Deb's mid-year resolution

[mstamika]

Hey Deb

Just wanted to come by and give you a hug. I can see from your entry that you are a bit mentally overwhelmed right now.

hugs are so wonderful and even though they seem so simple they really can do a lot for the soul. If you can grab someone for real over there and give them a hug.

I'll have to check out the lutein clip. Along with the snippet I watched on the Discovery Health website I also caught the "Does mixing alcohol give you a worse hangover?" I pretty much watched the clips that had to do with men and booze. Shame on me! It's strictly education about food this time.

Thanks for the link it's a pretty cool site.

One more for the road. You are doing great Deb!

[Debralynn]

Well, I ate pretty poorly today. Carbs were good, but not the healthy whole veggies I have been striving to add. Tomorrow is another day. (At least I didn't give into that massive soda craving that has be nagging at me ALL DAY LONG!!!!)

Thursday's Menu

Breakfast: Atkins peanut butter granola bar (3)
water

Snack: 2 of Beth's Godsend PB treats (4.4)

Lunch: Hard boiled egg, about 2 T chicken salad, slice of provolone (3)
water

Dinner: Burger patty and the rest of yesterdays ceasar salad (3)

Snack: l/c yogurt (3)

TOTAL CARBS: 16.4
WATER: Great, exclusively
EXCERCISE: hmmmph. Watched DS #1 play soccer while wrangling #2!


Beth - I am far from important! (Except to my family, I hope!) Just glad that the little bit of work I do shares my values and that I can be proud of it! (Poor DH is having some issues in that area. I am really fortunate.)

I feel your pain. We have had the whining, noises, endless raspberries, fighting, refusal to eat, refusal to use the potty, crying at the drop of a hat, you name it today. Tonight was one night I was very relieved to put those little buggers to bed! Whew!

My cream cheese muffin varies every time I make it! This week I added in some vanilla davinci, shredded unsweetened coconut, and sliced almonds. It was out of this world!

They are also great with raspberry davinci and a fresh raspberry on top!

Here is the basic recipe:

cream cheese muffins

1 package cream cheese (block style is best) 8 oz
1 egg
1/4 cup splenda (or sweetener of your choice)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla

soften cream cheese about 40 sec in microwave, add in other ingredients and mix until smooth with electric mixer.

Line muffin pan with paper or foil muffin cup (foil work best, these are sticky!)
Will make 6 regular size, or 12 minis

Bake at 350 for about 20 min. Put in fridge after cooling, eat cold (I like to let them cool gradually in the oven w/door ajar for a while, lessens the sinking!)

They kind of sink in the middle when they cool, but they are super yummy.

They are about 2 grams carb a piece for the large size. Some like to top with s/f jam or whipped cream, but I think they are fine the way they are, and would rather keep the carb count as low as possible.

Tamika - You rock, girl! Thanks for the hugs. I have been addicted to Discovery Health Channel since my first pregnancy. I used to watch birthing shows endlessly. Now I love the health, weight and nutrician programs. BTW, You must give me the low-down on the T-Tapp! I have tried the excercises that she has on her website, and was wondering if the book and dvd are worth it!

I am going to have a big glass of iced water, swallow a couple of Advil, and hit the sack before I go to the fridge for a soda. (Have to keep them there for DH!)

[Debralynn]

I forgot to mention this! DH called before bed tonight. He said that when he gets back, he has decided to join me in my Low Carb Life! I am so happy about this. First of all, we are both far more successful when we do it together. Secondly, I have been really concerned about his health, and think that this will be such great change for him.

We LC'd together before our wedding in 02, and his results were always far better than mine (why do men have it easier).( At least I have a head start this time, and refuse to let his rapid progress discourage me!)

It will be nice to weed the rest of the garbage (read: sugar) out of the pantry and fridge!

[mstamika]

That is so cool that your husband is deciding to join you. If you can't beat em' eh...

Cream cheese muffins YUM. I swear as soon as I am done with this proposal in Nov. I am going to cook something cool like cream cheese muffins!

Deb, keep up the great work! Even if your husband closes the gap in terms of losing the pounds, just remember... you'll always look better in pantyhose. Let him top that!

[Livywilltim-mom]

Happy Fat Burnin' Friday Deb!

You are doing sooooooo well.
I am proud to know you...your job is such a ministry!
Happy to hear DH will be getting LC with you, such a great choice. You are a wonderful example for everyone around you.

