December JUDDD/Alternate Day Diet (We can do hard things...)

[Leo41]

seoulgrlsara

Kisha and I started JUDDD about this time last year (I began in late Dec., and I think she started on 1 Jan.). Both of us came to JUDDD because we're hypothyroid and have difficulty losing (we've both been adjusting meds this year). In fact, several people on these boards are hypo, also.

So our rate of loss may be disheartening to you. I'm also post-menopausal, which makes losing weight even more difficult. This year on JUDDD, I averaged a pound a week (54 lbs total), which may not seem like much, but in my situation is sort of a miracle.

I've kept the same schedule all year. I don't do true alternation, but for convenience, I have DDs on M, W, and Fri. Tues. and Thurs. and Sat. are UDs, and I try to do a "medium" day on Sun (or Sat., depending on my schedule). But for at least half the year, I found myself with UDs on both Sat. and Sun. I finally got the hang of the medium day, and now I can do that. I eat low carb, but some people on JUDDD on this board also eat carbs because the plan doesn't require low carb. I do it for personal health reasons.

[NoSugarShell]

Seoulgrlsara -

I started Fast Five on January 2nd last year and lost 8 lbs and then stopped losing, so I switched to JUDDD. I lost a total of around 23 lbs, but have gained back around 8. I got down to 115 and am currently at 123. I am also hypo and got so discouraged by the thyroid med problems and quit taking my meds. That was "not smart". I am still working on losing the weight I gained, but have only gotten really serious in the last few days.

I do best when I combine Fast Five w/JUDDD, but that is not necessary for most of the JUDDDers on this board!

I always say I JUDDD!

[seoulgrlsara]

Originally Posted by Redeemed

Seoulgrlsara Where are those 223 pounds? You look thin as a rail in your avi. I started JUDDD last year, I think in February. I did loose three pounds, but it took three weeks. I lost more after that - around 12 pounds, I believe. I then tried other plans. I came back to JUDDD in November and lost a whopping 11 pounds in two weeks. I must add that I also went off a particular hormone at that time, and most of the weight was bloat. I have since been working with different thyroid medicines to see what works the best. So, my weight has been fluctuating. I plan on weighing Saturday to see where I am at.

My avi pic was taken at 206 pounds...but I carry my weight on my thighs, bum and hips and lower belly. Im a complete pear. I wear a size 16 pant and a 12 or medium top. So its usually headshots for me only.

First pic is a full body of me taken just last week. (220 pounds)

and the second one is taken earlier same day....when I got married.

[seoulgrlsara]

Originally Posted by Leo41

seoulgrlsara

Kisha and I started JUDDD about this time last year (I began in late Dec., and I think she started on 1 Jan.). Both of us came to JUDDD because we're hypothyroid and have difficulty losing (we've both been adjusting meds this year). In fact, several people on these boards are hypo, also.

So our rate of loss may be disheartening to you. I'm also post-menopausal, which makes losing weight even more difficult. This year on JUDDD, I averaged a pound a week (54 lbs total), which may not seem like much, but in my situation is sort of a miracle.

I've kept the same schedule all year. I don't do true alternation, but for convenience, I have DDs on M, W, and Fri. Tues. and Thurs. and Sat. are UDs, and I try to do a "medium" day on Sun (or Sat., depending on my schedule). But for at least half the year, I found myself with UDs on both Sat. and Sun. I finally got the hang of the medium day, and now I can do that. I eat low carb, but some people on JUDDD on this board also eat carbs because the plan doesn't require low carb. I do it for personal health reasons.

Wow your rate is NOT disheartening, that is fantastic, congratulations. I only hope I can do that!

Im sure my up day today will reverse all of my down day yesterday, but in reading the book, it said to give in for the first few up days, and eventually the dd's get easier and they cravings will stop. So...true to form Im following instructions.

[Redeemed]

Originally Posted by seoulgrlsara

My avi pic was taken at 206 pounds...but I carry my weight on my thighs, bum and hips and lower belly. Im a complete pear. I wear a size 16 pant and a 12 or medium top. So its usually headshots for me only.

First pic is a full body of me taken just last week. (220 pounds)

and the second one is taken earlier same day....when I got married.

Well, I think you're very lovely and you carry your weight quite well. I hope you find success with JUDDD, and reach your goal. It gets hard at times, but the UD's are a nice reward.

