Thursday, November 5, 2015

At what point does a habit become a new reality and other deep thoughts while living low carb !

At what point does a habit become a new reality? A new way of living?

I am still working through Gretchen Rubin's Better than Before that does an in-depth analysis of this internal question.

I have been Low carb living, living "in the pink" and maintaining a -70lb weight loss for 25 months now.

After YEARS of fighting and trying everything under the sun, obsessing, counting calories, or points or % of calories from Fat / Protein or Carbohydrate, number of glasses of water, running, lifting, stretching....I still was not dropping weight or sizes.

None of which I have to do now.

I eat. A LOT of food. Real food,  and I REALLY enjoy it. : )

I eat a protein shake at rising and then get my VENTI Starbucks with heavy cream and splenda. (everyday). Sometimes even with an additional tall for the road cause it is going to be one of those days.

I eat a lunch tray plate FULL of lettuce, broccoli, red onion, 2-3 hardboiled eggs, sunflower seeds, real bacon crumbles and ranch dressing. I get a scoop full of whatever additional veggie school is serving, and usually a muenster cheese and salami roll up, with a big cup of water.

For dinner, I have been prepping Chicken Parts or "Cheap Chicken" under the Recipe Tab or basically any Protein source you like, and a 1-2 cup serving of mixed veggies, broccoli, or a green leafy veggie of choice. For the kids, I have pasta, potatoes, or brown rice made up and easily
re heated for quick serve portions.

I drink my Diet Snapple half and half, water or coffee.

It is mindless. A GOOD habit established.

I even ate some of the Halloween chocolate, Snickers and peanut M & M's without much fall back.

It is just the way I am eating now, without much contemplation or restriction or choice in the matter, and it is still working. (YEAH!)

I am still after the "last 10 lbs" to see if I can do it, and to reach an all time adult low number on the scale. I bought 2 new pairs of size 6 (!) pants that slide on, and even fit into, zipped up and buttoned the 4 ( holy *#%^), but thought they were a bit tight and that was taking it a little too far for the number.

I am kicking in the exercise this fall now that we are settled into the single sport for the kids in the evenings, and doing some cardio ( jogging, elliptical or spin bike) and super slow / heavy lifting. Aiming for 2-3 days a week.

They say a it takes 21 days to create a new habit.

What new POSITIVE habit are you ready to work towards?

Join the Journey !




Sunday, August 9, 2015

Back to school schedule changes, planning ahead, and more all while mastering low carb living

Summer's over.

 :(
*sigh*

Mentally and actually there is a shift in the pendulum as to the schedule, and therefore a new focus on the eating cycle to remain "on Program".

Feeling fairly good about this summer and how I was able to maintain staying "on program. Lost a few more lbs, broke through another "decade" and continued forward on my journey.

This accomplishment points out low carb really moving into a lifestyle choice rather than a "diet".

I've hit the 2 year mark this weekend and have removed  -70.2 lbs from my physique.

That alone is lofty accomplishment.

I was not perfect (progress, not perfection) and I did indulge occasionally, but that is in fact real life. I did not have huge gains due to the occasional treats so I took my own advise and moved on, fueling on good, nutritious, and low net carb foods.

I enjoyed some new additions like zucchini, squash, garlic and tomato combo, or baking the ham for ongoing lunch meat and dinner prep.

My sweet little one is a very interested future chef. I want to keep working with her in the kitchen and helping her create more healthy, low carb, heart healthy, and allergy free options for our family with multiple food issues.

Moving back into the school year schedule, I will get back to lunch room salad fixings, less spare time and needing to do more prepping for during the week dinners for ALL involved.

I continue on my journey still striving and aiming for these specific short term goals:

I want to start exercising more consistently and find an activity that motivates me to keep going back.
I want to add weight training into my schedule at least 3x per week
I want to lose10 more lbs. (lowest adult weight since 21 yrs old)

What are your 3 back to school goals for yourself?


JOIN THE JOURNEY!


Friday, July 31, 2015

"Popping Tags" and other fun adventures while losing weight via Low Carb

"I'm gonna pop some tag's, only got $20 in my pocket"...

I needed to do some BACK TO SCHOOL shopping for myself. Like I discovered around Spring Break, and then again as I continue to wear things and good friends are kind enough to say...

" Girlie it is time to retire those shorts".

"What?!, they're some of my "skinny shorts"?!"

"They're way too big and falling off you"

Realization.... I am still trying to wear things that were in my "too tight to fit" previous body, and are now hanging on me, but they were my littlest size. So, I have them on thinking "YEAH, I'm back in my skinny size" when actually I've slimmed down beyond them.

It is amazing how that is hard to wrap your head around this phenomonon.

SOooooo.... off to Value World I go!

Value World is a resale shop, one step up from Goodwill, where I think they have done some of the label searching and pre screening for me.

Do you know how many brand new, original store tags still attached, or favorite mid to late 00's GAP jeans that fit your shape just perfectly you can find if you search the racks at a Goodwill???

If you know you can wear a certain pant, or label, you can usually find it at these stores.

Plus SOMETIMES they have a 50% off coupon and you can apply that to your $5 Talbot brand blazer jacket and get it for a mere $2.50.

I mean it is like they are paying me to shop people!

This is also an EXCELLENT way to update your wardrobe while in-between sizes, restyle yourself, while making outfits via PINTEREST and without spending a fortune.

When my mom or sister comment or ask "Where did you get that?" I respond, "My Boutique", which is code for the Goodwill or Value World.

I did accomplish a closet clean out of 2 full garbage bags which I gladly passing onto a fellow reader, low carb chica, and friend.

It feels good to gift her these items as she is working through her journey and personally downsizing her body.

It also lets me make an inventory list and determine what I need to replace or go our looking for new and fun things to add into the mix.

I got 6-7 new (3-4 sizes smaller mind you) jackets or blazers , 5 sweaters (cardigan, v neck, jacket like and a cute argyle), 3 pencil skirts in Red, charcoal grey and a black and white houdstooth, and 3 lapis necklaces for layering all for $72.00 or around $3.78 per item.

Happy hunting!

: )





Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Hip hip HORRAY. Down more today ! Losing weight with low carb lifestyle...

HIP HIP HORRAY!

I lost more weight as of today and am at a new low.

155.5

This continues to motivate me to stay on my journey, keep eating well and "clean" staying on program.

I am feeling fit and feisty, so at this point, happy to be inching closer to my goal weight, but not obsessed with the end number.

I have stayed "mostly" on plan this summer with more time with the kids, at the lake therefore not in charge of the food, so not as easy to maintain my routine.

I have tried to plan ahead with cooking an entire ham on the weekend, slicing it all up, and bagging it to freeze and use during the week for lunches.

I still do all the baked chicken pieces for dinner, and then we have leftovers the next day.

I use a Sam's club roasted chicken for a dinner and then pull it apart for chicken salad that lasts a few days.

I've "treated" and cheated with a summer beach stand ice cream cone. It was good too. : )

Excited to keep up the journey moving forward and see if I can continue to maintain or lose a little more.

*exercise* Exercise* EXERCISE*



Friday, July 10, 2015

Great minds think alike... and other AhhhHaaa moments while living low carb!

"Great Minds think Alike".

Ah-ha moments.

We all know that phrase from "our OPRAH".

It summarizes the experience of an internal light bulb going off and to your life change being made so vividly.

I was reading along yesterday in my Gretchen Rubin book, Better than Before.  (She is also the author of Happiness Project , the one I so throughly enjoyed, I read it twice as discussed in previous posts.)

In Better than Before she studies habits. How to rid out bad ones, how to create good ones, and summarizes personality types determining how we all process changes. It's a fascinating study, much like I found the pursuit of being happier by doing things that make you happy in the Happiness Project.

Out of nowhere she writes about her finding a book that changed her life by Gary Taubes titled "Why We get Fat" and starts selling the low carb lifestyle sales pitch.

