Here's to Finally Getting it Right!

[SummerSue]

Food today:
B: 2 eggs, 3 sausage links
L: Grilled chicken breast w/homemade guacamole
D: cheeseburger, tomato/mozzarella/basil salad
S: tea w/co & hc

Lots of water. I think I'll download Fitday to start monitoring my percentages. I hate to get that involved in my food, but I should probably look at it once in awhile to make sure I'm staying in proper proportion. I'm going to add in more co since I stopped taking it months ago. I don't think I always keep my fat up, and I stall when I don't.

[NewYorkGiants32]

I was the same way...this is like my fourth journal. In the previous ones, I never discussed the bulimia so it was almost a lie. Anyhow, I can relate!!

Do you still like Callanetics?

[SummerSue]

Finished the Evolution dvd from yesterday, so I'll add another hour of Callanetics. Yes, I'm still loving it. I see and feel a great difference. When I get to 30 hours, I'll take new photos. When I look good enough, I think I'll post them, but I'm still so unhappy with my body, I'm embarrassed to post anything!

Took 1 Tbl of coconut oil with my tea as I was cooking dinner. I felt like I took some speed or something! Man, my energy level was through the roof, and I couldn't close my eyes until 12:30. Woke up this morning at 6 and jumped out of bed. Took another Tbl with morning tea, and I think that will be it today. My body definitely needs to adjust to this stuff. I'd like to make the bark, but I'm sure I'll eat it in the evening and be up all night again, so I'm gonna hold off on that. If I focus on just drinking tea in the evening with sweetzfree and heavy cream, I have good luck dropping weight. I don't want to add in food.

Next Monday is the end of my 8 week challenge to myself. I wanted to see how much I could change myself in 8 weeks. I had been struggling for months trying to stop binging and cheating on the worst of carbs - bread, cookies, you name it. I gained back 20 of the 30 lbs I had lost last year. So, I challenged myself the easiest way I could talk myself back into this - by eating "as close as possible" to induction for the rest of the month, then "induction" for the next month since I was successful at the first. My focus was on working exercise into my life rather than dropping a certain amount of pounds.

It worked - I tricked myself into getting back on plan and it was "easy" in terms of fighting cravings. The exercise gave me a positive focus, rather than a constant battle against failing to follow my list of approved foods. I felt great moving my muscles, and it made me want to cheat less. And now I feel like exercise is a regular part of my life. Do I run to do it? No. Will I let myself not do it? No. It is non-negotiable. I always feel better afterward, and certainly like the results. If anything, I think I'll increase the intensity and duration now. Still easing myself in, but trying to make constant progress.

So next week I re-measure and post my measurement changes and my weight loss, and any other progress.

[SummerSue]

This response from Rightnow is helpful to me for eating ideas:

Eggs vs. Cream Cheese:
.5 to 1, or 1 to 1: egg whites whipped stiff first, baked or grilled = oopsies
1 to 1, or 1 to 2: mixed together, nuked or baked = mock danish
1 to 8, more yolks baked: mixed, baked = cheesecake
Add almond meal, or flax meal, add or remove an egg or just a yolk or white, add cheese, or spices, or extracts, or cocoa, or sweeteners -- and you get things like:
Pepperoni-oregano-mozzarella breadish
Chicken-rosemary/sage breadish
Jalapeno-pepperjack breadish
Garlic-cheddar breadish
Cinnamon-maple breadish
Chocolate-raspberry breadish
Lemon-blueberry breadish
and the breadish forms range from popovers (coconut meal) to muffins (flax and almond meal) to bun-like (oopsies) to waffle- or pancake- like (any of the above) to pizza-like (oopsies, flaxmeal, or even zuke and cauli versions at Cleo's blog) to loaf-like (almond and coconut meal) to thick bread-pudding like (nuked mock danish with only eggs/cc) to actual cheesecake.

...and so on, depending on how you choose to make it.

