Ask Kimmer!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by JenniferMary

Thanks Kimmer!!!! I must admit though, I had a few thin slices of cheddar cheese yesterday. I gave in and felt horrible afterwards! Also, one more question about my menu: I ate a few thin slices of green pepper and onions with my steak. Is this allowed?
Yesterday I ate: Breakfast - medium coffee w/1 sweetner, 1 cream
Lunch: 1.5 skinless chicken breasts, 2 deviled eggs with tiny bit of mayo/mustard
Dinner: 6 oz round steak with all fat trimmed off, green pepper and onion as above. 2 thin slices of hard cheddar cheese.

I did lose 4 pounds! However, critique my menu. Let me know what I'm doing wrong! I have such a hard time giving up my cheese... I LOVE IT!

Thanks Kimmer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You cheated with cheese? That's cute. Put the cheddar in the freezer.

If you're doing Kimkins, by all means have some green peppers & onions! Your menu looks excellent ... if you're doing Kimkins, add a veggie (even a couple tomato slices w/ pepper) at lunch.

You lost 4 pounds overnight??? Now, that's just too awesome! You're on your way and don't forget the "domino" effect. Ketosis based weight loss almost builds on itself which is why the losses are so tremendous!

Think back to when you've gone off program before (c'mon, we all have) and plan ahead for how you'll handle it. Keep your day full and busy. We don't always eat because we're hungry (oh really, Kimmer, we had no idea ... duh!)

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by ahowell

this is ridiculous...if people would just follow your advice, we wouldnt have all these people still here not meeting their goals 2-4 years later..

LOL, that's pretty much my thinking!

[Skinny Panda]

Not starting Kimkins yet, but is there absolutely no cheese on it? I quit most cheese cause I felt like it was slowing me down even more before, but was still eating some feta.
Also are cucumbers and celery considered "salad type" vegetables? tomatoes? or are they a no no? Or are "salad type" vegetables just basically lettuces?

Thanx Kimmer!!!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by Skinny Panda

Not starting Kimkins yet, but is there absolutely no cheese on it? I quit most cheese cause I felt like it was slowing me down even more before, but was still eating some feta. Also are cucumbers and celery considered "salad type" vegetables? tomatoes? or are they a no no? Or are "salad type" vegetables just basically lettuces?

Thanx Kimmer!!!

Salad veggies to me are lettuces, cabbage, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, mushrooms, green onions, asparagus, garlic, radishes, green beans, peppers, etc.

Pretty much everything except winter squashes, sweet potatoes & yams, potatoes, corn or eggplant.

Zucchini, cauliflower, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, turnips and round onions are a bit carby (remember .5 cup servings).

If you eat them with fat (butter or cheese) really watch quantities so you don't go over 20 total carbs.

If you eat them steamed w/ spices you couldn't eat enough!

Cheese? Remember Kimkins is about rapid weight loss and it's a calorie game. One or two string cheeses won't kill you unless you have an addiction and want to eat the whole bag (me) and it's great for making stuffed zucchini. But a block of cheddar (one of my favorites which is why I don't buy it), can really hurt due to calories. I keep Swiss cheese slices on hand and melt a half slice on top of chicken or use it for stuffing, but it's not an 'eating' cheese to me so I'm safe, LOL!

By all means sprinkle some feta on your salad!

You know yourself best, so if you cheese is a "must", have at it!

[ahowell]

Originally Posted by Kimmer

LOL, that's pretty much my thinking!

yep and i was one of them..always read your posts in awe but never followed the advice..

[Skinny Panda]

Thanks Kimmer, that list helps, I copied it down to use for a reference.
Cheese really isn't a must for me, which is good, I can cut it all out if need be.

Hey guess what I want more than cheese? To LOSE WEIGHT!!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by Maid of Erin

I am measuring the amounts. The cauliflower I mashed with the fork and used a cup. The lettuce is from a bagged salad. The half cup looked small, but honestly I am not that hungry, guess its ketosis kicking in.

