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Sassykat
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Posted: 18 August 2010 10:45 pm |
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Thank you NineChoirs. For now, I think I will just try and be more conscious of my calorie intake. I'm not sure yet exactly, but I had another bout of feeling shaky today because I was "between meals" and got stuck waiting over an hour at the high school when I went to pick up my son from football practice.
Then I read this article taken from here:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/13/should-you-eat-many-small-meals-each-day.aspx
Does Eating More Frequent Meals Really Rev Up Your Metabolism? Posted By Dr. Mercola | April 13 2010 | 191,014 views .twitdiv { height:20px;} Share685 Previous Article Next Article  You’ve probably heard that eating smaller meals, several times a day will stimulate your metabolism, and keep it revved to burn more calories throughout your day.
The New York Times points out that although some studies have found modest health benefits to eating smaller meals, the research usually involved extremes.
Many weight-loss books and fad diets claim six meals a day is a more realistic approach.
But will it really make a difference?
The New York Times states: “As long as total caloric and nutrient intake stays the same, then metabolism, at the end of the day, should stay the same as well. One study that carefully demonstrated this, published in 2009 in The British Journal of Nutrition, involved groups of overweight men and women who were randomly assigned to very strict low-calorie diets and followed for eight weeks. Each subject consumed the same number of calories per day, but one group took in three meals a day and the other six.
Both groups lost significant and equivalent amounts of weight. There was no difference between them in fat loss, appetite control or measurements of hormones that signal hunger and satiety. Other studies have had similar results.”
Exercise, on the other hand, seems to effectively increase metabolism according to studies.
Sources:  New York Times March 21, 2010
The British Journal of Nutrition November 30, 2009; 1-4. [Epub ahead of print]
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 18 August 2010 10:54 pm |
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And it really got me to wondering if it all boils down to the simple concept of taking in less calories then you are expending.
I'm kind of in the middle of trying to figure out what works best for me. I am happy I did the BC diet though. It was awesome being able to lose a few pounds in such a short time.
Some good news, I tried the Raw Thyroid today and within a few hours I felt better. So the first day of trying it went well. I actually didn't receive the Raw Adrenal yet, but I noticed the Raw Thyroid actually has some adrenal in it.
I'm very pleased with the progress and results I have been getting from my supplements.  Yay! Thank you Lord for these lovely supplements!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 19 August 2010 04:20 pm |
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So I thought I would post my weight this morning 134.2 lbs
I ate some junk yesterday, but I didn't binge. I ate a cinnamon roll and 2 chocolates.
I have learned after my own experience and after reading Sylphides diary that a lot of the weight I lost on the few days I did the BC diet was water. Eating a lot of protein without any grains or starches apparently puts your body into a state where the water and electrolytes are drawn out and along with the low calorie aspect, you lose weight.
So I am not surprised, in fact I expected my weight to go up some after ending the diet.
I am going to try and keep an eye on my eating. Things seem to just be getting busier for me. I am struggling to keep up with everything. One good thing is I seem to be doing very well with this new Raw Thyroid I am trying. That and the Krill oil are doing a good job of giving me energy and putting me in a great mood.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 21 August 2010 05:55 pm |
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Weight this morning 132.8 lbs.
I am intent on getting my weight down under 130lbs.
It is the end of summer pretty much and there are a couple of things on my mind.
I do not want to gain 10 pounds over the holidays this year.
I do not want to weigh more next summer than I weighed this summer. (I weighed more this summer than I did last summer. )
I at least want to get under 130 lbs and stay there.
I don't have any long term plans on how to accomplish this, but I am toying with the idea of doing the Alternate Day Diet - at least for one week - that being next week.
Other than that... I do not know what the future holds.
We have that fairwell dinner to attend this evening, for one of our priests who is leaving. I sure will miss him. Unfortunately I am feeling under the weather. The stomach flue is going around and I think I have a touch of it.
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Scoobees
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 21 August 2010 06:35 pm |
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Wow Sassy - you're almost under 130 NOW!  Nice! Of course, I'm jealous.  The lowest I've ever been in my entire life was 133, and that lasted for like 5 minutes. 
Your comment on the holidays/weight gain is always a scary time for me. Once all the treats start lining the shelves, I'm a gonner. All the chocolately goodness...the pumpkin rolls... and all the get-togethers that the holidays bring is so rough. What should be a fun-filled experience spending time with family & friends can be a disaster when everything revolves around FOOD.  Yep, pretty much from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve is a slippery slope for me!  I'm hoping this year I'll have a better handle on things.
I hope you're feeling better for that dinner tonight! Have a great weekend!
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Hisgal
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Posted: 22 August 2010 05:18 am |
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Sassy, I should be in bed..........the grandkids finally went to sleep. They all sleep in one room when they are at our house.
But, part of your last paragraph reminded me of something. Our church gives every family a "Portals of Prayer" devotion book. It's quarterly, and at the end of each book is a morning and evening prayer for each day of the week, as well as special prayers for holidays and occasions. There's a line in the Friday morning prayer that says........"Lord I don't know what the future holds, but I know that you hold the future."
I love that line!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 August 2010 09:47 pm |
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Weight this morning 133.8 lbs
I ate a lot of sugar yesterday. We went to a special event at church where one of the sisters made her perpetual vows. It was the most beautiful mass I have been to. Awesome! I felt like I was in heaven. After wards was the reception and it was just as special and as beautiful as a wedding reception. What an experience!
