October 3rd--even when it hurts.

[Gaelen]

Hawk started the Oct. 1 thread with some thoughts about champions, one of which was:

"Champions do what's right even when it hurts."

I think that pretty much the crux of making the choice to be healthier.
It isn't always easy.
It isn't always the 'fun' choice.
And yes, sometimes, it hurts.

This morning, it hurts. Six days of camping followed by a day of catching up at work have my back in an uproar. It would have been a lot easier to skip packing my lunch so I could spend a few more minutes soaking in the hot tub, skip my back stretches to sleep in a few more minutes, take the dogs on a shorter walk. But I am not going to heal that herniated disc by taking shortcuts on my activity level. And I'm not going to be able to stay successful on plan if I don't pack something for lunch--because I have 11, noon, and 1:30 meetings, and no time to leave work to run up to the cafeteria.

So the champion in me did the back stretches, gave the dogs their full 1/2 mile walk--and then grabbed one of my emergency stash of frozen lunches so that I wouldn't have to depend on the vending machine.

Just because sometimes it hurts doesn't mean you have to throw in the towel on the day...how are YOU planning to be your own champion this Wednesday? :)

How

[hawk]

GOOD FOR YOU!!! YOU CHAMPION !!! WAY TO GO!!!

Think about olympic skaters..on the ice at 4 am each day.
They don't get where they are by accident. They get there a day at a time. Dedication. Committment. They did not start out great skaters. They began by falling all the time just like you or I would.

We all have it. We ALL have the ability to achieve ANYTHING!! We short change ourselves.

The battle is MENTAL.

I need to convince myself to go to the gym. Once I am there I have a great time.
I need to convince myself to make my lunch and take it.I am always glad I did.

excersize in the bag...LBWO done. lunch packed. breakfast finished.

Great day today...It always feels like my day can be done because I did the most important stuff already. Now to work...The patients are going to be wonderful today...I decided.

[Benay]

Yesterday was on target except for the walk which kept getting postponed as I waited by the phone for it to ring. It did, eventually, and then the rest of the day did not lend itself to a walk.

Simplification: Knowing I would get home at noon and ravenous, I decided to splurge and buy lunch/dinner at Swiss chalet (do you have this chain?). I ordered take out BBQ Ribs & chicken breast with low glycemic veggies and cole slaw. I had the ribs for lunch and a lot of the chicken for supper. Made meal planning/preparing so much simpler. I also picked up their nutrition list so I could add the foods to my DIET POWER food list.

Today I am off to the doctor to see if I can get an explanation as to why my Systolic blood pressure is not in the normal range although I have lost 70+ pounds so far and am on a low carb diet, both achievements which are "guaranteed" to lower blood pressure. I am on a BP drug and it is still not under 140 consistently. Also need a renewal of the BP prescription.

Breakfast on target, I will take a high protein snack with me in case I can't get home in time to fix lunch properly.

In the Taubes book, he refers to one particular study that placed low carb dieters on 7 meals a day and they lost more weight than the low carb dieters on 3 meals a day. The researcher felt it had to do with a leveling off of insulin throughout the day. I have tried eating smaller more frequent meals and find myself still hungry and looking for food after the small meal/snack. I don't experience hunger and do not search for/think about food after a full (21 to 24 gm protein) meal. Has anyone else had this experience?

[Ottawa]

Benay,
The 5 meals a day did not help me in losing I went the opposite way of less meals. What did happen more often on 5/day was that I ended up snacking a lot more and caloric load rose.
Not 100% on this but it works for me, if you are still carrying extra weight and staying in Ketosis your body should be able to provide enough fuel to avoid needing extra food other than if really hungry. I find that SF gum, a hot SF sweetened drink, etc., can carry you past momentary hungers and you realize that you were not really hungry. The times that I really feel hungry but would like to wait a while before a meal I'll have a can of tune, sardines or similar to give a little protein boost. I've had this a few times an hour or two after an intense volleyball game, etc., and it takes the edge off any hunger.


