not sure what to do

I am not sure if I am putting to much pressure on myself or not. I want to give up trying so hard I am only gaining so I don't know what I am doing wrong. I get frustrated because everytime Ijump on the scale I am gaining, I am up to 183 now I was down to 172. Somebody help if you can!!! I am driving myself nuts!!!

Hi Michelle, I don't know if this will hel*****t, but I've heard it in other places -- go back to basics. Do your eating like you did the first few months - protein, protein protein, water, -- see if that helps. Also, maybe track what you are eating and see if there is anything there that is 'hidden'. good luck -- love donna

I tried going back to basics I started licking the spoon even and then I say the heck with it and end up just gorging and chowing down...err I hate it!!

Michelle - are you tracking your intake everyday? I find for me this is the ONLY way I stay on track. My family says I'm obsessive (maybe I am???) but it works for me, and I've had a loss everymonth since surgery (knocking on wood). Heres what I do, I have a set amount of calories/carbs and protein that I eat everyday and before I eat the food I log it into fitday. I do it before because I can make sure it's fitting into my daily allotment. Normally I have a latte for breakfast, for lunch I have either cheese, or cottage cheese or a 2 oz of meat with vegetables. My usuals are tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, zucchini or green beans. Mid after noon I have a 100 mostly protein snack, normally cheese and a small bread stick. If I'm still hungry I have some veggies. For dinner I have fish, crab, shrimp, beef or chicken. I try to get in 3 ounces. With that I have 1/2 of a sweet potato (with butter, splenda brown sugar and cinnamon) or 1/2 cup of dreamfields pasta and or some veggies. My after dinner snack can be fruit, cheese or depending on how many carbs I've had chex mix or cheese its YUM YUM. I eat this way all week, but on the weekends, I still track my food, but I cut myself some slack. I'm not saying that my way is the right way or the best way, but maybe something in it will help. Micha

Micha, I love your food plan!! but what is your latte?? Sounds interesting. love donna

Most days I go to starbucks and get a grande nonfat one pump mocha. At home I brew strong expresso in my coffee maker and I heat 1% milk. For the chocolate I buy expensive cocoa (like for baking) and I make my own cocoa mix with equal parts splenda and cocoa. I put a heaping spoonful of that in the mug before I pour the expresso in. I also buy low carb whipped cream in the can so I have a squirt of that on top. YUMMY - seriously I think I'm finally getting this whole thing. I eat my protein BUT I fill up on low glycemic veggies including sweet potatoes and I don't feel deprived. I usually feel full . I actually crave that kind of stuff now. The only thing I really have to stay away from is chips, fritos in particular. I never liked them before surgery, but now if there in the house I eat them instead of good food - . I have not ever tested myself with sugar, I still don't eat anything with more than 10 grams of refined sugar in them. Hey how's the knee, my friggin thumb is still killin me . Micha

Hey Micha, the latte sounds yummy. A little too much work for me to do at home though, I am totally lazy. Another question -- okay, how do you cook the sweet potatoes? You can tell I'm having trouble. I hate to say this cause it is unusual I think, but I don't eat enough!! I get in alot of protein mostly by protein drinks, but I don't eat much dense protein. I am a little concerned and want to expand a bit (my menu, not me!!!). I'm like you Micha, I have never tested myself with sugar and for that I am thankful. I stay within the 10 grams or under. Sugar was a major downfall for me and I don't want to go back to that. My knee is good - I think I' finally healing!! When Greg came home from work yesterday I danced a little boogie for him and said 'look at me, I can dance'!! I'm such a dork!! Take care of that little Mr. Thumb!! That must be hard to use the computer!! love donna

My favorite way to cook sweet potatoes is to bake them at 400 for like 3 hours. The sugar in them carmelizes, can you say YUM. If I'm short on time, I poke it and stick it in the microwave for about 6 minutes or until it gets pretty soft, then I throw it in the oven for 1/2 hour on 450 to finish. I eat it with butter, splenda brown sugar and cinnamon. I've also found that using full fat cheese, sour cream and butter instead of margarine, I feel more satisfied. I don't use any protein supplements, I hate them all. Even Power Crunch bars which everyone raves over YUCK. Sometimes I wish I did like them because meat doesn't always sit well with me - Micha

Yummy on the sweet potatoes. I'm going to try that. You know Micha if I didn't have protein supplement I wouldn't get enough protein at all. I just have a lousy menu. Even my favorite cottage cheese, cool whip and jello doesn't work for me anymore. Thanks for this suggestion! love donna

another way to enjoy the sweet potato is to french fry them- per say-.... I use a potato cutter and then using very little extra vigin olive oil salt and seasoning, then back 350 for 30 minutes? give or take awesome.... d