Lisa's Final Countdown, The Good Days, the Bad, & the Ugly

[douknowjello]

I'm a dork, I restarted my diary 2 days in because I couldn't figure out how to change the title. Not that this one is much better but the thought of having to look at the other one I slapped up there for the next millennium was more than I could take.

Well, anyway, its been a rough start the last month, struggling with every pound and trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Then there was that 5 day lapse where I gained back every pound I'd lost. So I finally feel like I have that "get serious and guit screwin around" mindset.I've been back on lowcarbing for 2 weeks now since the cheat week and all the weight has come back off. I got on the scale and I've lost 10lbs since we started, 19 total from my highest weight. And the scale finally seems to be moving!!

I'm really excited this time about it because my husband has never been unsupportive but for the first time in 6yrs of being together he is actually dieting with me this time and sticking to it. It was nerve racking at first trying to cook to make sure he wanted to stay on it but now I realize he is really committed and liking the healthier way we are eating. I know I mentioned this before about my husband but I still can't get over it, I am very lucky. This is the first time I've ever had this kind of support and I'm really happy about it.

We're eating low carb and instead of doing what I used to and eating low carb convenience, I'm really putting effort in this time and trying alot of different recipes. I'm enjoying cooking and its really not as time consuming as it used to be now that I've gotten into a routine. I've also noticed a difference since I started taking "l-carnitine" supplement. I wasn't sure after I read about it that it would work but it was on sale at the health food store and I thought why not. It's supposed to help people getting started who are metabolicly resistant.

Also I've started back on the byetta pen injections my dr. recommended (for p.c.o.s. and insulin resistance. This is day 2 of those and I'm sure I'll lose weight from that ;/. Most people, me included, feel very sick the first week or so on them but the benefits are worth it to have my blood sugars in balance.

Oh and I've been really good about drinking alot of water but I think I'm going to try and give up soda...I really don't know if I can do it because sometimes I really get cravings for a diet coke but I know its not good for me. And when I gave it up for 5 months before I noticed a huge difference in how I felt. If I can't give it up entirely I think I'm going to limit my soda intake to once or twice a week...then maybe wean myself off to once a month, lol. Mmmmm.....SOOOODA

 

[douknowjello]

Let them eat cake!

So I thought I'd add this little story to my journal. I work at a group home and one of the nights during the week I was off my diet (the day I took off that turned into 5) I got to work a bit early. My coworkers were at the kitchen table charting so I looked around and demanded in a loud voice "where's my cake?!?"
Yea they're used to me by now but that still got some raised eyebrows and a "what?". I said "Well the second I got on my diet every friggin night I was working somebody was making cake or bringing cookies or asking me if I wanted chocolate. Tonight I'm not on my diet and there's not a dang thing in the house". They laughed as they too were on diets.

I just think its funny though that the minute anyone at my workplace finds out that anyone is on a diet the food rolls in...at every job I've had in fact. I've had a supervisor actually stick a spoon of frosting in my face and the current one drops by with food on my shift if she knows I'm trying to watch my weight. Lucky for me people tryin to force me to do stuff causes me to dig my heels in. Crazy people, lol.

 

[paulab_5]

Welcome! I got your name from Alane83's diary. I know Alta gave you some great tips on how to get started here so I won't go into that...

Just wanted to stop in and learn a little about you and say HI!!!! We're GLAD you're HERE!

 

[douknowjello]

Thank you so much And yea she's been great. Any help is much appreciated and I'm just glad to join an active forum with people to talk to...I think it's going to help keep me on track and accountable when I hit a rough spot and if I can join one of the clubs I know that'll encourage me to alot more than I would just on my own.

 

[paulab_5]

DEFINITELY helps! Rough days are the WORST when you're doing this alone... EVERYONE here has fallen off the wagon so when you have a bad day, we ALL understand!

 

[douknowjello]

I'm glad this forum is here for everyone, even people who just want to get healthy. I still have to say it surprised me when I saw several different threads with people agonizing over their weight who wear between a size 3-6 jeans. I don't think I've worn that size since I was 3-6 yrs old, lol.

But anyway, it occured to me I should attempt to keep track of my food here. Health wise I've felt so much better eating low carb. I used to hurt from head to toe and thought it was just from being overweight but everytime I start lc the pain goes away, my feet stop swelling, and I just feel so much better. Of course you think I'd remember that when I have one of my "lapses".

Anyway here's what I ate yesterday:

Breakfast: low carb protein shake

Late lunch: main course-grilled steak
side: zuchini, mushrooms, and onions all cooked together and
topped with cheese

Dinner: we ate late lunch and I was feeling really nauseous from being on Byetta day 3 so we kinda forgot about it. I did end up eating a cup of low carb ice cream later on when I wasn't feeling sick anymore.

