Karebear Land

[kare30bear]

This is my second try at a LC life. My first start was March 7, 2011, I was 201 lbs and managed to get down to 148 at one point by November of 2011. Somehow I believed that I would no longer need to diligently track every single carb in my body anymore and could do it by estimating throughout the day. (This downfall occurred somewhere in 11/2011) That turned into me cheating periodically until I just completely went off plan altogether.

I restarted April 30, 2012 at 163.4 lbs. and have lost 7.6 lbs (when I weighed in on Monday 5/21). So far I have had absolutely NO cheats and hope to stay that way, I know it only leads to a full on binge for me.

I wanted to start this journal bc I really do talk a lot, and I'd rather post all my thoughts & frustrations in a place where people aren't FORCED to listen to them. I do participate in a few threads and it's great support and helps keep me accountable, I just feel bad when I tell TOO MUCH or annoy people with my life stories all day.

In the first 2 weeks of my re-induction, I didn't exercise at all. I started Ripped in 30 by Jillian Michaels on 5/14. My weight immediately jumped up to 160 (4 lbs) by Friday, but yesterday it came back down to 155.8.

I also started a meat & egg fast yesterday and so far I am not feeling well. In the last 2 days I have felt fatigued, foggy and nauseous. I'm not sure if this is normal, it's my first attempt at this so I'm trying to hang in there and see how it pans out. My plan was to go 5 days, but I may cut it short at 3 days. During the 1st day I tried to cut out my caffeine (coffee & soda) and sugars but incorporated them back in today and it was a little better, but I still feel "off." Then I weighed this morning and was up about a pound and a 1/2 . (not very encouraging)

I am still sore from working out so that's a possibility for the gain, I also drank about 96 oz of water yesterday and I usually drink 64 oz. So many things going on I suppose it's hard to pinpoint.

Monday (5/22) food:
B: Strawberry Banana Egg Cream w/ 2 Strips of Bacon
S: Chicken broth (from the chicken I roasted) about 1 cup
L: Tuna w/Mayo + 2 Whole Deviled Eggs
D: Roasted Chicken + 2 Fried Eggs
S: Chocolate Egg Cream Shake

Today's food:
B: 1 cup of Coffee w/CO, HWC & 3 drops of EZ Sweetz + 2 Fried Eggs & 2 Sausage Patties
S: 2 Fiber Gummies + 1 piece of Coconut Bark
L: Chicken dipped in Ranch Dressing w/ 2 Whole Deviled Eggs
S: 1 cup of Coffee w/CO, HWC & 3 drops of EZ Sweetz
D: Chicken & Cheese Omelet w/Cheese Mayo Sauce
S: Golden Milk

Time to watch some Army Wives.

[kare30bear]

I think I am going to listen to what my body is telling me and go back to regular induction today.

The egg and meat fast doesn't seem to agree with my body and I don't like feeling this way so it's best if I stick to what I know pretty much works.

At least I did it and now know that it's just not for me.

Back to basics.

[kare30bear]

Felt really tied this afternoon and took a nap (very rare for me to do, especially when I'm LC eating) . Think that has to do with TOM approaching. Still sitting at 157ish this morning, I didn't catch the oz.

We've had 75 mph + winds since yesterday afternoon and about 30 min ago I had dinner in the oven and the power shut off. I was panicking and wondering what to do for a backup, at least for the kids and it finally came back on so I am now finishing dinner.

I felt pretty munchie today, I snacked a little more than usual, but nothing too bad.

Food for today:
B: Coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz & HWC + Broccoli, Sausage & Ham Quiche + 2 Strips of Bacon
S: 2 Fiber Gummies
L: Pan Fried Pollock + Broccoli & Cauli w/1 oz. Shredded Cheese
S: Vanilla Coke Zero + 3 Strips of Bacon (tried to make a LC Frapp but only drank 1/4 of it bc I didn't like it)
D: Pork w/Mushroom Cream Sauce + Spinach Cheddar Squares
S: Golden Milk

Feeling better today, especially after getting some veggies into my system.

I procrastinated on working out, almost ditched it today, but I forced myself to do it around 3:30ish and felt better about it.

Still have to calculate my net carbs for the day, I tweeked a recipe so I need to enter the numbers for all that.

