SEPT. JUDDD/ Alternate Day Diet

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by Agee

Hello everyone -
It's been a while since I posted - a week or so?
I had 3 UD this weekend b/c of family things so I knew I wouldn't lose...but if you look at my signature I've been sitting at the same weight since the first week I started. I've had 2 extended UD episodes (Labor Day - 3UD) and this past weekend, but neither time did I pig out or anything - and I've been extremely good on all my DDs.
Sigh.
This is the story of my dieting life.
On the upside: someone I work with said I looked like I lost weight, which is amazing, because I way basically the same as I always have weighed. Maybe it's that whole scale-weight-not-telling-the-whole-story thing.
Onward and upward! I promised myself I'd do 30 sold DDs before I passed judgement on the efficacy of this diet and I have several more weeks to go...
A

Okay... well i'm looking at your sig and it seems to say that you've lost five pounds since you started? That may not be a great rate of loss like some lucky people experience on these boards but still, five pounds is five pound! I but if you can do a couple solid weeks with no three UD weekends you'll register even more loss. Hang in there! I KNOW HOW HARD AND FRUSTRATING IT IS!!!

[BillB]

Agee, are you in Charlotte?

--bill

[BillB]

Hey Kisha....glad you are back on board!

I survived a DD today, which included sitting at a Wendy's with 4 family members for nearly 3 hours. I did not eat. I decided that if I had anything there that would be remotely satisfying, it would be all I could eat that day.

(Side note: remembering the "take your own food into a restaurant" argument in the ML recently. My aunt brought foil wrapped slices of birthday cake for my mom, and all my relatives ate cake at Wendy's). I was mortified, but nobody seemed to care.

I am traveling for a week starting Thursday, and I am not sure if I can continue to do DDs. I have plans with friends every day. I am preparing for and planning to do the regular alternation, but if I start to stress over the whole food issue, I will do medium days until I am back home and normal schedule.

Everyone is doing great! You're all very inspiring.

--bill

[Leo41]

That's a good plan for traveling, Bill. When I went on a 4-day vacation to New Orleans last spring, I just tried to be as moderate as possible in my eating. I came back up 2.5 lbs, but with just 2 DDs (M and W after I returned), I'd lost that 'vacation weight.' JUDDD can be very forgiving if you eat carefully when it's impossible to do real DDs.

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by BillB

Hey Kisha....glad you are back on board!

I survived a DD today, which included sitting at a Wendy's with 4 family members for nearly 3 hours. I did not eat. I decided that if I had anything there that would be remotely satisfying, it would be all I could eat that day.

(Side note: remembering the "take your own food into a restaurant" argument in the ML recently. My aunt brought foil wrapped slices of birthday cake for my mom, and all my relatives ate cake at Wendy's). I was mortified, but nobody seemed to care.

I am traveling for a week starting Thursday, and I am not sure if I can continue to do DDs. I have plans with friends every day. I am preparing for and planning to do the regular alternation, but if I start to stress over the whole food issue, I will do medium days until I am back home and normal schedule.

Everyone is doing great! You're all very inspiring.

--bill

Originally Posted by Leo41

That's a good plan for traveling, Bill. When I went on a 4-day vacation to New Orleans last spring, I just tried to be as moderate as possible in my eating. I came back up 2.5 lbs, but with just 2 DDs (M and W after I returned), I'd lost that 'vacation weight.' JUDDD can be very forgiving if you eat carefully when it's impossible to do real DDs.

I also agree with LEO. JUDD tends to be forgiving about unforseen things like this especially if you don't do a complete mad cow free for all eat fest on your trip. Even doing something like combining JUDD with some type of IF (eating all your food in a certain window) could keep you at MD calories and bring you home no worse for wear.

[Agee]

Agee, are you in Charlotte?

Nope. I live kind of near Chapel Hill.

[Agee]

Okay... well i'm looking at your sig and it seems to say that you've lost five pounds since you started? That may not be a great rate of loss like some lucky people experience on these boards but still, five pounds is five pound!

