GJeans Diary on Dr Cohen's

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GJeans

New member
Dear Diary (tee, hee, hee, ...)

I am a soon to be 36 mom of 3 who started on Dr Cohen's on 1 February 2008. Up to 5 March 2008, I have lost 8.4kg.

Since I got married almost 10 years ago, I have gained possibly 25 - 30kgs that just piled on week by week, month by month - year on year.

Within 5 years of getting married, I had lost my father, my brothers and my mother. This, the birth of my youngest and many other challenges of life saw me balloon to my heaviest of 93kg by January 2008 - at a mere 1.57 m that is a lot of extra weight to carry. I guess the fat was a cushion against the harsh realities of life and I found comfort in food and laziness.

So, staring at the ever expanding waist - from an hourglass to almost a beach-ball, I thought enough is enough - I am not getting any younger and if I do not take care of me now, no one is gonna do it for me - and on the downhill beyond 35 I cannot continue hoping my body can take the see-sawing weight.

I took a decision to do Dr Cohen's 1st Personal Diet programme and I can safely say, this is the best decision I have made regarding my weight. The cost is really a small price to pay because I am seeing the difference already.

Why am I starting a diary more than a month into the programme? I have found that I tend to lose focus especially on weekends and also during my TOM. I want to keep this diary so that I can hold myself accountable and perhaps someone out there would also like to help me on my journey. I guess if I have to come and write an entry about falling off the tracks again, that will motivate me to keep focussed.

Enough said for today, tomorrow it is then!
 
Congratulations on your weight lose so far. I am starting cohens, and understand the difficulty with maintaining motivation over the weekends. This site is the perfect place to get the support we both need. Cheers
 
And the wheels came off the bus ...

Thank you NewBride02 and Hopeful99 for your encouragement. This Forum is proving to be very helpful, I get to read inspiring posts and this motivated me to no end.

These past 4 days have been hectic ... it was hubby's birthday on Saturday, we went visiting with family and had a good ol' South African braai - what some call a BBQ! I had packed my food and was on the right track had there not been a "not on my plan" little wors (sausage) that just so seemed to be whispering my name - a little piece of wors ended up being more meat than what I should have had, to cut the long story short - the wheels started to slowly one-by-one come off the bus ...:angelsad2:

The rest of the weekend whizzed passed then with a little bit of indulgence here and there on the meat (I am a carnivore :ack2:) - no problems with baked treats, I had actually baked a bit, but up to now, not a crumb has passed through my lips ...

Monday dawned with a new resolve and today too has been pretty good - but what bothers me is that all goes well until Saturday afternoon and again the little vicious cycle starts :willy_nilly:

Now going through my mail tonight, I get an email from Dr Cohen's clinic that from my last blood tests, they have picked up that I have not been 100% on my programme - I stopped short of asking him to increase my meat portions because that is really where my problem is. Understand though, the problem is not with Dr Cohen's portions though, somehow, I have to find a solution to "my problem with meat".

Does someone have a fool-proof plan to beating the weekend attacks?

Tomorrow is another day

:seeya:
 
Good news ...

Today was one of those wonderful days one gets to experience ever so often ... I woke up and for the 1st time I was able to wear a red shirt I had bought early last year but didn't have the courage to take it back to the shop when it was too small ... :hurray: I am so proud of myself.

Anyways, I wore the red shirt, went to work and felt good about life, myself and humankind in general. I have recently changed jobs I am loving my new circumstances! No one said anything special, but I wouldn't expect them to because they do not yet know that I have lost some weight and if they can see that I am less of the person they met last week Monday, well then, they are not saying.

I called my sister in the middle of the day - we speak maybe 3 times everyday - and shared with her my joy at the red shirt and the fact that the pants i was wearing today sat a bit loose than when I wore them last week - I have only now worn these pants maybe 3 times this year, yes you guessed right, since I got on to the programme - and every time I wear them they sit a little bit loose on the THUNDER THIGHS. The last time I wore them before this year was perhaps in 2006, I felt like I was going to pop out of them :D. This is way too fabulous.

