Wendy Chant Code Crackers Week of July 28, '08

[Savannah]

Very happily reporting a loss of 11 lbs for week 1 I so much enjoyed the power oats today!!!! forgot to have #2 meal until lunch time!!! I love forgetting about eating I do have to be careful though because if I skip or go too long then trouble so it's good to do the every 3-4 hr thing.

to all new to the thread & WOE It is Great!!! I have so much energy & also realized I have not been taking my vitamin, but still feel full of energy!! One of the best things is no cravings for sweets either. I'm a big sugar fiend. I have given up most aftificial sweetners except for some Davinci SF syrups in my coffee. Also kicked the diet coke habit

I'm following the sample menu for today from the book except having chicken
instead of tuna & steak.
I never got around to measuring , but I use smaller clothes as a guide

Hope everyone has a great day where ever you are. It's 105 here, I'm at work & the AC is not working

[kelley17]

Michelle - thanks I love deviled eggs and they will be a nice snack. I'm boiling my eggs now.

[flintchick]

To all on week 2: Is it just me or do you feel "revved up"? I can just feel my metabolism firing away! I started day 8 yesterday to adjust for my"d" day, so this is day 2 for a carb for me. It's unreal! I had lost my appetite, but it's back.. every 3-4 hours like clockwork.

[wildcat1842]

Just checking in over here! I am one week 1, day 1!

Beth- I am sorry to hear about your ex. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

OMG, I used to LOVE Rick Springfield! He's coming in concert here in October. I would love to go, but can't find anyone to come with me!

All this info is so overwhelming, and I just want to thank all of you for being so patient and helpful! I feel like I need to read the book 5 times before I really get it

I bought the protein powder from WalMart. It's Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein. Has anyone tried this? It was pretty cheap (about $13). 2gm fat, 2gm sugars (too high, I know), and 26gm protein per 1 scoop. So the sugars and protein is high, but I was desperate to find something. I didn't want to wait and order the Jay Robb stuff. Has anyone ever tried this brand?

[sarab118]

Hi everyone. Today is my first day on Crack the Fat Loss Code and I would like to join the challenge. I read most of the book and the article in First Magazine. Unfortunately, I was on vacation and knowing I was starting today, I really ate everything I wanted and drank a lot of cocktails during the last 9 days. I hope I do not gain weight in the next couple of days. I am very excited about being involved with so many people that are doing the same thing.

Sara

Sara

[Lovewins]

Flintchick-
Don't think I'm a freak, but last week (my week 2), after I had my roast beef sub and chips.. I felt my eyesight getting clearer. Then when I had my high carb meal 3 hrs after that, my eyes did it again. I think it sends blood a'rushin' all over. I felt FABULOUS with the baseline days- didn't feel like an deprivation at all. Last week was a total breeze and simply felt like normal, clean eating. Add exercise and I thought I could conquer the world!
Hope you all enjoy it the way I did!!

Lisa

[Lovewins]

Sara,

I did the same thing. Lots of vacation eating and drinking where happy hour starts somewhere Wednesday afternoon and ends Tuesday night! You'll be fine- just follow the plan without a single waver. It's only 7 days and TOTALLY worth it!!

Lisa

[Mischief1]

Hi Sara and . We are open to any and all no matter when you start! Ask all the questions you have.

Wildcat, glad to see you on this thread, just posted a response to you on the other one and also suggested you come over to this one.

I also bought the Fortress protein at Walmart - mainly due to the price. I find it palatable (sp?), but not drop dead delicious. If you use it with CL orange or similiar you will probably enjoy it more. It does do the trick. I figure if 2 scoops are 3 carbs, then the 1 scoop can only be 1.5, not the 2 on the container. So that is how I am counting it.

I have decided to repeat Week 1 so am Day 1 (again). I loss less than 2 pounds but my diabetes and medications could have had an influence. I am trying to make sure I really stick to it and don't do any tweeking this week. Drink my coffee black, etc.