Food wise, I had punch and sweetened tea - lots of sugar. I'm not use to drinking sweetened drinks other than my coffee with stevia so between that and the cake I felt sugar overload. As if that wasn't enough later in the evening I had some toffee popcorn.
I'm actually not enjoying my down day today, but I am staying strong and getting through it. I don't know if I will do it more than a week though. I've really gotten to where I don't like dieting anymore. I really just need to learn to eat better on a day to day basis, that doesn't cause me to gain weight. And it has to be in a way that I don't feel rebellious or deprived.
So, I pretty much want to get down to 130 lbs by then end of September. That's about 4 lbs I need to lose. One way or another I know I can do it.
I've also decided what weight is appropriate for me as far as being healthy. It's kind of a wide 10 lb range of between 115 lbs and 125 lbs.
Today I went through my closet. I took everything out and laid it on my bed. Whew! I didn't realize I had that many clothes! What a chore it was! Then I went through the tedious process of weeding out what didn't fit (which meant trying on way too many clothes) and stuff that looked just awful. How can some stuff fit in the waist and yet still be super baggy in the hips and thighs? Not flattering!
I got rid of a lot of stuff and organized the rest. It needed to be done. Somehow because of the chaos of my closet I felt like I didn't have anything to wear, even though it was apparent after going through everything, that I had plenty to wear.
Don't ask for an explanation because it is something I don't understand myself.
The good news... I can actually fit into some skinny clothes that I bought at my lowest weight when doing the Alternate Day Diet before of 128 lbs. This is another thing I don't understand, but I'm totally happy about it!
I am happy about my clothes situation. I've got some extra things I can wear, that I had, but I didn't know fit me - or rather ... they fit me now after doing the BC diet for a bit and having the stomach flue for a couple of days. LOL
Pat, I love that line too. It's very comforting. I bet your grand-kids like all sleeping in one room when they visit you. Then it's like a slumber party.
Scoobs, thank you so much for all the positive things you said. I love all the goodies during the holidays too   , which is why I'm chanting my goals now - to help strengthen my control over my weight. Hopefully we both can manage better this year!
Now I just need to focus on my goals. A non -weight goal I have is to get rid of some of the clutter in my house. It's just getting too hard to clean house and it doesn't stay clean long enough. The closet was a good place to start, but because it's hidden, nobody can see that I did anything.
Last edited on 23 August 2010 09:53 pm by Sassykat
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 August 2010 01:38 am |
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I really don't think my heart is in it to do anymore dieting. This is the week before ttom for me. I've missed several days of my supplements due to the stomach flue and I feel a bit irritable. That does not go well with dieting. He heh.
I read Nir's link in Fire Man Joe's diary and I have conflicting thoughts and emotions about Dr. Furhman's points in his books. I agree with eating natural foods and nutrient dense foods, but I disagree with his attitude about animal protein, dairy products, low salt (I believe sea salt is healthy) and I also do not feel soy is healthy. It blocks the actions of the thyoid. Our hormones are made from the building blocks of cholesterol and I do not believe it is healthy to cut out most fat, sure we shouldn't over do it, just like anything, but cutting out foods will throw a body out of balance. I love eggs and I think they are very healthy. I've read many great health attributes of eggs.
I do think I should be eating healthier. And I do think I would get healthier by increasing my fruits and veggies and I'm sure I would lose weight in the process also. I also know that eating more fermented foods is healthy, but about the only ones that I have available to me and feel comfortable eating are yogurt and vinegar. I could try some of the new kefir drinks that have recently come out in our grocery stores.
I thought about finishing out the week with the Alternate Day Diet as I had planned, but then I thought "Why do it if it is making me feel miserable?"
I am hungry!
I am in a post- stomach- flue-pre-ttom-PMS state and the hungrier I am the more grouchy I get.
LOL
I've read a lot about nutrition from various sources and it seems like I've picked up good points from each source, but the truth that resonates with me is to not completely cut out a food group which could result in a dangerous nutrition deficiency, but to eat more whole and natural foods with extra large portions of vegetables, beans and fruits and keep the processed junk to a minimum.
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 August 2010 01:56 am |
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Hiya Sassy! I have super limited CPH time these days so I haven't read diaries in a bit...but I was feeling "rebellious" and picked your diary to catch up on....so glad I did! It's interesting to see the different ideas you've had about the different diets, and I totally agree with your last conclusion! I can see cutting out whole food groups if your body reacts badly (i.e dairy if you're lactose intolerant, high gi carbs if you have problems with insulin sensitivity, etc.), but otherwise, a balance between ALL food groups strikes me as best for the long run...says the chick who's struggling to adhere to vegetarianism...but I gotta add it's not for health/weight control - just an increasing personal discomfort with eating animal flesh. And totally get you on the soy...I wonder why/how it became considered a "health" food when so much information points otherwise?
And...nice about finding all the clothes that fit in your closet...what's better than acquiring "new" clothes that you don't have to spend money for?
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 August 2010 03:31 pm |
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Well thank you so much Suenos for posting your opinions (I especially can appreciate them because they are similar to mine! He heh). The last thing I expected when I logged on today was to find someone who was in agreement with me! Most of the time I find that my point of view differs with the mainstream. So it really tickled me to read your post - thanks!
The funny thing is, though I defend animal protein, it is mainly due to all the nutrients found in it naturally that our bodies simply cannot live without. I've never totally been in love with "meat". When I grew up I didn't care for it that much and would only have a few bites. I do like eggs and some meat that is tender and not overly tough and chewy. I have noticed that I feel better when I drink more of the natural whey protein shakes though, so my body must be getting some of the fuel it needs.