Hugs Hon!

[Low Carb Mommy]

You REALLY do understand the children dilemas! I just had to laugh when you were describing my life!

Thanks for the muffin recipe. I will have to try it this weekend. Do you mind if I post it in our recipe thread we have going on? Or you could...Ladies from the Weight Loss Journal - Our Favorite Recipes. Add any of your favorite recipes that you use all the time.

I'm glad that you are staying away from those sodas. Maybe make a note of it and see if your food has anything to do with the cravings. I know for me there are certain restaurants that spur on cravings for sodas. I can give you hope that the longer you go without them the easier it gets. If you were to cave in now you would have to almost start over. They are that addictive!

Don't forget to add some more veggies....you have been low on those. Are you doing induction? I have found when I eat my veggies like Dr. A said it really helps me to feel better and more energized!

Have a great weekend!!!

[Debralynn]

Whew! I finally made it here! Between yesterday and today, I am not sure which end is up!

DH finally came home last night about 1:30 AM. This morning he got a great dose of what the kids have been giving me all week. I think he finally understands why I have been losing my grip!

I ate pretty well most of the day, and then sort of lost control when the kids finally went to bed, and had WHOLE CUP of LC chocolate almond fudge ice cream. Nothing I can do about it now. What's done is done.

Friday's Menu

Breakfast: Atkins Advantage Shake (2)

Snack: macadamias (3)

Lunch: small salad, rolls of roast beef, cheese, ranch (6)

Snack: 1 of Beth's PB cups (2.2)

Dinner: stir fry of chicken breast, 1 cup cabbage, garlic, soy, ginger (5)

Dessert/late night treat: cup of lc ice cream (6)

TOTAL CARBS: 24.2
WATER: Very good. STILL NO SODA!
EXCERCISE: nil

Jaimie - Love ya!

Beth - I don't know how you do it! You have double the load - yes, you are Wonder Woman! I am heading over to the recipe thread! Lot's to share and to try! Thanks!

Tamika - You just made me picture DH in pantyhose. EWWWW! Don't do that! LOL

[mstamika]

Hiya Deb

Way to go on staying away from soda. I've started drinking them for you so don't worry I'll keep your favorite diet soda company in biz.

I appreciate your encouragement and on Monday if that scale still says what it did Friday I'm claiming my victory of 1 more down. I'm going to dance and sing "Another One Bites the Dust.:

Oh BTW, promise no more pantyhose jokes.

[Low Carb Mommy]

You're sweet for calling me wonder woman! It's only by God's grace that I am able to handle the family He gave me that is for sure!

You know some weeks are just too stressful to be perfect with the WOE. You've had one of those weeks. I'm sure next week there will be a whole new outlook on things and better choices. No need to beat yourself up about it. Just keep going. Overall you are making much better choices than a year ago. We never want to go back there now do we?! Have a great weekend. Try to get some rest and you time!

[Debralynn]

Happy Monday.

Thus begins crazy week! I am going to do my best to post every day.

Here are Saturday and Sunday's Menus. I didn't do great, but it's still not awful.

Saturday

Breakfast: Flax muffin w/cocnut oil and 2 T pumpkin (4.5?)
water

Lunch: burger patty w/cheddar and pickles (2)
salad w/ bc dressing (3)
iced tea, unsweetened w/1 squeeze lemon (1)

Dinner: Home made "cole slaw" salad (3)
ham, swiss and lettuce "wraps" (2)
water

Dessert: 2 almond butter cups (homemade) (4.4)
water

TOTAL CARBS: 19.9
WATER: good
EXCERCISE: crunches and light weights (approx 20 min)


Sunday

Breakfast: Atkins cranberry almond bar (3)
water

Lunch: Cracker Barrel: grilled chicken tenders (sweet seasoning???) (4?)
1/2 cup salad w/ranch (3) (I dipped the fork, Beth!)
1 cup cooked cabbage (4)
unsweetened iced tea w/squeeze of lemon (1)

Dinner: wasn't really hungry. wanted something sweet.
2 cream cheese muffins (4)

TOTAL CARBS: 19
WATER: good.
EXCERCISE: Attended kid birthday party with DS's, need I say more
1/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries (2)

Weight today: still 181. I can't complain. I am still in the throes of TOM and haven't been eating the best. I am actually shocked that I haven't gained.

