TWEAKIN' OUR WAY to The Melting Pot: FastFive, JUDDD, OSMF: April 2009

[pushing 40]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Hello Everyone, Today is a DD and I tried adding more food and it was terrible. I wanted to eat all day!!!!! This is going to be a challenge for me but I know it has to be done - sounds funny doesn't it - I need to eat more? Who would have thought. Despite wanting to eat all three meals on DD I really think that I need to do either fast five or wait until the last meal. I am afraid that if given the whole 5 hours I will be tempted to make bad choices.

I really do believe that you guys were all right - of course - that because my DD are so low I was have such huge fluctuations in my weight - good part was this WOE taught me not to freak out over those six pounds, yes six pounds, I would sometimes gain in the course of an UD. I believe that on DD I was depleting my glycogen stores and the water that goes with it almost completely and then replenishing it every UD. I have learned with other diets attempts that this is usually 6 pounds for me so I can fluctuate about that much and not fear that it is fat, which is a good feeling. When I eat more on DD those stores are not fully depleted and therefore the gain is not so great on UD. Does this make sense?

Sounds like everyone is on track - so motivating. Thanks Ladies.[/COLOR]

[Ilpirata]

Hello Everyone, Today is a DD and I tried adding more food and it was terrible. I wanted to eat all day!!!!! This is going to be a challenge for me but I know it has to be done - sounds funny doesn't it - I need to eat more? Who would have thought. Despite wanting to eat all three meals on DD I really think that I need to do either fast five or wait until the last meal. I am afraid that if given the whole 5 hours I will be tempted to make bad choices.

I really do believe that you guys were all right - of course - that because my DD are so low I was have such huge fluctuations in my weight - good part was this WOE taught me not to freak out over those six pounds, yes six pounds, I would sometimes gain in the course of an UD. I believe that on DD I was depleting my glycogen stores and the water that goes with it almost completely and then replenishing it every UD. I have learned with other diets attempts that this is usually 6 pounds for me so I can fluctuate about that much and not fear that it is fat, which is a good feeling. When I eat more on DD those stores are not fully depleted and therefore the gain is not so great on UD. Does this make sense?

Sounds like everyone is on track - so motivating. Thanks Ladies.

I usually fast on DD... but when i eat I do a modified Fast Five that I call Fast One. It might work for you. Its a one hour window but what that really means is its just ONE meal - for me that is dinner.

[Maryposa]

Ug I am feeling crappy because I am in the process of trying to do a more OWL style of eating instead of nearly zero carbs which I have grown accustomed to and guess what... I think I am more sensitive to ANY carbs whatsoever now, which I DON'T see as a healthy thing... so basically I lost control and have been snacking almost non-stop on "Low carb" "stuff" for days now.

Sooo anyway I am going to just eat a ribeye tonight and tomorrow do either a fat fast or a DD so I can get that feeling of control back, then I will try again. This really sucks


I haven't been posting as much as I used to on all of the threads I follow because I have just been feeling like I don't want to drag the group down with my lack of scale losses and constant frustration and sadness over this.

And I don't know why I can't get it through my stubborn head that losing sizes IS progress, although it is slow to see, and that the scale is #$@)#$(@$_# for me right now.

[pushing 40]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

Ug I am feeling crappy because I am in the process of trying to do a more OWL style of eating instead of nearly zero carbs which I have grown accustomed to and guess what... I think I am more sensitive to ANY carbs whatsoever now, which I DON'T see as a healthy thing... so basically I lost control and have been snacking almost non-stop on "Low carb" "stuff" for days now.

Sooo anyway I am going to just eat a ribeye tonight and tomorrow do either a fat fast or a DD so I can get that feeling of control back, then I will try again. This really sucks


I haven't been posting as much as I used to on all of the threads I follow because I have just been feeling like I don't want to drag the group down with my lack of scale losses and constant frustration and sadness over this.

And I don't know why I can't get it through my stubborn head that losing sizes IS progress, although it is slow to see, and that the scale is #$@)#$(@# for me right now.

Hang in there Maryposa, I know how discouraging it can be to be doing everything right and feel like you are getting no where. It is all about finding the plan that works for you. I went through about 4 before I found JUDDDD. We are all hoping this will be the one for you too.

[Maryposa]

Thanks.