Connie

[Lovewins]

Ya, know? I'd like to see everyones faces. we keep seeing Mary's bright and shiny grin- I think we all should...?..???
anyone else..?

[sarab118]

Thank you for your replies. I do have a question regarding the portion size. The book says eat portions the size of you fist, but then says to have a large salad. Does the salad not count in size if it is just lettuce and cucumbers?

Also, does anyone make the protein shake at work without a blender? Thanks.

[JeannaKay]

Hi gals!

I am back from the dead. My older son and I had the FLU. The freakin' FLU! In (almost) August! WTH?! So, I had carbed depleted Monday - Thursday, but when I got sick, I totally lost it. I was throwing up, and didn't eat alot, then when I did, it was crap, mainly high carb stuff. Anyway, repeating carb deplete, started this morning, going great. It actually feels better, because I know what to expect with my body.

I had some pretty "severe" carb deplete symptoms - dizzy, nauseated, starving, cravings, constipation, and what I call the "protein stink." If you're one of those people who can smell onions or garlic on someones skin for days after they eat it (or you eat it), then you probably know the protein stink! I can just smell it through my skin. It was nauseating. Isn't that weird?

Anyway, we (older son and I) are still home today, but are going back to work and school tomorrow. I am behind at work, and it will be nice to not have to worry with food. I'll have all my meals packed, and won't have time to really run out anyway, so it will make life easier in alot of ways. No temptation!

I read through all 26 pages of the other (I had stopped on 15), so I am 'caught' up. A few comments / questions....

First - is this the only thread we are posting on? Just making sure. I don't visit the other threads on here, am only on here for this forum / thread, and don't want to miss anything.

Second - I know peanut butter has been discussed. Let me tell you about a great product - it's called PB2. You can research it, and order, at Bell Plantation - PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter - Home. It is basically, a powdered peanut butter, that is very low in fat, calories, and of course, carbs. You can have about 8 TIMES the amount you would normally have for the same calories. You take the powder, and mix it with water, one serving at a time. Let me tell you, I am a picky eater, and thought this would be disgusting. But, peanut butter helps me get through alot of cravings. So, I ordered it. (I think it's 3.99 a bottle, but you do have to get a 4 pack - they do offer a refund on the unused 3 if you don't like it). The first time I whipped it up I was blown away! My sons both LOVED it, and the little serving I had made was gone in seconds. They wanted more. It tastes very roasted, but not all fatty like regular peanut butter. (Also, I was using organic before, natural, and hated stirring it all the time). If you are a peanut butter lover, you should try it!

Third - protein powders. Again, I'm picky. I haven't tried the J Robb stuff, hadn't heard of it until this thread. I am going to keep an eye out. I tried a ton of other powders, and have found that Gold Standard is the best for me. It is very fine powders, and mixes awesome. Whey does have a distinct taste, but the taste is mild. I love the double chocolate, and don't even use a mixer / blender - I just stir it. If I'm at work, I will mix it and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then stir again, and all the little bitty particles that float on the top mix in and it's completely smooth. It's also not thick - it's a very thin protein powder (whey). Read on for my other epiphany......

Lastly - cereal. CEREAL! I am a cereal-0-holic as well. I have been doing Body for Life and haven't had great results, mainly because the eating plan is just too strict for me, and I end up cheating. Anyway - I tried for a long time to find a solution to a very common cereal craving, and finally did. I use Smart Start, because I don't really care for Kashi cereals that much. But, I take Gold Standard Whey, Vanilla Ice Cream flavor, and mix it in milk. Again, I let it sit, then stir again, and pour it over my cereal. It gives me the protein I need, and the carbs from the cereal. You could use water as well to mix it, and decrease the carb count more, but like Mary says, we aren't counting carbs past week 1 anyway. Just an idea for those who may want to experiment after week 1!

Okay, otherwise, I just wanted to mention, Mary keeps "harping" (her word) on no counting carbs - but she is soooo right! This is NOT Atkins! Remember the carb deplete is only the first week.

