Journey of a Golden Girl

amadeus4313 · 10-15-2006, 07:46 AM

I weighed in at 210.2 this morning. I am starting over today. I have decided to go back to counting points. I love how I feel on lowcarb, but I am just not sticking to it. I think any plan works if you stick to it and I need to find something I can stick to. My exercise has really suffered. I was doing really well last spring and then in June things started to slide. It really helps to have a weight loss buddy but I haven't been able to find anyone who consistently hangs in there. (I haven't even consistently hung in there). So I am going to be my own buddy - my own cheerleader.
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Today starts a new day. Last spring I divided my journey into laps. There were ten of them. Lap ten was supposed to get me to goal. Didn't happen. Today starts Lap 8 and a new beginning. I should have gotten up and worked out, but I didn't get up in time. That has to end. My commitment to myself is going to have to come first, because if I am going to be anything to anyone else, I have to be the best I can be for me.
________________________________________________
I am tracking my points at journaltosuccess. I am doing the old Weight Watcher points program, but concentrating on the low glycemic index foods.
__________________________________________________ _____
Today's challenges
1. stay at or under 29 points
2. drink 8 glasses of water
__________________________________________________ _______
Mini-goal
get back to siggy weight.

Today will be a challenge because we are going to my daughter's house for dinner. I'm going to pack my own food.

I am off to shower and get ready for church. Will check in later.

amadeus4313 · 10-15-2006, 05:06 PM

This is the danger time for me - late afternoon to early evening. If I get through that I am usually successful at finishing out the day.
I survived dinner at DD's house. I didn't pack my own food. I am tired of eating differently than everyone else. I'm tired of trying to defend whatever eating plan I am on. I have to learn how to eat normal portions of foods. My son-in-law fried the fish that all of the guys caught last spring. It's been in our freezer and today everyone met up at my daughter's house. I ate small portions of the food that was there. I figured it to be around 11 points total. After dinner, Anna (DD29), and my niece, Summer and I came back to our house and worked on quilts. (We all live in the same country mile.) Today we had a lot of hand work to do so we watched a movie. Now the evening is here and I am in the house alone. Here is my plan for the night. I have 2 points left which I am planning to bank to have in reserve for the next family get-together. I will have a cup of tea and finish a wedding gift that I have to mail out tomorrow. I also want to jump-start tomorrow's chores because I have to be up and on the treadmill early tomorrow. Melisa (DD28) needs me to come down and help out for a bit. She has a daycare (and also a son and daughter of her own) and a man is coming to look at their furnace. I never pass up a chance to come down and get in some "Grandma" time.

Until tomorrow-

amadeus4313 · 10-16-2006, 06:28 AM

Well, I have the first successful day behind me. That's usually the hardest for me - getting started. I always have that tendency to keep putting off that first day. Of course the first day is always preceeded by an eating free-for-all. Soooooooo, when the "I'll start fresh tomorrow" continues on for a month, well, we all know what happens. Anyway, I ended yesterday using 28 of my 29 points. I got hungry - yes, hungry! - and an apple was the perfect thing to hit the spot. I don't often get to the point where I actually am hungry. The thing I've noticed is, if I let myself get hungry, food tastes so much better.
**********************************
I got up at 6:15 this morning - only 15 minutes later than I had planned, but much earlier than I have been. I was able to get some cleaning done, and 40 minutes in on the treadmill. I have a custom program of intervals which I do on monday, wed, fri, and any day I can't get out to run. I watching kiddos this morning so I want to make sure I got my workout in. (extra points

)
Before my workout I also planned my food for the day. I am feeling strong and in control - but I know that I don't do this without help from God. I need to remember to stay connected. When I don't, I stray. As soon as I think I'm in charge, I find out differently.

I'm off to the shower to get ready for the rest of the day. I'll check in later.

amadeus4313 · 10-16-2006, 08:09 PM

Well, it's 10:00 pm here and it has not been a great day. I am 3 pts over my allottment, but that's the good news. I am sitting here telling myself that stuffing my face is not going to get my DDIL the job she wants (and needs), and it will not make my DD's health problems go away. I am not the fixer of the world and stuffing my face will not make it so. Stuffing my face will not keep the basement dry, nor fix our furnace, or keep me from getting old. To paraphrase a sig line I saw on these boards, if I have 3 problems and try to solve them by eating, I will have four problems. I have a splitting headache so I am going to ignore the messy house, make a cup of tea, take a couple of tylenol and be good to myself for a while.

