Vienna's Viennese Journal

[Vienna]

Well, I am onto my 7th week of Atkins. I started at 145 and have made it to 132- so a total of 13 pounds of loss so far. My ultimate goal is to reach 110 (I am 5'3). I have been posting for the last couple of weeks and have been overwhelmed by the support that others provide. It really is inspiring. I am also awed by the committment that so many members show to their diet of choice.

I wanted to write a journal to help keep me accountable and to be able to keep my ultimate goal in sight. I have joined a couple of challenges and that has been great!

My dieting history has been long and complicated. I was always a little hefty growing up- I did a ton of sports but nothing really helped. Tried every diet under the sun. In my senior year in high school I suddenly lost a huge amount of weight (first love) and things were suddenly different. I felt I was being treated better by people and strangers. More male attention etc. Well, the weight stayed off for only a couple of years and I slowly gained all the weight back. In 2004 I started Atkins and lost about 17 pounds. I felt great. I fell off the wagon when I moved to Europe with the DH. The food here is incredible but dangerous!
After two years of beefing up I have finally made the commitment to myself to change my WOE for life. Why is this time different from everything else?

Several reasons:
1) I'm better informed about Atkins- not just eating bacon and eggs everyday
2) The community this site has to offer is amazing
3) I have finally come to terms with the fact that this isn't a diet. This is a WOL.

So, that is all I wanted to say to start off my journal. I can't wait to continue and I can't wait to see the results!
My next mini goal is for Friday- 130

Overall mini goals and rewards:

140- new necklace (reached)
135- new purse but bought a mixer instead (reached)
130- new hair style and new hair colour
125- special cosmetics
120- spa day
115- new workout clothes
110- mega shopping spree!!


Today I have eaten:
A protein bar (I hate eating them because they taste diety but I was in a rush so I had to have one- ugh!)
Handful of peanuts
2 beef patties

Tonight I will be out late but I have food in the fridge for later.

General Information about me:
I'm 25. Married to the most wonderful man in the world (he's Austrian) Not wonderful because he's Austrian I was just letting you know that he is.... OK, you get it. I used to be an assistant buyer in Toronto but now live in Vienna. I worked as an English teacher for 2 years and almost threw myself out the window until I was offered a job a month ago. I now manage a huge art collection and I am so excited!! We'll see how long it lasts! I have a rabbit at home - her name is Miss Money Bunny and she has been an amusing addition to the family. No kids- I've got time. I study business and management on the side via correspondence. I cook almost every night and I drink approx. 16 gallons of coffee to keep up the pace! My days are absolutely packed but I'm loving it! Yippee!!

In terms of exercise- I go on my beloved cross trainer 30 minutes every weekday morning. I am now incorporating 30 push ups 5 times a week and a 100 sit ups everyday. Plus yoga on the weekends..

Eating: I continuing with a loose induction- my carbs are usually at around 25-30 a day.. Sometimes a tad higher..

Well, I'm off for now! Day 1 of journal writing!

[Vienna]

well it is Thursday morning and I just finished my 30 minutes on the cross trainer and I am pooped. It was extremely difficult to get going this morning- I didn't get to bed until midnight.. UGH. TOnight the DH has a business run so I am going to have a night in with me myself and I! I am going to rent a film. Do my nails, do a facial. etc. etc. etc. I am going to order a pizza and just eat the toppings- this is the first time so wish me luck!

I found out yesterday that I passed my exams! I am very excited! We'll see how the next assignment today. I'm meeting my MIL for lunch- so I should have a salad or maybe even some chicken. The hardest part is that most of the chicken is breaded here so you have to super careful! Well, for breakfast I am having some herbal tea and when I get to work then I'll indulge in an espresso-- (yummm!)

Talk soon,
Vienna.

Oh! And somebody noticed my weight loss yesterday!!

[Vienna]

Today was weigh in today and I weight the same from last week- 132.. Not too pleased but oh well. Atleast I am past 134 which was driving me crazy. Next week I am just going to be a little more vigilant with my eating. Last night I ordered pizza for the toppings. This was a real test for me! I am a pizza freak. The pizza arrived and it smelled wonderful. Cheese pizza with fresh garlic. I opened the box with fork in hand and it started talking to me. It had an Italian accent "hey! How you doin? Take one little bite of the crust. It won't kill you!" Very friendly pizza- but I stayed strong and just ate the cheese! I am so amazed at my commitment to this diet! It makes me feel like i am totally in control! Besides being disappointed that I didn't lose more this week I am feeling OK. A little bloated but still pumped and motivated! Yippe it is Friday!! Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow! Yippee!!!