My sister and I have always been very close, she is just about 2 years older than me, so we have shared almost all aspects and details of our lives. We are each other's pal, confidant, sound-board, cheerleader, you name it. She is the only one of my family remaining, the only person who has known me all my life. Ours is a real special bond. We have so much in common, even the fat. Over the years, we have exchanged clothes when one gets thin and the other gets fat. So all of my suits and other clothes will be going to her - although this time around, she also doesn't want to be left behind. She cannot do Cohen's for medical reasons but has been on a plan that her homeo suggested and has now lost about 10kgs since September last year.

To get back to the matter at hand ... I picked the children up and we went to midweek service. Wow, so many people commented on how good I looked, asked if I was losing weight, wanted to know more about Dr Cohens etc. This was just great. There are a few of my friends at church who know I am on some eating plan, but I have not received this much validation about the rightness of what I am doing to change my life than I got today. It felt wonderful and just strengthened my resolve to beat the weekend slips once and for all.

I had hubby take pictures this evening, a month after my last set. I can definitely see a huge difference on the "Saartjie Baartman behind" :). The t-shirt that I have decided to wear for the photos is almost hanging now around the buttocks. This is just fantastic :hurray:

The other night hubby was saying that even when we cuddle he can feel that there is less of me, and I have only lost about 8kgs - imagine when I am at goal weight - I cannot wait!

So today has been good, I was 100% with my food and my water, I got great encouragement, I only have to focus on tomorrow.

Till then :seeya:
 
So far so good ...

The past few days have really been great. I have been able to keep to my portions, eat the right things and continue to amaze myself with all of my clothes that now fit me. It is interesting to note that there can be so much difference happening in a space of a week - one week I will put on an item of clothing and it is a bit tight and the next week, voila, it fits perfectly.

Yesterday I flew to Cape Town on business and I am so proud of myself. I had to be out of the house by 5:30am to make it to the airport by 6:00. I had my tuna salad ready and was therefore not tempted by the airline breakfast. My colleague kept on saying it cannot hurt and somehow I had the courage and the good sense to know that it would indeed hurt more than he was aware of. I realise that the key to making my eating plan work is planning and preparation. And where there is no way out, to make the wisest choices.

For lunch a spread was laid out, there was lamb - mmmmh how I used to love a good lamb chop, there was fish in some sauce, there was the ever faithful roast chicken and some other meat, could have been beef stew - there were also sauced up veggies, roast potatoes and all sorts of things. In the face of all that temptation, yours truly had a plate of salad greens with some chicken breast. Yes, it was not Cohen portions but it was thankfully none of what is not allowed. I am really proud of myself.

As everyone was going for desserts etc., I had a nice cup of Rooibos tea with Canderel. I did not feel deprived, I did not feel as though I was standing out like a sore thumb and when anybody asked, I told them I was watching what I eat - no use telling new colleagues that you are on some diet.

One other interesting thing is that one of my friends left me a message to comment about my weight-loss. Bless her, she left a message of more than a minute on my cell and it just made my day.

On Thursday, hubby also said that he thought I looked very good in my red and black of the other day - yes, that is my husband, very measured and not getting overly excited about things. This has been a source of consternation for me because I am so excitable and such a drama queen. But I have learnt to appreciate his muted nature. I know that when he does say something, it is from his truth and it is indeed a fact.

That same Thursday, for the 1st time perhaps since 2005, I wore a pair of pants that have also probably been worn less than 3 times since they left the shop. And for the 1st time, they sit properly - well maybe they can get a little loose on the THUNDER THIGHS but I felt completely comfortable in them - at no point did I think that I was an overstuffed sausage ready to go "ppfffssst" :)

Today is a bit chilly and I think I may be coming up with something. I just need to make sure that I drink my water because I have realised that it is again another of my challenges on the weekends.

To get my mind off food, I am going to take down my suitcases full of "small" clothes - I can't wait to see what else fits. I need to also clear up my wardrobe of tired old fat clothes that cannot be given to anyone specific.

