Stillman's September 2009- *Let's Make It Happen!*

[krissakris]

what is fage? that's a lot of carbs though, so if you must have it see if it makes u stall and try not to over do it

[krissakris]

Does anyone take gummy multivitamins? For the life of me I can't swallow the huge tablets a la Centrum, and I haven't been able to find gel tab varieties so yesterday I found some gummy chewables @ Trader Joes. Unfortunately, a single serving is 4g of carbs, so I was thinking of taking them every other day, instead of every day. Or just half a serving? I don't want to go w. out a multivitamin for fear of hair loss or anything worse. Thoughts? recommendations?

[14days]

hi guys!!

al: i lost 3 pounds over the weekend and inches, while eating fruit and veggies, but i excercise everyday....and keep account of my calories and only one meal off a day! Didint gain any weight when i got off plan .....if i had eaten potatos bread or dessert...that would have been a different story....But, i dont register a loss everyday...the scale moves oncea week....but the inches are disappearing little by little everyday

I've been maintaining for 5 days now, had a splurge today all fruit and fibre cereal, protein...goes right through me...lol!!! i'am starting to appreciate the low glycemic foods.....i didnt gain a pound,,,....that was awesome!!! wanna keep my body guessing!!!

I am back on plan!!! and aiming high!!

[aleriaaa]

hi jskn! I've had some fage in the fridge for a week now. I was thinking of using it for a fake curry chicken... I say go for it and see what happpens. Let us know. Im still too scared to try myself.

krissakris - I havent tried gummy vitamins but I bet the horsepill vitamins that I take probably have lots of carbs too. Too many in fact for them to even list on the bottle. (I hate that) But remember.. vitamin carbs dont count, right? I think its better to take the full requirement of gummies because we cant get those nutrients anywhere else. So, Do these chicken sausages have any carbs? Can you tell me how much fat? They sound really good.

Hey IM2skinny! Nice job on the controlled cheat! Anything that'll make you get to exercising is ok in my book. I dont think I could handle an ice cream cheat because I may still have the "ruined it for the day" mentality. So great that you hopped right back on plan. Now thats control!

14days - I cant wait to have veggies! Its really unbelievable that Im craving a salad even more than a pizza, or some roasted broccoli...heaven. (sorry. hope I dont set anyone off on a veggie hunt) This diet really has changed me. I hope I can keep it up. Im so glad to hear that I can eventually add the fruit and veggies in and maintain, if not keep losing! Thats awesome.

Keep up the good work everyone! Im fixing a pork roast in the slow cooker today!

[krissakris]

Yeah, I didn't even think about the carb count in the giant vitamins. I always assumed that there weren't any carbs since they didn't list it on the side, oops! As for the chicken sausage, 1 link is 130-140calories and 6gs of fat depending on the flavor you get. I usually don't eat the whole link though b/c I think its too much, but I don't think that's too bad fat wise considering its not pork

Al fresco all natural: fresh, fully cooked, all natural chicken sausages, gourmet, gluten free, meal ideas, all natural recipes, online store. <~~ This is the one I've been eating this week, but I got a few more flavors from Trader Joes I haven't tried yet. Let me know if you end up trying them!

[IM2fat]

Howdy, Fellow Losers!

I just thought I'd check in before I have to run and pick up the Karate Kids!! They sure keep me busy. Is anyone else feeling a little guilty about cooking? Since both my hubby and I are doing either Atkins/Stillman's, I'm finding that I don't cook any more. My poor children have been living on Mac/Cheese, hotdogs, Sandwiches..ugg.. I hate to even think about what I'm doing to them! I promised when school started I would get back at it. So, if anyone has any ideas. . I'd love to hear them!

Kris/jskn: I have no idea what Fage is, either - Sorry? it does seem too high in carbs. . I won't eat anything over 2 per serving (and that's rare).. If you've read my previous posts, I lose very, very slowly so I can't afford too many carbs. . I don't eat cottage cheese (not a huge fan) so my meal selection is quite small. . I take a mountain of vitamins, too. I've been taking a multi, B12, chromium Pic, Vitamin D, Apple Cider Tabs, and Flax Seed. I'm not sure what each of them does but I am full of energy and seem to be in a much better mood.. So, I guess I should stick with what works. I read in one of my many diet books that overweight people are automatically low in Vitamin D and it is needed to lose??? never heard that one but I figured it can't hurt!!