So while I have several cookbooks and I have used them, I admit that the vast majority of my recipes I get on this forum, or invent based on concept recipes that others post here or on their blogs.

I've started a 3 ring binder for a low carb cookbook for myself and my family. My kids want their own family cookbook with what they consider "good" recipes. Seems no one is eating the same things lately - what a pain. Hopefully we can sort this out and get some new things tried over the summer.

[SummerSue]

Well, if you believe it, I forgot to weigh this morning. Actually, that's probably a good sign.

I did a lot of clothes shopping this weekend, and am disappointed to find I'm still a size 12. I've been doing the Callanetics for 8 weeks tomorrow, and stuck to induction quite well. I'm only down about 7 pounds too. So, that's a disappointment. I'll have to take a closer look at what I'm doing that's not helping. Anyway, I did wind up getting some summer clothes (sorry they are in this size, but what can you do?). I went out today and bought some new bras (all mine are the wrong size now) and some new undies, which I desperately needed. Am I the only one who hates shopping for underwear? I do it once a year and get about a years worth, so I don't have to do it again! Maybe if I loved my body more, I'd like it. As I was paying, I saw a section that I didn't notice before full of designer underwear. I figured maybe next fall. I guess I'm too fat to deserve nice underwear now. Does anyone else think like this? I've pretty much changed my thinking for outerwear - I'm going to get nice things no matter what size I am, but not for my underwear. So silly.

So, tomorrow I'll take my measurements since it will be 8 weeks since I started Callanetics and got better about my diet. 8 more weeks will take me to July 29. I think I'll start another 8 week challenge to myself - I'd like to be firmly into a size 10 by then and definitely closer to 145 at minimum. Can I do it?

On Sunday I saw I was completely out of ketosis. Saturday I had eaten Chicken Parm at a restaurant for both lunch and dinner. Then, late at night I ate about 10 strawberries with cream. I guess the breading did more damage than I thought. This morning I was already small ketones, so hopefully by tonight I'll be back in deep ketosis. I downloaded a diet monitoring program and started it this morning, to keep track of my percentages. It allows you to choose your percentage goals, but monitors your calories based on BMI and the exercise you input. I'll see how I like it.

[NewYorkGiants32]

I am very curious to see what your measurements are. 8 weeks of Callanetics, they have to be down!!

What is a mock danish?

[meeha]

Hey There,
I like the idea of collecting recipes in a binder I need to do that mine are stuffed in a drawer. I actually bought a recipe box that has the index cards but have never used it.

Okay no you are not the only one who hate to shop for underwear I usually order mine from a catalog which could be crazy if you don't know your size but so far so good.

What is Callanetics?

[SummerSue]

OK, so here are my results after sticking (pretty closely) to induction and then actually doing induction, and doing Callanetics for about the last 8 weeks:

As of this morning (150.2) I have lost 11 lbs.

I have lose 8 1/2 inches overall - 2 1/2 off my waist, 1 1/2 off my abs, 1 off my hips and 1 1/4 off my top thigh (plus other areas).

My size has gone from a tight size 12 to a 10/12, depending on the clothing (bottom size). My "girls" have actually gone up 3/4 inch, which is OK with me.

So overall, I'm pretty OK with this 8 week "challenge" results. I'm definitely going for another 8 weeks. I've gone from grazing all over the place eating everything, to eating induction with no cravings or mental issues - once I'm on it it's not a problem, it's getting there. I've gone from no exercise whatsoever, to exercising regularly usually 4 days a week minimum. And I've lost some weight, which I've been desperate to do.

Am I where I want to be? No. I'm still covered in cellulite on my thighs and butt, and my thighs still touch. My arms are still too fat. I don't have as much energy and strength as I want. But, I've gained back my self control and self confidence, and I will continue on. I won't be doing this for the summer (although being thin for a summer once, just once, would sure be nice). I'm doing this for the long haul.

