Adventures in Carb Cycling

[GME]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Every time I read your posts of you running ON THE BEACH, I get this....MAN-SHE'S-TOO-LUCKY!....feeling. And at sunset of all times!
My favorite thing in the world, sunsets!
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I feel pretty lucky being here. If it makes you feel any better I can tell you what we just paid for our house.

The lunch turned out OK. They had green salads with a scoop of chicken salad in the middle with apples and cranberries. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

I had another good run this evening. I made it to my turn around point in pretty good time (for me anyway), but my legs felt a little heavy and I walked a little on the way back. And I found two sand dollars!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

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You can't hide forever.

Whatcha doin, girl?
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[GME]

Cute pic.

I'm here. I have the flu. Ick

It's been raining non-stop for a week.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by GME

Cute pic.

I'm here. I have the flu. Ick

It's been raining non-stop for a week.

YUCK. I'm sorry you're "under the weather," both literally and figuratively. I guess rain is better than ice/snow/sleet/winds...? That rain is God's way of saying, lie back, relax, rest, you're not going anywhere until you feel better.

Hugs.

[GME]

Blech, I'm sick. I finally went to the doctor yesterday and I have strep. I went to bed about 8:00 last night, and spent most of the morning in bed. I can't sleep anymore but feel too sick to be up and around. I guess I'll go lay on the couch and watch the DVRed American Idol.

[GME]

Tuesday 3/10

Ugh, still sick. The antibiotics helped my throat, but gave me a yeast infection.

I still have chills, cough, sinus pressure and an overall woozily feeling.

I stayed home from work today, but took DS15 to the DMV to get his permit.

Food has been good today and yesterday, but I overdid the carbs Sunday. I'm boiling eggs right now. No running at all since last weekend. I can barely breathe.

I've been e-mailing a friend and we are planning a kid-free getaway the first weekend in May. That gives me something to look forward to. Assuming I'm well by then.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Gina, your no-kid getaway sounds like a plan!

I think I'm due a weekend getaway. Got the fever for it.

Speaking of fever, hope you feel better and back to your old self asap.

Rest and take care.

[GME]

I almost feel human again, rather than a walking sack of germs and mucus! Not quite up to running yet, still short of breath and congested, but I'm up and around.

We went to Costco last night and they had some cute Levis for only $18. I picked up a size 13 jrs. I knew they would be too small, but they went on and zipped so I'm keeping them for inspiration. They'll be my "Reno pants." I have 7 weeks to make them comfortable.

My weight crept up while I was sick. I just had no energy to prep, cook or shop so my eating got sloppy. I had a low day yesterday (FitDay is wonky or I would post totals- I think it was about 1300 cals and 30 carbs) and I plan another one today to give me a jumpstart. I'll go a little higher in cals, carbs and protein when I'm feeling up to running again.

[GME]

Saturday 3/14

I finally made it out to run today! I woke up about 6:30, felt good, checked the tide, made breakfast for the people and headed out.

I was slow and walked a little at the turn around, had to run with a wad of tissue since my nose is still running and I slowed down to cough a couple of times, but I made it! And I found six sand dollars.

My weight is down closer to normal, but I haven't been on the Wii so I'm not sure about the exact number. Maybe tomorrow morning.

I think tomorrow I'll walk down to the beach (easy- all downhill), run my 3.6 miles and walk back up home (that's harder- all uphill and one heck of a butt & leg workout).

If anyone is reading this, I have a funny situation where I run and live. When I started running I lived in a little neighborhood above a state beach. I would drive down, park in the parking lot and run down the beach and turn around at a point about two miles down. We moved a couple of months ago and our new street deadends on the bluff above my old turnaround point. Sometimes I just drive to the parking lot and do my old run. Sometimes I run down (about .75 miles, run a little on the beach, and walk back up (too steep for me to run it just yet).

