August's Uber-Hot JUDDDDers!

[Ilpirata]

Dove - Welcome Back! You were missed. Keep us posted on your plans.

Leo - I'm impressed! You must be setting quite the example. All my friends just think I'm insane LOL.

[Leo41]

Kisha-

That's 'friends.' I wouldn't dare tell any friends about JUDDD--they'd be convinced that I'm insane

Family is different; I expected my sister to think that I'm nuts because she thinks that about me in so many other areas already In fact, I was surprised that she thought JUDDD was a good idea when I first mentioned what I was doing.

Most people on this board don't seem to have a lot of weight to lose, but I really think those with 100+ to lose would love JUDDD. I told my sister that I worried that JUDDD was 'too extreme' for them, but she said that what they liked was not having to eat less EVERY DAY because they know that are so far from goal, and since they seem to be able to manage the DDs just fine, this might be the plan for them [fingers crossed].

[NoSugarShell]

Originally Posted by Leo41

A triumph for JUDDD (to share with my friends here):


I have a younger sister who has about 100 extra pounds and is post-menopausal, type2 diabetic, and hypothyroid. Her daughter (age 17) also has about 100 extra pounds, and when she was tested by a pediatric endo, was diagnosed with severe insulin resistance (she was prescribed Metformin, but didn't eat low carb and then stopped taking the meds because they 'didn't help'). Both of them have tried WW and made other half-hearted attempts to lose weight but for the past year have simply gained and ignored the issue. I worry about both of them, of course.

When I first started JUDDD, I thought they'd think I was nuts, but I had lost a considerable amount of weight on standard low carb and was stalled, and my sister understood my frustration. She thought JUDDD was a good idea, but we never discussed it any further. However, when she last visited two weeks ago (she lives 75 miles away), she kept marveling at how I looked. I think at a certain point, weight loss becomes evident to others in a more dramatic way. We hadn't seen each other in a couple of months, but I hadn't lost that much more. I guess it was just that suddenly I looked a lot better to her.

We speak on the phone almost daily, and Monday evening, she casually mentioned that she and her daughter had completed their first DD! It seems that my niece went to the JUDDD website (which you know is very informative) and figured out what they needed to do, etc. Both of them did a second DD on Wednesday and have gotten the same sense of personal accomplishment from this that I did when I first managed DDs.

They're coming to visit this weekend, and I'll give them my copy of the book to read. My sister is a medical secretary and is very interested in the science behind all this.

Needless to say, I am more than thrilled with this development. Isn't it nice to know that JUDDD can be contagious?

Leo - I agree. My husband thinks I am nuts when it comes to different diets, but he finally decided for some reason he wanted to try it. He has lost 30 lbs since then and looks awesome. We are still JUDDDing together!!

Oh and I have told people at work...they think I am a little nutty, but they are considerate and always ask me if it's a DD or UD, before offering anything.

[Trishagrrl]

Hey JUDDD'ers!

I've found a way to successfully avoid the elephant ears at the fair. My husband and I went and rode all the fast twirly whirly upside down rides we could find and then we went and sat down and decided neither one of us was too hungry for that elephant ear after all! We did share some fries BEFORE the rides though, so I didn't completely avoid all fair food.

Today is a DD and I'm feeling very very bloated. I've had a cup of coffee and now I'm going to start chugging the water and hope I can get some of this water to come off of me today.

[Trishagrrl]

OH... and Regarding Friends and Family-
Most of mine knows I'm on JUDDD. It's just easier that way with social functions and lots of family events. My husband is cool with it, I think he'd be supportive of just about anything reasonable. I think some of my other friends and family think I'm wacky for doing this, but most of them don't say anything. I have a cousin who is in the medical field who keeps telling me I'm going to screw up my calories by averaging so few calories.

[Leo41]

DD for me, too, today. I had a higher than usual UD (about 1800 cal) that included some dark choc (72% cocoa) and walnuts. What a delicious combination. But I think I actually prefer Lindt's 85%. With any of these, I have only a tiny bit (about 50 cal) because I try to limit sugar completely, and this is my only indulgence.

I was aiming for a water fast today, and I got through my morning coffee without eating anything. But by 9:30, I was really, truly hungry. So I had a "bison burger." Since bison only runs about 40 cal an ounce, this 4-oz burger is only about 160 cal but has almost 30g of protein. I'm hoping this will hold me for the rest of the day.

