Bethy's Diary

I just got back from the grocery store, I spent over $90 :eek: I don't think I've ever been able to spend that much on groceries before, I'm so glad Mom was willing to help me out.
I'm so happy. I've got veggies (including a couple bags of a salad mixture with romaine, carrots, and red cabbage, and a couple small bags of baby carrots for me to try), fruit, cereal (I got Corn Flakes. The really super-health cereals I just cannot afford to start eating, and the calorie value for Corn Flakes was actually one of the lowest I found, even among the expensive healthy cereals), brown rice, sliced chicken and turkey, tuna (I loooooove tuna), some of these Quakes rice snacks to try, sugar free Jell-o, and more...
Whew. I'm happy. It was a little hard when I got home not to grab something to eat right away, as I'm a bit hungry, but for *me* it's really late (it's 11:50 AM, and I normally go to bed around 5-8:00 AM) and I've already eaten my calories for the day.
I was kind of bummed that I couldn't find a low-calorie cheese though, or a decent yogurt--I got some Yoplait light, which is better than what I have (100 calories each versus 240 each) but I couldn't find the Dannon light I keep hearing about except in a big tub of vanilla (which I got, for my smoothies!). I couldn't find any decent soups, either. Honestly, the store I go to isn't big on health foods, it's kind of the really low-end grocery store--it's the cheapest, it's also the dirtiest, and I wasn't surprised not to find more specialty health food. There's another store I'd like to go to to look at some point, but I already spent enough for the day.
I got a couple 100 calorie pack things to try, and I did let myself get four of my Bawls energy drinks--these are something I could never bear to cut out completely, and I drink them pretty rarely, maybe one (at 120 cal) every couple weeks or every month, so I'm not worried there. I also found my very favourite fruit snack, these little Florida's Natural fruit nuggets--they are SO delicious, oh my god. My Dad gave me a little carton of them (you can get them in tiny orange juice box shaped cartons, so cute) for my birthday one year, and I've been looking for them since. I was so happy to find them.
Anyway, I need to calm down (so happy to have good food available though) and get to bed or my schedule's going to be WAY off.
Good night :D
 
It kills me that it's so expensive to eat right. :rolleyes: But it can be done and you did great! Keep it up!! :D:D
 
Today was absolutely awesome. I'm winding down for the day (*my* day anyway, most everyone else around here'll be just waking up soon) and I'm going to take a walk with my dog Hank at or a bit after dawn (it's not a good enough neighborhood to walk alone at night, even with Hank). I seem to be kind of feeling off on my exercise. I've been doing my weights/strength training, but I keep loathing getting on the bike. I seem to get like this whenever I've been depressed. But I'm hoping the walk will help.

But I was so surprised how much I got to eat today and I was full most of the day, and I got to have a couple sweet treats, and dinner was SO delicious--and felt all the better having cooked it myself, I'm going to love having these chicken breasts in the freezer :D.
Anyway, I joined SparkPeople yesterday, so I'm going to paste in my calories for the day (with just a few modifications for readability):

breakfast:
Kellogg's Corn Flakes Cereal, 1 cup (1 serving) -- 101
Milk, nonfat, 0.5 cup -- 43
Yoplait Light Fat Free Blackberry, 6 oz -- 100 (I had the Strawberry Orange Sunrise actually, but the nutrition info was the same)
(total: 244)

lunch:
(Tuna & mayo on toast)
Orowheat 100% Whole Wheat bread, 1 serving -- 100
Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise (Mayo), 1 tbsp -- 50
Western Family Tuna in water, 2.5 serving -- 125 (2.5 serving = 1 can)
(total: 275)

dinner:
(Chicken & cheese quesadilla)
Foster Farm's chicken breasts, 5.4 oz -- 150
Tillamook Medium Cheddar, 1 oz -- 110
Mission Whole Wheat Multigrain Tortilla, 1 serving -- 140
(total: 400)

snacks:
Florida's Natural Au'some Fruit Juice Nuggets, 0.66 serving -- 86 (one serving is three packets, I only had two)

