~KrystaLyn~"Not Just Weight Loss" Journal

[sbarr]

Hi there - you write beautifully. I saw your post on another thread about the article and think I'll go pick it up today. I'm also posting here so it gets bumped whenever you update.

You're a real treat and delight here!

[KrystaLyn]

OMGosh, Sandra, thank you so much! It was such a nice surprise to come post in my journal and find such a sweet compliment! I have to say, your post are quite motivating and inspirational as well, and I always love reading them. Thanks for the kind words

Well, my jaw just about dropped to the floor when I weighed this morning. I lost 1.2 pounds!! I am 145.2 this morning!! I cant beleive it. My goal for the week was to be 147 by tomorrow morning...I can't believe how much I have exceeded that goal this week! It throws my whole goal plan for the month off...in a GOOD way! I have to totally adjust my weekly loss goals for the rest of the month, since I have practically met NEXT weeks goal already! I only have 2.8 pounds left to lose to meet the low end of my monthly goal (5.2 to meet the high end of my monthly goal.) I just keep waiting for this HUGE woosh to end, but so far, so good! (I am, however, mentally preparing for when it DOES end, because I know it will eventually.) I am also still in the deepest ketosis, although this morning some of that may have to do with the fact that I haven't drunk any water since I started my fast at 5pm last night.

So yesterday, I bought myself a small notebook to keep my daily food counts in. I kept my first months just on a piece of paper, but I will probably be keeping track of what I eat for a LONG time, so I thought a contained notebook would be better, plus, I can put it in my purse and take it with me wherever I go. So, from that, here is my menu from yesterday:

B - eggs w/ cheese 2-3 carbs

S- SF jello cup w. whipped cream - 1 carb

D - Outback Special 8 oz. steak - 0 carbs
house salad w/ blue cheese dressing - 5 carbs (estimate)
green beans - 5 carbs (estimate)
vanilla pudding - 6 carbs

Total - 20 carbs

I will only be eating one meal tonight, and then starting tomorrow I will be adding yogurt 3x next week. I got the 4 oz. sugar and carb control cups from dannon. They didn't have any full fat plain, so I will probably have to go to the health food store to get that. But the cups should be handy for me to take to work. I also got some of the 1 serving cottage cheese cups for the same reason. This coming week should be my final week on the dairy rung, but we will see how I feel about it toward the end of the week.

I have also been reading Atkins for Life and I am SO excited by the thought of actually getting to maintenance and being able to apply the principles in that book as opposed to just the 3 actual weight loss phases. I have never actually gotten to the pre or maintenance phases before, so it will be a lot more new stuff for me to learn and put into practice. I am really looking forward to it.

Ok, well, its time to get ready for church Until tomorrow!!

[KrystaLyn]

Holy Moly, I was 144.8 this morning. I have pretty much passed up NEXT Mondays goal already! I am planning for this week to slow down. It's got to! Not that I want it to, mind you, but honestly! This is just crazy! I lost at least 3 lbs last week! I've been thinking about it, and I think the fact that I have pretty much cut out any meats with Nitrites has probably helped. I don't even know the last time I ate bacon (although I may go to the health food store and check out what nitrite free stuff they have there.) Plus, I don't eat Sugar Alcohols anymore, either. I haven't touched it since I started on Jan 1st. I DO eat pure cocoa on occasion to get my chocolate fix, but until I can add back ultra dark chocolate in moderation, I won't be eating any fake chocolate candy. I honestly think those two things probably have at least SOMETHING to do with how rapidly the weight is falling off me right now.

Anyway, today I ate some Light and Fit yogurt for lunch. I will see how it affects me over the next couple days. Other than that, I am not changing anything else in my diet this week. And I am also pleased to say I am wearing my new size 10 jeans. They just fit. But it will be a good way to measure my progress during the next 10 lbs

Yesterdays menu:

Nothing for breakfast or Lunch - fasting

D - pot roast - 0 carbs
steamed broccoli (1 c.) - 4 carbs
cheese sauce - 1 carb
cottage cheese jello fluff (2 servings) - 8 carbs
Crystal Light (1 c.) - 0

S - Pero w/ cream and Splenda - 2 carbs

Total - 15 carbs

[Low Carb Mommy]

I love reading your journal! Congratulations on the weight loss! I did have a couple of questions. I have started reading the New Diet Revolution book. Do you read the old one or the new one? Also, what is a rung? I haven't come across it and have seen other people say it. KUTGW! I am also working toward getting into those 10 jeans!