I live in Ireland now (am married to an Irishman), but was born and bred in NY, so no metric problem here

I have been on Atkins for a month and lost 15 lbs. I know in the first week, I was consuming way too many calories. Not to make excuses, but I went thru major sugar withdrawl and was craving, but still stuck to plan. Second week, much better. Third week, cut down on the tea (was drinking up to 6 cups per day. this is a cultural thing here, LOL). Giving up caffeine was worse than the sugar, but I am now down to 1-2 cups tea/day. Too many milk calories and I just felt it was too much to have.

This week, I am trying to stick to the diet I posted. Eggs or lean meat for breakfast, salad with some protein lunch, dinner lean protein w/ low carb veggie like spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant. I've lost 3lbs in 3 days of eating like this.

Another question, if I get hungry, should I snack on a veggie like celery or go for the protein? I'm confused! I am not really that hungry, which I just cannot believe, but when it hits, what should I reach for?

I also asked about your kids because we adopted two of ours from foster care. My twins were crack addicted babies. One is healthy, the other has a neurological disorder, but is making great strides with therapies. I don't limit my kids foods either, I figure they don't need my food issues! I have one son who eats about three apples every day. He chooses fruit over candy and chips. Wish I had done the same when I was younger! I keep lots of fruit in the house, as well as cheese sticks, yogurts, whole wheat crackers, nuts, etc. But I do allow them treats on weekends like popcorn, soda or chips. At first it was tempting, but now it doesn't really bother me at all. I am finally at a place where I am just going to get rid of this weight, once and for all.

For snacks, low cal veggies are good (celery is good for crunch), make a small salad (try some new dressings or make your own) or leftover meat/chicken/fish is good.

Wait until your appetite diminishes and you'll see what I mean.

An American in Ireland, wow! I'm part Irish and it seems like such a beautiful country!

I think you're doing the right thing with your kids. You don't want it to be a military camp, LOL, but limited "junk" is a good compromise. I do the same for weight loss strategies ... if it's not in the house, I can't eat it! We want to "train" our kids so they'll do the same for our grandkids ... it happened with seat belts.

Kudos to you for adoption! We seriously need more adoptive parents.

[JenniferMary]

Ok, I'll freeze my cheese, darn it! oh well, if it will help my loss anything is worth it. Lunch was leftover steak, green pepper and onions. Supper will be pork chops and a small salad with vinegar. No snacks, I'm really not all that hungry and it's only been ONE DAY! I'm excited to see what the scale says tomorrow! Mind over matter... I can do this! I will do this! In 5 months I will be at my goal weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 months! I can even feel a little "SNATT" coming on... yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by JenniferMary

Ok, I'll freeze my cheese, darn it! oh well, if it will help my loss anything is worth it. Lunch was leftover steak, green pepper and onions. Supper will be pork chops and a small salad with vinegar. No snacks, I'm really not all that hungry and it's only been ONE DAY! I'm excited to see what the scale says tomorrow! Mind over matter... I can do this! I will do this! In 5 months I will be at my goal weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 months! I can even feel a little "SNATT" coming on... yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If we figure 3 oz of cheese is 300 calories we don't need, scratch it!

Again, the surprising thing is when you're at goal you can eat so much more and not gain ... but if you do the reverse to lose it doesn't work. (sorry, thinking to myself again ... I do that, LOL).

You're not saying 'sayonara' to some of your favorite foods, just 'see you later on.' This is a major psychological obstacle for obese people, and I'm definitely raising my hand way up high!

Jennifer, you will be nothing short of totally, absolutely and completely amazed at how fast you will lose. Do you believe in dreaming? I do. Get busy dreaming of a size 8 life. What will you do? What will you wear? Feel yourself sitting in a theatre seat without bruises on your hips the next day (oops, drawing on personal experience).

Your body is already doing its part, you've got to help all you can, LOL!