Hidden Valley Light Ranch, 1 tbsp -- 40
Fresh Express Premium Romaine, 2 cup -- 15 (this is romaine, carrot, and red cabbage)

Nabisco, 100 calorie packs, Oreo chewy granola bar, 1 serving -- 100

Equate Complete Multivitamin, 1 serving (no calories, it's a frickin' vitamin :p)
(total: 241)

Totals:
CALORIES: 1,160
CARBS: 140
FAT: 26
PROTEIN: 93
(also 11 cups/88 oz water for the day, want to get another of these tall glasses in before bed though and they're 3 cups each, so it should be up to 14 cups/112 oz before bed)

I kind of miss having the time I ate like I put when I kept my own totals, just because I like to be organized like that, but it's not that big a deal. I guess it can be assumed that the stuff under 'snacks' was eaten throughout the day and not all at once XD.

I can't believe the total though, I'm staring at it thinking 'That's ALL? But I'm not hungry anymore! I was full all day!' I'm not hungry, but I'm hoping I'll be a little bit after my walk so I can eat something small to get my totals over 1200. I'm aiming for no lower than 1400--I definitely don't want to backslide into starvation mode again, that wasn't fun. That, and I'm still a bit under on my daily goals for fiber and calcium. But it seems strange to see my calorie count so low--I don't feel deprived, even eating 'healthy' food, I haven't eaten food this good in a long time, I feel like I'm getting a treat XD

Oh, and if you haven't tried them, you have to try the Florida's Natural Au'some Fruit Juice Nuggets. They're absolutely delicious.

So, all in all, I'm very happy :D
 
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Also, not about weight loss but semi-related in a health way I guess, I'm working on training myself to get up to my alarm better.
What I'm doing is leaving the alarm off when I actually sleep (It doesn't matter too much right now if I sleep in), and throughout the day, I take little pseudo-naps with the alarm set. Lay down and relax, set the alarm for 10-15 minutes, and as SOON as it goes off, get up and don't lay back down. It's kind of re-training my subconscious. Right now, I could hear the alarm, get up and turn it off, and lay back down to go to sleep without thinking, and every time I do just that I'm reinforcing in my subconscious that that is what it's supposed to do when I hear the alarm. That's why I'm keeping the alarm off overnight, so it doesn't mess up the association if I can't manage to get up and stay up to the alarm after a full sleep just yet.

Anyway, sun should be rising pretty soon--I really wish I had a pedometer and could track my distance. Maybe if I can get a job I'll invest in that and a new scale (it takes forever to figure out what my weight is on mine, it never stays zeroed, you have to step on it JUST right or it goes completely off).
 
I had to set my alarm clock clear across the room, and sometimes even that doesn't help. I also have two alarms, which seems to help. Mostly, I just need to get back on a schedule... ANY schedule. I hope you find it easier! :D
 
Good luck with the clock plan :)

I seem to have an internal clock and will wake without an alarm - I haven't had a clock in my bedroom for over 13 years now!
 
Congrats on the progress! And your grocery shopping sounded very successful.

Isn't that true about the calorie thing- I'm often surprised with how full I feel and my total calorie intake.

And hey, you reminded me that I need to buy some low-cal yogurt!
 
breakfast:
(Oatmeal made with milk, instead of water)
Quaker Instant Oatmeal Strawberries n' Cream, 1 serving -- 130
Milk, nonfat, 0.5 cup -- 43
Yogurt, Yoplait Light, Strawberry Banana, 6 oz -- 100
(total 273)

lunch:
(Turkey sandwich)
Orowheat 100% Whole Wheat bread, 2 serving -- 200
Butter, salted, 0.5 tbsp -- 51
Land O' Frost Deli Shaved Oven Roasted Turkey, 1 serving -- 90

