The 17 day diet continued-ACTIVATE and now ACHIEVE (post 82) - Page 2

[ellairiesmom]

nak

ok-so...i didn't get a chance to sign back in last night...i checked the scale this am even though I knew I shouldn't have-but it was down 2 lbs which was a nice boost!

dinner from last night

another turkey burger since i had it made already & was STARVING-I had made a bunch of them earlier in the day-some were little sliders for the kids.  they loved that. 

this time i measured out 1 tbsp of the heinz organic ketchup & it is actually alot so i think i am fine with under the actual serving on my burgers going fwd

steamed broccoli & baby carrots

i was extremely hungry last night.  i ended up needing to cheat.  I had 2 rice cakes with a very small amt of peanut butter on them.  definitely not part of the diet but so much better than what i would have done before starting this.  i also drank 6oz of skim milk. 

i didn't get any exercise in yesterday but it is beautiful here today so after our 2:30 showing (our house is on the market) i'll go out for a walk BY MYSELF!!!!

shrink session time:

the diet isn't too hard (until after 4pm or so for me) but it would be so much easier if i were sleeping.  i am getting about 4-5 total hours & never more than 2 hours in a row.  DD2 is up all night.  it's been several months now of it...there was a 3 day break a few weeks ago after 2 molars came through.  but between teething & ear infections/ear fluid issues, it's been brutal.  and some nights we just aren't sure what is going on.  she just "whine complains" all night while tossing & turning next to us.  the sleep deprivation is making me feel crazy.  and we started watching another little girl who is really giving me a run for my money-hitting, pushing my 15 mos old, pulling my 3.5 yo's hair...in general-I feel like I am losing it!  lol

I keep envisioning how amazing I will feel if I could lose this 45 lbs or so...how back when i lost 80 lbs years ago, i felt so good for years after it literally made every problem seem so much smaller...and maybe DH & I could even try & use that gift certificate for a local hotel my mom got us a year ago that we still haven't used.  there is a pool & the certificate includes one overnight & dinner & drinks at ruth chris inside the hotel.  how great i would feel in nice clothes again & a bathing suit.  

ok-back to screaming toddlers... :)  

[ellairiesmom]

I know-I think WFs is really pulling one over on us with their chicken...I would like to find out more about it actually. 

And yes-artificial sweeteners are the devil.  I am not proud of needing them once in awhile or drinking diet coke a few times a week.  But I guess I try & limit other poisons like pesticides & such so that at least I am not adding insult to injury.  I got my diet soda down to very little.  We no longer buy it at all.  So it's kind of a "when we are out or at social things" type thing.  And I hardly EVER use the Splenda. 
 

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

I think perdue is comparable to WF.....unfortunately. Also ALL artificial sweeteners should be avoided IMO b/c they are chemicals and most can cause cancer and other ill effects. Here is a little something on Splenda for you: http://jstevens.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/how-sucralose-aka-splenda-is-made-and-why-you-want-to-avoid-it/

So I a not quite where you are but you have inspired me to be less carb and jump back on the watch-what-I'm-eating wagon! I have lost 3lbs this week!!!!

[HollyBearsMom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

I think perdue is comparable to WF.....unfortunately. Also ALL artificial sweeteners should be avoided IMO b/c they are chemicals and most can cause cancer and other ill effects. Here is a little something on Splenda for you: http://jstevens.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/how-sucralose-aka-splenda-is-made-and-why-you-want-to-avoid-it/

So I a not quite where you are but you have inspired me to be less carb and jump back on the watch-what-I'm-eating wagon! I have lost 3lbs this week!!!!

Congrats on the 3 pounds!! that is awesome!! 

 

I have never used artificial sweeteners probably by not being a soda or a "sweet drink" person. Had no reason to try them. The low sugar carb ketchup had a funny aftertaste but I imagine if you are used to sucralose and the like it probably would taste fine. The author of the book is really focused on "clean" eating, avoiding HFCS, eating whole fruits and veggies which works for me because I pretty much ate that way anyway but it may not work for everyone. Its all baby steps so I don't sweat these things. It seems every time you turn around there is another thing to worry about. Being obese (as I am) could be just as bad for my health, KWIM?