I also think that there is something to listening to your body to figure out what it needs. I was pretty good at doing that when I was pregnant - or maybe it was that my body spoke so much louder then. Ha hah. I think, I should give it a more serious effort now in continuing my health journey.
Today I need to get the fridge cleaned out. This has got to be made a priority if one is going to be consuming plentiful amounts of fresh produce.
Breakfast was: 1 nectarine, 1 apple and some cashews.
It is cold and rainy today , but I feel far less crabby! 
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Scoobees
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 August 2010 07:25 pm |
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Sassykat wrote: Most of the time I find that my point of view differs with the mainstream.
Sassy - most great minds have views that differ from the mainstream! Who wants to be mainstream anyway? 
I hear you loud and clear on sooo many things. As someone who has done almost every ridiculous diet and/or exercise program , I've experienced so many things.  One of the strangest things I put myself through has to have bee the alternate day diet! I don't know how you do it! Ok Scoobs, eat normally one day (don't hold back, but don't purposely overeat) and the next day, just make sure you stay below 500 cal? How does that even make sense, you know? Just like what I am doing now, eliminating tons of foods? Say what? 
I've always believed a diet simply cannot be legit if you have to eliminate food groups. I think that's why I feel a bit apprehensive about becoming an ETLer. I guess if I were eliminating meat because of personal morals/beliefs that would be something different. I just thought I could become a healthier person and hopefully lose some pounds in the process.
But then I read, Oh...If you're vegan you must supplement your diet with this, and this, and don't forget that.... Man, how healthy can that be either???
I really don't know what I am trying to say, but I'm sure you've come to the same conclusion. I guess I don't believe in 'diets' either. I was hoping ETL wouldn't feel like a diet (so far it doesn't) and I was hoping it would just become 'ME' after awhile. I feel good, I don't miss meat at all, could go for some cheese though. But the nagging feeling in my head doesn't go away that I might be doing more harm than good.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 25 August 2010 02:59 pm |
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Weight this morning 132.4 lbs - That's my new low. Yay!
I don't think I'd be losing weight at all if it weren't for my supplements. I think they are helping to balance my endocrine system and help my thyroid and everything work a bit better.
I agree with you Scoobs. Sometimes I feel like, getting myself to feel good and healthy is such a delicate balance, that doing some diet that ends up throwing off that balance can so easily do more harm than good. The last time I did ETL that happened to me, but there were probably several reasons for that. I was not getting enough fat - that I think contributed to my gall bladder problems. I was avoiding bread and meat - and those things made me very weak. Almost every diet I have done has given me health problems. I have felt weak, tired, cold and depressed. Then taking supplements makes me feel better.
So I figure my thyroid and probably my whole endocrine system is teetering on a fine line of being functional. What do you do? Losing the extra weight will increase your health, but dieting slows the metabolism and makes you feel worse. Not getting the proper nutrients also makes you feel worse.
Sigh!
It's all so complicated.
The happy medium seems to lie in the distance, like a shiny star that is out of reach.
I felt pretty good with the supplements I took yesterday. Maybe I will write them down later when I get the chance. Right now I'm going to go do my treadmill exercise.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 25 August 2010 04:21 pm |
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My treadmill exercise wasn't as great as it use to be. My legs were maddeningly itchy and crampy. So I decided to have a protein shake instead of the fruit for breakfast I originally planned on. Plus I read that you shouldn't consume sugar or even fruit after a workout, in order to keep your benefits from it. And I think I need to increase my magnesium today.
Yesterdays supplements:
- Fish oil
- B-Complex
- Magnesium
- Maca
- 1/2 tablet of Iodoral
- 200 mcg selenium
- 1 Mercola whole food multivitamin (contains 50 mcg selenium also)
- 1 Raw Adrenal capsule
I had a lot of energy yesterday - even into the evening, but it wasn't hard to fall asleep, in fact at 9:00 I was sleepy and went to bed early and fell asleep right away.
Yesterday was the first time I tried the Raw Adrenal. Of course I also took all that other stuff, but it seemed like a really good combination gauging how I felt. I took the same thing today. The only difference is tonight I will take some more magnesium to help loosen up my muscles a little for tomorrow.
I took a peek at the scale after my workout and it read 132.0 lbs
I think I might actually reach my weight loss goal this year!
Ttom is right around the corner though. I keep waiting for my weight to go back up again.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 September 2010 05:05 pm |
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Weight this morning 133.8 lbs
It's ttom
Things have been really busy. I have been looking for a job again. School has started and that always contributes it's own business of activities and homework that my kids need help with.
And lately my step father has been calling and upset with various situations due to my mom's illness with Alzheimer's. It's been upsetting and our finances have been stressful.
However, I can easily see myself losing sight of my weight loss goals and so I decided to join the Halloween challenge to kind of keep me guided. Even if the only time I have is to post my weight there once a week, I think it will help.
I need to have some kind of a plan in place of what I will eat, because eating without a plan does not incur weight loss! Yeah I should know that by now. But somehow I like to convince myself otherwise.
For now I am eating on the FLY (I think I picked up that expression from Hisgal's diary - and I like it so I am going to borrow it.) I hope to come up with a plan soon - today or tomorrow.
