Calling out to 2beme, jakaren, marvelissa, daisyhair....

[Marvin]

Okay, I've started a thread here....let's all check in here. No real ground rules, check in as often as you can, be supportive, encouraging, and honest.

I'll be back to post my story and get it rolling.

[Marvin]

Here's me. I'm male, 46 yo, married, one child-15 yo son with special needs. I'm a project manager at a financial firm. I've been overweight my whole life, but I have really become increasingly "horizontally challenged" over the years. I've done the weight loss thing seriously for about the last 20 years, having lost and regained a lot of weight a lot of times. Started this time a little off my all-time high, and am determined to make it stick this time.

LC has been by far the best and easiest way for me to lose weight. Unlike WW, Low Fat, and other directions like that, I don't have cravings, and I don't fee deprived (for the most part). I feel better on lower carbs, so I know this is much better for me. The last few times I've quit LC is because of constipation. I've now discovered the "one-minute flax muffin" and that resolves that! So, I'm here to stay.

Okay y'all jump in! Or we'll come looking for you!

[2BEME]

i'm with you...just what do we put in our journal??? how we got to this point,life.health,goals???never had time to do one before...could be long...thanks for starting this...D

[iakaren]

I am here. It is starting out as one of those days in my life. No water this morning, so hubby was to ruin his day by working on water system. Then he got a tow truck call, and left us without water until later. Called plumber to come help him when he gets back ($$$). Heard him call for guy to give a bid on pouring concrete ($$$$) because time is running out on that project for him. Rain and mud makes getting crops out hard, and working cattle even tougher.......
So I better get some work done in the office, so if he needs me outside, I can make it out there. Then I wonder why my schedule and eating sometimes falls apart........

I am sticking with 2lb per week loss til the end of year for a goal. And weekly, not monthly. I need more accountability than monthly, I have found.
Also, my 1 yr low carb is coming up October 28th, so want to be at least 20 lb loss for the year. For losing and maintaining it, that seems pretty good for me and my life.

I hope the PenPal helps. I can check emails daily, so I will be here......

Thanks for inviting me, Marvin. Tell me about yourself.......

[Marvin]

Originally Posted by iakaren

I am here. It is starting out as one of those days in my life. No water this morning, so hubby was to ruin his day by working on water system. Then he got a tow truck call, and left us without water until later. Called plumber to come help him when he gets back ($$$). Heard him call for guy to give a bid on pouring concrete ($$$$) because time is running out on that project for him. Rain and mud makes getting crops out hard, and working cattle even tougher.......
So I better get some work done in the office, so if he needs me outside, I can make it out there. Then I wonder why my schedule and eating sometimes falls apart........

I am sticking with 2lb per week loss til the end of year for a goal. And weekly, not monthly. I need more accountability than monthly, I have found.
Also, my 1 yr low carb is coming up October 28th, so want to be at least 20 lb loss for the year. For losing and maintaining it, that seems pretty good for me and my life.

I hope the PenPal helps. I can check emails daily, so I will be here......

Thanks for inviting me, Marvin. Tell me about yourself.......

jakaren,
Sounds like things are a little "vigorous" around your place. I grew up on a farm, I definitely know what that's like. You will need to insist on the time and planning to eat right. That's what I've found I need to do with our crazy life.

Where in IA are you? Been rainy here too...the farmers are getting nervous about getting crops out.

2beme,
Whatever you want to write. Tell us about yourself, your journey, and what works and doesn't work (if you know yet). I'm doing Atkins, as I find that it is the best plan for me. I feel good, have lots of energy, and the weight comes off.