[EmandM]

I agree , SGS you carry your weight really well. Your avatar is a lovely picture of you. I overindulged in the UD's at first too. I do not eat low carb, and I was eating fast food and junk foods for awhile on the UD's. But slowly the psychology of JUDDD started to kick in and I stopped craving no good foods. My body started wanting healthy things and my mind knew I could have whatever I wanted every other day, so it stopped wanting junky things too. I now follow a diet of mostly whole foods with the odd treat on an UD, but I don't need one on an UD just because anymore. I bet you find the same happens for you too.

Kisha and Leo, your friendship is so touching. I love how supportive everyone is on this thread. It keeps me sane for sure. I've been in maintenance for months but I still hang out here. That says something about all of you!

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by EmandM

I agree , SGS you carry your weight really well. Your avatar is a lovely picture of you. I overindulged in the UD's at first too. I do not eat low carb, and I was eating fast food and junk foods for awhile on the UD's. But slowly the psychology of JUDDD started to kick in and I stopped craving no good foods. My body started wanting healthy things and my mind knew I could have whatever I wanted every other day, so it stopped wanting junky things too. I now follow a diet of mostly whole foods with the odd treat on an UD, but I don't need one on an UD just because anymore. I bet you find the same happens for you too.

Kisha and Leo, your friendship is so touching. I love how supportive everyone is on this thread. It keeps me sane for sure. I've been in maintenance for months but I still hang out here. That says something about all of you!

And we're so glad to have you still here in the threads! Its just awesome to have a maintainer not to mention your wonderful company.

[snaggle]

Hi Everyone- I hope you all had a great holiday. I have not really been on plan at all since returning from vacation, but I decided to not beat myself up over it (like you said Caramel- no guilt) and start hard core next week after I get back to work. When I am working, it is way easier for me to keep the up/dd schedule. I am askeeered to step on the scale, but know that I can at least feel good that I am down 20 lbs from last years new years. I owe it all to JUDDD. Low carb just kind of stopped working for me and was not sustainable with all my food loves.
Looking forward to getting to goal, but am in no hurry. I am on this plan for life.

Tami- Welcome to you! I would think that after hcg, this would be an easy transition. I will be curious to see how it works for you. Congrats on the first 1.8 lbs.

seoulsgrlsara- welcome to you too! As far as some of your ?, yes I exercise on down days and don't ever seem to have a problem. Usually my workouts are not super intense, but I have managed to do an hour long spinning class on a down day. I feel that excercise helps keep my metabolism up and ever since I committed to doing it regularly, I have not had nearly the bouncebacks in weight, when I go off plan for a bit.
My weightlifting routine has also been key in toning my body and helping me look better in clothes. I have been on juddd since early april and lost 20 lbs with it (25 at my lowest), but have taken many, many mini breaks and two week long vacations where I haven't done any down days. It is a forgiving plan and works with my lifestyle.

Tim- You crack me up. I love your British sense of humor! So good to have you here.

Kisha- you and me both are gonna kick some juddd booty in January!!!

Redeemed, Emandm, nitenurse, michelle, Grammypat, and all those that I have forgotten to mention- thanks for helping me throughout the year by being here and continuing your support.

Leo, as always, you are my juddd hero and the backbone of this awesome group. What a great year you have had with this plan.

Happy New Year to you all!

[NoSugarShell]

Good Morning JUDDDers!

I had a great UD yesterday and really feel back on plan! I have the next 5 days planned out and already entered into ******. I am going to do the MWF as UD for now and keep Sunday as a moderate day. I will tweek later if needed, but I lost doing that before so hoping it works this time as well. Mentally, it just seems easier.

Snaggle - I know you will kick butt in January! It is easier for me to stay on plan when I am at work also.

Kisha - I am curious...where are you at with your thyroid meds? Are you taking the reformulated Armour? I think the thyroid issues lately have been the hardest thing for me. I feel alot better taking compounded meds right now, but really not as good as I felt taking the "old" Armour.

Leo - I agree with Snaggle. You are my JUDDD hero also! I realize it can be done even with all the challenges if you just keep plugging away!

Michelle

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by NoSugarShell

Good Morning JUDDDers!

I had a great UD yesterday and really feel back on plan! I have the next 5 days planned out and already entered into ******. I am going to do the MWF as UD for now and keep Sunday as a moderate day. I will tweek later if needed, but I lost doing that before so hoping it works this time as well. Mentally, it just seems easier.

Snaggle - I know you will kick butt in January! It is easier for me to stay on plan when I am at work also.