Today:

Breakfast: scrambled eggs w/ cheese & mushrooms and side of bacon
Snack: I was bad...we had popcorn at the movies ;/ We'll see if that has an affect I guess
Dinner: Tilapia fish
Pinenut and parsely salad (next time making it without the parsley)

I don't see myself eating anything else...that Byetta pen is kicking my butt at the moment. In case anyone wonders what it is it's not any diet gimmick. It was recommended by my dr. to help with my insulin resistance but boy does it make you nauseous off and on the first week or so. Luckily I'm not like some people who get so sick they throw up, lol.

Well tomorrow is another day...no more popcorn for a while

 

[douknowjello]

I know I shouldn't be a slave to the scale but it's so hard not to check everyday when I'm seeing results. This morning I'm down another half pound so apparently the popcorn yesterday didn't slow me up too much. Hubby is doin great too...he's down 18lbs Hmm....I wonder if I could get him to join this forum.

Anyway today was a very long day and I am so tired, spent most of the days scrubbing and packing. We're becoming first time home buyers and moving in a few weeks so the pressure is on to get it all done. I'll be SO happy when we're moved.

I haven't started doing any cardio yet. I'm holding off until my weight comes down more because last time I was at this weight my doctor told me to hold off so I didn't blow out my bad knee. After we're moved out of our apartment I think I'll try and find a stationary bike since we'll have room...then I won't have to wait.

Food today:

Breakfast: none, we got up late and just had brunch

Lunch: Hamburger and mushrooms in alfredo sauce on low carb pasta (dreamfields)

Dinner: Grilled hotdogs and hamburgers with cheese, no buns

I still don't have a huge appetite because of the byetta shot but at least I didn't feel nauseous today .

 

[douknowjello]

p.s.

Oh here's an afterthought. I have a question for anyone who reads this and hopefully somebody will know the answer. How are some people making their diary titles bold? I tried the b in brackets code in the title and it didn't work. Also I was wondering why some people have orange envelopes...I'm guessing because they've been here longer or have more pages?

 

[bmohearn]

hi. I got ur name from caseyatmartin's diary. Your food has been awesome lately! I went on the LC diet my senior year of highschool when I weighed 165, got down to 148 and then stopped. I gained 65 pounds back over the next 2 years. Ever since then I get horribly ill when I try to go back on it. I'm not sure what you mean about the envelopes. The bold is just ones you have'nt read yet. And diary titles can be changed if you can ask a moderator. Nice to meet you dear!

 

[douknowjello]

Oh thank you Glad to meet you too. Yea about 6yrs ago I went on lc and dropped 20lbs and then everytime I tried to go back on it I got sick too. Not sure completely why but I haven't had any problems this time. I think it's helping a ton that I'm doing lc the right way and cooking alot instead of how I tried to do it before, on the run with convenience and deli food and going through drive through but pulling the bun off everything. I got very sick of the food fast that way and didn't take much to put me off the diet.

I think that's one thing I'm very excited about this time that makes me think THIS IS IT, I'm going to DO THIS. The fact that I realize now that every time I've failed at weight loss it's either because my life got really unorganized, overwhelming, or stressful and I didn't make time to eat healthy. Or I'd try to diet and do it completely wrong like I mentioned before. The fact I'm cooking at home every day and have stuff planned out and stuff for back up when I don't have a plan is helping alot. Other than missing hashbrowns and gravy at times, I haven't felt deprived at all. Anyway I'm very glad we've gone from eating fast food 2-3x a day to not at all. Not only am I feeling better and losing weight, we're noticing a huge difference in our bank accounts, lol. That's an incentive right there for me

 

[purpleshirt]

oooh I'm so with you on the fast food and bank account stuff. It's so nice and now I can't believe we used to waste all that money! If it's not for the health, the money is reason enough haha! I mean the fast food workers used to know us haha. Not anymore!!!!

Hope you have another wonderful day!!

Oh and I used to work at a 24 hr therapeutic group home during undergrad for a couple years. It's a very hard job, so props to you!!

 

[douknowjello]

Thanks And I know what you mean about the fast good people knowing you. I remember a time when I was known by name at taco bell and knew all the workers. Not to mention I had the complete menu memorized. At the time I was so clueless that I actually thought this all was a cool thing. Somebody needed to knock me in the head and say "hello....you have a PROBLEM!!" I really think I can safely say fast food put on almost every one of my extra pounds over the last 15 years.

 

[ladyumbra]

* Waves* Hey there, thanks for stopping by my journal earlier.

Welcome to the fun of the long journey to healthyness.

I totally know the whole fast food people know you by name things, about 4 years ago both the owner at the local pizza parlour and most of the macdonalds staff knew me and my fiancee's names and orders off by heart. I did think it was great like ' score don't have to wait to order now thats like a minute less time between me and my food'. looking back on it i find it rather pathetic and disturbing to be so happy about that, also sad that somehow all the trips between our house and the fast food places managed to keep my weight high but steady.


congrats on being able to cook your own healthy food at home, that's certainly going to help you along your way . Plus the boards are filled with great healthy recipes in case you ever get board.