[HollyBearsMom]

Good morning everyone!  I am excited that today is an "odd" day so I can have my leftover steak.  I am also going to make so "hummus" to have with lunch, woohoo!!

Day 23 5/5: (day 5 of activate)

Hot water with lemon

1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal with cinnamon and nutmeg

1 egg over easy

2 huge mugs green tea!

mock hummus- 1/2 cup chick peas and 1 clove garlic pureed with 1 tsp olive oil and a healthy squeeze of lemon juice

sliced cucumbers

6 oz greek yogurt

1 cup strawberries

green tea

romaine lettuce salad topped with sezchuen green beans and lemon/basil vinaigrette

slice steak

pork chops topped with mustard glazed mushrooms

roasted asparagus

more green tea

exercise: 3 mile walk with friends at a really good pace.  It was chilly today but I still sweated.

RECAP:

Can I just say how full I am?? All without being stuffed? Oatmeal for breakfast, hummus for a snack, pork chops for dinner, yum yum and yum! I am starting to turn food away which is a real change for me. I have always eaten "healthy" but portion control is my downfall along with mindful eating. And when something is really good I can keep pace with my husband. In this stage (as in the last) you can have unlimited lean proteins and I took full advantage of that fact.  But I notice I am eating less each day.  That has got to pay off on the scale!

 

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/5/11 at 5:05pm

[HollyBearsMom]

Steph- you are doing great!  Don't give power to the negative thoughts. Keep telling yourself that you are an AMAZING women and you can do this. 

The sleep issue is a big deal. Your body needs fuel if you are not sleeping.  Did you see the chapter in the book called "The PMS Exception".  It might be just what you need to get you thru the no sleep cycle. In this stage you can have additional proteins and three serving of specific carbs like oatmeal, whole grain bread (sugar free), black beans, sweet potato, and a few others. You can also have higher sugar fruits like bananas, mangos, melon and grapes. I would read thru the chapter and see what you think.

Remember slow and steady wins the race and your prize is that hotel and dinner. 

[ellairiesmom]

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

I think perdue is comparable to WF.....unfortunately. Also ALL artificial sweeteners should be avoided IMO b/c they are chemicals and most can cause cancer and other ill effects. Here is a little something on Splenda for you: http://jstevens.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/how-sucralose-aka-splenda-is-made-and-why-you-want-to-avoid-it/

So I a not quite where you are but you have inspired me to be less carb and jump back on the watch-what-I'm-eating wagon! I have lost 3lbs this week!!!!

Holy Cr#% sosurreal09!  You aren't even following a specific diet & you lost 3 lbs already...you go girl!  That really helps enforce the low carb/watching what we eat behavior.  It's weird-it's not like I don't know it works...and it's not like I didn't already have it work for me once before in my life...but for some reason...I couldn't get there on my own.  This thread & others joining in really helped me get going which is the hardest part. 

[ellairiesmom]

HollyBearsMom-Veggie Dip with the FF Greek Yogurt

 

DUH!  That's a great idea...I can't believe I was only thinking of it as a yogurt.  I LOVE dipping veggies in something like that.  Perfect.  That will also be a nice way to mix up getting some servings of the veggies in.  THANK YOU for suggesting that.

Incidentally, I just had the most amazing breakfast.  I am in love with eggs so that makes waking up a little easier ;).  I took the time to cut up some leftover steamed broccoli last night, added some garlic & then a very small handful of shredded low fat cheddar...also mixed in some whites with the 2 reg eggs.  AND I had the 1/2 grapefruit which tasted so freaking good.  I just discovered a taste for grapefruit a few years ago & am thrilled about it.  It actually cures my cravings for other BAD things.  I squeeze some into my water & green tea too now. 
 

I am going to read the PMS chapter later on-I think if I could just add in 1 thing, it might help me not crash so hard later on.  And although I don't think my milk supply is going to be impacted at this point, it might be good to make sure it isn't with a little something extra from that chapter. 