Kisha - I am curious...where are you at with your thyroid meds? Are you taking the reformulated Armour? I think the thyroid issues lately have been the hardest thing for me. I feel alot better taking compounded meds right now, but really not as good as I felt taking the "old" Armour.

Leo - I agree with Snaggle. You are my JUDDD hero also! I realize it can be done even with all the challenges if you just keep plugging away!

Michelle

Right now I take one grain (90mg) of the reformulated Armour in the a.m along with one 5mcg of Cytomel (synth T3) then I take another 5mcg of Cytomel in the afternoon. I feel good. My levels were ok last time I got tested but I haven't been retested since she cut my armour and replaced with the cytomel. I'm sure I'm not perfect but I'm stuck with a doc that freaks out when TSH goes too low ( )

I haven't been doing the plan right so I can't blame the meds yet! Also I HAVE GOT to exercise next year. I've been told over and over and over that with HypO its non-negotiable. yet I keep trying to negotiate out of it LOL.

[seoulgrlsara]

DD for me today. Its 11:09 am and have only had a tea.

Is it in my head or am I already feeling like DD's are a good thing? My body and tummy were killing me yesterday after 'indulging'. I did indulge a little too much, but I did not binge. I just ate crap basically. Today my tummy is saying "thank you Sara".

[nitenurse]

No Sara, it's true, my body is so grateful to not have an UD, at least a stupid UD, which I had yesterday. Today's DD feels really good and I am not planning on eating anything until afternoon.
I am going to keep a food diary again, it helps me to see which foods make me feel yucky on the UDs and consider whether I really want to feel like that. I have a couple of foods I am going to avoid for at least a month and see how they affect my pain levels.
New Years eve will be a test-playing for a dance and there will be a ton of junk food around; I am my own designated driver so won't have to deal with that.
Happy New Year everyone.

[Leo41]

Sara-

I don't think it's 'in your head' about DDs, but you're discovering this early in this WOE. As I posted earlier, I had intended to do 3 UDs in a row while I was away at Christmas, but after 2 days, I found that my body was calling for a DD--and I felt terrific doing one.

However, today's DD has been a struggle. (I'm at 200 cal now at almost 1 pm, but I tend to be a morning eater, so I'm not worried about finishing close to 300 cal for the day.) What most of us have found is that some DDs are more difficult than others, and it's hard to predict which it will be.

I swim for exercise and have a similar experience there. Most of the time, I swim my laps easily, but there are days when it's a real struggle for some reason. One of the lifeguards used to be a competitive swimmer, and when I mentioned that to him, he said that was a common experience in practice--i.e., that some days were more difficult than others.

Our bodies seem to have a life of their own, and whether it's exercise or eating, we can't always control how they will react The key is to NEVER GIVE IN.

[Redeemed]

Originally Posted by nitenurse

No Sara, it's true, my body is so grateful to not have an UD, at least a stupid UD, which I had yesterday. Today's DD feels really good and I am not planning on eating anything until afternoon.
I am going to keep a food diary again, it helps me to see which foods make me feel yucky on the UDs and consider whether I really want to feel like that. I have a couple of foods I am going to avoid for at least a month and see how they affect my pain levels.
New Years eve will be a test-playing for a dance and there will be a ton of junk food around; I am my own designated driver so won't have to deal with that.
Happy New Year everyone.

Good idea, nitenurse. I think I'll start one also. I kept a journal of the foods I ate and counted every calorie on UD's when I was in induction, but got away from it. I am going to add a food journal to my January goal list.

[seoulgrlsara]

Im keeping a food diary for DD's...just to carefully track my intake.

I should do one for UD's too, that's a good idea. Not yet though until I get over the initial cravings.

I just had my first taste of food today, a weight control oatmeal - 160 calories.

To work I brought that, an apple (70 cals) , a baggie of veggies (60 cals) and a biggest loser protein drink (40 calories)

Total of 330 work calories.

For dinner I'll have a soup on hand, veggies or a protein shake. Trying to stay below 490 calories so i have room for all of that.

[EmandM]

Originally Posted by nitenurse

No Sara, it's true, my body is so grateful to not have an UD, at least a stupid UD, which I had yesterday. Today's DD feels really good and I am not planning on eating anything until afternoon.
I am going to keep a food diary again, it helps me to see which foods make me feel yucky on the UDs and consider whether I really want to feel like that. I have a couple of foods I am going to avoid for at least a month and see how they affect my pain levels.
Happy New Year everyone.