A great start this morning. The scale is down 2 more pounds (221) and today is a Strength training class at lunch.

Dinner is planned as beef, green beans and beets.

A 2" beet is 6 ECC and 35 cals. The Farmer's Markets carry then now at $2.00/10 pounds. Nuke or boil until soft and add a bit of butter. You can't have a lot but they make a nice change to your plate.

I ran yesterday, not a long one but it felt great. Recent losses are changing my body composition slowly and my skin is a little looser.

Have a great day everyone.

[Ammy]

Ottawa, we grow our own beets (Chiogga - they're white so they don't stain your fingers/pans/plates) and they ARE so TASTY!!!

Benay...interesting, I just tried the 'eat 5 times a day' and didn't lose anything, AND I felt like I never stopped eating-like I was allowing myself to GRAZE. Stopped that and am back to 3 meals and a snack before my workout. I think it's much better for me.

Hawk, how great that you get up and take care of the stuff that some of us (ME) put off until the last minute even though we KNOW it's so important!

Gaelen...so sorry about the back, but how wonderful that you got to go camping! It's such a great time of year to be out in the wilderness!

I stayed in bed this am and waited for coffee to be brought to me :o:p. It doesn't happen very often, so it was a nice treat (I'm typically the coffee-bringer). So we're sitting in bed drinking coffee and reading the paper and there is a BIG crash from the kitchen, which is downstairs and on the other side of the house-so it was a BIG crash. My GF when down to investigate and said it was a good thing I didn't see it :tear:.
Her cat didn't come when it was feeding time this morning so she put his food in the bowl and grabbed something nearby (which happened to be my grandmothers wedding-present bread pan, big heavy glass and makes perfect bread loaves every time) on top of it so my cat wouldn't eat it (can you guess what happened next??)
MY FAT CAT did everything he could to get at the other cats food-and that included knocking the food and my g'mas breadpan to the floor.
I was not happy:peeved:. And my GF felt terrible...
I think I will just get up and get the coffee from now on...:rolleyes:.

[Shadow]

Gaelen - Now that's champion thinking :D!!!

Lynn - Great decision for the day :thumbsup:!

Benay - I did the 5 sm meals/day for several years but recently I've decided to change it. It worked well for a time - but now it's time to change :). At first I just broke my main meals (breakfast & lunch) into two portions. But lately I find myself not being happier with the smaller amounts and like Randy, I now just end up just eating a lot more each day ;). So I'm going back to the larger meals with no snacks. Don't think that helps :lol: - but my point is that like so much else in life, it may work for you - and it may not ;).

(((Amy)))! So much for a relaxing coffee break, huh :rolleyes:?

I am going to be a champion today too but staying on plan :). Planned day off from exercise to get the shopping done, water mostly down, meals planned.

[gitfiddle]

Good morning!

I got up early enough to make sure I had time for my shake. Lunch is in the office fridge, meat and veggies. I got an invitation to walk through the breakfast buffet at a meeting, so I picked out some eggs and bacon and fruit. That will set lunch back to about 3pm!

Yesterday's aches seem to have disappeared with the rain front that came across the lake from Wisconsin overnight. :confused: Wierd how that works! It wasn't just the legs, it was elbows, knuckles, neck--the whole bod. That's how I can tell it's the weather.

Randy, I haven't had beets as long as I've been married because the Geezer doesn't like them. I've never had them fresh, just pickled.

Okay, I started this little note at least an hour ago and I might as well send it as-is, even though I wanted to say hi to more people. Work gets in the way sometimes, doesn't it?

[Ottawa]

Randy, I haven't had beets as long as I've been married because the Geezer doesn't like them. I've never had them fresh, just pickled.

At just $2.00 for a big bag you could just throw one in the nuker and they'd last you right into winter.http://bestsmileys.com/eating1/10.gif They are a nice little semi-sweet treat that just fits in with another green veggie to ring in at 10 or less ECC/meal.

