January Challenge - 72 Atkins

[chelle69]

Morning- down another 1/2 lb

Tami- funny you mention TOM. I am on TOM now to and mine is alot lighter than usual. Who knows?

I like the biggest loser but I thought it was too much to make them weigh in in front of all their family, friends, and hometown. Didn't like that at all!

Darlene- I heard the south was under a sever frost advisory and I'm sure they don't know what to do when it snows. Funny.

Divine- congrats on all the congrats!! I can't wait til I get to that point!

[verbqueen]

Morning, '72-ers! I must sadly report that my extra pound is still visiting me this morning. I think I know why, though--I had some breakthrough bleeding this morning (I shouldn't, because I take birth control pills continuously in order to never have periods.) So that probably explains the water weight. Maybe it's because of going off plan and then going back on strict plan. As Tami said, it does seem to cause an estrogen release. At any rate, it does answer the question of whether I'm in menopause yet. I'd say I'm not!

Tami, I too am in love with Bare Minerals! I started about 3 years ago with just using the concealer (Bisque--it's GREAT), foundation, blush (I use Glee) and mineral veil. Then last year my daughter got me a few of their eye makeup kits, and I switched over to their eye makeup, too. I don't use their mascara, since I already had one I liked, or lipstick--for that I use lip liner pencils and Burt's Bees. But yes, it's so natural looking and so good for your skin! I have never gone completely gaga for a makeup before this, but it's a wonderful product.

Darlene, you are a fat-losing MACHINE these days. I wish I could climb on your wagon and join you! Divine, you can absolutely lose fat and get smaller without it showing on the scale, and that's clearly what you're doing. One morning, you will awake to a whoosh and the scale will catch up to where your body has already gone!

I have a completely unbooked day today--such a gift!--and I can't quite decide what to do with it. I think I'll just putt about the house and lawn and tidy up and organize, and perhaps treat myself to a low carb lunch out somewhere.

Have a great day, everyone! And stay on plan--you'll love yourself for it!

(Edited to add congrats to Chelle! Hooray for you!)

[obraxton]

Hi, everyone, driving by busy at work!
B: hamburger and seltzer water (very good lol)
L: bacon and green beans
D: pork chops and ??

Stepping away from the scale..I was slowly and steadily creeping UP the scale, and was worried about this really being a good plan for me...but I have to keep in mind that TOM is here as well. I tend to forget about bloating as a symptom b/c I rarely pay attention to what's going on hormonally. So stepping away till next week.

I forgot! Edit..i sooo want to try bare minerals...

[verbqueen]

Dessa, if you have an Ulta or Sephora store near you, they will do a Bare Minerals makeover on you, and you can see if you like it!

Most large Penney's stores now have Sephora inside the store!

And you are right--stay off the scale and believe in this way of eating. It WILL work for you!

[DivineHealth]

Gosh so many mineral makeup users here!

I've been using Sheer Cover. I was always a Merle Norman gal - since 1982. About 3 yrs ago I tried the mineral makeup and fell in love with the *lightness* of it... and no more makeup rubbing off on my clothes! My daughter-in-law is a VP for Artistry (Amway) cosmetics and sent me a whole set of their mineral makeup for my birthday. WOW.... awesome! Laura Mercier Mineral Makeup Kit I still use Merle Norman eye makeup and lipstick.

[dbglasgow]

Originally Posted by verbqueen

Darlene, you are a fat-losing MACHINE these days. I wish I could climb on your wagon and join you! Divine, you can absolutely lose fat and get smaller without it showing on the scale, and that's clearly what you're doing. One morning, you will awake to a whoosh and the scale will catch up to where your body has already gone!

Jessica, actually the scale was up a full lb this morning but things have been going so good lately that I'm not paying any attention to that. I'm 4 lbs from my goal.. so I'll keep doing what I've been doing.

[loves2sing]

Originally Posted by DivineHealth

Happy Wednesday!!

It's early here in California, woke up at 4 and couldn't go back to sleep.... my third very early morning this week. The .4# I lost yesterday found me today. My stix are moderate purple and the metallic taste is formidable, so I know I am doing it "right".


Today I have physical therapy for my knee. And then I am treating myself to a full body massage and a foot reflexology massage --- ahhhhhhh

I was up really early, too, Divine, and I had a moderate purple stick as well. I seem to be following in your footsteps... and, oh boy, what a great idea! Maybe I'll keep copying you and schedule a massage. That sounds just wonderful...

Enjoy your day,
Cynthia

[two2getready]

Hey everyone! It is so hard to keep up these days!!! I have been very busy. My 3 yr old started preschool today. I'm so excited to be able to spend some time alone and maybe go to the gym!

I was down 2 lbs this am. That still leaves me 3lbs above stats, but it is going in the right direction!