I am going shopping later on for the "RED SHOES". When I started the programme I made a number of little mini-goals to keep me focused - one of these was the red shoes that will go with my designer jeans when I am at goal weight. This is my 10kg mini-goal. I saw a "stilletto-styled" peep-toe pair I liked in some shop and I am going so long to get it in preparation for the celebration when I have hit the 10kg milestone - I am in a mood to celebrate already :party:

That's me for now, I will probably come back later today to give the run-down for the day - that way, how can I cheat ...

Cheers :seeya:
 
Still holding on ...

Well, I am back again! It has been a less difficult day than I had expected - it must be the planning and preparation.

After the earlier post, I tried a few of my smaller clothes - yipee! I am sitting here in a dress I have possibly not worn in over a year and it is actually falling off my bust. This is so good. :Angel_anim:

That gave me tremendous amounts of motivation not to deviate from the plan today. As I was making meatballs in tomato sauce and macaroni (no spaghetti in the grocery cupboard) lunch for the kids, I prepared steak, and mushrooms and baby marrow stirfry for me. I only ate much later because a friend came over and we talked and talked. I have not been able to keep the 5 hour gap between my lunch and supper as a result because I would then have eaten after 21:00.

I also popped a few cans of Pepsi Light and Sprite Zero in the fridge, so have had that in between when the mind was starting to feel weak. I had some pawpaw (with Provita crumbed on top and a sprinkling of sweetner to make it really taste decadent) and later an apple in between my meals.

These days, I have stopped being over-zealous with recipes, I am finding that plain salt and a grinding of pepper make my food taste just as nice. I was reading somewhere that tastebuds can easily adapt to things that we eat. It is only my nose that cannot forget "the taste" because the smell of the meatballs earlier and the chicken for supper really tested me.

I spent the whole day at home with the kids, hubby had to go in to work, some problems with year-end financials. He is going again tomorrow, so I will have to prepare my breakfast already so that I have enough time with everything before we drive off to church in the morning.

I cannot wait to see how I conquer tomorrow ...

Till then, :seeya:
 
The end of the weekend, thank goodness ....

Wow, I cannot believe this - it is almost the end of the weekend and I have been able to control the monster 70% better than previously!

After church I took the boys for a haircut and stuff. It was a bit hard with lunch, my stir-fry looked so unappetising and the food everyone was heaving looked more promising.

The last kick of a dying horse was hubby coming home with KFC for supper earlier in the evening- , how could he do this to me? He is usually so supportive, has minimised his bread/rice and starch intake and is eating more veggies, taking a lunch box to work and eating more salads, walked with me in the mornings, etc. And this Sunday of all days ... I could have died with anger! Instead ...

I drove to the shopping mall, walked around in this cold weather checking clothes out and shoes - yes, me and shoes. There are lots of nice 'skinny' clothes i will be considering, not buying, considering.

And then I saw the most wonderful shorts I wish I could be wearing on our Mozambique holiday in September. They look so cute but perhaps a bit too short for a mother of 3. Anyway looking at all the lovely things soon let me forget about the KFC.

Browsed through lots of wonderful books at Exclusive Books as well, lots of things to consider buying eh...

The only problem is I have not had enough water today, it has been quiet chilly, raining almost the whole day long. I just couldnt drink enough, so I better make up with maybe a glass or two of warm water - though I really hate the 'taste' of warm water.

Anyway, the weekend is ended, and I am really looking forward to my weigh-in on Wednesday ...

:seeya:
 
Hang in there!

Hello GJeans
I know what you mean sometimes men just don't think. It is not that they want to harm the results. I think it is that they think they are helping out by getting dinner. My husband just yesterday came in with a katchup stain on his shirt and admitted to eatting at a fast food resturant.:banghead: So I know what it is like to feel left out but I just keep telling myself that it is not worth the guilt in the end.

It takes a lot of strength to pass up KFC I personally love it. I am very proud of you!!! What a great idea to go shopping and look at the clothes you would like to buy if you where at your goal. I like that, that alone would keep you on track. I will have to use that idea. Hang in there. Tina:)
 
The horrid weather continues

It must be the approaching Good Friday - my dad always used to say that if it wasnt chilly that night, Peter would not have sat by the fire warming his hands when the woman pointed out to him and said ... aw, you know how the story goes. I remember my folks quiet a lot these days, just now earlier I was thinking how I have inherited my mom's good skin.

