Beth's Real Life Journey to Success

[Livywilltim-mom]

Oh Beth,
Thanks for your kind words. I am considering a journal of my own. I am currently working 2 jobs and have 3 kids, so my time is pretty limited, but I have the summer off from my full-time job, so maybe that should be a goal for the next month.

I will be sure to stop by and give you encouragement and prayers!!

Hugs,
Jaimie

[KrystaLyn]

My dear Beth, don't worry about your little "mistake" yesterday...in all actuality, your menu looked ok to me! Maybe not the best food choices, as far as whole foods, but you got your veggies in. So maybe you indulged in a little too much ice cream...oh, well. It will be out of your system by tonight, I'm sure. Besides, today is a new day and I know you are going to take advantage of it! Not only is it a new day, but a new week. You will have success this week, I'm sure of it! Love you lots!

[seb]

Yup, coffee w/ cream and pork rinds for dinner for me. Ah well, some days we're just going to eat like that. It's o.k.

No way could I have LC ice cream in the house. That's all I would be thinking about.

[Edwards20]

I am glad things are moving for you. Hopefully the scale will follow suit. I don't buy the ice cream, because I KNOW what I would do. I cannot eat pork rinds either, so I am glad you can enjoy that snack. Have a couple for me. I have heard you can add cinnamon and splenda to the plain ones.

[Low Carb Mommy]

Candy~Are you trying to get me in trouble?

[Edwards20]

Nope, trying to feed your sweet tooth and keep you away from the LC ice cream .

Do you eat yogurt or p'nut butter yet ?

[Low Carb Mommy]

I know...just kidding with you. I do eat yogurt. I had some this morning with raspberry davinci's and 1/4 cup raspberries....so yummy! I am terrified of peanut butter! I LOOOOVE peanut butter! Do you eat it? I am sure it would be better than ice cream. Actually the ice cream was peanut butter fudge. I am going to have to make that transfer to other higher carb things rather than LC sweets.

[Edwards20]

I only eat about 1 tsp (small small amount) ... mix it with a dash of cinnamon and 1 individual serving of the Kroger carb control vanilla yogurt. 6 carbs and it tastes like p'nut butter ice cream to me -- no SA's either. Just a thought. If I just ate the p'nut butter I would eat the entire jar in one setting. That is a way I can control it and get a sweet treat too. I have had one almost every night for a week or so now. I have been losing. I don't credit this treat, but it isn't stalling or making me gain. (I don't count less on that yogurt exception, cause I still don't get it.)

[Low Carb Mommy]

I will try it. Not tonight though. The scales need to go down tomorrow! Coffee will be my treat tonight! Thanks for the info. You are doing well with your losing.

[Edwards20]

It's cool, and maybe try 1/2 a serving and just see what you think. I really attribute mine to going back on my meds. I think you are doing great as well. I think when you climb the carb ladder, you will be fine when you can determine what works for you.

[Low Carb Mommy]

I was looking at the carb ladder after what Candy said to me. Help me understand something... It looks like I have climbed up pretty far.

From induction levels, I have added more salad and veggies, never had a problem with more cheese than is acceptable, have had the yogurt, even had the Calorie Countdown milk, and LC icecream, have eaten some nuts (almonds, macadamia, some peanut butter, peanuts, pecans, have eaten berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries,other fruit(grapes) have one occasion had wine, and then I guess it stops there....no legumes, no high fruits, no starchy veggies, or any kind of grains or substitutes.

So, how often do you need to eat these things when it comes to climbing the ladder? All those things I only eat on occasion. I haven't been consistant with it. Is Pre-Maintenance when you do that? You guys know my weight loss. I still have some to lose. Maybe I just am not going to be able to eat that much of this stuff. I would love to know your opinion.

My weight went a little down this morning....137.2 . I was hoping for more. I did well on my diet yesterday. Plus, I walked for 2 miles(pushing the stroller)!! I know, I know, my muscles are holding water..... Hateful muscles! I am still going to work them though. I may look better with my clothes on but take them off and whoa! It has been a LONG time since this girl has done any toning. Plus, having 6 pregnancies, 4 c-sections, and a hysterectomy. I am a sight. If I plan to look half way descent in a bathing suit this summer, then I had better get busy. I need lots of accountability in this department too! I had even joined a challenge and that didn't do it. So, get onto me when I don't exercise. I give you permission.

