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

[Starzmom]

So I thought I'd start us a September thread. Here's links to some excerpts from Stillman's Quick Weight Loss Diet book for reference:
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/st...ok-2009-a.html
There are also stickys at the top of this forum with recipes and other Stillman's diet plans:
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/st...ok-2009-a.html
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/st...-off-diet.html
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/st...p-program.html
Stillman also has some repitition diets some people use and some are posted somewhere around here on this forum.

[Starzmom]

I'm starting off this month at 204 pounds. So far today I've had:
2 mozzeralla cheese sticks (not on plan but I was in the store ya know?)
1 lean burger with cottage cheese on top
I'm gonna do QWL at least until the weekend...and maybe the weekend,too.

[kelfgg]

Glad to see we got a new thread started for a fresh new month!

Well I have had a quiter hectic and quite frankly, and emotional day. My weightlifting coach sent me over to the health center to see a doctor because my heart was beating way too fast. I've been having issues with that and lightheadness, shortness of breath for a while now. I just thought it was because I was out of shape. But yesterday I was on the treadmill walking 3 miles per hour. I normally dont put my hands on the bar to check my heart rate, but my heart was beating RIDICULOUSLY fast...ut felt like it was to beat out of my chest or explode. My chest hurt too...felt like a huge pressure was on top of it. Anyway, so I checked my heart rate while walking 3mph and it was 220. yea I'm pretty sure thats not good.

So I went to see the nurse practicioner, talked to them about everything odd I've been feeling (this has been going on for a while, like several months, but I just thought it was because I was lazy and always gave up 5 minutes into a workout. but since I've been at college I've been trying to stop making excuses and just do it whether its easy or not.) So anyway, she listened to my heart and told me that it was beating irregularly, but in a pattern. Like it would speed up really fast for 15 seconds and then come back down and then repeat. So basically the final word as that I'm not supposed to exercise (Super pissed about that!!!!) and that I need to see my pediatrician so she can run some tests and then she might have to refer me over to a cardiologist. So long day, had to call my mom and I have an appointment for Friday and I guess we'll just have to go from there. I'm really hoping she's going to say that everything looks normal, I''m just really out of shape.....but idk...everyone else think it might be serious. i hope not.
Also while I was at the health center they weighed me. I was 141.6.....so that means I've lost about 4 pounds since Friday I guess the whoosh fairy visited me! lol just water weight I'm sure but it's still encouraging.

Okay so enough about me. How is everyone else?!?! It's the start of a new month!! Are you guys ready to kick some @$$??!?!?! I am...lets get these bootays in shape!!!!!!!

[Hayley]

Kelly-hope u get to feeling ok. Cardiac stuff is nothing to mess with. Glad u were able to get some medical attention.

Well I haven't been on the scale. This week has been ca-razy. My bf's best friend had a stroke yesterday morning (He's only 53!!!) so it has been a roller coaster of emotions. Luckily he's ok but he's still in the ICU. So trying to stay on plan has been very difficult. I had some cashews at the hospital today but wasn't all that hungry till we left. Then we went to Texas Roadhouse. I had a delicious ribeye, salad, and veggies. I was good and stayed away from those rolls. I really wanted a gallon sized margarita but alas I decided to not do that either. Anywho, my jeans are loose so I guess I'm still losing inches and/or pounds but at this point, I'm not too concerned with it. Now, with no motorcycle trip next week so I don't have to fret about what I was going to eat while on vacation. Well hope you all have a wonderful week! I can't believe it's September already!!

[mozzer]

Hi everybody, just dropping by because I'm transitioning to Stillman's/very low carb woe in the next couple of days. I've been shifting over to lc, I can't do the cold turkey thing (except I love cold turkey, mmmm!) because the carb crash makes me crazy.

I had a lot of success with Stillman's a couple years ago, but life happened and things have been rough for me for a long time and I dove back into emotional eating.

But no excuses, I'm getting back to this! I never felt so good as when I was eating vlc/induction-level and I just stayed on induction for several months. Then I got the Stillman's book and realized I was unintentionally basically doing his plan already!

Good luck everyone, let's keep our eyes on the prize!

[Starzmom]

Kelly..Please do all you can to take good care of yourself. If there really is a heart issue you do need to be careful with your dieting also. hoping for the best for you!

Hayley..So sorry to hear about your friends stroke! I hope for a complete recovery for him and that he listens and does what the doctors tell him to prevent another one.