Until tomorrow . . .

amadeus4313 · 10-17-2006, 05:53 AM

I woke up this morning and thanked God for seeing me through. I love the OA Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. This morning I prayed a slightly different version: Lord, grant me the compassion to help those I can, the faith to pray for those I can't, and please, Lord, the wisdom to know the difference. My youngest daughter once gave me some great advice. She was moving out for the last time and I was concerned for her. She said, "Mom, you can pray for me or you can worry about me. Which do you think will be more effective?" I've thought of that many times. It takes more energy to worry than to pray - energy I could be using to do something more constructive. So I am taking her advice. I have turned over to God those things over which I have no control. And I woke up grateful that I did not turn to food last night.

Today's workout will be on the treadmill again since it is raining. I prefer running outside, but the treadmill is nice too because I can read while I'm working out. I'm blessed to have a pretty workout room. It needs to be decluttered, but this summer I painted it and put up a country border.

I'm off to plan my food for the day and get some cleaning done before hitting the treadmill.

Later . . .

amadeus4313 · 10-17-2006, 11:47 AM

I was thinking this morning, while I was on the treadmill, that I am not going to make my goal of 1000 minutes in October. But you know what? I don't have to. I just need to concentrate on my goal of 30-40 minutes for today. I firmly believe that long-range goals are necessary, but it's the goals that are met daily that get you to where you want to go. So I am only concentrating on meeting my goals each day. And the 3 points over that I hit yesterday - no biggie. I am so proud of myself that I didn't binge. When my kids are hurting, that's when I head for the food. But no more. It's insanity to make things worse by bingeing. Somewhere in my skewed thinking, I got the idea that harming myself would ward off harm to others. This is what I need to work on.

I was thinking some more about bingeing not being the answer to solving problems. It would be like trying to change a tire on a car with a needle and thread. Food fixes nothing but hunger. I actually get the same warm fuzzy from quilting so now I make sure that I always have some kind of project going.

TXLoser · 10-17-2006, 11:51 AM

Good luck on WW...everybody has to find what works for them. Sometimes I envy all the choices on WW, and while I was tempted to switch, I know lc works for me....

Your right..binging won't solve anything.

Keep doing what you know works for YOU...

amadeus4313 · 10-17-2006, 12:02 PM

Thanks, Diane. The thing about lowcarb is that if a person doesn't stick with it, and cheats with carbs, then they are actually doing a high fat high carb diet. That's what was happening - I would start out great and cave in the evening - so during the day I was highfat and lowcarb, but adding carbs in the evening makes a dangerous game. I admire everyone who sticks to lowcarb. I am still fairly low in carbs most of the time. Another factor for me is that lowcarb can affect people with low seratonin levels. That's me.

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to post, Diane. I really appreciate it.

Mary

amadeus4313 · 10-18-2006, 12:13 PM

It's definitely Fall in Michigan. I need to finish getting my decorations up before it's time to dig out the Snowmen and Christmas stuff.

I was able to get up early again today and get a workout in. That's major because Wednesdays are the longest day of the week for me. I usually take a rest day on Wednesday mornings because I have to be at church by 8:30, then to my other job at 11:00 and then back to church for choir rehearsal. I did one of the pre-programmed workouts in my treadmill. It's one that definitely kicks butt - at least it kicks MY butt. I can't wait until tomorrow to get outside and run. It was still dark out when I did my workout this morning.

I'm still a little behind on my points, but it's not much and I'll be able to catch up before Sunday. I am very pleased. I peeked at the scale - I weigh daily, but only update my signature weight on Sundays. I am only .8 pounds from being back to my signature weight.

TXLoser · 10-18-2006, 04:48 PM

Hi Mary...
Really if anybody who can stick to a weight loss plan is to be admired...this isn't easy.

I remember you posting in the Losing and Sticking to it in the CC and you got me interested in the EFGT...I lurk in that thread, but don't follow the plan, but you helped remind me that I lose better with fats in my eating and I tend to forget it because I g et scared of the calories. Now I am back to eating my cream cheese with davinci and 1 cup full fat yogurt w/davinci for my snack. We will see how it goes....