Tomorrow I think I'll run down, do my old run (only backwards) and walk back up the hill. I need to get my mileage up so I can run the 10k in July. When I trained for the 5k I worked up to the mileage and then worked on speed. Tomorrow's run will be about 4.5 miles (with some of it downhill) and a .75 mile uphill walk for the butt. Work on my mileage and the skinny jeans at the same time.

I'm feeling motivated, so I'm going to set a goal of 190lbs (and the new jeans) by May 1st (weekend trip). There's no pressing reason, but it's a date to shoot for and a goal.

[GME]

Sunday 3/15

200.8 today! A new low and so close to onderland I can taste it.

Yesterday's totals:

Calories 1,723
Fat 120.0 1,074 63 %
Carbohydrate 51.2 194 11 %
Protein 107.4 438 26 %

Most of the carbs came froma banana before my run and veggies at dinnner. Oh yea, and cottage cheese. I've been trying to keep my protein up but its hard without shakes or bars (need to shop for that stuff).

I'm trying to eat dinner early since that seems to help my losses. We wound up eating at 6:00 last night which was OK.

I'm feeling a little weak and light-headed (lingering effects of the flu I think) so I don't know what is going to happen to my run. Maybe I'll take a walk down (and back up) the hill. I could stop at the little organic farm down the road too, I haven't been there yet.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

A new low and so close to onderland I can taste it.

[GME]

Hey Twyla, thanks for checking in on me

It's still Sunday, but I had a little epiphany in the shower......

This morning I put what I though were two little mini goals in my siggy.

First, I put in 190 by 5/1, when we go with friends on our little weekend jaunt. That's 10-11 lbs in 7 weeks. That's pretty pretty ambitious for a pound-a-week gal like me. 190 is also the weight where the little Wii dude will stop saying "That's obese" and just tll me I'm "overweight."

Then, I put in 175 by 7/26. That's 15 more lbs in about 7 or 8 weeks. I'm running a 10K that day and it is just shy of my 43rd BD so it seemed like something to shoot for.

.......I just realized that my second "mini-goal" is my "big goal" that's been in my stats and what I have been shooting for for years. It's my highschool weight and the lowest I have been in my adult life.

Wow, I am 25 lbs from my goal. I've lost twice that much already. It seems completely do-able. Even if not by July, I'll get there.

When I get there I'll probably reassess and set a new goal. Many people my height are lower than 175 and look great (like Twyla). I was no skinny minny in high school either. But really, to me, anything less than that will be icing on the cake because I really feel pretty good right now.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Speaking of goals...how bad do you want it?

Wish I could talk you into carb rotations.

There are no words. It's magic.

[GME]

Monday 3/16

200.4 today. Another tiny creep downward... I'll take it. A few ounces closer to onderland.

Yesterday's totals:

Calories 1,615
Fat 117.1 1,050 66 %
Carbohydrate 18.6 68 4 %
Protein 113.2 467 29 %

I took a rest day yesterday so I went easy on the carbs. I spent a good chunk of my day on a quest for a newt (as I did Friday and Saturday), but we finally found one. DS12 is quite a happy boy.

Wow Twyla, this one little question.........

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Speaking of goals...how bad do you want it?

... set off quite a brain workout for me last night. How bad DO I want it? I have quite a few thoughts on the matter. Too many to post right now since I'm at work and the kids will be here soon. I'll come back to this later when I have more time.

One last thing.... "Spirit of a Marathon" was on TV yesterday (Documentary Channel) ..... Amazing!! I sat and cried at the end... Anyone who is out there who runs or thinks about running... watch it, seriously. I'll post over on the exercise board later if no one else has. I DVR'd it about 30 mins in. If it doesn't come on again soon I'm going to request it from NetFlix.

[GME]

Tuesday 3/17

200.0 today. Aaarrgghhh! I just knew I would see that 1 today! Oh well, tomorrow maybe.

I've been super busy at home with kid stuff and the school internet is really slow today, so I don't even have Fitday finished yet for yesterday, so I better scoot. I just wanted to get my new weight posted.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by GME

Tuesday 3/17

200.0 today. Aaarrgghhh! I just knew I would see that 1 today! Oh well, tomorrow maybe.

