The 17 day diet continued-ACTIVATE and now ACHIEVE (post 82) - Page 3

[sosurreal09]

Julie's organic actually haha

[HollyBearsMom]

Ok I completely messed up my days  and was counting all wrong! To make it easier on my self I dropped the total day count down and restarted at day a 17 day count for the second cycle "Activate". 

I am so glad I avoided the wine last night.  I feel really good this morning and even happier that it is an "odd" day!

How's everyone else doing??

Day 7 Activate 5/7:

hot water with lemon

1/2 cup oatmeal w. nutmeg and cinnamon

1 egg over easy

2 mugs green tea

6 oz geek yogurt

1/2 cup strawberries

1/4 cup blackberries

1/4 cup blueberries

grilled hamburger

1/2 cup "hummus"-chickpeas pureed with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice

sliced cucumber

green tea

Surf and Turf!!! I made a steak house dinner at home

orange ginger grilled shrimp

london broil with onions, mushrooms and artichoke hearts

roasted asparagus

exercise: 45 minutes on the treadmill. 20 min at 3mph/6%incline, 10 min at 3 mph/3% incline and 15 min at 3mph/ 0 incline

RECAP:

What a delectable dinner.  I completely forgot we could have shrimp! I marinated them in tamari soy, fresh ginger and garlic and a small splash of fresh squeezed OJ. Grilled them outside along with steak.  So so good, my husband just said he could have eaten even more.  I have another bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer so I think I will make them for our friends tomorrow as appetizer.

I continue to realize how much easier this diet is when I home and/or have time to be organized. I think it would have been really hard when I was working.  But it is one of the big reasons I quit my job.  I was literally killing myself with the stress.  The stress then led to bad food choices, to many short cuts and meals out and too much wine/cocktails. I wasn't a good wife or mother and I plain felt like crap *all* the time. 

I still have not dealt with *why* overeat.  I know it wasn't all the job.  It was the empty hole in my life I continue(d) to fill with food and and numb with alcohol. I hope this is the turning point in my life.

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/8/11 at 5:48am

[HollyBearsMom]

Happy Mothers Day!! I miss you Mom, I know your light is shining down on me. 

The funny thing about dieting is that I don't like to talk about it at home. Boys are just as susceptible to body image issues as girls but it is rarely talked about. Boys are barraged with images of six pack abs, muscular bodies, "perfect" hair, skin etc too. Instead we talk about eating healthier, wanting to be stronger. I try to never talk about being "too fat" or not liking my body.

But kids area *really* observant.  Even though I have not cooked separate meals my son has noticed his dad and me passing on the rice or bread. He has noticed me eating more regular meals and less snacking. He is noticing the fruit flying out the fridge. In fact for Mothers Day he told his dad he wanted to make mom her "special eggs" and a pot of green tea. 

So I sit here in bed (still!) and am listening to him happily playing in the other room and hearing the sounds of my husband getting ready for our BBQ feast later today. I never asked for "me time" or "alone time". That is not what mothers day means to me. Mothers Day is about celebrating being a mother and more importantly honoring the women who mothered me and brought my husband into this world. But somehow they both new I would relish this quiet time and it was their gift. Thanks guys! 

[ellairiesmom]

Originally Posted by HollyBearsMom 

Happy Mothers Day!! I miss you Mom, I know your light is shining down on me. 

The funny thing about dieting is that I don't like to talk about it at home. Boys are just as susceptible to body image issues as girls but it is rarely talked about. Boys are barraged with images of six pack abs, muscular bodies, "perfect" hair, skin etc too. Instead we talk about eating healthier, wanting to be stronger. I try to never talk about being "too fat" or not liking my body.

But kids area *really* observant.  Even though I have not cooked separate meals my son has noticed his dad and me passing on the rice or bread. He has noticed me eating more regular meals and less snacking. He is noticing the fruit flying out the fridge. In fact for Mothers Day he told his dad he wanted to make mom her "special eggs" and a pot of green tea. 

So I sit here in bed (still!) and am listening to him happily playing in the other room and hearing the sounds of my husband getting ready for our BBQ feast later today. I never asked for "me time" or "alone time". That is not what mothers day means to me. Mothers Day is about celebrating being a mother and more importantly honoring the women who mothered me and brought my husband into this world. But somehow they both new I would relish this quiet time and it was their gift. Thanks guys! 