Aleria: Thanks for being our cheerleader. . we were losing a little momentum there for a minute!!

Let's go.. Who is up for a no-cheat week? We can do it . .we can. .we can. .

[shari]

Hi everyone! Not new to Stillmans but haven't done it since earlier this year. Plan to start tomorrow!!

[aleriaaa]

Welcome Shari!! So today's DAY 1 for you? Awesome! Whats your plan for the day? Are you a cottage cheese lover or a hater? How have you done with Stillmans in the past? Keep us posted!

[aleriaaa]

Hey IM2Skinny! I always wanted to be a cheerleader but was too chunky to even come close to a somersault, let alone getting flipped into the air. If I get down to goal, will ya spot me?

My kids love the food you're serving at your house! When I do mac & cheese for them, I add peas or kidney beans or sometimes ground beef. Of course they prefer it plain. Im big on canned veggies and fruit for them too. Nuke em up and they are ready to go. Same thing with frozen meatballs. Im lucky that they'll eat most of the meats Im cooking up too, as long as they have a side of ketchup or Ranch to go along with it. We also do a lot of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.. Ive made them PB & apple but that was a flop! Actually, Ive been known to sneak a slice of cheese in those PB sandwiches too. They are old enough to notice now though... These arent the greatest ideas so Im hoping that the others have more input too.

[shari]

Thanks for the welcome, Aleriaaa! Yes, today was the 1st day for me (although I did eat a few onions with my steak..hard for me to eat it plain). I can eat cottage cheese but it's not a fav of mine. May give it another try since I haven't had it in awhile. In the past, I've done Stillmans to break a stall and get back into ketosis quickly. Only can do it for short periods of time though before I 'cheat' with some type of veggie. But the inches lost is incredible when done correctly!

[Starzmom]

Hi Stillman peeps. I don't know if I'm gonna do full Stillman's now. Maybe. But I just gotta tell ya I just had some boiled shrimp (Stillman legal). I haven't had these for awhile as they are pricey...but were on sale at the store. I looked up the nutrients for them and they are virtually all protein and low cal. I think I had about 8 large, weighing 3 oz and totalling 100 cals. I used Walden Farms spicy bbq sauce with 0 cals for dip. A good Stillman dish, I think.
I hope you all have great results from your Stillman efforts!
Later

[IM2fat]

Where is everyone! We miss you!!

I have to admit, I had a busy weekend so I didn't have time to check in. Busy cleaning and working, that is! I did manage to put in a little shopping time, though. . hehehe always make time for that! I surprised myself and actually tried on jeans! Jeans! I never find any to fit. Long story short, I came home with a slightly too tight pair (they fit everywhere else but the waist) and started to feel a little guilty which caused me to start cleaning my closet(s). In my cleaning, I found more jeans and they all fit.. I also purged out my "too fat" clothes and decided I am only going to keep what fits now! (I have a wardrobe in 10 different sizes.) I was a little scared to get rid of all my "comfort" fat clothes but decided as long as I keep them, it was an excuse to get sloppy! I have to admit, I am still feeling unsure. I've been down this road before .. but I made my hubby promise to keep me in line.

Weigh in this morning. . up 2 pounds! I hate that. I cannot break the 160's not matter how hard I try. (No, I did not cheat over the weekend, either. .) I'll say its water weight and move on. . I would like to be 159 by October 1st!!

How was everyone else's weekend. by the way, Aler: I did cook this weekend for the kids.. Twice. .and they loved it. .

Life is a garden, Good friends are the flowers and time spent together... life's happiest hours.

[aleriaaa]

I'm here! I'm here!

So, TOM paid me a visit and I've been bouncing around between 158 and 162. I'm still claiming 158! I'll have to see what the next few days bring - I haven't cheated AT ALL! I've been looking into a few other threads about VLC (very low carb). It seems that my current menu (meat only, no eggs and cheese) fits the VLC description a bit more than Stillmans. The VLCers get to eat fat. Do you guys think I'd do better adding more fat? My weight loss is sooooo much slower now. Its starting to drive me crazy.