Menu from yesterday:

Breakfast: LC Vanilla yogurt(3), w/ raspberry davinic's(0), 1/4 cup of raspberries(1.5N/3.6F), 2 T. milled flaxseed(4)=4.5/6.6

Lunch: 2 hamburger patties(0), slice of cheese(1), pickles(0), onion(1), 1 T. mayo(.3), 1 cup of lettuce(1.3), 3 slices of cucumber(.3)=4.1

Dinner: Parmesan Chicken strips(4), 1/2 cup of greenbeans(2.9N/4.9F)=6.9/8.9

Total: 15.5N/19.6F

[seb]

Beth~I'm really clueless about the carb ladder because I've never gotten that far. Wish I could help you more in that area. As far as exercise goes, I'm in great need of doing more. Let's challenge each other. Now that the rain seems to have passed for us in the Great Northwestit's time to get out and do more walking for me.

[Low Carb Mommy]

You're on Sue! We are going to figure this thing out together! By the end of summer, we are going to be looking hot!

[seb]

Originally Posted by Low Carb Mommy

You're on Sue! We are going to figure this thing out together! By the end of summer, we are going to be looking hot!

Can't wait!

[KrystaLyn]

Ok, so as far as the Carb Ladder goes...You have definitely climed the carb ladder. You have climbed as far as I have. According to Dr Atkins, the purpose of OWL is to find your carb level, discover what foods you can eat without gaining or triggering cravings and slowing your weight loss in order to set the foundation for permanent weight loss. Honestly, I think that last part is fine to hold off on until Pre-maintenance. You are definitely discovering what foods you can eat, so I think you are good there. It says in the book that when you add foods, to only eat them 2-3 times a week at first and then you MAY eat them daily. It doesn't say you HAVE to eat them daily. As long as you are building a menu that you enjoy, then I wouldn't worry about it. That's one of the beauties of the Atkins diet...he intended it to be a tailor made diet, where you eat what you love and not some rote diet created by someone else. Dr Atkins encourages flexibility in his plan, since he intended it to be a lifetime thing. I mean, look at the difference in our plans. Even though we are both on the same level, eating the same foods from the Carb Ladder and basically at the same weight, I eat ALOT more dairy and fruit than you do. But yet we are both still losing. It just shows the difference in the food plans we were able to create for ourselves, based on Dr Atkins plan. Thats one of the best things about this diet, to me. It really teaches you how to do it for yourself. Anyway...I am starting to just babble on. I will stop. I hope I answered at least ONE of your questions!! LOL

I'm glad to scales are moving down for you again And I know you will get to the exercise when the time is right. For me, it is easier to focus on the weight loss first, and then once I'm at a good weight, I can really focus on the exercise. But again, each person is different in that. That's what's so great about it! But anyway, now that I have taken up a lot of space in your journal, I will quit for now!

[Edwards20]

I think Krysta nailed it. I guess I didn't realize you had come that far. I know you have added things, but I thought your carb count increased with it, and you are still staying pretty low, right ? I am in no way an expert. But, I trust Krysta's opinion.

[Low Carb Mommy]

Krysta is the New spokes person for Atkins! You are awesome! You know your stuff. I am so priviledged to be your friend. I know that I am not going wrong with you on my side!

Thanks for the commentary. It makes me feel so much better. I wonder a lot whether I am doing this WOE correctly. You are right...there is flexiblity in this plan! I think if a lot of people would understand that they would be able to relax. I am now going to relax.

Sometimes I don't feel like I have learned anything about my body. I really don't know if anything makes me stall or gain. My body tends to be all over the place sometimes. But I have consistantly lost and I think that is the most important thing. The rest will come later.

As far as the exercise thing, I have kinda viewed it the way you have. There still is a part of me that wonders if I had been exercising all this time would I be closer to me goal. That is what makes me want to start and test it. I just need to know that I am doing the best I can do right now.

This time in my life I am evaluated so many areas. Sometimes I can get bogged down and discouraged when we see so many areas to work on. You really help me because you seem so balanced and able to focus on one area at a time instead of getting stressed about not doing it all. Thanks for your advice!

[Low Carb Mommy]

My new found treat (thanks Candy)....vanilla yogurt w/ peanut butter! Yummo!

[Livywilltim-mom]

Hi Beth!

Happy Tuesday
Congrats on a weight loss, that is great! It also sounds like you are really starting to make smart carb-ladder choices to help you move down the scale and up the ladder.

Our computers at work were unable to access the net today, so I nearly went crazy!! So glad to be home and able to stop by to say "Hi."

Gotta get the kids to all the afternoon activities and then head to Church.

Hugs,
Jaimie

[Edwards20]

Originally Posted by Low Carb Mommy

But I have consistantly lost and I think that is the most important thing. The rest will come later.

I think if we can all remember this, we will be fine.

Originally Posted by Low Carb Mommy

My new found treat (thanks Candy)....vanilla yogurt w/ peanut butter! Yummo!

You are welcome. I told you it was yummy. And, a small pat of p'nut butter can be stretched a long way and make you think you are eating a whole bowl of it. Did you try a dash of cinnamon ?