What a nice message...all of it.  The shout out to your Mom, who I believe is most definitely shining her light down on ya...and the rest about body image, kids, bbq's on mother's day and your little bit of quiet time...  :)  

My macbook broke on Friday...and I am just having a hard time using my phone to keep up with things online...I am hoping we get a call from the Apple store near us tomorrow to come pick it up tomorrow.  I am on DHs right now but won't be able to tomorrow while he is working :(

I had some very good moments this weekend but also some "off the diet" ones.  Friday night was a girls night out that had been planned for months.  I mostly ate healthy BUT did enjoy quite a few drinks.  Then Saturday I was right back on track & drank so much water I felt like it would come out my ears.  At the mall, after dropping off my laptop, DH & the girls at in the food court while I walked the mall & picked up a few things.  Then I came home & ate a chicken breast.  Felt good.  But then today, I enjoyed the day with my family at my cousins & went off track a little. But I am excited about getting back to it tomorrow.  I hit Shoprite on Saturday & loaded up with chicken-huge sale on Purdue.  Then cleaned out the fridge & freezer & re-organized everything which made me feel good too.  I am ready for a great week.  And I am determined to get more exercise in...you are really kicking butt on that treadmill.  I hate my treadmill...I think it taunts me from across the room...

Happy Mother's Day!!!!  G'nite 

[HollyBearsMom]

Have some catching up to do!!

5/8 day eight of Activate: Mothers Day!

hot water with lemon

2 mugs green tea

omelette with sauteed mushrooms

6 oz greek yogurt

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

6 grilled shrimp

veggies with greek yogurt dip

grilled BBQ chicken

grilled salmon

green salad

szchuen green beans

4 (maybe 5!!) glasses of wine

exercise: 45 min on the treadmill, long walk in the park with our friends

[HollyBearsMom]

5/9 day nine of Activate:

oatmeal with nutmeg and cinnamon

1 egg over easy

2 mugs green tea

6 oz greek yogurt

1 cup strawberries

wild salmon (oven roasted with soy, ginger and sesame seeds)

mixed green salad

"hummus" w/ celery

carrot ginger soup

hamburgers w/ tzatziki

grilled onions

roasted cauliflower

exercise: 3 mile walk with my girlfriends

RECAP:

feel like crap today, first by waking up dehydrated from the wine last night and then got my period half way thru the day.   I am grumpy, have cramps and feel yucky and bloated.   If I don't feel better tomorrow than I may follow the PMS plan for a few days....

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/9/11 at 3:37pm

[HollyBearsMom]

Steph- Hope your computer is fixed soon!! What a bummer. 

[ellairiesmom]

Attempting to post via my iPhone...apple is saying maybe Wednesday...agggghhhh.

I think I gained back the almost 3 lbs I lost because of Friday & Sunday

2 eggs w/ some whites added in
Handful shredded fat free cheddar
Broccoli
Zucchini

1 cup fresh blackberries & raspberries

Salad w/ homemade chicken salad on top (diced breast, 1 tbsp hellmans low fat olive oil mayo)
Grape tomatoes
Red onion

What are your thoughts on jello brand fat free, sugar free chocolate mousse cups? they are called temptations? 60 calories...Had one today & it tasted wonderful & was perfect small serving.

Also-the book talks about sugar free yogurts? Is he referring to ones with nutrasweet? He's against artificial sweeteners though

[HollyBearsMom]

Originally Posted by ellairiesmom 


What are your thoughts on jello brand fat free, sugar free chocolate mousse cups? they are called temptations? 60 calories...Had one today & it tasted wonderful & was perfect small serving.

Also-the book talks about sugar free yogurts? Is he referring to ones with nutrasweet? He's against artificial sweeteners though

Ugh, sorry about the 3 lbs, that's frustrating. Chances are they were both water so should come right back off!

I can't stomach any artificial sweeteners so not sure about those pudding cups-do they have nutrasweet?  For some reason the after taste is really strong for me and it makes my tongue feel funny too. Personally I wouldn't eat them because they don't follow the diet guidelines but I think you need to decide how "strict" you want to be. If the occasional "treat" keeps you from binging than I thinks that would fine.

