30 day binge free challenge

[Doxymom]

Cici, so fantastic about your not smoking!!! How smart to use the cut straws! KUTGW!!!!!

[Biochic]

Originally Posted by jeaniem

750 mgs!! Mine only have 125mg. per tablet.

Hi Jeanie-
google GABA dosage. You may need to take more than 1 tablet more than once a day. I chose to get it all in at once

[Biochic]

Hello everyone-
Cici. great job w/ not cigs!

Jeanie. GABA can make you drowsy so taking it at night is a good option.

Meg. Welcome. We are all the same for whatever reason. These binge episodes seem to have a similar pattern. Running into a friend at the local supermarket is sooo embarrassing when I have 2 frozen pizzas and 2 pints of ice cream and bags of chips ugh!

Brandi. How's it going girl? Business ok?

Dawn. Keep swinging by. Good to "see you"

Shirl. One slip in 11 days is pretty darn good!


Heading home tomorrow. I'll be glad to get back into my non vacation routine.

[shirlc]

Originally Posted by cici52

I haven't reached total health yet, but am feeling good enough that I dared quit smoking (cold turkey) and it has been 4 full days since I smoked my last and only minor desire to smoke which I have quieted by sucking air through a straw cut to cig length. Oddly, my nervous eating has dropped somewhat during this time. I have been eating at maintenance level, trying to pack in lots of nutrition and trying to drink more water which is my downfall. Five days since I went above mainenance level which is where I called my last binge.

Cici, so happy for you that quitting smoking is going well!

When I quit, I told myself that someday I would feel so totally good about being a non-smoker. And that has certainly been true...for over 35 years!!!

[Elaine05]

Originally Posted by jeaniem

Well if there is such thing as hitting bottom I think I have done so. I had yet another terrible binge last night and slept poorly as a result, when my alarm went off I felt so hopeless and depressed I did not want to get out of bed. I laid there so long I ended up rushing and driving too fast to get to work on time. I was in a foul mood all day and then took out my anger/frustration on my DH when I got home. I cried and called myself old and fat and proceeded to wipe the contents of the coffee table onto the floor in a rage. I then went and stood in a hot shower and cried it out. I absolutely must get in control of eating and feel like today has been a turning point- I have never felt this sad or desperate before concerning my eating. It is not so much about the weight gain as it is the powerlessness I felt over the situation. I used the word felt not feel because I feel like I can finally stop this destructive behavior now.

You should probably seriously consider seeing a doctor for depression. Depression can cause compulsive eating, sleep troubles, and even the explosive tempers and certainly that feeling you have of being overwhelmed by life. It honestly sounds as if the chemicals in your brain are out of whack. Depression isn't about being "sad" it is about being overwhelmed. I've been there and done that. I've been taking Wellbutrine for years because every time I go off the cycle starts again. Found out lately my younger brother has been taking it too and it works well for him also. I guess it is a family thing.
You often have to hit rock bottom to get the courage to talk to someone but you just sound so much like me that I wanted to suggest that you might want to talk to a doctor. there are things that can help when you are so overwhelmed. And they are not tranquilizers or anything like that. You don't actually feel any different, you just are not so overwhelmed. It can' hurt to try and it might make all the difference in the world.

[jeaniem]

Everyone in my family, is mentally off in some way, except for one sister! I take wellbutrin now and have tried multiple ssri's only to become numb emotionally, which is not a good thing either. The ssri's have in the past stopped by binge eating, but after a couple of months it stops working. My mom and one of my sisters have tried to commit suicide in the past, so I do try to be vigilant in monitoring that I do not get too low.Anyway since the rage I have been binge free, and for the most part content.

[cici52]

So relieved you are in a better frame of mind, Jeanie. Kudos on the several good days.

[Phranquie]

I am doing okay here in London although as typical when I travel I am eating a bit too much, not a lot, just more than I eat at home since I am out of my routine. I may end up skipping one meal a day to balance it out. I will see how this goes but I do not want to feel deprived as that can cause me to feel bingey.

Food here is very carby, high caloric and heavy. I always thought it was the US that had super big portions of food but they have them here too. I take advantage of eating appetizer portions when I can but since I do not always choose the restaurant I have had to eat "pub" food several times.

I have also noticed that the English population is definitely getting much fatter than the last time I was here several years ago. I am not nearly the fattest person in any public place I go. The number of obese people is markedly changed. I am guessing there are many reasons not the least of which is the food and portions.

[shirlc]

Start - 2/10/13


2/10-2/23 - 13 days binge free and 1 NOT



Jeanie...really glad for you that you are feeling better!!!

[cici52]

6 days nicotine and binge free.