Diaries are great for that. I used to use one and I noticed that I'd be starving after a meal if I didn't have enough protein in it.

Sara - sometimes if I indulge on an UD I really feel sick the next day, whereas before I'd be able to eat anything no problem. It's a benefit, really, as I will remember how yucky I felt and I won't go too crazy. But that took me awhile. In the beginning my UD's were super high and junky!

UD for me and tomorrow will be one too (social stuff as per usual)! lol I am running in a 5 km race tomorrow. It's called the Resolution Run. Should be a good one. It's at 5 pm and then I have to rush home, shower and get ready to host a small gathering for New Years!

[seoulgrlsara]

I am so happy to have planned (unintenionally) my up day for new years eve!

[seoulgrlsara]

What a yo yo. Here it is 3pm, just finished my veggies.

My tummy is FINALLY starting to feel better.....AND im already thinking about what to eat tomorrow.

DOH!

[Blood Sugar 101]

Hi folks,

I'm finishing up my 3rd DD. Started Saturday after the Xmas overdose.

Very different from any diet I've ever done. I am already only 1 lb away from my lowest weight of the decade, but I was intrigued by the claims that the JUDDD diet would reduce the inflammatory substances, so I'm giving it a try to see if it will. I can't take antiinflammatory drugs and I have some painful tendons.

So far I'm learning a lot about physiological hunger and about how often I think of popping something into my mouth. I'm using the Metformin and it helps but I still get hungry, though it is tummy rumble hunger, not the crazy "munchie" hunger that Met fixes.

Today was a lot easier than the first two, but the DD days do seem VERY long. I'm eating at about 400 calories of which 100 is the cream in my obligatory morning coffees. The rest is protein powder, a very small amount of pb, GG crackers and spinach.

I need to be able to eat during the weekend, so I'll probably stick to the MWF schedule with a middle day on Sunday and give it a month if I can stick with it.

Worth doing if only to examine how often I eat and how automatically I respond to the "Eat" signal by doing just that.

One note: This is NOT a good diet for most people with diabetes. My own form of diabetes is unusul and I do better fasting than I do eating even VLC because I ONLY make basal insulin which is the insulin that covers the fasting state, not meals. Most people with the commoner forms diabetes will see their blood sugar rise if they fast.

[Redeemed]

Originally Posted by Blood Sugar 101

Hi folks,

I'm finishing up my 3rd DD. Started Saturday after the Xmas overdose.

Very different from any diet I've ever done. I am already only 1 lb away from my lowest weight of the decade, but I was intrigued by the claims that the JUDDD diet would reduce the inflammatory substances, so I'm giving it a try to see if it will. I can't take antiinflammatory drugs and I have some painful tendons.

So far I'm learning a lot about physiological hunger and about how often I think of popping something into my mouth. I'm using the Metformin and it helps but I still get hungry, though it is tummy rumble hunger, not the crazy "munchie" hunger that Met fixes.

Today was a lot easier than the first two, but the DD days do seem VERY long. I'm eating at about 400 calories of which 100 is the cream in my obligatory morning coffees. The rest is protein powder, a very small amount of pb, GG crackers and spinach.

I need to be able to eat during the weekend, so I'll probably stick to the MWF schedule with a middle day on Sunday and give it a month if I can stick with it.

Worth doing if only to examine how often I eat and how automatically I respond to the "Eat" signal by doing just that.

One note: This is NOT a good diet for most people with diabetes. My own form of diabetes is unusul and I do better fasting than I do eating even VLC because I ONLY make basal insulin which is the insulin that covers the fasting state, not meals. Most people with the commoner forms diabetes will see their blood sugar rise if they fast.

651171i085p8my3i.gif

[seoulgrlsara]

8 pm....DD number 2 almost over.

Menu today was:

tea
weight control oatmeal - 160 calories
Bag of Veggies - 60 calories
BL protein drink - 40 calories
coconut / veggie curry soup - 160

Total DD #2 calories: 460

Nice! Can't wait for UP day......and new years eve!

[EmandM]

Welcome Blood Sugar 101. Very true about diabetics and JUDDD. One of the gals that lurks on these boards followed JUDDD but had to stop due to her levels. Glad you are at your lowest weight in a decade! Good way to start 2010!

Sara - how do you like the weight control oatmeal in terms of satiety? Does it keep you full? I love oatmeal and am thinking of eating it again for DD's but I know for some it makes them hungrier. Do you eat it alone or with protein?