[KrystaLyn]

Yay!! Beth is here! (I'm assuming your name is Beth from your MySpace, which, btw, I would add you, but for some reason, I can't log into my account!) Ok, so I will answer your questions:

Originally Posted by Low Carb Mommy

I have started reading the New Diet Revolution book. Do you read the old one or the new one?

I have actually read the original (what people here refer to as Atkins 72), but it's way too old fashioned (by that I mean, he's done SO much more research since then, and I'm sure he wouldn't have updated his plan without being confident that it was just as effective) and strict for me, although I can see how it would probably be good for someone with a high metabolic resistance.

Then when I actually went on Atkins the first time, I followed the 92 version (it had a yellow cover). Now I have the updated 2002 edition, and I really don't find that much of a difference between this one and the previous one, except the fiber exception, which I follow and haven't had any problems losing with. I also have Atkins for Life, which was the last book Dr. A actually wrote. I won't read anything written after Dr. A died, though.

Originally Posted by Low Carb Mommy

Also, what is a rung? I haven't come across it and have seen other people say it.

When you get the the OWL level, you add back foods in 5 carb increments, in the order listed on the carbohydrate ladder. Each food group that you add back is refered to as a "rung" on the carbohydrate ladder. The rungs listed in order are:

1. more Induction level veggies
2. fresh cheeses (or the dairy rung)
3. seeds and nuts
4. berries
5. wine and other LC spirits (although Dr. A removed this rung from the ladder in Atkins for Life because he said they had no nutritional value as a food)
6. legumes
7. other fruits
8. starchy veggies
9. whole grains

Right now I am on rung 2. This is my third week on it. I've added back cottage cheese, and now this week I'm adding back yogurt. If I do ok with the yogurt (which, so far I am still in deep ketosis after eating it,) then I will add back nuts starting Monday. I try to stay on each run at least 2 weeks each, just to make sure my body is used to the new foods on each run before adding another new element to my diet.

So, how close are you to those size 10 jeans??

[KrystaLyn]

Ok, so now for a brief accountability post:

I did go up .4 lbs this morning. I was expecting it though, because I was kindof on the bloated side last night. However, this is the first up fluctuation I've had for probably a week. I guess I will just try to up my fiber today and see how that works.

I ate some yogurt yesterday and this morning I was still in the deepest ketosis, so obviously it hasn't affected my fat burning. I won't eat any today, since I'm only going to eat it 3x this week. Other than that, things are just going on normally for the rest of this week. I am still working on upping my carbs since they were so low over the weekend because of my fast, but I think I will still try to keep them between 20-23 this week, and up them to at least 25 next week with the nuts.

menu from yesterday (it was a leftover day: )

B - Atkins shake - 2 carbs

L - Beef Skillet - 6 carbs
yogurt (4 oz.) - 3 carbs

D - Pot Roast - 0
cottage cheese jello fluff - 4
sauteed green beans (1 c.) - 3
root beer "float" - 1

S (mainly to up my carbs) - hot cocoa - 4

Total = 23 carbs

[Low Carb Mommy]

Because I didn't read the book to begin with I really started somewhere between the induction stage and the OWL. All I knew at the time was to cut out the white stuff, sugar, and eat veggies that were low in carbs. Then after a while I got some of the bars and shakes and would eat them for breakfast or snack (only allowed myself one a day). I also later found the lc icecream but would only eat it on occassion. In looking at the rung, I would say that I am rung two also. I do eat a couple of almonds every now and then. I haven't eaten any fruit. I don't drink any carbonated bev. ...only water, diet lipton green tea in the bottles, unsweetened tea with splenda, and coffee with heavy cream and dav. sf syrup.

I have really been afraid to add anything else. When I do the ketone sticks, it only gets to the moderate stage. That isn't consistant either. I went through a time where I wasn't losing much...only lost .8 this past week! This has been my run:

Oct. 29-Nov. 5 -1pd
Nov.5-12 -2.6pds
Nov.12-19 -1.4
Nov.19-26 -1.4
Nov.26-Dec3 -2.4
Dec.3-10 -1.6
Dec.10-17 -1
Dec.17-24 -1.6
Dec.24-31 -2.4
Dec.31-Jan.7 +1.2...very upset
Jan.7-14 -2.6
Jan 14-21 -1
Jan 21-28 -2
Jan 28-Feb 4 -.8

So you can see my weight loss hasn't been big numbers. I have started trying to count my carbs with my journal and I'm just not seeing where the problem has been. I usually and staying between 20-30 carbs. I have to confess that I haven't been exercising. Does that really make a difference in the big drops?