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oneday
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 11 August 2009 |
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| Posts: | 589 |
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Posted: 1 September 2010 06:29 pm |
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| I was wondering how you are liking the Raw Thyroid supplements? I am taking them as well and started about a month ago. I would say within a week my hands and feet were noticably warmer and I felt like someone had stoked my furnace a bit inside! I haven't had weight loss that I can contribute to the supplements; but that just might be all the yummy things I have been eating
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Sassykat
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Posted: 1 September 2010 09:31 pm |
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Hello Oneday! It's nice to meet someone taking the same supplements. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I actually haven't been taking the Raw Thyroid consistently and in fact I think it's been a while since I last took it. I started Astaxanthin yesterday and wanted to see how I did with that. It's an antioxidant and is suppose to be a powerful anti inflammatory. After hearing how it has helped you though I think I should continue with it.
I have an extremely hard time losing weight without my supplements. I seem to be able to make progress if I follow a specific food plan and take the supplements at the same time.
I decided that I am an emotional eater. I suppose everyone is to some degree. I was spending some time outside getting some sunshine and ended up having a "run in" with some angry bees.
I couldn't get away from them. One stung me on my nose. I ended up leaving some of my things outside just to escape those bees! It was sort of traumatizing. I even went back outside to retrieve my belongings and ended up being chased by them again. Then I thought, "its not worth getting stung multiple times. I will get the stuff later in the evening."
Sheesh. I don't know why they are so angry. Occasionally a local farmer moves their beehives. Maybe that is what is going on.
I comforted myself with a chocolate, toffee, ice cream bar, which led to some chips and then some starburst candies. Stupid bees.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 2 September 2010 07:15 pm |
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What's with the bee's in CO? I talked to my daughter last night, and she said they'd has lots in their yard. Right now I'm not sure if she said bee's or wasp's.......but they'd had quite a few all summer long. Did you ice or treat your sting's some way? They can really hurt.
I think I'm gonna lose a few lbs this week! I went to my chiro on Tues. and he thinks my ileocecal valve (regulates flowage between the small and large intestines) is stuck open. So, besides massage, he recommends a diet change.....he said a few days.......the websites I found said a few weeks.
This diet cuts out all my favorites! Whole grains, popcorn, nuts, chips, pretzels, seeds, berries, all RAW fruit and veggies (he said NO fruit)..........spicy foods, including black pepper, which I use on everything, cinnamon, salsas...........chocolate, caffeine (my beloved coffee and green tea), alcohol and carbonated drinks.........beans, lentils..........fermented foods, like vinegar, pickles, soy sauce........acidic fruits..........onions, garlic, leeks..........what's left to eat????
Actually, I've been OK on meals...........eggs for breakfast........soup for lunch.........fish and COOKED veggies for dinner. It's the snacks that I have troubles with. I rely on my almonds, nut crackers..........and coffee to keep me awake! Oh well, a few pounds lost would be a good trade-off!
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Sassykat
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Posted: 2 September 2010 09:50 pm |
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Hello Pat,
I seem to be having quite the immune response to my bee sting. I woke up with my eyes almost swollen shut, the rest of my face is swollen absurdly out of proportion. I've had the chills, and body aches. Basically this little bing sting has made me completely miserable. I've tried lots of things, ice, benedryl, compresses with plantain tea, but they don't seem to be helping. I've just come to accept it is going to be this way for a few days. I feel tired, like I have the flue and about the only thing I've accomplished today is taking care of myself.
My 10 yr old son said the playground at school was full of bees also. And that's 7 miles away. We found one in the house last night and Joe killed it. I do think there is something going on with them.
Cutting out all those foods sure doesn't leave you alot of choices. I have read that soup is really good for digestive problems though. Losing a few pounds would be a nice reward.
I still seem to be in the "comforting my bee encounter mode". Chocolate pudding helps.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 3 September 2010 04:42 pm |
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My face is actually even swollen worse than yesterday. I look hideous. What a great lesson in vanity.
I'm going to try ice packs a little more aggressively today. The swelling is also affecting my eye sight so I'm feeling somewhat useless.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 3 September 2010 06:08 pm |
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| OH Sassy! Does it hurt too? Have you reacted to bee stings like this before? Or did you get quite a few of them? I was thinking about you this morning, wondering how you were doing. Thanks for checking in..........I hope it improves very quickly!
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Sassykat
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Posted: 3 September 2010 07:05 pm |
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Thank you Pat. I really appreciate your sympathy. I am a bit of a miserable cry baby right now. LOL - mostly because I hate feeling house bound when it's not my own choice!
Things are getting better slowly though.
Yes, I react very strongly to some insect bites - red ants cause me a lot of grief, and bee stings. I don't think I've ever been stung by a wasp or hornet, thankfully.
And thankfully it doesn't hurt much now. It itches and this is bad because if I scratch, it will really make the inflammation worse. And applying the ice gives me a bit of a head ache.
The ice is helping in small increments which is encouraging, but a part of me is thinking "what good am I doing if I'm just going to wake up terribly swollen again the next morning?"
It shouldn't go on forever though. 4-5 days and I should be getting over it.
So currently I have smeared Caladryl all over my face. I don't know if it can help with the swelling, but it does have a numbing effect, which is better than the itching. And here in a bit I will apply another ice pack.
Just for reference - Benedryl seems pretty useless. I wouldn't recommend it for a bee sting. Either the cream or the pill.
The best remedies seem to be Caladryl and ice.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 7 September 2010 03:13 pm |
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Weight this morning 133.6 lbs
I'm feeling better and my facial swelling is almost gone. It's time to focus on my health goals.
I've planned out my foods Tues (today) through Friday.