But, saying that, I also wanted to point out, that carbs should be kept (all portions) in the hand / fist method. This is a common way to judge portions, so we should all be familiar with it.

Okay, going to go glug some water - I have only gotten in three cups today. I'm behind!

Good luck everyone, and keep crackin!

Jeanna

[Kiley2801]

Hi ladies ! Woo Hoo--looks like everybody is continuing to rock-n-roll!

Mary thank you for starting this new thread -- the old one was feeling a bit overwhelming!

Flintchick, so sorry to hear about your ex, and that must be very, very rough for your daughter. I lost my mom in my early 20s too, so I know how distressing it can be to lose a parent at that age. ((hugs))

Today, I have come to seek you ladies wise advice. Just a little background --I was pretty good last week during Week One last week, was feeling good, stomach feeling less bloat-y, etc.. Wasn't even craving carbs or sugar.

Well, Sunday night was supposed to be last day of the Carb Deplete Week. I went out to dinner to celebrate one of my girlfriends' new condo purchase and promotion at work. Let's just say one glass of wine, led to 1.5 glasses of wine -- which led to a frozen margarita, chips and salsa, and then 2 beef fajitas on soft flour tortillas with cheese, sour cream, etc. Oh and some rice on the side.

So yea--- carb overload!! (My body was NOT happy with me this a.m. either!)

So my question is --- do you think I should just suck it up and re-do Week one, or should I continue on to Week 2? One other factor to consider is that my book finally arrived on Saturday, too, and after finally getting to see the menu plans, I am seeing I may have overdone it with the veggie carbs a bit on week one, too - but couldn't have been my too much.

I have approximately 15-20 pounds total I want to lose, so I my gut instinct is that because I don't have a significant amount to lose, I need to be really strict with the plan -- meaning that I should re-do Week one.

But any insight would be really fantastic. Thank you soooo much and congratulations once again to all you big "losers"!!

[jabswifeforever]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]Alright ppl another very horrible day =ME but I made it thru without stuffing my face and just eating servings I am on week 2 day 5. So YAY I get an up day tomorrow. Here's my issue. If I walk home from work 3 times a week is that enough exercise to earn me the 2 carb meals tomorrow? I hate exercising and walking home is tough enough. I am still going to enjoy that sub tomorrow after the 2 really horrible days I have had I need it and I cant wait to have chicken alfredo. With that said, glad to see you all are doing well so far on week 2 I told you, you could do it. [/COLOR]

[wildcat1842]

Jeanna- Where do you get the Gold Standard powder, and do you mind me asking the cost?

Does anyone use a digital food scale? I just bought a regular one yesterday and it doesn't seem to be right. I'm wondering if I should splurge on the digital?

[jabswifeforever]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]I JUST WANTED TO THANK EVERYONE THAT HAS HELPED ME OUT SO FAR ESPECIALLY MARY MC SHE HAS BEEN SUCH A WONDERFUL HELP NO MATTER HOW STUPID MY QUESTION HAS BEEN. SO THANK YOU MARY AND EVERYONE EVER SO MUCH. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]With that said I am dealing with a lot lately so I am sorry if I sound like a GROUCH (as Jason puts it) I am fed up with lots of things, especially my medication not working. I feel like I am on a ROLERCOASTER of emotions that I can get off or shake off so to speak. I have delt with this kinda feeling since I was 17 so you think I would be used to it *shakes head* I dont think I will ever get used to it. Didn't help that today I could barely focus at work and I kept screwing up everything. Sorry ppl just had to vent to someone been holding that in all day.[/COLOR]

[flintchick]

Kiley, Somewhere in the book, I think towards the back it says if you need to restart, you don't really need to do the complete 7 days. I would just probably do a day or two of deplete, then jump into week 2. But on the otherhand, it says is you mess up, just do a carb down day the next day. Well week 2 starts with 2 carb down days. So, I guess it's up to you... If it were me, I would do at least one deplete day then jump to week 2.