Its the weather, it makes me want to curl up and and fold into myself. It was a bit cold for my liking today. The good thing about it is that my knit grey top was sitting nicely loose this time - I didnt have to think that people are looking at my Saartjie trademark as I was rushing about the office - it was so busy.

I was good today with the food - the water I could only go as far as 1.5L. I hope it doesnt dent my progress.

I spoke to hubby about the KFC earlier. Tina, I think at least it is better that your husband had stopped and eaten before he got home. Mine knows that KFC is my absolute weakness. So now they will have to go out for the KFC if he wants to treat the kids and I will find something to do. Shame, it is true though, he was just trying to be helpful, he didnt realise that it would upset me.

I guess the diet has started to bring my hormones into balance - it was while I was at work that I realised that my TOM has started - no warning whatsoever, strange, but nice.

That's it for now, until tomorrow:

:seeya:
 
Woo-hoo!!!!

Goodness me, today is really a great day despite the weather.

I went for my weigh-in, its official, I have lost a total of 10.6kg in six weeks ... WOW:hurray: I feel fantastic, my spirits are high, I just feel like this green smilie - no one can wipe the big grin off my face. :biggrinjester: :D

People have been commenting, one of my friends even said that my face is looking different. I was checking out the previous photos, I cannot believe that puffy fat person is me...he, he, he! And after only 10kgs. What more when I have lost 15, 20, and yes 26.6kg more ... I cannot wait.

The long Good Friday weekend starts tomorrow - we are visiting my in-laws about 500kms away. :driving: It is a done deal, I am taking my food and my scale with me, I cannot again sabotage myself by not eating properly. I also have the checklist that the Clinic gave me, so I will be able to make sure that I am completely 100% on the programme. I will not come back on Monday and write an entry about a little sausage or a piece of chicken that spoke to me, that person does not live around me anymore!

I am so happy, I feel tremendous and bless Dr Cohen for this programme - he is really an angel!:angel:

Nothing as yet compares to the feeling of total control over my weight that I now have. For the 1st time in almost forever, I know that I am doing something for me that is working and that is not based on pills and gadgets and shakes and things - food is my friend, it is working with me, to make me better and to bring sexy back ...

Anyone out there who reads this post, be inspired, hold on, do not let go of what is working for you. Even though it is hard sometimes and you do something that you know you shouldn't have done, pick yourself up, tomorrow is another day, and a better future starts this minute.

There is a saying that goes "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" - I agree completely, I am a sold-out evangelist of that phrase, nothing that we eat can taste as special as the feeling of control and health and fabulousness. :iagree: I think I am even "carrying myself differently". Yes the fat is coming off, but the old confident, fun ,excited and exciting me is coming back, and boy, I cannot wait until she has taken over.

Let me call it a night ...

:seeya:
 
Wow!

You sound so happy! I am very glad for you. There really is no better high that winning a battle feels like. And you are winning big time. You should post before buring and after pics.
I feel like I have been recharge thru your energy. Take care and keep up the great work. Tina: :hurray:
 
Thank you Tina, 10 pounds is also quiet a lot to lose, I hope you look and feel fantastic.

I just cannot post my photos for now, I will see when I am halfway through my journey, maybe it will matter squat to me that my cheeks were puffy and even shiny with fat - can you believe it, even our faces carry the extra weight - I wasn't aware of that until now, ... not really

The weather has cleared up, we are back to sunny skies and green grass thanks to the rain ... thank goodness.

One of the things I have realised today is that a braai should be an absolute no-no until I have reached goal weight - the smell of fat on the coals or the char-grill marks on marinated steak or pork chop or the burgers that I made today, that just does not cut it anymore. All of the times that i have really struggled is when we have had a braai. My poor family will have to just bear with me.

This morning I took out some more of the old clothes - some new really with tags still on them. I was thinking what a waste it was but then again, I wouldn't be sitting here in this fabulous top had I taken it back to the shop, now would I?

