A Diamond in the Rough -- Candy's Journey

[Edwards20]

So the money just comes out of the sale ?? Or do you pay if it doesn't sell ?

[Edwards20]

Odd morning for me this morning. I thought surely I would be back down on the scales this morning.

But,I had NO veggies yesterday. 2 Atkins bars and some almonds. I did have some other food, but I was starving all day long. I hate the bulk of my food after 7pm.

I am not sure what's going on. I still have stomach cramps which feel intestinal. My back is cramping as well ... so perhaps it's my one ovary Maybe this too shall pass.

I just worry about the bars (between Randy and myself they are gone) being the problem or the almonds. I only ate 1 oz and I counted them out. Could it be no veggies ?

Then I worry about this coconut oil I have. I thought it broke my "stall" (if you can call it that this early), but now could it be making me gain ? It is not the EVCO, it is the Lou Ann brand from Walmart -- but it says 0 carbs.

I am still reading my books and I don't know enough about this yet to make a judgement call. I did read that you could stay at induction levels at least 6 months and even a year if needed. I haven't gotten to the part that tells you WHEN to move up the carb ladder. Maybe I started too soon ?

Well, I am going to keep reading and just keep doing what I am doing and hopefully figure out WHAT is stalling and/or making me retain.

[Edwards20]

Well, the thread isn't started yet this morning. I gotta go get ready. Late as usual.

[Low Carb Mommy]

Candy...Hugs. I went through the same torture you are enduring right now. I just wasn't on here to voice all my frustration. I stayed torn up inside trying to figure out what was going on with my loss. You will get through this. You're just going to have to relax a little.

It is still early for you if you started in Jan. You may need to wait on adding nuts and other items until later. I would omit the bars for a while and see what happens. How many carbs are on on the ones that you eat? I don't know how the net carbs are figured on the Atkins bars I like. It has 15 carbs to start out with and when you subtract the fiber and the 1 Alcohol it doesn't come to 2. They must figure the protein in there too. If you want something different or sweet try the Atkins shakes. They are less in carbs. The shake I do is only 1 net carb.


I don't think that I would give up the CO just yet. How are you taking it? If you are worried about it being the right one then go to Ingles and get the organic one I use.

I get those cramps too. Last night I was really hurting. I tell myself that it is just my fat letting loose. I hope that is all it is! I have only one ovary too. When did you have your hysterectomy? I had mine almost two years ago.

Just keep doing the right things and you will eventually see results. Try not to stress over it too much. I can tell you are a lot like me with the pushing yourself too hard. Give yourself a break and just eat right. We are probably putting too much thought into this plan. I look at other people's menus and say...they are eating all that and still losing? Sometimes we just aren't eating enough. We have to find out what our bodies want and the only way we do that is by trial and error. It is a learning process so be nice to yourself. You are doing great so far. I know that I'm not willing to go back to the way things were before so the only thing I have left to do is keep moving forward and make the right choices. OK, enough of my sermon.

Love ya lots. You are a blessing! You are not alone!!

[Tippy Toes]

On this journey I saw the scales go down, then up, then stay the same and finally go down again. Many times I cried like a baby. I would give up the bars though. Most are stalled by the sugar alcohols--and I stall on them too. Watch sodium and get enough water. You'll be fine. Deep breathes and not to worry. Walmart also sells EAS shakes that are only 1 carb and 100 calories. You may also have Dannon low carb yogerts which are 3 carbs and 60 calories. Neither of these has S.A. Also remember that when the scales are not moving the tape measure usually is. Have you measured lately?

[Domonee]

Candy,

I think your idea of keeping a journal is excellent and will help me with any accountability issues that might crop up. I also appreciate that I can track my progress easily. Thanks! You are nothing less than awesome! I enjoy reading your journal and look forward to trying some of the recipes you post.

[Edwards20]

Well thank you girlies for the words of encouragement. I wasn't planning on purchasing anymore of the bars. BUT, the only reason I bought them to start with is that they showed NO sugar alcohols. I am sure they count the protein ... and I am not to the point in the book on how net carbs really work.

Why would it be too early for nuts ?

We bought a 4 pack of that 3 carb yogurt ... yummy. We both had 2 this week (at different times). They are not too cheap though.