Yes, but...3 of the 5 were in the first day, and were probably related to being bloated from vacation. Basically, I'm sitting where I always sit, no matter what WOE I try. But I'll absolutely stick with it for the full 30 days. I actually really like doing it and don't find it hard at all. I'm wondering if, when I do the full 30 DDs, I'm still in the same place, what I could do to tweak.
Wah wah wah.
A

[Leo41]

Agee-

If you're keeping your DD calories at the calculator level (mine is 435), then how are your UD calories? Here's my experience--in case you find it helpful.

In order to lose, my UD calories have to be WAY below the JUDDD calculator--which Dr. J mentions in his book is really irrelevant, so I don't know why he even includes it. He admits that the UD calorie number is very individual.

Since I've been overweight all my life and have a disordered relationshiop to food, I can't eat to 'satisfaction' on UDs because that would be simply overeating--I'm never satisfied! So I control calories on UDs, too. Of course, after a DD, my UD feels like a feast, but I'm actually eating quite carefully.

I personally don't think there's any 'magic' to losing weight on JUDDD. For me, it's simply an easier way to restrict calories, and unless I have significant calorie restriction, I don't lose--even with low carb eating.

[Agee]

I am keeping my DD cals at the calculator level, and although I don't count calories on UD, I don't tend to overeat. I did the first couple of weeks but now I eat quite normally.
If, after 10 more DDS, I haven't lost at least a few more pounds I will start tracking this. It also probably wouldn't hurt to exercise although I am seriously overburdened with work/family right now so it's kind of difficult to fit it in.
Thanks for that, though. Today I was at my DD low of a couple of weeks ago, so maybe I will have a woosh over the next few days. Seriously - if I lost to under 170 in the next 3 weeks ( 3 lbs over 10 more DDs) I would be very happy with this WOE.
A
A

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by Agee

Yes, but...3 of the 5 were in the first day, and were probably related to being bloated from vacation. Basically, I'm sitting where I always sit, no matter what WOE I try. But I'll absolutely stick with it for the full 30 days. I actually really like doing it and don't find it hard at all. I'm wondering if, when I do the full 30 DDs, I'm still in the same place, what I could do to tweak.
Wah wah wah.
A

Originally Posted by Agee

I am keeping my DD cals at the calculator level, and although I don't count calories on UD, I don't tend to overeat. I did the first couple of weeks but now I eat quite normally.
If, after 10 more DDS, I haven't lost at least a few more pounds I will start tracking this. It also probably wouldn't hurt to exercise although I am seriously overburdened with work/family right now so it's kind of difficult to fit it in.
Thanks for that, though. Today I was at my DD low of a couple of weeks ago, so maybe I will have a woosh over the next few days. Seriously - if I lost to under 170 in the next 3 weeks ( 3 lbs over 10 more DDs) I would be very happy with this WOE.
A
A

I REALLY REALLY think you will get there. Ten more DD UD cycle and I totally predict you will see a good loss!

[Ilpirata]

I went a bit over thanks to a slice of cheddar cheese before bed and three eggs in my omelette instead of two:

Calories 656
Fat 37.0 329 50 %
Carbohydrate 31.9 118 18 %
Dietary Fiber 11.6
Protein 54.5 213 32 %
Alcohol 0.0 0 0 %


Still not TOO shabby and i swear I'll stay under 500 on my next scheduled DD Thursday!

ETA: Still did not weigh this morning too scared. I might weigh on Friday or I might wait.

[Trishagrrl]

Hey everyone...
I think I'm about ready to jump on board again. I have our move under my belt, I'm mostly unpacked, and have the messes consolidated to the office and garage. I'm quite busy these days with chasing after my 1 year old, homeschooling my son, and tutoring my homeschooled 12 and 13 year old sisters every day.

My plan is to do a Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday DD rotation and start this Sunday. I have been trying to limit my calories on a daily basis somewhat over the past few weeks of being off plan, but I haven't counted calories. I skip breakfast, eat a light lunch, and eat my big meal in the evening.