Congrats on all the losses!! Sorry I can't keep up with eveyone, but it looks like there are some great ladies on here that are doing very well with this WOE!

Darlene...Haha! you know WalMart is out of bread and milk! Lol! Everyone thinks a blizzard is coming. We will be out of school for the least little bit. It IS freezing here, though. BRRRRR!!! Well, for us it is! I can't imagine the weather some of you are having right now. I want to come visit Jessica and Divine!! Flip Flops?? My toes would freeze off! Lol!

I've got the fridge stocked with already prepared chicken, burgers, and brats so there will be plenty to just "grab". I am going to wash and cut up all of my veggies today...gotta have my cukes and vinegar! We have pork and more hamburger waiting to be cooked. Yay! I feel more prepared now.

Have a great day everyone! Oh yeah, and I have been wanting to try bare minerals, too! I use mineral make up from Wal Mart and wonder how much better the real stuff is!

Nikki

[7littleangels]

Have not been on the scale. Really in the end it does not matter to me. I know I am eating the right way. My blood Sugar is level,heart burn is gone, swelling is gone, and on and on. It would be nice to drop the last 50,but I will not become discouraged and quit because I don't.

I did my WATP this morning and am still on plan.

B- Eggs,sausage and cocoa drink

L- Pork with broccoli and cocoa drink

D?

No snacks and lots of water. I have not had coffee or D. Dr. Pepper in a week now.

Jeanie

[pommychic]

Hi everyone! Wow! This is one busy thread! It is hard to keep up but everyone seems to be doing really well!

I've started Day three today and this morning the sticks are a pale pink. That's encouraging as I have only just passed the 48 hour period. So hopefully I will start seeing some results.. (impatient? moi? lol) Its interesting as when I did the new Atkins in October I joined another forum and I found the people on the forum to be very "by the book" with the new version and if you did something that was not written in the book, you were not doing Atkins properly.. They also frowned upon Ketosticks and said they were inaccurate and a waste of money. I actually disagree with that but different strokes and all that. I love the fact that this forum seems more relaxed about the rules and you are not going to get bashed around the head for not getting your veggies in or consuming bang on 20 carbs a day. Crikey life's too short!

I feel much better this morning.. the banging headache has gone (I have popped so many paracetamol in the last couple of days its frightening) and I dont have the sickly feeling anymore. Despite the sickly feeling and cramps (TOM) I dragged myself to the gym last night and did a good hours workout. So thats good.

I am feeling very left out at the comments about the weather! Here in NZ it is in the 30's as its middle of summer. My family are in England and snowed in! Boy I never thought I would say it but I really miss snowy weather! Especially at Christmas.. I dont think I will ever get used to a Kiwi Summer at Christmas time.

Oh well... we are pretty quiet at work today so I am surfing the net and looking up Atkins friendly recipes. Any suggestions for 72" friendly desserts? - (EDIT LOL! 72 INCH DESSERTS???) I obviously mean '72!

My menu for today looks like this

B revolution roll with ham and melted cheese on top
L home made pork burger topped with bacon - small salad
D tenderised steak with... possibly side of scrambled egg and few lettuce leaves

limiting my coffees with cream to 3 or 4 today.

Will be glad when I can introduce veggies next week.. I am missing broccolli/leeks etc. Got a lot of veggies growing in my veggie patch so I am eager to make use of all the courgettes/leeks and spring onions ready for picking.

Take care guys and have a great low carb day...

[chelle69]

I finally got groceries for the first time since starting Atkins. I was eating what I had around. I am stocked up and I am going to be home alone tonight so I am going to spend tonight preping and stocking the fridge. I just had tuna salad on lettuce as a wrap and it tasted sooooo good.

Today's meals
B- bacon, scrambled eggs, coffee
L- tuna salad, lettuce, cheese
Snack- 2 deviled eggs
S- Salmon, salad w/ dressing, pickle

I have been drinking 2 qts of water a day but still havn't given up my 1 D.Dr Pepper. Maybe soon.

[notsooldbroad]

Chelle, I finally got out to get groceries as well but my delay was due to the weather. I've run out of eggs, meat, tuna, etc., and looking forward to making some chicken soup tonight.

Jami - We're practically neighbors, aren't you in Joplin? I'm about 80 miles or so, down by Eureka Springs. This frigid weather is something else and it's just going to get worse from the sound of it. More snow and 7* on Friday.

Nikki - sounds like you're getting it too.

Stay warm!

[verbqueen]

Lucky! I LOVE Eureka Springs! Was just there about a year ago for my nephew's wedding (at the Crescent, as you might expect!)

[notsooldbroad]

The Crescent is a beautiful place for a wedding, have you heard the hotel is haunted? I live so close, yet I don't go in very often unless I have family visiting or want to find a special gift. You'll have to come back.