I haven't measured lately. Funny things I can't find my reg. tape measure. So I took measurements the day I got my gazelle w/ a metal tape measure. I am not sure it's accurate. BUT, I was able to wear an older pair of pants today, and a smaller older pair of shorts tonight. So, that's a good thing.
I am getting compliments too.

I wish I had an Ingles. I may have to investigate a little more and see if I can find a cheap GOOD CO.

I also think I am getting "backed up" again. Read on, you might suggest I take some of Hannah's meds.

I had my hysterectomy when Hannah was 9 months old -- so it's been almost 5 years.

I had a good breakfast and had chicken and broccoli at the chinese place for lunch w/ loads of water. We had pork chops and broccoli casserole for supper. Today's Menu 30 carbs - 11 fiber (19 net).

And that brings me to TODAY ... it has been nothing less than stressful. I had to take Hannah back for her follow up appt at the pediatrician today.

He was concerned about her unexplained fevers and was afraid she was still "backed up". We had another Xray and the child is more backed up than she was the first time. He also thinks she has an overgrowth of "good" bacteria in the colon/intestine - which would explain the fevers.

So we are home from school for 2 days -- intense regimen every 2-3 hours for 2 days w/Miralax. AND we have an antibiotic called Flagyl ["This medication is used to treat a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a type of resistant bacteria.] SO yeah, that scares the crap out of me. He thinks we can knock it ALL out ....

Her throat was red and he was gonna swab for strep, but we got so wrapped up in everything else, that we didn't do it. So, she might still have strep, and this antibiotic won't treat it.

So that about sums up my day.

[lcq]

So much better than calling you Edwards.
Thanks for inviting me to your journal...and dropping in by mine. Sorry the link did not work...I am still in learning mode where that is concerned

I have heard that bars do stall a lot of people....I don't eat them much cause I don't like them. i do eat a lot of nuts though and never had a problem.

Thing is , everyone is different so you just have to keep trying stuff or doing without it and see how your body responds

As for the Tanita.....hmmm...I bought mine about 2 years ago and it cost me about USD 45.00. I only started back using it recently and it has really been a God send.

There are many different price ranges for them...I bought mine from Bath and Body I think. But I believe you can get it at target or walmart

I think it would really be good for you to get one so you could actually tell where your gain is coming from.

I hope your daughter gets well soon...and tomorrow will be a better day

[Edwards20]

Thanks Lisa. I will browse around and see what kind of price I can come up with on the scale. Thanks so much !! Looking forward to getting to know you.

[monet0329]

Hiya Candy Girl..

I am sorry to hear about Hannah.... poor bebe girl.. .. I hope these meds work.. and I so hope she hasn't got strep on top of it all.. .. no thanks to the boss' kid right..

so tell me about these scales.. thats what this Tanita is?..45 bucks.. wowsa.. ..

Lisa..(lcq) hello there.. ..

have a great Hump day ladies..

[Edwards20]

Hey sweetness .... you've got mail

[Edwards20]

Recipe for use later in life

Originally Posted by Tooter

Three min microwave bread


INGREDIENTS:
1/8 cup almond flour (almond meal)
1/8 cup Ground Flaxseed/Flax meal
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
a "pinch" of bulk splenda
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
1 egg

I make this in a 2 cup plastic, square, Tupperware container. You can experiment and use different shaped ones.

METHOD:
Melt butter in plastic container. Beat in egg. add dry ingredients. Mix throughly with a fork. Cover cup with glad wrap, cut a small slit in wrap. Microwave on high for about 1 minute 30 secs. Microwaves may vary. Check on it. Do not over cook.

This is not like the flaxseed muffins, this is a "bread". You could use it as a sandwich or just to go with a meal. Not bad (my fav is the muffins) but this is WAY better then any mix recipe I have ever tried. The texture is like a fluffy bread. Sort of like a white fluffy bread with a corn meal taste to it, if that helps. I have made french toast out of this, Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches etc... ENJOY!

[lcq]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Hiya Candy Girl..

I am sorry to hear about Hannah.... poor bebe girl.. .. I hope these meds work.. and I so hope she hasn't got strep on top of it all.. .. no thanks to the boss' kid right..

so tell me about these scales.. thats what this Tanita is?..45 bucks.. wowsa.. ..