The only red meat I eat is grass fed, and for a long time, I bought beef--until I discovered that bison is just as good, with just as many omega 3 fats, and fewer calories.

[Ilpirata]

OKAY, I'm going for a DD today. This will be the first one since last Friday... I'm feeling pretty good! I drank my coffee with almond milk (40 cals) this morning. I will run errands on my lunch break. I may have a couple of minutes to grab a bite after work... if I'm hungry at that point I'm going to follow Leo's lead and have a bison burger. I have some nice ones from Trader Joe's in the freezer. I'd love to pull off AWF today... but with this being my first DD back on rotation I'm giving myself leeway to eat my full 500 cals if I need to.

[Ilpirata]

Most filling low calorie low carb foods?

[giJ]

Originally Posted by Ilpirata

OKAY, I'm going for a DD today. This will be the first one since last Friday... I'm feeling pretty good! I drank my coffee with almond milk (40 cals) this morning. I will run errands on my lunch break. I may have a couple of minutes to grab a bite after work... if I'm hungry at that point I'm going to follow Leo's lead and have a bison burger. I have some nice ones from Trader Joe's in the freezer. I'd love to pull off AWF today... but with this being my first DD back on rotation I'm giving myself leeway to eat my full 500 cals if I need to.

Sounds like a great plan. You can do it!

[Leo41]

Good plan, Kisha!

I used to plan my DD for 400 cal and, of course, eat them all. NOW I plan for 400 cal but try to eat as little of that as possible. Most times it's the entire amount, but I enjoy the challenge.

[Trishagrrl]

GOOOO KISHA! You can make this a great DD!!!

Mine is going well so far. Nothing to eat yet because I'd like to save all my calories for dinner tonight. Gosh, it's hard to hold off right now though. I am super hungry, feeling quite lethargic, and have a slight low blood sugar headache.

Good news for me... I got a call and the doctors office has a cancelation so I'm able to get in this next Tuesday. This makes me happy because I'm hoping for another med increase. Also, we're probably closing on our house on the 27th and the appointment was for the 28th (an hour and 45 minutes drive).

[Leo41]

So glad you're getting to see the doctor early, Trish. Optimal meds are SO important to us hypos.

Would a pickle help that low blood sugar? It wouldn't make much of a dent in your calorie allotment and might help you feel better.

[EmandM]

Originally Posted by Ilpirata

OKAY, I'm going for a DD today. This will be the first one since last Friday... I'm feeling pretty good! I drank my coffee with almond milk (40 cals) this morning.

How did the DD go today? Do you put any sweetener in your coffee? I love coffee and my family drinks almond milk (we don't do the dairy thing) but I find my coffee is really dark (i used to put cream in it). Do you use the original almond milk or the unsweetened or the vanilla and do you put anything else in it?

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by EmandM

How did the DD go today? Do you put any sweetener in your coffee? I love coffee and my family drinks almond milk (we don't do the dairy thing) but I find my coffee is really dark (i used to put cream in it). Do you use the original almond milk or the unsweetened or the vanilla and do you put anything else in it?

I use the unsweetened and I add liquid sucralose (I buy it on ebay) or da vincis flavored sugar free sweetener syrup.

DD good so far. At lunch I ate an egg white salad from TJs (100 cals) and 1/2 package of Turkey Jerky (120 cals). I'm quite full and think I'm done eating for the day as I will be out and about until quite late tonight.

[Leo41]

Weekly Weigh In

Down 2.5 lbs this morning! Since I had so much trouble losing last month, I've been very aware of things recently (in case I needed to make changes), and I've observed the following:

1. I really think Naomi is right that when we get extra hungry on DDs, it's a sign that our body is warning us that it will tap into our fat stores. This week, I was exceptionally hungry on my M and W DDs. I kept under 400 cals, but it wasn't easy. And this is the most I've ever lost in a week.

2. JUDDD is teaching me to listen to my body. For example, on Fri's DD, I wasn't especially hungry at breakfast, but by 9:30 am (I get up at 5), I was starving, so I had a bison burger (c.160 cal), and except for some cuke/pickle (c. 30 cal), that held me easily for the rest of the day. Thus, I came in at about 200 cal. without any effort.