Kudos to getting up early for that exercise...that is hard for me and I tend to stay in bed longer...except on the weekends...the dog it used to walking and keeps nudging at me to get up.... How does the dog know it is the weekend and we walk anyway???

Keep up the good work Mary!!!

amadeus4313 · 10-18-2006, 09:36 PM

Thanks Diane,
I hope things are going well for you, too. Day 4 is coming to a close. I made a new recipe for tomorrow. It's a chicken, veggie, and stuffing casserole. I like to freeze things in 2 portion sizes that I can put in the freezer. DH always gets home a couple hours earlier than me and he's always hungry. He will go without eating if he has to heat anything up or do any prep work. I could not find a crockpot or a slowcooker that would keep food warm for as long as I need to have it without scorching or drying out the food. I have found that a rice cooker is perfect for this job. It's just the right size for DH and I and the food is kept warm enough to be safe, but not so hot that it scorches.

I have a hard time getting myself to get out of bed, but when I do, I love my mornings. I can get a lot done. Tomorrow DS is changing the oil in my car. I'll drive to his house (he lives about 1/2 mile away) and then do my run. By the time I'm back to his house, the oil will be changed. It's a win-win situation - he gets the money I would spend getting my oil changed up town, and I get my workout in.

Well, it's late and I want to be up early tomorrow.

Thanks for reading, Diane!

Mary

amadeus4313 · 10-19-2006, 06:29 AM

I love Thursdays. The most hectic part of the week is behind me and I don't have any meetings in the evening. I get some quality quilting time in. This morning I'm going to take my car down to Sam's and then get my run in. I was just looking at my exercise log and I see that I haven't been outside for a run since October 3. I can't wait. Well, the timer's ringing. Time to take the Easy Chicken Bake out of the oven and head out.

Later . . .

amadeus4313 · 10-19-2006, 11:36 AM

Okay, the Easy Bake Chicken is definitely not going to be keeper. I think the problem was that I used already cooked chicken instead of fresh. Anyway, I will not be adding it to my repertoire.
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My run this morning was wonderful, but my left hip is aching. This started about 1 month and a half ago. It doesn't bother me while I'm running, just when I get up from sitting for any length of time. Then I walk like Granpa McCoy for a few minutes. It's not going to keep me from running. I may need new shoes.
*****************************************
I was down again at this morning's weigh-in. The scale has gone down every day this week. Yay me!

TXLoser · 10-19-2006, 11:46 AM

WAY TO GO MARY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I say..invest in some new shoes...do you think that will help the hip? Do you think it is arthiritis?

I have arthiritis in my right knee..so the dr tells me...it doesn't bother me unless I sit on that leg...which I do sometimes...only because I can..then I remember why I shouldn't!!

Sorry the chicken didn't turn out...it is nice to try new recipes, but then I hate it when they don't turn out and I think of the time and ingredients wasted...but then there are times the new recipes turn out yummy, so we never know until we try it.

KUTGW

amadeus4313 · 10-19-2006, 12:01 PM

Hi Diane,
I don't know what's going on with my hip. It could be arthritis. It could be the shoes - I should have replaced them a long time ago. One of the cross country kids asked if I had changed something in my form. I don't know, but it doesn't hurt enough to make me quit running. It was so beautiful this morning. There were huge flocks of geese flying and honking overhead. They were flying low which means a mild winter. They were also heading north. Can't figure that one out.

It was a gray morning, and chilly. You could smell nature in the air. We're farmers and live in the country so I run between a cornfield and a soybean field. My route takes me to a deadend where a freeway goes through. It's weird seeing the highway after running a half mile between fields.
Have a great day, Diane!

Mary

TXLoser · 10-19-2006, 12:35 PM

Be careful of those low flying geese Mary...you don't want to get pooped on too!!!!

amadeus4313 · 10-19-2006, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLoser

Be careful of those low flying geese Mary...you don't want to get pooped on too!!!!

