Failure??

I bet you all think I gave up?  NO WAY.  I have been discouraged by the numbers so I haven't felt proud to post them.  I have in fact, for the first time, been asked "have you lost weight? Your face is so skinny!"???? What ?  I don't think she was wearing her glasses. The numbers are still not great.  The scale hovers at 180.  I want to see 170.  I have gone down to 155 inches total so that is GREAT. Remember start measurements were 162.75.   I love to see that number go down.  I haven't really done any exercise. I did however go back into the book to see what I am doing wrong.  I see a couple things I need to add. I don't think I am getting enough protein. I also have to up the water intake.  I do really well for a couple days then just get lazy.  I haven't cheated at all except on Saturday.  I am proud of that.  I will start putting an ice pack on my neck for 20 minutes 3-4 times a week.  I missed that the first time I read through. I also caught that the first meal on cheat day is suppose to be high protein. NOT garbage.  I will try this from now on. also adding lemon juice and grapefruit juice before high carb meals. I have a hard time getting in all 4 meals and usually only eat 3.  Dinner is always so late at night that im sure its not helping me any.  Sometimes I eat and go right to bed.   Thats all for now but there will be much more to follow.  Don't ever give up and neither will I.

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Monday

Well this is the beginning of week 3. Time for the dreaded weights and measures. Scale is still NOT my best friend 183.2.  That's a loss of only 2.2lbs.  The mid week weight was much lower and I am going to have to try harder to maintain that.  As far as measures go,  I'm moving in a better direction 157.75.  That's down 3 more inches!!!  But and waist are getting smaller but my legs and arms are not changing at all.  I know that my fluid intake over the weekend is not good at all and I need to really work on that.  I bet that will help reduce water weight. 

I need to start swinging a kettle bell or a sand bag.  I guess its time to get to the "4 hour part"  That's 4 hours of exercise per month.  30 min twice a week for 4 weeks, or 15min 4 times a week for the same 4 weeks.  I am going to try 30min first  for 2 weeks then 15.  I want to see which will produce better results if I change nothing else. 

Well, that's it for now.  I will keep you updated as to any changes I make to the normal routine.  I really hope this will be a better weight loss week!!

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weekend

Another week gone and the weekend is here!  This is my working weekend and I plan my binge for Saturday because my boss always cooks the best stuff for lunch.  First stop Carmel Mocha!!  I also got a breakfast sandwich.  I am getting used to eating breakfast so I will continue this even on cheat days.

 Sure enough, when I got to work there were oatmeal butterscotch cookies.  I ate 3.  For lunch she made bean soup????  I don't have to eat beans! It was really good though.  I got to eat crackers with it and lots of cheese.  There was also some smoked salmon dip.  I'm not a fish eater but I ate it all.

 We went out for dinner and I had BBQ everything!  Chicken, Ribs and Shrimp with baked potato and a salad.  I couldn't eat half of it but I ate ALL the potato. When I got home I wanted to eat the box of 4 chocolates I was saving for this day.  I was so full from dinner I could only eat 2.  I guess the other 2 will wait until next week.  This is the first day I had actual cocktail with coke.  3 rum and coke and I didn't really miss it.  I'm probably not going to do that again. 

Sunday was back to the regular routine and the start of a new week.  I will post results on Monday.  that makes 2 weeks down and a whole lot to go.  I'm going to have to try something more to up the weight loss I think.  This is slower than I planned.

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Friday

I am so glad its Friday!  Following the menu plan of Protein, Legumes, Veggies in each meal has left me NOT liking beans much.  I love to cook, and beans take so long.  I did pre-cook black beans and pinto beans. I like the black beans in my breakfast every morning but I am not a fan of pinto beans. I had to turn them into re fried in order to choke them down.

 I live a very social lifestyle and we go out often.  This gives me a chance to eat other beans.  My friends have commented on the fact that I no longer have a cocktail  with dinner but nobody knows why. I'm sure they have suspisions but I haven't told anybody what I am doing.  I ordered a "hobo hamburger soup"  and had to pick out the noodles.  They just looked at me like I was crazy but said nothing.