[kare30bear]

Although the Spinach Cheddar Squares were good last night, it was awfully high in carbs, not a lot in serving for almost 5g. Guess I'll either have to find a way to cut that down next time or find another spinach recipe to like.

I ate a lot of "junk" last night...all LC, but very snacky, I blame TOM nearing and the fact that I was miserable on that meat & egg fast earlier this week. I don't like snacking on a bunch of little things, it makes me feel like I am cheating.

Today I ate/am eating:
B: 1 1/2 cups of Coffee w/CO, ESweetz and HWC + LC pancakes (Kent Altena's recipe from Low Carbing Among Friends Cookbook pg. 284) w/SF Maple Syrup
S: 2 Fiber Gummies
L: Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower Medley (w/butter & a little bit of cheese) & Leftover Pork w/ Golden Mushroom Sauce
S: Diet Dr. Pepper
D: Shredded Chicken on Oopsie Rolls (using Linda Sue's Carne Guisada recipe- meant for pork but using chicken) + Squash w/Creamy Herb Dressing
S: Golden Milk

Did Day 4 of Week 2 Ripped in 30. Course I slacked off until noon then finally got it done. Vacuumed and mopped all the floors in the house and cleaned up.

DH was driving me nuts the other night. He came home (dinner was about to be done in 30 min) but he decided to eat a handful of mixed nuts, another handful of pepperoni, drank 2 Vanilla Coke Zero, and about a handful or so of pork rinds dipped in fiesta ranch dip. And he wonders why he isn't losing anymore. Plus, I just feel sick to my stomach watching him do that, not to mention I am trying to control my own cravings and bad habits so it does NOT help me. The point is that he whines bc he is hungry a couple hrs after eating lunch around 11-12....well....pack some of those things to help you during that time, not 30 min b4 dinner. I already make his breakfast and lunch, I am sure as heck not going to do EVERYTHING for him. I don't know what he needs/wants and he's an adult. (TOM is DEFINITELY near bc I am IRRITATED )

I've been slow on the water consumption today, I'm trying to get another 16 oz. in so I can have my Diet Dr. Pepper, it is basically a "snack" to me. Gives me some sweetness without grabbing something naughty, it works for me. I remember the days it was the exact opposite...drinking soda ALL day long and MAYBE one glass of water. I'm learning.

No change on the scale today, need to flush my system out or something, but I don't really expect to see a loss on the scale at all this week...I have that "feeling." It'll go down eventually, when it's ready.

[kare30bear]

Kind of a lazy day today. Didn't help that I was on the phone with my sister for 3 hrs last night and didn't go to bed until 2am, then up at 6:15 to get the kids up for school.

TOM is definitely popping up soon, I can feel my metabolism speeding up (I know it sounds weird, but I can tell). Went over on my carb allowance today bc I made a couple new snacky items and tested them out.

Today's eats:
B: Coffee w/CO, Half n Half & EZ Sweetz + 2 Fried Eggs over 2 Sausage Rounds
S: 2 Fiber Gummies + 2 Protein Powder Cookies & 2 SF PB Choc Cups ( I was recipe testing )
L: Stuffed Orange Bell Pepper
S: Diet Dr. Pepper + Cheese Stick
D: Enchilada Pizza w/sour cream and lettuce

24 Net Carbs Total.

Got my 5th day of Week 2 workout completed for Ripped in 30. Actually didn't have to fight to get the TV today, so it went well. I even had a chance to catch up on a few episodes of Army Wives.

My dad and step mom are driving down from Sac tomorrow and we have a pretty busy weekend planned out for the kids to have some fun.

Looking into IF, seems interesting, but I am still researching the topic to see what it's all about. Sounds like something I may be willing to try out.


Hoping the weather is nice enough to get the pool project finished on Monday, need that thing ready for when summer break starts for the kids. It helps a lot with the summertime, but it also makes me tired after relaxing and being in the sun all day.

Things are beginning to taste a little too sweet for me now. I'm not really digging my Vanilla Coke Zero much lately. This could be a GOOD thing for me, I have always had a sweet tooth.

[kare30bear]

Had a busy weekend and wasn't able to get on the comp until today. I am officially EXHAUSTED!!