Mozzer...I know what you mean about easing into it. Seems that is what I do also and I do get hyper in the beginning stages when the blood sugar goes pretty low, before the fat metabolism kicks in. If I have problems I will take just a bit of carb like a gram or two and electrolytes.

I stayed on plan yesterday. I roasted a couple chickens for dinner and had 6 ounces without the skin. I made a baked egg custard for dessert using DaVinci's instead of milk or cream...so no carbs or fat added. My total calories were 1,300...a good losing range for me. I hope I can stay there!

[kelfgg]

I am sooo anxious about going to the doctors but thank you for all the support. I'll try my best to follow their recommendations, but I still am really down and depressed about the exercise.

Hayley, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope everything works out fine in the end for all of you.

welcome mozzer!!!

and starzmom, glad to see you so consistent! such a motivation. and I'm curious about that egg custard.....do you have a recipe???

[Starzmom]

For the egg 'custard' I just beat however many eggs I want or can fit in my pyrex dish..usually 3 or 4 with about 1/4 cup DaVinci's of whatever flavor I feel like and then spray the pyrex dish, add the mixture and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes for 4 eggs...or until solid in the middle. Sometimes I sweeten some fat free cream cheese with splenda and spread it on top. No one else in my family likes this, but my dogs and I do. I have something sweet and filling usually at night but sometimes for a meal if I'm cravey.

Just had a 5 oz. lean burger with 1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese on top for brunch.

[kelfgg]

that sounds delicious! I might have to try that when I go home. but what is Da Vinci....whatever? lol never heard of it

Well today I came down with a fever. I started having a sore throat and a runny nose a few days ago and have been progressively feeling worse, but today I started running a fever and am feeling pretty sh*tty overall.

This is the thing though. All I have left in my fridge is 4 slices of turkey bacon. I won't be going home until Friday and have no way of making it to the groceries until I go home. Also, I've been feeling a little lightheaded (not sure if thats related to my heart or just this current sickness.) I am thinking of taking my cheat day today. I hate to not follow the plan, but it seems like now might be a better time than later, considering circumstance and my bodys messages. And with a sore throat, the only thing that sounds good is ice cream. LOL. Anyway, what do ya'll think??? It actually will be easier to control my eating at home because there are a lot more options. I can even cook up some cream cheese eggs (one of my favorites.) so...yes or no??? Please answer soon if you could

[kelfgg]

well I decided that I should go through with the carb up today. I had about 2200 calories and most of that was carbs. The weird thing is that I dont feel much more bloated than the last 2 or 3 times i had a carb up. My stomach is a little more poochy at the moment but thats it....I am pleasantly suprised. Hopefully its like that in the morning and its not just waiting to catch up with me!!! lol. and I really hope when they weigh me at the doctors it is 141.6 or lower (which is what it was yesterday midday before my carb up, when they checked me at the doctors.) I would be THRILLED though if the numbers were under the 140s. I havent seen 13* in forever!!

So back on plan tomorrow and until next friday which will be 9 days. I'll be home for sure on Friday and Saturday so I'll have more options to stay on plan. I just hope my mom doesnt get worried because she's been asking me all kinds of questions since I told her about my heart. I really dont think its related though as its been going on for quite some time now. I just never mentioned it to anyone before.

Anyway, I want to KNOW how all you lovely ladies are doing so far in this wonderful month of September?!?!

[Starzmom]

Good morning ladies! Check on in. Who is doing Stillman in September? I am. I'm on QWL at least until Saturday, maybe through the weekend. I want to get to Onederland.

Kelfgg....DaVinci's sugar free syrups sold online and sometimes there are a few flavors at local stores like Walmart. Make sure you get the sugar free 'cause they sell regular sugar ones,too. I hope everything goes well for you at the doctor's and at home this weekend.

I was on plan yesterday. Had a few more calories than I would like...about 1,500. I did have some extra jello/cottage cheese I was not really hungry for last nite, but not such a bad Stillman day. Another Stillman day today. Started off with lean burger meatloaf topped with cottage cheese. Hard boiled eggs later and still later some skinless chicken I roasted a couple days ago. Looking forward to barbequed meats this weekend...and always plenty of water.

[IM2fat]

Good Morning, All!

Glad to see everyone is back and anxious to start a new month. .

Kell: I am sorry you aren't feeling well. .I am sure it is nothing but I'm glad you are going to the Dr. to have it checked out. One can never be too careful.