Baker's String Cheese, 1 serving -- 80
(total 421)

dinner:
(Tuna & mayo on toast)
Orowheat 100% Whole Wheat bread, 1 serving -- 100
Western Family Tuna in water, 2.5 serving (1 can) -- 125
Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise (Mayo), 1 tbsp -- 50

Banana, fresh, 1 large (8" to 8-7/8" long) -- 125
(total 400)

snacks:
Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Chips Ahoy bar, 1 serving -- 100

Florida's Natural Au'some Fruit Juice Nuggets, 0.66 serving -- 86

Reddi-Wip Original Whipped Cream, 4 tbsp -- 30
Sugar free Jell-o, 1 cup -- 20

Lean Pockets Ham, Egg and Cheese, 1 serving -- 140

Quaker Quakes Rice Snacks Cheddar, 2 serving (18 mini cakes)-- 140
(total 516)

Equate Complete Multivitamin

Totals:
CALORIES: 1,610
CARBS: 231
FAT: 41
PROTEIN: 85

Pretty happy with today. I'm still ugh on the exercise bike, and I couldn't bring myself to go outside in the cold again (I thought my nose'd freeze off yesterday) so I walked up and down the stairs for a while XD It's something, anyway. I never managed to find my dog's leash so I couldn't take him with me yesterday, but I'm actually glad I didn't. There was tons of broken glass in a few places on the sidewalk where I went.

From my stats on SparkPeople for the last three days it looks like I'm doing well for my calories, fat, carbs, protein, and calcium, but my fiber is still too low and my sodium is still too high. Need to work on that more.

I forgot to mention yesterday, I tried the baby carrots...ugh, I just can't eat them. I think I'll stick with the sliced carrots that are in the salad mix I have and other vegetables...I've seen people suggest grating them on stuff, I might try that too sometime. Also, I was pretty disappointed with these Lean Pockets. They were so tiny! Like 3 1/2" by 2" at an estimation. For 140 calories they weren't really very tasty, and more sodium than I need for something so small. I don't think I'll be buying them again. Sugar free Jell-o and whipped cream seems like the perfect snack for losing weight, though, I love it. A whole bowl (1 cup of the Jell-o and 4 tbsp whipped cream) was total only 50 calories. I'm glad I got these Quakes rice snacks too, I was craving something crunchy and salty today, and instead of grabbing the potato chips I had these.

Now I'm just finishing listening to the soundtrack to Amelie by Yann Tiersen and I'll be off to bed. Has anyone else here seen Amelie? It's one of my five favourite movies, with Labyrinth, Shawshank Redemption, Boondock Saints, and Dead Poets Society.
 
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i love the movie Amelie :) and Dead Poets Society is one of my favourite movies.
as foods are concerned its going to take a while till you figure out what you like and not from those healthy foods. i'm always trying new recepies, and i'm really enjoying cooking now.
have a great day :)
 
breakfast:
(Oatmeal made with 1/2 cup milk)
Quaker Instant Oatmeal Blueberries & Cream, 1 serving -- 130
Yogurt, Yoplait Light, Berries and Cream, 6 oz -- 100
Milk, nonfat, 0.5 cup -- 43

lunch:
(Tuna & mayo on toast)
Orowheat 100% Whole Wheat bread, 1 serving -- 100
Western Family Tuna in water, 2.5 serving -- 125
Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise (Mayo), 1 tbsp -- 50

Baker's String Cheese, 1 serving -- 80

dinner:
(Chicken & cheese quesadilla)
Foster Farm's chicken breasts, 5.4 oz -- 150
Mission Whole Wheat Multigrain Tortilla, 1 serving -- 140
Tillamook Medium Cheddar, 1 oz -- 110