I have tried to follow the diet very closely except I use extra fats occasionally. But that how my mind works, I am a rule follower! I figure after the first three cycles i would have some good habits established and then it will be easier for me vary off the path and still get back on. 

For the yogurts I *think* he means the no sugar added 100% fruit yogurts, not the artificial sweeteners ones but I could be wrong. I have only seen these at HFS and WF.  I have been meaning to check out the website because I had some questions too and I believe there is an place to email them. Like can you have almonds in the activate cycle.  Dr Mikes "Power Cookies" have almonds and dried cherries in them so I would think I could but then they are not on the approved food list.  Conundrum!!

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/10/11 at 6:20am

[HollyBearsMom]

5/10 day 10 of Activate:

hot water with lemon

2 whole eggs with 2 egg white scrambled

green tea

pink grapefruit

6 oz greek yogurt

1/2 cup blackberries

5 strawberries

grilled chicken breast

Thai chicken lettuce wraps (homemade)

exercise: 45min on the tread. 15 3mph/6% incline. 15 3mph/3% incline. 15 3mph/no incline

RECAP:

Bad eating day. I technically stayed on plan but hardly ate any veggies. That is going to wreak havoc on the digestive system. My problem is that I had back to back to back appointments today. I left the house early, came home mid morning and had a grapefruit before hitting the tread.  Afterwards took a quick shower, had my yogurt and then out the door and didn't walk in the door until 5. I grabbed a leftover chicken breast before I left and managed to eat that in car between appointments but never found a good place to eat my salad. The bright spot was my thai chicken lettuce wraps-ton of veggies in these but not enough to counter the rest of the day. Tomorrow I will need to double up!

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/10/11 at 3:22pm

[HollyBearsMom]

Sure is quiet around here!  Steph- hows your computer??

5/11: day 11 of Activate

hot water with lemon

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 egg over easy

green tea

6 oz greek yogurt

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup blueberries

green tea

1/2 cup "hummus"

sliced cucumber

leftover Thai chicken lettuce wraps

green tea

carrot ginger soup

pork chops with sauteed mushrooms and artichoke hearts

roasted brussel sprouts

exercise: 30 minutes on the elliptical.  These were new machines and I had no idea how to program them so not sure of calories, etc but I was really sweating when I got done and heart rate averaged at or above target so I consider it a good work out.  I also did 45 minutes on the treadmill-15 at 3mph/6% inclined, 15 at 3mph/3%incline and 15 at 3mph/no incline.

RECAP:

Well I more than made up for my lack of veggies yesterday! However I am still really dragging from my cycle.  It is heavier than ever and I seem to be holding onto to every drop of liquid I am consuming. My rings are tight and I feel....puffy is the only way to describe it. I am not holding out a lot of hope that I will see any movement of the scale this week because of it. I do hope that it is all water and once I flush it thru my system it will start moving downward again. Eye on the prize, right??

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/11/11 at 5:17pm

[HollyBearsMom]

5/12 Day twelve of Activate:

hot water with lemon

2 whole eggs with 2 egg white omelet w/ mushrooms

green tea

6 oz greek yogurt

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 strawberries

grilled sesame salmon

romaine heart salad with pink grapefruit vinaigrette

green tea

carrot ginger soup

chicken burgers w/ grilled onions

kale chips

exercise: elliptical, 30 min. Again couldn't figure out how to track avg MPH or anything but my heart rate stayed above target for the majority. I then did another 45 min on the treadmill: 20 at 3mph/6% incline, 20 at 3mph/3% incline and 5 at 3mph/no incline.

RECAP:

My period is slooooowly winding down but I still feel really puffy. Tomorrow is weigh in day and I will be happy if I at least stayed the same. I don't think my cheats on Mothers Day did any major damage but this bloating and water retention.....ugh!! 

