Post Op Day 7

Tuesday after surgery on Wednesday.  I feel pretty much normal today.  When Geoff and I walked the neighborhood this morning he said I was walking faster than I did before the surgery.  I have not had much pain at all.  It has been a challenge to not overdo, because I feel like I can do what ever I want, but  I know I am not completely healed on the inside.

I think learning to add solids back into my diet later this week will be interesting.  I can have grits this week, but I didn't try until this morning.  When I ate the grits it hurt.  I think I almost had dumping syndrome.  I definitely stopped eating them.  I am ready for Chicken and refried beans though!  Woot!   Thursday!

Have a good day.

Linda

3rd Day Post Op

You may count this a the fourth day...it's Saturday night after a Wednesday surgery. I am feeling well.  No pain but I took some of my medicine tonight so I wouldn't "feel" my stomach and intestines anymore today.  It's  a strange feeling and I'm just over it for the day. 

It's kind of funny when they tell you that your stomach will be small and your meals will be small, but you need to intake 60 grams of protein and 64 oz. of fluid.  They say eat only 3 meals a day and no snacking...what they don't tell you is that it will take all freaking day to eat the 3 meals and drink the fluids.  It's work.   I got most of my protein in today and a good bit of fluids, not nearly 64 oz.s though.  I guess I will work up to it.  You drink and fill up your new pouch that holds about 2 ozs. and then you have to wait awhile for it to empty to drink more.

I walked a mile and a half today, and before you ask, yes, I'm supposed to walk.  So don't worry.  But my  biggest problem is going to be boredom.  I can't really "do" anything yet so I am really bored.  How much TV can you watch?   I thought about getting out the afghan I have ready to put together.  Maybe I'll get it out tomorrow.  It will be really pretty when I finish it.  I have all the motifs done and just need to do the sewing which I am NOT good at. 

Linda

Surgrey .....Done!

Hello to anyone who may be reading this.  I am home from the hospital post surgery.  The pain med is kicking in so this may be short.  The surgery went very well.  I had a hernia too that I didn't know about. Dr Proctor fixed that while he was in there.  The nursing staff on the 6th floor at NE Ga Hospital are AWESOME!  The took amazing care of me.  I met 2 nurses that had the surgery also and they looked amazing, felt amazing and love to share their experience with their patients.

I am on a liquid diet for one more week, then I eat an egg and go to the doctor for my one week check up.  If it goes well I can start phase 2 of the diet, soft proteins. I do not feel hungry at all.  I have to drink and eat in small amount to protect my new pouch until it heals....and then to keep from getting sick.  So it is fair to say my eating habits are now changed forever!

I am inspired by the people I have met in group support and at the hospital during my journey so far.  I think I can do this thing.

Linda

Day 5 of my Liquid Diet

I am getting used to drinking my food.  I wish I had more variety but I am doing okay.  It's a habit as much as anything I guess and once the carbs are gone, the craving stops.  The one thing I would eat if I could is a big fresh cooked hamburger patty.  I wouldn't even need noodles or rice or a bun.  Just the patty!  Yumm.....

But I am not going to eat anything that is not on the list of permissible food. I am spending a lot of time upstairs because I don't associate being upstairs with eating.  It is easier to not eat.  Also I am loosing about a lb a day right now.

Tomorrow morning is my pre-op appointment with Dr Proctor and at the hospital.  The letter I received said to expect to be there for 5 hours.  Geoff is going with me.

Linda.

2 week pre-surgery diet began today

Okay ladies, if you are still out there....here we go again.  My gastric bypass surgery is scheduled for Oct 19th. Today I began my pre-surgery "liquid" diet.  For 2 weeks (and beyond until I can tolerate more solid food) my diet will consist of strained soups, one serving of grits, oatmeal, or cream of wheat a day, cottage cheese,  protein drinks, and sugar free yogurt, pudding, jello, pop-cycles and fudge cycles.  I can up to 1200 calories of these wonderful foods a day.

To be honest it is almost a relief to have finally started the liquid diet because now the decision is gone.  I don't have to fight myself about wanting to have one last pastry, or one last steak.  I'm done.  I will live through this and be fine.

I meet some interesting people at support group.  Last night I met a young lady that weighed over 400 lbs just 6 months ago.  She has already lost 157 lbs!  Now that is radical and I don't expect those results but it is an amazing thing to see.  She said her body is changing faster than her mind can keep up with the change.

I'm out for now, any encouragement or comments are welcome!

Linda

It's on like Donkey Kong!

The meeting with Dr Proctor went well.  My insurance will pay with no waiting period.  Now I have to get my criteria met in time to have the surgery before high season at work, or I will have to wait until next year.  I am excited about the process. I am a little scared, but I feel it is the right decision.

My doctor's orders for now:

Absolutely no carbonated drinks.
No liquid 1 hour before or after a meal.  (liquid pushes food on through, you will eat less without fluids)
Eat my protein first and chew, chew, chew.
Join a water aerobics class.

I have consent forms to sign, a book to read, and a test to take and turn in.   I have to get a psych evaluation and go to support meetings (at least one before my surgery).  And I have to choose a support person and have them read the info and sign forms also.

I have thought about this surgery for years.  Everyone says I will not look back and that I will wish I had done it when I first thought about it.  We'll see.  But at least, it has me getting back to a better eating plan.  I would rather loose some weight before the surgery than gain more.  I am determined to not go on an eating binge because "I won't be able to eat like this again."   That would be easy to do.

Linda

Starting over.

Well, in the past 4 months since I posted, I have gained most of the weight I lost back.  Emotional eating, it is a nasty thing.  I had an appointment with a surgeon yesterday to get a small cyst taken off and we talked about weight loss surgery.  He called in his partner who works with Obesity Solutions in Gainesville and I have an appointment with him tomorrow.  I think it is time to start the process.

Tonight I am going to a seminar which is the first step.  Then tomorrow I will talk more with Dr. Proctor to decide which type surgery would be best for me and begin the process.  If my insurance pays,  I am going through with the surgery. 

Linda

Day 89

Holding steady.  I did better with my eating today.  I still want to eat things I shouldn't have.  Maybe it's boredom.
Linda

Day 88

I seem to be stuck again.  I also seem to be having a hard time eating on my plan lately.  Mostly I have eaten things that were allowed, but more than I should to effectively loose weight.  I am having the roughest cycle of my diet to date.  I WANT TO EAT STUFF!

I am forgetting my basic rules from the beginning, plan, plan, and when all else fails...plan!  I need to have things that are easy to prepare and plan my meals.  I am grazing.  Geoff is not home in the evenings and as a result I am not cooking a family meal in the evenings.  It throws off my eating because dinner is the most satisfying meal for me.  I end up wanting something good, but not wanting to go to all the trouble to prepare it for myself alone.  Charlene won't eat anything I cook lately anyway.  So I end up grazing unsatisfied all evening.



Help~!



Goodnight.

Linda

Day 81

Really nothing to post today.  I had the day off  from work. Slept until almost noon, and was lazy all day.

Linda

Day 80

I got my first charm from Tops tonight.  We get a charm for each 10 lbs loss and I've lost 14 since I started going to the meetings.  It made me happy.  I also got a certificate for perfect attendance and a ribbon for walking.  YEA!

I was down 1.8 lbs from the last meeting I went to which was 2 weeks ago. In all since I started my diet, I am down 24 lbs.  My pants are getting too big, even my jeans at this point and this last week I wore clothes I have not been able to wear in quite a while.

Breakfast- cereal

Lunch - Veggie burger on whole grain sandwich round

Dinner- 3/4 cup spahgetti with meat sauce
             Broccoli


Snacks - serving of almonds
              slim fast 100 cal snack

Day 79

It was a much better day today.  Geoff, Charlene and I spent some family time together and it was nice. 
I am retaining water again :P  I know because my feet are swelled again.  My feet have not hurt for 2 weeks and today they are hurting again.  Yeah.