[JenniferMary]

Kimmer, you are so inspirational to me! You are kind and generous, trying to help those who want help all that you can. You give us tips and hints, motivation and courage to GET THE JOB DONE! I've struggled to stay on plan for so long. Well, no longer. I have no excuses. I've gotta stop saying I wanna lose it and just lose it! I can do it, I have all the knowledge and YOU as my tool! There's nothing stopping me but myself. I am excited and I can't wait to tell you how much more I've lost tomorrow, next week, next month and then officially call "GOAL!" when I've made it!. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by JenniferMary

Kimmer, you are so inspirational to me! You are kind and generous, trying to help those who want help all that you can. You give us tips and hints, motivation and courage to GET THE JOB DONE! I've struggled to stay on plan for so long. Well, no longer. I have no excuses. I've gotta stop saying I wanna lose it and just lose it! I can do it, I have all the knowledge and YOU as my tool! There's nothing stopping me but myself. I am excited and I can't wait to tell you how much more I've lost tomorrow, next week, next month and then officially call "GOAL!" when I've made it!. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Are you entering your daily weight in Fitday? It's pretty inspirational watching that graph going down!

[elyseelyse]

Ok, so I fibbed. I can not just "give it one year" b/4 I get all worked up over my weight loss slowing. I have to wear a semi-tight brides maid dress in one month and I am in panic mode. Would you mind giving me a "sample" day or two menu (sans veggies, of course) that if I stuck to, I could loose 10 lbs in a month.

A little more info:

I am 5'2" and bouncing btw. 115 and 118.

I like all meats except pork chops or ham


Also - if you could just estimate the cals that would be great. Even when I think I am low - I am not.

Thanks!!!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by elyseelyse

Ok, so I fibbed. I can not just "give it one year" b/4 I get all worked up over my weight loss slowing. I have to wear a semi-tight brides maid dress in one month and I am in panic mode. Would you mind giving me a "sample" day or two menu (sans veggies, of course) that if I stuck to, I could loose 10 lbs in a month.

A little more info:

I am 5'2" and bouncing btw. 115 and 118.

I like all meats except pork chops or ham


Also - if you could just estimate the cals that would be great. Even when I think I am low - I am not.

Thanks!!!

Your best bet would be The Kimmer Experiment, but is that what you want to do? You can try it for a week and see what you think. You'll lose a few pounds anyhow and that will help out.

Have you considered a "control" undergarment for the dress? You're so thin everywhere else it would have to a tiny size. On the E! channel they did a whole show on picking under things and some were designed for super suction, if you know what I mean!

I can't pick a menu for you because I don't know what you like (and my choices would be boring to you, I'm sure!)

At the beginning try for 1000-1200 calories and see what you want after your appetite drops, OK?

[Booftalo]

Hiya Kimmer!

Well, yesterday I ate: meat. And today I've eaten: meat. Fitday says that my average calorie intake for the week is 1140 and 3% of that is from carbs (darn those eggs and tea). I'm definitely feeling SNATT. Yesterday the cal count was under 900, and today I'm sitting around 450. I'm in a wedding in mid-July (gosh, this is a recurrent theme). The 64 thousand dollar question? How much weightloss can I AIM for realistically by then? (71 days/10 weeks) I find it easier to stick to a goal if I HAVE a goal, and right now I have the goal of losing 86 pounds, and I have the goal of looking better in the dreaded dress, but I don't have a goal weight for the WEDDING.

I know everyone's body works differently, I just would like a ballpark figure I can use as a focal point.

Thanks so much for all your help and good humor--

Boof

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by Booftalo

Hiya Kimmer!

Well, yesterday I ate: meat. And today I've eaten: meat. Fitday says that my average calorie intake for the week is 1140 and 3% of that is from carbs (darn those eggs and tea). I'm definitely feeling SNATT. Yesterday the cal count was under 900, and today I'm sitting around 450. I'm in a wedding in mid-July (gosh, this is a recurrent theme). The 64 thousand dollar question? How much weightloss can I AIM for realistically by then? (71 days/10 weeks) I find it easier to stick to a goal if I HAVE a goal, and right now I have the goal of losing 86 pounds, and I have the goal of looking better in the dreaded dress, but I don't have a goal weight for the WEDDING.