[indogia]

you are doing great vienna((hugs))

PREPARATION IS THE SECRET TO CONFIDENCE


With practice you'll come to a point of competence.
You'll find yourself accomplishing your goals gracefully and confidently.

It's then that you'll do things that you never dreamed you could do.
You'll discover powers you never knew existed.
If you're prepared, you're able to feel confident.

There can be no great courage
when there is no confidence or assurance.
Half the battle is in the conviction
that you can accomplish what you undertake.

Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere.
It's the result of constant work and dedication.


hugs

indy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Vienna]

Thanks Indy for the kind words!!
I am currently at work and taking a quick break from it.. I'm being bad!! I love this site! I had a protein bar for breakfast which I hate doing. I just had no food at home so I decided to buy one on the way to work. I just like to eat clean and normal food so I try to avoid any bars and (pre-made) shakes etc. I worked out this morning for 30 minutes on the cross trainer and it always feels great. This evening I am going to do 30 push ups and 100 sit ups.
My SIL is coming tonight for the weekend and I am wondering if she will notice. Last time she saw me was 2 months ago and I was at 145. Last time I saw her she had also lost a lot of weight so this should be funny. For lunch today I am going to have some peanuts and tonight I think I will make something from Linda Sue. Her recipes rock! Tonight I am going to make a cheesecake and on Saturday some cookies for the office. Tomorrow I will have sausages for lunch and for dinner
On Sunday it is my MIL's b-day so we will be going to brunch which will hopefully have a good spread of Atkins stuff! I really have to focus on weight loss and to be a little more careful. I don't cheat but I do feel that sometimes I allow a little more carbs then I should.

[Vienna]

Well! It is Monday morning and I am up and ready for a new week! This weekend was so busy. The SIL was her for the MIL's birthday. I am exhausted from small talk and eating out!!! On Saturday I had quiche and later pizza toppings. And at the end of the evening diebetic ice cream. Wasn't a good choice on my part but it tasted fantastic. On Sunday we went to brunch and I had some salad, mozzarella cheese and some stroganoff beef. Later at night I had some Chinese- not a great choice either but I feel OK about it. I haven't cheated in the last 8 weeks and if my carb count does increase I know I have to go back down. Time to wake the DH up! We have another immigration meeting! Ugh!!
I'll write more later!

[Vienna]

Well, the immigration meeting was such a waste of time.. I am not pleased! Well, I am work now and from the stress of this morning I am developing a migraine. I just bought some aspirin to hopefully nip it in the bud. I get a migraine once a year so I guess this is the one.. AAARRGHH. I had some cheesecake (Atkins) this morning. It was about 3 carbs worth so that is fine. I have had 4 glasses of H2O so far and am hoping to reach 8 at work and then in the evenings drink a couple more. I got my hair cut and dyed this weekend- it was supposed to be for my next mini goal (130) but I had to go and do it- I wasn't looking good. But now I look worse. My hair is a disaster! Wrong colour, bad bangs.. Ugh.. I will post a pic.. Horrible. Well, I should start to get back to work even though I feel so unmotivated now. I am going to buy some tea for the office and figure out what I want for lunch... hmmm..

[Vienna]

Yippee! Have had 9 glasses of water so far today. I just had some 75% percent chocolate= 5 carbs. I really needed something to wake me up. I am completely unmotivated to work this morning. I hope I can get to 130 this Friday. I was supposed to make it last Friday but I didn't
Tonight for dinner I am going to make Linda Sue's white onion Texan pie. I can't wait. Her recipes rock and always keep me inspired..

[Vienna]

Back at work and I am tired. For breakfast I had a small slice of strawberry LC cheesecake and for lunch 4 babybels and a diet coke. Tonight I think I will have MacDonalds (bunless cheeseburgers). I am having a big dinner party on Friday- about 12 people in our tiny apartment!
Last night I made Linda Sue's Texas Onion Pie and it was amazing. I will definitely make that again! I have been really good the last two days and i am praying for a whoosh! on Friday. I really need to hit 130! I hope people notice on Friday- I haven't seen some of them since I was at 145 so I'm hoping they say something!! Better get back to work!