Back to work tomorrow.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Linda

Day 78

Okay, today is a new day, and I have a new challenge.  My resolve has been great so far with my eating,  I am  going to apply the same resolve to staying off Facebook.  If  I can control my eating, staying off facebook should be a breeze!  I have cancelled both of my accounts and I plan to not re-open either of them.  While Facebook is a good way to communicate, it can also be a destructive force that I will not give energy to.

I have done okay with my eating today, although I did eat Italian tonight.  I ate a few rolls about the size of a ping pong ball and salad mostly.  I only ate about 3/4 of a cup of my pasta.  Other than that I have had a few purnes, a bowl of cereal, and a about 1/2 cup of frozen yogurt.

Wish me success in my new challege!

Linda

Day 77

I am still here, and I must NOT be an emotional eater anymore.  Today has been a day.  It should have been a nice family day. That didn't work out. But with all the "stuff" going on in the house, I did a good job of eating on my plan.  Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE a big piece of cake right now but if it was in front of me, I don't think I would eat it.  Looks like it may be a long weekend.  I may find something to do away from home tomorrow.  I wish I could go to my Mom's, that option is off the table.  Maybe my relationship with my mom was selfish.  I seem to miss her the most when I need her to make me feel loved.  And she did love me.

I guess I'm having an emotional night. I feel like I spend most of my time trying to make the people around me happy.  I guess I just want someone to give a little back or a least say they noticed.  Instead they ask for more or say I did nothing. I totally don't get it.  And now this is turning into something I never intended, so I will stop there.   This is relevant in that I used to eat something to self sooth or reward myself.  I don't have that option anymore either.  So here I sit on the stupid damn computer which I have come to hate, moaning and complaining about my life.  And I have a pretty nice life, all things considered.

Linda

Day 76

I am now at 24 lbs down!  I'm happy, happy, joy, joy. 

Day 73

If you would please note the last post was actually posted after midnight so it looks like it was posted on Day73, but no.  This is day 73.  Not much to post diet wise. 

Charlene and I spent the day painting her room.  She is thrilled to have a room that is "hers".  I think she has always felt like her room really belonged to Carly Pooh.  She has painted 3 walls black and one white and will splatter neon colors on the wall.  Of course she also wants a black light, groovy huh?  LOL, she doesn't know black lights are groovy. She would die!!  Anyway, we had a good day.  Tomorrow we will finish up the painting and build her dresser.

I had a new low weight this morning, but we'll see what happens tomorrow.  I have learned not to get too excited the first time I see a new weight.  Sometimes it takes a few days to claim the pound.  It puts me to a total loss of 23 lbs! 

Breakfast- Whole grain bagle with 2 tbls. cream cheese

Lunch- Salad and one piece of toast

Dinner- Mexican= a few chips and salsa, tostada and enchilada with shredded beef, rice, beans.

Snack- flan

Yummy dinner!

Linda

Day 72

Routine is a good place to be.  I'm getting used to this sticking at one weight for weeks at the time and then having a drop.  It's weird, but I guess I'm figuring that my eating plan is working.  I'm keeping track of my calories and not worrying so much about the scales theses days.  I would like for my weight loss to be consistant and faster, but I am averaging 2 lbs a week which is very good.  I'll  take that.  I feel better and I am more comfortable in my clothes at this point. 

I noticed that I don't seem to "want" to eat like I did before.  I ate mindlessly and so much more than I would have thought I was eating. I try to be aware of what I am eating and my choices are completely different than before.  I used to think a salad had to be a side dish.  Now I find I can eat a good salad and I am satisfied.  I don't get hungry between meals.  Sometimes I want to snack, but it's not a burden and it is under control.

I am happy with my current state of being as far as my eating habits and I am sure I will not revert back to my old eating habits while I am in my current state of mind.

Breakfast- Prunes

Lunch= Hamburger on sandwich round

Snack-Asian mix (1/2 cup = 90 cal)
           Frozen yogurt (7oz = 280 cal)

Dinner- Salad and one piece of whole wheat toast

Linda

Day 71

Okay, I am off work for a week now.  The key to staying home for a week and not gaining weight or snacking too much is to plan.  I am on top of it!  Geoff and I went to the grocery store today and I bought stuff for sandwiches, soup and salads.  I should be okay.

I have a pot of veggie soup cooking on the stove now.  This time I put fresh green beans and stew beef in it.  I know chicken is better, but I'm in the mood for beef and I haven't had any for awhile.  I hope it will be better than the last batch I made, which I fed to the dogs!  LOL.  I'm not kidding.  The green beans tasted like grass, and I didn't have enough tomatoes in it.  I also used field peas.  I won't do that again. It was terrible.

Geoff wanted to eat lunch at Provino's.  I said no!!! and we went to Atlanta Bread Co. and I ate a salad.  I'm so proud of myself. I've been wanting Provino's lately so bad, and yet I made the right decision.

Holding steady. I'm prolly going to be stuck again as usual.

Breakfast - cereal
                  purnes


Lunch- Salad

Dinner- cooking soup!

Snacks- Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich, 9 or so almonds, 1 piece toast with peanut butter


It's only 5:30 if I eat more I'll post it.

Linda
             

Day 70

Holding steady.  I've been sick this week with a bad cold and sinus stuff so I haven't been moving around too much. I've been pretty zonked out on the sofa.  My eating has sort of been whatever was easy at the time. So this week I am pretty much hoping to stay the same and not gain anything.

I went back to work today after being out for 2 days.

Breakfast-  really lunch as I slept until noon  2 pieces of toast with peanut butter ( I'm hooked on it)

Lunch- turkey sandwich

Dinner- cottage cheese w/pineapple

Day 66

Well blog readers, I hope you are not getting bored with my blog.  I feel like I write about the same thing everyday.  My emotions are up and down.  My weight is up some, but mostly down.  And tonight I have some good news.  I weighed 5.8 lbs less tonight at TOPS than last week.  I was a good week and I'll take it!  That give me a total of 23 lbs down.  WOOT!

I seem to loose in bursts.  I retain water for a 2 to 3 weeks and then flush all at once.  Maybe I'll be lucky and be down again in the morning.

Breakfast- cereal w/ grapefruit

Lunch- soup

Snack= toast w/ peanut butter

Dinner= Turkey Sandwich and salad

Snack= toast w/ peanut butter


Linda

Day 65

Well, I am down 21 lbs this morning.  I ran a little bit of a fever last night so I lost some water weight.  I may gain some of it back as I re-hydrate my body, but I am hoping not.  I guess the next few days will tell the story.  I have done well on my eating this week but poorly on my walking again.   It's been raining and now I'm sick.  I guess that makes me a bit of a looser this week, but whatever.  I'll get back out there. Geoff is on second shift now, so when I am opening the store I have no excuse not to get out and walk.

I have been successful in leaving off the 100 cal snack packs this week.  I have them in the house, but I am eating better choices.  I am snacking on prunes, grapefruit, wholegrain toast, and cottage cheese w/pineapple.  I even like it better.  I can have more for my calories and it is better for me.


Yesterday

Breakfast- one piece of toast and grapefruit

Lunch- meatballs, potato and broccoli casserole, salad

Dinner- Veggie Soup, toast w/light butter

Snack- whole grain toast with 1 tbsp peanut butter and slight amount of preserves.

I'll post today's meals in a comment tonight.

Linda

Day 63? I think

Okay, it's late and I don't feel like writing.