3. Similarly, I increased my exercise on UDs (from 10 laps to 16 laps swimming--from 30 min. to 50 min.), but that also seems to have increased my appetite. So I've been eating more than usual on UDs, and that doesn't seem to have hurt my loss. The extra exercise is benefiting me physically, and the extra food isn't hurting and actually seems to be helping. I'm not eating more deliberately, but following Dr. J's advice to eat to satisfaction on UDs. The "old me" would not have known what 'satisfaction' is, but that's something else I think I'm learning from JUDDD.

Either the increase in my thyroid meds is finally working (i.e., I'm now optimally medicated), or my body needed to rest for a while before losing again. In any case, I'm so glad that JUDDD is still working its magic!

[Trishagrrl]

Leo- I'm so glad to hear that JUDDD didn't stop working for you. What a great loss this week! Congrats

Weekly weigh in for me... pretty much the same. A pound up from my signature weight. I'm hoping that I get an increase in meds on Tuesday and that will help this loss, because I really don't know what else it could be. I believe this is now over 2 months with no loss. BUT, I am glad that I haven't gained all my weight back. At least I'm hovering close to my sigy weight.

[EmandM]

Leo - that is a great loss! Congrats! I love how in tune you are with your body and psyche. It really helps to be aware of our successes and our pitfalls. I have had the same experience as you regarding the psychology of my UD's. When I first started JUDDD my UD's were pretty high and I would eat just because I could, not because I was hungry. I would eat junky things too as I guess I was in that "better do it today as I can't tomorrow" type thinking. But now I only eat when I am hungry, I eat what I am truly craving which surprisingly turns out to be healthy stuff more often than not. That has been a great side effect of JUDDD.

Trish - It's great that you didn't gain but I am sure it is frustrating not to see a loss. Hopefully you can tweak your meds and start losing.

[Leo41]

Trish-

When you see your doctor, be sure to be proactive, especially about the
T3. As I've mentioned, my T3 was about halfway on the range, and since my TSH was very low, my endo was reluctant to increase my Cytomel. But I had stopped losing, was feeling 'fuzzy' and tired, and losing hair, so I really pushed him, and he finally agreed.

If I had been wrong, I would have experienced some 'hyper' symptoms, but I've felt nothing except that I'm less tired and no longer 'fuzzy,' my hair loss is much less, and, of course, I'm losing again. It seems to be true that the optimum T3 is 2/3 to 3/4 of the range, and anything lower will give us problems, since it's the T3 that really regulates everything.

Unfortunately, I've learned from my research that treatment with supplemental T3 is a relatively new protocol, and a lot of endos are very wary of prescribing because an excess can be harmful. I think the only reason my endo agreed to my increase is because I've been very pro-active about my care from the beginning with him, and he trusts that I monitor myself and would report any negative effects to him immediately.

Sorry if this is TMI, but I wanted to give you some perspective for your upcoming appointment. Forgive me if you already know all this.

EMandM-

I'm really the opposite of you with regard to UDs. When I began JUDDD, I knew that calorie restriction was essential to weight loss for me because just doing standard low carb my loss had stalled at about 1200 cal a day, and my endo agreed that I probably needed only about 1000 cal a day max.

So I ate very carefully on UDs, keeping my calories at 1200-1400 to try to average about 800-900 a day. I noticed that a couple of high-calorie UDs seemed to spur loss, but I figured that was just a form of calorie cycling--i.e., I could not stay at that high level.

However, since I've increased my exercise, my body seems to want about 1800-1900 calories on UDs. At first, it scared me because I thought I'd surely gain, but it seems to be working. I'm certainly happier at the higher level, and I think that listening to my body is the key to determining how much to eat on an UD.

[giJ]

Leo ~~ I am SO proud of you! for sticking with things when they got tough, for being so proactive with your healthcare (I'm always amazed at how many people aren't), AND for listening to your body (with your thyroid AND your eating). Yay!

Trish ~~ I'm glad you were able to move up your appointment. I can only imagine how frustrating all of this is for you (both working so hard and not losing, but also the physical "blahness" of not having your meds properly adjusted). I hope the doc can do something to adjust soon, and not make you wait and wait and wait.

I am happy to report that, as of this morning, I am NOT OBESE. I'm OVERWEIGHT! YAY!

[snaggle]

Leo, I am so happy for your great loss this week!

