my weight loss. I've really only lost 9 pounds (back up I know) but the inches seem to be falling off. Especially my legs. If only my tummy would disappear too. It's just the worst part of my body.

I watch the biggest loser and I am so impressed that they work out 6 hours a day. I would love to be in an environment where the only thing I had to do was to take care of me. And get healthier. That would be fabulous.
But here I am being a working mom. It's hard to get time for me.

[flaminghotsauce mama]

I'm glad you had a good day! It's always good when somebody notices the hard work you put into yourself.

Peachy, I'm not sure where (which challenge), but I also recognize your name, so... Not banta, but *somewhere*. Were you ever on the EFGT threads? I was trying to do that, but it got too confusing for me.

I really like T Tapp, it can be as simple or as difficult as you make it. It is hard to explain, but she uses a lot of compound movements to get many muscles activated all at once. You tighten up everything, then do the moves. It's very challenging to keep everything tight, but BOY does it feel good when you're done. I have been off the wagon since the holidays, but I'm starting back to it.

You can look at it here: Better Body Basics - T-Tapp.com

I have tummy issues, too. Lots of babies and not shaping up in between most of them has taken its toll. Not pretty!

Well, today I had only eggs and fish, since today is Ash Wednesday. We abstain from meat on Fridays, too. My poor little guys were really sad to not get their usual sausage patty at breakfast. We'll make up for it tomorrow, I'm sure.

[speedymagee]

Hi Gals!

the belly. My least favorite body part as well.
Have been eating a lot as it's TOM and am super hungry.
I'll weigh in on Monday. I love/hate the stupid scale!

[peachy]

I can't believe what a bummer this week has been for me.

I am actually up a pound and a half. That just doesn't seem fair. I've been eating a little more than normal because I'm trying to quit smoking. It's been so hard!!!!! But I'm still on the Protein Power and I'm still circuit training. I'm just going to keep going. It's just so discouraging when you get on the scale and it says you weigh more!

I hope you girls are doing better than I am.

Speedy -- TOM always does me in. I'm such a crab and I'm always hungry. But I always seem to lose the most weight around there though.

HotMama -- How many kids do you have? I had 3 in six years and I don't think my body will ever be the same.

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Hang in there, Peachy! You're worth it!

I have a LOT of kids. I just had my ninth in September. My oldest just turned 16 in December. No twins, all singletons. Right now I have the semi-deflated crepey belly. Eeew. But they are worth it.

I blew it today on some baked wontons. They have 22g carbs for a serving (5) which is what I ate. So not a TOTAL disaster. But apparently meatless or fasting is not for me. I get too hungry. The rest of dinner was some shrimp dipped in alfredo sauce. It was good, but I'm still hungry and didn't get my veg on! Now I have to feed the baby. Poor planning strikes again. *sigh*

[speedymagee]

Wow! 3 in 6 years and 9!! You girls are amazing!! No kids for me, but I know how tired my sister is with one!!

Peachy The not smoking and training could mean you're retaining water. Don't despair. Quitting smoking must be a big shock to the body, it's probably going to take a bit to normalize. We are here for you!

flaminghotsaucemama I know what you mean. I really do best with meat/protein and lots of it. Otherwise I'm too hungry. I'm sure that explains why I was the fattest vegetarian I ever met!!


I was starting to worry about my HUGE appetite. I started to doubt it was TOM related and started to worry I was slipping into old binge-like behaviour. (For example I ate chicken fingers- breaded, a bran muffin and the list went on and on and on....) But last night at work I ate a whole bunch of olives and cheese and today I feel normal again. So hopefully I'll be fine until TOM next month

Have a great week-end.
sandy

[Leo41]

A while back, Peachy wrote:

"I guess I focus on getting enough protein instead of finding ways to eat fake low carb food."

And that's exactly what I found when I switched from Atkins to PP. I think I got frustrated with Atkins because I need to keep my carbs so low (I'm very carb sensitive), but I find that focusing on getting my protein in helps me ignore the low carb level. I'm basically eating the same, but much happier about it (I guess the psychological aspect is just as important).