Jabswife: Sorry you are having a rough week Life is so stressful nowdays with the economy like it is and all.

To everyone: Thanks for all of your prayers and comforting advice. I'm not sure what to expect, I'll just have to be there for my daughter.

Dimples: I hope your hubby is okay. I wish you two the best.

[marymc]

Wow, ya'll have sure been busy without me!!!

Rick Springfield ... yeah I remember when he was on Oprah and he did look good! This morning, well let's just say you can tell he aint' exactly a morning person! You could see his age around his eyes, but heck ... he still looks good to me! And he sounds the same.

On the salad dressings ... I just want to throw out a caution to those of you on Week 1 about using prepared salad dressings. Often, even when they look low carb, they are loaded with sugar and corn syrup! So on Week 1 since one of the main purposes of Carb Deplete is to rid the body of sugar, if it were me, I'd steer clear of bottled dressings. It really could affect your losses. But if you use it, or any prepared product at all really, be sure to check the label ingredients, even if you think it's "low carb." Sometimes there are sugars lurking even in sugar free products!!! I don't use Cool Whip generally - prefer to use real cream myself - BUT, if you look at the ingredients on the SF Cool Whip, you will see corn syrup!!?? So just be careful of little things like that - even when you think it's low carb, check the ingredients for sugars!!

Dancinchef, sorry Week 1 was rough for you! I really think that eating was the key for me - I ate every 3 hours and did 6 meals almost every day - might have missed 1 day. If I was gonna be on the run I brought food with me. Also I truly believe that having a food scale was a major benefit for me because otherwise I would have under ate on my protein definitely. Apparently my eyeballing doesn't work so great. I think that kept my hunger in check, I was satisfied all the time, didn't think about food, didn't crave anything, could have cared less about sweets and I felt awesome once that initial headache and tiredness passed. Oh and don't know if that was a typo in your post but if you're in Week 2, you're actually in Cycle 2 - the Macro-Patterning Cycle, which is Weeks 2 - 4!! I guess Wendy gave Week 1 it's own cycle.

Lianne I did catch your post at the end there. Just keep venting all you want hon and NO question is a stupid question. We are all in this learning process. Not to say this is what you meant, but someone very close to me has to deal with an emotional disorder and getting the meds just right takes a lot of trial and error sometimes. Just keep your doctor posted on how you do so that they know how to adjust. You would be a great candidate to keep a journal or diary - both for your weight loss journey and just life in general, but even to document how your meds are working. This person I know has to take a combination of meds to keep things under control, but it took time to figure all that out.

Okay gotta catch up so back to reading...

[jabswifeforever]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]I used to keep a diary all the time but gave up a little while ago not even sure why. I just hate dealing with this mental illness thats all. Lately its been killing me.

I will be getting bloodwork done soon so this mess I hope will be solved asap before I go crazy again.

Thank you Mary, what you said makes a lot of sense. My mom just bought me the cutest diary I think I will start using it. Hey 22 isn't too old to keep one. Thank you so much again. Thank you too Beth.[/COLOR]

[marymc]

Jassy I may look into making my own bread, but it seems like a lot of ingredients to try to duplicate the Ezekiel. If you give the plain millet a try, let us know how it turns out!

Vicki so far as I know, plain meats, fish, chicken, turkey, seafood etc. has no carbs.

Lisa I know you didn't ask me, but I have done cycling before - just not this way of course - and I think the body's chemistry is so different for different people. After carbing up most people gain the next day, and have a big drop in two days. I generally had an immediate drop the next day of several pounds (never could figure that one out lol) and then a bigger gain the next, then a big drop on the 3rd day. It'll be interesting to me to see what happens on Wendy's Plan.

Savannah 11 pounds!!! Woohooooooo!!!! WTG! Fantastic!