Breakfast- cereal
                  prunes, 7=100 cal ( l love them)

Lunch- Turkey Sandwich on whole grain w/lettuce and tomato

Dinner- Veggie Soup

Snack- cottage cheese w/pineapple

I'm doing good at avoiding the 100 cal snack packs :)

Linda

Day 62

I am back to pre-pizza weight.  Yea me!....whatever.  It was a good day.  I think I about have my eating back on track and I'm not going crazy for snacks anymore.  I decided the 100 cal snack packs are evil, and I need to stay away from them.  Fruit is better.

Instead of walking I went on a date with my husband.  We saw a movie (The Lincoln Lawyer)  It was good.  I couldn't believe they had both Matthew McConaughey and Josh Lucas in the same film.  I didn't even realize they were two seperate people!  LOL.  I would say a date with Geoff was worth not walking.  I PROMISE I will walk before I go in to work tomorrow (I close the store tomorrow night).

Breakfast- 1 slice peanut butter toast on whole grain (very thinly spread)
                  1/2 grapefruit w/splenda

Lunch- Veggie Soup
             1/2 grapefruit

Dinner- Shoguns= 1/2 cup fried rice, steak/chicken, grilled veggies, salad w/ginger dressing.
                              I brought most of my rice and chicken, and veggies home for Charlene and Geoff.
                              I think I stayed under 500 calories for dinner.

Have a good night,

Linda

Day 61

It was a good day.  It was actually a happy day.  Geoff is not playing his computer game so I have a husband again....I'm loving it.  Jason is now reading my blog and that makes me happy too.

I don't know what my weight is today.  I don't know if I weighed this morning.  If I did, I certianly wasn't down because I would have remembered that.  It is a good thing that I am settling in and not obsessing with the scale. But I am back on track.  I didn't walk because it was very cold and windy out when I got home from work.

Breakfast-1 slice Peanut butter toast on whole wheat (very thinly spread peanut butter)
                 Banana

Lunch- veggie soup

Snack- small apple

Dinner- Turkey Sandwich on Whole wheat w/ lettuce and tom
              one serving Doritos (12 chips=150 Cal)

snack - cottage cheese/ pineapple

Have a good night,

Linda

Day 60

Well, I didn't make my 20 by 60 goal.  Geoff wanted me to pick up a pizza on the way home 2 nights ago.  I did.  I thought I could get away with a thin and crispy veggie pizza.  What I didn't need to do was eat 4 pieces.  I blew it.  Before I even went to bed I was swelled and bloated.  I gained 2 lbs of water weight that I have not gotten rid of yet.  I didn't even weigh this morning.  I know I am still retaining the water.

Today I made soup.  I need to have easy access things to eat when I am hungry and don't want to cook or take time to make a salad.  My lunch was homemade veggie soup and 1 piece of  whole wheat toast.  I am going to get back out and walking again today too.  I have let myself down over the last week and I am going to get back on track today.  I will also drink water, water, and more water this week.

Linda

Day 57

I might write more later today.  New low this morning, 19.5 lbs.  I just might make my 20 by 60 goal.

Day 56

4 days to go if I am going to hit 20 lbs by the 60th day.  It will be close.  I hope I can make it.  Today was not a bad day.  I didn't walk but I did work in the yard for about an hour.  I guess that can count, right?  I'm starting to get the yard in shape and working on opening the pool.

I wore the jeans for awhile that I have been trying to get back into. They were tight and not very comfortable.  I was pushing it a little, so I changed to be comfortable. LOL, it felt good getting into them though, and years ago I would have worn them and been happy.  I'm getting to be an old fart.

Geoff and I were planning to go to Washington State for his Grandfather's memorial service at the end of April.  We have decided it would be a better use of money to wait until Summer and make a trip to San Diego to see Geoff's family instead.  Now my goal is to be down 40 lbs by the time we go.  That would be 6 weeks to loose 21-22 lbs.  I'm going to give it a shot, maybe I will make it.  That way I will have lost enough to be noticeable.

Breakfast-  3 chick-fil-a mini chicken bites

Lunch-  I guess that would be a little popcorn and a diet coke at the movie

Dinner- salad, margarita chicken with black beans and rice at chili's (saved half for lunch tomorrow)

Snack - 1 slice peanut butter toast

first soda since I started my diet.  I guess I will see if if swells me up.  It tasted very good.

Linda

day 55

Today was not a good day.  I was off and I sort of snacked all day.  I didn't eat dinner but Geoff made me some peanut butter toast with lots of PB and it was sooo good.  I guess I'll see what the scale says in the morning.

I have lost a total of 18 lbs to date.  I walked about 2.5 miles today.

Linda

Day 54

No change. Worked a midshift and didn't walk.

Breakfast- cereal

Lunch- cottage cheese and pineapple

Snacks- fig newton thing with 100 cals

Dinner- salad and hamburger patty with mushrooms

Snacks again- cottage cheese w/ pineapple, 4 Pringles, 100 cal weight watchers icecream bar.

Not a great day, but that is everything that went into my mouth.

Day 53

So today at TOPS I was .4 of a lb down...that is point four of one freaking lb!  AAAHHHHH.  Really, it was not a surprise because I knew I was stuck again.  But I walked 14 miles last week and really should have been down at least a couple of lbs.  Fiddle dee dee,  I won't think about that today, I will think about it tomorrow!  HA.

I had a pretty good day today generally speaking.  I decided to take today off as far as walking goes.  I did however buy me some new shoes for work and another pair of white ones to walk in ( I have to wear black shoes to work and can't be seen walking this summer in black shoes with shorts ).  So hopefully my toes will be happy, although my bank account is not.

Breakfast- Cereal

Lunch- Mexican with Carly and Opal
            some chips with salsa and cheese (maybe a dozen)
            Taco salad with pulled chicken

Dinner- Hamburger on sandwich thin
             10 or so fries


Snack- cottage cheese w/pineapple

Have a good night,

Linda

Day 52

I walked 3 miles today, one at the mall and two at home.  I seem to be stuck again.  I had my drop of about 5 lbs and hit another wall.  I hope I will be down in the morning. 

Breakfast- cereal

Lunch- cottage cheese w/pineapple
            2 hot wings

Dinner- Hamburger
             12 Frozen crinkle cut fries baked

Snack- 100 cal shortbread cookie pack

Linda

Day 51

It's early evening and I am NOT to tired to write today.  I don't really know how much I have to say. Over the last few days I have been wanting to eat too much.  I haven't done too badly, but not great either.  I missed walking yesterday, but have already done 2 miles today.  I might walk one more this evening because it's really nice outside.

This last 2 week period has been harder to stay on my eating plan than the 3 weeks I was stuck at the same weight.  I don't understand why, but it has been an emotional and hard couple of weeks.  I have done much better today, but I still need to make it until bed time without blowing the day. I really want to snack and pig out!  I won't though.

I had a really cool thing happen yesterday at work.  One of my regular customers who is also a doctor was in the store and asked if I had lost weight.  I was so amazed.  I didn't think anyone would notice until I lost at least 25 lbs.  I guess he notices because of his medical background, he is a kidney specialist.  I also put on my jeans I had been trying to get back into, they are really too tight to wear as of yet, but a couple of months ago I couldn't even get them over my hips.  Very cool!  I'll be wearing them after I loose about 3 or 4 more lbs.

Breakfast- 2 pcs of rasin toast

Lunch- Salad with turkey

Dinner- frozen meal (280 cal)
            5 hot wings ( no breading, no skin )

Snack- slim fast peanut butter snack bar (100 cal)
             1/2 cottage cheese w/pineapple

I need to start eating fruit again.

I think I will go walk.  Have a nice night and take care.

Linda

Day 50

Too tired to post much.  I had a good day with Geoff, Char and Asher.  Fun times.

Breakfast- cereal

Lunch- carrots, squash, salad, baked chicken leg (no skin)

Snack- Asian spicy mix

Dinner- Chicken Taco Salad at Dos Copa's  
              One flour Tortilla w/cheese dip
              About 10 corn chips with Salsa or cheese

No walking today.