I did my treadmill exercise this morning, but my legs itched like crazy. Boy that is the worst it has ever been. Why? I know since I got stung I've felt rather itchy all over. Maybe that had something to do with it. Whatever the cause, I hope it doesn't stick around because it truly makes exercise miserable. I was so tempted to just quit, but I didn't!
I've decided to give up my pansy pants goals.  They aren't good enough. For too long I've too easily just accepted the mediocre. Life has been hard and I've always been ready to accept the small little good things that come my way and I've been grateful for it. That is good as far as the spiritual things in life, but why should I accept that when it comes to my health? Life is short and I need to fight for what is good. How can I do that if I accept second best when it comes to my health?
I am not fragile.
This is not just for vanity.
This is serious.
Everything I do in life has an impact on the people I care about that are around me.
I am a soldier for the service of God.
I will walk in the Light and I will fight to share it with others.
My new goal is to get my body fat down to 13% and to be strong.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 7 September 2010 04:06 pm |
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Thanks to Nir, for providing this link in the weight loss challenge;
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/library/blbodyfatcalculator.htm
I can track my body fat to aim towards my goal.
After checking my measurements and my body fat, I am a little worried about being able to reach that goal of 13% body fat. Wow.
We'll see how it goes.
Right now according to my measurements:
Height 65"
Neck 12.5"
Waist at smallest part 29"
Hips (tricky - where exactly do we measure our hips?) Either 35-36"
Body fat is 25% if hips are 36"
and 23.7% if hips are 35"
Maybe I should look up how to measure your hips so I can get a more accurate number.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 7 September 2010 04:47 pm |
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Hey lady..............those are "to die for" measurements in my book!
But..........may you reach your quest and be happy!
I agree with your statements in blue above...........this new Internet Explorer version on my computer, won't allow me to copy and paste in CPH! It's aggravating! I need to adapt those statements too! I've got to quit fooling around and "Just Do It!"
Last edited on 7 September 2010 04:49 pm by Hisgal
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 7 September 2010 06:02 pm |
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Well thank you Pat! You made my day!
I am sorry you can't copy and paste. That does sound aggravating!
I posted an article link in the weight loss challenge and I like the advice it has on goals, about writing and saying your goals before bed and when you wake up in the morning. I am going to try doing that. When I post my goals here it always gives me a burst of motivation. The problem is, I don't do it nearly enough.
Six Tips for Six Pack Abs
Further down in the article it has a little paragraph about goals.
http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2010/09/07/six-pack-abs-tips.aspx
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Sassykat
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Posted: 8 September 2010 05:18 pm |
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Ok so after some analyzing and feeling confused, I think a healthy weight for me would be between 115 - 120 lbs.
We have all these ways to measure our health (weight, BMI, body fat %, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate etc.)
Even how we feel can be misleading because I have taken some supplements that make me feel like I'm on top of the world, but I still can't run more than 2 minutes without having to stop and walk and catch my breath.
All of these can be analyzed, but they do tend to overlap and results vary from source to source.
What I have ended up with is still a general guide line, but that is ok I guess. I've learned that I am somewhat of a complacent individual. (It's not something I'm proud of and I am fighting it.) Part of that is because I need to work on being healthier and that in turn will give me more energy and more motivation to do things in life.
Once I get my weight down to 120 lbs then I can re-evaluate ways to increase my health.
Basically I've got about 14 lbs to lose. But just getting my weight into the 120's would be very exciting for me. I'm really hoping to be able to do that by the end of the Halloween challenge.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 8 September 2010 05:52 pm |
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Hey, I watched that Mercola video on the six pack abs. Thanks!
One of the workers at our CURVES always used to say we were working hard, and had a six pack of abs..........we just needed to lose the fat to see them! I'm not sure I'd find a 6 pk under all this fat right now, but I'd love to lose the fat and find out!
I also like what he said about verbalizing our goals every night before we go to sleep. Reminds me of BFFM philosophy. I should do that.
Last edited on 8 September 2010 05:54 pm by Hisgal
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Sassykat
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Posted: 8 September 2010 07:09 pm |
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I would be surprised if I had muscles like that hiding under my spare tire! LOL
Do you think a woman would look good with six pack abs?
I don't think I've ever seen a woman with that "wash board stomach". I've seen it on men, but I don't think I've seen it on women. My grown children are very slim with low body fat. My two older sons have six pack abs, but not my daughter. In fact I am highly suspicious that my daughter is under weight. I don't know her exact height, but she is a couple of inches shorter than me and her weight hovers around 98 - 100 lbs. She has a concave stomach, it's not even flat!
She is my daughter of course, and I worry about her. I don't want her to be under nourished and get sick. But I also sometimes wonder if I even know what a healthy weight is anymore. When I was at this weight in the early 90's I saw myself as fat, and I'm sure other people saw it too. Now, today people tell me I am too skinny. (and yet, I have a spare tire, and thighs that jiggle!) It's enough to make a person feel confused. Back in the 70's mostly everyone was thin and healthy. I do remember that.
Five or Six years ago I weighed my heaviest. I don't know my exact highest weight, because I didn't keep track that accurately (that was part of my problem - denial), but it was probably 175-180 lbs. I carried most of it in my thighs. I wore size 14-16.
I took antidepressants and I don't think I was fully aware of my weight. I just couldn't see things clearly while taking antidepressants.
This journey for me is not just about losing weight. It's about me getting my life back.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 8 September 2010 08:42 pm |
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Yeah, I'll never have the six pack abs...........but l'd love to get rid of the tire and have a flat tummy! And the thunder thighs can go too!