 The scale this morning said 182.2. Yesterday 181.6?? and I am going into my " Dieter Gone Wild" day!!  I cant wait.  I assure you this time I am eating sweets like crazy.  The first stop /Saturday morning on my way to work will be Mc. Donalds for a Carmel Mocha. I will tell you all the wonderful things I ate when I return on Monday. i spent the day finding crock pot recipes that have beans in them and I think this will be next weeks meals.  I have found that I needed to cut my portions down.  I am getting full faster.  I am also eating a lot slower.   This is kinda fun... Just wait till I hit my goal :)

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Monday

This is it.  Week 1 over and how did we do?   I weighed in at 185.2.  Not exactly as great as I wanted but it is still a loss of 3.6 pounds. I may still be adjusting to the binge day.  Measurements are a little better thought 160 3/4.  that's 2 inches and for me that's awesome!!  I like to loose inches over weight.  Over the weekend I cooked Black Beans and Pinto Beans so I should be able to eat more of these.  I hope it helps.

From now on I will not be posting everyday.  You get the idea of the foods I will be eating.  I will keep you updated a couple times a week and definitely every Monday for weights and measures. My schedule doesn't change much so this would be boring if I repeated the same thing day after day.  I will have an overview every week and If you have any questions or comments please leave them for me.

 I have no idea what is expected in a blog but I will do my best to learn and inform you of anything new or life changing!  have a great week all and happy eating.

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Weekend!!!

Here it is!!  the weekend and my first cheat day.  Unfortunately I had to get up extra early Saturday 4:45a.m.
Nobody should have to do that on a day they don't have to work.  I had to go to a gun class and it was over an hour away.  oh well, It was worth it.  Breakfast had to be fast.  Life cereal with milk.  First cheat food.  Yumm.  I made a ham and cheese sandwich on multi grain bread for lunch with a mini pack of pringles and a bag of grapes. I could only eat half the sandwich and grapes. They had peanut butter cookies there and I ate only one.  I cant believe how filling all the carbs are?  I cant eat all the things I wanted to today because i am so full.  I got home and fixed a mini pizza.  Then for dinner I made Greek Shrimp for Ashley and Kait.  I had mashed potatoes with cream cheese.  That's all.  I was going to bake a cake but I was too tired and went to bed at around 9:30.  so much for a day of gluttony.

Sunday was the first real challenge for eating.  I got up and made my usual breakfast but lunch was at Cole's bridal shower and they had very little I was allowed.  Fresh veggies and sandwich wraps.  That's what I ate!  The girls at my table all laughed at me as I unwrapped my wrap.  I cant have the "wrap" part.  They didn't have coffee or water out so I helped my self to the ice and went to the kitchen for water.  It wasn't really that bad, but the first time I was really limited.  by the way... The cake was right behind me  the whole time and it smelled awesome.  I did NOT indulge.  Afterwards my best friend and I went to the restaurant down the street for a glass of wine.  We had not had a chance to really visit in quite a while and the atmosphere was perfect.  I ordered appetizers cause I was still hungry from lunch.  Ribs and steamed mussels.  They were great and we followed it up with another glass of wine.  That's my limit 2.  although we did sample 2 more.  Just a taste though not a glass.  When I got home the girls wanted Taco Bell so we went there for dinner and I had pintos and cheese with at chicken taco to which I removed the shell.  I slept the rest of the night.  I guess the wine really got to me :)

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Day #5

Woke up on time... I didn't sleep so well and I'm really tired.  Breakfast by 6:30.  I have a camera now so images might get graphic.  If i can figure out how to add them to this blog.  Scale went up today :(  I don't get it but I must not be eating enough beans.  That's the only thing I haven't been good with.  I'm getting scared for tomorrows "binge."  I don't want to undo all the hard work but if i don't my body will get used to the lower carbs and basically stall my metabolism.  So I will try. 

This week I am not going to do a before and after weight on the cheat day.  There are somethings I don't want to know.  After a couple weeks I will attempt that experiment. 

as this is Friday and my weekends are crazy I will try to update everything on Monday from the weekend.

Lunch was left-overs from Cabos.  No second lunch because I was super busy at the gym.  Dinner was super late.  9:00 at Outback Steakhouse.  Chicken breast and BBQ sauce with steamed veggies.  Tried the bloomin onion but took off all the coating. 