As far as the jeans...the 14's I have on are loose...so I am thinking that I am probably in a 12. I weighed 151.8 this morning. So, it will probably take another 5-8 pounds to get there. I will let you know.
Thanks for writing me back. I was wondering on the myspace. Maybe someone got into your page? I hope you can get back there but I'm glad to find you here!

[KrystaLyn]

First of all, I have to say you are the BOMB for starting this WOE BEFORE the holidays! AND, you've lost 20 lbs in basically 3 months. That's pretty good. I crunched the numbers and you are averaging almost a 1.5 lb/per week weight loss, which is also pretty good. I have been averaging 2.5, but I was on Induction for 3 weeks, and despite adding back some carbs and food, I've been keeping my numbers fairly low.

I guess the question is: how do you FEEL about how/what you are eating? Are you comfortable with it, or do you want to add back more foods? If you are fine with it, and don't want to possibly disrupt your rate of loss, then by all means, keep doing what you are doing. But if you aren't happy, or are bored, SLOWLY start adding a few things in. I guarantee, a few strawberries are not going to hurt you Just monitor anything you add back in very closely, to see how it affects you.

I do think that exercise makes a difference...it won't seem like it at first, but then it will start catching up. For example, I started exercising again probably about 2 weeks into it. I didn't really see a difference at that point, but I kept it up...moderately. I haven't gone crazy at all in the exercise dept. But then, last week when I was out of town and then working, I didn't go to the gym at all and I lost like crazy. I really think it was the previous exercise that gave me a little leeway despite not being able to do anything for a week.

So, just out of curiosity, how tall are you? I'm wondering because I'm 5'2 and I was still wearing my 12's at 151. But I guess everyone's body type is different. I have a sister that is only a few inches taller than me and weighs just 2 lbs more, and shes in a size 8! I won't be a comfortable 8 until I'm 135, I'm sure. So when are you going to buy new jeans? Are you going to wait till you get to goal, or what? I could barely wait to get into my new ones!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I'm doing ok with the choices of foods. It would be nice to add some berries every now and then. But I think at this point it would have to be in the special treat department. Maybe when I get the exercise going on a regular basis I will be able to add some more. I did a Denise Austin exercise video today...low impact! I was very proud of myself for that. I did notice that I felt a little on the weak/hungry side about an hour afterwards. I ate some celery and ranch and felt better. I guess for now I will just have to be satisfied with my steady but low weight loss and not expect the 10lbs in a week loss!

I have often thought of going back to the induction stage for a week to see what happens. I know it would be really hard. What do you think?

I am short! I say I am 4'10 but probably the truth is that I am more like 4'9. So, all my fat is smushed into a small area! I remember when I weighed 135 that I was in size 8. I can't wait to be there again! The answer to your question about the jeans is...as soon as possible. It would feel so good to go down another size. I remember when I bought these 14's. I was on a high for a week. My clothes are getting very few! I have nothing small to move into. I gave up long ago and got rid of everything.

Questions: How do you make your cocoa? Do you put splenda in it? I am still not sure about portions. Everyone post their menus on here but don't really put portions on salads, veggies, meats. I just wonder sometimes if I am eating too much portion wise. I try to watch condiments and other items with carbs. I have noticed my stomach it getting smaller. Last...How do you feel about the net carbs...do you count the full amt when you eat a bar (I eat the akins advantage bars). Thank you so much for your help. I don't want to take up a bunch of space in your journal. If there is another way to communicate I will be glad to do that! Have a great night!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Hey I forgot to tell you to go look at my gallery pictures. I posted some before and after...there are several...one for each month! Beth

[KrystaLyn]

No prob with the questions But if you want to, you can always PM me. It's pretty easy to figure out, if you've never done it before.

As for the cocoa, I either make my own with Cocoa, Splenda and Calorie Countdown. Or every now and then, I just have a cup of the Swiss Miss Diet (3 carbs) cause I can just mix it with water.

I do usually measure out my portions. I use my measuring cups quite frequently throughout the day! But I don't freak out if I end up just eyeballing something, or have a second portion of something (I rarely have seconds, though). I just eat until Im full.

And yes, I just count net carbs. I have since day 1 and it hasn't seemed to affect my ketosis at all. I count the net carbs in the Atkins bars, too, because they use glycerine, and I have read that glycerine really isn't absorbed like a lot of the Sugar Alcohols. Atkins bars are the only ones I eat because they are the only ones without Sugar Alcohols that I have found. I eat one maybe once or twice a week and it has never affected me negatively.