I don't think if I'm not seeing at least a little weight loss on a monthly basis that I'll be able to stick to it his time around like I did before. I am hoping for good results though since my throid meds were upped from 120 to 180 and I am feeling some better already. Also my baby is finally starting to eat more foods, so I've been able to cut back on nursing.

Looking forward to hearing how everyone else is losing!

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by Trishagrrl

Hey everyone...
I think I'm about ready to jump on board again. I have our move under my belt, I'm mostly unpacked, and have the messes consolidated to the office and garage. I'm quite busy these days with chasing after my 1 year old, homeschooling my son, and tutoring my homeschooled 12 and 13 year old sisters every day.

My plan is to do a Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday DD rotation and start this Sunday. I have been trying to limit my calories on a daily basis somewhat over the past few weeks of being off plan, but I haven't counted calories. I skip breakfast, eat a light lunch, and eat my big meal in the evening.

I don't think if I'm not seeing at least a little weight loss on a monthly basis that I'll be able to stick to it his time around like I did before. I am hoping for good results though since my throid meds were upped from 120 to 180 and I am feeling some better already. Also my baby is finally starting to eat more foods, so I've been able to cut back on nursing.

Looking forward to hearing how everyone else is losing!

Dude... lets you and me both get back on track for October! I just did a DD yesterday and another one scheduled for tomorrow then back to full tilt three DD per week JUDD starting Monday October 5th. I've got to give this October solid and see if I'm losing. I'm with you though... I just couldn't stick with this WOE when i wasn't losing at all. Of course on just induction I've been steadilly gaining and frankly I'm willing to do just about anything to stop the gaining.

[Leo41]

Kisha-

You're doing great--and don't weigh unless you want to. If you're anything like me, a high number, even if expected, can throw me into a spiral of despair that leads directly to the fridge You'll know when you're ready for the scale.

Trish-

Glad you're back and the move accomplished (how I hate moving, but I love a new house:-)

I don't understand your medication numbers, but I hope the increase helps because I'm sure that some of your problems were being under-medicated. You are so good at JUDDD that I'm sure you'll be seeing results soon.

[Trishagrrl]

Originally Posted by Ilpirata

Dude... lets you and me both get back on track for October! I just did a DD yesterday and another one scheduled for tomorrow then back to full tilt three DD per week JUDD starting Monday October 5th. I've got to give this October solid and see if I'm losing. I'm with you though... I just couldn't stick with this WOE when i wasn't losing at all. Of course on just induction I've been steadilly gaining and frankly I'm willing to do just about anything to stop the gaining.

Yes! I'm trying to get psyched up to get back on JUDDD. I was thinking about starting this week but there are so many social things going on this week (son's 1 year old party today, friends over Friday, out to mexican with some other friends Saturday) that I just didn't think I could manage it yet. I'm truly starting to dread that first DD... but I know that I can do it!

Here's hoping we both see that scale drop this fall!

[Trishagrrl]

Originally Posted by Leo41

Trish-

Glad you're back and the move accomplished (how I hate moving, but I love a new house:-)

I don't understand your medication numbers, but I hope the increase helps because I'm sure that some of your problems were being under-medicated. You are so good at JUDDD that I'm sure you'll be seeing results soon.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'm on armour thyroid, I was taking 120mg and the new doc upped me to 180. He wants to see me in 4 months to reevaluate and see if I need another increase then. Hopefully, I'll get this kiddo weaned soon and that should help too!

We're loving our new house... still can't believe we could afford it. The market is certainly in our favor even though we didn't get near as much as we hoped on the sale of our home.

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by Trishagrrl

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'm on armour thyroid, I was taking 120mg and the new doc upped me to 180. He wants to see me in 4 months to reevaluate and see if I need another increase then. Hopefully, I'll get this kiddo weaned soon and that should help too!

We're loving our new house... still can't believe we could afford it. The market is certainly in our favor even though we didn't get near as much as we hoped on the sale of our home.