[Vienna]

Well, I left work early today. There was nothing for me to do so I decided to go home and do nothing there! I was going to give the apartment a scrub down but I was totally unmotivated. Instead I downloaded pictures and made on-line albums. The dinner party is coming up (Friday) and I am already buying some food for it. I can't wait! I think I am having an off day today. I look in the mirror and I don't think I look thinner from before.. I guess it is because TOM came early and I am feeling a little bloated. I posted some pics in the gallery but they are pending approval so they won't be up until tonight or tomorrow. I was trying to see if I could tell a difference from my before picture and now but I think I am too grumpy to notice.. Why am I so negative? I think I need a hug so I am going to go and hug myself and wait for the DH to come home so he can hug me too.. HMMMPPPH... Bad mood...

[Vienna]

DH and I are meeting at our local cafe! Maybe that will put me in a better mood! Hopefully!

[Vienna]

Still in a funk! What is wrong with me. This unexpected TOM is really driving me crazy! I am retaining so much. I was supposed to weigh in today but decided not to. I know the numbers will be up and I don't think I can handle the disappointment.

I feel so yucky. At least I threw out the rest of the cheesecake! This weekend I am going to do M/E and check my weight Monday morning. I am desperate to see the 20's and maybe this mini "fast" will get me there. I know a lot is water weight but for peace of mind I need to see the scale move. Better start and get ready for work.. Ughh. Bad mood..

[Vienna]

I'm at work and I just had 3 babybels. They are so good! I am drinking a diet coke right now. Tonight I am making so many carby things for the party but at least I made some Linda Sue Texas Onion Pie so I can have some of that- hands off everyone! The menu for tonight (not for me):

Gnocchi in a tomato beef sauce baked with cheese
Green beans with melted butter and garlic (for me!)
Mini tomato and mozzarella pastries
Spinach and feta croissants
Spinach dip
Baguettes
Onion Pie (for me!)
And a cheese and cracker plate

I hope it is enough food! Have to feed 14 people with me included. Wow, I have no space in my apt. This is going to be a tight squeeze. I usually invite 16 people each dinner and about 60% can make it but now 90% can make it so I am a little concerned!
I really want to get out of this funk that I have been in the last couple of days. It is amazing how my weight really affects my mood. I have been having a couple of fat days and looking at my pictures don't really help. I still feel like I look fat even after losing 13 pounds. Ugh.. Cheer up!

Well, all for now. Should get back to work!

[Vienna]

UGHH! Last night was rough. We had a mega party and I drank way way way too much wine and now I am paying for it. Today I start the M/E thing for a couple of days. I am curious if this will work! I really want to make it to the 20's within the next week. My parents are coming in a week or so and I really want to surprise them! Oy, I need to go to the bathroom.. I'll be back later!!

[Vienna]

Well, I am down a pound. So currently I am at 131.... This is good but I was really hoping to be at 130 by now. I did the M/E over the weekend and I know it works but for me it isn't a great solution... I end up feeling deprived which I hate. Clean Atkins is the best for me so I am going to stick to that. I just have to watch the snacks that I consume and the treats. This weekend I didn't make any low carb treats so I think that should make a difference. For today I am going to have a salad for lunch and for dinner some roast beef with a gorgonzola cream sauce. At first I thought about chicken wings but I am saving that for Wednesday when the DH and I go out to watch some football at a new pub. I have been doing this WOE for almost 2 months... It is crazy... I can't believe my commitment to it this time around. Last time at this time I was mini cheating all the time. Saying stuff like "breaded chicken is OK!".. Well, I just finished my 30 minutes of cardio plus my 30 push ups. I am hoping to do 100 sit ups when I get home tonight! Time to go!!
Vienna.

[Vienna]

Yippee! I made it to 130.5!! I am aiming for 129 this Friday!! I know I can do it! I just need to stay strong! Tonight I am making Linda Sue's Taco Bake and last night I mage minute steak with a gorgonzola sauce! It was so good! I was worried it would make me retain but I guess not!! Yippee!
Time to get ready for work!

[Vienna]

Well, I'm at work and I am tired of doing research. My eyes are killing me. I can't wait to go home!! Yippee!! I am making Linda Sue's Taco Bake for dinner. I've had a real craving for pumpkin pie so I think I will make that this weekend as my treat!! HMMM.. pumpkin pie (low carb of course)

[Vienna]

Yippeeee! 129.8 129.8!!! I am just in the 20's!! Finally!! Yippee!!! Had Linda Sue's Taco bake and I think it helped even thought I ate so late!!
Tonight I am having a big cheeseburger! Maybe it will push me to a solid 129!!
So happy!! Yippee!!