Yesterday

Breakfast- egg salad sandwich

Lunch- Turkey Salad Sandwich

Dinner- Steak, salad, green beans

Snack- peanut butter crunch (slimfast snack)
            1 piece rasin bread
            1 pack lora dune (100 cal)

Not a good day.  I had the munchies for some reason.
2 miles

Day 48

I need to loose 3 lbs in 12 days to make 20 lbs in my first 2 months.  That sounds totally "do-able".  Today has been a good day.  I am starting to feel the buzz again like I had the first couple of weeks.  Most of my work pants are starting to get really floppy on me, and my jeans which were too small fit well. I feel pretty good.

I walked one mile this morning before work, and then another mile at the mall.  I think walking in the morning is a good idea.  It gives me energy for the day.  I think I will try to get up early enough to walk again in the morning.  I may have to walk at the mall because it's going to be very cold tonight.

Breakfast- Honey bunches of oats with 2% milk

Lunch- 1/2 tuna sandwich on whole wheat
             small salad with blue cheese

Dinner- grilled chicken, broccoli, salad with blue cheese

Snack- none yet, I may eat a banana.

Have a good night.

Linda

Day 47

Day 47 has been kind of blah as far as my diet goes.  I had another new low weight today though.  I seem to be loosing a lb a day right now.  I guess I was right about burning more calories than I was taking in during the 3 weeks I didn't have a drop on weight.  I am now at 17 lbs down.

Asher was here today, and it rained so we couldn't get out and walk.  I used to have to make myself get out and walk, now I miss it if I don't get to walk.  I feel much better since I started walking.

My nerves have been on edge today.  Noise is bothering me and I just want everyone to be quiet.  That is not possible in my house.  I am now going to bed and closing the door.  Maybe I will be asleep by the time Geoff and the dogs come to bed.  I have given up on alone time.

Breakfast- Honey bunches of oats with 2% milk

Lunch- Egg salad on whole wheat

Snack- Lora Doone (100 cal)
            Slim fast snack bar (100 cal)

Dinner- Steak, steamed carrots, squash, salad, wild rice= small servings

Not a great day but probably under 1200 calories for the day.  I try to stay under 1000. 

day 48

I went to TOPS tonight and I am down 4.2 lbs from my weigh in last Tuesday.  I am down a total of 16 lbs from my original weight at home.  I'm happy with that. 

I walked 2 miles today, one at the mall and one in the neighborhood.  I feel better when I walk and I am walking faster than in the beginning. The music helps.

I will have to start back with my food journal because we are doing a contest at TOPS and I need a food journal for the contest.

Breakfast- cereal

Lunch- maybe a 1/4 of a frozen dinner.  I didn't like a spice in it so I threw it away

Snack- one slim fast peanut and chocolate bar (100 calories)
            one checks mix snack pack (100 calories)

Dinner- Tuna melt with one and 1/2 pieces of whole wheat

I  didn't eat right today.  Too much junk and not enough good stuff.

Linda

Day 46

Hi all!  This has been a crazy busy week for me.  I have only written blurbs because I really haven't had time to sit down and catch up.  I had inventory at work on Wednesday, Dr's appointment for Charlene and closed at work on Thursday, Friday I had Asher, Mike and Daddy all day  then went to a movie with Geoff, Charlene, and the 2 little girls across the street.  Saturday I opened at work and grocery shopped on the way home, then cooked dinner and watched a movie with Mike and Charlene while Geoff did our taxes.  So here we are to Sunday morning, and my only plan is to walk at least 2 miles today (maybe twice) and have a quiet day at home.

I have a new low weight this morning.  I am "almost" to 15 lbs  (14.8)  I am excited that I am finally loosing again.  Thanks for all your support while that was going on.  I'm sure I will need it again.

My eating plan is now routine.  I don't really think too much about snacking or eating things off my diet.  Once in a while I will have a "craziness" and really want to pig out, but my resolve is fairly strong.  I am keeping some things to snack on that are okay for my diet, or at least in a calorie controled package.
I am eating mostly chicken and turkey for meats.  I do eat some beef, but I try to keep it to once or twice a week, and lean pork tenderlion once in awhile. Latley I am eating turkey sandwiches and salads a lot.

My walking has been distupted this week due to the rain and my schedule.  I walked some at the beginning of the week and a couple of times at work, but I have been very active.

Have a good day.

Linda

Day Whatever plus 1

Just like a yo-yo....(I loved Donny Osmond when I was little)  back down the 2 I was up yesterday....haha.

Day Whatever.

Still down yesterday, up almost 2 lbs today.  Can you say....AAAAAHHHHHhhhhhaaaaa!!!

Day 43

Finally a new low weight!  I have now lost 14 lbs.  Hopefully I will start moving down again.  I will be working until around midnight for inventory so I won't be able to post tonight.  Last year after inventory I went to the hospital to sit with my mom. Memories.... I really miss her.  She always wanted me to loose weight and I feel like she is here with and me helping me.

Have a good day.

Linda

Day 42

Day 42 should be a good day.  After all 42 is the meaning of life, right?  I am optimistic today.  I feel pretty good and my feet don't hurt today.  I didn't get to walk yesterday because it was raining....okay, that's a cop out.  I knew it would be raining last night and thought about walking at the mall.  I didn't.

 I will go to TOPS tonight and we'll see what kind of week I had.  At home I am down from where I was a  week ago, but even with my lowest weight.  Going to one cup of coffee and walking has helped the water retention.  I didn't drink enough water yesterday.  I need to get back on that today.

 Have a good day, I will update tonight.

Day 40

I ate Birthday Cake and it was good!  My dad, Charlene and I went to Birmingham to spend Carly's 18th birthday with her.  It was fun.  And of course after all this time trying to get rid of excess water.....I start flushing water out of my system on the 4 hour drive.  That made for an interesting drive.

I did pretty good other than the cake.  I ate a little bit of the fried onion and a roll at dinner that I shouldn't have eaten, but now I am back on track and doing good today so far.  We are home and things are back to normal. 

I  bought me a new Ipod to listen to while I walk.  I loaded some music and I'm listening to Styx while I am typing.  I may write more later, I'm not sure how the evening will go.  I think I should have a new low weight to post in the morning!!!!  FINALLY!!!  The Ipod has a pedometer on it, so it will be fun to track my steps, miles and calories burned while I walk.

Linda

Day 38

Whew!  It's been a day. I really need to see some progress here.  It's been 3 weeks with no weight loss.  Today I was almost back to my lowest weight but I missed it by 1/2 pound.  Maybe tomorrow, but I won't hold my breath.

I didn't post last night because I worked and was tired when I got home.  I just wasn't up to writting, and don't know that I am tonight. I had an okay day yesterday, but I tried to eat less at lunch and dinner and was hungry when I got home so I ate a salad that I wish I had not eaten.  

I walked 2 miles both yesterday and today. Tonight my feet hurt pretty badly.  I will take some advil so that I can sleep.  My legs still feel swolen from the knee down, and my hands feel tight.

I drank lots of water, I'm not measuring because I HAVE to have ice.  I drank at least 8 glasses of water.  I had only one cup of coffee today. 

Breakfast- Egg salad sandwich

Lunch- Turkey on whole wheat with a little mayo, lettuce, and tomoato

Snack- VitaTops (100 cal)

Dinner- small steak
             Steamed Veggies
             1/4 cup of mashed potatoes
             Salad  (lettuce, tomato, onion w/ one serving of blue cheese dressing)

Snack- sherbert 1/2 cup

Day 36

I still have no drop in weight today. I read online about water retention and it seems I am doing all I can to retain water.  I am not drinking enough water.  I am on a diet, drinking coffee morning and evening, and I am not exercising until recently.  Put all this together and you get water retention.  So now I have a new game plan.  I am walking at least every other day (hopefully everyday), I will only drink one cup of coffee in the morning, and I will drink more water.  I guess we will see what happens over the next week.