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

Ug I am feeling crappy because I am in the process of trying to do a more OWL style of eating instead of nearly zero carbs which I have grown accustomed to and guess what... I think I am more sensitive to ANY carbs whatsoever now, which I DON'T see as a healthy thing... so basically I lost control and have been snacking almost non-stop on "Low carb" "stuff" for days now.

Sooo anyway I am going to just eat a ribeye tonight and tomorrow do either a fat fast or a DD so I can get that feeling of control back, then I will try again. This really sucks


I haven't been posting as much as I used to on all of the threads I follow because I have just been feeling like I don't want to drag the group down with my lack of scale losses and constant frustration and sadness over this.

And I don't know why I can't get it through my stubborn head that losing sizes IS progress, although it is slow to see, and that the scale is #$@)#$(@# for me right now.

I'm really sorry you are going through this! I don't see any reson why you couldn't stick with the VLC or ZC WOE and combine that with JUDD - especially since you seem to be really super carb reactive. POOR THING!!! Any more news on the doctor front? I'm still really curious about your thyroid. Your metablism is just not normal girl.

[Maryposa]

Hi Kisha, thanks for all your support. I tried adding more carbs back in because so many LCers with thyroid issues do well on at least 30grams of carbs. Not that they need to go to "moderate carb" levels (which I guess is like 100 or so)... so anyway I thought I would try it. I got my new insurance card (with the name of the new Dr I picked) and I am going to call to make an apt for sometime after May 1st (when change takes effect)... I am also going to call my OBGYN and ask them their input regarding other BC other than the pill. But when I asked my OBGYN about this particular pill and weight gain she said it shouldn't cause a problem, but that the "shot" would. I didn't have a problem in years past on the pill so I am on the fence about it.

[MikeA]

Do you guys mind if I join? I'm another one that Atkins has stopped working for. This plan seems to work pretty good from what I've read on here. I am going to do just the shakes on my down days. On the up days I'm still going to eat a normal low-carb diet or at least under 40 carbs/day. Do you guys eat low carb on your up days or do you eat basically whatever you want? As a guy, how many calories should I stick to on my up days?

I started today(DD) and doing OK so far. I'm not famished. The shakes I got are EAS Advantage. They are palatable, but not the tastiest things I ever drank. I just had the vanilla so far. I bought some of the chocolate too but havent tried one yet. For those of you doing the shakes, what brand/flavors would you suggest?

[jgw]

Maryposa I'm sorry you feel crappy today. Maybe your body will adjust soon.

[jgw]

Originally Posted by MikeA

Do you guys mind if I join? I'm another one that Atkins has stopped working for. This plan seems to work pretty good from what I've read on here. I am going to do just the shakes on my down days. On the up days I'm still going to eat a normal low-carb diet or at least under 40 carbs/day. Do you guys eat low carb on your up days or do you eat basically whatever you want? As a guy, how many calories should I stick to on my up days?

I started today(DD) and doing OK so far. I'm not famished. The shakes I got are EAS Advantage. They are palatable, but not the tastiest things I ever drank. I just had the vanilla so far. I bought some of the chocolate too but havent tried one yet. For those of you doing the shakes, what brand/flavors would you suggest?

MikeA, I wish you much success!

[MikeA]

Thanks Janice! I'm just hoping this will work. I don't understand what happened with Atkins. I did it in Jan '07 and lost 45 lbs in 3 1/2 months and the past couple times I tried, I'd lose the 5 lbs of water weight in the first couple days and then NOTHING. I was eating the same way as when I lost the 45 lbs. no real differences at all.

[jgw]

Originally Posted by MikeA

Thanks Janice! I'm just hoping this will work. I don't understand what happened with Atkins. I did it in Jan '07 and lost 45 lbs in 3 1/2 months and the past couple times I tried, I'd lose the 5 lbs of water weight in the first couple days and then NOTHING. I was eating the same way as when I lost the 45 lbs. no real differences at all.

Mike the same thing happened to me. I lost very well on atkins them I stopped. Started losing the same 5 pounds over and over.
I love Juddding.
I hope it shakes things (weight loss) up for you!

[pushing 40]

Originally Posted by MikeA

Do you guys mind if I join? I'm another one that Atkins has stopped working for. This plan seems to work pretty good from what I've read on here. I am going to do just the shakes on my down days. On the up days I'm still going to eat a normal low-carb diet or at least under 40 carbs/day. Do you guys eat low carb on your up days or do you eat basically whatever you want? As a guy, how many calories should I stick to on my up days?