I can't believe that I am already half way thru the second cycle! One thing that I have really noticed is not only have the majority cravings gone away but now most of my temptations are gone as well.  Tonight I made my special nachos for our son.  I have avoided making separate meals for him but he really wanted them and since I had the fixings on hand I agreed. I had no problem making them and had little desire to sneak a bite here, have a sample there like I would have in the past. They sure smelled good! But the desire to eat them wasn't there. I think I can stick with this!!!

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/12/11 at 6:39pm

[ellairiesmom]

I'm back baby!  Apple store did some minor laptop surgery & all is good.  And all for free which was a nice plus. 

You have been doing so awesome HollyBearsMom.  WOWEEEEE!!!!  Your exercise is just unbelievable. 

Ok-so, I am down about 5 lbs.  I am feeling very energetic & empowered because of taking more control of my eating than I have done since having babies.  I pretty much follow the diet with a few exceptions (can't stand drinking warm water & sometimes have a little extra low fat cheese or dairy here & there) except after dinner, I am having an awful time.  I am also struggling to get formal exercise in.  I have found that having the sugar free pudding cup has really helped after dinner.  And for right now, I am ok with that small amt of artificial sweetener in the grand scheme of the benefits of losing weight.  Once I get to my goal weight, I see myself allowing a small snack of popcorn or peanut butter on wasa crisps like I used to when I was at my goal weight. 

I cheated last night & am disappointed in that, but got right back on the train this morning.  I know exactly what triggered it too.  STRESS.  DH was out for the 2nd night in a row (he NEVER does anything & 2 things he wanted to do fell back to back so it's cool) & we had house showings both nights at dinner time.  With a 20 mos old to watch & my own 2 girls, our house gets wrecked during the day so putting it back together & then doing the floors, bathrooms & kitchen for a showing is just so stressful when I am without DH.  Normally, we divide & conquer, so I was running around like a crazy lady & grabbed a couple hershey kisses at one point, then went back & had a little mini laffy taffy piece...then a mini box of nerds.  The bag of easter candy was supposed to left at my cousins on mothers day but we forgot to bring it.  Last night, after my candy freak out, I moved the bag downstairs so I can't get to it without really thinking about it.  Should have done that to begin with.  D'OH!

If I could fit in more walking, I know I would be more on target.  That's my new focus.

I don't even know what day I am on????

2 eggs with egg whites added in

low fat shredded cheese mix

1/2 grapefruit

20 oz matcha green tea

another 20 oz matcha green tea

20 oz water with lemon & leftover grapefruit juice from breakfast bowl

On another note-I seriously feel like we might need to night wean DD2. I know it's a discussion for another forum but it is definitely taking it's toll on me as I work on myself.  This pretty much sums it up...

Falls asleep nursing sometime between 7:30pm & 9pm & gets put in crib next to our bed.  Sometimes it takes more than one try because she wakes up & stiffens her arms & won't let me lay her down in crib.

Wakes up crying within 2 hours & nurses back to sleep & gets put back in crib

We go to bed around 10:30/11pm-she wakes again within an hour or so of us going to bed & I bring her into our bed & nurse her back to sleep.

From that point on (typically 12:30ish), she tosses, turns, whines, complains & wants to nurse all night.  She often sits straight up in her sleep & then crashes down on top of me & falls back to sleep.  She sits up & then flips herself upside down so her feet are at our heads.  Even when she is asleep, she keeps us up because she whines & cries out in her sleep.  I love her so much, but I don't know if I can sleep with her anymore!!  I am so tired, and now my throat is so sore I can barely swallow.  Might be allergies, but I sure am in need of some sleep.

[HollyBearsMom]

Steph- 5 pounds!!  yeah for you! You must feel awesome!! 

I have no idea how you  are holding it together with 2 little ones of your own and your house on market. Wow! No wonder you are stressed. I am glad you forgave yourself for your "cheat". Way to get back on the wagon the next day. I think that is one of the hardest things to do! 

Wish I had some ideas on the night weaning. She sounds like a handful at night.  My son has always been a very active sleeper and still is at nine.  I swear he does donuts in his sleep! But he was always a good at falling asleep and staying asleep and we never had any major issues. My BFF had similar issues as you and it was exhausting! I hope some other mamas can give you some good ideas.

Keep up the good work!