Yesterday was officially 1 week since my last soda. I am so happy about that. I am starting to crave it less (except with certain foods). It'll be a test this week. I have a habit of drinking it alot at the office, and my sweet co-workers often just get me one. Plus, DH just finished one of his biggest projects at work, and I promised to cook Italian for him to celebrate. I just love coke with italian food!

Looks like DH is putting off this WOE for a while. I don't want to push the issue, but it was his idea. I wish, in the meantime, he would at least give up sugar beverages. I think it would be a good start for him and ease him into it. I just don't want to be a nag.


Beth - You are SO RIGHT. I will never go back to where I was a year ago. There, I have put it in writing. I may not be where I want to be right now (weight wise), but compared to what I was, I am a whole new person.

Tamika - Don't drink all that soda on my account! (But have a Diet Dr. Pepper for me if you are in the mood! )

Anyone have any thoughts on the best protein powder? I want to get some, but the choices are so vast, and the containers are so huge. If I choose the wrong one, I have no idea how I am going to use up all of it. I have heard good things about Designer Whey.

[mstamika]

Nice workout Deb! Way to go.

1 week no soda and you are in the throws of TOM! I am so proud of you for making up your mind.

Hold in there this week, I believe in you!

[Low Carb Mommy]

I'm proud of you for making it one week w/o soda! Do you feel the difference yet? You will be able to make it through your temptation! The longer you go the worse they taste. Just remember how bloated and yucky they make you feel!

Great job on maintaining the weight. It just means that you probably have really lost weight but TOM is masking it right now. This week should be good for your loses.

Best advice I can give you on hubby is just show him by example. My DH took a while but eventually came around. He said just by watching me stick with it and not waver he was convinced that it was the way to live. Hope he catches on soon!

On the protein powder. I have bought the Designer Whey and do like the chocolate. The other kind I have bought is called Pure Protein. It is actually lower in carbs than the DW. I would just buy it in the smallest you can buy it. I know Krysta in my journal has a favorite too but can't remember right now what. You could ask her.

[Debralynn]

Got to make this quick, as I have to get up early, get everyone ready, drive an hour to my Mom's to drop the kids off, and still get to the office by 9. (Ha! I'll be lucky to make it there before lunch!) Especially since my little guy is on hunger strike, and just getting breakfast into him takes about an hour.

Did pretty well today. Although, we did eat out tonight. DH came home early and wanted to go out to celebrate the end of his HUGE project. I did manage to get the whole family out after dinner for some fun and excercise at the park, (it's the first time it has been under 90 degrees in the evening for over 4 mos!) so that took the sting out of it.

Monday's Menu

Breakfast: Atkins Advantage Shake - Cafe Mocha (2) This is the best flavor by far (tastes like a melted Frappacino at Starbucks!), it's just hard to find around here. They only have it at Hi Health.

Lunch: The rest of my slaw (recipe posted on the recipe page) (3)
ham and swiss roll ups (3)

Snack: 12 almonds (3)

Dinner: Texas Roadhouse: house salad w/bc dressing (5)
6 oz sirloin steak
cauliflower and broccoli (3)
Unsweetened tea w/squeeze of lemon (1)

TOTAL CARBS: 19
WATER: OK, but no soda
EXCERCISE: take kids to playground, climbing, walk around "lake", running the soccer field, and the most strenuous part, giving them baths when we got home! Ouch! We had such fun. Made DH PROMISE that we would do that at least 2x a week when weather permits!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Hope this morning went well for you and the kids cooperated. I know what that's like. I think you did very well on your menu yesterday and made good choices when you went out. The best thing about yesterday is that you incorporated exercise while having fun. I think we get in our minds that exercise has to be a scheduled intense time. Needless to say, you probably got in more than if you had just gotten on the treadmill.

I'm gonna have to try your slaw soon. Thanks for posting it in our recipe thread.

[mstamika]

Hope you have a wonderful day and that you find it surprising less stressful and more enjoyable than you thought is was going to be.

I got my T-Tapp DVDs in last night and did the instructional #1 DVD last night and this morning and wow. I didn't think a workout that low impact could pack that big a punch.

Take care Deb

[Livywilltim-mom]

Dear Deb!