And I'd love to go through life without thinking about my weight with every waking moment! I'd just like to be normal and live life like a normal person. I want to be comfortable in my own skin!
BTW, speaking of skin.............how's the face? Is the swelling completely gone now? Are you still feeling any other affects from the bee sting?
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Sassykat
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Posted: 8 September 2010 09:44 pm |
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I think all the facial swelling is gone from the bee sting, but I do still have swollen glands under my jaw line and behind my ears. Last night it got painful again and I went to bed early - at 8:00 and I immediately fell asleep. I think the tiredness is leftover effects from the bee sting too. Today at least my swollen glands/lymph nodes haven't hurt yet, but they are still swollen.
It's just crazy how long this ordeal has lasted, and how severe it's been too.
Emotionally... I have fine tuned my hearing to the sound of a bee's buzzing. I can now differentiate without sight the difference between a fly and a bee. As soon as I step outside I immediately am aware of all the sounds around me. I was never concerned about bees before, but now I am keenly aware of any flying around in the nearby vicinity. I do not want to go through that experience again. I especially don't want my face stung and I'm afraid if it were any worse next time I would have to go into the ER for a shot of epinephrine.
And you know how I feel about going to the doctor.
LOL.
Thanks for asking Pat.
I've been searching through Dr. Mercola's archive of articles/newsletters for information on weight loss. I agree with a lot of things he has written and so it seems like a good place to look for advice.
So far it seems like the main contributors to obesity is sugar and grains. Two of my favorite things! He hehe
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Hisgal
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Posted: 9 September 2010 03:40 am |
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They are a couple of my favorite things too.............wouldn't you know???
My good intentions went right out the window tonight, when the hubs offered a piece of that DQ b-day cake! I've felt so out of control the last few days. Figured out why when TTOM started tonight! Thank goodness there was an explanation.........I was worried that I'd lost all control!
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Sassykat
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Posted: 9 September 2010 04:24 pm |
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So I've been very strict about no sugar and no grains for two days and my weight has gone down this morning - 132.4 lbs. Yay!
Tonight there is a back-to-school hamburger fry.
It is important to the kids that we go of course. But you know what is going to be served - hamburgers, pop - loaded with sugar- high fructose corn syrup, potato chips - loaded with starch, and cookies - loaded with sugar and grains. Hamburger buns have grains and high fructose corn syrup.
I haven't decided yet if I'm going to eat one of their hamburgers. I'm really tempted to eat at home before we go and instead of snagging a plate for myself, I could snag a plate for my 14 yr old who has football practice and will be getting there a bit late. When he arrives I will have his plate ready for him.
It's not an event that is worth sabotaging the little bit of progress I've made on the weight loss challenge. We'll see how it actually goes though.
I've got to say, it is very hard cutting out sugar and grains. They are basically in all convenience foods... And all other foods too.
What's left to eat?
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Sassykat
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Posted: 10 September 2010 03:03 pm |
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Weight is still 132.4 lbs
I'm not surprised. I ate a lot of beans yesterday.
I decided to eat at home before we went to the school's back- to- school night hamburger fry.
I am proud of myself, but I did feel sort of awkward not eating anything while everyone else was eating. I still socialized though and enjoyed talking with the other people that were there. I would like to comment that the only drink they offered was sugar loaded punch. They didn't even offer water. That makes me angry. That was very poor planning. I'm sure there were some people there who were diabetic. I took a plastic cup inside the building and got my own cup of water from the cafeteria kitchen.
Hubs and son got hamburgers and I was surprised to see they also had a big platter of raw carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. I could have had some of those, but I was full from eating at home so I chose to just get my cup of water and not eat.
I have been thinking how a person could give up grains and sugar to lose weight. It must be extremely hard. Basically what it amounts to is almost a low carb diet.
I decided to look up some recipes and see what I could find.
I don't think I would do the low carb diets where certain fruits and vegetables or beans are cut out, but I certainly am interested in limiting the amount of grains and sugar that I am accustomed to eating.
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oneday
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| Joined: | 11 August 2009 |
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| Posts: | 589 |
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Posted: 10 September 2010 04:28 pm |
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| That is some serious willpower not to eat at the burger burn! I don't think I could handle it...That is one area I really need to work on b/c usually I just opt to not go instead of being faced with the challenge.
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Sassykat
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Posted: 10 September 2010 05:04 pm |
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Thanks Oneday. It did cross my mind to not go, but I knew it meant a lot to my kids to go since it was a school function. I actually do not have the same will power when it comes to family events or events that are more meaningful to me. For one, I am tied in more emotionally and two, well... The food is simply better! Laugh.
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Nancy_in_GA
Moderator
| Joined: | 8 January 2009 |
| Location: | NE, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 1863 |
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Posted: 10 September 2010 08:33 pm |
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| Love that new picture, Sassy!
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Sassykat
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Posted: 10 September 2010 09:05 pm |
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Thank you Nancy! I thought it was time to post something more current.
I'm glad to see you posting. .
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Hisgal
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Posted: 10 September 2010 10:28 pm |
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Sassy...........I agree............CUTE PIC!
I was thinking of you when I was perusing a new "diet". I get the magazine "Health" and they've got a diet plan called, "The Carb Lover's Diet" I get emails from them too, with recipes sometimes. There was a lot of info on the diet on the website. Sounds like my kind of diet!
It's been an unbelievable day at work...........the whole week actually, and things coming up make me think life won't return to normal for another month or more. This is the longest short week of work I've ever had! I'm so glad it's time to go home.....or at least time to go get groceries!