I started today(DD) and doing OK so far. I'm not famished. The shakes I got are EAS Advantage. They are palatable, but not the tastiest things I ever drank. I just had the vanilla so far. I bought some of the chocolate too but havent tried one yet. For those of you doing the shakes, what brand/flavors would you suggest?

Mike, I am not the expert here but I know you want to get started so I will chime in and point you in the right direction. Google Dr. Johnson's Up Day Down Day Diet or Alternate Day Diet and you will find his website and the guidelines of this diet - very easy to follow. There is also a calculator that will tell you what your down day and up day calories should be.

Personally, I don't low carb and eat anything I want. I only had a few pounds to lose and lost them quickly for me and have not felt deprived one little bit doing so. I love this WOE, even though my UD get a little out of hand sometimes, I feel completely in control of my weight because I know the DD's work.

As far as shakes, I have used the EAS in the past and liked them but for me when I started this WOE I really felt like I did better on solid food like a lean piece of meat and veg at dinner time. I tried soups and salads but they were not filling and left me wanting more. This is just my experience though. If the shakes are working for you great - that is really what you are supposed to do.

The best of luck to you, Keep us posted on how you are doing. There are many very successful and experienced ladies on this thread who are always willing to answer any questions.

[caramel]

Hey Mike

This has for me been the best plan possible and I've been on everything, and I mean everything. I'm down close to 23 pounds and at this point it's not hard at all on my down days but let me tell you the first DD will be hard but it will get easier. LC no longer worked for me over time and when I had one cheat day the weight came back with a vengeance. I don't do lc anymore only occasionally but I mostly eat what my family eats I do keep count of the calories I am suppose to have and I even keep a journal on them. I just thought of something, since you are male and males lose faster , it's going to be real motivational to see your weight loss , no pressure here right. But seriously welcome we have a great group here and please ask us any questions about this woe and you will get a wealth of info.

[MikeA]

Do you guys do LC on your up days or do you eat a normal diet? Do you think doing LC would be more beneficial or wouldn't it make a difference?

PS...I"M STARVING!!! (but the day is almost over and I'll live)

[retroworx]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

I haven't been posting as much as I used to on all of the threads I follow because I have just been feeling like I don't want to drag the group down with my lack of scale losses and constant frustration and sadness over this.

Maryposa:

I'm one of the few reporting that JUDDD did not work for me (tried it for a month -- no loss, but I have thyroid/metabolism issues, etc) and yet the fine folks here have let me hang around, so have no fear about expressing your frustration.

Originally Posted by MikeA

Do you guys do LC on your up days or do you eat a normal diet? Do you think doing LC would be more beneficial or wouldn't it make a difference?

Lots of folks believe the hunger suppression from the LC diet is crucial for being able to manage their down days, so they LC all the days for that benefit.

[MikeA]

Just curious as to what you are supposed to do on the seventh day? Do you just do a straight up, down, up, down.... or do you do a halfway type thing on that day?

[MikeA]

Originally Posted by retroworx

Lots of folks believe the hunger suppression from the LC diet is crucial for being able to manage their down days, so they LC all the days for that benefit.

I am going to stick to LC on my up days I think. I may try an occasional higher carb up day (without going overboard) If I tolerate it then cool....if not, I'll stick to LC up days and would be perfectly satisfied also.

[wallaby]

Morning Tweakers and Mike.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have found this WOE. It sounds so trite, but it's literally changed my life. Like Janice - and most others around here, I've been on my fair share of diets which to be truthful, have all worked to some degree, but not for long. And not like this. With most diets, it doesn't take long for me to think - THERE IS NO WAY I CAN KEEP THIS UP! That's just not the case here. (I'm a big-time foodie and love sleuthing for excellent - WHOLE food. I cannot stand fake processed foods which were starting to creep into my diet when I was doing VLC.)

You asked about the 7th day? Most of us seem to have come up with a regular schedule that stays the same every week and one of those days (for me it's usually sat OR sun) is a moderate day, which for me, is about 50-60% of my UD calorie allowance. I HIGHLY recommend you purchase or borrow the book if you think you want to pursue this.

[wallaby]

I had an AWESOME fast yesterday, just tea and water, with a smidgeon of cream in my coffee (at work.) It was just soooo much easier not to eat - and go down that decision-making- road that usually ends up badly for me - than to try to eat lo cal.