[hildare]

hey!  just wanted to say you've inspired me!  in fact, i am starting the whole 17 day - first cycle- with my dh AND my coworker (maybe even 2-3 more coworkers)...  i hope we do as well as you have.  thanks for getting me going!

[HollyBearsMom]

Originally Posted by hildare 

hey!  just wanted to say you've inspired me!  in fact, i am starting the whole 17 day - first cycle- with my dh AND my coworker (maybe even 2-3 more coworkers)...  i hope we do as well as you have.  thanks for getting me going!

Thanks Hildare!  It has been an interesting journey so far.   

I think its great you have some partners in crime. That will keep you motivated and on track. It would have been a nightmare if my husband wasn't on board! Somehow I can deal with my son eating pasta, bread and the like but I don't think I would likes my husband eating them when I couldn't, LOL!

Good luck and please keep us posted on your success!!

[HollyBearsMom]

Friday the 13!  But the scale was not too scary! Down another 2 lbs for a total 16 lbs!

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

Friday May 13: down 2 pounds

 

[HollyBearsMom]

5/13 Day thirteen of Activate:

Hot water with lemon

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 egg over easy

green tea

6 oz greek yogurt

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup blueberries

leftover porkchops

sweet potato

roasted veggie salsa

leftover chicken burger topped with more salsa ( I am STARVING! today)

surf and turf-grilled steak and shrimp

sauteed mushrooms and artichoke hearts

roasted asparagus

exercise: 3 mile walk with a friend

RECAP:

My legs were very sore today after my walk so I opted not to go to the gym afterwards.  I walked with a friend who is really a runner but was willing to walk with me today.  She is taller than I am and all legs. Man can she walk fast!! I could barely keep up! I think after two days of double duty (tread and elliptical) I was spent after walking so hard. I had low level hunger all day and could not seem to get satisfied. I ate a HUGE dinner tonight and finally felt full, but there goes any leftovers, LOL!

I have to say that I am feeling thinner. While I have not noticed a big difference in my clothes my belly seems a little less Buddha like.  My face also seems a little less full. Four pounds until I hit my first target of 20 lbs!! That is 1/3 of the way there. While I probably need to lose more than my ultimate goal of 60 lbs I am trying hard to be realistic. When I successfully lose 60 pound and keep it off I will be ecstatic. Then I might aim for a more.

 

Edited by HollyBearsMom - 5/13/11 at 5:54pm

[ellairiesmom]

HollyBearsMom-16 lbs. in a month.  UNREAL!!!  You are kicking butt.  I wish I had your discipline & determination.  Your exercise is something else.  

Hildare-it's so great your DH is on board.  Mine is partly on board but not enough.  He could lose 5 or 10lbs & is Type 2 but just doesn't want to make huge sacrifices.  At least he doesn't buy junk food I guess.  But he will eat a whole bowl of guac, salsa & chips in a sitting.

Yesterday I did a 3 mile walk which was mostly up a horrible hill.  I was pushing the double stroller & it kicked my butt.  It turns out I have a horrible cold so today I haven't walked at all yet.  DH & I have a date tonight in the city & will be walking a ton so I am counting that as my workout.  I will have to do extra tomorrow to make up for the few drinks I know I will end up having tonight...it's been a stressful week & I think a couple glasses of wine might make a night out with a bad cold more doable.  My sis in law should be here soon with her 2 little ones.  She is actually doing Nutri-System right now but that food just grosses me out. 

yesterday-continued-

turkey & fat free cheese, low fat olive oil mayo, tomato & lettuce on the arnold multi grain low carb bread (needed a little something more than salad)

salad from chipotle (we had a showing so no cooking last night) with lettuce, onions, peppers, chicken, salsa, guac-i added a handful of low fat shredded cheese

today

2 eggs with egg whites

low fat shredded cheese

1/2 grapefruit

20 oz green tea

1 cup raspberries & 5 strawberries

i am hungry right now but am feeling really under the weather & not even up for making myself anything.  uggghhhh.  and i have to get myself going soon for our night out.  wish i could take dayquil but hate to do that when nursing...

[Laggie]

2 more pounds!

 

You're Doing It! 

Keep it Up, because it is Working!

Sorry, I like the dancing veggies. Even though looking at them all is kind of giving me motion sickness.