Well, have fun jean shopping! And BTW, I looked at your pictures, and I can definately see the difference, especially in your face! I really don't see much difference in mine yet, but I haven't taken any recent pictures (although I should tomorrow before I send my hubbys Valentine box!) In all honesty, I kindof don't want to send DH any noticable pictures of my weight loss because I really want to just surprise him when he gets home from Iraq this summer! It's KILLING me to keep it all a secret and I've almost blurted it out more than once, but I'm determined to keep it a secret. I can't think of any better surprise to give him! He will probably pass out....or pass me right by

Anyway, I will talk atcha later!

[Low Carb Mommy]

I was down another .6 this morning. That makes a pound already this week! Yeah!

I know it has to be hard to wait on telling him. My husband and I are best friends (even after almost 17 years) and I tell him everything! The bigger surprise will be to see you and not know though. When Mark (DH) and I were dating he did that to me! We hadn't seen each other a few months and when I saw him my mouth dropped! He was so HOT. You just remember that one! I want to look HOT to my DH again!

Praying for your husband by the way...safety! Hope you have a great day! Not sure what you mean by PM...use to IM...but I will figure it out!

[KrystaLyn]

Beth~ PM is Private Message. If you click on my name by my avatar, it will say something like "Send KrystaLyn a private message" and then you can send messages on here just like email.

Great work on the weight loss! I went back down to 144.8 today after my little weight gain yesterday. So I still haven't lost anything this week yet, but I have until Monday to lose 1.8 lbs to reach my goal. We will see. If I don't make it, I'm not going to cry because I lost so much last week.

So my menu for yesterday looks like this:

Late Breakfast - Atkins shake - 2

Light Lunch - 1 c. broccoli slaw - 3
w/ 1/4 c. cheddar cheese - 1
2 T. ranch dressing - 1
SF Jello cup w/ whipped cream - .5

S - 1/2 c. cottage cheese - 4
w/ Splenda & cinnamon

D - Cheesy Taco soup - 5
1/2 c. steamed green beans - 2-3
w/ butter
Root Beer Float - 1

Total = 20 carbs

I am for sure going to the gym today, since I am working the rest of the week and probably won't be able to go. That is my only goal today, as far as my eating and health goes. I have PLENTY of other goals to accomplish today that have absolutely nothing to do with it! Sigh.

Thanks so much for your kind words and prayers for DH. I try not to worry too much, but sometimes it gets the better of me! And yes, it will be nice to look HOT for DH again...he pretty much always looks hot to me

Here's a pic of him...

[Low Carb Mommy]

Wow..I can see why you want to look good for him! I didn't see the private message thing by your name so I did a search. It told me that the administrator had not given me permission to access the PM...I don't know why...maybe I haven't been on here long enough???

Great work on coming back down on the weight! I have been there done that one! I too weigh every day so I see the ups and downs. So far for me this week has been different for a change. You will definitely get there. I have FULL convidence! Just keep thinking about how you will look in the summer...all skinny..tan...and ready for DH!!!

I have to have the recipe for the taco soup. I would love to have some soup! I see what you are doing with the cottage cheese. That looks good. You can also take Ricotta cheese and add vanilla flavoring and splenda. It makes a wonderful dessert if you are looking for a few more carbs. I stole that one from my mother in law who was doing South Beach diet.

How long have you been away from your DH? I don't know how you do it! My DH traveled for 3 years. He would be gone on an average of 2 nights a week. With four kids that was really hard. Are you able to talk to him at all?

Have you been able to figure out your myspace yet? We could talk there. Hope you get everything done today! You are such a blessing in my life!

[lcq]

I have not been away that long....and you have just been melting away.
Ok I was trying to find the encouragement to do Hardcore Low Carb......and you have FINALLy given me the push over the edge I needed.....i don't know why I have been hesitating because I lost the most weight in my life in 4months when i did it before.
So Krys don't you dare go disappearing on me when you reach to goal(...by the looks of it that will be sooner than you think ) cause i will need someone to hold my hand when the temptation monster rears his ugly head.
KUTGREATW hun

[KrystaLyn]

Lisa!! I'm glad you're back! I know can you believe it?? I have literally been doing doubletakes every time I get on the scales!! It's amazing what happens when you set your mind to something. And don't worry about me leaving anytime soon...even if I DO reach my goal weight quickly (which I doubt...my body seems to get stubborn once I hit the 130's), I still have to learn how to maintain it!! I'm gonna go post on your thread now.