I started September off, down 4 Pounds during the month of August. .Not a huge WOW factor but I'll take it. . so much better than gaining. I really need to get off my but and move some more but time is always a huge factor for me!!

Anyway, just wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing. Looking forward to sharing this month. By the way, I got my order from netrition.com yesterday. .Mmmm. .I'm really anxious to try some of the products (everything I ordered was under 5 net carbs per serving) but I'm a little afraid that it will trigger my cravings. I purchased the Walden Farms No Calorie Syprups, Jelly, marshmellow fluff, some 3 carbs pasta, past sauce, some wonderful looking pita breads (3 Carbs), pancake mix and wraps and some other interesting stuff. I'm thinking if I do Stillmans all week and prepare one low carb meal with some of this stuff on Friday night. .It might recharge? Has anyone else used any of these products or have any new ideas. . By the way, the sell roasted pumpkin seeds that have 0 net carbs. .how is this possible? It kinda made me scratch my head when regular seeds have carbs. . Mmm. .

Glad to have you, Mozzer

[kelfgg]

Im2FAT, I have tried some of the Walden Fams products and I have found them horribly unbearable. I tried a few of the dressings and the chocolate dip. I dont recommend them, but who know? maybe you'll like them. also congrats on the 4 pounds

well today i am back on plan. i only have 4 slices of turkey bacon, but i'm still not feeling great anyway, with the faver and all that so chances are i really am not gonna be very hungry.

I'll check back in tomorrow after my doctors visit...fingers crossed

[Starzmom]

I've tried the Walden Farms barbeque sauce. It's pretty good for 0 calories. I think the Bacon Ranch dressing is OK,too, but I'm not used to using full fat dressings.

[kelfgg]

Well I unfortunately don't have very good news...
Today I all out binged on junk food (my roomates). I literally didnt have any food except for water (which isnt a food lol). But i always feel so guilty and crappy for eating junk....which normally leads to binging. anyway, its done, its over. one day isnt going to put me that far off my goals so i'm just jumping right back on plan

also, i decided to stop weighing myself....ever. i have been weighing when i go home on the weekends but even that is triggering. i dont know why but seeing anything more than 110 just brings me down and makes me feel so hopeless even if i've lost weight. so i'm just going to go by my measurements: bust-waist-hips. i guess i'll do that once a week.

ANyway, going to the doctors tomorrow so i will be able to restock my groceries
wish me luck with the doctor.....i'm still sick with anxiety


and how have you ladies been doing in the first week of september?

[perkygirl]

I just received my Stillman QWL book in the mail yesterday. I read a bit of it last night, and am super jazzed about starting up. I have been doing Atkins for the past two weeks, but the scale has been creeping up for the last few days. Not alot, but I seem to be around 222.7 now. Every day it went up .2 pounds - driving me nuts! I am feeling really good, but am still getting hungry during the daytime, and my keto stix are not turning colors. It must be the gallons of crystal light that I am drinking every day. I am going to limit myself to two glasses, and switch to water. I made a pot of chicken soup (chicken broth + chicken breast) I plan on eating that for today. I have a bunch of cheese from the Atkins way - I am not going to chuck it, but I will need to refrain from eating it for the next two weeks. I am anxious to see what happens if I stick to this plan for the next two weeks. If there is minimal weight loss - (i.e. under 5 pounds), I will probably be switching to another weight loss technique. I will just have to wait and see.
Everyone seems to be pretty motivated, which is fantastic!
Meg

[IM2fat]

Meg: I was having the same problem when I was doing Atkins. I found that I had to cut the fat (cheese, dressing, bacon, sausage). .Some days it is tough. .but I found if I cut those items and have a salad every third day, with cheese and salad dressing, I find it much more bearable. Throw your cheese in the freezer . it will keep. I buy mine on sale and freeze it all the time. . .my family doesn't know the difference and most often, the cheese just gets thrown into or onto something else! I was also drinking more soda and more crystal light so I cut that back. It did break my plateau a bit. I've just decided I'm a slow loser and a fast gainer so I really have to watch what I eat too!