We leave early in the morning for our trip- almost close to the Kalahari. When we drive to my in-laws, you see the landscape changing and you realise that you are now in a different place and zone. I would love to retire to the quiet stillness of this semi-arid haven. It is so peaceful, when the lights are off, it is pitch blackness, and on a clear night, you see all of the starry host and you realise that 'actually, I am a tiny little speck in the grand scheme of things'.

I have to go and prepare all of my food, I want it all ready and cooked, and packed up in tupperware for tomorrow. I have now started packing my meat in proper portions and quantities in the freezer. That way it will not be a hassle in the evenings when I arrive from work, just take out, defrost, prepare and eat. I am so proud of myself, I am making this thing work and it really is working.

My next entry will be on Monday or Tuesday,

Till then

:seeya:
 
The time away was really not bad ...

I had packed my full meals for the 2 days that we were away... that was a real lifesaver because I did not need the hassle of weighing, chopping, preparing etc. I just took out a meal and ate - cold meals but proper portions all the same.

It was a bit difficult on Sunday though, there was fresh lamb and with all the relatives abound, there was much cooking and eating... real comfort-food, dumplings, stews and things, with the rather chilly weather. That was really hard for me to focus and enjoy my salads and cold meals but I kept on and did not cheat while we were there.

The long trip back took a toll on my resolve - it took 6 hours, some parts of the road had been cordoned off and so on - by the time we arrived home I was exhausted and a little "full of it" with the kids' restlessness and shenanigans in the back seat. The last thing I wanted was tuna salad ... so I went off the tracks - and for the 1st time since I have been on the plan, I actually ate something completely not on the list (COOKIES - 3 OF THEM!!!). Puff went my good intentions ....

But I must say, I am not overly disappointed, so I had 3 cookies, it will stall my progress - it was not the wisest choice, but it is a choice I made all the same, so I have to face the consequences - no matter what they are.

The last 2 days have been relatively better, I have eaten the right food but am struggling with finishing 2 litres of water a day, I am lucky if I get to 1.5L. Will see what the scale says when I go next week Wednesday.

I guess the great thing is that the clothes keep on getting bigger. The "ppfffsst sausage" :biggrinjester: grey pants are now loose enough on the thunder-thighs, but now a bit too big on the waist, so when they are really comfortable on the one, they do not fit on the other. I was bewailing the fact that I am 'losing' all of these clothes that I love, but on the bright side, I will have all the more reason to buy gorgeous new ones when I am at size 34. Until I get there, there are more than enough clothes for me to wear out of the suitcases and boxes - I am a hoarder, it has its good and bad, for now at least I can see the good.

Well that is it for now, I have to call it a night ...

Till next time,

:seeya:
 
Hello again
It must have been hard on your travels. I know that when I am around a lot of people and great food it is really hard to stay on track. I know how you feel when you think you have really messed up. But try not to beat yourself up to much. A cheat everyday will really hurt but once in a couple of weeks or so is not all that bad.
Your head is in the right place and you know what you want and you are getting it done.

It is wonderful to know that at the end of the journey we all get to buy great new clothes!:party:
Talk with you soon,
Tina:seeya:
 
Its all good ...

This week has really been great, I have been 100% on my program and even last night when I went for a girls nite out, i did not deviate ... I had made sure that I have eaten my full portions and I orderd a fruit salad without the bells and whistles. I only ate the fruit on my plate that is on the plan and even my friends were amazed that the big vacuum cleaner (me) is so disciplined.

It felt great to realise that I have control over what I ingest - just because it is food, I do not have to eat it. I am grateful that the penny is dropping. It is not the end of the world, if I do not have the food that others are eating, and if it is the end of the world, well, who cares about food then.

Yes Tina, indeed, great new clothes in the latest styles ... yipee :hurray:

Cheers

:seeya:
 
I am going to the scale tomorrow

A bit of trepidation ... I have been less than 100% since Sunday ... it almost feels like going to the guillotine

I had been so good, went out with hubby and kids, made sure to eat my full meal 2 before in the car on our way there, preoccupied myself with window-shopping and reading half a book when they went for lunch, had my water and TAB ... everything was going so well

When we came back, I went to see a friend and they had mango pickle - haven't had that ina long time even before Cohen days ... so had some of that, well, i have not regained sanity since.