My next 8 week challenge starts today. I'm committing to staying on induction for June, then will re-assess again. If I add in fruit, I'll still try to keep to 20 gr carbs. I'm committing to keeping up with Callanetics at least 3 times a week. I want to add in cardio, and with the boys being out of school next week, I think it will be in the forms of hiking and biking. I also want to start an upper body weight workout, at least twice a week. That's alot of change, I hope to pull it off. So, July 30 I'll post my results again.

Having these mini-type challenges are good for me mentally. It breaks the monotony and the vision of dieting forever into manageable pieces, with definite results. No goals set to fail to reach, but the goal of keeping on, then measuring the results and enjoying my success. Hopefully this will lead to staying on maintenance (when I finally get to my goal weight) forever!

[meeha]

Originally Posted by SummerSue

OK, so here are my results after sticking (pretty closely) to induction and then actually doing induction, and doing Callanetics for about the last 8 weeks:

As of this morning (150.2) I have lost 11 lbs.

I have lose 8 1/2 inches overall - 2 1/2 off my waist, 1 1/2 off my abs, 1 off my hips and 1 1/4 off my top thigh (plus other areas).

My size has gone from a tight size 12 to a 10/12, depending on the clothing (bottom size). My "girls" have actually gone up 3/4 inch, which is OK with me.

. But, I've gained back my self control and self confidence, and I will continue on. I won't be doing this for the summer (although being thin for a summer once, just once, would sure be nice). I'm doing this for the long haul.

Having these mini-type challenges are good for me mentally. It breaks the monotony and the vision of dieting forever into manageable pieces, with definite results. No goals set to fail to reach, but the goal of keeping on, then measuring the results and enjoying my success. Hopefully this will lead to staying on maintenance (when I finally get to my goal weight) forever!

Congrats on the weightloss and for gaining back your self control and self confidence that is icing on the low carb cake to me

I think once a person get that "diet" mentality out of their system and start seeing things as long term it makes it so much better to stick with b/c you're not feeling like "this is a race".

I love the mini-type challenges to me it motivates you to push harder and keep going b/c you are seeing results in a shorter time frame.
Ex.. Losing 10 lbs in a month verses still waiting for that 20 to drop. Once that month and 10 are done you can focus on the next month and 10. You actually feel like you're accomplish something. Sometimes people get so caught up in the finally number that they don't take the time to celebrate the numbers lost along the way. Does this makes sense?

Okay I have taken up enough space in your house

[SummerSue]

Well, I'm still bouncing around 150 -151. This morning I was 151.2, so that's a little discouraging. I'm not being consistent with my exercise this week, but I am very strong with my diet.

This week is the last week of school, and the past 2 weeks have been crazy with end of the year things, and half days, birthday parties and special events. I'm just trying to remember it all, so haven't been as diligent about posting here, and exercise has not been steady. Hopefully, next week we can start a new routine and things will settle down.

Got up early today and did Evolution from memory, but I still need to do the abs exercises. Hopefully later today! My legs were killing me.

[SummerSue]

Still crazy here. Last day of school, and DH gives me 3 additional errands. Hello?! No concept of being a SAHM.

150.2 again today. Still waiting for the 140's. No exercise today, maybe tomorrow.

[NewYorkGiants32]

It seems like a lot of us are having one of those days where there is so much running around!

Are you still doing induction?

[SummerSue]

151.0

Today I ate sunflower seeds in the evening, so I'm pretty sure I won't be dropping any weight tomorrow.

I did most of Evolution today, but didn't finish the abs section. I'll hopefully get it done tomorrow.

So, I'm trying to get the boys some exercise every day. Twice we've ridden our bikes to the school, played basketball and on the swings/playground. We've gone hiking once and swimming twice (OK, they swam and I sat). So, I'm getting some exercise, but not Callanetics.

Eating has been OK. I'm trying to do induction, but I am eating tomatoes and today sunflower seeds. I need to get back to induction.

[SummerSue]

Well, the sunflower seeds and macadamia nuts I've snacked on the past 3 days haven't hurt - I was 149.4 this morning. Maybe my body is trying to tell me something. I have been inducting for weeks now.