I know that God taught me a lot of lessons about patience when we were going through our adoption process.  It was a long, hard process to go through.  Those lesson are helping me now. I know my eating plan is a good one.  I am eating a very healthy balanced diet.  I am not leaving out any of the food groups and I am getting enough fat and non-white carbs without over doing.  I am eating veggies, whole grains, lean meats, fruit (not enough some days) and a little milk.  I am even working in tuna once in awhile.

If I continue and become consistant with my walking, I am sure I will have a good weight loss soon, or at least begin moving down the scale again.  I hope my new friends at TOPS will also help out, and allow me to be a help to them also.

Breakfast - Egg Salad Sandwich on a whole wheat sandwich round

Lunch- Turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a little mayo, lettuce and tomato  (no added salt)

Dinner - Baked Chicken in Jerk Chicken Marinade
              Steamed Veggies (fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)
               1/8 cup mashed potatoes

Snack- haven't had one yet but maybe sherbert.

Hanging in there,

Linda

Day 35

Well, I went to TOPS tonight and signed up.  I think it will be good to get involved with other people who are trying to eat right and/or loose weight.  It is a small group of 12 people so it will be like a family.  I gave some of them my blog address and a couple of girls were going to friend me on facebook, it will be nice to have someone to reach out to during the week if I need to and hopefully I can help them too.  This is more like what I had in mind when I started the blog.  So TOPS girls, if you are here welcome!!!

I am still wavering between 11 and 13 lbs lost.  I don't know why I am at a stand still.  It is getting to be depressing but today I have had an amazingly positive attitude about it.  I know that if I stay strong and continue my eating plan, eventually I will start dropping again.  And, I know I am eating healthy which was my goal in the first place, so it should be a win/win.

Charlene is excited about the way she is starting to look and feel.  I can tell by the way she carries herself.  She is much more self confident.  I can tell she feels pretty.  It makes me happy.


Breakfast- 1 cup cereal / dry (every time I decide to eat cereal we are out of milk)

Lunch - Smart Choice Steamer basil chicken

Dinner- Kashi Pizza and salad

Snack- Skinny Cow icecream sandwich/ pickle

I have not been listing my drinks but since I started my eating plan I have only had water, tea, lemonade, or coffee.  (tea and lemonade with splenda)

Day 34

Another day, and I am still here. It has been a pretty good day.  I began walking today and walked 2 miles. I have decided I am going to try going to TOPS (take off pounds sensibly).  It is a support group for weight loss.  It's not expensive, only $26 a year to join and a $5 fee per month.  I have been in the past and lost 50lbs.  It is not a diet program, but rather a support group. Years ago you earned a charm bracelett and charms for weight loss and exercise.  They meet once a week at the library in Braselton, I am going tomorrow night after work.

Breakfast- 1 cup cereal w/milk

Lunch- hamburger patty / salad

Dinner- 3/4 cup whole wheat pasta with meat sauce
             salad
             asparagus

Haven't yet decided if I will eat a snack, it may be sherbert (1/2 cup)

Linda

Day 33

I was back up again today.  It's a little depressing when I am eating so little.  I have to make time to walk. 

Breakfast- 3/4 cup Honey bunches of oats, dry.
                  One slice of whole wheat toast

Lunch- Kashi Chicken Florintine - yuk

Dinner- hamburger on whole wheat sandwich round w/ lettuce and tomoato

Snack- skinny cow ice cream sandwich

Not too many calories but too many carbs today.

Linda

Day 32

I can't wait to see where I will be when I post "Day 365".  Today has been a very nice day.  Geoff and I spent a lot of time together and he has been super sweet.  He said he would start following my blog and he is proud of my effort so far.  While we were talking he said I should find a support group to help out.  I told him that is what the blog is for, but maybe I will look into it.  I guess he is starting to be able to tell a difference in how I am feeling both emotionally and physically.  It meant a lot to me for Geoff to be happy for me.

Geoff and I went to eat dinner and I decided to eat a desert.  I am not calling it cheating because I traded out snacks for it and made a thoughful decision to order the desert.  I don't feel bad about it because I know it is not going to effect my attitude or my long term goal.  I no longer feel that anything is "dangerous" to eat.  I feel under control.

Breakfast - egg sandwich and a pickle

Lunch- Chic-fil-a sandwich on a whole wheat bun

Dinner- Taco Salad with Shredded chicken
              Flan

Linda

Day 31

Day 31 and I've lost a total of 13 lbs.  I guess that will have to do, I was hoping for 20 the first month.  I am feeling much better than I did a month ago.  I am  not nearly as depressed and tired.  Some of my pants are getting loose and I am back in some jeans that I had put in the top of the closet.  My shirts are getting looser again.  Some of them had started getting too small.

I am doing pretty well with my eating.  I bought some Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and some rainbow sherbert to have for an evening snack instead of the yogurt I've been eating.  Just a switch for a break and to keep things interesting.  I have also found some really good frozen meals with whole grains and low fat to take for my lunch at work.  It's amazing how much better the "healthy" frozen food is than it was a few years ago.

I am very proud to say that I walked past the Girl Scouts selling cookies at Walmart!  Those of you who have been reading my blog know that I LOVE Girl Scout cookies.  I have started many diets at the first  of the year, only to blow it all when the cookies go on sale.  I WILL NOT EAT THEM THIS YEAR....if you have some stay away from me.  LOL  I really am okay with them being on sale; I have resolved in my mind that I will not eat them.

Speaking of resolve, I am totally happy that I am a month in and I have continued to keep my mind "right" to eat healthy.  The blog is helping to keep me focused and to be held accountable, I don't know if any of you are still reading (Elizabeth, I know you are there) but it helps just knowing I am going to account for each day to myself if no one else.

Breakfast-egg sandwich

Lunch-Lean Cuisine Steamers Basil Chicken (270 calories and whole wheat pasta) yummy

Snack- apple/ skinny cow icecream sandwich (140 calories)

Dinner- Buffalo Chicken Salad (Chili's) dressing on the side.

I am not bringing home any more of the spicy asian mix.  I have decided it is un-needed carbs and I can't stay out of it.  So if you are not dieting and you want a really good snack you can find it at publix with the nuts in the product section. 

I am also now stuck on Chick-fil-a's diet lemonade.  I stopped and brought one home after dinner.  They have only water, fresh squeezed lemons, and splenda.  A small has 15 calories, so I am estimating a large has 45 calories.  Ask for a nutrition form and you will find they have a lot of things you can add to a diet menu.

Linda

Day 29

I feel much better today. I was off work and slept in until 11:00.  It was very nice.  I seldom sleep that late, but I really needed to have some quiet time and just rest.  I woke up early, watched a little TV, fell back asleep, and watched a little more TV before getting up.  It was a very nice morning.  I spent the day doing almost nothing and enjoyed it.

Geoff and I had an eye doctor appointment and then ate dinner out at Ruby Tuesday's.  Then I came home and cooked ham biscuits for my brothers.  I did not eat one. 

I am starting to get rid of some of the water I've been retaining since last week, finally. And I feel a lot better.

Breakfast - egg sandwich

Lunch- veggie soup and hamburger patty

Dinner- chicken, broccoli, whole grain rice

snack- yogurt

Linda

Day 28

I am depressed.  I have been at the same weight for over a week and I am getting irritated with myself. It is too soon to be on a "plateu".  My moods are starting to be dictated by my lack of loosing another pound.  I am pressing on and fighting the good fight and hoping for a drop of a couple of lbs.  I am still retaining water.  My feet and legs have been feeling tight and achy.  Lesson learned.  No more drinking (not that I make it a habit anyway), but the drinks I had on Wednesday must have caused the swelling.