[2BEME]

i'm SO with you guys...grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa....was the best...always wanted my kids to live that life...but married a "city" guy=omaha...39 years now...have 4 kids..30-37yo..in Nv,Co & Alaska..my fav place to live besides Iowa..I'm out in nowhere Nv now..after all my kids were in school, I became an RN..worked 12 hour night shifts all these years..sometimes 2 fulltime jobs...1 day off...I have spent my entire life taking care of others....not myself...have been told that is what took a bad toll on my health..I am a proud 14 yr breast cancer survivor..have not worked the past 2 years due to a very bad case of shingles,which left me with PHN...the past 6 months been dx with gout in my left knee and right foot..so it's not so good to walk,with a flare-up...and the latest and greatest=heart attack....mod,but left damage....soooo now we get to weight...in 2 years I have put on over 100 pounds, sounds impossible huh??I quit smoking 1 yr ago and just gave up...no exercize at all... and that is how I always kept my weight off before...and low carb...the ONLY way for me to eat,I feel good and most imp..it works..I have been on it now for about 2 months..with no cheating... I have to get this weight off for my life...to get my health back..and get on with life.... I am not going to fail.. I sit here alone, with my best bud Drake,my 14yo black lab..and my computer..and thought along time before asking for help here..just not me,to ask.my hubby is here,but his way of dealing with illness is to be angry,he works,hunts,and goes fishing...so NEVER home...his way...I'm angry too..but using those feelings in a positive way by healing myself..... well, you asked for my story and you got it!!! lets just get on with it now ,help ea other,not only in weight loss,but emotionally too,because THAT is one of the greatest cause we are in this position...and family is not the best support at times.. esp when they have never fought weight before...soooo let it fly...anyone..D

[Marvin]

2beme,

Wow, that's a mouthful. You've been through a lot. I had to laugh about the "city boy" from Omaha...., of course I grew up in a town of 500, actually on a farm outside of a town of 500, so I know exactly what you mean by that.

First of all, cograts on your 40 lbs loss already, and your 2 month LC without cheats. That is so great. You are to be commended! How do you feel physically since going LC? I'm guessing you feel better.

You are right about the emotional eating part....with our household, things are often "stormy," and this weekend was no exception. I just about blew this whole thing off a couple different times (feeling sorry for myself!) but I knew that if I am going to enjoy life at all, it has to be healthy, with the weight off.

While I am a hunter and fisherman too, I don't go that often. I do know what you mean when you say family is not always the best place for support. I can't talk to my wife much about my LC, but we do go for walks together. I cook the majority of my own food, as I'm the only one LCing, and mostly she's tolerant, but a lot of times, she gets mad because I'm in "her kitchen" and wishes that I could lose weight doing something "less drastic." So I know what you mean; while she wants me to be healthy, and she is beginning to see that LC is the answer that works best for me, she still isn't onboard 100%.

[2BEME]

I agree with you 100%...when I know I'm feeling sorry for myself I let it be my "pity party" for a day or two then get back on it....I'm not in the pity thing much anymore..just mad....mad that I am 55yo and feel like I have not even started life yet...done things I've always dreamed of...also in the last 2 yr I have lost both parents and my best friend of 50 years...oh, and my 2 precious 17yo golden retrievers ...never took time to grieve...I went to a nearby remote park with a beautiful waterfall..spent the entire day there,with only my best bud Drake...I cried,laughed and grieved...I left feeling a peace that I've never felt...knowing it was my time now and I WILL make it the best time I can....you are right,you must be healthy to be completely happy...you have a huge job to care for your son...when you're feeling like you're going to "blow" everything look at your family....my hubby sabatages my diet constantly...he is 6'7 -200 # and eats anything-constantly..at 59yo his labwork is that of a 20yo...we don't eat together anymore..also sounds like you have a high stress job...you see what mine has prob done to me....I now believe we all need more "down" time...everyone talks about it,buys all kinds of junk....but I don"t think anyone does it...usually no time...need $$$.We have a very troubled world now,war, natural disasters...makes our problems seem insignificant....But, we have to help ourselves before we can help others...so we all gotta say I AM WORTH IT... ok on with it...I feel GREAT being on the low carb...sooo much energy and have to remind myself to eat.... I'm always deep purple on the keto-sticks..I usually eat eggs{deviled} meat,cheese,1-2 cp veggie-fav now is spagetti squash from my garden....and like you-man, am I stuck on that 1 min muffin...can't live a day without it!!! butter or creamcheese frosting with pump pie seasoning....think that is due to my table full of pump from my garden!!well , better go get errands done........my hometown by Ames was 700 population...later..D

[iakaren]

I am half-way between Des Moines and Omaha. We milked for 20 years after I got married. Then 3rd child came along (I did milking, vet work and breeding) and we sold cows. Now I have horses. But I wouldn't trade farm life for anything. I have to be outside, or not happy. I work a lot in home office, but can go outside whenever I need to, and can help outside whenever I am needed.