I am also so glad that a lot of the juddd old-timers are popping back in on this thread!

It is indicative, I think, of how great this plan is, and how we are sticking to it because it works and is so liveable.
I have said it before and will say it again, JUDDD is a plan that really is a long term (hopefully, permanent) lifestyle. I don't see myself doing a strict alternation the rest of my life, but I do know that the whole concept of throwing in at least a couple of "down days" a week, to balance out the higher calorie days is the way I will keep my weight down. A lot of people I discuss it with argue that it is better to practice moderation all the time, but I prefer to have my indulgences and eat what I crave some times and balance it out with days of restriction.

[NoSugarShell]

Originally Posted by Leo41

Weekly Weigh In

Down 2.5 lbs this morning! Since I had so much trouble losing last month, I've been very aware of things recently (in case I needed to make changes), and I've observed the following:

1. I really think Naomi is right that when we get extra hungry on DDs, it's a sign that our body is warning us that it will tap into our fat stores. This week, I was exceptionally hungry on my M and W DDs. I kept under 400 cals, but it wasn't easy. And this is the most I've ever lost in a week.

2. JUDDD is teaching me to listen to my body. For example, on Fri's DD, I wasn't especially hungry at breakfast, but by 9:30 am (I get up at 5), I was starving, so I had a bison burger (c.160 cal), and except for some cuke/pickle (c. 30 cal), that held me easily for the rest of the day. Thus, I came in at about 200 cal. without any effort.

3. Similarly, I increased my exercise on UDs (from 10 laps to 16 laps swimming--from 30 min. to 50 min.), but that also seems to have increased my appetite. So I've been eating more than usual on UDs, and that doesn't seem to have hurt my loss. The extra exercise is benefiting me physically, and the extra food isn't hurting and actually seems to be helping. I'm not eating more deliberately, but following Dr. J's advice to eat to satisfaction on UDs. The "old me" would not have known what 'satisfaction' is, but that's something else I think I'm learning from JUDDD.

Either the increase in my thyroid meds is finally working (i.e., I'm now optimally medicated), or my body needed to rest for a while before losing again. In any case, I'm so glad that JUDDD is still working its magic!

Yea!! Leo! I am so glad JUDDD is still working for you. This might be just what I need to hear to get my head back in the game.

I am still struggling with hunger all the time, but maybe my meds are working. I always get extra hungry when I have a med increase. Although, I didn't have an increase I switched to Nature-throid, so maybe it's working.

[Shrinkme]

Hi. I'm new here. I read about the diet in a magazine and went to get the book. Barnes and Nobel didn't have it so I had to order it. I won't get it for a week. I'm planning to try a DD on Monday and just stay under 500 calories. I'm guessing that if I try to keep my UD under 1500 I should be okay at least until I get the book to read. Any advice would be appreciated. I was really interested to see several people here have thyroid problems. My TSH just came back at over 150 (not a typo) so I started medication. I hope it helps I feel really draggy. Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

[nitenurse]

Haven't been posting, have had the flu for 4 days, yuk. So have been living on soup, not sure whether to go for a DD today, I seem to be a little better today, will see how the day goes. Really have a sore gut with this, hurts to walk, so am staying pretty quiet, except for sprints to the BR. More than you needed to know.
Wish this would make me lose wt, but I know better. lol.

[GME]

Originally Posted by Leo41

Weekly Weigh In

Down 2.5 lbs this morning!

Leo, that is fabulous!!! I have new hope. Maybe a loss is in the air.

I haven't been here (I have been reading and cheering you all on in my mind) or JUDDDing for awhile. I just couldn't take the DDs with no loss for so long (if you are new here, it is completely me not the plan). I mixed it up a little and did a CAD/Fast5 hybrid for the past couple of weeks. No loss, but no gain. I will freely admit I have not been completely focused and just maintaining is a victory.

I'm popping back in because I am going to give a DD a go today. My family is out of town so I don't have to feed any pesky children or husbands (darn them for wanting to eat every day) and I have quite a few things to do. I made a gallon of my favorite green tea and a big pot of coffee. I have some chicken patties I bought at Costco (140 cals each) thawing for this afternoon. I'll have two if I feel like I need them with some Laughing Cow cheese and spinich.

Wish me luck!