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Day #4

Alarm goes off at 5:00.... again alarm at 5:45...5:55 ok,ok,ok.  I'm awake. Shower followed by a cool rinse.  I cant take it longer than about a minute.  I hope I get better at this.  I think it can be a big help in fat burning. It takes a lot of energy to warm your body and this results in faster fat loss.  Breakfast at 6:35, same egg mixture with spinach, leftover bruchetta, cottage cheese and salsa.  This time I cut up some deli turkey and it was great.  Breakfast really sticks with me ALL morning.  I am not even very hungry at lunch time but I still eat. 

12:00 Leftover Chicken Cesar, to which I added a cup of fresh spinach.  Cooking lentils at the gym isn't working well at all.  I am going to have to pre-cook all my beans this weekend.  They take so long to soak and cook that it has to wait until I have extra time.

Second lunch I ate a little early and it wasn't very good at all.  I took a can of chicken noodle soup, removed all the noodles and added the lentils I attempted to cook. I still have half left so I guess I will suffer through it again tomorrow. :(

My good camera is broken and needs to be sent in for repairs so until I get it back I am going to buy a cheep digital to photograph meals and progress.  I still need a before picture but I don't think that's something anybody needs to see.  Pretty scary!

5:00 I am feeling like a snack???  that's a first.  I don't think I'm hungry though just bored.  Nobody is here and I usually have chips or granola right about now to hold me over until dinner.  I am very glad I took all that stuff home.  30 min incline walk at 3 mph.  feels so good! 

8:00 Cabos for dinner. I love Mexican. I had to tell them " no chips and salsa"  They bring it to your table as soon as you sit down.  I ordered the chicken p-something?  basically chicken, shrimp, onions and tomatoes.  Served with rice and avocado salad.  they were happy to substitute the rice for beans.  It was so good but I couldn't finish it all so that's for lunch tomorrow.
10:00 off to bed. Yeah I get a good night sleep!

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Day #3

Wake: 6:05.  I do not like mornings!  Breakfast @6:20 standard scramble eggs, mushrooms, spinach and green peppers, cottage cheese and salsa.
This is my "go to meal". I just need to add beans.  Scale was nice to me this morning.  The first time I have gotten on it since Monday morning. 185.3.  I suspect this is not a permanent trend but I like it!! I am not going to do actual weights and measures until next Monday.  I think weekly is good to track actual progress.  Even though I got on the scale this morning I'm still afraid to try the tape measure.  I don't want to be disappointed and ruin my progress.  So real numbers will have to wait till Monday. (I really want to know)

Lunch late again today 12:30 but I'm still full from breakfast.  Steamed veggies 1/2 can of tuna 1/2c lentils.  Second lunch @4:30. repeat first.  I am not sure about dinner yet.
Dinner at 8:00(Freds again) They really take care of us there.  Uriah ordered the bruchetta which is incredible and smells so good.  I can not eat the bread with grilled parm on top but I spoon the warm mixture onto my plate and eat it with a fork! ha. I don't think he even knows I'm trying this whole "diet" thing out. I ordered a Chicken Cesar salad with no croutons and light dressing. I couldn't finish it all so I packed everything up for day #4.  No wine tonight just iced tea with lemon.

Home at a decent hour and off to bed just after 10 yeah!!

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Day #2

This is much better.  Woke up at 5:45 right on time.  Had breakfast by 6:20.  I know that I have to eat 30 min to an hour after I get up and this alone is a challenge because I never was one to eat breakfast.  "Coffee for me thanks" was the normal routine. now my  usual will be 2egg whites and 1 whole egg scrambled with some type of veggie, salsa and 1T. cottage cheese.  Now off to work.  let me go back to what happens between wake and breakfast. Shower:  usually very HOT. After I was finished washing and such, I decided to experiment with the cold method.  While I'm not ready to immerse myself in a bath of ice water I figured I could just rinse off with cold, ya know kinda work my way into it. I slowly cooled the water and surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I thought.  I will continue this for a couple weeks.  I cant stand it for more than a minute or two but that's better than nothing. 9:45 I cannot believe how much energy i have. It is amazing!
11:00 lunch time.  On time this time!  Huge bowl of Progresso 3bean chili. For canned soup it meets all the requirements for this diet and tastes awesome.  I added some shredded chicken to it.  Side of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower.
3:00 Second lunch.  Leftover from first lunch.  sooo good!
I have discovered why there is no exercise on this challenge..... Its because you get enough running to the bathroom.  I have not mentioned the fluid intake yet but water/unsweet tea/ and coffee run right through me!.
All of these are to be consumed in large quantity's.  1-2 glasses of RED wine in the evening are ok but that's all.
Well, I was planning on cooking Chicken Stir-Fry for dinner tonight but as always... plans change faster than I can make them.  Looks like this might be my first restaurant outing . Freds for dinner it is. 8oz. Prime rib. Trimmed all the fat off.  Salad minus croutons and red onions, balsamic vinegar and oil for dressing.  Instead of potato or rice I got the sauteed vegetables.  They were really good and i didn't even miss the potato.  Of course they brought out the rolls with cherry butter(my favorite) I was good and let Uriah eat them both.  When the waiter cam back and asked if we wanted desert I of course said " no thank you I cant have desert .... Oh wait!!!  I would like a glass of your best red wine please" ( god I love that part)  This isn't really so bad.