Beth, thats weird about the PM's...I think I have always been able to use them. I wonder what would happen if I tried to PM you? I will try and and we will find out! I can give you the taco soup recipe, but honestly, I am still tweaking it. I would rather give it to you when I am happy with it. I'm thinking of adding diced tomatoes and a few other things. I mean, if you want it right NOW I will give it to you, but I think I can make it better. And thanks for the Ricotta Cheese idea. I actually have a whole container in my fridge that I have only used once, and I hate things going to waste!

As for DH...He's been gone since August 5th and will probably come home sometime this July or August (crossing my fingers they don't get extended!) But we do talk usually about twice a day, once in the morning, and once at night. Fortunately DH is commo, so he has plenty of access to phones and computers.

Anyway, I've been really bloated again tonight, so I'm pretty sure I won't want to weigh tomorrow morning I don't know why, but I seem to go through these spurts where I get really bloated for a few days, even though I eat the same things I normally do. I've just got to ride it out. Although, now that I think of it, it COULD be the fact that I've added the yogurt. Hmmmm.....

Well, until tomorrow...I'm off to bed!!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Well, I joined you in Bloat town this morning! I was up .6....grrrr ! Just in time for my long weekend trip. I really wanted to feel skinny on it . I was thinking about just taking some pamprin. I pushed myself really hard cleaning house yesterday so that probably did it. Those old muscles needing a little extra water. We (DH, me, and another couple) will be leaving for Savannah this afternoon for a business/romantic weekend . So, I will be away until Sun. night. Hang in there. We know all good things come to those that wait!

I will patiently wait on the soup. I know it will be good when you finally give me your secrets!

You are a strong woman. I admire you and all women who have to be away from DH's in order for them to serve our country. Thank you!!!

Have a wonderful weekend. Keep your head up! You are a disciplined, strong, perservering woman who WILL achieve her goal!!!!


p.s. I went crazy with the smilies today huh?

[lcq]

Originally Posted by KrystaLyn

Ok, ..............I think my Metformin has a lot to do with it this time around. The few other times I made some half hearted attempts to get back on plan, I could NOT get below 149. I would get stuck there for a few weeks without a budge, so then I'd get frustrated and fall off plan again. But I've been on the Met for a year now and I think my body is finally adjusted to it and it is making things SO much easier this time around.

BTW Krys I have been meaning to ask you ...what is what is Metformin
Is it some sort of fiber supplement?

[KrystaLyn]

Lisa~Metformin is an insulin sensitizing medication that I am on for the PCOS.

Beth~That sounds so fun! I wish DH and I could go on a romantic weekend getaway <sigh> And if you are careful, you may come home to a surprise on the scales! Sometimes not being able to weigh every day is a nice break. And thanks for all your kind words, although I have to say, I don't FEEL like a particularly strong woman I just do what I've got to do, you know?

So as for me...I am still feeling a little gassy and bloated, but I weighed the same this morning. Seems my body is quite happy with 144.8 at the moment. And I have to say, I'm not displeased myself. If I have to stall out for a few days, I'm glad it's at a weight that is lower than I've been in the last 3 years!

here is my menu for yesterday:

B - 1/2 c. full fat yogurt w/vanilla davincis - 6

L - broccoli slaw w/ ranch (1.c) - 4
1/4 c. shredded cheese - 1
rolled in 6 roast beef slices - 0
SF jello cup w/ whipped cream - 1

S - Atkins bar - 3 (net)

D - Costco Chicken Salad - 2
SF banana cream pudding - 6
w/ whipped cream (had a sweet craving last night)

Total = 23 carbs

And while I haven't lost anything since I've added back in the yogurt, I am still in very deep, if not the deepest, Ketosis, so I'm not sure if it is the yogurt causeing this little stall, or if its just one of my normal bloaty phases that is happening to coincide with adding in yogurt. I will see how the rest of this week goes. I was going to eat yogurt one more time this week...tomorrow. If I haven't lost anything by Monday, I will probably cut out the yogurt. But if I get over this bloating phase and start losing again, maybe I will add one more week of yogurt just to make sure before going on to nuts. we will see which I choose over the next few days.

well, I have to work pretty much the rest of the weekend, so I need to plan my lunches/snacks, so I am off!

[lcq]

I have recently realised that I cannot eat broccoli.
I get the worst gas and bloating with stomach cramping too

I thought it was my imagination cause i was able to eat broccoli in the past but on 3 separate occasions it has happened...the last one being a deliberate attempt to prove me wrong which had me lying on my bed rolling and groaning in horrible pain.

So what you could try is eating yogurt one day and eating broccoli by itself another day and see how you feel the day after each of them...then you will know who is the real culprit