Here's what I ate on Saturday & Sunday:
Saturday’s Food:
Brunch: Coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz & HWC + Mushroom, Bacon & Swiss Omelet
S: String Cheese + Pepperoni
D: 6 oz. Ribeye Steak w/Butter & Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce + Loaded Cauli & Grilled Veggies (Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper & Mushrooms w/Balsamic and Soy Sauce
S: Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper + 2 Fiber Gummies

Sunday’s Food:
B: Coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz & HWC + Chicken Omelet
S: Smokehouse Almonds (1 oz.) <---bad but not the worst thing ever
L: 12 Buffalo Chicken Wings dipped in Ranch
S: Diet Coke
D: Grilled Salmon w/Sautéed Spinach & Broccoli (Cheesecake Factory)
S: LC Cheesecake

I was VERY proud of myself yesterday bc I was surrounded by temptation and high carbers (and even some of my fam eats LC that weren't sticking to plan) but I held my own and did what I thought was best for ME. I had the thought of "one won't hurt" but knew that wasn't true so I stuck to what I thought was my best choice and was satisfied.

Today's food:
B: Coffee w/CO, SF Vanilla Syrup, EZ Sweetz, and Half n Half
L: 1 Whole Deviled Egg + 2 fiber Gummies
S: Diet Dr. Pepper + 1 String Cheese
D: Hamburger Patty Topped w/Caramelized Onions & Mayo/BBQ + Salad w/Cheese & Ranch Dressing
S: SF PB Choc Cup x2

[Luca]

You are doing great Karen! I have kind of "fell off the wagon" and am trying to get back on...snacking even with lc foods has been my weakness...calories add up and make a difference. This is the reality I am facing. KUTGW~

[Maximoon]

Hi There,

Just reading your journal and really enjoying it. I especially like how detailed you are with what you eat every day. I think that's a key to success, writing everything down. I try to do the same thing in my journal.

Best of luck to you! You're doing great!

Maxi

[kare30bear]

Feels like Monday...ugh!

I woke up sore from all the work I did yesterday. DH and I built a sandbox around our 25 ft pool so we took it all down, cleaned it all out, dug holes to put the wood beams into, leveled the ground out with....who knows how much sand , put the whole thing back together and started filling her back up. I got sun burned and didn't eat hardly anything for most of the day. (not a good thing) But it's done and I don't have to ever do that again (hopefully) bc we are going to start to cover it for the winter from now on to save us from that trouble and work in the future.

I did peak at the scale this morning and was happy to see I was down 2 lbs (158)...not bad considering TOM popped up this afternoon. I'm not counting on it to stay there and will probably avoid the scale until Monday (I say that all the time) I don't think it will do me any good to look for the rest of this week.

Started Week 3, Day 1 of Ripped in 30 and hated every minute of it...nope, I am wrong...I LOVED the cool down. Every week is proving to be more difficult and I felt like I couldn't quite keep up with them. Maybe tomorrow will be better now that I know what is in store.

Finished making my 2 week menu, the first week is posted in the May Menu Thread. Now I have to make my grocery list, this pay period is my Costco stock up so it shall be a hefty trip.

I wasn't too hungry today, but I managed to get food in, maybe not the BEST choices but could have been worse.

Today's food:
B: 2 Cups of Coffee w/CO, SF Vanilla Syrup, EZ Sweetz & Half n Half + 2 Whole Deviled Eggs
S: 2 Fiber Gummies + 2 Tbsp PB Fluff (Linda Sue's)
L: Protein Shake
S: Diet Dr. Pepper + 1 String Cheese
D: White BBQ Sauce on Smokey Chicken (Low Carbing Among Friends Cookbook pg. 247) + Italian Squash Pie (Linda Sue's)
S: SF Jello Cup

Net Carb Total: 19g

Burned 242 cal during my workout today. I will admit I could have done better...it was brutal (for me). Last week I did 180 min of exercise and burned a total of 1504 cal. Idk if that's good, but I do know that it's better than I used to do...which was zip. I'm already at 100 min of exercise and 671 cal burned this week....yowzers! All that pool work paid off....