O. M.G.

She too found low carb living and it changed her mindset of eating along with her entire body!

I was SO excited to read this, especially from her, and the title of a new download for another "bible" to reference from Taubes.  I found it all a little ironic considering I read and re read her fist book and it had such a huge influence on me these last 2 years.

Taubes take seems to be a more scientific explanation of how the body consumes and processes sugar or simple carbs, deals with insulin and stores extra as fat for later.

She was the reason I "thought big" and started this blog!

I didn't know until yesterday we had not only OCD list making, over analyzing, zest for progress not perfection, a sense of order, and a constant need for improvement in common.

Gretchen is a LOW CARB-er TOO!!! : )

I found many low carb communities on my fit bit tracker site and have been reading, sharing and copying new ideas or recipes.

I have several Facebook pages I "liked" that also provide me a connection with like minded people. The PaleoMom.com,  Low carb crock pot cooking, Low Carb High Protein lifestyle.

I love Tosca Reno's blog and No Sugar Challenge. She is a fitness model and competitor and at 55+, she rocks.

Join the Journey!

Join the discussion! How long have you been low carb living? What recipes are your GO TO always in the fridge? Are you losing weight or trying to maintain? Write some comments, make a commitment and share your goals.

Let's create a community!

You just have to find or create groups for yourself  to support your goals, in this case the low carb living lifestyle, where you can be with GREAT MINDS that THINK ALIKE!


Thursday, July 2, 2015

How long will it take to see results from Low Carb lifestyle ?


Readers have asked " EXACTLY How long did it take to get the # of lbs 's off?

After talking specifically to one of my readers who is having great success in her own right while on the program, but had some very specific questions, I went to my FITBIT tracker and found the chart that it keeps for my weight loss.

It is funny. 

I forgot the process! The feeling of desperation and need for instantaneous success. How I wanted all 75# gone, like yesterday. I had to really think through the time frame, and the ebb and flow of the actual dropped pounds determining my success. 

I am still striving for the last 12#'s to remove themselves from my body to make my "goal" weight. Can I get there? I really do not know.

I weigh myself every morning and then plug in the number WHEN IT GOES DOWN. This does not show the occasional gain then loss again that did occur throughout this journey. 

I enter it into the tracker over time as I reach a new "low" and celebrate.

If you've read the first posts from this blog, I REPEAT: I JUST FELT BETTER almost immediately while eating low carb and high protein. 

Click here to check out the immediate first 2-3 weeks, results and then first few months, and how fast things happened.

I was getting constant feedback through random compliments, someone noticing changes happening, clothes loosening, or the general pep in my step that kept me continuing on eating on program and staying IN THE PINK.

This is the FITBIT tracker line graph of my constant and continual weight loss. 

It has taken 22 months to lose and maintain the 68.5 pound weight loss, which averages out to 3.11 lb per month.

As I stated before, had I been on weight watchers or some other program, (all of which I have tried before sometime /multiple times),
and only lost 3.11 lbs per month, I would have quit for sure.

No doubt about that. Did that for years.


Weight Loss Graph
I totally focused on staying on program, staying IN THE PINK proving I was on program, and knocking out "decades, or getting down the next 10 lbs.

At first, I wanted to get into "One-der land" or back into the 100's.

Then there would be a hold. Loosen up the reins a bit, not be as strict, life getting in the way, or being unorganized, or just my body not letting go of the weight quite yet, but I was able to maintain. That alone was an improvement and accomplishment.

Plus, clothes were still loosening.

Right now, I am in the same pant size I was when I walked onto a college campus 25+ years ago weighing close to 30 lbs less than I do now. Explain that. (!?!)

Seriously, (!)  between birthing 2 babies, being 45 years old, and all the weight training I have done throughout those 25+ years, I have added muscle to my frame for sure and life has added weight to my body. I've earned it.

I believe the Low carb eating burns fat off the body, and although we have all heard the saying "muscle weighs more than fat"... the truth and more important fact is, "muscle takes up less space than fat". 

I am at the point where I can say it is more important to me that I get down into and maintain a small, single digit size of pants / jeans / dress, that in order for me to be in, I know I am at a smaller (personally considered "tiny") frame than I have been most of my life.

I want to be fit, with tone and tight muscles, and then stay that way.

That is now a bigger pay off and achieved goal than the actual number on the scale.

: )




Sunday, June 21, 2015

"How Badly do you want it..." and other points of motivation when living low carb

How badly do you WANT it?

"Is this one step closer to, or one step further from my goal?"

"A goal without a method is useless"

"Once you make the decision, the choice is easy"

These are post it note quotes that are on my desk shelf right in front of my face to remind me... everyday.

They help motivate me to continue on in my journey and aim for my GOAL WEIGHT number.

Once you make the decision, the choice is easy. That is a good one.

I have discussed this many times with a fellow follower. I do not know WHAT it was THIS TIME that actually made my mind up, but I decided, I think, out of desperation, of no longer wanting to be as big as I was, and really miserable with myself.

I was still not at a place where I was willing to accept that "this was it, and the way mid 40's was, and to give up".

I made the decision I was going to eat low carb, the science behind the Adkins and low carb KETOSIS would work for me too, and I just had to keep myself on the plan.

"A goal without a method is useless." This is a direct quote from my Oprah.
( I Say my Oprah because I DEEPLY LOVE HER STILL TO THIS DAY AND MISS MY DAILY OPRAH HOUR.)

It is such a good quote. Do not bother to set a goal if you have no intentions and nothing to back up actually getting yourself there.

"Is this taking one step closer to, or one step further from my goal" I believe this to be from Zig Ziglar, the famous motivational speaker they played every day throughout my Middle School after the pledge of allegiance.

I think about this quote when I am tempted to eat something FAR off plan. I usually take a moment to smell the sweet, sugary cake / cookie / item, truly enjoy the smell, and then pass.

That is a big change from my previous mentality "oh this one bite (insert food / drink here) won't hurt. " or being worried about hurting the hostesses feelings by passing on their dessert.

If you are a low carb-er, and eat a ton of sugar or carbs, you will gain weight back. (FAST)

It comes down to "How badly do you want it?" How badly do I want to get to my next goal...
my actual goal weight?

I really, really, REALLY do, to prove to myself I can, stay accountable to myself and not let myself down, and celebrate that I alone did it. (!)

So... I continue to stay on plan, and eat and enjoy all my low carb options.

(And feel great by the way.)

How are YOU doing with your journey???






Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Low Carb vs Paleo... What is the difference?

Low carb, LCHF, Paleo, ... these are all "diets" or ways of eating that are popular discussion and trendy these days.

They also work.

As a society we are consuming POUNDS AND POUNDS of sugar, and sometimes without even realizing it as food manufacturers add it to everything!

Focusing on a Low carb lifestyle eliminates the sugar as you are only allowed 25g net carb a day, so you choose to pick wisely. (1 can of COKE CLASSIC has 39g of carb)

Low Carb is as described though out this blog, maintains a low glycemic index for a blood sugar level and keeping the intake around 25g to lose weight or 50g to maintain weight.

Adkins Diet is the main diet I have followed for close to 2 years.

I tend to focus on fish, chicken, pork and some red meat like steak. I *think* I am being fairly considerate of a lean protein approach. I easily consume 2-4 cups of vegetables, mainly green and leafy like salad broccoli, iced veggies, asparagus or the like.

Adkins had some naysayers throughout the years touting that eating all the eggs and bacon in the bacon grease could not be healthy for you. Common sense would point to you have to agree with this. BUT... the idea of FAT being a "bad" thing is a good note to take. Fat helps satiate you and keep you full longer and it takes longer to burn.

LCHF  LCHF ( Low Carb High Fat) . It is basically Low Carb, adding minimum carb ( even the green and leafy's) without paying any attention to the leanness of the protein intake. It gets the idea through that FAT is not a "bad" thing.

Paleo, is the idea of a caveman approach to eating. It too is low carb, but allows fruit, does NOT allow dairy, or any sugar or sweeteners. I love The Paleo Mom as a reference.