[Doxymom]

Jeanie, stay strong, and so glad you're doing better.

Cici, WooHoo!!!

Lisa, Safe trip home, and thanks for asking about my biz, here goes:

This week has been really draining. My first day I was so nervous that my clients wouldn't like a private home setting. (don't get me wrong, I am not doing nails at the dinner table, I have built a really nice, professional nail studio), but you never know. So after day 1 having nothing but a positive response, I calmed down and the week went great, professionally. What I didn't realize was how drained I really was. Yesterday after work I got my hair done and FELL ASLEEP in the chair! Well, something else I have noticed this week, is that my portions are creeping up. No binges, not even close (19 days binge free), no carbs at all, in ketosis, but I gained a pound. I have 20 or so to lose and I have given myself the incredibly realistic goal of 1 pound per week, so this is distressing. So I guess I need to start a more structured plan. Brandi's diet got me fat so I guess I need to admit that trying to be in control (as far as diet) isn't working. So maybe you all can help me with something. Is anyone finding that they need to watch the fat as well as the carbs? I have allowed myself unlimited fat and I am thinking it is way too much. Years ago on one of my many, many diets I ate 20 grams of fat per day (I also exercised 3+ hours daily--ah, youth) and was skinny, skinny, skinny. I realize that keeping my carbs to 30-50 grams and fat at 20 is crazy, but do any of you have suggestions of a fat gram amount that would be good? Please Help!

[cici52]

Brandi, the current science is toward limiting protein instead of fat but making sure your fats are saturated or monounsaturated instead of polyunsaturated. Based on these authors, most people consume far too much protein. There are some different calculations depending on who's talking but it seems the recommendations are coming in between 15% of calorie needs if you are getting sufficient carbs, and 25% of your calories on a very low carb diet. Excess protein is converted to glucose so if the diet is deficient in carbs, protein needs are increased to meet the need. Once you establish your protein number and add your carb number, the balance should be fat up to however many calories you consume daily.

Below 10% protein, people naturally gravitate toward consuming more calories.

[Doxymom]

Ok Cici, I haven't been limiting protein either. I can only imagine how many calories I have been eating. So are you saying 15-25% fat? Or 15-25% protein? Also, how do I figure out the amount of protein I am supposed to have?

[cici52]

Originally Posted by Doxymom

Ok Cici, I haven't been limiting protein either. I can only imagine how many calories I have been eating. So are you saying 15-25% fat? Or 15-25% protein? Also, how do I figure out the amount of protein I am supposed to have?

You probably need to start at 25% protein since you are very low carb. Go to a calorie calculator (there is one in the tools area of this website.). Plug in your GOAL weight and other needed info choose calories to maintain. Take that amount of calories and divide by 4 to get 25%. That will be your max and starting place for protein calories to maintain your lean body mass. Although you would adjust this downward toward 15% as you add more carbs to the mix, the protein for your specific body needs won't change much as you lose or gain weight. Even adding muscle does not increase needs significantly. Divide the protein calories by 4 to get grams.

Example: If I was very low carb.
Calories
I am 60 yo. 5"7",Goal weight 157, Calories to maintain goal weight just under 1800 if I am sedentary according to calculator in Tools.

Protein
1800 x .25 = 450 calories of protein (the safe level for very low carb)
450calories divided by 4calories per gram =112 grams protein.

Carbs
Say I set my carbs at less than 30g/day,
30x4=120calories.

Fat
1800-450-120 = 1230
1230/9 = 137 fat grams
This is to maintain the goal weight body. It should be a small calorie deficit from my current weight so should promote slow weight loss. To speed weight loss, cut fat a little. Protein only goes down if carbs go up.

[Doxymom]

Cici, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
According to the formula for me to lose 1 pound/wk this is what I need:

1299 total calories

Which breaks down to :

81g protein
30g carbs
95g fat

Much more fat than I would have thought. I think I have been way overdoing the protein, not fat. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to set me straight!

[cici52]

Hope it turns out to be your sweet spot.

Today was the hardest day this week buy got through it okay. Si.ce I have been eating at maintenance for a while, decided to shake things up for a few dsys and see if I can lose a few pounds. That starts tomorrow.

[shirlc]

Start - 2/10/13


2/10-2/24 - 13 days binge free and 2 NOT


Well, I blew it yesterday...was sooo hungry and made dinner for company, too. It wasn't real bad, but I hate it when I do that. It seems like I am either totally adhering to my woe or totally off course.

[cici52]

Well, Shirl, at least you are back on track today. Yes?

[Biochic]

Hi shirl
I know what you mean. I'm the same way and lately I am feeling the urge to go off course. Difficult travel day yesterday and feeling sorry for myself being back in NY while my DH is still in sunny fla. I have not indulged but the urge is stronger than it has been in a long time.