LOL! Usually it's the critters on the ground I need to worry about:

]

amadeus4313 · 10-20-2006, 10:15 AM

Didn't get my workout in this morning. My daughter called and needed me to watch my grandson while she took the baby to the doctor. The baby has a cold, but it's my daughter I'm concerned about. She's been complaining of shortness of breath the last couple of weeks. I didn't realize how bad it was until I went over there this morning. It's more than shortness of breath, she is really having trouble breathing. I'm proud of myself that instead of stuffing my face, Clay and I cleaned up for Mommy so she could rest when she got home. She's had chest xray and it isn't pneumonia. I worry because she has lupoid kidneys and liver problems. Anyway, I did what I could and am praying for her. She knows I'm a phone call away if she needs anything.

amadeus4313 · 10-21-2006, 07:44 AM

I kind of got off track yesterday. After leaving my daughter's house yesterday I was very uneasy about her breathing problems. I called her during the day and she could barely talk she was so out of breath. Last night everyone came over for a get together since one of the cousins was in town. My daughter finally called her husband and he came and got her. She will be in the hospital at least for the weekend. DH and I kept the kids. As I sat there rocking them in the middle of the night, I thought about how blessed I am with 2 beautiful grandchildren and the opportunity to be so much a part of their lives. I also said some prayers for my daughter. Unfortunately I also got into the food. But I have found that it isn't how perfectly you eat that determines your success, it's how you handle the slipups. I am going to continue on my plan. It's like someone once said, "if you fell on the sidewalk, would you wait until Monday to pick yourself up?"

I'll try and check in later. Tomorrow is official weigh-in day.

TXLoser · 10-21-2006, 04:54 PM

Mary -

for your daughter....

You know this is not a diet...this is a life change of how we eat now. Life will throw us curve balls, we will stumble and like you said..we get back up, brush ourself off and get back on plan right away..... Learning how to deal with stress/emotional eating is part of this journey and I don't know anybody that has done this perfectly...we fall, we get up, we learn

amadeus4313 · 10-21-2006, 05:54 PM

Thanks so much, Diane. I really appreciate the prayers. I just got home from the hospital. She looks good, is eating well. They think it's an infection. They're waiting to get hold of a pulmonologist to confirm what they think is going on. I feel much better after having seen her.

You are so right, this isn't a diet. It's the way normal people live. They may have a day or two where they overeat, but they don't obsess over it. One of the advantages of growing older is that I think we acquire patience. I don't care if it takes me a year to lose the weight. Actually, the weight is secondary - it's what I learn along the way that's important.

Thank you so much for your support, Diane!

Mary

amadeus4313 · 10-22-2006, 07:56 AM

I weighed in at 207.4 so I am down 2.8 for the week. Go me! I'm strapped for time so will check in tonight.

TXLoser · 10-22-2006, 12:27 PM

CONGRATS ON THE LOSS!!!!!!

amadeus4313 · 10-23-2006, 08:13 PM

Thanks for the congrats, Diane.
I'm just doing a quick check-in. My schedule has been thrown for a loop with my daughter being in the hospital. I watched the kids today and will watch them tomorrow. I am glad to be in a position to be able to do something to help and I love being with the kids. But the eating program is suffering. I am trying not to stray too far off track, but being out of my routine and not being able to workout is stressing my comfort zone. As of now, the doctor thinks she has a viral infection in her lungs. I'm wondering if she didn't pick something up in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, she is feeling much better and it really is a joy to be able to be with the grandkids. I am truly blessed. I WILL get back on track.

How are you doing Diane? Your avatar is amazing!!!!

Hugs,
Mary

TXLoser · 10-24-2006, 06:04 AM

Thanks Mary --

Times like this we get really tested isn't it. Stress and emotional eating is so hard to overcome...all you can do is make the best choices you can each day. I have no doubt that as your daughter recovers and is feeling better you will be back in your regular routine. In the meantime enjoy those grandkids...

amadeus4313 · 10-25-2006, 06:17 AM

The past few days have been challenging. Whenever my routine changes, my commitment to myself also suffers. Yesterday I made a special effort to pack my lunch to take to my daughter's house. I didn't do too bad. Now I'm getting back into my regular routine. What I need to do - right now - is have a plan for when stuff comes up. It's like my brain turns off. I think this week I am going to make up a journal to have with me when I am out of my comfort zone. Reminders that if I don't take care of myself, I am useless to anyone else. I'll write more later, but wanted to check in.

Later . . .