I also love the PRIMAL BLUEPRINT as and example of the long term Paleo approach and manageable lifetime eating style. It shows anything under 100g of carb a day is a "low carb" and weight management / fat burning way of eating.

I was introduced to the Primal Blue Print when I joined a "gym" where you do a heavy lifting weight session, for 20 minutes maxing out the heaviest you can lift, and your reps being timed at 10 count for lift AND 10 count for lower. It was brutal, but over in 20 minutes. GREAT way to kick start a routine with minimum time commitment but big results.

I still lift weights with that strategy in mind. (10 count UP and 10 count resisting back down.)

For both Paleo and Primal Blueprint, think if you were a caveman, you could go out hunting and gathering for fruit, berries, nuts, protein, but not create flour, sugar or the processed stuff.  Paleo also points to walking regulaury, getting sun 10 minutes a day, sprinting for small bouts and lifting heavy objects regularly is part of the Paleo lifestyle. It is very popular with the Cross Fit craze for leaning out athletes and providing muscle growth and fuel.

Whatever Low Carb approach you choose to best fit your lifestyle, you WILL see results!

Keep moving forward, progress over perfection.






Sunday, June 7, 2015

Why I started my blog, Fitchicafitness, and motivation to keep moving forward with Low Carb Living.

I have the best and most diverse group of friends. :)

I literally have friends all over the world as I am associated with an amazing International School that allows me to meet amazing people, explore different cultures, languages, and learn first hand.

As I ended up rooted in my own midwest hometown, I still have friends that I grew up with since pre school too!

It really is the best of both worlds.

My friends are geniuses in their own right and on many different levels and I get to l have some of their brilliance rub off on me and learn from them.

One of which is a writer, blogger and expert in International Adoption. Recently, she asked me "Why are you writing your blog? What is the purpose?

It set me back a little as I needed to define it for myself!

1) I was, and still am, being asked regularly "What have you been doing?" to accomplish my weight loss.

As I am a constant list maker, I had all my notes, stats, food diaries, weigh-ins and such, so I thought I could easily write them all down and be able to better "share" my experience. I could help others on this journey, create a community, and that made me happy.

2) Also, as a Journalism / PR major, I really enjoy writing the posts and it challenges me to improve my voice, have a purpose in the article, and break down the how, what, when and where of Low Carb living, and tell a story.

3) I grew up with an IBM'er system's engineer dad so we had a PC and my mom had an Apple 2E+ in our home in the early 80's. I have always enjoyed "geeking out"with technology and this gives me motivation and a reason to expand my knowledge hands on regarding the behind the scenes of blogging, linking to social media, and expanding my reach with online promotion and PR.

4) In Gretchen Rubins book I refer to a lot, The Happiness Project, she insisted early in the introduction to "THINK BIG".

My nature is to think big, and then talk myself right out of how that is a little too big, will never happen, and to "get real". This time, after reading the book on the beach, twice, I decided to go for it and see what happened. Worst case, I would create a personal chronicle for my own reflection that no one else would read.

But guess what? As of today, I have had close to 1000 readers since March 23, 2015. So I got to check that off on my Happiness Project things to do list. ;)

My mom is even a subscribed reader. (Hi MOM!)

Mom was motivated to join the journey and go low carb! She went out and found a cool book at the bookstore that highlights all the different options of Low Carb diets with good analysis on the specific differences, and then how to put your own plan together. It has a nice low glycemic index food reference, and a low carb cookbook all in one! ( I'll add the title and link here)

5) Maintenance of weight loss is the biggest challenge yet. According to WOMEN"S HEALTH, " By some estimates, more that 80 percent of people who have lost weight will regain all of it, or more, after two years."

EEEEEEEeeeeek! I have wanted this TOOOOoooo LOOooong and worked TOOOOOooo hard these last 2 years to gain the weight back.

I think the best and most honest answer to "What is the purpose of this blog", is to be really OUT THERE, Absolute and Authentic, Truthful and Open to what I am doing, acknowledging and celebrating how far I've come, and how I am still on the journey with Low Carb Living. Ultimately, blogging will help me with maintaining my weight loss.

Maybe, I can motivate others and make even more new friends along the way.

:)




Friday, June 5, 2015

What is a "net carb" and how to read nutrition labels to stay Low Carb

Net carbs...

WHa- What !?

How do you count your carbohydrate consumption and remain at 25 net carbs or below to be "In the Pink" and stay in ketosis - a fat burning state?

Read on.

This is an example of a nutrition label found on most food items.

You can also use your phone with many apps available like the Fitbit app, or Lose it! app. They can help you keep a food diary and really KNOW your number. (Otherwise your carb count really does add up and you will eat more than you realize!)


For the item above,  you can have 1/2 cup, and there are 26 carbs. 

***PUT IT DOWN RIGHT NOW!*** 

This food label example just happens to be cotton candy. This is NOT on your low carb diet! LOL

Now, look at the label below. This is for raw broccoli.

You get 1 cup of broccoli  (serving size) for  6.04 g carb. That is great, but it gets even better! 
Subtract -2.37g fiber (and if there was insoluble fiber listed, you can subtract that too!)

So take 6.04g carbohydrate- 2.37g fiber = 3.67g total NET CARB toward your 25 g for the day.



HOORAY! 

Have 2 cups of broccoli, steamed, with butter, and garlic and enjoy! 




Thursday, June 4, 2015

Staying "In the Pink" and other basic Ketosis information and how to burn the fat off your body through Low Carb Living.

It is the best feeling when you are starting out on this program.

"Yahoo ! Im in the PINK!"

Usually within the first 24 - 48 hours of dropping the carb to <25 g net carb.

What does that mean?

If you purchased the Ketosis strips, each time you urinate, you use these strips to detect if ketones are being eliminated from your body.

(Go my tabs /page with Books, Links, Keto strips and more info to auto link to amazon.com to get yours!)



If ketones are detected in the elimination, the test strips will show a light (trace) to dark pink. That is additional confirmation you are keeping your carb intake low and therefore burning body fat! Even if the scale is not budging and even more reason to take your measurements NOW! You will see changes!

HOORAY!

Let's break this down into easy to understand science terms.

Your body is a machine. You fuel it with food and water.

If you can manage your fuel to be high efficiency fuel by consuming good lean protein, nuts, and green leafy veggies (complex carbohydrates), you will get the best mileage out of your machine.

When doing basic daily tasks, burning the calories it takes to get up in the AM and move throughout your day, if your carbs are kept at a minimum, your "machine" turns to the stored fat stored in your body for fuel.

I know!

If you gas up with cereal (simple carbohydrates/ sugar), skim milk (sugar), a latte or cappuccino,  bread, bagels or muffins (sugar), your body has to burn off those calories first before it runs out of the simple carbs to burn fat. The REAL bummer, is if you are taking in more calories than you can burn, your body STORES the extra sugar and calories as body fat to use for later.

The reality is, if you eat like described above for breakfast, you're likely to eat a lunch with more bread, hidden sugars, a soda drink or sweet tea, and the cycle goes on and on along with the storing of more and more body fat !

When you start this program, the first few days can be rough getting through the cravings, or over the habit of grabbing the "thing" that pulls your blood sugar up fast.

BUT ! If you can get organized and have things ready to help get past that initial carb burn out, and fuel your machine properly, it WILL pass! If you are truly hungry, you can eat anything ON PLAN... nuts, mozzarella cheese stick, celery & salsa, protein shake, etc, or drink water. (Sometimes hunger is just boredom or actually a thirst trigger)

Keep this process going and soon, you too will be "In the PINK" and burning fat off your body!

Go to the tab and buy your testing strips!

Ready, set,  GO FOR IT!

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

The Day to Day of Low Carb living and staying "on plan" !

I've  had some amazing responses recently with readers wanting to join the journey of Low Carb Living.

HOORAY,  and Welcome!