I don't exercise....but I just got a Bollywood Fitness dvd from Netflix with lots of belly dancing. Maybe I'll start today....

BTW - Netflix has lots of exercise videos, if you dont already know!

[aleriaaa]

Originally Posted by IM2fat

.I also purged out my "too fat" clothes and decided I am only going to keep what fits now! (I have a wardrobe in 10 different sizes.) I was a little scared to get rid of all my "comfort" fat clothes but decided as long as I keep them, it was an excuse to get sloppy! I have to admit, I am still feeling unsure. I've been down this road before .. but I made my hubby promise to keep me in line.
.

Congratulations!! This is huge! I have storage containers all over the place with a whole spectrum of sizes. Getting rid of the clothes has been a major struggle. I sort them get them ready to go and always change my mind. I dont know why I cant let go. I'm really gonna work at it though!

we'll help keep you line too!!

[krissakris]

TOM has been driving me nuts with weight fluctuations too, I should know better, but I started stict last monday, so I was looking forward to seeing my progress the week after, the thought of waiting another week is so not good for my impatient soul. I have been sticking to my workout though which is good and paying off. Although its up .6 or so on the scale, I have a pair of jeans that fit, that have been a workout to get into for the longest, so i'm excited .

[IM2fat]

Kris/Aleriaa: I totally feel you! I gained 6 pounds last month right before my friendly visitor. . So unfair..

OK. .I've been doing a modified Stillmans and had to go back yesterday to re-read some of the posts (Thank you so much, Starz, for all the great threads!) My question: what is everyone doing? I thought I was doing the QWL and was thinking of switching to another (Maybe the 14 day). . What is your experience with the different plans? There are days I really miss fruit and veggies but not to the point that I would be willing to gain a pound or two to have them. but it would be nice to have something legal. My big scare is that I will gain or that my cravings will return. I lose soo darn slowly that even 1 bad choice can ruin days of work for me. This is the reason I switched from Atkins to Stillman's, I just couldn't lose anything.

Aleriaa: We sound like we have the same issues. .clothing stockpiles. .slow weight loss..exercise procrastinator . . Welcome to the club I want to be in the 150's, too but I'm stuck at 161, 162. . Its been two weeks. . This morning I was up 2!! Ugg.. The most I have cheated with has been breath mints and gum. .go figure. .Do you ever go into Ketosis? I never have. I've limited eggs, eliminated fat and cut out all veggies. . strickly chicken, fish and some beef with sloooo or no results! The only thing that seems to work a bit better for me is going at it hard core and then mixing it up every third day or so with a salad (when i exercise)!!! Not like its chocolate or anything. . I guess we just have to hang in there. .we didn't put it on overnight so it won't come off overnight no matter how much we kick, scream and swear! (It has been a big year for me. .this is the first time I've publically shared my weight and admitted it!)

Kris: Great job on exercising. .can you send some vibes my way, please? Once I stop a regular routine. .I can't get back into it.. blah!!

LET'S JUST DO IT !!

[Starzmom]

IM2fat..I really have a hard time doing QWL strictly by the book. The longest I've ever done it is about three weeks. It gets so boring and I want different tastes. I lost most of the weight I have doing Stillman lean meats, eggs, cottage cheese and low carb veggies..a little skim milk in my coffee. After a long time of doing this I realized I was doing the Stillman 14 day plan. The quickest weight loss is on the QWL though if you can stick to it. Adding veggies usually adds a couple pounds at first because you're holding those veggies in your gut absorbing water for a day or so. You're not gaining fat but the scale will tell you you're heavier. Also I do breath mints and gum but be careful what you add, even packets of splenda have a bit of carbs in them. Stillman allowed unlimited sweetners but the sweetners in those days didn't have any carbs at all unlike Splenda packets. In the final analysis it's calorie in/calories out. QWL gives a metabollic advantage of maybe 275 calories like Atkins does but not if we have too many sneaky carbs. Who knows how much will mess that up? I don't.

[aleriaaa]

I used an expired ketostix and it read "trace" amounts. Don't know how accurate it is because they are over a year old. Ive been chewing lots of gum at 1 carb each. I would guess 5 or 6 a day. Is there 0 carb gum out there???? Why does it have to be sweetened at all! I try to act like it doesnt count... but I know the real deal..