2 other questions for anyone else following along-

1) Ideas for chocolate cravings?  is there anything that is "free" ?  maybe a tea?  I have tried a few but haven't quite found one that I love...Republic of Tea seems to have some that look very rich & yummy & are less than 5 calories per serving...

http://www.republicoftea.com/category.aspx?c=56

2) suggestions for low fat or no fat cheeses?  1st choice would be ones that are organic but they can be hard to find.  it sucks to say, but kraft has soooo many alternatives, and are easily available & affordable. 

[HollyBearsMom]

I am huge egg lover too. Honestly I would have a very hard time sticking to this diet if I didn't. Eggs for breakfast have always been my staple-boiled, scrambled, deviled, fried I love 'em! Oh if you like the veggie dip then once you hit stage two you should try FF greek yogurt mixed with chives on top of a baked potato. Yummy!

Originally Posted by ellairiesmom 
2 other questions for anyone else following along-

Hope some other poster have good ideas. I love reading about food!!

1) Ideas for chocolate cravings?  is there anything that is "free" ?  maybe a tea?  I have tried a few but haven't quite found one that I love...Republic of Tea seems to have some that look very rich & yummy & are less than 5 calories per serving...

http://www.republicoftea.com/category.aspx?c=56

• I am the wrong person to ask since while I like chocolate I rarely crave it.  When I do it is the salty/sweet variety.  That said my BFF loves that new "dessert" gum.  I am sure it is a chemical nightmare but she swears it keeps the craving at bay.  Her fave is the mint chocolate chip flavor
• As you can probably tell I am not huger stickler so I would say if you can't find a tea that handles the craving or don't like the gum I would recommend buying the BEST chocolate you can afford (sharfenberger, valhrona, green and blacks, etc) and slowly savoring a small piece.

2) suggestions for low fat or no fat cheeses?  1st choice would be ones that are organic but they can be hard to find.  it sucks to say, but kraft has soooo many alternatives, and are easily available & affordable. 

• I have yet to find a good fat free organic cheese.
• I do like the President brand fat free feta (not organic) which you can find pretty much anywhere but most of the others aren't worth it to me, I'd rather have a smaller amount of the real stuff.
• Goat milk cheese is naturally lower in fat than many cow milk cheeses. I like to buy local chevre whenever possible. I love the the Vermont Butter and Cheese company and Hillman Farms. You are in NJ, right? You might be able to find them either in WF or a good cheese/gourmet store.
• Cabot is a good choice for low fat cheddar.

[Sol_y_Paz]

Sounds really good!  I do have one suggestion...
 

Originally Posted by ellairiesmom 

large diet coke :(  (needed a boost so bad-DD2 hasn't slept in months & I might lose it any moment!!!)

Could you make plain tea very strong to supply your need for caffeine without all the chemicals and stuff?

[Sol_y_Paz]

Originally Posted by ellairiesmom 

1) Ideas for chocolate cravings? 

A very small pieces of high percentage organic high quality dark chocolate kept in the freezer and portioned out. Would that work for you?  

I use no fat greek yogurt as a mayo and also as sour cream.  I love it this way and so does DH.  Very creamy and thick and works.  

[Sol_y_Paz]

Originally Posted by HollyBearsMom 

18 days ago I decided to give my diet an overhaul and started the 17 day diet. I lost 12 lbs!!! 

Great job!

[sosurreal09]

Originally Posted by HollyBearsMom 

Quote:

Congrats on the 3 pounds!! that is awesome!! 

 

I have never used artificial sweeteners probably by not being a soda or a "sweet drink" person. Had no reason to try them. The low sugar carb ketchup had a funny aftertaste but I imagine if you are used to sucralose and the like it probably would taste fine. The author of the book is really focused on "clean" eating, avoiding HFCS, eating whole fruits and veggies which works for me because I pretty much ate that way anyway but it may not work for everyone. Its all baby steps so I don't sweat these things. It seems every time you turn around there is another thing to worry about. Being obese (as I am) could be just as bad for my health, KWIM?

I totally feel you I have like 70lbs to lose!
 

[ellairiesmom]

Yeah, so...I think quality dark chocolate, broken into portions, might be a good idea to have around...after a perfect day, loaded with fresh veggies, tons of water...i was craving chocolate bad & went with a no sugar added/non fat ice cream bar & it was really unsatisfying.  It just didn't taste like real food.  NOT WORTH IT!!! 