Anywho, goals for tomorrow:
-less coffee, more food in my belly for breakfast
-get at least 80% of my "to do" list completed
-eat a better meal for lunch
- push harder through Ripped in 30 workout

Good enough for me right now.

I attached a pic of my dinner tonight, I REALLY liked it!!

[Speck333]

Hi Karen! I just found your journal, and will be along for the ride

[cookwithme65]

Hi Karen,
Crazy I'm still awake at 2:30am. Took a nap this afternoon after work now I cant sleep so I'm on a search for new recipes and inspiration. Well your journal did just the trick. Love your menus and dedication. Kudos to you for sticking to your LC plan when at the cheesecake factory. Looks like you are using a new cookbook, LCAF. I thing I saw it mentioned on the boards. I will have to find out where to order it. Maybe next paycheck. Do you like it? Seems like you do. Thinking about doing a few container gardens this yr vs. a big garden. Would love to grow some zucchinni, summer squash,spinach and boston lettuce. Should help my lc plan. Also will do a few tomato plants even thou they are not low carb.I filled two bags of crackers, popcorn, cereal, white rice, brownie mixes etc monday to give to my Mom in prep for switching to LC'ing. Wishing you a great week. I'll be checking back frequently.

[kare30bear]

Morning ladies! Thanks for dropping in.

I bought the book by going to Jennifer Eloff's site, they have a thread going on about people talking about which recipes they've tried in the book here if you want to read about what they think too. I think you can order it from Amazon also, or any of the other author's websites such as Kent Altena, Carolyn ketchum, Maria Emmerich or Lisa Marshall. The cost is a little under $30, well worth it, and they are coming out with Vol 2 and 3 this year too. So far I have only made 2 recipes, but I have a bunch on my dinner menu and some others that I am eyeballing (dessert/snack items).

Growing your own veggies will surely be saving you a ton of money. I started my onions and tomatoes (for DH). I have some more I need to plant, but I have no idea what I am doing really so I'm hoping I don't mess it all up. Zucchini, squash and bell peppers would definitely help me out bc I go through those A LOT!

I'm glad you're getting back on the LC wagon, you seemed to have done very well with it before. I'm like you, I have to plan to make it work for me too.

[kare30bear]

Been a pretty busy day for me. I should learn to relax more on Wednesdays bc DH has school after work so he's gone ALL day and I have to take care of things for the entire day (you don't realize how much they help until they aren't there). So by the end of Wed nights I am usually exhausted and stressed out but do I ever learn!?! Not yet.

Completed Week 3, Day 2 of Ripped in 30...still hate it as much as I did yesterday. I have noticed a change in my little pooch at the bottom of my belly, I feel like I'm losing more on my upper body than the lower this time during LC. I definitely am getting toned in my biceps. I would like to do P90x again, but not during the hot summer, it's too much. But I do need to think about what I will be doing after I finish this program. I'm running out of DVD's...maybe I will borrow my sister's Brazilian Butt Lift.... I wonder what else she has over at her house.

I wasn't very hungry for most of the day, but now I am starving!! I feel snacky (probably TOM's fault) and I usually chomp on almonds but I am not touching those until I get closer to goal. I get out of control with those things, but they are waiting for me in the cupboard...in Ziploc baggies...all portioned out.

I have been thinking A LOT of Intermittent Fasting. I watch a guy named Yuri Elkaim on Youtube (very smart man-full of great info) and he explained the idea of fasting which confirmed that I should try it even more. Maybe start off doing once a week and go from there!?! I have been reading a lot about it, but I want to make sure that it is healthy and not some "fad" thing. He promotes "clean eating" which I am very interested in, but I'm not sure I could get my family on board with that lifestyle and me doing it on my own is stressful if I have to plan 2 meals. What attracted me to LC was the fact that it really isn't meant to be a "diet." I HATE diets!! They don't work, and I believe some people fail bc they are looking for that quick fix. I believe in the fact that God created us to eat a certain way. (Not by rule, just what our bodies were made to do.) So Paleo & raw foods really get me thinking. But....I have trouble trying to keep up with all the facts and figures plus the grocery bills so I want to be smart about it. I've certainly thought about removing all items that even contain a tiny bit of wheat/processed product in them and dairy too....that's big though. How do I maintain interest and stability (and get my family involved) with this and keep from falling off the plan... I have so much going on in my head...just trying to organize it all and put it in action. (someday)