Wow, great job on the soda front

It sounds like you are taking a calm and peaceful look at your busy week...that will help for sure.

I am doing well with my eating, but this week is nuts for me trying to work my 2 jobs and get my whole family ready to leave for vacation on Saturday! What a blessing to have such a "problem!"

KUTGW friend!

Hugs

[Debralynn]

Hello!

Yesterday was crazy-busy, but in a good way. I didn't plan it, but I ended up doing shakes for breakfast and lunch. I don't think I'll be doing that again. I was so hungry and needed to chew something so bad, that by the time I was able to eat, I went nuts!

Tuesday's Menu

Breakfast: Atkins Advantage Cafe Mocha Shake (2)
water

Lunch: Atkins Advantage Chocolate Royale Shake (2)
water

Snack: (about 5:30 PM) Carb control yogurt (3)
water

Dinner: (7:30 PM) 2 chicken breasts w/skin, broiled w/EVOO, salt and pepper
1 cup broccoli - steamed (4)
water

Dessert: 1/4 cup pumpkin mixed w/ 1.5 oz cream cheese, packet of splenda and cinnamon (4)
almonds (3)
water

TOTAL CARBS: 18
WATER: Pretty good, drank exclusively! No soda or tea!
EXCERCISE: HA!

My carbs were ok, but I feel much better when they are spread out through the day. I will try and prepare better for the rest of the week!

Jaimie- Take me with you!

Tamika- Good work with the T-Tapp! I am so leaning towards getting that! Keep me posted on your progress!

Beth- Nobody cooperated, and I was late, but I got the kids to eat bananas and some organic oatmeal cookies in the car on the way. I consider that success, all things considered! Just how do you do it!!?!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Yeah, I did that shake routine one time and had the same thing happen! Live and learn, huh? I was impressed at how well you ate at dinner. You are still on a role with the sodas. You get an A+ from me!

Ask me how I do it....can't really tell you....only by God's grace!

[Debralynn]

Well, things were going just fine today. Fine, that is, until DH decided to be helpful and bring home "chinese" for dinner. At least he remembered my list of lowest carb items from the menu. I know that I will pay for this tomorrow, but, I haven't had a big cheat in a while, so, I shall own it and move on...

Breakfast: 1/2 flax muffin w/scoop of pumpkin (2)
carb control yogurt (3)
water

Lunch: 1 scrambled egg, 2 slice bacon, wasa fibercrisp (6)
water

Snack: macadamia nuts and slim jim (5)
water

Dinner: Stir fry veggies (broccoli, celery, mushrooms, onions) (4)
about 5 oz chicken w/mystery sauce and mushrooms (5?)
a few bites of pepper chicken (5)
(I removed most of the onions and all of the carrots from above dishes)
Water

TOTAL CARBS: 30
WATER: very good
EXCERCISE: light, having a very emotional day

I do have a prayer request. One of my dearest friends has a 2 year old who was given a preliminary diagnosis of autism today. It has hit everyone quite hard. I see this child nearly every day, and believe in my heart that he has great potential. If anyone can beat the odds, this is the one. Please keep the entire family in your prayers. I pray that the Lord leads them in the right direction to get the early intervention and help that they need.

There but for the grace of God go I.

[mstamika]

Amen, Deb.

I will keep your dearest friends family in prayer.




Deb, I'm very proud of your menu today. The fact that you only had what you did have showed a lot of restraint on your part. You could of eaten the whole enchilada or eggroll so to speak. I know you did your best and that's what counts most!

[Low Carb Mommy]

Yes, I agree. You did very well with the Chinese food. It wasn't the best choice, but you could have gone wild with eating it and you didn't. If they scales do go up today it is more than likely because of the salt rather than true pounds. You had a lot of salt yesterday with the slim jim, nuts, and then Chinese food. Just double up on the water today.

I will pray for your friends. God has a plan for this child. He will give the family grace to face whatever they encounter. Rest assured it is an opportunity for God to show Himself through this circumstance! God always turns it around for our good!

[Livywilltim-mom]

Deb,

Praying for God's peace and guidance for your friend and her whole family.

Hugs!

[blessedtamekia]

Yes, D-E-B is Tamekia or Tamika in the language of lowcarbish (the root of the English language). I checked it out and you are officially a Tamekia/Tamika.

I thought I would die laughing when I read your post in mstamika's journal.

Your jo