You should have tried raising your eyebrows!


My scales aren't that precise. Only measure by the half pound. Just as well for me. Less headache. And I don't have to raise my eyebrows.

[GME]

Darn, I didn't think about raising my eyebrows. I hope I wasn't holding my breath.

I weigh on the Wii and it goes to tenths of a pound. It seems accurate too. I still have a bathroom scale but its pretty random. I hop on for reference but I don't take it too seriously.

The internet finally picked up a little speed and I got Fitday filled in for yestrday:

Calories 1,999
Fat 135.7 1,222 64 %
Carbohydrate 66.2 235 12 %
Dietary Fiber 15.4
Protein 113.6 464 24 %

12 carbs were sugar alcohols in a Think Thin bar.

Now that I'm running again I need to get that protein up. I can't remember what I was eating to get to 200 gms a day. That's another benefit of Fitday- I'll go back and look when I have a chance.

Watching that marathon show has been incredibly motivating for me. One of my friends at work is training for a half marathon and we talk about running quite a bit. She is 26 and maybe 110 after lunch, but she is encouraging and the excitement feeds itself when we talk. She brought me a Hal Higdon book today. Its a training guide for a marathon, but she says its full of inspirational stories. I know I'm not ready yet, but I'll be interested to see what the training entails.

I'm thinking about doing a 5 miler with her (I told her I'll see her at the starting line and she can wait around for me to finish) in April. She says "I'm not fast, maybe a nine minute mile." I'm at 12-13. To qualify for the Boston marathon you have to average a 7 min per mile pace.........7 min per mile.....for 26 miles. Gads

My first (and only... so far) 5K has a half attached to it. I was thinking about shooting for that in November. I heard the last two miles are a hill though. That scares me. There is a half in Disneyland in September every year. That would be fun.

Yikes, I've got to get some work done. They changed filters at work and know I can visit here from my classroom.

[GME]

Note to self..... don't eat a protein bar and go for a run at high tide.

Calling it a "run" is generous. It was really more of a "slog/walk" I did up my distance to about 4.5 miles, but I wound up walking a lot since the tide was so far in and it was tough to run. Oh well, it was still a good 90 min workout.

Today's totals:

Calories 1,722
Fat 113.1 1,017 61 %
Carbohydrate 88.1 320 19 %
Protein 78.4 318 19 %

Carbs were SAs from the bar, yogurt, berries and broc. Need more protein.

[GME]

Wednesday 3/18

Not much time..... but I had to post................... I finally hit onederland!!!!!!

198

Two pounds overnight isn't like me. I know I'll probably bounce back up some, but WooHoo!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

I noticed you increased both carbs and calories slightly in the last few days.

Do ya think zig-zagging the fuel has any effect on progress?

[GME]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

I noticed you increased both carbs and calories slightly in the last few days.

Do ya think zig-zagging the fuel has any effect on progress?

Oh, I don't know, maybe..... I heard somewhere that works

I went looking through past journal entries and I seem to have a "zone" and if I zig zag around the zone it seems to work pretty well. My cals have been lower lately, but I weigh less too, so I'll have to do some recalculating.

I'm still skeered of the whole rotation thing you do. Did you have blood sugar issues before you came to LC? Mine were pretty severe and my dad is Type II.

Sometimes I think I should try it, but I think my main motivation is so I can eat Cheerios. Not the best way to look at it. I also worry I won't get the weight workouts in. I run because I love it. I've never been good at making myself do a workout I don't really enjoy.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by GME

Oh, I don't know, maybe..... I heard somewhere that works

I went looking through past journal entries and I seem to have a "zone" and if I zig zag around the zone it seems to work pretty well. My cals have been lower lately, but I weigh less too, so I'll have to do some recalculating.

I'm still skeered of the whole rotation thing you do. Did you have blood sugar issues before you came to LC? Mine were pretty severe and my dad is Type II.