10-15-2006, 07:46 AM	#1
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Journey of a Golden Girl I weighed in at 210.2 this morning. I am starting over today. I have decided to go back to counting points. I love how I feel on lowcarb, but I am just not sticking to it. I think any plan works if you stick to it and I need to find something I can stick to. My exercise has really suffered. I was doing really well last spring and then in June things started to slide. It really helps to have a weight loss buddy but I haven't been able to find anyone who consistently hangs in there. (I haven't even consistently hung in there). So I am going to be my own buddy - my own cheerleader. ________________________________________________ Today starts a new day. Last spring I divided my journey into laps. There were ten of them. Lap ten was supposed to get me to goal. Didn't happen. Today starts Lap 8 and a new beginning. I should have gotten up and worked out, but I didn't get up in time. That has to end. My commitment to myself is going to have to come first, because if I am going to be anything to anyone else, I have to be the best I can be for me. ________________________________________________ I am tracking my points at journaltosuccess. I am doing the old Weight Watcher points program, but concentrating on the low glycemic index foods. __________________________________________________ _____ Today's challenges 1. stay at or under 29 points 2. drink 8 glasses of water __________________________________________________ _______ Mini-goal get back to siggy weight. Today will be a challenge because we are going to my daughter's house for dinner. I'm going to pack my own food. I am off to shower and get ready for church. Will check in later. __________________ My Blog: Musings from the Sugar Bush Last edited by amadeus4313 : 10-15-2006 at 07:53 AM.

10-15-2006, 05:06 PM	#2
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Sunday evening check-in This is the danger time for me - late afternoon to early evening. If I get through that I am usually successful at finishing out the day. I survived dinner at DD's house. I didn't pack my own food. I am tired of eating differently than everyone else. I'm tired of trying to defend whatever eating plan I am on. I have to learn how to eat normal portions of foods. My son-in-law fried the fish that all of the guys caught last spring. It's been in our freezer and today everyone met up at my daughter's house. I ate small portions of the food that was there. I figured it to be around 11 points total. After dinner, Anna (DD29), and my niece, Summer and I came back to our house and worked on quilts. (We all live in the same country mile.) Today we had a lot of hand work to do so we watched a movie. Now the evening is here and I am in the house alone. Here is my plan for the night. I have 2 points left which I am planning to bank to have in reserve for the next family get-together. I will have a cup of tea and finish a wedding gift that I have to mail out tomorrow. I also want to jump-start tomorrow's chores because I have to be up and on the treadmill early tomorrow. Melisa (DD28) needs me to come down and help out for a bit. She has a daycare (and also a son and daughter of her own) and a man is coming to look at their furnace. I never pass up a chance to come down and get in some "Grandma" time. Until tomorrow-

10-16-2006, 06:28 AM	#3
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Monday - Day 2 Well, I have the first successful day behind me. That's usually the hardest for me - getting started. I always have that tendency to keep putting off that first day. Of course the first day is always preceeded by an eating free-for-all. Soooooooo, when the "I'll start fresh tomorrow" continues on for a month, well, we all know what happens. Anyway, I ended yesterday using 28 of my 29 points. I got hungry - yes, hungry! - and an apple was the perfect thing to hit the spot. I don't often get to the point where I actually am hungry. The thing I've noticed is, if I let myself get hungry, food tastes so much better. ********************************** I got up at 6:15 this morning - only 15 minutes later than I had planned, but much earlier than I have been. I was able to get some cleaning done, and 40 minutes in on the treadmill. I have a custom program of intervals which I do on monday, wed, fri, and any day I can't get out to run. I watching kiddos this morning so I want to make sure I got my workout in. (extra points ) Before my workout I also planned my food for the day. I am feeling strong and in control - but I know that I don't do this without help from God. I need to remember to stay connected. When I don't, I stray. As soon as I think I'm in charge, I find out differently. I'm off to the shower to get ready for the rest of the day. I'll check in later.

10-17-2006, 05:53 AM	#5
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Tuesday - Day 3 I woke up this morning and thanked God for seeing me through. I love the OA Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. This morning I prayed a slightly different version: Lord, grant me the compassion to help those I can, the faith to pray for those I can't, and please, Lord, the wisdom to know the difference. My youngest daughter once gave me some great advice. She was moving out for the last time and I was concerned for her. She said, "Mom, you can pray for me or you can worry about me. Which do you think will be more effective?" I've thought of that many times. It takes more energy to worry than to pray - energy I could be using to do something more constructive. So I am taking her advice. I have turned over to God those things over which I have no control. And I woke up grateful that I did not turn to food last night. Today's workout will be on the treadmill again since it is raining. I prefer running outside, but the treadmill is nice too because I can read while I'm working out. I'm blessed to have a pretty workout room. It needs to be decluttered, but this summer I painted it and put up a country border. I'm off to plan my food for the day and get some cleaning done before hitting the treadmill. Later . . .