Hey. .I have one small victory to share! My family went out to eat yesterday at one of those "everything is homemade" diners. . . ((( they have the most scrumptious mashed potatoes ever. I don't know what they put in them but they are to die for!)) My old habits would have found me with an entire plate of potatoes, chocolate zuch. bread, sweet rolls, stuffing. yum. yum. . Instead, we ordered the buffet (passed the potato stockpile) and enjoyed the salad bar and chicken (skin removed) and baked pork chops and it actually felt good to leave there - unstuffed! I can honestly say. .I did not miss the bread even when my little one brought me a strawberry muffin to share!!! I think I may have this licked and am coming to realize that I have to change my lifestyle. Feeling miserable all the time is just not worth that chocolate chip cookie!! Now, I just need to get that exercise bug to take a huge bite!!!

How about everyone else? Plans for the Labor Day? Great time to grill some extra stuff for the freezer. I've been throwing a few extra chicken breasts or burgers on and stock-piling in the freezer for those days I don't feel like cookie! BTW, the pumpkin seeds and emdamome(sp?) was great. Amazing how much 1/4 cup really is when you eat them very, very slowly heheh!!

Kell: Let us know how it went today at the Dr. I'm ing for you!!

[Starzmom]

Kelly..I hope all goes well at the doctor!
Meg...Yay you got the book! I ordered the Quick Weight Los Diet Cookbook so when I get it I'll share what is in there.
IM2fat..You did well. If we want to lose we have to change our mindset. I hardly even go out to eat anymore. That's not the answer for everyone, I know!

I stayed on plan...all QWL but 1,600 calories. Still weigh 204 pounds. I'm going to cook meat out side and that's what I'll be eating along with water and tea. If I eat anything off plan it would be 10 carbs of veggies at most. I'm gonna try to stay strong because I want to get to Onederland!
I hope everyone does well this weekend!

[jskn]

How much cottage cheese is allowed each day? I bought friendship 1% - thanks

[Starzmom]

jskn...Read the stickys on the Quick Weight Loss Diet. There is no limit stated.
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/st...ok-2009-a.html

[IM2fat]

enjoying my grilled pork. mmMmmm. catching up on some posts! What a wealth of information this site it!

[jskn]

I did read that there is no limit on cottage cheese, but have any of you been able to lose eating more than 1 cup per day? Do you think fat free Fage can be eaten instead of cottage cheese (it's half the calories)??

Also, looking at peoples menus I see many of you eating cheese - isn't that not permitted on this plan?

thanks for the help/advice

[perkygirl]

IM2FAT - how could you go to a buffet and not totally lose it. I don't trust myself nearly enough for that yet. My hat is off to you. I keep thinking about getting a slice of pizza tomorrow and a pint of Ben and Jerrys. My little guy sees his dad on Saturdays, and it stresses me out. I need to find a low carb dessert that won't make me crave tons of sweets. I keep having nightmares that I am eating HUGE muffins. Is that bizarre? I wake up panicked, and craving cakes and stuff. Help!!!

[kelfgg]

IM2FAT, I also have trouble with stress eating (cleary from my previous posts.) I have found that the best thing to do is NOT to look for an alternative food. Because you are still feeding your emotions with food and that continues that behaviour, and as long as you have a behaviour like that, it will be very difficult to lose the weight, much less to keep it off. Tomorrow when you get that feeling of I need pizza and ben and jerrys, talk to yourself and tell yourself that that isnt going to make you feel better. It will distract you at best (only momentarily), but there are plenty of other HEALTHY ways to do that which wouldnt interfere with your goals. It takes a lot of time and practice to get that behaviour down. I have been doing much better with that butistill have my slip ups.

come on here tomorow if you need to vent though...we will all be happen to listen an offer you support

[tattoo_girl]

today

egg whites scrambled
can of tuna

skinless/boneless pink salmon

one lean piece of beef/steak
and steamed brocolli!! -cheated with a green! oh well

coffee and splenda

another can of tuna at 11pm...

over all i think ive started off well!

[IM2fat]

Kel: So what did the Dr. say yesterday? hopefully all was well. .

perkygirl: Thanks for the encouragement. I am not sure how I managed the buffet but something in me said. .Don't let this one meal ruin your week! It just isn't worth it. . plus.. I am too lazy to exercise twice as much to burn it all off.. LOL.. .

The only thing I can offer you with regard to your cravings, is to hang in there and try to cut out any sweetners, artificial or otherwise. I found that drinking too much diet pop or crystal light, would actually trigger my sweet tooth. I had to cut them both out for 3 or 4 days and the cravings passed. I was literally sick and light headed about the 4th day into program. I did not realize it was the sugar leaving my system and my body adjusting to fat burning. . After that, I felt fine and I can honestly say, it is rare that I crave anything, any longer. Stress is always a big factor but I try to keep as busy as possible. .I've rediscovered the library, shopping or anything that takes me out of the house. I tend to think about food more when I am sitting home stressing over stuff.. Unfortunately, losing weight is so much about the mind and I think my mind wants me to stay hefty. . I think my fat misses the rest of me when it goes away.. Humpfff!

tattoo_girl: sounds like a good day for you! I have to learn to eat more fish, myself. .