Im still drinking about a gallon of Crystal Light a day, but this week, Ive been putting one less "tub" in my water jug. I actually think it tastes better now, diluted.

It stinks when we're sacrificing our fruit and veggies and do everything we can to stck to this diet as close as possible and the scale doesnt move, but we must press on! I have promised myself to follow QWL through to the end and Im so glad you all are here with me. Thank you for your posts and support. We can get all get through this together!

I've been keeping track of what I eat and what I weigh every day. It looks like I may go a week and a half without a loss and maybe even a gain, but then within the next few days it drops 2-6 lbs. I was so discouraged the last few days and Im sorry if Ive been unmotivating... You'll hear no more complaing from me.. just when you think youve had enough, promise yourself to hang in there 2 more days. The whoosh will come!

This is Day 61 for me. I have lost 33 pounds. You will too!!

[aleriaaa]

Hidden carbs... Did anyone ever realize that a can of tuna is not really in water? Mine says vegetable broth and that it contains soybeans. I never bothered to look at the ingredients, but since Ive been eating it right out of the can/bag thses days, I couldnt help but look. Talk about raining on my tuna parade...

[IM2fat]

Aleriaa: Wow "This is Day 61 for me. I have lost 33 pounds"!!! I'm on 77 days and I've lost 18..so you are doing Fabulous!! I am definately going to review the QWL and see what I can do differently. . Not much because I'm not eating much!! ehheh

Those pesky hidden carbs. . I've found they are in just about everything!! What gives? It really is a shame because they don't do much for a body. .i guess we have to look back to the cave days and become the hunter/gatherers. . cept. .no berries or twigs!

I don't know about everyone else, but are you truly missing the carbs or is it the "smells and textures" of the stuff? I wonder about that. I know when I am tempted, I really have to think with my senses and decide if the cookie or the spaghetti is worth my new jeans? I don't know what my driving force is this time around, but I just feel like I have to see this thing through. I've made goals in the past, only to fail, fail, fail. This is the longest, in years, that I haven't cheated. It is just so darn frustrating. My hubby went from a size 38 waist to a 34 already! I know he's a man and I know he loses easier, but it is so unfair. He is doing Atkins so he has cheese (I miss that), salads with real dressing. . Mmmm again.. I have to give him credit. .He is keeping me motivated even if I curse under my breath! He would, by the way, kill me if he knew I was posting anything about him.. I guess that will have to be our little secret !

Well, low carbers. . Good Day to everyone! Broil that chicken and bake that fish! I feel a good weekend coming on for everyone!

[IM2fat]

I dilute my flavor packets, too. They taste way too sweat full strength plus it forces me to drink more before I move onto another one. I've been buying the little SF Wylers packets that go into the drink bottles. I usually keep adding water throughout the day until there is no more flavor left. I purchased a large 32 oz Smart water bottle and replaced the lid with the sports cap - I know I have to at least drink two a day but most often I drink 5 or more.. Plus, it gives me an excuse to get up from my desk.. I hafta keep my bottle full, ya know?

[Starzmom]

I've also cut way back on my Splenda and have tired to replace the packet use as much as possible by using DaVinci sugar free syrups. They are 0 carb for the most part (Cherry and Peanut butter flavors have a carb a serving). I even put a touch of them in my water for flavor.

IM2fat and Aleriaaa...You both have done great in the weight loss!

[krissakris]

IM2Fat I know exactly what you mean, I'm gung ho about something, and then a week later I'm over it and onto something else. The only thing that keeps me going is/are the results. I could barely button/move in these jeans they were so tight, I gave myself 2+ weeks to be able to fit in them to the point where I'd leave the house w. them on. 6 days of exercising w. these tapes and I wore them outside on Monday, like I was so shocked, I still don't believe it. So even when I don't want to do it, I figure I can do anything for 45mins-1hr if it'll give me those results...I just can't keep hating my appearance in the mirror its not worth it.

[IM2fat]

Yay! Jeans!!! Good for you, Kris!!!

[Starzmom]

Kris..I'd be thrilled to have the figure you have! I know you'll keep going until you're happy with yourself.

