2013-The Year of the Skinny Honey Badgers!

[Phranquie]

I had a good day yesterday with no obligations to anyone but the dogs who wanted to be fed and to play, but mostly they wanted to snuggle.

KT- I had read up on the potato hack last week. From what I read it is very popular with the paleo crowd. I hope this is something that works for you. Happy spudding!

Amber- I eat lower calories and a higher carb percentage than most people. It just works for where I am in life with poor thyroid function and a tanked metabolism and being in early menopause. As I get leaner I may have to change, but for now it is working well for me. I do indulge in small portions of forbidden carbs, I just do not overdo it or have them every day. I plan for them or if I have not met my carb limit for the day then I can indulge.

Jayce- I hope your day gets better.

Cindy- Feel better!

[Velvet]

Oh I love snuggling with the dog. Today I got permission from by boss to bring the dog to work one day a week. That will make his day, he always looks so sad when we leave for work.

I do not count callories, just carbs. I would go insane if I had to count callories aswell!

[Jayce]

Thank you, Phranquie! I am so ready to leave work...lol.

[amazinggrace911]

Thank you for the welcome!!

I ate off plan tonight. DD made sugar cookies and I ate a couple before I realized it. Going to do IF tonight then. I like doing it a couple days a week. With working night shift my eating schedule is kind of crazy anyway.

Can't stop yawning right now. I'm glad tonight is my Friday. Then I have the next three nights off. Yahoo!!

Nighty night!

[Bejewelme]

KT_ You just mention that and this was in my inbox
Many people think they need to avoid foods like white potatoes
in order to burn belly-fat or lose-weight.

After all, they have a high glycemic index, which means they can
spike insulin and potentially take your body out of a fat-burning
environment.

Additionally, they're high in complex carbohydrates so people
automatically assume they need to be avoided.

However, if you're consistently using higher intensity exercise
you should NOT be afraid of this all-natural starchy carb.

Believe it or not, potatoes can actually be one of the best foods
to eat for long term fat-loss.

Here are 3 dirty little fat-burning secrets about that you probably
NEVER knew about potatoes.

#1: They fuel Glycolysis.

All natural white starches, like potatoes, contain the purest glucose molecules
that fuel our "anaerobic" activity. So if you're using intervals, intense weight
training, or ANY type of high intensity metabolic circuits, potatoes can help fuel
a VERY important process called glycolysis.

This will fuel your body's ability to more "efficiently" use other carbohydrates
as energy and enhances the production of ATP (our bodies' primary energy source).

#2: They replenish glycogen and help reset our fat burning hormones

If you constantly keep your carbs low, it will only take about 72 hours to drain
glycogen levels (the energy stored inside your muscles and liver).

This is a great short term approach for fat-loss, but it can put you in a "trick bag"
because you'll suppress your fat burning hormones, which will put the brakes
on your fat loss.

So by regularly consuming all-natural white starches, you'll help reset the fat-burning
hormones that keep your metabolism "happy".

Additionally, you'll replenish depleted glycogen levels to sustain you with adequate
energy for your workouts and living everyday life.

#3: They help promote an "anabolic" environment

When you engage in regular high intensity exercise sessions your body can release
more stress hormones (cortisol) and tend to go into a catabolic state.

This can cause you to lose precious muscle tissue and slow down your
metabolism (i.e. Metabolic Slowdown).

But if you're eating more all natural white starches, you'll keep your metabolism
humming along and prevent muscle loss by keeping your body in an "anabolic"
environment. This is often referred to as anabolism.

Now you can probably see why I personally prefer "white"
starches, like potatoes, after my workouts.

They come straight from nature and contain the purest starch
and glucose polymers our bodies need to fuel anaerobic activity.

ALL of this will help you speed up recovery, control your
hormones, and improve your insulin sensitivity.

Also, many times the pure amylopectin starch found in the white
stuff is less problematic than a starch containing gluten or lectins
that you get from whole grain / whole wheat foods.

Another solid reason to eliminate processed grains and go
with the all-natural "white stuff" if you exercise.

All of this means one thing; potatoes can help you increase
fat burning and create a healthier metabolism.

Now I know you won't get this advice from Dr. Oz or your local
personal trainer, but this is what REAL nutrition is all about.

Just make sure you always combine starches with a lean animal
protein and try to eat them AFTER high intensity exercise so
they can work their metabolic magic during your post workout
window.

But remember, if you're sedentary the rules change.

I recommend you limit your intake of starchy carbs because
your metabolism simply doesn't need as much glucose.

However, you SHOULD be engaging in high intensity
workouts at least 4 or 5 days of the week.

And believe it or not, it doesn't take nearly as much time
as you think.