Have a great weekend! We get to spend Saturday with the grandkids........and who knows what we'll do Sunday after church???
Guess what? I got back from my lunch break today (went to CURVES) and when I pull into the parking lot there's a bike leaning against the building. I get inside and here sit's my hubs.........he biked into town, about 13 miles with pretty big hills. I was impressed! He must be bored, just waiting to see if/when we can start our project....or else he missed me!
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Sassykat
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Posted: 10 September 2010 11:15 pm |
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Hisgal wrote: Guess what? I got back from my lunch break today (went to CURVES) and when I pull into the parking lot there's a bike leaning against the building. I get inside and here sit's my hubs.........he biked into town, about 13 miles with pretty big hills. I was impressed! He must be bored, just waiting to see if/when we can start our project....or else he missed me!
AAaawww, that is awesome and sweet at the same time!
That sounds like something my hubs would do! He ran into town, it was about 6 miles.
Thanks for the compliment. I think my face looks a little different since my weight has dropped into the lower 130's. I can almost taste the 120's! I am very motivated to reach my goal. I hope I keep that motivation. I have a feeling I will be eating some ice cream this weekend and I really don't want to get off track with my goals.
Do you have a link to that web site about the diet? Do you get to eat carbs?
I've been looking up low carb recipes. I need to find a healthier way of cooking and try to use grains less often. That's really hard to do when you love mexican food though.
Sounds like the weekend is here just in time (hearing about your work week). I hope you have a great one!
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Terabyte
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 18 November 2008 |
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| Posts: | 1587 |
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Posted: 11 September 2010 02:45 am |
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Hi Sassy, just dropping in. Being down in the 130s is great! That is actually my end goal weight. I am sure you look fantastic!
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Hisgal
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Posted: 11 September 2010 05:00 am |
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Sassy, I do have the link to the website. I emailed it to my gmail address and was just checking it out again. My MiFi needs recharging......it went to yellow and then red, so I quick plugged it in. When it's done charging tomorrow, I will try to remember to connect with the old computer, with the old version of Explorer, so I can copy and paste. Every time I try it with my laptop, my whole post disappears and I get an error message. It's just so comfy to sit in my fav old recliner, with the laptop in my lap, and type away or catch up on posts! So, I hardly ever connect with the old one.
I spent some time tonight emailing my nephew/godchild who is serving in Afghanistan right now. I want to send him a "care package" with some of his favorite things. He says it's so hot over there! And here I complain about the cool fall weather...well not really, I like fall weather..........but some days have been really cool and very windy.
BTW, speaking of my recliner, the kids informed us last weekend, that they want us to go pick out a couple of new ones, and they are going to give them to us for our 35th anniversay and Christmas. Of course, we're suppose to shop the sales........like when they have buy one get one free! Oh well, it's sweet of them to want us to have new ones. Ours are pretty worn.......I've kinda held onto some Christmas money each year for a while, just in case they fall apart completely. But, hey, they are comfy! They just don't look too great.
We had a nice evening...........I picked up a PaPa Murphy's (veggie for me/Hawaiian for the hubs) and got a $5 DVD at Wal-Mart and we had a date night at home.
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Terabyte
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 18 November 2008 |
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| Posts: | 1587 |
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Posted: 11 September 2010 01:17 pm |
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HisGal: I saw that book in the window at the gift shop at my work, "The Carb Lovers Diet" and it caught my eye. Maybe I will do some research on it!
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Hisgal
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Posted: 12 September 2010 04:56 am |
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Tera and Sassy,
I'm on my laptop again, so I can't post that link yet. We were with the grandkids almost all day. Got home around 11:00 and now have to wait an hour after cat's med to feed him, so I got online.
We stopped at Sam's Club today, and I saw the book "The Carb Lovers Diet". It was about $16. I had it in my hand, but didn't get too look too much, as my granddaughter picked that moment to request a trip to the bathroom.
On the drive home, (I had the laptop with us) I went to the website, to see what they had for a price. When I clicked on "buy the book", it took me to Amazon.com. It was $13.88 there.
It appeals to me, as I love carbs, and from the little bit that I've read on the website, it doesn't seem to eliminate any foods, but I maybe just didn't pick up on that. The profiles I read there, didn't seem to lose weight real fast, but were just happy to have lost while not feeling deprived. It deals with eating resistant carbs..........interesting!
I think I'm going to go back to the website and read some more. It was http://carblovers.com/health/carblovers/index.jsp That should work, I still couldn't copy and paste, but I was able to remember it.
Last edited on 12 September 2010 05:16 am by Hisgal
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OnceUpon-A-ThinGirl
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Posted: 13 September 2010 02:02 am |
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| Just had to stop by and say your new pic looks amazing sassy! Good to see that with some hard work and dedication you can fight the effects of thyroid, I'm slowly recovering my skin and hair from it's effects.
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Sassykat
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Posted: 13 September 2010 09:53 pm |
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Thank you Once! It is hard dealing with a sluggish thyroid. It affects everything. I hate being low on energy, having dry skin, hair falling out, and being cold. It's the pits. I do seem to be feeling better, but I am sure taking a handful of supplements.
Have you heard that Maca helps the thyroid function properly too?
I did my grocery shopping today for the week. I'm going to try some low carb recipes that I looked up. I actually would like to get a low carb cook book.
It looks like this week is going to be a busy one.