I have done really well the past couple of days, being back on my routine is definetly helping me stay focused.  Last evening I cooked spaghetti for my family and I stuck with my soup and salad.  I had some whole wheat pasta, but I didn't want to take a chance right now with that.

I could use a little encouragement right now if anyone is out there.

Breakfast - egg salad sandwich on a whole wheat sandwich round

Lunch- veggie soup (chicken, tomatoes, carrots, okra, onions, butter peas, green beans, squash)

Snack - small apple/ light yogurt

Dinner- Tuna melt on a whole wheat hamburger bun

day 27

No news today.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll see some more progress on the scale.  I'm doing okay but disappointed that I didn't loose any weight last week.  I feel like I wasted my time and was hungry for nothing.  I guess the bliss had to end at some point.  I have lost a total of 11 lbs....same, same, same.

Breakfast - Egg sandwich  (same as usual)

Lunch- Veggie Soup

Snack- Small Apple
             1/2 Cup spicy Asian trail mix

Dinner- Veggie Soup / about a cup of salad w/ blue cheese dressing

Linda

Day 26

Back to work today and back to my regular schedule.  There is a comfort in routine.  I like being home and it certianly makes it easier to stay on my eating plan. I really enjoyed seeing my friends at the managers meeting and catching up with them all, but I was ready to come home about the second day. If I had come home earlier I would have done much better with my meals.

I am back to where I was a week ago.  It's kind of depressing, but at least I didn't gain any real weight back while I was gone.  It was a totally wasted week. 

This morning I was determined to get my eating back to my plan and I did.  I was  good today, but it is easier when I am working because I don't want to snack.  I just don't really think about food when I am at work.  And now that I am dieting, I really eat to stay functional. If I don't eat, I can't think clearly at times.

Breakfast - egg sandwich on a sandwich round

Lunch - Kashi  Sweet and Sour Chicken  (good and filling)

Snack - Apple, and 1/4 cup spicy asian trail mix (85 calories)

Dinner- Hambuger on sandwich round with a small salad w/ blue cheese dressing

It was a pretty good day.
Linda

Day 25

Hello, I'm back from my business trip and ready to get going again.  I have come to a stand still over the last few days because I could not eat on my plan for a few days.  Although I am happy to say that while I was gone I ate very little I shouldn't have.  There was candy in front of me all day every day and I didn't eat one piece.  I did however eat a piece of Birthday cake on day 3.  Birthday cake is a weakness for me!  I love it so much.  I asked for a small inside piece so there was not much frosting.  I had a few drinks the last night there too.  I gave away all my drink tickets the first day so that I wouldn't drink.  Then I ended up having a margarita one night and a few drinks at the awards dinner party.  Fail, but fun? Does that cancel  out? 

I also ate some potatoes at dinner and half of a whole wheat bagle at breakfast each morning.  The carbs caused me to retain water.  I am planing to make some soup for my lunches next week so that I will be going back to week 1 pretty much to get things moving again.  Not a bad week, but certianly not a good week.  I am up about 2 lbs, but I am sure it is water retention, so I am not terribly worried about it. 

Okay, I fessed up.  I wasn't looking forward to writing this post, but there it is.  Now to get back on track and eat on my original plan, and start walking TODAY!

Day 20

I made it though my travel day.  It was a strange day, but I went to bed hungry so I must have done alright. There wasn't much at the SuperBowl Party I could really eat on my diet.  I ate 2 chicken wing (without the skin or crust) with some carrots and celery, and the cold cuts off of my sandwich.  I avoided the desert table for day one, so I am happy about that.  We'll see how the rest of the meeting goes.  I am going out to eat dinner with some of the managers tonight so I should be able to find something other than salad to eat.  I would really like some solid food.  Chicken sounds good to me right now.

I will write more tomorrow.  It's a little difficult to blog in the media center.  No privacy. 

But all in all, so far so good.

Linda

Is it Day 18?

Hi all, if you are there.  I don't really feel like writting now, but since I am going away tomorrow for a few days I really should.  I was down 11 lbs. this morning!  Woot!  I have done well with my eating today. But as you will see, I am still skipping fruits and veggies during the day.  I seem to be keeping a good attitude.

I went to Walmart with Geoff today thinking we would get some lunch.  When we got there and I asked if he was hungry he said, "no, I already ate lunch."  I guess I was out of luck.  I almost got too hungry before we were done shopping.  I was wanting to eat everything in sight, but don't worry!  I didn't.

We went to Chick-fil-a and I got a diet lemonade and a chicken wrap.  All is well that ends well I guess.

I'll be out of town until Thursday afternoon.  I will do the best I can to stay on my eating plan. I may have to make a couple of adjustments, but I believe I can do it.  The goal is to come home at a lower weight than when I leave.

Breakfast -  2 eggs scrambled with turkey sausage in a whole wheat tortilla with salsa (I only ate 3/4)
                    coffee

Lunch- 1/2 Chicken Ceasar Wrap from Chick-fil-a
             diet lemonade

Dinner - Taco salad (homemade with lean and rinsed ground beef)
               diet lemonade

no snacks so far but I may eat a yogurt before bed tonight

Linda

Day 17

Hello all, welcome back.  Today was a good day.  I think I will begin posting my meals each day.  It will help me later if I need to know what I did during a good weight loss week or a slow week.  Also it might help one of you to plan meals if you are trying to loose weight also.

I am doing something lately that I am afraid will become dangerous.  I am not loosing as fast as I was in the beginning and that is expected.  But I find myself trying to leave off parts of my meal, or do without my snacks.  I feel like I might loose weight a little faster this way, but I run a larger risk of getting "out of control" and eating things I shouldn't eat.  I need to try to be more deligent about eating according to  my plan.

I have decided I am going to make soup again after my trip.  It is easy to pack and take to work and I get my veggies in every day.  I am going to be out of town for a few days next week.  I leave on Sunday morning and get back on Thursday afternoon.  I will have a limited choice of foods and will need to choose wisely.  My plan is to weigh when I leave and try to come back at least a pound down.  Wish me luck!

Breakfast- Kashi Berry Crunch 1 cup with 2% milk  ( I only ate half of it)

Lunch- Smart Choice meal  Sweet and Sour Chicken with whole grain rice and broccoli

Dinner - Loco's House Salad with steak strips and blue cheese dressing

No Snacks  :(

Have a great night,

Linda

Day 16

I really don't have anything to post tonight.  It was a very quiet day.  I worked second shift, so I didn't eat much this evening.  I'll just post my meals.

Breakfast - 1 egg on a whole wheat sandwich thin

Lunch - veggie burger with lettuce and tomato and lightly spread mayo
             Whole wheat sandwich thin

Supper- Lean Cuisine meal  280 calories

Snack - Yogurt
              Pickle



That is all for today.  Have a good night.

Linda

Day 15

I have had an emotional day.  I seem to carry the problems of the people I care about and my brother who has had a rough year, had some bad news today.  I turned to food for comfort, but......I did not eat the food.  I just fed him!  We went for mexican at lunch and I ate a taco salad with shredded chicken.  I took half the sour cream and guacamole off , and added lots of salsa.  I watched him eat the chips and cheese dip and I didn't eat even one.  I wanted to, but once I made the decision not to eat it, I was okay with it. 

For dinner I had a Kashi veggie pizza.  It was very yummy.  I wasn't sure it would be.  It had broccoli on it and although I love broccoli, I wouldn't think about it being good on a pizza.  I was wrong.  Charlene even liked it.  Also, more good news, I ate the pizza after cooking salmon patties, biscuits, and gravy for Mike and Dad.  I really wanted to eat that too but I only tasted a tad of the gravy to see if I had seasoned it correctly. 