Lisa..(lcq) hello there.. ..

have a great Hump day ladies..

mini thread jack...hello monet...i must say i am finding that all the nicest ladies do hang out together....they keep popping up in each others journals
go check out my journal and about 2-3 entries from the end I explained about the TANITA scale. There is a link to my journal at the bottom of this post...I hope it works this time
The scale really is a great investment...because it is extremely accurate..and as i figure...weighing will be a life long event so might as well buy something good....end of thread jack

Candy ...I am copying that recipe .....looks real good

[Edwards20]

Lisa, threadjack all you want. My place is open, warm and friendly.

[Edwards20]

Cauliflower

Originally Posted by Heather150

I cut up a whole head, microwave it with a splash of water for 15 minutes. Mash with a fork, then add in 1 oz cream cheese, 1 tbsp sour cream, salt and pepper, garlic powder (if I wanna keep things kinda plain).

If I want stuffed caulitaters, I add in bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a butter along with the cream cheese and sour cream!

Totally awesome...and low carb friendly!

[Edwards20]

Hamburger Bun/Roll for later in life:

Ok. I got all the ingredients for Carbalose #4 except for not/starch. I substituted guar gum instead and made hamburger buns on a muffin top pan.

They were beautiful. Here's a picture of the cheeseburger I made with it:
Picture of Bun
Here's my report card:

Texture: A
Appearance: A
Yeast Rise: A
Taste: B+

Though I prefer a softer bun, this is 100% the texture of real bread. This is not (yet) the kind of bread you'd want to slather with butter and eat as an epi roll, but it's close. The splenda cut the carbalose taste, but the wpi taste was still a little strong for me. This is about 90% perfect, so I'm not complaining. But I'm thinking through some ideas as to how to perfect it.

I'm wondering if substituting some almond flour for some of the wpi would work. I'm new to baking so I'm kind of at a loss.

[Edwards20]

Must haves: individual muffin thingies
muffin top pan

Well, I guess I better go to bed. Gonna be a long day tomorrow. At least I hope she sleeps through the night.

[Potaty]

Just stopping by to say hi! How is Hannah?

[Sadler_Girl]

MAKING A MORE FABULOUS ME: Holiday Cooking

Candy I startted that one for the Holiday's

If you want to add the ones you find so we can all find them in one place feel free.................PLEASE!?!?!?!?!?!!

[Edwards20]

Katy, thanks for asking .... she is miserable and heartbroken this morning. Because she can't go to school. Maybe I am terrible, but she had two doses of the Muralax last night with the antibiotic. We are fixing to start every 2 hours today. I don't want her getting dehydrated at school or having an explosion. I explained to her she didn't want to be embarrased, etc. But, when a child feel fine, it's hard for them to understand. Heck, it's probably gonna get worse when she is not feeling fine and trying to understand what we have done to her. I just wish I could make it all go away.

Lisa, that is awesome thread. I am going to read, and hopefully add.

I noticed that the first couple of recipes contain almond flour. Anyone know at what stage that is considered a legal food.

I just want this right, and I don't think I will completely understand even when I finish reading books.

I took some MOM last night (to no avail). I took my fluid pill (it's prescribed daily, but I only take when my ankles puff up and I feel really bloated).

So, I am back down to my profile weight of 238. I was at 237 at one point this week .... frustrating. I can and WILL stick to this and I know it will happen. I just am not 100% confident I am doing it correctly.

[Sadler_Girl]

Poor Hanna I feel so bad for her.

Almond flour I would assume when you add nuts.

[HAB]

Hey Candy!

Just wanted to stop in give some to you and poor Hannah. I hope she gets better soon.

[Edwards20]

Thanks Lisa and Holly. It is just horrible. She feels fine, then I am cramming meds down here ... she is gagging and crying because the antibiotic is so horrible. It's only 1/2 a pill, but I am supposed to crush and mix it with choc. syrup. She almost threw it back up this morning. My aunt suggested mixing it with jelly. I am now looking for any idea to mask the horrible flavor for her. Her little tummy is so bloated, and when this starts, I am sure that she will cramp, etc. I just hope we get it all out of her this time.