Food for Today:
B: 2 Cups of Coffee w/CO, SF Vanilla, EZ Sweetz & HWC + 1 slice of Broccoli Brunch Casserole
S: 2 Fiber Gummies
L: Leftover White BBQ Sauce on Smokey Chicken + Italian Squash Pie
S: Diet Dr. Pepper
D: Island Pork Curry (another Low Carbing Among Friends Cookbook recipe on pg. 37)+ Mashed Cauli "Potatoes"
S: SF Jello Cup

About to cook some bacon, sausage links and these cheese flax crackers I saw on Sugar free Sheila's site. I did have 53 made but I dropped a whole pan that had 20 on them. Trying to brush it off.

Still have dishes to do (may just leave those for the morning) and laundry to sort through...may do that in the morning too. I'm just wiped out for the day...I can probably catch up on Army Wives while cooking and writing my grocery list. Good idea!

[Speck333]

Karen, there is a ton of good research on intermittent fasting. Go over the Marks Daily Apple and search "fasting" you will find a number of posts on it. It is very good for us to do once in while. And you just "do it" when it feels right. I fasted today just "because". I had my morning coffee and just didn't get that hungry so I just didn't eat all the way until dinner! You just work it in whenever it works. Listen to your body. And about the family. Just bring them along with the food the best you can. A lot of the time, they don't know the difference.

[kare30bear]

Thanks for the info Speck, I think I have seen his page before but haven't read any of his posts on IF so I will check that out today.

I had a "moment" last night where I felt like I almost lost control. TOM gives me a hard time every month, I crave like crazy and my emotions are EVERYWHERE! It was a stressful day yesterday and towards the end of the night I starting snacking and ended up 8g over my allowance. The bigger issue was the fact that I felt like I was losing control, I can't stand that. I didn't eat anything off plan, but I felt crappy after consuming the things that would put me out of my range for the day bc I didn't have a reason to eat them really. It did NOTHING for me and I wasn't hungry.

Going to focus on self control today and try not to stress myself out over the little things around here. Kids are almost out of school so I need to plan some fun stuff to do for the summer so we aren't sitting around at home all the time. Now that the pool is up, that will be a great way for them to cool off. It's supposed to get up to 99 degrees today.

[Maximoon]

Hi Karen,

Good Morning to you! Just wanted to encourage you---last night was also a "snacky" night for me; I was eating a bit of this, a tad of that, pretty much a taste of everything. I was just so bored and feeling restless for some reason. I hate that feeling, like you said, of being out of control.

Well, today is a new day, and I am back on track. I don't have TOM anymore as an explanation for the "munchies" (I am menopausal, post-hysterectomy), but I need to get back in control. If fasting may work for you, check it out. That may be the key for you. Good luck!

Have a great Thursday,

Maxi

[kare30bear]

I started out as the little engine that could but burned myself out by about 2pm.
Here's what I see went wrong today:
-only had coffee for breakfast
-put off working out then it turned into being too late to even do (probably an excuse)
-got sidetracked with other things instead of sticking to my list of "to dos"
-TOM just SUCKS balls!!

Anyhow, everything started off great this morning...I was enjoying my coffee, cut comp time shorter than usual, made a couple recipes I found online, cleaned up little things that were bugging me then I went outside to clean the pool...AGAIN.

I intended to spend about an hour tops doing that, but the "perfectionist" in me started to find every little thing to clean while out their...I reorganized the 2 bins I had with pool items and cleaned all the supplies, scrubbed the outside of the pool...it was just retarded. I do this all the time, start with one task and get so into it that it all has to be PERFECT. I was hungry and tired...it was 100 degrees outside and little DD was having so much fun playing with the hose (and making messes for me to clean) so when I came back into the house and realized it was 2pm and I needed to eat before things got nuts I knew I wasn't going to get to my workout.

I was in such an optimistic mood this morning. I tend to procrastinate so I thought of a motto to follow today..."just do it NOW." Every time I passed by something (even if it was minor) I told myself that and it made me feel accomplished to get that taken care of instead of letting all those little things pile up towards the end of the day or week and it never gets done. Well, I was singing that motto for about 4 hours, but once the pool thing came up I was DONE.