Today is an UD and I was dreaming about the food I'd eat today (strata that my mother made yesterday, my fave) and voila - can't eat it!

the best news of all is that I'm down another 1.5 lbs!! This is getting into pre-baby territory (and that would be my 16 yr old baby!)

[NoSugarShell]

Originally Posted by MikeA

Do you guys do LC on your up days or do you eat a normal diet? Do you think doing LC would be more beneficial or wouldn't it make a difference?

PS...I"M STARVING!!! (but the day is almost over and I'll live)

Hey Mike,

I low carb on my down days only. I eat what I want on my updays, although I TRY to eat healthy most of the time.

[NoSugarShell]

Originally Posted by MikeA

Just curious as to what you are supposed to do on the seventh day? Do you just do a straight up, down, up, down.... or do you do a halfway type thing on that day?

I made my 7th day a moderate day, which usually ends up being around 1000 calories. I ALWAYS eat the same thing every Sunday. Steak, potato, squash and a little chocolate. I eat fast five style on Sunday and on my down days.

[jgw]

Originally Posted by MikeA

Do you guys do LC on your up days or do you eat a normal diet? Do you think doing LC would be more beneficial or wouldn't it make a difference?

PS...I"M STARVING!!! (but the day is almost over and I'll live)

MikeA I'm with Caramel and Pushing 40, I don't low carb any more and have no problems with extreme hunger on DD. It takes some getting use to on the DD at first because it is a low calorie intake day. The DD will get easier.

[dointhis4me]

Hi guys, can I join in here??

I've been posting over on the April JUDDD thread but I'd like to post here as well.

Today is one week I've been doing JUDDDD and I love it except I really struggle with my UDs. I seem to have very high numbers for everything (cals, carbs, & fat) and it really bothers me but I love the DDs, they are just so easy!

Today is a DD so tomorrow will be my first weigh in. Regardless if I see a loss or not I am going to stick with this way of eating because I really enjoy it

[pushing 40]

Originally Posted by dointhis4me

Hi guys, can I join in here??

I've been posting over on the April JUDDD thread but I'd like to post here as well.

Today is one week I've been doing JUDDDD and I love it except I really struggle with my UDs. I seem to have very high numbers for everything (cals, carbs, & fat) and it really bothers me but I love the DDs, they are just so easy!

Today is a DD so tomorrow will be my first weigh in. Regardless if I see a loss or not I am going to stick with this way of eating because I really enjoy it

Hi. Holly. I just wanted to say that I too struggle with the UD probably more now then in the beginning. I never count calories on UD but when I tried to keep a running total in my head I am always way over what I am allowed. I have not had any trouble losing about a pound a week. That being said, I wonder would the loss would have been even greater if I had stuck true to the numbers. This was not a big issue for me as I did not have a lot to lose and am now at goal. Not in the beginning but now, I have to say my DD calories are really low and in fact I need to add more for maintenance because I am still losing. The low DD, probably helped average out the high UD. I also have not been exercising regularly like I was before on other plans. I LOVE JUDDDD!

Wait to see what you weigh, if you are losing don't worry about it. If not losing you may need to adjust some. Just keep at it, it is a great WOE!

[jgw]

Originally Posted by dointhis4me

Hi guys, can I join in here??

I've been posting over on the April JUDDD thread but I'd like to post here as well.

Today is one week I've been doing JUDDDD and I love it except I really struggle with my UDs. I seem to have very high numbers for everything (cals, carbs, & fat) and it really bothers me but I love the DDs, they are just so easy!

Today is a DD so tomorrow will be my first weigh in. Regardless if I see a loss or not I am going to stick with this way of eating because I really enjoy it

You sure can join!
I bet you will see a loss.

[snaggle]

Hi All, This is so fun with all the newbies. Welcome to you all. This is a very supportive group. Lots of us around here with metabolic resistance, hormonal issues, etc., so we are all just doing our own customized versions of JUDDD.
Today for me is weigh in number 2 (once a week, official). I had done atkins very strict induction for one week prior to starting this and had lost 4 lbs. I have lost 2.5 in the two weeks doing this. I am okay with that. Not thrilled, but okay. I also realize it takes a while for the body to adjust, so I will be more patient. PLUS, I have had lots of fabulous meals, wine etc. on my weekends, when I do medium days and incorporate fast five sometimes.
I had a fabulous eggplant parmesan last night and am feeling great about fasting today.
I will save up all day and eat a low carb 400 calorie dinner tonight.