Hubby needs to lose weight, but refuses to...claims he just needs to eat less. Then he is complaining about always being hungry. But I know better than to mention that low fat/low cal isn't going to work with the amount of physical activity we have out here. So I keep my trap closed...........

But I haven't come close to 2beme. My goodness, you have been thru enough. Good luck, and if we can be of help, just listening, I am pretty good at that.

Marvin--I wouldn't know how to deal with a man who can cook. That is my job here, I guess, but I haven't changed oil in a car in years, and don't do flat tires anymore, either. Let the other half take that department. (I used to mechanic with the best of them)

[iakaren]

Marvin---I hadn't even notice your location. Bellevue isn't that far away from me.
Interesting. My main reason for coming to Council Bluffs are Sams Club and Tractor Supply. You can tell how exciting my life is!!!!!

And springing for a treat is going to the mall, where the kids and Hubby can all go get the food of their choice in the food court. Then I can get just what I want, too.

[Marvin]

Cool. I know the Sam's Club there for sure. Large bags of chicken wings, large bags of cheese, etc.

[Marvin]

Good morning iakaren & 2beme! Hope your day was good. I made THIS for my dinner last night, only did it with some pork chops that we had thawed. It would be good with chicken, but I liked the pork chop as well. I did provolone cheese and pepperoni slices. Wish I had read more closely, I would have added mushrooms and peppers as well. Oh well, next time!

How's it going for you?

Marvelissa, Daisyhair, others, where are you?

[iakaren]

Yesterday just wasn't one of those I want to do over for awhile. Nothing seemed to go easily. I am hoping today is better. I am having trouble with snacking a lot, again. So I think I am going to go back to drinking my crystal lights during the day and stay away from munchies. Then after I break the munchy habit, I will try and switch back to water.

Weight isn't going up, so guess that is a good thing.....

Hope everyone has a good day today. Sun is out, and fall is here!!

[2BEME]

I had p chops last night also...used ground almonds and egg.. coating .baked them along with the delish spa squash....very tasty...this am .the famous 1 min muffin...had a good day yest. ate good...but know not enough..try to eat small meals as I am not hungry..water I can do finally...took a while..today I am making a crustless quiche...has eggs,cream cheese,spinach,brocoli,ched cheese, I use jimmy dean sage saus,onion,and spices...makes a cake pan...so it lasts for days= no daily cooking....it's super yummy and filling..I've made it with lots of diff ingres...problem is I have to keep the fam away from it!!...I was offered a job yest that I think I would like...but till I get the rest of my heart tests done,I can't....it is taking care of "meth babies" that no-one wants....that subject is so sad and devastating.....but it is our world today....what is to be of these precious children?? it is not known completely what their lives will be..so far it is mainly physical,not mental...and NO-ONE wants them....ok...off the subject...good luck to all today STAY STRONG...will bring good things...I went down another pant size, so happy.. I do not believe in scales...only my monthly doc visist....and those darn scales always add 5 # !!!happy day to all.....D

[Marvin]

iakaren,
your mileage may vary, but I have found that drinking lots of water (whether I want to or not!) helps keep me out of those snacky feelings. Often, if I'm feeling that way, I can think and sure enough, I haven't had much water. Also....fyi, the crystal light *may* not give you the same affect, but try it anyway.

How does one get enough water? here's one strategy that works for me: I have a couple of the very large (32 oz.) cups, one at work, one at home. I do ice water if I can, or cold drinking fountain. I tell myself "once I drink that, I can go have a coffee" or "once I drink that, i can get a diet Mt. Dew." It helps a lot to do that kind of tradeoff. For me at least. I try to get 3-4 of those a day. Hang in there! We're pulling for you!

2beme,
That's what I was gonna do with the pork chops...will have to do that next time. I love quiche like that...that would actually save me lots of time in the morning! I gotta work on that. Any recipes you'd like to share?

that job sounds really meaningful....that is so important. Hope that all works out for you!