So....it was a good day.  Emotional, but good.  My brother loves me, I was able to be here for him and hopefully make a difference in his day.  And I stayed on my diet!  Woot!

Oh, and for breakfast I had a cup of Honey Bunches of Oats cereal.  The was my first cereal since I started my new eating plan and I dont' know how I feel about it.  The calories are okay, and the carbs didn't send me through a spike and crash cycle and cause me to get hungry.  I'll see what the scale says in the morning before I decide to eat cereal again, but I did buy some Kashi cereals for Charlene.  (who has lost 12 lbs and I am very happy for her and proud of her).

Oh and one other thing I am happy about tonight.  I have found out that there are people reading my blog who I don't know about....welcome Runelle!  It really makes me happy to know people are out there cheering me on and just so all of you know...you were there at the table with me today when I didn't eat the chips and queso, and when I didn't eat the biscuits!  The blog is definetly helping me stay on course.

Have a great night, say a prayer for my family, and God bless you all.

Linda

Day 14

Wow, I guess this concludes the first 2 weeks of my new eating plan.  I am down 9 lbs and doing really well.  I feel better.  I have more energy. And, my clothes are fitting better.  I can tell in small ways that I have lost weight.  I am sure it is not noticeable to anyone yet.  I will probably need to loose more like 25 to 30 lbs for people to start noticing in a real way.

I thought of something I really wanted to write in the blog as I was going to sleep last night.  I always replay the day in my head just before I go to sleep. I don't remember what it was.  I do however want to talk about how I weigh myself each day.  The official weight for each day is in the morning with my gown.  Before I have eaten or drank anything for the day.  Now that my first two weeks are over.  I will begin posting my loss once a week.  It can be a surprise for you to look forward to.

Today I ate the following:

Egg salad on a sandwich thin
Smart Choice frozen dinner 280 calories
Apple
Chicken salad on a sandwich thin and a tossed salad
yogurt

It was a good day.  I was not hungry.

Night all,

Linda

Day 13

Okay the new weight showed up again this morning.  I am now down a total of 8 lbs!  Woot!  I am starting to be able to tell a difference in the way my clothes are fitting.  Some of them were getting too small, and I was going to have to go up another size if I didn't loose weight.  I am so glad I made the decision to change my eating habits.

Today I forgot to take my lunch to work with me so I ended up eating my larger meal for lunch.  I had a hamburger steak with mushrooms and a salad from Chilli's.  That is not really on the menu, so I order a Mushroom Swiss Burger, hold the bun and the cheese.  I substitute a side salad for the fries. 

We had left overs for dinner.   Chili and cornbread (no I didn't eat the cornbread). :) 

I have not been hungry today at all.  I feel very satisfied with the amount I am eating, but would sometimes like to have things like a frappuccino  from Starbucks.  I sort of miss things like that, although not enough to actually drink one.  I could of course if I wanted to, but I don't want to slow my weight loss down.  It just doesn't seem worth it at this point.

Looking back at yesterday, I am very pleased with the out come. I know I am an emotional eater, and yesterday was a very emotional day.  I got through it with flying colors.

Thanks for reading and hanging in there with me!

Linda

Day 12

Hello all, it's the  close of Sunday night.  I made it through the day without cheating by snacking on carrots and celery.  I don't know why, but I so wanted to munch some carbs today.  I guess it was because of the mood I woke up in this morning.  I was really sort of depressed about my Grandmother and missing my mom.  And of course Geoff was in a foul mood, that always helps the stress level.  I guess husbands have their days just like we do ladies.

We had tickets to go to the theater to see West Side Story at the Fox, but none of us really felt like going so I gave the tickets to my dad and a brother and sister-in law.  That means Charlene and I got to keep Asher who is my 8 month old nephew.  We love him so much and he brightens up even the worse day.  We had fun with Asher and they loved the play so all was well.

Today I made some chicken salad for lunch and for dinner we had tenderloin with steamed veggies and I ate 1/4 of a baked potato.  I skipped my yogurt again because I had my carbs in the potato.  I think it was a good day.  And I was down to a new low weight this morning.  I'm not going to claim this pound until I see it again. 

I hope everyone has a  good day.  I would love comments and if you know someone that is dieting, please give them my blog address.  Maybe we can help each other. 

Linda

Day 11

Well, I'm still tired tonight for some reason.  I get to sleep in tomorrow, maybe that will help.  I don't think it's the diet making me tired. 

I had a good day today as far as the diet goes.  I don't seem to be tempted to eat off my plan at all.  It's easy when your mind is right.  I hope I can keep it that way. I am about 7 lbs down, but I am retaining water today.  I woke up with my feet hurting and feeling quite sluggish.  It's the first day since I started the diet that I've felt that way.  I've had sort of a buzz up until last night.

For the next few days I am trying something different.  I am eating frozen dinners for lunch.  I'm sort of tired of soup.  I hope it will go well. 

Last night, Geoff and I went out to eat. We never seem to make it to a movie.  It was our first meal out since I started the diet.  He wanted a steak so we went to Outback.  I ordered the 6oz. sirloin with steamed veggies, mushrooms and salad.  It was very good.  We enjoyed our "date night out".  And I didn't cheat on my diet.  I didn't even really want to.  Because we were eating out and I couldn't control how things were cooked and I ate my salad dressing, I skipped my yogurt and fruit yesterday.

Thats about all for now. 

Linda

Day 10

It was a good day.  I didn't excercise.  I am tired and going to bed.  I don't want to write tonight. 

Day 9

I wrote on the blog this morning but must have forgotten to hit post....bummer.  Well the day is almost over.  I guess if I went to bed it would be over.  I had another good day.  I am motived enough that I am not too tempted to eat things I shouldn't have.  I think the blog is helping me stay focused and resist eating yummy things.

Last night for dinner I had a hamburger on a sandwich round with lean ground beef and it was sooooo good!  I guess after eating chicken all week, I really enjoyed the burger.  I need to learn to make a good turkey burger. It would be better than beef, but eating the burger didn't hurt me because I was down again this morning.  I crossed a major threshold and I have lost right at 6.5 lbs.  It's sort of fun while the weight is coming off quickly.  I know soon it will slow to about 2 to 3 lbs a week.  But think about it. If I stay on my eating plan for a year and I lose a average of 2 lbs a week, that will be 104 lbs!  Very nice. 

My motivation for losing weight is that I have come to an age/weight combination that will not work for me.  I realise that if I don't lose weight now, in a few years it will only be much slower and harder for me because that seems to be the trend post menapause.  Also, if I don't lose the weight I will not enjoy the remainer of my life.  I have dealt with depression that is worsened by the weight issue, and I no longer feel well.  I have too many aches and pains and they will only get worse with time.  I notice older women who are heavy tend to walk like it is painful. I don't want that to be me in a few years.  Also I have noticed the shortage of older "fat" people.  We die young, and I have Charlene to think about.  I want to be here for her and be a grandmother to her children.

I have the option of surgery because I have wonderful insurance.  I have seriously thought about it and doctors have tried to get me to go this route for years.  It is a drastic thing to do, and if for some reason I fail to succeed on this effort I will have the surgery, but I have to give this one last try.  I know about nurtition and could almost write a book on the subject.  I also know how my body looses weight because I lost 50lbs in the past.  So it seems a shame to mutilate my digestive system to loose weight.

I excercised today!  Yea!

Day 8

Well one week down!  The first week is always the hardest until Girl Scout Cookie week in March.  I love the Trefoils and Thin Mints.  I will get past them this year!  I was down 5lbs when I weighed this morning.  It has been a good week.  I am sure no one else could tell I've lost any weight but it has made a big difference in how I feel.  I don't think I have taken Advil at all this week.  I usually take some a few times a week for general aches and pains, esp. for my feet because I stand on a concrete floor all day at work. 

