Five Month Report -- a little early, but we are leaving for a week! And -- How to add a signature!

Good morning fellow OH'ers!  

I'm posting my 5 month stats a little early since I'll be out of town and not logging or weighing for the week!  That should keep me in line for vacation!

So far, so good for me.  I am down almost 65 pounds, which is a little slower than some, but I haven't been able to exercise as much as I'd like, due to some injuries, but I do see a difference when I up my activity.  

I track every day (except for this week when we'll be on vacation), and keep my calories between 700-800.  I found when I was closer to 600, I had no energy.  But I don't strive for 800 -- I'm at around 700 most days.  My protein varies from 70-100, so if I get to the end of the day and I'm close to 700 calories, but have in the low 70s of protein, I don't eat anything else to up the protein.  That seems to be working OK.

I am one of the lucky sleevers who have no problems with any foods -- but I have found that I definitely have to focus on the super, super dense meats to feel full with only 2-3 oz.  

Overall, I do follow the low carb approach, based on my previous success with Atkins.  It just works better for me.  I do eat a few berries now and then, but I stay within 20-40 -- mostly closer to 20.

I sometimes use low carb tortillas or have a very thin slice of multigrain toast -- I'd say that averages 1 serving per week, at the most.  I do sometimes taste a dessert, but only one bite, and only if it's something so incredible that I'll never see it again -- I just have a bite of my husbands.  That small of an amount satisfies my curiousity (I love to cook) and doesn't trigger cravings.  However, I am likely to get cravings for "good" carbs, like green beans cooked with bacon -- so I've stopped cooking those!  But those "tastes" get logged and counted -- I don't pretend the calories/carbs didn't happen!

Since I am the "hospitality chairman" at our church this year (yeah, what was I thinking!) I am hosting very large receptions with loads of sweets almost every two months -- so I'm plating and touching almost all of the treats!  Ugh!  Luckily, most of the items are church favorites, so I've had them in my past!  So far, so good with not evening tasting anything.  

Yes, as you can see from my signature, my loss has slowed.  I attribute that to that fact that I have not been exercising as much (expending calories), and that I am eating at the 700-800 calorie level (while not exercising) -- and including the rare taste of something now and then.  

But this loss and this approach is working, slowly but steadily.  I expect that as I inch closer to goal, I will need to increase my activity (and of course, I can't wait til outdoor swimming season -- a shar pei in a swimsuit! There's a frightening visual for your day!)

We've been taking monthly photos, so I'm thinking that at the six month mark, I'll post!  Including the shot of my FIRST Easter dress in probably 20 years!).  

Well, the mutt is pawing at me, and all my stuff isn't packed for vacation, and we should be leaving in half and hour, so I'd better increase that activity level now, and get moving!

Best wishes to you all, and thanks for all of the help I've received here!  You all are the best!

 

How to add a signature

My stats are at the bottom of my ticker -- which yes, every month it takes me forever to find my signature and update it -- but for those who want to add one, you go into settings and select Message Board -- and the only thing you can do in Message Board is create a signature, but no, let's not call it Signature!  LOL!.  Then I typed in the info, but I have a persistent error message about the size of the signature, so I thought mine was too big, but apparently the error message is there regardless of the size of your signature!  

You are doing great...and you are very sensible in your approach.  I hope you have a good time on your vacation and travel safely.  Is your Mutt-baby going with?  Give him or her a pat on the head for me!

Hey Muttlover!
I agree with the previous poster...I love your approach as well! Enjoy your vacation! Take care!

You're doing great girl!  Have a fabulous vaca!!

Mutt lover! Way to be doing it with the sleeve!! Wonderful. I'm about a month behind you, have been following your positive- good to read posts, and so enjoy watching your progress. We are going (slowly or quickly, but surely) to make it to goal. Have a great time on your trip. Many smiles your way today.

Congrats on your success so far and best wishes for a terrific vacation!