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The Beginning

This is all new to me.  I have no idea how or why to "blog", but when I decided to do this weight loss challenge it was suggested that I start.  I am doing this basically to make myself accountable for my actions. Success or Failure, its all up to me.  I want to see if the "slow-carb" diet laid out in the book can actually do what it claims.  I am tired of exercising  myself to death with little or no results. 

Hope full this will give us all something to laugh at and have fun with but I'm warning you now... I may just fail this whole experiment.  I have no luck at success. EVER.

This is where we begin:  I am  a 39year old white female who is 5'2" tall and FAT.  188.8 to be exact.  Well to be honest the Friday before I decided to do this I weighed 191.2.  Monday morning when I started this plan I was at 188.8.  This is from basically starving myself all weekend.  I HATE the scale.

March 14,2011  Monday Day #1   Ok, not a good way to start.... I did not prep anything last night.  I chose to go snowmobiling instead.  A very good choice considering the conditions were excellent!!  Now I am paying for my lack of preparation.
Woke up at 5:45(daylight savings time is kicking my a*#) Ate breakfast at 6:30, 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg. Scrambled with 1T salsa, 1c. steamed mixed veggies and about 1/4-1/2c kidney beans.  Not great first thing in the morning I assure you, but it wont kill you.  Didn't do the weigh in thing last night (snowmobiling) so I jumped on the scale at the gym @ 7:15am.  188.8 OMG Total fat A$$.  Time to grab the tape measure.... S*%#. I took it home with all the yarn.  Ok so we improvise.  I'm good at that? I use the charger for my Kindle.  Mark out and measure with a metal ruler.  "This is NOT good ! but I will be honest with you here.  As much as it shames me , it may help someone else.  But:44 1/2, (brother please don't make the back up beeper sound this time) Belly:361/4 (looks like a beer gut but I don't drink the stuff) Right Leg 25 1/2, Left leg 26 1/4,( my waist was that size 6 years ago) Right arm 14 3/4 Left arm 15 1/4.  For a grand total of....drum roll please  162.3/4 inches.  This is the number I want to go down.  The scale is not as important as the inches!

This has not been the best start to a diet challenge but it is the perfect time to start.  Since there are so many beans in this diet, I really need to invest in BENO. Beans and I do not produce pleasant odors to say the least.

Bathing suit season is right around the corner and i am not even close to ready!  No one piece suit of shame this year.

Early lunch didn't go as planned.  I did not get to eat until 1pm but it was pretty yummy.  California blend veggies and a can of chicken, kidney beans on the side.  This meal did double duty, as the leftovers were my second smaller lunch at 3:30.  Done with work at 7 then home to make dinner. Lentils with Italian sausage! yum right?  NO.  My lentils were too salty and the sausage was dry. I opened a can of beets for a veggie and they were wonderful..  Need to work on this one!.   One thing I find is that the minute I get home from work or anyplace actually is that I want to snack.  this is a habit i know.  I wasn't hungry just snaky.  I did not snack on anything!.. (good me)
Because dinner was so awful and Ashley had a friend over,I made them Pizza Rolls and french fries.  Having them sit with us was quite a challenge.  I wanted a Pizza Roll so bad!
11:00 off to bed!  day one down.  it can only go up from here

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