OMG... that is a killer jump up. 120 to 180 - I REALLY think it will be just the right difference for you. Another thing though, if you're still not losing in a month you could ask him to re-test your blood and consider another increase sooner. Most people are optimized on 2-3 grains of Armour and your 180mg is right in that range so hopefully this'll do it!

[mistydisa]

Agee ~ Hang in there! I hope you see success soon!!!!

Kisha ~ Good job on the DD. I know the calories weren't as low as you had hoped for, but you still did a great job! Good luck on the next one!

Trish ~ Good to have you back. Glad your move went well, and good luck getting back on the JUDDDD wagon!

Had a good UD yesterday. Ate "normally" instead of making it a treat day, so I'm very happy with that. Today's a DD and it has been easy so far. I'm glad I'm not starving, but it also makes me a little anxious because of what some of you guys have said about hunger meaning you're about to lose. Just can't make me happy, can ya?

Hubby's bday tomorrow, and he has requested chocolate chip brownies with chocolate frosting. Yeah, kill me now, lol. The plan is to only indulge in one brownie instead of making a meal out of the whole pan (as I have been known to do).

Have a great day!

[PMoon]

Hey, everyone. After doing some reading I am going to try this UDDD plan. It's not really for the weight thing. I have been losing steadily doing Dr. Bernstein's diebetic eating plan. BUt I'd like to try it for inflammation issues. I was just diagnosed with RA. I have read some promising posts and figure it can't hurt to try, right?

I plan on staying under 30-40 carbs a day on up days. ANd on the down days, it will probably come out to around 10 carbs. So, I feel like I ought to be good bloodsugar wise regardless of anything else.

I ate normally (by normally, I mean my regular low carb plan) yesterday and started my first down day today. I decided rather than the bothersome calculations, I will just shoot for 500 cals a day on down days. At least until I get a feel for it. Last night, my head got so stuffed up I am honest to goodness miserable. I barely slept at all last night and was feeling like death this morning. I almost postponed doing the DD. But, I figured I would try it.

I got up and drank my usual coffee with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. I fried an egg with a quarter teaspoon of coconut oil smeared around the bottom of a nonstick pan.

I had to take my dad to his VA clinic appointment today. I was really worried about not being able to eat if my blood sugar should start to feel low--making it risky to drive. So, I packed 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter. I just stuck the whole measuring spoon and all into a zip bag. And two orange segments. I figured if I started getting dizzy, I could eat the orange first and chase it with peanut butter. Plus, I had my debit card in case I felt like I felt like I was getting sick. So could have bought something if necessary. I wasn't planning to fail. But I didn't want to risk being stuck an hour away from home with my sick dad and no way to get us anywhere.

I've already got planned for a can of tuna with a tablespoon of mayo for dinner. That should put me pretty close to my target.

i still feel like absolute garbage. I just got back from walgreens where I bought about $30 worth of stuffed up head medicine. Oh, yeah. I made them get me the good stuff. LOL

I also bought three cans of low fat chicken broth for Friday in case I still feel bad. I have some home made, full fat chicken broth that I can eat tomorrow. But since I have no idea how many calories or anything are in it, I didn't figure I should eat it today.

I have committed to trying this for at least a month to give it a chance to give me some improvement.

Is there some kind of rebound effect? I mean, if I do this for a month or two and stop because I feel like it's not helping, will I have damaged my metabolism?

[BillB]

PMoon,

Welcome! I will let the more experienced posters answer your questions about JUDDD. I am still very new at it. This is an awesome group.

--bill

[PMoon]

Originally Posted by BillB

PMoon,

Welcome! I will let the more experienced posters answer your questions about JUDDD. I am still very new at it. This is an awesome group.

--bill

Thanks, Bill. I meant to thank you for pointing me over here. Thanks!

And I should say that my coffee this morning had half & half. Not cream. (duh!) I switched to the h&h a couple of months ago and like it just as well. It is so much cheaper.