Still doing a lot of activity, but not Callanetics. I'm really trying to focus on making sure they get the exercise, then work it in for me later, but I'm not too dedicated yet, I guess. Today we took a nice hike through a county park we've never been to before. They are really starting to like it. There are 2 more I'd like to get to next week, then I have to start searching around on the web for more ideas.

I'm reading a book on using the glycemic loading as a basis for helping kids eat healthy for life. So far so good, but I haven't gotten past the science yet to see what is recommended. I can't see having them do Atkins or any other low carb, but I want them to add more veggies and protein, less sugar and simple carbs, and basically understand what they eat and how it affects their health.

[SummerSue]

Went hiking this morning for 1-1/2 hours with the boys. I actually forgot to weigh myself!

[hummingbird11]

KUTGW SummerSue!! You're doing FANTASTIC!!

[SummerSue]

Wow - it's been awhile since I've posted in my journal!

Still at 149 - 150. I am such a slow loser. Our exercise has been falling by the wayside, since I've been preparing the house for visitors, who then cancelled. So, at least I don't have to get the guest bedroom ready ever again. The closet, drawers, and all tops are cleared away, and I have a new mattress set and clean bedding/bathroom stuff. All I need now are visitors!

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to get the kids up early again to bike and play at the school. Golf lessons will also start next week, as they are beginning to get bored of just going to the pool (already). I've got at least one good hike planned as well. What we really need is to get out of town for awhile. We have some friends who are done with school now so might go to NY to visit them.

[Comma]

Remember that a) muscle weighs more than fat, so your weight loss due to fat might look less than it is becuase of the gain due to muscle and b) the fat may cover up those new muscles! Just keep doing the Callanetics, don't think about it. It works but may sneak up on you. One day you'll look at your legs and say, what nice and thin legs got we here?

You go girl!

[SummerSue]

Thanks Comma!

Took a 3-1/2 hour hike up the mountain today with the boys. We had a great time. Very hot and sweaty though!

Dh is out of town so I'm painting the garage steps. I'm waiting until evening for the next coat though, since it's so hot. Hopefully 2 coats will do it. It should be a nice surprise for dh - it's looking really shabby lately. Of course, now I have to do the door and trim because that looks gross in comparison!

[SummerSue]

Wow - it's been a long time since I've been here. Having a very busy summer - have been away for 3 weeks and keeping busy with the boys. Only a few more weeks left - I'll be sorry for it all to end.

Weight is 152.0. I've not been eating strict induction but adding in all kinds of fruits and veggies and also some breads here and there. I'm watching portion sizes, and overall trying to continue to stay active. Still not doing any exercise dvd's, but I hope to get back to them soon.

I'll be checking in periodically over the next few weeks, and will probably get back to posting more regularly once the kids are back in school. I have so much to do around the house, but am so unmotivated. I know it will be crazy in Sept and Oct since I'm putting off all these house chores. Oh, well, it will all get done eventually.

[NewYorkGiants32]

Originally Posted by SummerSue

Wow - it's been a long time since I've been here. Having a very busy summer - have been away for 3 weeks and keeping busy with the boys. Only a few more weeks left - I'll be sorry for it all to end.

Weight is 152.0. I've not been eating strict induction but adding in all kinds of fruits and veggies and also some breads here and there. I'm watching portion sizes, and overall trying to continue to stay active. Still not doing any exercise dvd's, but I hope to get back to them soon.

I'll be checking in periodically over the next few weeks, and will probably get back to posting more regularly once the kids are back in school. I have so much to do around the house, but am so unmotivated. I know it will be crazy in Sept and Oct since I'm putting off all these house chores. Oh, well, it will all get done eventually.

Hello!!

I can relate....for some reason I am so unmotivated as well, I have so much do the around the house, like you said Sept and Oct are crazy busy months......hopefully we will get it figured out.