Idk...I need to find balance in my life. I take on WAY too much around here...there's got to be a better system to get me through the week. I feel defeated on a daily basis, I want to relax...I really don't know how to let things go.

TOM really messes me up...I get SO emotional and moody it's insane....I sometimes feel bipolar. Just ready for bed by now.

Food for today:
B: 2 cups of coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz, SF Vanilla Syrup & HWC
S: 2 Fiber Gummies + Cheese Stick
L: Cauli Rice topped with Beef w/Red Wine Gravy Sauce
S: Diet Dr. Pepper + Protein Brownie
D: Cheeseburger Bacon Roll (LCAFC pg. 42) + Skillet Green Bean Casserole (LCAFC pg. 248)
S: Diet Vanilla Coke Zero Float

I haven't added all my food into my tracker yet, but I am guessing it's around 20g exactly if I did my mental math right. Not bad.

Goodnight!

[Luca]

I can totally relate Karen. My hubby and I are "trying" to come up with better systems around the house so one of us does not feel overwhelmed. I can feel defeated many days but I am reeealllly trying to not let it effect how I eat or how I make choices about meals. Hope today was better than the last...hang in.

[Speck333]

Karen, check out Flylady. Flylady has helped me temendously the last year or so. I think you will be able to relate to the perfectionism = procrastination thing. And no, I don't do Flylady's program *perfectly* lol, but I have adapted it to suit my life. I did give it a try as written before I started tweaking though, just like a diet program, it's important to do that.

[ElizabethLC]

Hi Karen! Subbing to your journal, yo!

I hear ya about TOM - I hate it. My brain hands me a bad mood some days. Gee, thanks a lot, stupid brain!

[kare30bear]

UGH!!!! x1000000000000000000000000000000000

Can you tell I'm upset!?! I'm not sure if it's the TOM mood swings or the things that occurred today that made me get to this point but I'm over this day.

I tried to go without smoking today with my sis and I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. I only lasted from midnight last night until about 6pm today. I have tried so many times and I always fail, I feel like I am just going to die by smoking. Why can't I stop!?!?

My eating was crappy, I stayed OP but drank too much soda and too much junk that didn't fill me up. I haven't even eaten dinner because I'm too pissed off to give in and cook something.

I'm tired of everyone waiting for me to do things around here. Yes, I am the homemaker but when do I get a damn break? You can make your own dang breakfast and lunch, I can take care of dinner but I have other things I would like to do. Plus, DH usually does the dishes after I cook at night but blew them off, so I washed the debris off them this morning before leaving and when I came home they were STILL piled on the counter....FOR REAL!?!? So now I say screw cooking dinner, figure it out for your damn self. Then the kids decide to take advantage that mom isn't home and not take their showers for the night and such. (I know it's minor, but it makes me so mad when they play DH and I against each other).

So I apologize in advice for not stopping by anyone's journals today, I am just not in the mood to chit chat today...

Gonna see if I can find something to eat and maybe lounge in my room and fold socks while watching Army Wives. I'm sure I will be in a better mood tomorrow.

[Speck333]

Hi Karen, sure does sound like major hormone madness to me. I get this way, too. Just all of a sudden, it seems like everything is wrong and I feel rage and hate. Then I have to look at the calendar and put myself in check, or try to anyway. How old are your kids? Mine are nearly 7 and 9 and should be able to make their own breakfasts and lunches, but me and their dad are not really consistent about pushing it, and we don't want them using the stove. Even the toaster or microwave while we're still in bed is iffy. In any case, neither of those meals is a major production, and I try not to be a short order cook, and I keep it simple.
You never get a break. You're Mom. Mom's aren't allowed to be sick, have breakdowns, or run away. (hope you sense the sarcasm here) It's pretty lowdown for your DH to flake on the dishes like that. Mine also does the dinner dishes every night, and has never missed a day. He does leave the kids' breakfast dishes sit out all morning and into the afternoon for me to clean up when I get home from work, though, and that pisses me off. I think it's a passive aggressive thing because I literally refuse to get up early and deal with the kids and so he does it. I do enough, I'm not doing everything, and this is just the way it is. If you can let go of your perfectionism a little and literally refuse to do things, they will have to pick up the slack, but you have to be prepared to accept the results. If you're not willing to accept the results, then you have to deal with doing everything yourself. And by "you" I don't mean YOU, I mean all of us in this same situation.
I also go to my room, put on my shows and fold laundry in the evening. It's a little piece of "me time" without too much guilt.
As for smoking, it's a major struggle to quit. Have you tried the e-cigarettes? A lot of people have found success with them. It's not the same thing as quitting, but from what I understand, they're "better" for you than real cigarettes. They deliver the nicotine without the tar, smoke, other chemicals, etc.