(Blueberry smoothie)
Unsweetened Frozen Blueberries, 0.38 cup -- 35
Dannon Light n' Fit Vanilla, 0.5 cup -- 40
Orange Juice, 0.25 cup -- 27
Metamucil Coarse Milled Fiber Supplement, 0.5 tsp -- 13

snacks:
Apples, fresh, 1 medium (2-3/4" dia) -- 81

Banana, fresh, 1 large (8" to 8-7/8" long) -- 125

Kellogg's Special K Bar strawberry, 1 serving -- 90

Equate Complete Multivitamin
Totals:
CALORIES: 1,440
CARBS: 189
FAT: 31
PROTEIN: 106

Very good day. For one thing, I stayed under the max on sodium--which has been one of my concerns--and I'm getting better on fiber. I'm still not quite there, the minimum on the range it gives me is 25 and I hit 22 today, but I'm getting there.

For one, these smoothies may help. The portions listed up there are a little strange because I made a batch and had half--the whole thing was 3/4 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries, 1 cup Dannon Light n' Fit Vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 cups ice cubes (I may do less ice cubes next time, it was a little hard to pour at first, but stirring it a bit helped so I'm not sure any change is necessary there) and 1 teaspoon of the Metamucil fiber supplement (I'm using the coarse powder 'cause that's what mom had, but I couldn't tell it was there when I was drinking, so I'm not bothered). I may want to put more than just the teaspoon in, if I'm going to be only drinking half at a time, though. I wanted to make a strawberry shake actually, but I found that the frozen strawberries we have have added sugar, and I didn't really think I'd want to make a whole shake with that. I may use them up by adding them in small spoonfuls to my cereal, but I need some unsweetened for the shakes. Maybe add a banana, make a strawberry banana smoothie. Mmm. But yeah, the blueberry smoothie was delicious, and REALLY filling--on only 115 calories for a glass, it's excellent. I'd say I should add this to my breakfasts but I'm so happy with my oatmeal/cereal and yogurt in the mornings XD I tend to put on some soothing music, curl up on the corner of the couch, and eat the yogurt nice and slow and just relax with it. Anyway--

I'm back on exercising again, I did a half hour on the exercise bike watching Adult Swim, then after my smoothie I felt so good and energized I went for a walk, too (Mom did bring me Hank's leash, so he came too and I made sure to avoid the spots I'd seen the broken glass). According to I did a bit over 1.5 miles, and the walk was 30 minutes. I haven't walked much in quite a while, so I guess it's not a bad pace to start with. Poor Hank was wanting to run the whole time, but I don't really think I'm ready to run with him yet XD. Did my strength training exercises again, too--I really love the fitness scheduler on SparkPeople, it makes it easy to remember everything. Water's still fine too, 14 cups/112 oz yesterday, 15 cups/120 oz today.

Anyway, I'm finishing up my apple now and then I'm gonna fall in bed, I'll visit some diaries when I wake up later. I was wanting to watch Labyrinth, but I just can't stay awake much longer, the apple and this cold water seem to be all that's keeping me awake enough to type right now XD

Goodnight everyone! I'm sending lots of love out to all of ya in my dreams!
 
Bleah, been really frustrated and irritable all day. My body's starting to react badly to this new healthier and higher intake of food, it's been steady 1400-1600 most of the last week and switching from very little food/refined sugars/lots of cheese and red meat when I DID eat, to regular small meals/whole wheats, fruits and vegetables/poultry and fish seems to have my body protesting. I know I should feel a lot better once this settles out, but right now I feel miserable XP Gotta tough it out though. I'm really hoping once I get used to eating this way I won't really want sugary or salty things so much anymore either, but there's still the mental/emotional connotation and part of my mind is *afraid* of not wanting them anymore. I was really tempted to binge on some chips or chocolates today but I knew I didn't actually want them, I was just upset and stressed, and I wouldn't even enjoy them, so I kept myself from having any.

I didn't really feel like copying my food log over for the day today but my total for calories was 1524, about the same as usual for all the other totals, same foods as usual.