After my fabulous breakfast posted earlier, I made some dip with the yogurt & cut up some broccoli & zucchini, grabbed some carrots & munched on those.  Hardly used much of the "dip" so now I have more for tomorrow too.  Time was kind of an issue today because of trying to wrangle little ones & clean before our showing so that, along with a few pieces of turkey jerky ended up being lunch.  This is probably why I ended up craving something after dinner...

Early Dinner

LOTS of ground turkey with mexican seasonings over large bed of lettuce

diced onion, tomatoes

small sprinkling of shredded low fat cheddar

[ellairiesmom]

Originally Posted by Sol_y_Paz 

Sounds really good!  I do have one suggestion...
 

Could you make plain tea very strong to supply your need for caffeine without all the chemicals and stuff?

Hi there Sol_y_Paz!  Thx for the suggestions!  I do make my own brewed iced tea at home all the time...sometimes when I am out, I just can't refuse a diet soda.  I have really cut it back but yeah, sometimes, I still give in.  :(

PS-I think I will get some high qual dark choc to keep in portioned out pieces.  Thx!

[sosurreal09]

I got REALLY good dark chocolate but I have portion control issues...

[HollyBearsMom]

Good morning!  Yet another gorgeous day in Southern New England.  And even better it is weigh in day. I have lost another 2lbs!!!   That is a cumulative total of 14lbs!!

Recap to date:

Friday April 8: weigh in to get starting point

Weds April 13: start diet 

Friday April 15: down 6 pounds

Friday April 23: down 4 pounds

Friday April 29: down 2 pounds

Friday May 6: down 2 pounds

 

Thanks for all your support!!!! 

 

[HollyBearsMom]

Day 23 5/6: (day 6 of activate)

 

Hot water with lemon

2 whole eggs with 1 egg white scrambled with feta

2 mugs green tea

 

6 oz greek yogurt

1/2 cup blackberries

1/2 cup strawberries

 

grilled lemon chicken

romaine salad with balsamic vinegar

green tea

 

grilled turkey burgers

2 globe artichokes with a lemon vinaigrette dip

 

exercise: 45 minutes on treadmill. 20 minutes 3mph/6% incline, 10 minute 3 mph/3% incline, 15 minutes 3mph/no incline. Hour long walk (more like a stroll) in the park with my son

 

RECAP:

 

oh man did I have to fight the good fight not to have a glass (or two or three) of wine tonight! I don't know if it was the alcohol I was craving, the buzz or the sugar. I kept telling myself that I would have a glass with dinner, ok no, after dinner. No, after my son went to bed, ok no, once Supernatural came on. Well it is now after nine and I am in bed, Supernatural is being Tivo'd. Yeah!! I saved myself a lot of calories!! I find if I give myself permission to "cheat" and don't deny myself I can usually wait it out.  Plus I am really tired today and my heated mattress pad was calling me, LOL

 

 

 

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/7/11 at 7:31am

[HollyBearsMom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

I got REALLY good dark chocolate but I have portion control issues...

So do I, that is one of my BIG issues!! I was actually thinking about this last night.  When I get my salty potato craving I pay more and buy a single serve bag or order a small french fry at a boardwalk type place. If I bring a whole bag into the house I will eat the whole thing!

Maybe go to a good chocolate maker/homemade candy store and buy a small piece? Not sure where you are on the south shore but I am thinking Hilliards (Hanover and Easton), Puopolo (Hingham), Philips (SSS or the main place in Braintree)?

[sosurreal09]

I grew up in Weymouth but I am in central/western MA now...I do only get one bar but I can't just eat a small square or portion. I got some ice cream sandwiches (annie's organic) and they are 150 calories and 9 grams of sugar (best I could find that weren't "diet") so I won't ruin my whole day if I eat one of those...

[HollyBearsMom]

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

I grew up in Weymouth but I am in central/western MA now...I do only get one bar but I can't just eat a small square or portion. I got some ice cream sandwiches (annie's organic) and they are 150 calories and 9 grams of sugar (best I could find that weren't "diet") so I won't ruin my whole day if I eat one of those...

Sounds yummy!!