 

[douknowjello]

Thanks to you too for coming by mine ladyumbra It's so great to have nice people to talk to on here that can relate! Wish I'd found this forum a long time ago.

 

[bmohearn]

this forum is great for advice, support, and to make friends. I'm glad u joined!

 

[paulab_5]

[/URL]
I have a question for Paula...she sent me to the chippendales team and I realize they're changing their name but it still seems to be a guy team. I saw suggestions for new names that were still for guy teams. Being as I'm 100% female is that still where I'm suppose to join? lol

Hi jello... I don't remember sending you to the Chippendales thread (probably meant the MAIN Vegas Thread) but anyway, here is the answer to your question. I posted it in Alane's Diary also but since it was originally your question to me, I thought I would put it here as well...

Looks like you've already figured it out but yes, that particular team is "co-ed" so to speak. When we started the challenge, we had all women interested so we formed our first two teams. Then Shaun came along so we thought it would be fun to get a guys team together. There hasn't been enough "male" interest to fill that team and Alane wanted to join so we just mixed that team up. Right now it has 2 guys and 1 girl with 1 open spot... sorry to hear you can't join us in Vegas... check out the challenge section of the forum for other possible challenges.

Hope you're having a great day!

 

[douknowjello]

Thanks Paula, it's disappointing but hopefully when you guys get back from Vegas and start new challenges I can get on board for something then. I've been looking for a challenge to plug into but alot of them aren't very active or they had a deadline to start date that I missed the boat on because I just joined the forum. Starting to feel like the kid who gets picked last for kickball, lol. But anyway I'm sure if I just keep posting to my journal and wait the right club challenge will come along I know somebody will want me on a team cuz I'm about to kick some major ass in the weight loss dept when I add in cardio to my already awesome healthy eating plan I'm 20lbs down and can't wait to see 299 again!!

 

[paulab_5]

Starting to feel like the kid who gets picked last for kickball, lol. But anyway I'm sure if I just keep posting to my journal and wait the right club challenge will come along I know somebody will want me on a team cuz I'm about to kick some major ass in the weight loss dept when I add in cardio to my already awesome healthy eating plan I'm 20lbs down and can't wait to see 299 again!!

Lol don't feel that way! The Vegas challenge is actually the first challenge I've joined and I've been here since 2006. It's fun but, honestly, just challenging yourself and coming on this forum is the best motivator! Getting involved in other diaries (like you're already doing) will get people involved in yours and they will help push you for sure! I saw your pics. You're a beautiful woman and I KNOW you will only get more beautiful as you get closer to your goal!

Even though you can't go to Vegas, you could still "challenge" yourself by doing everything we're doing! Keep track of your points and weight loss and post them! That way, you can still see how you're "stacking up" against the other Vegas people...

Most importantly, keep that positive spirit you have! You're GOING TO REACH YOUR GOAL! 20 pounds down is GREAT! I wish I could say I've lost that much! KEEP IT UP!!!

 

[douknowjello]

Thanks Paula If I wasn't buying my first home and had more money I'd start a "Cruise Challenge" . That's my dream is to lose weight and go on a cruise but they do cost a bit. Everyone would have to save at least $100 for a month for a year I think unless we got some kind of group discount.

I do have a different goal though that I do think I can afford. Once I get my weight down ALOT I told my husband I want to go to one of the larger amusement parks like six flags. I love rides but they honestly don't accommodate heavier people at all and now I don't fit on many . I used to LOVE the gravitron. Unfortunately I realized when you put on alot of weight and get on a ride that sucks every inch of you to a wall...including all your fat...its not much fun anymore and very uncomfortable, lol. But anyway I'm looking forward to getting my weight down and getting to go on a big roller coaster for my first time EVER! Yes thats what I said..I have never been on a real deal roller coaster.

 

[douknowjello]

So I couldn't sleep very well last night....probably the fact that my husband couldn't sleep and he and the cat kept waking me up, lol. So I slept in this morning and didn't bother with breakfast, I know thats bad. Honestly I was doing really well until I started journaling here, just so nobody thinks I'm always missing the most important meal of the day.

Anyway food for today:

Lunch: taco seasoned ground beef on lettuce, topped with cheese, sour cream,
and one of the lowest carb salsas I could find.

Dinner: I'm going to make grilled chicken and have steamed cauliflower and
broccoli on the side.

I'm trying a new low carb bread recipe and also a low carb no bake cookie recipe so I'm sure I'll be having a slice of bread and a few cookies as well...but I'll keep it within limits.

I'm not really sick today from my byetta shot but I'll say one thing...my lunch is just sitting there and its not a great feeling. I've also been aching all over and in my joints today which is normally characteristic of how I felt before I started low carb eating. Maybe its just because of all the extra activity I did yesterday but I also wonder if I was right before and it IS a food allergy. We ate some low carb pasta two days in a row and wondering if that could be it. Guess I'll take that back off the menu for a month and then see if it happens again next time.