Mike, I am still low carbing, but not nearly as strict. I am going up into the 30-40 net range, rather than 20. I am loving the food and hoping that this will keep me on track and less likely to go off plan. I was scared to just completely add carbs back in. Plus, I am hesitant to go much above 1500 cals. on my up days.

[Ilpirata]

Hi Kisha, thanks for all your support. I tried adding more carbs back in because so many LCers with thyroid issues do well on at least 30grams of carbs. Not that they need to go to "moderate carb" levels (which I guess is like 100 or so)... so anyway I thought I would try it. I got my new insurance card (with the name of the new Dr I picked) and I am going to call to make an apt for sometime after May 1st (when change takes effect)... I am also going to call my OBGYN and ask them their input regarding other BC other than the pill. But when I asked my OBGYN about this particular pill and weight gain she said it shouldn't cause a problem, but that the "shot" would. I didn't have a problem in years past on the pill so I am on the fence about it.

Maryposa... I just wanted to mention that i DO NOT think this is an issue with your BC. I am on "the shot" and have been for over a decade. I am able to lose weight now that my thyroid issue is diagnosed and somewhat medicated. If anything like your birth control pill is making it so you can't lose weight following the extremely dedicated and strict WOE that you have... well lets just say that to me that is an indication that there is something else major going on. Even on BC you should be losing doing what you're doing.

[EmandM]

Hi ladies,

This thread got a lot more active!

Welcome Mike A. I am in maintenance and I choose Tues/Thurs/Sun as my DD's and Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat as UD's. But when I was losing I did strict alternate days. I do not follow low-carb either and my DD cals are 800, so once you are at goal, you can eat more on DD's and maintain your weight (I have been maintaining at higher cals for a month). This is by far the best plan (for me anyway) as I have all-or-nothing thinking when it comes to food! Good luck and the DD's get way easier (my DD's were initially 300 calories, so now that I have 800 cal DD's they feel like a feast)! lol

Maryposa - what is OWL? I am sorry you are struggling. I think finding a plan that you can easily stick to is key. Are you doing JUDDD too or Atkins?

Snaggle - congrats on the weight loss. I know you wanted it to be more, but slow and steady is good too! Especially on an enjoyable plan such as this!

Pushing 40 - I am so glad you are loving JUDDD! How are the DD's going? I know you prefered eating nothing to eating 500 cals and when you did increase them you wanted to eat all day. Has that changed? Another thing you may want to think about it seeing your weight as a range. i used to focus on being 114 pounds, and that was my goal. But now my range is 114-118 and I have been 116 for weeks now and I used to fluctuate a lot (be 114 by Friday and after crazy weekend UD's I would be 118)! lol So maybe your 6 pound gain is ok since you eventually lose it, kwim? Could be water from higher UD's.

Hi Doingthis4me - I struggled with UD's at the beginning as my calories were lower (they are higher with maintenance). But I found that even if I went over on an UD as long as I stuck religiously to at or below my DD cals I was ok and still lost. I wouldn't make a habit of going over, but I also wouldn't stress if you do once in awhile.

Wallaby - you sound so happy in your post! I am thrilled that you love this woe (I do too). I truly feel it is something I can do for life.

DD for me today and so far I have had coffee with cream and sugar (150 cals) and I will have a banana and some strawberries (about 200-250 total) for lunch. Dinner will be couscous and lentil curry (200 cals per serving, I'll have one serving) and that leaves me with 200 calories for my evening snack (not sure what that will be yet). It is 12:00 here and I am still not hungry, which is great for a DD. I will hold off on my fruit as long as I can.

Yesterday DH packed my lunch for me () and it was delish! He made me a salad with mixed greens, baby spinach, strawberries, slivered almonds, peppers, cherry tomatoes and half an avocado. The dressing was a raspberry vinaigrette and I swear my teacher-colleagues were drooling over it!

[caramel]

Good morning everyone

Mike to answer your question, my days are like this on my DD I'm allowed 544 cal. on UD 2184 so m,wed.,fri. are , are my DD and tues. thurs. and Sun. are my UD with Saturday being my moderate day in which I keep my cal. around 1200-1300 but no higher than that.

Well everyone today was weigh in day for me and I am at 149.6, haven't been here since high school. I really feel this time I can get to goal and with no self sabotage. You all are so woderful and you advice is priceless. Everyone have a great JUDDD !