[giJ]

Agee ~ Are you sure you want to wait another month before you start tracking UD? I ask only because I think I would be SO frustrated if I were you.

Trishagrrl ~ Welcome back!! Hmph. You moved into your new house after I did and are unpacked first. Guess either you're very motivated, I'm a major slacker, or both, huh

Kisha ~ You'll do great! I just know you will!! But just in case.... have you talked to your doc? I know you were going through some med adjustments... Maybe more bloodwork to see if you're on target yet?

mistydisa ~ for eating "normally". That's the biggest thing to learn on UD. (Your husband is a little evil though. Couldn't he ask for something you don't like? LOL!)

PMoon ~ I can't wait to hear about how JUDDDD effects your RA. Just remember, it can take 2-3 weeks to kick in. I don't believe that we have as much ability to mess up our metabolisms as other people do (you can go back and read some of my other posts about that if you're bored ), so I would say no, no worries about rebounding.

ETA: Forgot my own little update My mother's been in town since Friday -- that would be 3 DDs. Monday was EASY because it was a fasting holiday for me anyway. It was the easiest I've ever made it through. Unfortunately, we really went to town (literally - I try to avoid the restaurants in this city under normal circumstances because they're just too good!) on UDs. I'm going to wait until Saturday to have a "real" weigh in, I think. (Today's unofficial weight had me up a few lbs ) I'm seriously considering a few weeks of low carb with my normal rotation to kick start some actual WEIGHT LOSS.

[Agee]

Agee ~ Are you sure you want to wait another month before you start tracking UD? I ask only because I think I would be SO frustrated if I were you.

Yes, because what makes me most happy about this diet is that it doesn't feel like a diet.
Over the past 10 years I have tried every single WOE under the sun to lose weight and I NEVER HAVE LOST ANYTHING.
Some have made me feel very deprived - like the 1200 calories a day diet, as well as ZC and Weight Watchers and anything where I've had to be very restrictive.
Some have made me feel completely undeprived - like straight LC and this one. If I don't feel deprived I can do it forever. I've done straight LC for up to 9 months at a time with no loss, but have felt great. 10 more DDs with the hope of losing 2 lbs during that time feels pretty do-able for me.

[giJ]

Originally Posted by Agee

Yes, because what makes me most happy about this diet is that it doesn't feel like a diet.
Over the past 10 years I have tried every single WOE under the sun to lose weight and I NEVER HAVE LOST ANYTHING.
Some have made me feel very deprived - like the 1200 calories a day diet, as well as ZC and Weight Watchers and anything where I've had to be very restrictive.
Some have made me feel completely undeprived - like straight LC and this one. If I don't feel deprived I can do it forever. I've done straight LC for up to 9 months at a time with no loss, but have felt great. 10 more DDs with the hope of losing 2 lbs during that time feels pretty do-able for me.

Well, alrighty then

[Leo41]

Cassandra-

I don't want to deter you from trying JUDDD, but I wanted to offer some advice/info. In his book, Dr. J warns that this can be difficult for diabetics, but I don't follow his explanation, so I'm not sure why. However, my sister, a type2, is doing this, and she's had quite a few failed DDs because her blood sugar drops too low too quickly. I think one of her problems is that she has a demanding job and doesn't eat at regular intervals, so if you watch out for that, you might be OK.

However, if systematic inflammation is your issue, you might just follow Dr. Bernstein (who I revere) and adapt it to an anti-inflammatory diet. I first discovered the principles in Protein Power where Dr. Eades talks about inflammation. I cut out red meat (now I eat it sparingly but only grass fed) and egg yolks. I eat a lot of fish but also supplement with fish oil capsules to keep my omega 3 high. I use only olive oil (as dressing for salad, on veggies, and for frying eggs). There's a book with even more info by Floyd Chilton called Inflammation Nation. Basically, starch and sugar are big time inflammatories, but since I eat low carb, that isn't a problem for me. I supplement diet with water exercise, and I've been able to get off all meds (which I took for 20 years) by eating this way. I have rather severe osteoarthritis, and my primary doctor had told me that I'd 'never' get off meds (so encouraging:-).