I am so happy to be helpful and open to anyone starting out and interested in the how, what, and when of what I've done and am continuing to do to maintain this weight and low carb lifestyle.

You too can get on program, eat yummy great food, and feel great!

If you have specific questions, be sure to ask them on the COMMENTS section, I will be sure to respond, plus I am sure others are wondering the same thing!

So... what do I eat, exactly.

6/1
Breakfast: 
Pure Protien Shake with water and 4 ice cubes.
Starbucks - Venti Pike with Heavy Whipping Cream and 3 splenda (double cup)

Lunch: Chicken pot pie (no crust) (1 cup) with roasted broccoli and garlic (1-2 cups)

Dinner: Baked Pork Chop with 1-2 cups mixed veggies and melted butter

6/2
Breakfast: 
Pure Protien Shake with water and 4 ice cubes.
Starbucks - Venti Pike with Heavy Whipping Cream and 3 splenda (double cupped or in my thermos)

Lunch:
Iceberg Lettuce (1-2 cups), with Raw broccoli (1/2 - 1 cup) broken into bite size pieces
Hardboiled egg, Sunflower seeds and Ranch dressing. They were serving pasta at school today so I just got a scoop of the red meat sauce (no pasta) and a glass of H20.

Dinner
Steamed Broccoli with melted butter, Beef with diced onion and Half and Half Snapple tea

Pretty good stuff, huh!? This is nutritious, satisfying and ample food options to stay full.

Sometimes, if need a mid day snack, I might have a handful of almonds, a mozzarella cheese stick, or more raw veggies. Farther into the process, I added a bag of Skinny Pop which is filling and about 6 net carbs.

Also, you might think you are "hungry" but you are actually thirsty, so always have a glass of H20 handy.

What are some of your favorite go to Low Carb meals and snacks?









             

Saturday, May 30, 2015

16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6.... Reality check during a shopping spree and 22 months of Low Carb Living.

Reality check.

I mean .... seriously.

I have been beyond happy now fitting into my smallest clothes again.

I am in all the jeans I've stored for years, some suits I've had sine '95-97 (hey, they're classic!)

But lately, even some of my things with stretch have been fitting loosely. I have been blissfully ignorant and happy I can fit back into everything. : ) Using Pinterest to work my wardrobe and stay stylish with the change of season.

So a good friend alerted me my smaller stuff was getting baggy and I needed to go try on some new clothes.

We hit Target and Macy's this AM, and I was totally overwhelmed to slide on, zip up and literally be in a size 6. I mean SPEECHLESS.

I walked onto my college campus this size, (interestingly enough, not his number for weight) and I am not sure I have been there (or at least very long) during my entire adulthood.

A size 6!

Whoa.

Like the swimsuit expedition earlier during Spring Break, something in your head still see's yourself at the same size, or convinces you that there has not been as big a change a there obviously has been.

Good job me. WOW. you totally did/ are doing it !

I did not end up buying anything new I tried on today. Figured we are headed into summer with more casual needs and lots of outdoor activities. Need to rid out, get organized and determine what I actually NEED to replace what I will be donating. Be strategic and invest in items I need and will continue to add to my new sassy style.

Plus, I immediately started thinking about how I need to tone up, lose a little more, tighten up, keep improving.

*sigh*

STOP. Take a moment to savor the success...

6 sizes smaller....

WOW.




Tuesday, May 26, 2015

How to stay "on plan" during a Holiday Weekend!

Whoo - hoo ! Race Day weekend!

That is what we call it 'round these parts.

In Indiana, the home of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing- The Indianapolis 500, officially it is Memorial weekend, but trumped by the phrase "Race Weekend".

Traditionally, that means food, fun, fellowship and drink with the opening kick off of summer at the family lake house all while tuned into the radio and an amazing 99 year tradition of speed around a 2.5 mile cycle in the heart of Indianapolis!

It is SO easy to fall off track with all sorts of influences, favorite items, or the hectic chaos involved in a 40 person gathering.

Going into the weekend, I knew I needed a plan, and the mantra "Progress not Perfection".

I prepared with pitch in items that would work for me.

The traditional 24 hour salad, (which will be added to the recipe page pronto) my go to: Asian Slaw, I had makings for the three cheese dip (others brought something similar so much we didn't need it) and I had leftover Sirloin steak, a tub of turkey meat, and chicken breasts ready for my own consumption.

In the am,  had more time and actually fixed breakfast and enjoyed a fried egg, soft yolk for breakfast.

I did indulge with a few chocolate chip cookies, some blue corn chips to go with my sisters mango and avocado salsa (yum!), and 2 mini sandwich bread for the seafood mixture and cucumber creation appetizer from a family friend.

I was "challenged" in a Fitbit "Weekend Warrior" sometime Saturday for number of steps again, so between all the boat cleaning, party set up, and regular up and down the hill lake life, in addition to having my sister take me out for a run / walk, I managed to get in 12,790 on Saturday and another 19,000 steps on Sunday for a total of 31,831.

Upon return to home yesterday, I was down a few digits on the scale, and feeling motivated again to keep the number decreasing, as previously stated, through fine tuned low carb living, more intentional movement, and lifting weights.

I want to lose another 10-15 lbs. I think it is doable prior to beginning of September.

Bring on the Sunshine of Summer!




Tuesday, May 19, 2015

In Preperation for a Summer Slim Down with Low Carb Living -New Measurements - 5-17-2015

"The Chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now!" - Zig Ziglar

Summer is QUICKLY approaching... 

YEAH!

All things swimsuits, shorts, grilling and outside activities! 

This spring, I have been good about getting in more steps, deliberate exercise, better sleep. 

I have not been as strict on the diet since returning from vacation and whittling back down to my "lowest so far". 

Little munches of this and that, here and there. 

My weight is holding steady, but I am not losing or creeping closer to my "goal weight".

I need to do the dynamic duo of EATING CLEAN and LOW CARB and upping the exercise intensity. 

I have a new measurements from over the weekend recorded below. Still smaller than I was in March, which is encouraging and good. 

Lost a total of -45.5 inches off my body in 22 months. 

That is really great and I am proud with what I have accomplished.

It is a reminder to keep pushing forward and prepare for a fun summer where I will reach my goal!


Are you taking a step closer to or one step away from your goal?



***********************************************************************************
WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
Measurements
1 year
9/10/13 10/13/13 2/13/14 8/22/14 1/19/15 3/22/15 5/17/15
neck 14 14 13.5 13 13 12.5 12.5
chest 35.5 35.5 34 34 33 32.5 32.5
boobs 39 39 38 38 36 36 36
waist 37.5 37.5 35.5 33 32 31 30
butt/hip 49 49 47 46 43.5 43 42.5
Rt thigh 30 30 28 28 26 25 25
Lt  thigh 29 29 28.25 27.75 25.25 25 24.25
rt knee 18.5 18.5 18.5 15.75 15 15 15
lt knee 18.5 18.5 18.5 15.5 15.25 15 14.5
rt calf 17 17.25 16.9 16.25 16 15.75 15.5
lf calf 17.5 17.5 16.5 16.25 16 15.75 15.75
305.5 305.75 294.65 283.5 271 266.5 263.5
inches lost -11.1 -11.15 -12.5 -4.5 -3
Total Inches lost: -11.1 -22 -34.5 -39 -42
Rt bicep 14 13 12.5
lf bicep 15 13 13
29 26 25.5
-3 -3.5
-45.5
inches lost













Saturday, May 16, 2015

How Low Carb living has lifted my Spirit and lightened my load !

Yesterday I spent the day with a group of ladies at a retreat.

https://www.facebook.com/SoulSpaSisterhood?fref=ts, meant to give hard working over scheduled, busy mom's, wives, and sisters time to reflect, meditate, and embrace God.

My little sister is the Soul Sister of the Soul Spa Sisterhood, so I wanted to attend to support her and celebrate her event and brain child . I invited a BFF colleague of mine, who is actually Jewish, and she agreed to attend.