Even though trendy programs like P90X and Insanity are very
effective approaches, they consume a LOT of your time.

Here's one of the newest, science based methods that will
ensure your spuds go directly to your muscles...instead of
your belly.

And get this...

It only takes 90 minutes per week.

Best of all, it's specifically designed to help you naturally
release the hormones that can act as your "fountain of
youth":

==> 5 steps to looking 10 years younger in ONLY 90 minutes per week

Stay tuned. I'll be back tomorrow to reveal a few nasty,
"hidden" ingredients found in healthy foods that you need
to stop eating if you wanna keep your belly flat.

Most folks have never even heard of these nasty little
fat-storing buggers...and you're probably eating them
without even knowing it.


Hmm some merit to it!

Frankie- about how many carbs are you eating? And grams of protein? Maybe it is the working out or something but feeling like I need more carbs, and lower fat??

Lenise and I met doing Dukan,I was eating almost 200 carbs and losing eating less than 30 grams of fat so that works too, I hate this, never knowing what to eat!!!!!!

[Phranquie]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Frankie- about how many carbs are you eating? And grams of protein? Maybe it is the working out or something but feeling like I need more carbs, and lower fat??

I eat on average only 575 cals per day (per my food tracker that begins with "F" ,,,lol). Some days I eat more, some less, but the tracker says my average for 6 months is 575. I get between 50-60 g protein and my carbs are anywhere from 35-45g per day. I do not exercise right now. When I do start, I will need to seriously increase my protein and get much higher levels, but I have no idea how many more carbs I will need. I know that most people cannot sustain such a low calorie diet long term but it has helped me get ahold of binge eating and overeating. I know my body and it is doing good with this level and my mind is calm about food. I have also been doing a lot of work on emotional issues that typically drive me to eat mindlessly. Now I am more mindful of everything I put in my mouth. Some days I am hungrier so I eat more, some days I am not even thinking about food. I have been eating after 6pm most evenings during the work week and fasting during the day. This helps keeping the foods I eat to a minimum as I am full all evening long when I am relaxing and during my normal "snacky" time. On weekends when we go out I eat more and add in more carbs. I do have some french fries, tortilla chips and popcorn. I just eat small amounts and make sure they fit into my carb allowance for the day.

[Key Tones]

Interesting, Amber. What a coincidence. I've heard of one and two. I hadn't heard them called anabolics before. I do believe this works better for exercise! I tried biking with bananas last summer. I don't think that worked as well as potatoes!

Yes, I agree, our bodies are changing, no doubt. No one really understands what is happening to us. We are our own best experts! Not many people lose so much weight, much less in our 40s. We are rare birds indeed.

It's really awesome you have found a trainer that has done it and understands!

[Beebug123]

Interesting about the potatoes.

So, has anyone else made the tortillas with psyllium husks? I came across the recipe in the food section and decided to give it a try. I had cooked some chicken and salsa in the crockpot so the fam was having soft tacos and all the fixings so I decided to make the tortillas for myself. I only made enough to make one. The reviews were mixed so I was nervous to try it, but it was pretty good. Better than the whoopsies I have made before. Kinda nervous about all the dietary fiber all at once lol hopefully it won't be too rough on me ha!

[Bejewelme]

Frankie- dang woman! 575 calories a day? WOW, yeah I could never do that, I did the fat fast and the first 3 days of 1000 calories killed me, but then yo did get used to it, one thing that ticks me off is trainers, doctors, still swear by calories, and this board is the perfect example of what works for one and not others, it would be lovely if someone said eat exactly this and you will lose 2 pounds a week, but we all know it doesnt work that way!

KT- I have heard that the starches from potatos, rice etc are more effecient for training then even fruit, which is burned quickly, but most wheat products contain sugar and corn syrups making them less than ideal!

No kidding, we have lost over 100 pounds and I am in my mid 40's it is only getting harder! Bodies are really complicated machines!

[janetsbreeze]

I wish it were as easy as gaining the weight

[2f2f]

Happy Hump Day Honey Badgers!

[mama_2_3]

Very interesting about the potatoes - makes sense though. It would be nice to have a baked potato every so often.
Well my week is off to a crappy start. DH took my van to work yesterday since the heater isn't working in his car and it died. Had to tow it to a garage only to find out the repairs cost about $2000 more than the van is worth! So now we're scrambling around trying to find a new one in our price range, and having to drive a car with no heat. Nevermind the fact that the kids carseats don't all fit in the backseat.
On a good note, I DO a new van

[Phranquie]

Originally Posted by janetsbreeze

I wish it were as easy as gaining the weight

That's what I think. I can easily gain 15lbs a month without thinking about it!