10-17-2006, 11:47 AM	#6
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	I was thinking this morning, while I was on the treadmill, that I am not going to make my goal of 1000 minutes in October. But you know what? I don't have to. I just need to concentrate on my goal of 30-40 minutes for today. I firmly believe that long-range goals are necessary, but it's the goals that are met daily that get you to where you want to go. So I am only concentrating on meeting my goals each day. And the 3 points over that I hit yesterday - no biggie. I am so proud of myself that I didn't binge. When my kids are hurting, that's when I head for the food. But no more. It's insanity to make things worse by bingeing. Somewhere in my skewed thinking, I got the idea that harming myself would ward off harm to others. This is what I need to work on. I was thinking some more about bingeing not being the answer to solving problems. It would be like trying to change a tire on a car with a needle and thread. Food fixes nothing but hunger. I actually get the same warm fuzzy from quilting so now I make sure that I always have some kind of project going. Last edited by amadeus4313 : 10-17-2006 at 12:04 PM.

10-16-2006, 08:09 PM	#4
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Well, it's 10:00 pm here and it has not been a great day. I am 3 pts over my allottment, but that's the good news. I am sitting here telling myself that stuffing my face is not going to get my DDIL the job she wants (and needs), and it will not make my DD's health problems go away. I am not the fixer of the world and stuffing my face will not make it so. Stuffing my face will not keep the basement dry, nor fix our furnace, or keep me from getting old. To paraphrase a sig line I saw on these boards, if I have 3 problems and try to solve them by eating, I will have four problems. I have a splitting headache so I am going to ignore the messy house, make a cup of tea, take a couple of tylenol and be good to myself for a while. Until tomorrow . . .

10-17-2006, 11:51 AM	#7
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	Good luck on WW...everybody has to find what works for them. Sometimes I envy all the choices on WW, and while I was tempted to switch, I know lc works for me.... Your right..binging won't solve anything. Keep doing what you know works for YOU...

10-17-2006, 12:02 PM	#8
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Thanks, Diane. The thing about lowcarb is that if a person doesn't stick with it, and cheats with carbs, then they are actually doing a high fat high carb diet. That's what was happening - I would start out great and cave in the evening - so during the day I was highfat and lowcarb, but adding carbs in the evening makes a dangerous game. I admire everyone who sticks to lowcarb. I am still fairly low in carbs most of the time. Another factor for me is that lowcarb can affect people with low seratonin levels. That's me. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to post, Diane. I really appreciate it. Mary

10-18-2006, 12:13 PM	#9
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Wednesday - Day 4 It's definitely Fall in Michigan. I need to finish getting my decorations up before it's time to dig out the Snowmen and Christmas stuff. I was able to get up early again today and get a workout in. That's major because Wednesdays are the longest day of the week for me. I usually take a rest day on Wednesday mornings because I have to be at church by 8:30, then to my other job at 11:00 and then back to church for choir rehearsal. I did one of the pre-programmed workouts in my treadmill. It's one that definitely kicks butt - at least it kicks MY butt. I can't wait until tomorrow to get outside and run. It was still dark out when I did my workout this morning. I'm still a little behind on my points, but it's not much and I'll be able to catch up before Sunday. I am very pleased. I peeked at the scale - I weigh daily, but only update my signature weight on Sundays. I am only .8 pounds from being back to my signature weight. Last edited by amadeus4313 : 10-18-2006 at 12:17 PM.