[shirlc]

Start - 2/10/13


2/10-2/25 - 14 days binge free and 2 NOT



Yes, I am back on track!

[cici52]

Day 9 and strange day here.

So yesterday I did a potato hack. It went okay and I lost a pound but along with some minor blood sugar bouncing yesterday, today I began to feel unwell and very emotional. So after my breakfast potato, I decided back to PHD and added eggs before running off to Bible study. Well there must have been something in the air because about half of us were weeping on and off as we were soaking up the love and sharing. After BS I went shopping. I needed dish soap. I picked up several allowed special treat items before finding myself circling the baked goods, felt so sad and wanted something so bad that I actually started crying because I didn't dare have even one. People must have thought I was nuts. I picked up some more legal treats and thought about sitting down and eating one thing after another. It was sometime on my way home when I came out of it and realized I could have all that stuff in the house and not binge. Like my mother always has a nice variety of treats on hand in case company drops in. She doesn't need to eat it because it is there but knows when it is the right time for a treat, she is prepared. So, I came home, put everything away, had a normal lunch and found sanity knowing that everything in the house is healthy and falls into the catagory of abundant blessing.

[cici52]

Or not.

[Biochic]

Rut Ro Cici. What happened??? Looked like things were going well.

Tomorrow is another day

[cici52]

Seems like every time I think I got this, I fall on my face.

[Biochic]

Originally Posted by cici52

Seems like every time I think I got this, I fall on my face.

I understand. I think it is similar to sddiction in that we never really have it totally conquered. It is always lurking; waiting for a moment of weakness to occur. I'm not sure why that is.

[shirlc]

Start - 2/10/13


2/10-2/26 - 15 days binge free and 2 NOT

[shirlc]

Originally Posted by cici52

Well there must have been something in the air because about half of us were weeping on and off as we were soaking up the love and sharing.

I had a weepy day yesterday, too, but for a different reason! I was reading a novel by James Patterson, "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas." I couldn't stop reading and crying. When DH came home after work, I shut myself in the bathroom for a while so he couldn't see how red my eyes were! After I told him and my stepdaughter (who is staying here a few days) about it, we all got a good laugh.

I'm housebound these days because I had two hammer toes straightened and am wearing a surgical shoe. Not being able to get out except when DH takes me somewhere (so far only for grocery shopping and church), is driving me mad! I hope when I see the doctor today that he will tell me I can drive again.

[Doxymom]

Well, I blew it. *sigh* Sunday night a relative from out of town showed up unexpectedly. He took DH and I to dinner and of course I couldn't eat LC in front of him and with all the wonderful restaurant choices. (EXCUSE). Of course I would have one meal and be right back on track. (DENIAL) Monday I was craving all kinds of things and although I made LC dinner, I ate waaaaaaay more than I should have. But it was low carb so technically I was still OK. (LIE). Then yesterday, one of my clients, coming to my new studio brought me a gift of amazing cookies from a local gourmet bakery. It would be rude to not eat them. (RATIONALIZATION) I won't eat that many, I will share them with DH and only have a couple (YEAH, RIGHT).
So after consuming the vast majority of the cookies, (after eating a LC dinner, what a joke) I naturally needed to eat a bunch of nuts mixed with chocolate chips, (sugar free chocolate chips, so that makes it ok) oh, and then of course I was compelled to make garlic bread. Cause they go together, chocolate and garlic bread, everybody knows that.
So here I am, back at day 1. But of course, I am already planning my next "treat". My anniversary is in a couple weeks, and every year since we've been married, DH orders a top of our wedding cake from the same bakery. (He 's already ordered it, I asked) Best cake I have ever had, so I must have just 1 little piece (DENIAL, LIE, EXCUSE, RATIONALIZATION). Why oh Why can't I just eat like a normal person? (Poor me, I am cursed. I know! A cupcake will make me feel so much better!) *SIGH*

[cici52]

Misery loves company. And it has been pretty quiet around here.

You know, sometimes I think we are not really so abnormal in that most people will majorly overeat on occasion. But after the occasion they go back to normal or lighter eating until the next occasion and balance it out. We tend to extend the eating beyond the occasion, and beyond the pleasure. I think sometimes the "I blew it, might as well..." thinking keeps us going. If only we could think "That hit the spot but I better get right back to plan." Wish "IT" really would hit the spot.

If some others are lurking because of a bad couple days, well, let's all just get back on the wagon and head on down the road to recovery.

[Portia]

Cici and Doxy, it sounds like we have all fallen down, but we KNOW the trick is to get right back on plan and start the cycle again.

Don't give up!

I am not giving up.