I need to go back to 500 cal DD's for a bit. My weight is up a few pounds after holiday indulgences! Luckily I have wiggle room but I like it when my clothes fit comfortable and at this point the jeans are tight! lol If it weren't for the fact that my coffee is 100 calories I'd be able to eat more! lol

[Redeemed]

Originally Posted by EmandM

Welcome Blood Sugar 101. Very true about diabetics and JUDDD. One of the gals that lurks on these boards followed JUDDD but had to stop due to her levels. Glad you are at your lowest weight in a decade! Good way to start 2010!

Sara - how do you like the weight control oatmeal in terms of satiety? Does it keep you full? I love oatmeal and am thinking of eating it again for DD's but I know for some it makes them hungrier. Do you eat it alone or with protein?

I need to go back to 500 cal DD's for a bit. My weight is up a few pounds after holiday indulgences! Luckily I have wiggle room but I like it when my clothes fit comfortable and at this point the jeans are tight! lol If it weren't for the fact that my coffee is 100 calories I'd be able to eat more! lol

Sometimes I wait until 5 PM on a DD to eat. At 5, I have a double serving of oat bran, Almond Breeze, and NuStevia blend. I feel very satiated after that very delicious meal. I feel like Mamma Bear with her bowl of poridge. Sometimes I wonder if I can finish all of my meal because it is very heavy and filling.

[Blood Sugar 101]

It will take a couple weeks for me to see if my blood sugar will handle this kind of diet well over time.

I always see very good blood sugars when I eat at Atkins induction levels, for a few weeks, then the blood sugars start creeping up. That's why I do better with a higher carb intake (80 g) where I can use insulin every now and then safely than a very low carb level where I can't.

[EmandM]

Originally Posted by Redeemed

Sometimes I wait until 5 PM on a DD to eat. At 5, I have a double serving of oat bran, Almond Breeze, and NuStevia blend. I feel very satiated after that very delicious meal. I feel like Mamma Bear with her bowl of poridge. Sometimes I wonder if I can finish all of my meal because it is very heavy and filling.

Oh thanks for posting this. I am going to try it. I love oatmeal and I guess I'd forgotten about it until Sara posted her menu! I add agave nectar to mine (I don't follow low carb) and it's delish! Great idea for a meal on a DD especially during the winter (I live in Canada and it was minus 24 Celsius with the wind this week)! Brrrr! I go running in that too! Crazy!

[Redeemed]

Jenny,

I think the only diabetic we had on this thread was BillB. We haven't heard from him lately, but he seemed to be doing well on JUDDD. I no longer have my JUDDD book, but I think I remember Dr. Johnson commenting that JUDDD may not be appropriate for diabetics. GrammyPat has the book; perhaps she can clarify. I hope you like JUDDD, and it helps you lose weight without upsetting your blood sugar levels. I need to pull the reins in on my UD's and start charting my food intake again.

[Redeemed]

Originally Posted by EmandM

Oh thanks for posting this. I am going to try it. I love oatmeal and I guess I'd forgotten about it until Sara posted her menu! I add agave nectar to mine (I don't follow low carb) and it's delish! Great idea for a meal on a DD especially during the winter (I live in Canada and it was minus 24 Celsius with the wind this week)! Brrrr! I go running in that too! Crazy!

You can get more food for the same amount of calories if you eat oat bran vs. oat meal.

[EmandM]

Originally Posted by Redeemed

You can get more food for the same amount of calories if you eat oat bran vs. oat meal.

Does it taste as good? Is it sold as oat bran or do I look for a specific name and brand?

[seoulgrlsara]

Im in Canada too!

Which part? Im in Kenora, Ontario.

As for the oatmeal......on other diets I have noticed that it does make me hungry, even though all diet books say its suppose to be soooo satisfying. I found I was hungry, but Ive been hungry all day, so its hard to gage. I ate my oatmeal at noon today, then my vegetables at around 2pm. I usually like to wait awhile longer between 'feeds', so perhaps, yes, I was hungrier than usual, or it could have been boredom as it was a slooooooooooow day at work.

[EmandM]

Sara - I am in Aurora (it's North of Toronto, where I grew up). I don't follow low carb, so I should be ok with the oatmeal. I can always experiment. What kind of veggies do you eat (I noticed you said a bag of veggies, do you bag your own or buy them)? I am always looking for ideas! Where do you work? I am a teacher so I am off til the 4th (but I have twin almost 4-year-olds so it's been pretty busy around here even though I am technically on holiday)! lol