Beth, I don't know that I feel revved up but I do feel really, really good today and full of energy. And happy! I feel very happy today as far as my mood. I didn't really feel any kind of change right after eating, it's just been an overall good feeling all day long.

Wildcat, I would LOVE to go to that concert ... sure wish I lived near you cuz I'd be there!! Haven't tried that protein powder.

Hi Sara!!!! to our group! Ask any questions you have!!! This is a fantastic group of ladies here.

Connie, we'll be here for you all the way you know!!! Hope you see a great loss this week!!

Okay, gotta go catch up on some more posts!

[marymc]

Use Wendy's count on the veggie list and limit the veggies where you have to count carbs. The lettuces, celery, cucumber, radishes count as zero, so basically you can have as much as you want of those, though you don't want to stuff, or overeat even those. At least that was my take.

Originally Posted by sarab118

Thank you for your replies. I do have a question regarding the portion size. The book says eat portions the size of you fist, but then says to have a large salad. Does the salad not count in size if it is just lettuce and cucumbers?

Also, does anyone make the protein shake at work without a blender? Thanks.

[JeannaKay]

Don't mind at all - I get the Gold Standard at GNC. It is about 28.99 for a smaller tub - so it's expensive. But, if it's what you will drink / eat - it's worth it. I would say - try to find a place online that sells smaller ones, (or maybe your GNC does) and get a smaller one to test it.

I have tried so many others, and they are all not so great in my opinion! Good luck!

Lianne - It seems that I have misread your posts and I apologize! I was under the impression that you were just a frustrated person, I was not aware that you had a mental illness you were dealing with. Depression / anger / anxiety are hard things to take, and I feel for you. Good for you for getting your blood work done and taking things under control. And diaries are never a bad thing! I keep one still.

[marymc]

Hi Jeanna sorry you and your son have both been sick ... that had to be rough! Glad you're on the mend though. Thanks for sharing about that PB - I had seen that product and wondered about it. Oh and there is another thread on the "Other Plans" but this one here is the primary one related to doing the 8-week program.

OH, AND GOOD POINT. Somebody asked earlier about that "fist sized" portion and I think that Wendy was probably talking more about carbs than anything. Of course use package guidelines everybody for your portion/servings sizes, but the fist size is a decent measure for starches too!!

Kiley, I figured with the activity it'd be a good idea to freshen up the thread every week! As far as starting over, that's gonna have to be a personal decision of course. I look at it logically ... you basically had your big Carb Up day a week early. Wendy does say you have to be strict in Week 1, or you undo the purpose of the Carb deplete and you would need to start over if you do carbs. Remember the Blueberry Pancake girl in the book? Even if you had stayed "clean" you would have been introducing those carbs very slowly over Week 2, and it would have been Saturday before you had the Carb Up day. So, if it were me, I'd want to deplete again just to get all that out of my system, clear the sugars, ditch the water weight, and get a clean start for going into Week 2 where you start to slowly re-introduce the starches back into your body. Just my thought on it.

Wildcat, my food scale is digital and I love it! I started to buy the regular kind, but talked myself into the digital instead. Can't give a comparison, but the digital I really like. I'm lazy... didn't want to have to figure anything out - I wanted it to TELL me exactly LOL.... So easy!

[Marty Sweetness]

Week 3 Day 1 – Baseline Day

So far I feel better. I have found anyway to exercise. I have a pool so swimming has been been great. Im sore in places I didn’t know I had. Lol

Here are some recommendations as far as food goes.

Albertsons has prepackaged frozen 1 serv of fish whether tilapia, salmon or cod. There are no more then 2 bucks and can u can find them on sale for a buck sometimes. When they are on sale. I stalk up!!

Smart and Final has premade salmon burgers. No carbs!!! A bag of 8 I think was 12 bucks. For me I just out one in the broiler with seafood seasoning and it’s delish!! And they are 4 oz each and very filling!!!

Also grilling and slow roasting veggies make a dif in taste. I love them both …try grilling broccoli, its better then I imagined!!!