[Awannabeloser]

Hi Beth (and everyone else reading this),
Glad to hear you'r scale is on it's way down. I also find it really hard to incorporate exercise into my daily routine...I really admire those who are doing it successfully. Maybe this is the wrong place to ask this, but how many carbs does the yogurt have that everyone here is talking about? The yogurt and peanut butter sounds really, really good but the lowest carb yogurt that I can find still has 16 carbs.... this can't be what you guys are eating...is it? I don't seem to see anything in the grocery stores here that is LC...wonder if the CFDA won't allow "low carb" labelling in Canada? I'll just have to avoid yogurt for now.

Well hope you have a wonderful day!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Jaime~So glad you were able to stop by! We all hate computer problems! I was a week without mine recently and had major LCF withdrawals! Thanks for the encouragement!

Candy~Oh, I forgot the cinnamon! It was still very good! I will have to try that now!

Nelia~ That exercise is a tough one! I know that I am going to have to make time for it. I can find extra time for lots of other people...you know. I have to remind myself that it is OK to take time for myself!
As far as the yogurt goes, most of us are eating Dannon Light and Fit Carb and Sugar Control. It has 3 carbs. I know that Krysta also eats the Activia yogurt and has no problems with it. There is a thread called the Yogurt Exception that would be good for you to read. I hope you can find a way to incorporate some yogurt. What stage are you in on Atkins?


Now, I went UP again on the scales. I was 137.6. Is this just a fluke or is there something that I am doing? Does anyone see anything that might be stalling me in my diet? Or, maybe my carb counts might be off??? I looked back and I have been around 137 something since 4/26! Surely it has got to do something soon. I just don't want to be blind to something I am doing to cause it.

Yesterday afternoon I went with my mom, DH's mom, and good friend to a cooking show. It was put on by the "Taste of Home" magazine. It was 3 hours long. They cooked a lot of neat dishes (most of which I couldn't eat). I sat there and tried to figure out on the dishes how I could change them to fit my lifestyle. I think most of them I could change by using sugar substitutes, Atkins baking mix, Almond Flour etc. I haven't gotten into using any of the baking mixes yet. I will have to experiment with that way later. There was a salad recipe that looked really good. I will post it here in my journal. I really want to try it. Maybe someone could help me with the carb counts too.

Speaking of exercise...there was no formal exercise for me yesterday....other than having to walk from our far away parked car to the building and vacuuming out the car before we left (I am stretching here!).

Menu from yesterday:

Breakfast~Atkins shake(1N/5F)=1/5
Snack~Coffee w/ HC=.4
Lunch~Parmesan chicken strips(2), sm. salad(3), ranch(1)=6
Snack~LC vanilla yogurt(3), 2 tsp of Carb Options peanut butter(1N/1.4F)=4N/4.4F
Cooking show/Dinner~Chicken & Beef samples w/ seasoning(2), Cobb Salad(lettuce, egg, cheese, bacon, cherry tomatoes)(4), ranch(2)=8

Total: 19.4N/23.8F

[Low Carb Mommy]

Gyro Salad With Tzatziki Dressing

Dressing:
1 cucumber, peeled and corasely shredded
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 carton(6oz) plain yogurt(3/4cup)
2 T white vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper

Salad:
1/2 pd. ground lamb or ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 tsp. Greek seasoning or oregano leaves
1 pk. (about 10 oz) romaine salad blend
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 pk. (about 4 oz) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained

In a medium bowl, sprinkle cucumber with salt; mix well. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain. Stir in remaining dressing ingredients. Cover and refrigerate. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook lamb, onions and Greek seasoning until onions are tender and meat is no longer pink;drain.
Arrange salad blend on a large serving platter;top with tomatoes, feta cheese, olives and lamb. Spoon dressing over salad. Serve immediately. Yields 4-6 servings

Recipe from: New Classic Cooking Taste of Home Cooking School Magazine Spring 2007 pg. 18-19


*The way the dressing is pronounced is with the "T" silent.

[Low Carb Mommy]

Here is another one I want to try:




Spinach Brunch Bake

1/2 cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 T butter
8 Eggland's Best eggs
1 pk. (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups (6oz) shredded part-skimmed mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4oz) crumbled bleu cheese or feta cheese, divided
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 plum tomatoe, sliced, optional

Combine onion, garlic, and butter in a small microwave safe bowl. Cover and microwave 1 minute or until onion is tender.
In a bowl, lightly beat eggs with whisk. Sitr in onion mixture, spinach, mozzarella, 3/4 cup blue cheese (or feta), diced tomatoes, and walnuts.
Place in a greased shallow 1 qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400* for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Garnish with