"Remember all those legendary Russian centenarians? Beets, frequently consumed either pickled or in borscht, the traditional Russian soup, may be one reason behind their long and healthy lives. These colorful root vegetables contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer."

[Feelix]

I totally could eat some Borscht! It's been a year since i have made it. I love it!

I have a late start this morning so I will be back. i've had no water, no food, nothin'. hubby is home for the day so we slept in.

I hope everyone is having a great day!

[Bonnie]

Morning All,

Still dealing with computer issues. But the day goes on. Had a protein shake and protein bar for breakfast. A coworker brought in a tray of food, mostly stuff carby stuff in honor of her 30 years as a librarian here. So I had a couple of strawberries with farmer cheese on my morning break. I'll have a tossed salad topped either chicken or tuna salad for lunch. Not sure what dinner will be yet, but I'm on track for the day.

Bonnie

[Dharmalisa]

Gaelen I will be a champion this week by NOT eating after dinner - no matter how tempting my DH's treats look!!

I'm down 2 1/2 lbs this morning!!! Sunday's my normal weigh in day but I felt like peeking this morning. I had an on plan day yesterday and was rewarded.

I like to bake beets - I rub them with coconut oil first so they don't shrivel as much. Then they're easy to peel and sooooo yummy!!

Ammy even cats can be pretty resourceful when it comes to food; that really 'bites' about the bread pan.

I dreamed last night I was keeping actual tigers (two) in my house for some reason, and one of them escaped out the door and I had to hire someone to catch it!!! Not sure if this is an LSU dream or some other weird symbolic processing thing!! I have the strangest dreams.....

[Anniesnan]

Afternoon all!

I LOVE beets, DH hates them and says he'd rather eat dirt:D, so, once a year, at Christmas, I make pickled beets and my sister, myself, and my b-i-l's mother enjoy them:D.

I have tried eating 5 sm meals and it doesn't work for me.
I like my "big" breakfast, always have. I have a relatively long time between breakfast and lunch (scheduled for noon, not convenient for other times) that I could have a sm meal during, but I'm not usually hungry and it was "awkward" and then I didn't want lunch at 12.

Sometimes I'm ravenous (or I think I am) when I get home at 4:30 - c'mon, I'm not that hungry when I wake up after sleeping twice the time :cool:, so, I'll have a big glass of water and if that doesn't do the trick, a handful of nuts or teaspoon of peanut butter and some more water.

I stay away from most of the lc "products" during breakfast and lunch, though - the various mixes and flatbreads, etc, and limit my carbs to what is in my coffee cream and veggies. The "products" seem to trigger my cravings ... I'll have one slice of lc bread with enough tuna on it for 2 sandwiches and then, think.. hmm, ... let me have another and then I'll be looking for a snack at 2ish.

Also, planning 3 meals is good and I plan, then put food out of my mind. If I was planning 5 or more meals, I'd never stop thinking about food.

[hawk]

Beets are a staple of a Sweedish smorgasbord. They are colorful and taste really good hand canned or hand pickled. I am not really liking store bought.

The patients were good again today as ussual. It was a good day.

Sounds like you are all having a good day!!

[gitfiddle]

Oh, it could definitely be worse! :) I'm about to make myself some smoked sausage with mushrooms and water chestnuts. I'm doing that to avoid wanting the sausage and fried potatoes I'll be making for the boys in about an hour. My bs is low and absolutely everything carby looks good right now!

One thing I will do is have a huge glass of water. Sometimes I interpret thirst as hunger and a non-carb drink will get me past it.

I love my 96 Blazer, but the driver's seat has been crumpled and torn on the side for quite a while. DS had it repaired for my birthday. It looks brand new and it feels lopsided since the side has been sagging for so long. What a peach he is! I'm ridin' like a queen now! :cool:

I'm anticipating a YES for today, all things being equal. I will correct it later if not. I walked today and got my water but I still have to do my stretches. My brain has been especially taxed. The auditors are in the main office and any question that comes my way interrupts my work. I've learned to make notes in order to remember what the heck I did last March! I'll stretch and do the hand weights in the kitchen while I watch my supper cook.