You can also make your own whipped cream by using heavy cream and splenda and for good exercise ..whip it yourself with a whisk!! Lol or use a beater

And I suggest a while ago a great website for recipes called recipezaar.com. They have everything with the nutritional value of every recipe. I go by this cause I am a food snob. I cook very well and sometimes food needs a little work up and I go here to find what I need. This way I watch ..fat ..carbs ..proteins ..everything!!! =)

Today I did have Special K and Protein Cereal mixed with Milk of course.
Snack was devil eggs!!! Love those!!
Lunch was Mango Chipole salmon and salad with Ezekiel Bread
Snack is a small apple and cheese. That’s I have at the moment =(
Dinner will be chicken and broccoli

I haven’t weight myself as I am afraid!!!

[wildcat1842]

Thanks Jeanna and Mary! I had the digital scale in my hand. I knew I should have bought that one!

[marymc]

LOL... I did the same thing! I picked one up, put it down, picked up the other, put it down, picked the first one back up ... did that game for awhile cuz the digital was so much more expensive but then I figured it really was probably the best way to go, put it in the cart and took off before I played that game any longer!

Originally Posted by wildcat1842

Thanks Jeanna and Mary! I had the digital scale in my hand. I knew I should have bought that one!

[marymc]

Great tips!!!!

Ya know... don't worry about the scale. If you are working the plan, it's bound to work. Go by how you feel, how your clothes fit - you'll know. I forgot to take measurements when I started, but today when I went to the store I felt like my shorts were gonna fall off of me. I feel lighter! I know it's working!

Jealous... so wish I had a pool!!!

Originally Posted by Marty Sweetness

Week 3 Day 1 – Baseline Day

So far I feel better. I have found anyway to exercise. I have a pool so swimming has been been great. Im sore in places I didn’t know I had. Lol

Here are some recommendations as far as food goes.

Albertsons has prepackaged frozen 1 serv of fish whether tilapia, salmon or cod. There are no more then 2 bucks and can u can find them on sale for a buck sometimes. When they are on sale. I stalk up!!

Smart and Final has premade salmon burgers. No carbs!!! A bag of 8 I think was 12 bucks. For me I just out one in the broiler with seafood seasoning and it’s delish!! And they are 4 oz each and very filling!!!

Also grilling and slow roasting veggies make a dif in taste. I love them both …try grilling broccoli, its better then I imagined!!!

You can also make your own whipped cream by using heavy cream and splenda and for good exercise ..whip it yourself with a whisk!! Lol or use a beater

And I suggest a while ago a great website for recipes called recipezaar.com. They have everything with the nutritional value of every recipe. I go by this cause I am a food snob. I cook very well and sometimes food needs a little work up and I go here to find what I need. This way I watch ..fat ..carbs ..proteins ..everything!!! =)

Today I did have Special K and Protein Cereal mixed with Milk of course.
Snack was devil eggs!!! Love those!!
Lunch was Mango Chipole salmon and salad with Ezekiel Bread
Snack is a small apple and cheese. That’s I have at the moment =(
Dinner will be chicken and broccoli

I haven’t weight myself as I am afraid!!!

[JeannaKay]

You know, I am "salmon shy". I had it in cans when I was little, and HATED it. But, truth be told, I hated cottage cheese too and now love it!

Is it 'fishy'? I am thinking of giving it another shot, especially as an easy lunch meal....

[imaloser2]

Thank you all you ladies for you helpfulness! I looked over the book and did not find anything about the carbs in the meats, that is why I turned to you all! I did not count them.

Thank you for the answer to the crystal lite! I think I will pick up some of the other flavors and experiment! I know I will with the organe flavor!!!

Thanks again!
Vicki

[jabswifeforever]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]Thank you Jenna. No worries. I thank you for saying all that I feel better[/COLOR]

[Lovewins]

you all may laugh but I use my dial postage scale $28 , and its very accurate. Let me know when I can ship you some turkey!!!

Lisa