I know everyone's body works differently, I just would like a ballpark figure I can use as a focal point.

Thanks so much for all your help and good humor--

Boof

What's with all you glamour gals and weddings?

How much have you lost since starting the Kimmer Experiment? 5 pounds of that was water weight so what's left? Hmmm, 86 lbs in 10 weeks isn't going to happen, but a solid 4-5 pounds a week is ... if you want it.

That's roughly 4 dress sizes???

[Booftalo]

Prior to discovering the Joy of Kimmer, I'd been mostly lowcarb (net carbs)since the New Year and had lost 17 pounds. 9 days ago I did the K/E and lost 3 pounds the first day and then nothing, so, tried Kimkins for a DAY, lost a pound, gained cravings (the catastrophe of the tomato) and went back to the land of Meat and, um, well Meat. So... this is technically not the 3 day experiment anymore, it's just the least likely thing to trigger cravings for me.

As far as the proliferation of weddings, as far as I can tell they're popping up like mushrooms everywhere. I look like a giant pistachio in my dress. Hmmmm.... even my metaphors and similes are lowcarb.

I had no illusions that I'd be able to reach goal by the wedding, but any loss is better than no loss. I just like to be able to quantify things in my head. It makes the whole thing easier if I can tell myself, "You're going to lose 4 pounds this week if you stay focussed." Or something like that. It may be a control freak thing, but hey... it works.

Thanks again for the input. It is all welcomed. We are all benefiting from your experience and we appreciate it

Boof

[elyseelyse]

Originally Posted by Kimmer

Your best bet would be The Kimmer Experiment, but is that what you want to do? You can try it for a week and see what you think. You'll lose a few pounds anyhow and that will help out.

Have you considered a "control" undergarment for the dress? You're so thin everywhere else it would have to a tiny size. On the E! channel they did a whole show on picking under things and some were designed for super suction, if you know what I mean!

I can't pick a menu for you because I don't know what you like (and my choices would be boring to you, I'm sure!)

At the beginning try for 1000-1200 calories and see what you want after your appetite drops, OK?

Oh yes - I own a few of those. I have some hang-ups w/ wearing them thanks to my mother who is built the same way I am. She LIVES in them and thinks its a riot that people actually think she is thin. In the sea of 20 something bridesmaids, I was hoping to be footloose and fancy free and not worry that my "support sytems" might give way. I think they are all planning to just wear a thong under the dress (not even a bra! ). What did I get myself into???

I'm gonna sleep on it tonight and think about commiting to the Kimmer experiment. I wish I had like three alone days to do it. Then maybe I could get thru it until the appetite supression kicks in. But w/ kids, commitments, DH, Inlaws . . . . . food (and not the lack of it!!) is directly tied to my staying sane (guess thats a whole nother topic,LOL!!). But as my dad loves to say (so irritating!), if my mother had wheels she'd be a car . . . . . .

As always - thanks.

[shadowzip]

Kimmer]Water weight? That was the first 5 pounds, everything else is melted body fat!

If I hear about a body "getting used to low calories" one more time I'm going to scream. Quietly, but still. Your metabolism drops when you lower calories, but returns when you add more calories -- like an equilibrium thing.

Your metabolism comes to a stand still while you sleep, but you don't set your alarm for 2 am to eat, right? Hopefully not.

Metabolism isn't a "thing" that can be broken. It's your body process and it ebbs and flows all during the day (body clock).

Now, of course the amount of food you're able to eat without gaining will be considerable less at 130 lbs than at 230 or 330 lbs. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. People who are "quantity" eaters may need to find some long term "low cal high quantity" foods ... like veggies.

If you return to what you used to eat, you'll return to what you used to weigh and that's true for everyone.

I'll be 48 in a week and my sedentary life is identical to yours. I also don't eat breakfast (just not hungry) and usually grab a yogurt around 10-11 (on maintenance, not during weight loss). Basically, I eat twice a day and maintain very easily.