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Frankie- dang woman! 575 calories a day? WOW, yeah I could never do that, I did the fat fast and the first 3 days of 1000 calories killed me, but then yo did get used to it, one thing that ticks me off is trainers, doctors, still swear by calories, and this board is the perfect example of what works for one and not others, it would be lovely if someone said eat exactly this and you will lose 2 pounds a week, but we all know it doesnt work that way!

Amber, you work out a ton and I don't so of course you would neeed so much more than me. I am just doing what works for right now and know that I will have to adjust to what my body needs as it changes and as I become more active. With my miserable metabolism my doc told me I'll probably never be able to eat "normal" portions or like someone else my size and height. But I got my blood work checked last month and the doc says I am doing good on all fronts AND he is pro-low carb.

Originally Posted by Beebug123

Kinda nervous about all the dietary fiber all at once lol hopefully it won't be too rough on me ha!

I hope you are not too far from a restroom when you go out today!

[ceecee08]

BeeBug- I have read about the Physillium Husk but have never tried it. Hopefully it won't give you too many tummy troubles.

Yea Frankie that is my about my first meal. LOL But it seems to work well for your body and that is the most important thing. Reasons why I love IF'ing. It works so well with my schedule and my body. And I drop lbs in the process.

[Seabreezes]

Hope you post the next installment after the article on the potatoes.

[Bejewelme]

Here was the next article
One of the fastest ways to completely trash your health
and sabotage fat-loss is to eat excessive amounts of
fructose.

The problem is that most people confuse glucose, found in
healthy-starchy carbs, with the various forms of fructose --
which is a cheap sweetener usually derived from corn.

In fact, excessive consumption of fructose can produce new
fat-cells around the heart, liver, and other digestive organs.

Additionally, certain types of fructose can negatively impact
your...

- Blood sugar
- Energy levels
- Cellular health and...
- Joint health

All of this can potentially lead to insulin resistance, elevated
levels of bad triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and even cardio-
vascular disease.

And here's the real SCARY part.

Fructose is a cheap sweetener, so it's "hidden" in almost every
type of over-the-counter, processed healthy food.

Just go to the health food aisle at your local grocery store and
look at a few labels. You'll see it EVERYWHERE.

It's found in almost all over-the-counter protein powders, health
food bars, and it's even a staple in whole wheat breads.

But glucose, on the other hand, simply doesn't produce
these negative metabolic side-effects.

When you consume processed fructose, it goes directly to your
liver and gets converted to fat...but every cell in your body, even
your brain, utilizes glucose.

So 95% of the time your body burns up glucose immediately
after you consume it. On average, only 1 out of every 120
calories from glucose gets stored as fat.

Glucose also has been shown to suppress your hunger hormone
ghrelin and helps stimulate leptin...so it can help you control your
appetite and cravings better.

Fructose has no effect on ghrelin and interferes with your brain's
communication with leptin. This can lead to unhealthy food binges.

Bottom line: Your body was designed to run on glucose.

Take Home Lesson

Get your fructose from fruits and veggies.

This will keep your total daily intake of fructose somewhere
around 10 to 15 grams per day VS. the average fake food or
energy drink...which can sometimes be as high as 50 to 75
grams. Yikes.

And make sure that you read your food labels and watch for
cheap forms of corn syrup, fructose, and HFCS.

My wife and I try to consume the majority of our glucose (from
healthy tubers like potatoes, yams, and squash) AND fructose
(from fruits) in our post-workout window.

This is how you can give your body the fuel it needs to rev up
your metabolic rate and naturally manipulate hormones...

WITHOUT worrying about fat "spillover".

So if anybody tries to tell you that a calorie is a calorie...don't
fall for it.

Your "choices" make ALL the difference.


Busy day today I am actually eating more and not gaining, so that is a plus, I think when I low carb my calories are around 1100-1300 and that is too low and I feel better, one thing I have been working out on average 5 times a week for going on almost 2 years now, so as my doctor has said I am not the same as I was at 350 pounds sitting on the couch wondering how I am going to get up the stairs, so what worked then isnt working now, so to just keep fine tuning, all in all I am learning to accept if I can stay in this range and be active I can live with it!

This was a busy freezing day I am mentally done, Tony got to Vegas and called me it was 61, it was 16 here, LOL He said AZ is 73 so he is driving straight there, ughggh!!!!

[cindym]

WOW missed one day and there was so much too read. What a bunch of busy badgers.

Life is crazy. Tomorrow is exactly 1 week since I have been covering one of my employees who is sick and I am so far behind

I was going to work tonight but it was snowing like crazy and there is a snowfall warning and I decided safety first but I know where I will be all weekend .... again

[Bejewelme]

My new trainer was at the gym I have my first session tomorrow with her so she said she has everything planned and she wanted to watch what I do on my own, I am realy liking her, I loved my old trainer but she was more just show up and she kicked my butt this gal is a planner! I like that!!!!!