Cool, I had a "buddie".

They also served an awesome tomato bisque and Cobb salad, so I was totally game.

When I arrived, there were other "surprise attendees" and our table assignment - "LOVELY" was more like LIVELY. We had a great day.

We were given sketch books, options from a selection of craft paper, glue sticks, ribbons, colored pencils and craft scissors with the assignment to "Create your Journal."

I had such a great time selecting the colors of my paper and combinations. Colorful paisley with matching stripes, a hot pink zebra pattern and I was off. I glued the edges, mitered the corners to have perfect folded edges. It is totally Pinterest worthy if not Martha Stewart worthy.

Then what to put IN it.....

UGH! I beautiful new journal and book, but in the back of my mind, I know I will leave it empty as nothing will be worthy enough to go IN it.

This reminded me of the chapter in Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project about "Spending Out". Use things up. Do not save the party napkins, or stationary for a better time, use it up now. Do the projects I invested in, knit the projects for which I have and abundance of yarn and so on.

My sister suggested I use it as a reflection book on Motherhood to highlight my photography of the kids, special memories, quotes. That is a great idea and great use of this pretty book. : )

We took lots of photos with each other and for the first time in a LONG time, I was part of the picture, not hiding behind the group. I actually felt pretty, in a jersey knit clingy dress mind you.

I realize how far I have come from being numb. Ridding myself of the extra weight by sticking to the low carb lifestyle that is working for me, has lifted my spirit! It's made me willing to step outside of my comfort zone to try new things, like this retreat, and REALLY enjoy myself in the process!

It has been a long road.

22 months now of eating on program.
2 months of getting back into the groove of exercising and training my body.
5 years after the death of my BELOVED and very best cherished friend a dear darling dumpling Grandmother and pulling myself out of a "slump"or for that matter full on depression.

It has been a long hard road and there are still bumps along the way and unfortunately bound to be more in the future.

Much like my new journal, I love the Natasha Bendingfield song, "Unwritten". When it comes on the radio, I always crank it up and sing along.

It seem s especially appropriate now.

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten


Another dear one and sorority sister enlightened me with a phrase from the book and recent movie WILD.

In essence it says if you don't like the way things are going or what the little voice in your head keeps saying, "just rewrite the story". 

After all, the rest is still unwritten....



Wednesday, May 6, 2015

How Sunday Dinner has turned into an everyday occurrence, and other reasons to go Low Carb !

A dear friend and I were discussing the Low Carb lifestyle and need to limit ourselves to specific foods, or amounts of sugar, coffee drinks, or treats.

She said, "You know, when I was growing up, we used to have a Sunday dinner with a nice meal, meat, potato, rolls, veg and a dessert. It was once a week. It was a coming together of family in celebration and included a dessert. It was one of my favorite days. But as a society, we have allowed ourselves to have a "Sunday dinner" every day!"

This hit me between the eyes! That is such a true statement!!!

We have a big meal, or meal on the run, and all the extra's like potatoes, with a dessert way too often, which turns into a habit, and then becomes a regular routine or lifestyle, which makes for overindulgence !

By limiting my sugar intake, therefore practically eliminating desserts as an option, I have given up the daily Sunday dinners. THAT choice has become a lifestyle, a positive habit! When I do splurge, it is on occasion, it is specific, and it is truly a treat. I can honestly say I do not miss the things I used to crave or think I could not live without.

Now, call me crazy, but I would prefer a cold fountain coke over ice to a glass of wine most the time.

I love me a chewy chocolate chip cookie. (yumm)  I would even call them "trigger foods" as once you start, you can't step away or they make you want more of them.

The best thing about this Low Carb Lifestyle is I no longer CRAVE these items and I can actually count on one hand how often I have had them in the last year or two.

I really enjoy my Pure protein shake with extra ice cubes blended, which can be like ice cream or a shake, I found Aunt Eddie's slow churn, no sugar added (which makes it low carb) mint chocolate chip ice-cream which is a yummy occasional treat. Skinny pop popcorn works, or salted or roasted almonds for the salt or crunch crave.

If I choose to eat them, I enjoy every bite or gulp and then move on and back into my program.

THAT feels great.

Both truly enjoying the treat, and feeling I have the control over the crave or can get back on the program and know that the crave will pass. ; )

What are your "trigger" foods? What are your low carb snack or treat substitutes?

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Just keep going... how to add movement and activity into the Low Carb living for maintenance

I love my fitbit. <3

It is another tool to keep me honest and aware of my daily steps, activity, sleep patterns. I could get better at the water intake, enter my calories consumed (although a low carb oriented vs calorie oriented option within the settings would be a huge help!)

I have been moving deliberately more and adding weight training into the mix at least 2-3 times a week for the last 2 weeks. This is an accomplishment.

Mentally, I tell myself "it's not enough". But,(!) Dang it, it is more than it was, and it is a positive choice. *note to self, why do I always err on the side of negative talk to myself?

Truth be told, it is more getting the workout gear, shoes, organized and together and in the car to prepare for the time I could do the extra movement. I need to prioritize that for me. I do it for the kids. *note to self... work on that.

So, I have been either walking outside 2-3 miles briskly and then adding a nice weight routine with double sets on lower body into the mix, or on an elliptical if the weather is not up to par.

We are heading into the end of the school, better weather and soon summer chaos full of activity. It is the beginning of a new schedule, food prep for all, and more time that can be dedicated to deliberate movement.

My plan is to really kick it in and use my time as wisely as possible throughout the summer months and get in even better shape and tone while shredding the last 10 # to goal.

*note to self...


Thursday, April 23, 2015

How to work on self image while in the process of losing weight

In reflection of these last 20 months, one idea that really helped kick start the process of my journey and evolution, was the "restyling" and self image makeover I did.

Something that is so frustrating when you are heavier is none of your clothes fit and you really don't want to spend money on clothes at the larger size you currently are and do not want to stay. I had a closet of clothes in multiple different sizes and a LOT of basics, t shirts, long sleeve shirts, button down shirts, skirts, pants. I was tired of the "uniform" I was wearing day in and day out, and not feeling like I looked very pulled together.

I've always liked dressing well, but had lost my je ne sais quoi.

I decided to clean out my closets and discovered it was NOT that I didn't have an abundance of clothes, I just was not putting the combinations together as well. 

I created a board on Pinterest.com, and started pinning any of the "Women's Fashion" I thought looked cute. 

I think the tendency is to pick things that already have your flair, or might make you reach a little outside your usual, but in general, you pick things that would trend well for you. This was not only a lot of fun, but really made me start "shopping" my own closet to create the outfits I had pinned. If I thought the combo's on Pinterest were stylish, they would be no matter the size body they were on.

Almost immediately, I just FELT better, started getting compliments on looking nice, or pulled together, and felt that I was putting a better version of myself out into the universe. 

It also created a fun "TO PURCHASE" shopping list of items I wanted to add into the mix to finish out my cute potential outfits! It kept me from buying yet another black or white t shirt, and to look and hunt for that color, pattern, belt, neckline, chuck taylors, or other accessory that would let me make a new outfit with the other things I had.

When I find pants that fit, I tend to buy one in every color, so I had a black, navy, light grey, kahki and carmel pair of pants I splurged on early in the beginning. This initially gave me many additional options away from the black pant I was very, V*E*R*Y,  tired of sporting all the time.

I had those "uniform" pants taken in at some point too. Finally a dear friend told me, "they are really too big and baggy on you. You need to get new SMALLER pants." : )  As I got a little smaller, I even got bright red, bright blue, and patterned pants that I would never have looked at before. I actually need to find the caramel and light grey alternative again as those colors added many options and mixed it up. 

I truly believe looking back on this element of the journey, it was a real turning point and helped propel me forward to feeling better and wanting to keep going to fit into the next smaller size I had in the closet.