Please don't buy into the "minimum calorie" thing. You're just making your life harder if you do.

Kimmer I Love, Love, Love this . I agree 100% with everything you said.

I have been slowly losing the last few months. 30 pounds in 6 months. My goal was 150 by my birthday at the end of the month.
I am not going to reach that goal and that is my own fault by eating too much.(NUTS) I am a quanity eater as you say so it is a calorie game for me right now. I really never eat off low carb( except for a planned cheat on vacation over Easter, I was in Savannah and at Paula Deens restaurant. Come on, how could you not cheat there But I am back on M/E and losing the 10 pounds gained on vacation, then 30 more, then I will see.
You have really inspired me to get down to business and finish this journey. I just wanted to say Thank You for all your time and insight. I am going to do this. a little late but I will get there. I really appreciate this thread. It is a great read. You are a peach!

[Embraced]

Originally Posted by Kimmer

Well, aren't you just the nicest person!

I don't drink water on my "water" fasts either because I just can't. I tried once and made it for 4 days ... made me so cranky and upset I almost quit.

So, I drink diet drinks like diet soda, watered down Crystal Light, maybe homemade veggie or chicken broth. It would be best if you could water stuff down (or add a lot of ice and let it melt a bit) so your system gets more of a rest.

If you're an exercise person, take a couple days off especially if this is your first fast. Your body is literally being wrung out inside and detoxing like crazy. Don't make its job harder by pushing too hard.

Check out Nady's "Make It Fast" thread in the Challenge forum. You'll find very helpful people and she has all the good links on post #1. Enjoy!

Thank You, so very much, and I meant every word, you are THE BEST....
Thank you for taking the time to help me and answer all my questions

[delaney]

Took me a while to get back here. Thank you Kimmer for your response. I think I'll just relax and enjoy the feeling of not wanting to eat everything I can get my hands on. Thanks for all your help and patience.

[inatic]

Originally Posted by Kimmer

Synthroid, 325 mcg daily

OMG! Kimmer.. That is a LOT of sythoid. Looks as though you dont convert T4 to T3.. Wouldnt you be better of with some T3?

[iluvgreys]

If I take fiber supplements (4 grams fiber and sugar free-pure fiber carbs) do I need to count that in my carb total? I don't do net carbs but I am taking fiber because I know I am not getting 25 g a day with my 3 cups of salad. Do you worry about that? Can fiber be slowing down weight loss? I have been doing epsom salts but is this a safe way to clean yourself out while I am not taking fiber? Can I (should I) take the salts each day? Wow that was a lot of questions! One more LOL-Did (do) you have trouble with appetite during TOM? I always goof up during this time snitching bites of this and that from my kids meals which spells disaster for me and my cravings. I HATE TOM! He needs to go away.....

Thanks Kimmer!

[cristaljoy]

hey kimmer

do you think it's an ok idea to break a short 5 day fast with two small salads and an advantage shake, half in the morning, and half at night?

i know its best to go with just veggies, but i want to stay in ketosis, and after i fast i generally crave fruit and fruit juices

thanks

[vickyraebrown]

Originally Posted by Brigid80

Hi Kimmer,
I have been reading this thread everyday and find the information so interesting. You have inspired me to use fitday.com everyday and after just a few days I can see where I can make a few changes.
I just wanted to ask because I have always found this confusing- In Australia 1 cup is approximately 250ml when the term cup is used are you referring to an 8oz cup? I have a measuring cup at home that has mls & oz on it so I just wanted to find out if I used this cup would I be measuring correctly?
I have realized to day that really my goal is not that far away and I can do it if I just get serious about it!
Thanks for your help Kimmer. Have a great day!
Brigid

Haha...me to. I'm in Canada so everything that is sold in here is measured in grams and milileters and such. I prefer to use ounces, and that is what fitday uses as well...so I just weigh my food, write down the # of grams, and then use a free conversion calculator online to convert it for me. It's really easy. Do a google search for " convert grams to oz". I always use the first hit.
Simple!