The weekend I had some treats and the scale went up again. This morning it was 132.8 lbs. Hopefully it will go down for my weight loss challenge weigh in on Friday. My strategy is to eat very little grains and sugar.
I do think being in the weight loss challenge is helping me stay more focused than I would be otherwise. I'm glad I joined.
Yesterday we took the boys swimming. Fall is coming fast and the nights are getting pretty chilly. So I really wanted to squeeze in one more time going swimming. I felt like I ate too much though. I had a protein shake for breakfast yesterday, a bean burrito for lunch, frozen yogurt with sprinkles and a BLT from Sonic for dinner.
I had a protein shake for breakfast today too and I'm starting to get the impression that for some reason, those are increasing my appetite. I don't get it. I've never had that reaction from them before. I think I'll skip them the rest of the week.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 14 September 2010 03:32 am |
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So have all the bee sting symptoms disappeared? That was really strange!
My scale always jumps if I allow myself treats over the weekend too! I'm still having control problems........praying about it, I need more help than I can say. I did go to CURVES after work today.........didn't have time over my non-existant lunch break.
Are the kids back in school? Are you getting into a new routine? We are getting many days in the 60's......just had a 74 today, and it was beautiful.......just perfect! Fall has come to MN, and I love it!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 September 2010 08:00 pm |
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Somebody needs to delete Denis' posts! Don't click on the link, because if you do, you'll have trouble closing the window to navigate away from the site that comes up!
Arrgh.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 September 2010 08:19 pm |
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Weight is still 132.8 lbs
The quickest I've lost weight is doing the BC diet. Just saying.
Pat, yes mostly all my bee sting symptoms are gone now. I do still have one lymph node that is slightly swollen, but it doesn't hurt anymore and seems to be almost gone.
It was strange.
The kids are back in school, but no I haven't had the luxury of any routine yet. Things just keep coming up and I feel frustrated about my lack of... feeling like I'm not accomplishing what I should.
Today I took 10 yr old son to the dentist. We had to stop for lunch so we went to Taco Bell. Everything has grains in it. I ended up ordering a Fiesta salad and thought I would be ok if I didn't eat the shell, but then I noticed there was rice in the bottom. I tried hard not to eat any of the rice.
I guess I'm kind of trying to make my own eating plan. I am aiming for low carb/low grains and sugar type thing. The problem is, I am not sure what all is considered "carb". So it's kind of turning out to be a customized eating plan, where beans are allowed, but at least one day treats are allowed (probably for a day on the weekend). Who knows if I will lose weight this way or not. I will try and see how it goes.
So far I've had two boiled eggs, cut into slices and 1/2 avacado sliced up with sea salt for breakfast.
The Fiesta salad without the shell and w/o the rice for lunch.
I ended up getting diet Pepsi for lunch and I'm actually disappointed about this since I had pretty much given up all soda, but our Taco Bell's water dispenser wasn't working and that was the only choice they had that didn't have sugar!
I think dinner is going to be skinless chicken breast and boiled broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with butter spray and sea salt.
Tomorrow I am going to try one of those "low carb" recipes - should be interesting.
One thing I have really noticed is how grains - even just bread type foods, and sugar permeate our world. It is completely filled with them. They are everywhere!
I would love to challenge every single person to go a week without them!
Protein, vegetables, beans and fruits are allowed, but no sugar, no grains - breads, pasta, rice, tortillas of any kind. It's a challenge that's for sure!
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Sassykat
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Posted: 15 September 2010 04:09 pm |
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Weight this morning was 131.6 lbs. Yay!
Low carb really does seem to be an effective way of losing weight. I believe Dr. Mercola is right when he says that grains and sugar make us gain weight.
They are terribly addictive too. I don't know that I could give them up long term. It's quite easier to think of it in terms of "limiting their consumption".
I had this Eureka moment last night when I was having wistful thoughts about ice cream. I purchased some ice cream bars advertised by Breyers to be "low carb". They are really yummy, but the problem lies in the ingredient of sugar alcohols. Those are not healthy. I had one last night as a treat, but I felt guilty about it because while I knew it would serve it's purpose short term for my weight loss goals, it's not good for me and I really should not buy more of them.
I thought, "how could I have something creamy and sweet, that is not evil?"
And the answer that came to me, with all this talk of greek yogurt in Hisgal's diary, was to utilize my ice cream maker and try freezing some plain greek yogurt that I sweeten myself with Stevia. I wonder if it would work. Maybe I could try some cocoa powder too!
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cportwine
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Posted: 15 September 2010 06:50 pm |
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Hi Sassy, had to stop in and look through your diary. I totally agree with what you said about low carbs. I always loss weight when I go low no them.
Also, wanted to comment on the new pic. You look great!
I seen somewhere where you talking about girls not having six pack abs. I have to say that my oldest daughter had them in school when she did gymnastics and power lifting. They looked good but her legs were a bit beefy. She looked like she could kick some booty, lol. Of course she don't do that stuff now and isn't bulky. She doesn't have those nice abs either. Now my other daughter is much like yours. I am always thinking that she is under weight. But, she is tall and skinny and she weighs more then I usually think she does. So, I guess she is just one of those lucky people.
Oh yea...had to comment on your vitamins. LOL, I am a vitamin junky also. I know you take stuff for your thyroid and noticed that you don't take kelp. Was wondering if you have ever tried it. I am taking it now..and I haven't really noticed much, but then I am on regular meds for mine as well. I just wondering.
Anyway, it's nice to be back on here some to read some post. I been spending way to much time on facebook, lol.
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