Another good tool was a visualizer like modelmydiet.com where you can enter your height, weight, body shape, hair color and hair style and then add your goal weight and it will show the two side by side to visualize yourself at that smaller size. Very insightful.

"Fake it till you make it",

"Best Foot Forward", 

"Dress for Success" all seem to ring true.





Tuesday, April 21, 2015

How adding weight training to the Low Carb eating is going to sculpt a new and improved body !

I did 1.5 miles on the elliptical and a nice weight training session yesterday.

Yup. Got it done.

I did:
Leg press
Quad lift
Hamstring raise
Lat pull down
Bicep pull down
Chest press ( 2 different hand positions)
Shoulder press ( 2 different hand positions)
Tricep pulse
Bicep curls
Delt crosses

I did 10-12 reps of each exercise

Then:
repeated the leg press and quad lift again.

It was a good workout and a good start.

On the leg press and quad lift, I do a super slow approach. Lift to the count of 10, squeeze,  and then resist the weight back down for a count of 10. Aiming for 10-12 reps, aim for a 2 + minute set of the super slow version. The thought is that it created muscle confusion, you do not have to train as often, and provides faster results.

After the age of 35, we lose lean muscle mass. By training with weights, you can add lean muscle mass back to your body, add tone to your muscles and body and your body will burn more calories even at rest. Sounds pretty good, right!?

Muscle weighs more than fat, but takes up much less space. So if the scale won't go down any further, but I can get into smaller sized jeans, look tight, toned, and muscular, I am ok with that.

After both of my babies were born, I was still teaching 15 hours a week of fitness classes, providing personal training, and lifting 2-4 times a week. I was not as great on the food consumption so never got as leaned out as I might be able to attain with this new determination. : )

If I can continue the positive eating habits I have created by fueling myself with good, healthy and real food, AND add a regular, challenging and weight bearing / lifting sessions into the mix, with some cardio sessions, I think I will make "goal weight" and possibly feel really good about it for the first time in a while.

Go girl.



Monday, April 20, 2015

How I am convinced Ketosis, Paleo thinking and Eating Low Carb is the way to lose and maintain my ideal weight!

This morning, after a week of pulling in the reins and getting back down to my lowest number on the scale in the last 13 years, I surpassed it by -1.

I am prepared to work myself down this "decade" of 150's and hopefully hit "goal weight".

(hmmm. I don not know if I have put THAT number out into the universe!)

It is still amazing to me. Actually finding a solution and chemical reaction that allows me to determine how to proceed. *WOW* Beyond happy.

I am convinced that by eliminating carbs, ( i.e. the white powdery, sugar laden, quick fix, highly processed "food") and putting my body into ketosis, I am able to burn fat for fuel and lose weight.

Ketosis is the after effect once carbohydrate are used up as a fuel source and the body burns FAT for fuel and through the natural elimination process by your system. Ketones are detected confirming this state. HOORAY!

There is a strip tester I've mentioned you can use while urinating that confirms you are within a range of Ketosis. Deep ketosis (Dark Pink) vs Trace ketosis (Light Pink) does not seem to matter to eliminate the pounds. I found the testing very helpful and reassuring during the beginning of this weight loss process. I do not use them much anymore, unless I am kicking it back in, but even this time, I didn't need go back to the test strips.

In Phase one, or really focused down, I try to stick with 25g or under of NET carb. This is straight out of the Adkins Phase one thinking. As you progress into the OWL phase, or ongoing weight loss, you can move the carb number up until you see a flat line of weight loss on the scale and determine that is your carb load break point.

I never got THAT detailed in determining my specific carb number, just tried to keep on keeping on. Maybe that is the reason for my slow and steady removal of weight vs a faster result.

From http://www.marksdailyapple.com

The Primal Blueprint Carbohydrate Curve

What’ll It Be? The “Sweet Spot” or the “Danger Zone”?

The Paleo diet is a similar low carb, no sugar diet that focuses on how you would have eaten if you lived in the Paleo times as a caveman. Hunting for meat, gathering nuts, berries and raw vegetables. NOT using sugar, dairy, grains (corn being considered a grain).

Exercise is quick bouts and bursts of energy like running after the animal (lol), or heavy lifting, multiple short walks, etc. There are many app's for iPhone like "Is it Paleo" that are both amusing and informative. Paleo is tied in tightly with the Cross Fit sensation as the best practice for eating well, fueling with protein, and leaning out.

The Primal Blueprint is a great book that highlights the Paleo diet and provides all the guidelines needed. I think this would be a great maintenance program for me as it lifts the restriction on fruits
(natural food yes, but high in natural frutose or sugar).  I also use the heavy cream for my coffee so will not likely be totally dairy free. I could just add in the different elements of each of these diets that seem to make sense and work for me.

As you can see from the chart, if you can maintain anything under 100 carb, you should be in the "sweet spot" for weight loss. The interesting question is if Paleo/Primal Blue Print's 100g approach is based on net carb or total carb and therefore technically based on the same philosophy as the New Adkins approach in carb counting.

Low carb Living ! Join the Journey!


Saturday, April 18, 2015

How I kept a promise to myself this week ~and easily got back into ketosis and Low Carb Living!

I kept a promise to myself this week.

We are exactly 7 days home from vacation, and by pulling back and throwing myself back into eating "on program" ~ really focused on low carb, no sugar or cheating, as of this morning, I am back at 158.8.

-10 lbs.

I did it.

Another nod to this eating program working for me. : )

So... now the next chapter!

I walked this morning and got some steps in. Not huge, 1.0 mile exactly, but decided upon exercise movement.

We've also been doing yard work and moving around most the day. All the extra regular steps and movement that occurs in the Spring is part of the regular unearthing and breaking out of the winter cave.

I want to take it to the next level. There are still 6 weeks to make a big impact prior to the official summer swimsuit, pool and lake time.

I HAVE to start getting myself more organized in packing my workout outfit, running shoes and get myself an hour of focused weight training, walking, jogging, biking or focused movement into my day. The kids are full on back into their after school activities and while at their practices, I have the opportunity and time to get my own workout worked in. : )

That is the goal for this week.

Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Better than Before has been a recent inspriation. It is the book I started last year on the beach, finished this year and then re read and highlighted via my Kindle paperwhite.

The Happiness Project is a great way to set up monthly goals for changing things up or crossing off bucket list items with new challenges or by changing behavior. She is a list maker, likes acknowledgement and to get "gold stars for doing the task. An overall brilliant woman.

I have just started the new book, Better than Before , but it focuses on the drilled down definition of habits, how to create good ones, and reduce or eliminate the not so good ones.

I admire her obsessive and compulsive tendencies. :)

Maintain a reduction in scale numbers, and increase focused exercise.
(There, I have put it out into the universe)

It is time to create a new habit.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

How I am getting back into the groove in Phase One of the Low Carb diet

I am within 2 lbs of when I left for vacation. : )

Yeah me.

This is a great sign for multiple reasons. 

1) I have done what I said I would do, holding my self accountable, and am back on my low carb eating plan, easily transitioning back to eating my yummy low carb food options regularly.

Again I found it to be a fairly easy transition back onto my low carb options.

2) I am seeing the immediate results and dropping the "weight" or water gain , or whatever that occurred over break. 

This ALONE is such a huge accomplishment and relief compared to my previous years of trying, pleading, begging, praying, starving, even obsessing over the ability to manage or have any form of control over my destination on the scale. 

I have implemented what has worked well for me during this 20 month journey, and again I am seeing results! More than proving this to be a good plan for me to follow.

Yeah me! 

3) I am motivated for the spring, beginning of nice change in weather here in the midwest and adding the movement and exercise back into the mix.

I am keeping track of my steps on fit bit and like aiming for the 10,000 steps suggested for daily movement. Getting that consistent while working throughout the week, and adding weight training or running into the mix will help lean, sculpt, and further advance my transition.


YEAH ME!!!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

How to get "back up on the horse" with my Low Carb Living after vacation !

Upon returning home, I step on the scale.