[giJ]

Originally Posted by Shrinkme

Hi. I'm new here. I read about the diet in a magazine and went to get the book. Barnes and Nobel didn't have it so I had to order it. I won't get it for a week. I'm planning to try a DD on Monday and just stay under 500 calories. I'm guessing that if I try to keep my UD under 1500 I should be okay at least until I get the book to read. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Shrinkme, and

You can probably go higher than 1500 on your UD. What did the calculator on the website say? Did you check? I happen to track UD, but a lot of people don't. "Eat until satisfied" is the key, not counting on UD.

Originally Posted by nitenurse

Haven't been posting, have had the flu for 4 days, yuk. So have been living on soup, not sure whether to go for a DD today, I seem to be a little better today, will see how the day goes. Really have a sore gut with this, hurts to walk, so am staying pretty quiet, except for sprints to the BR. More than you needed to know.
Wish this would make me lose wt, but I know better. lol.

Sounds like maybe you've had 4 DD in a row? feel better.

Originally Posted by GME

I'm popping back in because I am going to give a DD a go today. My family is out of town so I don't have to feed any pesky children or husbands (darn them for wanting to eat every day) and I have quite a few things to do. I made a gallon of my favorite green tea and a big pot of coffee. I have some chicken patties I bought at Costco (140 cals each) thawing for this afternoon. I'll have two if I feel like I need them with some Laughing Cow cheese and spinich.

Wish me luck!

LUCK!!!!

It's been said before, and I'll say it again: I don't know how y'all with families do this. It's easier for me because I live alone, so I don't keep anything that I can't eat on a DD in the house, and don't have to fix other food for (or smell the fixed foods of) anyone else. Well, except the dogs. But I'm ok not eating theirs

[Leo41]

giJ - Congratulations on being overweight--I'd like to get there someday!

Shrinkme-

If you Google JUDDD, you should be able to find the official website. It has all the information you need to do this plan until your book comes. If you use the calculator, it will tell you how many DD calories to eat (I've always been below 500) and how many UD. But keep in mind that the UD number is kind of irrelevant; it's more of a limit than a recommendation (Dr J explains this in his book). A 150 TSH!! I don't know how you're functioning. When mine was 2.6, I wanted to sleep all the time.

Michelle-

As I mentioned in an earlier post, your hunger may mean that your body is warning you that it's about to tap into your fat stores (which is our goal). Do you low carb? I ask because that's the only thing that keeps my appetite in semi-control. If I didn't low carb, I doubt that I'd be able to do a DD at all.

Snaggle-

You have the right idea. A lot of people who preach 'moderation' don't have defective metabolisms or insulin resistance. The main reason I came to JUDDD is that if I had to eat the way I need to to lose (and maintain) weight on a daily basis, I'd go nuts. JUDDD allows me some opportunity to eat like a 'normal' person without piling on pounds. Like you, I see this as a forever plan.

Nitenurse-

So sorry you're ill, but be consoled that you're not the only one who doesn't lose weight under those circumstances. Whenever I've been ill like that, I hope to lose, but I am always disappointed that the scale hasn't gone down big time with all that suffering. Just know that this is self-limiting, and although it might not seem like it now, you'll be well soon.

Gina-

Good luck with your DD; you have a good plan that should work well for you. I don't know how those of you who have to cook for a family EVER do a DD. I can't even look at food commercials on a DD, much less prepare a meal for others

[GME]

Originally Posted by giJ

and don't have to fix other food for (or smell the fixed foods of) anyone else. Well, except the dogs. But I'm ok not eating theirs

It is funny you should mention that. My dog is getting older and has developed arthritis so I have been researching new foods for him all morning. It is keeping my appetitie down for sure.

[homestretch]

**Leo**Congrats on the loss...YAY!!!

Today is an UD for me. I am trying to decide if I am going to a party I am invited to tonight. I know if I go I will drink which is typically a disaster for me because I get the munchies.

So far I have not eaten a lot today. It is funny on my UD's I find myself wanting to be very selective about my food. As I type that I am having deja'vu because it seems like someone else posted that not long ago.

Anyway have a good Saturday all!

[Shrinkme]

Thanks for the advice and the welcome. I'll go and check out the website

[dasiey]

for all of you that lost waight congrats
and for all those that maintained way to go
and if you gained I am sure it will come right off
so don't worry