[Vienna]

Alright! I am still 129.8 which is good.. At least it wasn't a figment of my imagination. Well, last night I had the Sumo burger at a bar.. Whew! It was two patties with cheese.. So good.. (no bun) of course.. And the wierd thing is, is that I didn't miss the bun.. Oh sure, I miss certain thinkgs like doritos and oreos but other wise I'm doing OK.. Besides when my DH ordered the fried basket last night and I saw a chili popper looking at me and we had quite the stare down but I won!

I think it is sometimes empowering to say no to food. Like a mini challenge you just accomplished.. My parents are coming in about a week - to Europe, not to Austria though, so I will probably see them in a couple of weeks. My original goal was to reach 125 when I see them but I don't think I do that!

If anyone is reading this it would be great if you could drop a line!! It really motivates me to know someone is there too!

Well, time to get ready for work! Another grueling day!

[Vienna]

Well, I am still at 129.8!! But that is good news! I want to stay in the 20's for now on.. The bad part is that none of my clothes fit me anymore- OK, not bad but still. The tops I can still wear- they are all stretchy but the bottoms are way too big. I feel like I look fatter because of the loose clothes! Am I strange? Thank goodness my office is casual cause otherwise I would be having panic attacks every morning to find clothes that fit. I really don'T want to buy any clothes until I reach goal. I don't want to get comfortable yet... I still have a ways to go! Well, time to get to work- I look like such a slob..

[Vienna]

Ok- so today is officially 2 months on Atkins- no cheats!! Yippee! I made it to 16 pounds loss! Yeah! I am now down to 129! My goal is to reach 127 by this Friday! I can do it! I just have to be strict!

[Vienna]

So! I am i the ten pound challenge and I am going to make my new goal for Halloween. I want to be at 119 by October 31st!! That is my new goal! My parents have arrived earlier than expected but I can't go visit them until I have my visa... So frustrating!! Well, at least it will give me a little more time to lose weight! Originally I wanted to be 125 by the time I saw them but I think 127 will be fine too! The great news is that my mom brought SF jello for me! Yippeee!! So exciting! I can't wait!! Time to plan my dinner for tomorrow night!

[Vienna]

Well, I woke up sick this morning-- not happy about that. I made some egg noodles with soy flour and had them with beef broth.. It really helped. I also made a chicken soup and now I am making a chicken pot pie for dinner. The DH will eat the pastry and I will have just the filling. I am hoping that I feel better tomorrow.. I really wanted to work out this morning but I was exhausted.. I hope I can work out tomorrow. I should have stayed in bed all day but instead I cleaned and did laundry- I couldn't resist..
Better go.. DH is home

[Vienna]

Well, I am feeling a little bit better this morning.. Still wasn't able to work out!! I hate missing workouts! I guess I will have to make up for them on the weekend. The DH said I was snoring last night I guess it is because of the illness. He usually snores so loudly so at least I got him back! I am going to head to work and see how I feel.. If I'm feeling a little feverish still then I'll head home. The DH has an office party tonight so that would give me a little alone time.. Even though I was home all day I still felt like it was work!

Last night I made the chicken pot pie and used pilsbury croissants for the pie crust.. It looked so good that I decided not to even try the filling- instead I made a Sweet Onion Texas Pie to make up for the cravings.. I also had some chicken soup. Today at work I think I will have a protein bar- just too tired to make breakfast. For dinner I will have the rest of the Sweet Onion Texas pie... I think that I will make something with beef on Wednesday or just get MacDonald's if I am too tired.. Well, that is all for now!

[Vienna]

Oy Vay- Still sick.. I went home at 10:30 a.m. because I still felt sick.. I rented two films- The Stone Family and Wedding Crashers.. The Stone Family had me crying like a baby- it made me so sad but I felt better after the crying bit- I haven't cried in ages and I am a real cry baby! The Wedding Crashers was sweet and I do really like Vince Vaughn.. I had MacDonald's cheeseburgers for lunch (no bun) and I ate way too many- so bad!! But I'm sick so I'll allow it! It really is amazing to me that I haven't given up this WOE even though I am sick- I used to make excuses for myself all the time. This time is so different. I am prepared and I am ready! Time to lie down for a little bit- I want to have a full day at work tomorrow!