*SIGH*

Proud of myself for the scrambled eggs that I ate each morning, the at home coffee with heavy cream & Splenda that we made, the protein options and veggies we focused the evening meals around.

Thrilled for the 10,000 steps = 5 + miles a day the hubs and I did on the beach together. Not to mention the 20,000 steps for the first 2 days to kick off the vaca at the theme park.

Beyond happy I had to get new swim suits as mine were literally too BIG!

We had a great 10 days, very long and extended quality family time, and crossed off a mile stone bucket list item with the M-O-U-S-E.

When we go on winter vacation snow skiing, I maintain a 10,000 step according to the Fitbit. I don't have as much control of the food as it is family style with 16 + people, but figure I am SKIING for 6-8 hours a day, so let it go. These last 2 years I have either lost or maintained.

Let it go and move it on forward. 

I need to do that today.

I gained weight over vacation.

(Like.... 10 lbs which seems REALLY excessive to me.)

+/- 2 to 4 and I would have been like, yeah, that makes sense, plus I am probably still a little dehydrated and swollen from the flight. :)

The wine in the evenings to celebrate each sunset, the couple of Reeces peanut butter eggs the fam had for Easter, the coke (full leaded) over ice I had in the middle of the heat of the day. I thought it would negate itself like when skiing with all the walking.

*inhale...exhale*

Let it go and move it on forward. 

Woke up and had my protein shake. yum. Have a real Starbucks coffee with cream. YUM.

Going to keep up the walking.

Going to add in the weight training and additional movement.

Going to get back onto the "PULLED IN REINS program" that provided me with a great success from Thanksgiving through March and ultimately -#65 throughout these last 18 months. I obviously have huge sensitivity to sugar and carb so therefore need to maintain this low carb lifestyle that I feel good doing.

I will be back to where I was and actually continue to go beyond.

It is part of the process.

The biggest part of the transformation, mentally, is letting go of the all or nothing, good-vs- bad, black or white thinking.

Let it go and move it on forward. 

In life there will be ebbs and flows, there will be ups and downs, and then you have them, you have to get back up, dust yourself off and get back up on the horse.

Vacation was amazing. Lifelong memories made and fun had by all.

Vacation is over. 

Giddy up.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

How do you stay "on plan" doing Low carb and Adkins while on vacation ?!

SPRING BREAK ! YEAH!!!

I NEEDED this time for myself, for my family, and a total recharge.

I am in my reflective place on the beach as mentioned in an earlier post.

It is here, 3 years ago, I said I would not return to the land of sand and surf in this size body again and I kept my promise to myself as a year ago, I was 25# lighter, in a bikini again, still far from goal, but on the right path.

This year, I even surprised myself. Less #65 now, I know I've come a long way…you GET it, but then your mind plays tricks on you. You don't think it has been THAT significant.

I've had pants taken in and even passed them along to a friend on the same journey. I luckily tried on shorts prior to leaving and they fell off me (!), dug through drawers of my "skinny" shorts and they now fit, so why did I think my swim suits would fit ??? Dunno, just grabbed them and packed them.

We arrived in FLA and first day I put on a suit… uh oh. The bottoms were like a large diaper and falling off me. (yippee!) Hubs said I needed to go to the surf shop and get some new suits! I treated myself to 3 new ones, cool ones too, but figured I'd live in them throughout the summer too, so I splurged a little.

I am a snow skiers and water skier. I really love both… a lot.

I dream of a "retirement" where I can snow ski throughout the winter and then thaw out in Fla for a few weeks early spring prior to returning home for the beautiful spring and summer seasons. There… I put it out in the universe.

When vacationing, or away from home, food becomes an issue. Partially, due to my son's severe food allergy. We have to be prepared and proactive that he has something that can pack easily, will provide him with ample nourishment, and easily accessible. The same is true for staying on a plan. For him, it has to be 100% on or we end up with the Epi pen. With me, I decide that the 80/20 rule of attempting to make my best decisions to stay on plan while on vacation is the best I can do, and it is only for a week, and allowing myself the "vacation" from being completely on plan is OK.

I'll get back on when we are home and can better manage the routine.

So while away… my days look like this:

Coffee, 3 splenda and heavy whipping cream. (There is not a Starbucks within 25 miles of the island)
Bacon or sausage
Scrambled eggs

*Occasional-Full-Leaded-Classic-Coke. Over ice. YUM (I prefer this to an alcoholic drink.)

Lunch has been turkey and cheese roll ups, leftover steak, chicken salad, chicken, or fish. yesterday in a flour tortilla. (remembering the 80/20)

Dinner has been more like our usual focus on the protein, veggie although a little low on seasonings as I was not going to supply us with expensive seasoning jars. Will remember that to pack next year.

This year, the family did our first jaunt to Disney (WOW.) for the first 2 days of the vacation.

It was a fun filled, memory maker for sure, and we plowed right through the strollers, people carts and HUGE record breaking crowds on a death march pace. The fit bit said we did 20,000 steps on Monday and 19,000 on Tuesday for a total of 10 miles MON and 9 miles TUES. My battery was dying and it is the only cord I forgot, so when we stopped to stock for food at Sam's for the beach,  I bought the hubs a fit bit gift. :)

We have maintained 10,000 steps the rest of the week doing beach walks, so I am hoping when I get home, that the movement will make up for the 20 part of the 80/20, and I will have at least maintained while on vaca.

Like the renewal and real loss I created by focusing on Phase One again between Thanksgiving and February, I am ready to embark on another, pulling in the reins and striving for added weight lifting, cardio sessions, even if it is walking, and get toned up ready for Summer !!!





Saturday, March 28, 2015

What do I need in my fridge today to start Low Carb living?

I am already getting feedback asking "What do I need in my fridge today to start a successful Low Carb lifestyle and start losing weight today!?"

Upon waking up, I wander to the kitchen to let out our dog and blend up my Pure Protein Shake with 16-20 oz water (milk adds carbs) and a few ice cubes. The shake is 25 g protein and 3 net carbs. Great way to start the day.

This was the ONE major change I did starting in July,  about a month prior to going ALL IN on the low carb. I was not a regular breakfast eater. Through reading and research I determined after the age of 35 years of age,  we are losing lean muscle mass at an alarming rate. Eating protein and lifting weights are they best way to combat that statistic and make you look less doughy.

According to my blender that counts the numbers of times it is used, I have now blended 500+ shakes. : )

I continue the day with my Starbucks habit, but made a major adjustment.

I have a venti Pike (or Bold depending on the necessity of coffee that AM), I ask for Heavy Whipping Cream, (not heavy "whip cream" and is thicker and less carbs than half and half) then add 3 splenda, stirred and double cupped. Spenda = 1carb per packet, so my whole coffee AM experience is 3 net carb. This combo also dropped my daily drive thru at "Fivebucks" to $2.48.
Cha - ching :) We did buy a Keurig for home and I can make this blend easily with a Keurig cup, my heavy whipping cream and splenda packets.

For lunch, I have the opportunity to eat at work with a school lunch line situation. It is cost effective, there is really only a McD's (NO!) or Subway (salad works if I miss lunch, but costs $7) as options near my work place. I do a good job of getting 2 kids, a lunch box, 2 backpacks, my work stuff and the 3 of us out the door, into the car, and across town and to school. I can not seem to add the lunch packing to my schedule or priority, so LET IT GO, and buy tray lunch for $3.

Now, we have pretty good options for school lunch.

Talapia, Pork Loin, Hamburger stations, Chicken Breasts, Chickens, Tuna or Egg salad, but there is a SALAD BAR 4 days a week (loaded with veggies and all the fixings) and on Wednesdays, a Deli Bar.

Perfect Scenario.

I get a tray, check out the main course, usually skip it, and build a salad.

Lettuce, broccoli, hard boiled egg, celery or carrots, hummus, bacon, onion... pile it on. Net Carbs keep all the veggie options of the salad low, so add whatever you really like. I prefer ranch dressing and usually add sunflower seeds to top it off.