It is warm here today 13!!! Double yesterdays temp!! Snowfall tonight and tomorrow yuck! Always when Tony is away!

[Jayce]

Cindy, sorry to hear about all the extra work. Hope it gets better soon.

Morning, ladies! Going to have lunch with Mom today since she'll be over near my job.

[janetsbreeze]

Have a great day all
Tomorrow is weigh in!

[2f2f]

Good morning everyone. Hope all have a great wonderful day!

[Blonde with a Rose]

Amber, thanks for posting that great article re: calorie is not a calorie. Back in the 80's there was a "fructose" diet. Does anyone remember that? Fructose in the form of granulated 'sugar' type stuff. Sprinkle it on everything....I never tried it, I was LC at the time (thank goodness)! The train of thought then was "fructose" is good, sugar bad. IDK...live and learn. Also Amber, great job on workouts and all you do for this thread!! It's easy to forget how far you've come, you are the picture of health. Outstanding.

Hello to all! Happy Thursday!

[DesertGurl]

Happy Friday Eve!

Amber~ Loved the articles, thanks for posting. So glad that you're liking your new trainer, I think this will be the right fit for you. Maybe having a female trainer who's been through the weight loss is what will be the difference? Well, if Tony's here today and tomorrow he's probably gonna get some rain! Still alot warmer than where you're at, but still...

Cindy~ so sorry about all the work, that sucks! She's gonna have to do some making up to you when she comes back, huh?

Everyone~ have a great day!!!

Still plodding along here..however tomorrow's weigh in is gonna be oogie... Have had a rough week this week...

[Phranquie]

It has been a rough day today. My BF's mother is back in the hospital (she is 92 years old was in the hospital for a severe broken leg for a month and home for 2 weeks). I think she has given up hope as she has been refusing to eat so they are trying to find out what the problem is. I want to tell them she has given up hope but nobody wants to hear that. So I have been here with her all day and I don't know what will happen next, hopefully they admit her. Stress is high and I typically don't eat until evening but I caved and ate early and not so LC but I will be eating cleaner tonight.

Amber and Cindy- I hate to tell you but it was 81 here in Dallas today! This is not typical and will be colder again tomorrow.

[kittycitygirl]

Sending prayers Frankie.

-3 here this morning on way to work. Snow coming again tomorrow

[cindym]

Grrrrr..... eating has been so good but I fell into a bottle of wine tonight and tomorrow is weigh day

I'm feeling very whiny ... back is sore and I'm so far behind at work. Sorry .... maybe I should have some cheese with my wine

Thanks Jayce ~ she has to get better soon.

Danielle ~ good idea.

Frankie ~ Sorry to hear about your MIL. Dreaming about 81. More snow and negative temps where I am.

[Bejewelme]

Ok girls weigh in day, I am up WTH? But it was .2 so I am not sweating it!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...JY2lTNmc#gid=0

[Bejewelme]

Forgot to tell you I had my first appt with the trainer, it was a fit test, good grief, so I did 22 men's push ups in a minute, 42 situps, I could hold a plank for 2 minutes, then the air chair where you rest against the wall with your legs like a table, I helpd that 3 min 8 seconds, then I had to run on the treadmill, I never get on the treadmill so the mile took 15:09, which was pretty slow since I had to get used to that, but she said I jog better on it than walk, so we are going to work on that, so overall she said for my age I am very fit, so we are going to work on cardio and stuff to help my running for the race, and trying to move, I love this gal, she is so prepared and throws so much into her plan, she had a whole workout for the week written up for me! I am really pleased! So at the end of these 12 sessions I will do the test again, so I gotta copy this in my journal so I can remember!

Snow coming, tony got to Vegas he is staying in Blythe, CA and driving over to Quartzite, he said the high was 74 yesterday bugger, he called and I talked to some of our friends!

[Jayce]

Your stats are great, Amber! I suck at men's push-ups. lol

Didn't weigh this morning b/c my bf doesn't have a scale at his house. Oops!

Happy Friday, HB's!

[chelseybelle27]

Morning everyone! This week has sucked weight wise. I lost 0.2lbs so I guess a loss is a loss (TOM is hanging out this week), but I did go to the gym everyday since Saturday and so I think my body is adjusting. I can feel my body changing even if the scale doesnt approve On the flip side? I welcomed the 260s! 269.8 this morning!

Amber- that fit test sounds pretty hardcore! I would have wimped out when she asked me to give her mens pushups! I think the time will come though when pinteresting workouts wont work anymore and I will have to hire a trainer. Makes me skeerrrred

Have a great week ladies! Good luck on the weigh ins!