[verbqueen]

Oh, I'm sure I'll be back. I grew up in Tulsa and my family is still there, and Eureka is a favorite destination for Tulsans.

I remember the big orange cat that lived in the lobby of the Crescent in the 70s/80s. He was remarkably tolerant of being petted by strangers all the livelong day.

[notsooldbroad]

Bet you know Eureka a lot better than I do. I've lived here about 19 years coming from Kansas, and boy these roads down here were quite something to get used to. I'm still a flat-lander by heart and miss those wheat fields and big open sky. Thanks for chatting, I'm getting over this shyness thing.

[dbglasgow]

Nikki.. I just heard that they are closing schools tomorrow and Friday in Alabama because of expected snow... it's so funny how us Southerners react to a little snow... but to be honest..no one would want any of us out trying to drive in the snow..LOL. So what about up your way? Any snow yet?

Many of our friends are already out in Pasadena, CA (no snow there for sure).. they are out there for the Championship game tomorrow... I hope Alabama beats Texas... Roll Tide!!

Sorry everyone.. just had to check in on my Southern friend here.

Today's food:

bacon, egg; coffee with VCO
a few mixed nuts; 2 oz cheese
5 oz hamburger patty with mayo

I did get in my workout today but I have not drank as much water as I should have... going to go get a big 32 oz bottle now.

[two2getready]

Darlene...we haven't gotten any yet. All of the surrounding counties are closed already. Our school superintiden (sp) always waits until the last min...they will call at 5:00 AM. Drives me crazy! I'm excited, though...the kids will have a blast if we get alot. We had one big snow last year and DD had pneumonia and didn't get to go out. Good luck tomorrow! I hope Bama has a big win!

Janet.....Arkansas is probably the same about snow as we are! Lol! I hope you guys stay warm and safe. My Grandpa was from Arkansas...I can't remember the name of the town.

I would post my menu, but I had a crazy day and snacked all day. (on legal stuff, of course!) I was ravenous for some reason!

Anyway...hope you all have a great night. May we all be a pound or 2 lighter tomorrow!!!

Nikki

[verbqueen]

Today's foods:

B: serving of leftover hot chicken salad, coffee with VCO
L: stir-fried skirt steak with onion and jalapeno, scoop of guac, iced tea
S: 1 square of SF chocolate
D: bratwurst with 1/2 c. sauerkraut, iced green tea

I've got a bit of bloating and pain, and I blame the SF chocolate, although I only ate a square of less than 1", far less than a serving. Wow.

[CherylB]

Hey, everyone! Just checking in for today. I didn't sign-on til late, because I was fighting for hours with an ancient computer which has "come home to roost." I had given it to my Mom, but she got a brand new one for Christmas. If I didn't have so much good stuff in the memory, I'd just put it out of its misery! But, I did manage to get it to turn on in "normal mode" as opposed to "safe mode" which was not acceptable. Tomorrow, I continue to try to get the wireless connection to work. Wish me luck. My brain is fried.

Congratulations to all of you; you're doing great. I'm happy that you're happy. I must now crash, but I'll be back tomorrow. Peace and sweet dreams to all of you!

[obraxton]

Originally Posted by verbqueen

Dessa, if you have an Ulta or Sephora store near you, they will do a Bare Minerals makeover on you, and you can see if you like it!

Most large Penney's stores now have Sephora inside the store!

And you are right--stay off the scale and believe in this way of eating. It WILL work for you!

Going this weekend! Yay!!! Thanks Jessica! You have noooo idea how much of a pick me up i need.

[loves2sing]

Very long day for me today... left the house at 6:10 a.m. and finally got home after 8 p.m. I ate one meal out, at about 3:30, and am having another meal now that I'm home.

I did have diet soda with that meal this afternoon, though I hadn't intended to have one today. One serving of diet coke with a protein and fat meal.

Now, 5 hours later, a pink ketostick shows I'm still in ketosis, so the diet soda didn't immediately kick me out. I'll see if I'm still there in the morning.

I'd like to be able to have diet coke occasionally. I don't want to drink it all the time - I don't think it's healthy to do that because of the phosphorus - but once or twice a week would be nice.

I'm happily staying on plan, Atkins 72 week #1 Induction, as written in the book. I feel energetic and upbeat.

Goodnight, everyone. Sleep well.
Cynthia

[chelle69]

OMG- I can't believe it. I am down another 1.5
I thought for sure the way the pattern has been going, today would be a no loss day.

I will come back and catch up on the reading but I was so excited I had to post.

[dbglasgow]

Originally Posted by chelle69

OMG- I can't believe it. I am down another 1.5
I thought for sure the way the pattern has been going, today would be a no loss day.

I will come back and catch up on the reading but I was so excited I had to post.

Way to go girl!!