This week my goal is to begin exercising daily.  I should at least be walking the neighborhood or the mall once a day.  They are each about a mile in distance.  So rain or cold weather should not make too much of a difference.  I should have started this past week, but that part of the plan was a fail.

My only cheat this week was the small spoon of Mac & Cheese I ate last Sunday night at the staff party.  I think that is pretty damn good. Oh, and tonight I ate 1 french fry (who says you can't eat just one?!)  I have not craved sugar in a few days.  I think it helps that I am having a yogurt at night.  It makes me feel like I am having something sweet and a treat.  I am sprinkling a little bit of granola on it for some crunch (about 1/8 cup).

 Watching Dr Oz today reminded me that I need to get some fish oil supplements to take.  I will do that tomorrow.  It is supposed to do a lot of great things for you including decreasing inflammation. One doctor said he suggests it to his patients and "watches their heath improve".  I think it's worth the trouble.  Dr. Oz says to take 600mg of omega 3 a day, and the 17 Day Diet book also says to take it.  As you can tell I am not staying strictly on the meal plan for the diet book.  I'm eating a lot of fruits and veggies (non starchy), eggs, small amounts of whole grain breads, low fat meats, and my serving of yogurt each day.

This would be an example of a days meals and snacks:

Breakfast- 2 eggs on a whole wheat sandwich round or whole wheat tortilla
                 Coffee

Lunch- Veggie Soup (home made so that I can control salt and fat)
             Green Tea

Snack - apple or banana
            
Dinner-Tuna melt
            Salad with a small amount of regular dressing
            Water

Snack- Light Yogurt

Linda

Day 6

Not much to report today.  I had a good day. I am learing that I need to take and apple or something to work with me to snack on late in the afternoon.  I get too hungry and sort of weak before I can get home to cook dinner. So I want to have some sort of snack before I cook.  And when I say hungry, I mean "true hunger"  not just wanting something to eat.

We had our staff party last night and I did very well.  My dad and I stopped for coffee and I ate a yogart parfait before we went to dinner so I was able to avoid the mac&cheese and the peach cobbler.  Just chicken and green beans for me please.  We had free sodas all night and I drank unsweetened tea.  Good job Linda!! Woot!

Oh yeah, I have learned in my various diets that when you burn body fat your body throws off ketones. So you can check to see if you are in ketosis with a ketostick (you can get them at any pharmacy).  I am!  Just another way to gage how I am doing and keep myself motivated.

Have a wonderful night/morning/day which ever you are experiencing when you read this.
I can do all things in Christ Jesus who strenghtens me!

Linda

Day 5

Yesterday went well.  I have pretty much stopped craving sugar.  I miss the full feeling I get from bread, so I am working whole wheat into my meals for the day.  There are some really good sandwich rounds that have only 100 calories per serving so I can have bread with my egg salad.  Also I got some turkey sausage crumbles and whole wheat tortillas for a breakfast burrito that is very good.  The tortillas are very thin and good.  I scramble 2 eggs (or 4 egg whites) with olive oil, scattered with a few of the turkey sausage crumbles and roll it into the tortilla. It's good, healthy, and filling for breakfast.

I made a big pot of veggie soup that turned out really good.  I started with chicken tenders and cooked them.  Then I added to the broth tomato puree (Charlene doesn't like tomato chunks), fresh carrots, onions, and potatoes (only a few because my daughter likes them.  I ate around them), frozen okra, peas (any kind), and green beans.  Then I seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, red pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.  I left the tenders whole so that I could get a tender in each serving and cut it with my spoon as I ate.  It was delicious!  Well the beauty of the soup is it's still delicious because it's in the fridge!

I am down 4 lbs and very happy.  I will not post my begining weight, but I will post a picture soon. I haven't really explored blogspot to know how everything works here.  So far I only have one follower and she knows how I look so it hasn't been a problem as of yet :) 

Have a great Sunday and I will be back soon.

Day 3

I had a really good day today.  Work was fun.  Josh and I got a lot done and both of us were in a great mood.  I feel good and my energy level is up from a few days ago.  It always seems as soon as I start getting the sugar and carbs processed out of my system I start to feel better and I have more energy.

I know the key to my success is planning ahead for meals at work and the evening meal so that I won't go crazy snacking before I can get dinner planned and cooked. Plan for success!  I cooked a big pot of collard greens and some squash at the begining of the week so that I would have some veggie's easy to access for meals.  I love veggies!  I have only eaten chicken and eggs for protien this week, no red meat this week.  I've had apples and yogart for snacks and if you have never tried slicing apples thin for a cripy chip with a sandwich it's great.  You get the crisp effect and none of the fat or salt.  I think tomorrow morning I will cook a big pot of veggie soup. Most of the veggies are "free"; I just won't put in potatoes, or very few (Charlene loves the little potatoes).  And I will skip the cornbread.

I hope someone finds this blog and it gives you some encouragement to begin a diet.  That would be so wonderful!  By the way, I was down 2 lbs. this morning.  Woot!

Geoff and I are going to see a movie and I will have to report back that I DID NOT eat popcorn and coke.  Just a little extra incentive to not eat the popcorn.

Happy Friday!

Linda

Day 2

I have almost made it through day 2.  I felt really good today, then I remembered I posted the blog on my Facebook wall.  That might have been stupid!  Oh well, if you are reading, welcome.

Okay, what do I think of the 17 Day Diet?  Well, it startes out low fat and almost no carbs to get you off to a good start.  I have no problems with that.  Acutally it is what I have pretty much done on my own before.  I have dieted, read about nutrition, and watched talk shows enough to pretty much know how to loose weight and I can say the eventual plan that you work your way up to on this diet is healthy and will work.  The trick is to get your mind right.  Today I feel like I have done that, but it is a very delicate balance to keep you mind right.

For anyone stumbling across this blog, my name is Linda.  I am a 48 year old mother and wife.  My daughter is 13.  I have a large family of 6 siblings and a father most of who live near by.  My mother died a year ago. I miss her very much.

I have been over weight most of my life begining in elementary school.  Food is a very good friend, it makes me feel warm, comfortable, safe, and I guess rewarded in a way.  Until I think about the consequence of my over eating.  Then I feel depressed, unworthy, tired, and weak as a person.  It is a constant battle in my mind from the time I wake, until I go to bed every day.  If I am eating I feel guilty, if I am not eating, I want to eat.

I am bloging so that I have accountablitly.  I really don't like to fail, at least not in front of people.  I am hoping this will help keep me on track. I plan for this to be a fairly honest blog, so if you join me here you may get to know me better than you really want to know me....you may want to turn back now!!!  And by the way, I have a sense of humor, so not everything I write will be completely serious, please read with a sense of humor.

Today was a good day. I feel good and I had energy.  I did not feel like I hated myself today, I was sort of proud of myself today.  I am off to a good start.

Have a nice night.  I'm going to watch Steven Tyler on AI!!!

Lindies

Day One

Well, today was really just half a day.  I got my 17 Day Diet Book and I said I would start when it came so I did.  I'm sort of proud of that.  It would have been easy to wait until Monday or even tomorrow.  But that is how we gain weight isn't?  Eating today because we are going to start our diet on Monday.

I have no idea that anyone will ever even read this.  But I have found in the past that if I have someone to be accountable to, I will not want to disappoint them so I follow my diet much better. Anyway, if you are here, welcome.  If not....oh well.

It is late and I have to work tomorrow.  I will write more and try to be a little more interesting when I get home.
I will even give a few details of what I think about the diet book, how I feel, and some of my back ground.  I hope someone will find this blog and offer encouragement, friendship, or even join me on my quest to become healthy.

Lindies