I hope this information is helpful to you.

[PMoon]

Very helpful, Leo. And I can see where that would be a problem. I was almost expecting it today. But, thankfully, I have been able to keep my blood sugars stable with low carb. My blood sugar doesn't actuall GET low. I just 'feel' hypo--get jittery, shaky, nauseous--unfit to drive. I can start feeling this way if my BG runs in the high 70's even. And while it's not dangerous, it can throw a wrench in the works.

Just looking at the Dr.'s site, I only have to do the 500 cals for two weeks. After that (since I'm not looking for extra weightloss umph) I could go up as high as 1000-1300 cals on down days (in maintenance mode) and still get the health benefits... if I'm understanding this correctly.

Cassandra

[Leo41]

Yes, you are understanding it correctly--just two weeks of 500 cal DDs. Even though I'll be in weight loss mode for quite a while yet, the maintenance mode of JUDDD really attracts me as something very do-able. Good luck with this!

[GME]

Hi folks. I had a good DD yesterday. The M-W-F DD schedule seems to be working for me.

I have a class on W nights from right after school until 9:00. I pack a 250 cal lunch and swing by Subway for a 180ish cal salad on my way to class. That leaves me a little wiggle room for a cheesestick or a few carrots if I need them, but no time to think about how hungry I am. So my only days where I have to make an effort are M&F and I can do anything for two days, right? I can do hard things.

My official weigh day is Saturday but I took a peek this morning and I'm hovering right around my all-time low. With one more DD, hopefully I'll see some VFT.

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by PMoon

Very helpful, Leo. And I can see where that would be a problem. I was almost expecting it today. But, thankfully, I have been able to keep my blood sugars stable with low carb. My blood sugar doesn't actuall GET low. I just 'feel' hypo--get jittery, shaky, nauseous--unfit to drive. I can start feeling this way if my BG runs in the high 70's even. And while it's not dangerous, it can throw a wrench in the works.

Just looking at the Dr.'s site, I only have to do the 500 cals for two weeks. After that (since I'm not looking for extra weightloss umph) I could go up as high as 1000-1300 cals on down days (in maintenance mode) and still get the health benefits... if I'm understanding this correctly.

Cassandra

You've got it girl! The two week induction will get your SIRT1 activated and then you can move on to higher DD cals.

Originally Posted by GME

Hi folks. I had a good DD yesterday. The M-W-F DD schedule seems to be working for me.

I have a class on W nights from right after school until 9:00. I pack a 250 cal lunch and swing by Subway for a 180ish cal salad on my way to class. That leaves me a little wiggle room for a cheesestick or a few carrots if I need them, but no time to think about how hungry I am. So my only days where I have to make an effort are M&F and I can do anything for two days, right? I can do hard things.

My official weigh day is Saturday but I took a peek this morning and I'm hovering right around my all-time low. With one more DD, hopefully I'll see some VFT.

OMG don't you love those subway salads? SO LOW CAL! luv it. There's a subway right across the street from my work and I've totally depended on those some DDs. I'm going to be doing the M W F DDs also so I'm glad to hear its working for you. O how I'd love to catch back up to you on the scale!

[Ilpirata]

Calories 1,981
Fat 149.6 1,330 67 %
Carbohydrate 23.7 93 5 %
Dietary Fiber 2.0
Protein 131.9 555 28 %
Alcohol 0.0 0 0 %

For me thats a killer UD! Anything under 2000 cals UD I feel golden. One of the major calorie killers for me is nut butters and I haven't had those in the house so I think thats helped my UDs! Looking at it though I think I'm eating too much protein... not sure what to do about that. I did my PP calculations when I got that book about a year ago and I think I should be more around 100g per day. I guess increasing fat is the answer but honestly I don't get the appetite supression from fat that so many people experience.

Today is DD number two this week and I think I will have to bite the bullet and weigh myself tomorrow AM. DREADING. IT.