However, at my age (66), I really need to consider calories as well, and I found that I could not get the protein I need without too many calories. So I have at least one whey protein shake each day (I found a brand on Netrition with 25 g protein and 0 carbs!). Anyone who isn't losing might consider substituting a shake for one meal (or eating less at a meal adding a shake for the protein).

[peachy]

Holy cow! Nine? You are so lucky. I would have had a bunch but my husband was done after two. We found out that we were already pregnant with the third just 5 days after his vasectomy. I was so happy. She is such a special little girl. I would have another in a heartbeat.

Sandy -- Hopefully you can find out what taste you are missing. Salty or sweet. Sometimes a planned cheat can help you gain control of your eating. It helps me anyways. The other thing is that I crave sweet. There are a lot of substitutions for sweet foods. There is a great low-carb store in my area where I can get sugarfree syrups and the like. And there's always 85% chocolate that I keep for when the rest of my family is having a sweet dessert and torturing me. When I want salty I eat some parmesian cheese or salted nuts. It seems to help me a lot.

[flaminghotsauce mama]

What a neat story about your little girl, Peachy! But yeah, you gotta balance kids/husband needs. I know if my dh wasn't so good with the kids, we probably wouldn't have as many.

Leo, that's EXACTLY it! Instead of concentrating on *restricting* carbs, we get to focus on getting enough protein. It totally changes the equation, mentally.

And I never used to like dark chocolate until I started LC. Now I adore it! I don't have any around, I'm not too good at moderating intake.

I have to tell you this! I have been drinking diet sodas, water wasn't sitting well with me. A couple days ago I had 5 or so Diet A & Ws, and I just couldn't drink it anymore. I had been waking with the sweet taste in my mouth, and it was icky. So yesterday I had one, and that was one too many! I've cut down the stevia in my coffee. I've been sucking down water like crazy, though. So my body just said, "Enough already!" I'm glad.

[peachy]

I broke down today and bought some plain yogurt. I know there is no yogurt exception anymore -- but I just love it and was missing it so much. I'll have to work it into my carbs in some way, but it's such a treat.

I should really drink more water. I drink coffee all day and wine all night. It's a vicious cycle. But I am loathe to give them up.

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Did somebody disprove the yogurt exception for certain? I hadn't been around here for most of last year, so that's news to me. Or do you mean that it's not on the PPLP?

Coffee all day and wine all night sounds okay to me!

[peachy]

Yeah -- from what I understand it was funny science. If you do a search all kinds of opinions come up. It's a real bummer for me 'cause I love it.

Actually my husband started me on the little wine fling I'm having. One day I went to a girlfriends all stressed out and came back all happy. He bought me a case of wine the next day. Oh, how I love that man.

My DH has been out of town this weekend and the kids have been miserable. I didn't realize what Daddy's girls they are. I've been missing him terribly myself.

All the weight I gained last week is gone again. I'm actually down a half pound from that -- but I'll wait till the other half goes to celebrate. I'm aiming for a pound a week loss -- that will put me around goal before Halloween. My minigoal is 22 lbs. by the middle of June. Hope! Pray! Eat Well! & Exercise!

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Okay, I'll have to read about it. I like to make my own, but the kids eat lots, too.

Congrats on the weight coming off!! That's excellent!

My dh teases me about mellowing out when I have wine, maybe I ought to take him up on it more often.

[flaminghotsauce mama]

Riddle me this, ladies...

Why am I still *starving* after eating b/s chicken breast, even WITH added fats? I had chicken & broccoli in alfredo sauce (real cream) and I'm HUNGRY. Like starving hungry! I feel like I could eat the paint off the walls. It was around 8oz chicken. You know, I really am not crazy about chicken breast anyway, but this... this just seals it for me. Chicken thighs w/skin doesn't do this to me. B/S breast is overpriced anyway.

Just had to get that out.

How are Sandy and Leo this week?

[peachy]

Yes -- Where are our friends?

Renae - Chicken does not fill me up or satisfy me in anyway. Well, that's not true. A chicken enchilada with mole fills me up just fine. I'm going to have to find a recipe for mole that I can make at home. Low carb. Spice things up a little.

But I find chicken blechy!