Cynthia, you mentioned drinking diet sodas and it kicking you out of ketosis. Do others find this to be the case? I had almost completely stop drinking diet sodas in the beginning but over the past few weeks, I've started drinking them again... like I said once before.. I'm so limited because of the diabetes that I consider my diet drinks my only "treat"... and I still lose but my "stix" are no longer changing.

That 1 lb that I bounced up yesterday is gone... back down to stats today.

[Tamilda]

Good morning ladies!
Funny, got off the computer yesterday and turned on the tv to see all you Southerners getting SNOW! Yikes. We'll be getting anywhere from 3-9 inches today, but we are used to it. Stay warm and have a fun snow day!
Congrats Chelle and the other losers! Keep on losin'! Does't it feel great?
I'm thinking I may weigh myself today, TOM is just about over and I was absolutely ravenous yesterday. Usually that means a pound or 2 loss. Fingers crossed. I'm trying to be satisfied with just inches. I'm such an instant gratification kind of gal I'm learning patience.
Taking the boys ice skating and snow shoeing this weekend. We need some well deserved fun and fresh air. It's so easy to hole up in the winter when you are covered in snow....brrrr.
B: 2 eggs, butter coffee w/cream
L: chicken breast, greens w/ blue cheese crumbles
D: Tuna steak w/ chive oil
green tea, water
Have a wonderful, warm, lowcarb day everyone!
Tami

[VanillaSpice]

Hiya

I want to join you all, as you are so successful, postive and inspiring, although at the moment I'm still trying to break free from Christmas-induced ODing on SF chocolate=insomnia='needing' more chocolate the next day (or so I tell myself). Anyway, I will get back on track very soon and to that end I've just been playing with percentages on ****** and I've noticed that it lists carbs for herbal tea as 0.5. Nooooo, is this for real? I'd been planning on soothing the savage chocolate-withdrawing beast with my favourite comfort-drink of rosehip & hibiscus tea. Do you all count herbal teas? Also, I've read in other posts that plain coffee does have some carbs but ****** lists it as 0. Do you count coffee carbs?

Thank you all

PS, to the people who are stalled/ struggling to lose, I am too, but with all my research and experiments I'm learning a lot more than if I lost easily. I know its not the same as fitting into your skinny jeans but to this health-geek it is quite rewarding and I figure that with all the wisdom, experience and knowledge on the boards, persistence has got to result in a hot bod eventually, right????

[jamistar77]

Hi everyone! Wow, you girls have been busy! Sorry I have been MIA lately. The scale has been nudging downward for me every day this week. I was at 139.4 this morning. Now I am only 4 pounds away from goal!
I love Eureka Springs, My DH and I got married there in April '07 at "A Wedding at Hidden Acres" Beautiful! We want to go down there again, but this time during their Open Season. I want to see the Passion Play, and all the restaurants would close at 7pm when we were there, and it rained all the time! The day we were to get married was cloudy and rainy. We were supposed to take out photos outside.... So I prayed, lol Please stop the rain, just long enough for our wedding and pictures and guess what, Its stopped! Thank you GOd!

[dbglasgow]

Jami... beautiful wedding photo!... and congrats on getting the scale to move again. I'm 4 lbs from goal... WE CAN DO IT!

Welcome VanillaSpice!! I personally do not count carbs for coffee or tea

[jamistar77]

Darlene, You are 4 pounds from goal too!? HAHA. Race ya! Just kidding....
Thank you. It was a great wedding. For the 2 night 3 day stay, wedding, photos and flowers it was only $400.00. What a deal.

[loves2sing]

Originally Posted by dbglasgow

Way to go girl!!

Cynthia, you mentioned drinking diet sodas and it kicking you out of ketosis. Do others find this to be the case? I had almost completely stop drinking diet sodas in the beginning but over the past few weeks, I've started drinking them again... like I said once before.. I'm so limited because of the diabetes that I consider my diet drinks my only "treat"... and I still lose but my "stix" are no longer changing.

That 1 lb that I bounced up yesterday is gone... back down to stats today.

Darlene, I don't actually know if the diet soda had any impact last week, because I didn't have any ketostix yet. I don't know if I was in ketosis before - although I suspect I was, because I dropped 4 pounds.

But once the stix arrived, I had been drinking diet soda & eating diet jello for about 3 days, and not losing any weight - and the stix did not register any ketosis. So I stopped the diet soda & jello, and within a couple of days the ketostix were pink and I was down another 2 pounds.

Yesterday's diet coke does not seem to have made a difference. I was in ketosis last night and again this morning.

My weight is remaining the same... but ketosis means my body is burning fat, so I think that means weight loss is happening, even if it doesn't show on the scale yet. (Right?)

I would also be interested in hearing about other people's experiences with diet soda (& jello). I want to eat this way over the long haul, and I need to identify what works for me and what doesn't.

Thanks, and have a great day,
Cynthia