[aleriaaa]

IM2- I eat for the fun of it. I miss the tastes and textures but I guess I know now that my body survives, if not thrives, without the carbs. You've been on QWL for forever! Tell us again what you're eating for a day. Maybe not enough?

Kriss - You're doing a great job!!! Fitting into those jeans must feel fantastic! I'm gonna have to go through some storage containers this weekend to find me some new pants. I refuse to spend any more money on clothes. I have to fit into all my old stuff soon!

I decided to up the fat a little. Had two servings of ground beef yesterday, burnt it really good (yum) and didnt drain the fat. Down another lb. this morning. I don't plan on doing it everyday but I'll try again in a few and monitor the results.

Starzmom- what a good idea with the davincis! I never thought of adding it to water. Im gonna have to try this tomorrow to cut out all my Crystal Light carbs.

But not today! Im drinking a Walmart brand Crystal Light. Apple flavor. OMG! Tastes just like apple juice! I wish I had some cinnamon with me. It'll be a nice treat to warm it up now that fall is upon us!

Here's to skinny jeans and a cheat free day!

[aleriaaa]

Name your favorite way to eat the following on QWL.. chicken, pork chops, ground beef, seafood, steak, tuna

Heres mine, for the moment:

chicken : grilled w/ s&p and then dipped in hot sauce or sprinkled with cumin and chili powder

pork chops: grilled w/ s&p and dipped in horseradish mustard

ground beef: cooked stove top with "garam masala" or "curry" or s&p and yellow mustard

tuna: out of the can with celery salt

steak: grilled with s&p

seafood: not applicable...

[Starzmom]

chicken : cola bbq chicken (from Stillman recipe sticky)

pork chops: O.K. done on bbq pit with Mequite smoke

ground beef: broken up and cooked in frying pan til a little burnt with a little ketchup and topped with cottage cheese OR hamburger pattie smoked on bbq pit with a little mustard

tuna: do not eat

steak: again bbq'd..Walden farms spicy bbq sauce for dippin'

seafood: baked salmon topped with cottage cheese

[aleriaaa]

Cola BBQ Chicken sounds good. Can someone copy and post the recipe for me? Im blocked from "geocities" THX!

[Starzmom]

Just Like "Heinz" Ketchup
Source Unknown Taken from Stillman Support Group Post 7/24/01

12 ounces tomato paste
12 ounces water
6 ounces white vinegar
1/4 cup splenda -- or Equal Spoonful
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
pinch cloves -- optional*

-Mix all the ingredients together, blend well.

Cola Barbecue Chicken
Submitted by Aquaciser Jane (Janeasinme)

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup catsup (recipe for low carb catsup in Sauces & Seasonings )
12 oz. can diet cola

Put chicken in nonstick skillet. I usually brown my chicken a little first before pouring the catsup and
diet cola over the top. . Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook for 45 minutes. Uncover, turn up
the heat and continue cooking until the sauce becomes thick and adheres to the chicken. It turns into
the most incredible BBQ sauce.

Glinda's adaption: I also cooked Jane's Cola Barbecue Chicken using 2/3 cup of unsweetened low carb catsup (homemade from Dawn's recipe) and 12 oz. of Sam's Choice (Walmart) Calorie Free Cider Apple Burst beverage. It was great and you can taste the apple cider flavor--just a bit tangy--not sour--and not as sweet as the version with diet cola. The only reason I used less catsup was because I only had one cup of it left and wanted 1/3 of it for my meatballs. Next time I will use the full amount of low carb catsup because the sauce is so good.

But Dawn said she's has made it withl less catsup. too, and it came out fine. Good carb saver if you have to use regular catsup, though.

Cola Barbecue Chicken Variation
Created by Aquaciser Dawn (HippieWitchChick)

2-3 pounds cut up boneless chicken
1 8oz can "no salt added" tomato sauce
12 oz diet cola
1/4 cup vinegar
1 scant TBS chili powder
2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground cinammon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Put chicken in nonstick skillet. Brown chicken a little first, if desired, before adding the other ingredients.
Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook for 45 minutes. Uncover, turn up
the heat and continue cooking until the sauce becomes thick and adheres to the chicken.

Dawn's comment: Saves the step of making LC ketchup, and I think it's just yummy!
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