10-18-2006, 04:48 PM	#10
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	Hi Mary... Really if anybody who can stick to a weight loss plan is to be admired...this isn't easy. I remember you posting in the Losing and Sticking to it in the CC and you got me interested in the EFGT...I lurk in that thread, but don't follow the plan, but you helped remind me that I lose better with fats in my eating and I tend to forget it because I g et scared of the calories. Now I am back to eating my cream cheese with davinci and 1 cup full fat yogurt w/davinci for my snack. We will see how it goes.... Kudos to getting up early for that exercise...that is hard for me and I tend to stay in bed longer...except on the weekends...the dog it used to walking and keeps nudging at me to get up.... How does the dog know it is the weekend and we walk anyway??? Keep up the good work Mary!!! __________________ Diane

10-18-2006, 09:36 PM	#11
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Thanks Diane, I hope things are going well for you, too. Day 4 is coming to a close. I made a new recipe for tomorrow. It's a chicken, veggie, and stuffing casserole. I like to freeze things in 2 portion sizes that I can put in the freezer. DH always gets home a couple hours earlier than me and he's always hungry. He will go without eating if he has to heat anything up or do any prep work. I could not find a crockpot or a slowcooker that would keep food warm for as long as I need to have it without scorching or drying out the food. I have found that a rice cooker is perfect for this job. It's just the right size for DH and I and the food is kept warm enough to be safe, but not so hot that it scorches. I have a hard time getting myself to get out of bed, but when I do, I love my mornings. I can get a lot done. Tomorrow DS is changing the oil in my car. I'll drive to his house (he lives about 1/2 mile away) and then do my run. By the time I'm back to his house, the oil will be changed. It's a win-win situation - he gets the money I would spend getting my oil changed up town, and I get my workout in. Well, it's late and I want to be up early tomorrow. Thanks for reading, Diane! Mary

10-19-2006, 06:29 AM	#12
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Thursday - Day 5 I love Thursdays. The most hectic part of the week is behind me and I don't have any meetings in the evening. I get some quality quilting time in. This morning I'm going to take my car down to Sam's and then get my run in. I was just looking at my exercise log and I see that I haven't been outside for a run since October 3. I can't wait. Well, the timer's ringing. Time to take the Easy Chicken Bake out of the oven and head out. Later . . .

10-19-2006, 11:36 AM	#13
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Okay, the Easy Bake Chicken is definitely not going to be keeper. I think the problem was that I used already cooked chicken instead of fresh. Anyway, I will not be adding it to my repertoire. *************************************** My run this morning was wonderful, but my left hip is aching. This started about 1 month and a half ago. It doesn't bother me while I'm running, just when I get up from sitting for any length of time. Then I walk like Granpa McCoy for a few minutes. It's not going to keep me from running. I may need new shoes. *************************************** I was down again at this morning's weigh-in. The scale has gone down every day this week. Yay me!

10-19-2006, 11:46 AM	#14
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	WAY TO GO MARY!!!!!!!!!!!! I say..invest in some new shoes...do you think that will help the hip? Do you think it is arthiritis? I have arthiritis in my right knee..so the dr tells me...it doesn't bother me unless I sit on that leg...which I do sometimes...only because I can..then I remember why I shouldn't!! Sorry the chicken didn't turn out...it is nice to try new recipes, but then I hate it when they don't turn out and I think of the time and ingredients wasted...but then there are times the new recipes turn out yummy, so we never know until we try it. KUTGW

10-19-2006, 12:01 PM	#15
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Hi Diane, I don't know what's going on with my hip. It could be arthritis. It could be the shoes - I should have replaced them a long time ago. One of the cross country kids asked if I had changed something in my form. I don't know, but it doesn't hurt enough to make me quit running. It was so beautiful this morning. There were huge flocks of geese flying and honking overhead. They were flying low which means a mild winter. They were also heading north. Can't figure that one out. It was a gray morning, and chilly. You could smell nature in the air. We're farmers and live in the country so I run between a cornfield and a soybean field. My route takes me to a deadend where a freeway goes through. It's weird seeing the highway after running a half mile between fields. Have a great day, Diane! Mary

10-19-2006, 12:35 PM	#16
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	Be careful of those low flying geese Mary...you don't want to get pooped on too!!!!

10-20-2006, 10:15 AM	#18
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Friday - Day 6 Didn't get my workout in this morning. My daughter called and needed me to watch my grandson while she took the baby to the doctor. The baby has a cold, but it's my daughter I'm concerned about. She's been complaining of shortness of breath the last couple of weeks. I didn't realize how bad it was until I went over there this morning. It's more than shortness of breath, she is really having trouble breathing. I'm proud of myself that instead of stuffing my face, Clay and I cleaned up for Mommy so she could rest when she got home. She's had chest xray and it isn't pneumonia. I worry because she has lupoid kidneys and liver problems. Anyway, I did what I could and am praying for her. She knows I'm a phone call away if she needs anything.