[cookwithme65]

Hi Karen wishing you a better day today.

[kare30bear]

Reading back on last night's post I do feel silly for letting my TOM moods get the best of me. I am in the process of going to counseling to work on some of my issues that keep circling, it's really hard for me to not let things pile up until I explode.

Today is better...been lounging around mostly but I FINALLY took care of that pesky basket of socks... I had let them sit for so long so it really needed to be done so I could get some relief.

Food today:
B: Coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz, HWC & SF Vanilla Syrup
S: 2 Fiber Gummies
L: 4 oz. Chicken + Cauli & Broccoli Florets dipped in Bacon Ranch
S: PB Fluff (1 Tbsp) + Diet Dr. Pepper
D: Flank Steak Roulade + Spinach Ricotta Casserole

My menu is a little messed up, so I'm trying to catch up and rearrange a bit.

Yesterday's food:

B: Coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz, HWC & SF Vanilla Syrup + 3 Fried Eggs & 2 Sausage Links
S: Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper + Pork Rinds dipped in Cheese
L: 2 cans of Tuna w/Mayo + Diet Root Beer
S: 1/2 can of Caffeine free Diet Dr. Pepper
D: Strawberry Protein Shake (not induction friendly ) + 9 Shrimp Pieces w/Butter & Garlic
S: Protein Brownie w/Cream Cheese on top

Had a little more soda than I usually like to consume and the strawberries were not induction friendly but it's done now. Not the best day of eating, but it could have been worse.

Did my measurements today and saw a great improvement from last month's...just goes to show me that even if the scale is flip flopping everywhere things are changing (for the good) so I shouldn't stress so much about it.

June Measurements:

Arms: 12.25" (-.25")
Thighs: 22" (-1.5")
Waist: 36" (-3")
Chest: 36" (-1")
Hips: 42" (-1.25")

TOM is just about done today, hopefully my hormones get better (I think they already are improving) so maybe my weigh in on Monday will be better than this past Monday's.

I did buy an e-cig last year, I think my brother has it. I didn't buy the nicotine fills tho, just flavored. Not sure how I feel about it. I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about it. If i do without nicotine I feel like a mess (in my head) all day, if I have help with cutting it down, like the patch, my moods are a lot better, but I hear it's more effective to just get it out of your system. I know when I try to quit I am probably not trying 100% or else I'd be more successful. I feel naked without cigs, I have been smoking for SO long (14 years in Aug.) that I am afraid of who I really am without them. Something is missing. My doctor has offered help but I live about an hour from the dr. office so it's not an option for me to drive there to do classes and stuff, especially when it's summer and I have no babysitters or family too close by. I'll figure it out... it's one of my major goals this year, hoping more for accomplishing it before summer ends.

Going to watch some more Army Wives before having to cook dinner. I'm in a happier mood today...gotta hold onto that while I can.

[lorij1984]

hi kare! were always exchanging comments on different threads...didn't realize you had a journal! I really like how you detail everything about your meals and feelings and everything....I can definitely relate...being a mom too...how old are you? you look really young....and what ages are your kids? I'm a mom of 4....I'll be 28 in Aug. (I started young)
anyway...I really hope...if you're able to give up carbs, that you could give up smoking too....good luck w/ that...

[Maximoon]

Hi Karen!! I am so glad to hear that things are better today! I understand rough days, especially when things are on the hormonal side. It really messes with our heads, doesn't it? I don't have periods anymore, but I have struggled with my hormone replacement meds, and when they are "off," I am WAY OFF in general.