YUM.

Sometimes they have walking taco salad theme, bbq chicken themed, wedge lettuce with blue cheese themed, spinach salad with strawberries and hot bacon dressing. They really do a great salad bar option!

On Wednesdays, it is Deli Bar. I ask for 2-3 slices of salami, or turkey or whatever, and 2-3 slices of munster cheese and make rolls. (no bread)

If I need a snack around mid afternoon, I found having a bag of roasted almonds in my desk drawer to be very helpful. The best part about low carb is that the protein and the fat sustain you and the hunger and cravings practically disappear. This is what makes staying on plan so "easy".

When I do occasionally "cheat", I am far enough into this that I can tell, almost within 2-3 hours, I am craving more white stuff, and try to nip it by having nuts, or a mozzarella cheese stick, or even just acknowledge that I am burning through the carb, having a low blood sugar and have to wait until the next meal, then get back "on plan". THIS IS A HUGE PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGH. : )

Farther into the plan, I've found Skinny Pop popcorn. Now, according to Paleo thinking, corn is a grain. Popcorn is a carb, but the skinny pop mini bag portions are about 100 calories and only about 10 net carbs, so in a pinch and if I am famished, I enjoy those and they fill me up. I would not suggest this at first or on PHASE I.

For dinner, My hubs has been very supportive of making sure I have something to eat and is the grill master. My kids are also in a pool until late in the evening, so he tends to prep the dinner regimen at home so we are ready when we hit the door.

This is where we have Steak (!), Porkchops, Hamburgers, Tilapia, Salmon, Chicken as the main protein focus.

The mixed veggies come in a huge pack from Sam's and then inside are individual family serve packs that just need heated in the microwave for 5 minutes. The usual peas, carrots, beans and corn are a staple. (Again Paleo would say the corns, peas and carrots have a higher carb/ sugar count.) I add butter to mine and YUM. Broccoli is the same with the little packets inside the big bag. There is a great medley blend that have yellow carrots and everything is sliced on an angle and "fancy". I buy, cut, and freeze squash and zucchini in freezer ziplock baggies to have other options. An Asian blend with peppers, mini corns and water chestnuts is also a good staple and can make for an easy stir fry or left over magic making.

I have worked on a few Crock Pot recipes this winter to really make things easier. See the TAB Recipes. Beef and Broccoli, Beef & Carrot with Herbs de Provence, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Beef Stew, Fajita Chicken (leftovers become Chicken Fajaita Soup...yum), Pork Bbq, Chili Con Carne. YUM.

In the pantry, I have the bag of roasted almonds for munching. I have celery in the fridge which I use as a "chip". Sometimes with Salsa, Brie, or Hummus. Celery is basically "free" carbs, the chips are not, so I use celery. I like to have a Summer Sausage in the fridge. It too can be a few slices for a snack, used as a "chip" for the brie or hummus, or add a cheese slice and call it a day.

I like to keep the pre prepped chicken salad on hand for a fast feeding option. I get it in a container at Sam's or make my homemade Vail Chicken Salad recipe after we have the Sam's roasted chicken for dinner. I created a 3 cheese dip that is a good grab and go with the celery or sausage. The Asian Slaw was a staple last summer.

Forever on the hunt for my Half and Half Diet Snapple Tea and pick up 4 half gallons at a time because it is hard to find. I push water all day, so this is my other alternative.

I added the Grocery List as it's own easy access page. I will also update the recipe page, so check back.

I hope you are now motivated and feel able to jump into low carb losing and living with both feet!



Thursday, March 26, 2015

What I buy at the store and eat to stay on low carb plan

Ok, I committed to do the LOW CARB / HIGH PROTEIN plan... now what!?!?

I do not like to grocery shop. I also hate wasting food.

I am a once a month shopper at the Sam's club and haul a major car load home for our family of 4. I have consistently done this since I was a new mom and frugalista, and managed to keep us on a $250 per month budget.

You heard me right... $250 per month. If it rang over $250, I put stuff back.

Did this for over 10 years.

No one understands how I do this. I don't understand how they run to the corner market and shop multiple times a week and end up with a $500-$1000 per month bill!!!

Now, I have a pre teen son, and both kids are swimmers so I am sure we will increase this amount. Just with the cost of meat and food going up we are now closer to $300- $350 per month food. Paper towels and toilet paper get thrown in as needed.

Here is my regular monthly pick up list:

Roasted Chicken (day of shopping = easy peasy dinner)
Ground beef (10 % fat)
Pork Chops (no bone)
Beef Stew meat
Sirloins (4 in a pack for ~$20)
Tyson boneless / skinless chicken breasts
Tilapia
Salmon
Sirloin Burgers ( freezer to Skillet)
Mesquite Chicken breasts
Premade Sam's Club Chicken salad
Frozen Broccoli
Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Eggs
Sausage links
Turkey bacon
Green beans (case)
Guacamole
Salsa
Shredded cheese - multi variety
Skinny Pop Popcorn (technically a grain, but 100 cal and lower than 10 carbs its a fast fix)
Snapple Half and Half Diet tea

Kids stuff:
Apples, Halo's & Bananas
Applesauce ( by the case and in cups)
Cheerios
Tyson nuggets/ patties / strips ( these are for the kids* I don't eat due to breading)
Hot dogs & Hot Dog buns( Kids lunch and snacks on the go)
Cod (I usually don't eat because of the breading)
Orange Juice

I should also mention, my oldest has severe food allergies to Milk and Tree nuts, so we are used to cooking things at home with limited dining out. Also making 2 adaptations of dinners most of the time. Pre made, mixes, etc are out for us.

So, the focus is usually a protein, veggie, and then the kids might also have pasta / rice, applesauce, or starch.



How I lost 39 inches off my body by Eating Clean, Low Carb, on an Adkins diet

39 inches!

It is so important to do the measurements initially, and then re take them, whenever.

I just did measurements again last weekend. I am shocked. That is a lot of total inches off the body! (see below)

neck
boob
chest
waist
hip/ butt at largest area
rt thigh
lt thigh
rt knee
lt knee
rt calf
lt calf
rt bicep
lt bicep


I was not really regimented with doing this on a specific 3 month schedule. I just have some data to look over and dated it to determine how far I've come.  Another way of acknowledging this plan was working and I was being successful with staying the course.

The inches decreasing show a true body fat loss -vs- just lbs lost.

When you are trying to lose weight, or talking to people about this subject, "muscle weighs more than fat" comes up a lot.  Or "you look like you've lost weight." when you know good and well you are still a certain number which is way off a normal weight range.

Now, I am and always have been a curvy girl. Plain and simple, I have junk in the trunk, and always had before it was a fashion statement. At my heaviest (#225) I wore a size 16/18 pant and had definition in my waist.

I liked the idea of my clothes fitting better or fitting back into clothes (sizes 10/12)  I was storing (!)

Ultimately, I needed to solve the problem of what was going in the "boca"(food consumption) so I could finally master the control over the scale numbers going down!



WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
Measurements
updatednew & 
GOALS ?goalsupdated
9/10/1310/13/132/13/148/22/141/19/153/22/15
neck141413.5131312.512.512
chest35.535.534343332.53332
boobs3939383836363836
waist37.537.535.53332312824
butt/hip4949474643.54338-4036* running, spinning and more weights !
Rt thigh3030282826252524
Lt  thigh292928.2527.7525.25252524
rt knee18.518.518.515.7515151514
lt knee18.518.518.515.515.25151514
rt calf1717.2516.916.251615.751615
lf calf17.517.516.516.251615.751615
TOTALS:305.5305.75294.65283.5271266.5
inches lost                 +.25-11.1-11.15-12.54.5
Total Inches lost:-11.1-22-34.5-39

Added later:
Rt bicep1413131211.5 & Madonna toned !!!
lf bicep1513131211.5 & Madonna toned !!!
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