Sometimes I think I should try it, but I think my main motivation is so I can eat Cheerios. Not the best way to look at it. I also worry I won't get the weight workouts in. I run because I love it. I've never been good at making myself do a workout I don't really enjoy.

Gina, my rotation has evolved over the course of a year. Carb cycling can be done in so many ways, so many stages. Mine may seem extreme to some, but I didn’t just jump into this overnight. Btinc has patiently and expertly guided me along the way to where I am now. And I'm STILL LEARNING!

As for blood sugar issues, I had them when I first began adding significantly more carbs to my WOE, transitioning from Atkins to BFFM in the spring of ‘06. I didn’t understand that there was a right way and a wrong way to eat carbs. I didn’t realize that the type of carb was imp, the timing was imp, and the balance of the macronutrients was critical. I learned, yes, but I didn’t learn it overnight, and I learned from my failures. It’s okay to fail; we learn from it.

As far as carb cycling goes, maybe focusing more on foods lower on the GI index would be best for you to transition into more carbs, and eating them at the times they’d be most beneficial for you. The fast-acting carbs are great for pre-workout and post-workout nutrition, but it’s a learning game, trial and error, of how our body releases the glucose into our body. Too much too fast, and you have BS issues and energy level issues. Our bodies tend to like the Goldilocks approach -- not too much, not too little -- to keep blood sugar under control.

But I will admit, resistance training makes a huge difference in how our bodies process carbs. And if you’re gonna put time in with weights, you will likely need to adjust and embrace carbs as a source of fuel to maximize your effort/progress.

You run because you love it. That’s great. I love it too! (Thanks to you) And it’s a great way to burn calories and condition our body. And yes, we can control our weight with nutrition and clean eating. But true body shaping is ONLY ACHIEVED from progressive resistance training -- hitting the weights! The cut, the definition, the tight body -- that doesn’t happen from cardio or from eating clean. You gotta move the iron.

Start small, experiment. Commit to 10 mins of weight training a day. As your body responds, you can add to that time. Who knows, you may just get addicted!

WHY STRENGTH TRAIN:

Strengthens bones, controls body fat, prevents injuries, boosts stamina (running stamina!), improves our self-image, and improves sleep patterns.

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]And you’ll earn the right to eat your Cheerios!!!!!!!!![/COLOR] So there ya go. Have at it, girl!

[daisyHair]

Hi Gina,

I just wanted to tell you I am really enjoying your journal.
I have so much to learn about carb cycling.

I can tell I sure have more quality energy (walked 4.5 miles today!) when I am adding complex carbs in here and there.

Just wanted to drop by and say hi!

Cary~

[GME]

Hi Cary, thanks for stopping by.

After I read your post last night Twyla I got my lunch/snacks ready for work and included more greens, yogurt and a banana & PB to eat about 3:45. I'm going to run about an hour later. It sure does sound good. Protein is too low though. I'm planning TJ's chicken sausages for dinner, but that won't be enough. I've got to get out and get some more powder.

I read on another thread that You like "Lift Weights to Lose Weights" as a video to start lifting with. Any other reccomendations? I'd like something to focus on upper body and core if I can find it. I'm lame so I'll need a video.

Yesterday's totals

Calories 2,030
Fat 158.0 1,417 70 %
Carbohydrate 46.5 177 9 %
Protein 107.1 433 21 %

I stayed off the Wii this morning, I didn't want to see the bounce up that almost always comes after a new low. I got on the old wonky scale and it stayed the same though.

[daisyHair]

Gina!!!

Major congratulations on making that onederland milestone. I can imagine how you felt.
I am going to fall on the floor bawling (I am a ball of nerves most of the time)!

You two are really encouraging me..
I actually jogged about a block and a half this morning!
I am still so heavy it's not going to be much more than that for a while, plus I need a good jog bra, the girls still hurt!

Have a great day in onderland!

Cary~

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Gina, I agree. Up the protein a little bit, esp if you're gonna begin lifting weights.