Great job as well with your measurements!! It's fantastic to see your progress. I have been lazy about measuring; I really need to get on it. Weight loss is so much more than just the scale, isn't it?

Have a great rest of your Saturday!

Hugs,

Maxi

[Speck333]

Ah, so glad you are feeling better today!

[kare30bear]

Hey Lori! Nice to see you in here.

Well, I will be turning 32 next month, July 10th in fact. My oldest daughter is 11, middle is 7 and the youngest is 4. All girls in my house, except for DH of course, poor guy.

I was hoping that LC would teach me to stop smoking in a way of learning some self control and wanting to be healthier overall, I do see A LOT of similarities between. I really want to get there...but I guess I'm going to want to not smoke more than I do in order to be successful.

Hey Maxi! Life can be rough. I can't speak for men, but being a girl is difficult, hormone craziness. I wouldn't trade it to be a man though. (funny mental pic)

The truth is I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. He does drive me absolutely bonkers sometimes but it only makes me love him more. I know he doesn't mean harm most times, but I can be selfish and whiny and expect that he can read my mind and that gets me in trouble. He does help me out a lot, I'm sure it's difficult living with someone who is obsessive compulsive about things, he does a good job trying to keep up with all my annoying tendencies. I just tend to hold onto things (thinking I am actually letting go of it) only to have it build up and eventually blow up, usually in my face. It's something I am aware of and have started going to counseling for, now I have to put in the effort to change the behavior and really let go of the little things that don't matter so much. His good qualities surpass any minor annoying habits he has and I should give him more credit and appreciation than I really do. Dishes shouldn't turn us into rivals...but he should have done them.

Had a pretty good day, obviously I am in a better mood today. Ate a lot better than yesterday, still waiting until Monday for weigh in. Made Black Bean Brownies for my snack tonight. I was really craving chocolate and had carbs to spare so it hit the spot. They are more cake like than brownie but I was satisfied that it was chocolaty.

Tomorrow we are supposed to break in the pool, that's if the wind doesn't ruin the day again, like today. I really don't even care if it does bc I will still be swimming anyhow.

Well, already getting tired so I better retire to bed. Hope everyone is having a good weekend, loving the summer feeling out here. Kids only have 2 days left of school this week...better think of some activities to keep them busy.

[kare30bear]

Had a wonderful day with my family, the wind wasn't crazy today so we were able to break in the pool. Summer has officially started here....well, actually my girls have 2 days of school left THEN summer will be here. I am LOVING the nights here, just the right temp and so calm and pretty out. Right now I am sitting on my front patio listening to the trees blowing in the wind and the sun hasn't fully set yet but is real close, the moon is full and already bright in the sky (in my view too). LOVE!!

Food was good today, more snacky things than usual but I came in at 20g for the day and feel satisfied.
B: 2 cups of Coffee w/CO, EZ Sweetz, SF Vanilla & Half n Half
S: 2 Fiber Gummies
L: Leftovers (Steak Roulade & Spinach Ricotta Casserole)
S: Diet Dr. Pepper + 2 Vanilla Protein Cookies + 1 serv (15 pieces) Pepperoni
D: Creamy Chicken Tacos (LCAFC pg. 38) + Cajun Spiced Broccoli
S: Black Bean Brownie

Not anything to do tonight but catch up on Army Wives while I jot down a list of things I need to do tomorrow...lucky me.

Have my weigh in tomorrow, nervous but curious. Trying to keep in mind that I have lost inches in the past month so I shouldn't frown if I get a bad reading. (easier said than done)

I must admit that I haven't done my workout since Wednesday. I feel pretty bad about it, but there's no excuse. I will do Week 4 tomorrow, which I am sure it will almost kill me, but I want to see it through. Now, since this is the last week I do Ripped in 30, I have to figure out what I should do next. I was actually supposed to figure this out last week and forgot so now I better get on it b4 I am left with nothing. I know I am not ready to commit to P90x yet, I need something less intense but still effective and shorter time frame for now. I'm going to look online and see if something sparks my interest and if I do see something I can pick it up this weekend hopefully. Yep, yep!

[Speck333]

Glad you had a great day, Karen!