[daisyHair]

Hi.

Just dropping by to say hi.. and I will post more soon...
heading off to the store.. will be back on soon!
Cary

[learning2love]

Marvin - I am exactly like you, I reward myself with diet coke and coffee with cream once I have drunk the alloted water I have to drink. having said that I havent drunk my water today and I can tell you I am feeling it

2beme - I love pork chops but my weakness is baked in the oven with cabbage (Im a cabbage fiend!)

I just wanted to drop in and say hi. I've been doing this for 2 months now and have lost 20 lbs. I cheated once (pizza) and not only gained 5 pounds but also had to struggle for over a week before I got back to where I started. IMHO its just not worth it to cheat!

I'm a little bummed that my loss has been what i call slow, I'm utterly envious of you 2beme with your 40lbs! mind if I ask for some menu examples

Anyways, checking in hee hee. I have a livejournal (listed below) but of late Ive not been using to record my food, I really should but the usual male drama in my life keeps me distracted

Oh! and I in love with creamed spinach, its my latest favorite food

[learning2love]

Ok well back again since I've just eaten dinner (some chicken breast *which I fried in a little evoo with garlic and onion powder* and creamed spinach *again lol*)

I'll introduce myself and give you all some background. I'm a 37 year old mother of 2 kids (divorced). I have always struggled with my weight. I was a chubby child... through my teenage years I was always told I was FAT (though looking back I was normal at the time but I had a perverted mental idea of myself). When I went to college and moved in with my boyfriend is when I REALLY put on the weight, before that time I was pleasantly plump, chubby but not FAT. When I moved out of my parents home (and away from my mothers eagle eye) I ATE. We ate alot of food which I adored (meat pies, mashed potatoes, spaghetti bolognaise, fish and chips) I think I put on 20 pounds in less than a month. I certainly had the stretch marks to reflect the weight gain. Since then it's been an up and down battle to ever get back down to a decent weight.

The thing is, I would do well, I'd lose weight, and the moment I did and boys started to notice I would get scared of the attention I was getting and stuff myself with food once more (Alot of this stems back to being sexually abused as a child, if I was fat, noone would want me, noone would look at me right?). So I would self sabotage. Add to this some online relationships which turned into real life ones which went bad and I peaked at almost 230 pounds. Considering I am 5'2 this was demoralizing for me.

So here I am now. I'm happy with this eating plan, I am doing this for MYSELF.. I wont lie and say that part of me wants to lose weight just to show my ex bf that I'm hot and gorgeous and have him regret what he did but I AM doing this for myself.

I find it hard sometimes, I will be honest and say Im not excercising yet apart from doing squats around the house (actually seeing difference in my legs and ass! lol)

So yeah... thats me

[Marvin]

Hey daisyhair & L2L,
Glad you stopped in. Waiting to hear more DH......

L2L,
Your story sounds very familiar. I look back on pictures of myself in the senior class play and say, "my god, I thought I was humongous in those days, but what I wouldn't give to look like that now!"

Sounds like you are doing a great job and learned the hard way about cheats. For some they aren't as detrimental, but we all have to learn what our body can tolerate.

Your food choices sound great! Can you post your creamed spinach recipe, or a link to it?

[iakaren]

Isn't it amazing how we need to look back at high school. Man, am I glad I never have to live thru that again. And I was fit and trim then, but by todays definition, a true redneck, which was not acceptable at that time. And all those people I thought were popular, probably weren't. Our perceptions are so tweaked!!!

My life has been relatively mild compared to some others, so I guess I will be thankful, and glad to listen to everybody. This weight journey for me is the first time I have done it "just for me" I don't care what hubby thinks, or kids give me grief that I am not "fat" and wonder why I won't eat like I used to. But I do feel so much better, and sleep so much better than before. I haven't worked it like I could, because when I got to 20 lbs, I slacked off. But been careful not to gain it back. And I need to lose at least another 10 (plus the 5 I put on last month). Hence the 2lb per week challenge til that I started up. It looks like I will make 2 lbs this week, but never know about that next week.........

L2L---Congrats on your success so far, and keep talking. We'll keep listening.