Have a good evening, in case I don't get back tonight.

[Feelix]

Sarah's Basics
protein min 60gms TODAY 120gms (WOW!)
carb limits30-40 TODAY 40gms (Blew the remaining carbs on potato)
water 64oz-80oz Today 64oz
activity/movement Qigong, Walking, Slow Burn Today NOTHING
exercising your mind - Min 20min Meditation Today 30 minute Meditation

Write down the single main thing you most often use to measure your progress.
scale weight & Body Measurements Today I weight 183.5lb. same weight as yesterday. I would love to see a drop... who's with me? :-)

__________________

[oceanblueLA]

Hello everyone--

After a long but good day, it was so nice to turn on my computer and see you and share your lives. Thanks for that!

Today was a challenge as I got on a plane at 7:30 am for a 5 hour flight with only some almonds. I did eat some cheese on the way to the airport. I could have done better I guess, but at 5:30, I wasn't thinking too clearly. But clearly enough to know I had to eat something en route. I know different airports have different rules, and at the Los Angeles airport, the TSA guards don't let you take any food past the security gate, even protein bars. You can buy stuff near the gate, but it's all fast food or bad food. So I decided to forgo even trying.

I decided to not 'worry' about being hungry and boarded my flight, ate my little snack of almonds and read Gore Vidal's "Lincoln" -- a great novel-- and after landing in Miami, grabbed a cab straight to my hotel in South Beach. By then I was starving. I had packed some emergency bars and a few cans of protein pudding and so had a bar. I have been avoiding eating low carb products and only do so in emergency situations. When I do, I count all the carbs minus the fiber. I'd rather have real food any day. But I was grateful for the bar. :-)

By then it was 5:30 and I needed to exercise. So I went for the best walk looking at the ocean and the beautiful art deco architecture. I lived here for three years after undergrad and fell in love with the city. Anything on or in the water is my favorite place. And I love buildings and design. So Miami is a natural. I love to come back. But I never have been here on a strict food plan.

But it was easy to eat. For dinner, I went to one of my favorite places and got a salad with chicken and vegetables. I really wanted fish but by the time I got there, I just needed to eat. Tomorrow I'll find fish!

I'm here for a party on Saturday and I came a few days early alone to walk and swim and think. Some people go to the woods. I come to Miami. There's something about the weather and the light and the water. It speaks to me. I can't remember the last time I took a few days to reconnect with me away from home and partner and responsibilities. it's only been half a day... but so far I love it! The long hot bath after I got back to my hotel wasn't too shabby either. I'm staying at a small 17 room boutique hotel that is perfect. Quiet, a block away from the ocean and the noisy nightlife. It's just what I wanted. I love researching travel possibilities. It's my form of porn! And when all the planning pans out and you end up in just what you imagined... it's a quiet thrill.

So that was my day and my challenge, and I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with myself. I did not let the scarcity of food options become an excuse to make bad choices. After landing, I was prepared with options. (And I ignored the business email I noticed on my iphone when I turned it on after landing). And I got in my exercise in the most pleasant way possible... walking and taking in the scenery. Tomorrow will be more of the same. And I get to go swimming. Ahhh.

Grateful for my life and for you--

Blue

p.s. Amy-- I think you GF needs to scour ebay for an identical mate to your grandmother's dish and buy it for you. It might even become a more colorful and precious possession with the added chapter written by your hungry resourceful cat. :-)

[Ottawa]

Blue ... you are a woman with a plan. Way to go and your trip sounds great.

Today ...
Total: 1418
Fat: 87
Carbs: 65 -31 = 34
Fiber: 31
Protein: 125

Dinner changed since I worked late and had a flatbread with cheese and mini turkey sausages. When I got home I had some ground flaxseed with yogurt, half & half and Vanilla Whey (50 protein). Afterwards I had a prickly pear and a flatbread with a bit of PB.