And what frustrates me is that even in the morning when you wake up your body tells you that "you have been doing something wrong" but I am telling you, this fickle mind is just too weak ... so much about having control! I am sabotaging my own progress!

So will see tomorrow what the scale says ...

Will let you know!

:seeya:
 
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Hello GJeans
I have to tell you something a little funny. I read and posted on my thread before I read yours. And it sounds like we have had the same type of day. Don't beat yourself up over it.:banghead: You have come to far and seen such great results to turn around now. That is the great part about time going by it makes you work harder to keep it off.

I do feel it is good that we stay hard on ourselves but not toooo hard. All we can do is make better choices the next day.

I think it is so great to have someone on the other side of the world know what I am talking about and feeling. Good luck my friend.
T
 
Living to tell the tale ...

I survived the guillotine ...

I have now lost 13kg in 8 weeks/2 months. It feels good, but laced with guilt, so although I am happy, I cannot celebrate much because I know I was not good and it is going to catch up with me sooner or later. One of the things I guess that make it less of a celebration is that when I read posts of other people on Cohen, they seem to be doing so well, not cheating, losing huge amounts of weight (fat) ... it just looks like I am not achieving much in comparison. :( I also so wanted to have pushed into the 70 zone, even if it was 79.9999999999, but ag, there is next time.

The good thing is that I got my multivites today and so I will be taking them again, I think I have not taken any since the 8th of March - I misplaced them.

Hey Tina, this is such a great photo, your dog is beautiful ... but I must say, me and snow are not great friends, I love our mild winters and sunny summers. Yes, it does help to have a companion on the journey, makes it lighter ...

That's it for tonight ...

:seeya:
 
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Introspection time ...

One of the things that being on a strict plan (and deviating a lot) is forcing me to do is to look at my relationship with food. I have come to realise that up to now, I have always used food as my comfort, my friend, my enemy, my crutch. Whenever I needed a salve to my real or perceived problems, I have always let food take centre stage - it does not ask back now does it, it does not give you other alternatives, it is just there, and there was a lot of it in my house.

Then there has been a love-hate relationship going on, I think about the times when I have completely deprived myself of the joy that food can be only to repay with gorging myself stupid on things that are technically not food and therefore not good for me.

I look again at how I have cooked huge meals, enough to feed 2 families and all under cover of "if anyone comes over ...". I would then dish out huge portions not only for me but for my kids (oh my goodness, mercy me) and husband. Then there would be the "vacuuming" that comes afterwards because I can't let it all go to waste, and it will not be as good if left in the fridge overnight - mad woman!

Being on Cohen's and taking the portions that are sufficient at this stage for my body, has made me re-evaluate how I prepare and dish for my family. I look at the amounts of fat that I now take off all food before preparing it, and somehow just over 2 months ago, all that chicken skin and beef fat and whatever would go into the pot, soak into the meat and ... no wonder I was fat!

I am not yet where I have a healthy relationship with food, not by a long shot, but I am glad that I am learning something new everyday. My kid's nanny has even told me that she can see that their preferences have now changed - where they would want sweets, there is now fruit (ok, there is hardly any sweets in this house any longer save for the last 2 easter choc eggs). That for me is the real win, because I do not want my boys and girl to go through life held prisoner by fat and defeatist attitudes.

Being fat, and I guess most people on this forum would agree, puts you on the back-foot, you are judged harshly by society whether right or wrong and you are perceived to have no control. You judge yourself so you present yourself to the world already less than what you are.

One of the things that my hubby has now said is that as I was getting thicker and thicker, one day he looked at me (I was walking in front of him) and he realised that I looked older. He could not dare tell me then because the feral cat would have gotten out of control. And as he says this, he reflected on himself as well how he was getting thicker and thicker and how now that he is eating healthy and going regularly to the gym (he has lost probably 10kg or more since January) even his colleagues are now vocal about how is looking thinner and younger ...


Enough Socrates ...

We are going to a friend's child's 1st birthday party, it is the dreaded braai, I have offered to bring chicken and salad. I will have to pack my own meal and take my sugar-free drinks. I do not want to deviate.

Will tell you all about it ...

Cheers
:seeya:

I
 
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