[2BEME]

Good morning all...just finished my 1 min muffin..with .pump pie spices and bacon...having my quiche for noon....and almond coated chicken and spa squash for dinner...I have not snacked as I am NEVER hungry....I too have pro blem exercizing...I have a x-cize bike,treadmill,total-gym and weights....but do not do well...and get mad at myself...ya, I have some health issues...but do not even put in the dvd for yoga or pilates....gotta work on that....L2L...your story is so close to me...I was always the tallest in my class..till about 11th gr...so people always thought I was older...ran with the older crowd...did not have major weight issues till my marriage got in trouble...but the more we fought the more I ate...I knew he hated me "chunky" my top was 280...5'7...that was years ago....now the past 2 years life has been hard....put on 100 pounds...again...just last night he said a nasty comment about my weight...I am doing sooo well and feel so good about myself that I was able to tell him to #### off and leave me alone!!! did feel good...and I am now MORE determined than ever to do this.... I will get some recipes together...most I have gotten from this site...people here are so inventive!!! to help me with this plan ,I have started quilting again...keep busy...I'm making quilts for my gr kids...all 8 of them....using my old nursing uniforms...to remember me....and putting their old denium jeans.in it..should last forever!!!happy-good day to all...later...D

[learning2love]

Marvin - I have to admit I have no real recipe, I looked at Linda Sues site for creamed spinach recipes and most of them wanted you to use 20 ounces of spinach and I only have frozen spinach blocks so I used them as a guide. Basically what I do is melt some butter in a small frypan, let it bubble for abit, then add some mayo or cream cheese (again no measurements but i dont use TONS) and some cream and let it thicken... I add onion powder, garlic salt and some black pepper then toss my frozen spinach in (which I have defrosted in the microwave) and let it all warm up and then eat.

I dunno I love it... that and I will steam broccolli and then toss it into butter and sauteed fresh garlic.

Some might say that perhaps I use too much fat in my menus but I have plugged my foods into fitday from time to time and i dont think I have ever had a day where i have gotten over 1500 calories (usually its 1200 or so) and my ratios are usually 65-70% fat 25-30% protein and 5% carbs

[iakaren]

Morning all. Just checking in, and then out to finish up the horses. Then back to office, and it is going to be a lovely day outside!!! I would rather be out there.

Slept well, feel good, so I will see where today takes me. Had an omelet for breakfast (no toast!!!) and a SF International coffee. Then see what mom has for lunch.

About time to make a big pot of chili. I have come up with one that is about 6 net carbs to a 1/2 cup, so it makes pretty good eating for days.

[Marvin]

Good morning all.

Went out to eat at Old Chicago last night and that would usually be a downfall for me as I love their pizza. Instead I ate an antipasto salad, and a bunless burger with fresh veggies! Worked out with weights again for the first time in about 9 months...it was a challenge, but it hurt so good!

iakaren,
Sounds like you're off to a good start today. Keep it up! Chili sounds good this time of year. Let me hunt for my recipe which I think is outstanding, and is very low carb. It's texas-style, no beans, but I love it. I'm gonna be making some soon.

2beme,
your posts are always so full of information. good job on your eats. Sorry about the blowout with hubby...while it isn't usu. about weight, we get those at times at my house, and I do know how that can possibly help to distract me from my goals. I get into a pity pot at that time. Stay strong and you can do it. Good deal on the quilting! That's a great idea and your grandkids will love it.

l2l,
Thanks for the info on the creamed spinach. I will experiment. Do you drain the spinach too?
It sounds like your ratios are just fine for your stage in the program. Keep it up!
I like your thoughts about making your ex-bf see what he threw away! That's great motivation. Keep it up!

DaisyHair,
Hope to see you back! Jump in anytime!

Everyone, let's be thinking about the weekend and how we're going to avoid the pitfalls we have on weekend. I tend to not get enough water and therefore am more likely to want to snack....also I may get off a meal routine which will make me ravenously hungry and more likely to over eat. got to stay on routine as much as possible!

[Marvelissa]

I'm at work, but I'll come back tonite and give more details about me! For now I'll say THANKS MARVIN for telling me about this on the DaVinci's thread!