Today is a YES, 3/31 with a great workout class, and my food.
The challenge was 3 games of new cardgame with my wife. I forget the name but you use two decks and make rows of 5 on a board. We were playing best of 3 and she won.

[hawk]

hey Blue..I loved your story. Amazing you lasted through all that.
I was starving today. I came home from a meeting at 930 pm and made meat loaf. I just took two huge ones out of the oven and had a one inch end of one. When I get the craves.... It is the only thing that works . What I REALLY want is coconut cake with strawberry cream filling... The meatloaf will fill the bill.

I agree about the ebay search for the grandmas bread dish... It's only fair... My husband broke an antique cabinet glass door , swinging around a two by four. and has been searching for months.


oh yeah..yes for today....

[Benay]

Ottowa and Ammy
Thanks for getting back to me on your experiences with eating more than 3 meals a day and a snack. You describe my experience with numbers and timing. I find that 5 hours after my last meal is when I feel that very distinct hunger sensation in my stomach. It is over quickly but does reappear until I eat a full PP meal with a minimum of 21 grams of protein. If I don't get the full 21 grams I seem to obsess about my next meal. Not worth it. I am being successful on 3 meals and no snacks spaced approximately 5 to 6 hours apart. Successful = not hungry between meals. So thanks again, you both mirrored my experience.
Benay

[maxlharris]

I'm late, again. I was a yes for the day, although with limited movement due to my time in the Consumption Ward. The coughing finally came, and while it was intermittent, it was horrible. Feeling better now, and writing from work, so we'll see.

I have to chime in on the other side of the five meals experience. Last November-December, I was stalled out, gaining and losing the same 3 lbs. After the new year, I started eating five-six meals a day, increasing calories by 10-15% overall, and I dumped about a pound and a half a week for nearly two months. I made efforts to make every meal/snack separate, so it wasn't grazing, and I had great success with it, both in staying on plan and moving the scale, the tape measure and the body fat analyzer. I structured it so that I had a shake before workout, a shake or protein after, protein for lunch, maybe some veg with it, nuts or cheese at 3:30 or so, and dinner at the dinner hour. Definitely no grazing. Worked for me, everyone works their own science experiment. Ultimately, it's about compliance. If you take more meals to mean grazing or more large meals, well, you've dug your own hole. It's all about what you're actually going to do, how you're actually going to execute the plan.

[Claudette]

Late posting, but for the 3rd, on plan in all areas.

[Ammy]

I think it's great that we all get to share what works for us, so that we have/give options for people that need something...
So however many meals, or however many days you want to IF, or however many calories, or wathever...we get to choose what works for us and I LOVE that.
The only thing we follow the same is <45 ecc while losing weight!
Otherwise test and retest til you find what works!!

Had a great day today! I think maybe I focus MUCH better when I'm super busy...Hawk helped me realize it! Thanks Hawk!

Ocean and Hawk...not a bad idea about replacing the bread pan. I think she'd LOVE a reason to go to antique shops! (I HATE them so she can go without me)!!

[Bonnie]

I'm a yes for the 3rd.

Bonnie

[Shadow]

Today was a yes - and it didn't even hurt :lol: :tongue:!

Amy - Great planning along a wonderful trip - what a combo :D!

[Dharmalisa]

Yes for 10/3.....

22 ECC
70 Protein
1188 calories

I'm not being strict with my calories, just aiming for lower during the week and a little higher on the weekends, cause I don't want to get stressed about it and sabotage myself!! I originally wanted to AVERAGE 1,200 a day each week, but now I believe an average of 1,400 per day each week is more realistic and will keep me from feeling deprived and keep my metabolism from crashing.

[Anniesnan]

I was a YES for Wednesday!

got home too late to post, then dh through my schedule off by getting up early:D