10-21-2006, 07:44 AM	#19
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Saturday - Day 7 I kind of got off track yesterday. After leaving my daughter's house yesterday I was very uneasy about her breathing problems. I called her during the day and she could barely talk she was so out of breath. Last night everyone came over for a get together since one of the cousins was in town. My daughter finally called her husband and he came and got her. She will be in the hospital at least for the weekend. DH and I kept the kids. As I sat there rocking them in the middle of the night, I thought about how blessed I am with 2 beautiful grandchildren and the opportunity to be so much a part of their lives. I also said some prayers for my daughter. Unfortunately I also got into the food. But I have found that it isn't how perfectly you eat that determines your success, it's how you handle the slipups. I am going to continue on my plan. It's like someone once said, "if you fell on the sidewalk, would you wait until Monday to pick yourself up?" I'll try and check in later. Tomorrow is official weigh-in day. Last edited by amadeus4313 : 10-21-2006 at 08:12 AM.

10-21-2006, 04:54 PM	#20
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	Mary - for your daughter.... You know this is not a diet...this is a life change of how we eat now. Life will throw us curve balls, we will stumble and like you said..we get back up, brush ourself off and get back on plan right away..... Learning how to deal with stress/emotional eating is part of this journey and I don't know anybody that has done this perfectly...we fall, we get up, we learn

10-21-2006, 05:54 PM	#21
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Thanks so much, Diane. I really appreciate the prayers. I just got home from the hospital. She looks good, is eating well. They think it's an infection. They're waiting to get hold of a pulmonologist to confirm what they think is going on. I feel much better after having seen her. You are so right, this isn't a diet. It's the way normal people live. They may have a day or two where they overeat, but they don't obsess over it. One of the advantages of growing older is that I think we acquire patience. I don't care if it takes me a year to lose the weight. Actually, the weight is secondary - it's what I learn along the way that's important. Thank you so much for your support, Diane! Mary

10-22-2006, 07:56 AM	#22
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Sunday - Week 2 - Day 1 - Weigh in day! I weighed in at 207.4 so I am down 2.8 for the week. Go me! I'm strapped for time so will check in tonight.

10-22-2006, 12:27 PM	#23
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	CONGRATS ON THE LOSS!!!!!!

10-23-2006, 08:13 PM	#24
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Thanks for the congrats, Diane. I'm just doing a quick check-in. My schedule has been thrown for a loop with my daughter being in the hospital. I watched the kids today and will watch them tomorrow. I am glad to be in a position to be able to do something to help and I love being with the kids. But the eating program is suffering. I am trying not to stray too far off track, but being out of my routine and not being able to workout is stressing my comfort zone. As of now, the doctor thinks she has a viral infection in her lungs. I'm wondering if she didn't pick something up in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, she is feeling much better and it really is a joy to be able to be with the grandkids. I am truly blessed. I WILL get back on track. How are you doing Diane? Your avatar is amazing!!!! Hugs, Mary

10-24-2006, 06:04 AM	#25
TXLoser Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 10,612 Gallery: TXLoser Stats: 354/224 WOE: LC Start Date: January 2004	Thanks Mary -- Times like this we get really tested isn't it. Stress and emotional eating is so hard to overcome...all you can do is make the best choices you can each day. I have no doubt that as your daughter recovers and is feeling better you will be back in your regular routine. In the meantime enjoy those grandkids...

10-25-2006, 06:17 AM	#26
amadeus4313 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful mid-Michigan Posts: 3,141 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: amadeus4313	Wednesday - Week 2 - day 4 The past few days have been challenging. Whenever my routine changes, my commitment to myself also suffers. Yesterday I made a special effort to pack my lunch to take to my daughter's house. I didn't do too bad. Now I'm getting back into my regular routine. What I need to do - right now - is have a plan for when stuff comes up. It's like my brain turns off. I think this week I am going to make up a journal to have with me when I am out of my comfort zone. Reminders that if I don't take care of myself, I am useless to anyone else. I'll write more later, but wanted to check in. Later . . .