As for the video, the one I mentioned is a good one to start with. The UB section only lasts 20 mins, but it's fast-paced and no resting AT ALL, so get ready to sweat. It's a good workout and a good beginning. You can up your weight as you get stronger.

The only thing I DON'T like about the video is her voice. She can be a little cheesy/annoying at times. Not all the way through, just over-the-top sometimes??? But she knows her stuff.

The Turbo Jam series (5 in the pkg) has a section called Turbo Sculpt. It's a good one too. Not as well rounded, and the muscles aren't as isometrically targeted as KS's, but still a good workout.

There's also the Power90 and Power90X that people seem to like. I have only seen the Power90. It's okay. I use sections of that DVD, picking and choosing what helps me most.

Have a great run today!

[GME]

Originally Posted by daisyHair

Gina!!!
You two are really encouraging me..
I actually jogged about a block and a half this morning!
I am still so heavy it's not going to be much more than that for a while, plus I need a good jog bra, the girls still hurt!

Have a great day in onderland!

Cary~

Cary, if you want to start running, I have two recommendations: Couch to 5K and Moving Comfort Running bras. The two worked together to make me the runner I am today. I just can't say enough good things about C25K. It ws like it was made for me. I was almost exactly the same weight you are now when I started and was walking about the same amount you are. I think we are about the same age too.

You can buy the bras at a running store or google and you can find them cheaper. I've gotten them from the Title IX catalog, but the cheapest place I've found is Sierra Trading Post (.com if you don't have a store near you, I don't). They are a closeout place so the stuff is cheap but they don't have everything all the time. I'm running in a bright fuscia bra right now. Sometimes I let it show . Sign up for their e-mail specials and they send you coupons just about every day.

Twyla, I think I'll visit Amazon tonight at pick up the Kathy Smith video. I tend to only listen to any video a couple of times and then turn it down anyway so the voice doesn't bother me too much. I've been hearing about a book for women over 40 who run (can't remember the title though), I think I'll buy that too.

I've been trying to get myself on a schedule of med or short runs on T&TH and a longer run on the weekend. A Friday night carb up and a Saturday morning run sounds pretty good. I think I'll try the weights MWF before work and then one complete rest day on the weekend (well, no formal exercise- show me any wife and mother who has a complete rest day).

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Friday night carb up sounds like a plan for ya!

[GME]

Thursday night 3/19

Calories 2,344
Fat 161.2 1,435 61 %
Carbohydrate 114.2 438 19 %
Dietary Fiber 10.7
Protein 117.6 460 20 %

Pretty high day all-around. Big leafy green salad for lunch, cottage cheese and a banana account for the biggest chunk. Also some chocolate cranberries after dinner. I had my snack in the afternoon but I was starving after I got home from my run. Maybe the banana was too quick-release for me. I was hoping to temper that with the PB.

I ran, but not for as long as I wanted since I had to pick up DS15 from a track meet.

I had a tough time getting going and felt like I had the "dead legs." I ate the banana & PB at 3:45 and ran at 5:15, but it felt like too much food and not enough energy at the same time. I think I'll try a grain (brown rice, oats?) with lunch when I do my next afternoon run.

I have to take DS to Monterey Sunday and hang around for several hours so I think I'll do my long run there. There is a great trail that runs through town where there used to be a railroad. It's asphalt and fairly flat, but usually packed with tourists, walkers, strollers, bikers, and people who rent these big wagon-bike things. There is almost always someone having to push from behind to get them back to the rental place.The railroad was the one that picked up the sardines in Cannery Row. John Steinbeck is everywhere. It is a beautiful little town.

I just got off Amazon. I ordered the Kathy Smith video and a couple of running books for women. I looked up that one that I was excited about and I think its too basic for me. Imagine, a running book too basic for ME.

[GME]

Friday 3/20

Well, I didn't get on the Wii but the wonky scale was up 1.5 lbs. Could be the regular bounce up or it could be the 8:00 chocolate cranberries. It will all even out in the end.