[kelfgg]

phewww its been a crazy week/weekend!!!

Well first I'll give oyu te doctor update. She listened to my heart, said it was beating normally but to fast, a condition called trachacardia, which basically means a rapid heart rate. She sad there were different things that could be causing it although she suspected it was th medication I'v been taking (Wellbutrin.) So she orered a stress test, where i would walk on a treadmill while i'm hooked up to an ekg machine and then see what the cardiologist had to say. BUT, last night my parents were looking through their paper work trying to throw out all the old stuff and they came across the papers that were sent ith my last prescription. I had started out taking 1, 150MG tablet a day, and then he increased it to 2 tablets equaling 300MG. So I have been taking 2 of the tablets every morning for the last few months. Well my mom got him to write a prescription for a 3 month mail order for my next refill because it was cheaper (this was about 5-6 weeks back.) Somehow, it didnt't get communicated to me that he had made the prescription for a 3 month supply of 300MG tablets, not the 150MG, which I had been taking. SO I have been taking 2, 300MG tablets every day!!!! So I emailed my phsyciatrist to make sure I was reading it right......he hasnt responded yet but I'm pretty sure that is what has been speeding my heart rate up too fast. SOOOOOOO hopefully thats all it is and its just a matter of readjusting my medication that way I can get back to exrcising


Besides that, the last 4 days I've been completely off plan. I find it impossible to stay on plan when I'm at home because my mom buys all my favorite foods and shoves them in my face, "Kelly you want some ice cream...some macaroni and cheese....this fresh made bread....etc" .........you get the picture When I'm on plan I feel great. I'm not even interested in food besides when I get hungry which is a first for me! So I think I'm going to see if they have any job openings on campus so I dont have to keep coming home for the weekend. because I lose 5 pounds over the week and by the time thy take me to go back (all of 2 days later,) I;ve gaine dit all back!!! frustrating, but I'm not giving up....I just need to find a way where I still make enough money to meet my weekly grocery expenses (on a side note, I've cut out the diet soda!) yet don't have to be dependent on my family.

SO that was a lot of mumbo jumbo!! phewww how have all of you been?

[Twofish69]

Hey guys,

Hoping I can join you for the next week. I've been maintaining very well at my current weight, but am ready to get rid of those 5 extra that just won't quit.

I am hitting the grocery store today and here is my shopping list:
*Corned Beef lean Roast (will cook in crock pot and dip in whole mustard)
*Lean Ground beef (it's very lean, no grease hardly in the pan, but I still squeeze out any extra between several paper towels)
*Chicken breast tenderloins (Pre cut fingers)
*WW Cottage Cheese (is the best brand here I can find)
*Fresh Cooked Shrimp
*Horseradish to make my own cocktail sauce
*Eggs (Not a huge egg fan, but like a hardboiled one or Egg Drop Soup)
*FF Cheese-Will look, it's hard to find here in Oz.

Good luck everyone! Will try to check in every day.

[Starzmom]

I surprised myself and stayed on plan yesterday! I'm on plan today,too. have a good sunday everyone.

Twofish..Welcome to you!

[IM2fat]

Welcome Twofish Thank you for posting your menu. .gave me some new ideas. Sometimes I get stuck in a rut!

OK. so, .I made some low carb pasta today (the one off netrition). . Needless to say. .I did not like it. I ate one strand and decided it just wasn't worth the carbs although it was only 3 net carbs for 1 1/4 cups! I made my hubby some spaghetti using the low carb sauce (which was good)..so he was happy. I guess thats what counts. Happy Hubby = Happy House!

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing this weekend. I'm working so I keep thinking about food. .heheheh but so far I've stayed on plan! I dropped my kids at the movies with specific instructions not to bring home any popcorn (like they usually do for their popcorn obsessed mom!) That was another small victory for the all-powerful woman that I am becoming!!!

WTG Starz.. We can do this and we will do this!! Yipppeee for another successful day. .

Thank goodness, Kel .. At least it was something simple and something you can control. What a relief . whew!