I tried writing in my journal (a real physical one XD) to see if it helped my irritability but it just irritated me even more. I half-wanted to throw it across the room! I really hope these mood swings and sick feelings subside soon. I know I'm not overexercising and I really don't think I'm undereating, so I'm pretty sure it's just my body resisting the change in routine.

Anyway, I just got back from my walk and I'm going to get on the exercise bike for 15-20 minutes in a bit.
 
Woo, another pound lost this morning :D
My sleep schedule's shifting around again--I'm bipolar, I've been able to control the depression and mood swings themselves well without medication for years, but my body still changes sleep schedules on me without warning now and then. So, while this would normally be my midafternoon/lunch time, I'm just now waking up.
So, off to have breakfast XD
 
Had a really good day today.

breakfast:
(Corn flakes with sliced banana)
Kellogg's Corn Flakes Cereal, 1 cup (1 serving) -- 101
Milk, nonfat, 0.5 cup -- 43
Banana, fresh, 1 large (8" to 8-7/8" long) -- 125

Yogurt, Yoplait Light, Strawberry, 6 oz -- 100

lunch:
(Quesadilla)
Mission Whole Wheat Multigrain Tortilla, 1 serving -- 140
Tillamook Medium Cheddar, 1 oz -- 110

(Garlic mashed potatoes)
Paradise Valley All Natural Mashed Potatoes low calorie recipe, 2 serving -- 160
Johnny's Garlic Spread & Seasoning, 0.33 tsp -- 0

dinner:
(Chicken & rice with veggies)
Foster Farm's chicken breasts, 2.7 oz -- 75
Broccoli, fresh, 0.25 cup, chopped -- 6
Baby carrots, 0.11 serving -- 4
Parmesan Cheese, grated, 1 tbsp -- 23
S&W Whole Grain Brown Rice, 0.25 cup -- 150

snack:
Apples, fresh, 1 medium (2-3/4" dia) (approx 3 per lb) -- 81

Sugar free Jell-o, 1 cup -- 20
Reddi-Wip Original Whipped Cream, 4 tbsp -- 30

Orowheat 100% Whole Wheat bread, 1 serving -- 100
Western Family Tuna in water, 2.5 serving -- 125
Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise (Mayo), 1 tbsp -- 50

Baker's String Cheese, 2 serving -- 160

Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Chips Ahoy bar, 1 serving -- 100

Equate Complete Multivitamin

TOTALS:
Calories: 1,703
Carbs: 243
Fat: 38
Protein: 105

Dinner was delicious. I'm really not sure where I got the idea, but the whole thing was:
1/2 cup brown rice (1/2 cup uncooked)
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
3 sliced baby carrots

Steam together with 2/3 cup water for about 50 minutes (I might do this longer, actually, the rice was still slightly tough at the end, but I've never had brown rice before, I don't know how the texture is supposed to be). When there's about 10 minutes left, add 1 chicken breast (the ones I have are ~5.4 oz) chopped up.

When it's done, drain excess water off, should make 2 servings of 235 calories each, eat with some parmesan cheese.

It was really yummy, and I'm looking forward to having the second half for lunch tomorrow. I may want to add some flavouring herbs to the mix next time I cook some though.

Anyway, got my walk in this morning, 20 minutes on the exercise bike, and my strength training routine. My schedule today was strange though, I woke up at 4:00 AM last night, then got incredibly tired at about 3:00 PM, napped until 9:00, then got up and had dinner. My body seems to be still having trouble deciding when exactly it wants to sleep.

Time to go check some diaries, then I have lots of music to sort!
 
That does look like a good day Bethy!

One quick note on fiber, I switched cereal to Kashi Go Lean High Protein, High Fiber and since then, almost every day I at least make it to 25g's.

Before, I could barely get 12 ;)
 
I've been getting 18-23 pretty regularly, but I might look at some higher fiber cereals...taste is a big thing for me for cereal, though, especially because I don't want to be adding sugar. Sliced bananas and strawberries, maybe.
 
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