Tuesday, February 26th, Cardio & Cafe

Good Morning Botts:

Thank you so much for the comments made about my office companion.  I will miss Sep very much.  My eats today are:

Breakfast:  Coffee & Miralax

Snack:  Protein Shake

Lunch:  Protein Shake

Snack:  Protein Shake

Dinner:  Quest Brownie Bar

Snack:  Quest Brownie Bar

Snack:  Protein Shake

I went to bed with a headache last night and ended up sleeping on the couch around midnight.  I may add another shake to my menu today.  Not sure if headache was food related or just plain stress related.  My son got second place on his project which means he get an extra hundred on his honors chemistry grade and we go to district competition.  Only first and second place go from local to district and then to state.  I am real proud of him.

Have a great day and take your vitamins and fluids.  Weather turned cold and wet last night so I don't know if we will walk today or not.

Good morning Tess and Botts:

I haven't been posting for sometime. I got very discouraged with the up and down weight and not losing.

Well, revelation! Because I ASSUMED I was eating healthier and that seemingly innocent several cups of coffee with raw sugar packets weren't hurting anything. I decided to track my food and yes, coffee.  Here's what I found:

With each cup of coffee, I could save myself at least 120 calories for something good to eat (Protein)

Little mindless munching, with cheese, granola bars, and yup, peanut butter, has all put me way over my caloric intake for the day!!!

I was shocked!! Oh and popcorn at night too!!

So, since yesterday I've been tracking on Live Strong (My Plate) and it's very revealing that WHATEVER we put in our mouths will be for or against us.  I brought in my measuring cups and measuring spoons today.

I'm being challenged to get in the protein throughout the day, and yesterday I had a deficit of 2 grams for 70 grams of protein. I believe it should be more, at least close to 100 grams now? I'm 23 months out.

Changes:

1. No more RAW SUGAR....using Truvia only.

2. Measure and weigh, when possible

3. Focus Protein

4. Focus fluids and vitamins

5. Increase activity and track

6. Purchase protein shakes

Any advice will be helpful.  Everyone have a blessed day!  Oh, and I lost since Sunday 2.4 lbs.

It's amazing how those little "licks, bites and tastes" (quoted from a former Weigh****chers leader) really add up. My coffee is a huge culprit and I know this. For me to make lasting changes I have to make them one at a time over a period of time. Looking at my food logs my biggest threat was the CARBS and lack of fluids. Those are my focus right now and soon I'll be tackling the coffee. When I drink coffee I want it to be sweet and creamy. I know I've got to cut the artificial sweeteners and the creamers. Honestly I didn't think I would be successful with any changes if I was dealing with caffeine withdrawal headaches on top of the carb fog withdrawal too.

We'll get there ----slowly but surely.

- Iris

Good for you!  All those innocent small items do add up and unless we account for each bite, we will turn a blind eye to them and then wonder why we are not losing weight.  So glad you switched to Truvia.  I hope you have a great losing week!

Good morning!! It's supposed to start raining anytime. Another dreary winter day. Do any of yall use the sunlamps in connection with the low Vitamin D and the seasonal light disorder?  I'm in need of some sunshine. I'm popping my vitamins religiously and I really believe that I'm feeling much better....but some warm sunshine would feel so much better.

I'm reminded today that life and second chances are a wonderful thing. My step-father is celebrating his 89th birthday today. He's been married to my Mom since 2006. While they're not getting any younger they continue to be young at heart. It is truly a blessing to watch them.  So tonight is a big family dinner in his honor. That means no YMCA after work but Moma has some things to haul to the attic and some other things to bring down...so the stairs will be my aerobics companion this evening.

Commute:    coffee with ff french vanilla

breakfast:     strawberry protein bar & more coffee

snack:           cheese and crackers

Lunch:           frozen entree (WW or Lean Cuisine----I've stocked the work freezer) & small salad

snack:           Fresh fruit & portion of almonds

dinner:          Pork Roast, Kale & pickled beets

Hope yall have a wonderful day!!! - Iris

Hi Iris:

I am afraid all I can send you right now is cold, rainy weather.  It rained here all night and the high today is suppose to be 46 degrees.  Not there yet plus the wind is howling outside.  Be careful on those stairs and happy birthday to your step-father too!

Atkins have new line of frozen meals. They are higher in fat but very low in carbs. Right now I cna find them in Walmart. I have not try them yet - but my friend recommend them.

Tess congrats to your son and his proud mama !!!  You should be beaming.

Has my weekly weigh-in at my Dr.'s office and I had a 1/2 pound gain.  He said he could tell I still had some edema so he was not concerned.

Went to the rodeo, it was sunny and 70 degrees.  I took a light jacket in case the AC was on overdrive.  Luckily I did.  Near the end of the rodeo they announced that the carnival rides and outside booths had been closed due to very high winds.  When we got out the wind nearly knocked us over and it was COLD.  By the time I got to the car I had a headache and my teeth ached.  As soon as I warmed up I was fine.  What a change.  Nothing like Gulf Coast weather.

My eats for today

Breakfast      Vanilla protein shake

snack             choc. pudding

lunch              Choc. protein shake

snack              choc pudding

dinner              protein bar

I purchase all my food from my doctor.

Linda, you are my inspiration for going back on protein shakes and bars only.  It was tough getting started but now is very doable.  It was in the sixties here yesterday and very pleasant.  I am so ready for warmer temperatures.  1/2 pound gain is not bad at all considering how much you have lost in 3 weeks.  You are still rocking.

Thanks

I have been on every pre-packaged meal plan around and this one is going well for me.  Unlike other "liquid diets"  These products are palatable.

I tried medi-fast and could not tolerate it.  I am not just a "taste" person.  Texture is big for me as is mouth feel.  I don't feel like I have to hold my nose and swallow quickly with these products.  The program is called the Center for Medical Weight Loss and the program is out of Canada.  I don't  know how many U.S, doctor's own a franchise but I feel good on the products and don't often miss other foods.  I do splurge occasionally but only when I am in Louisiana and have a chance to eat cajun food.  Even then I severely limit my portions.  If I get in a situation here i Houston where I have eating out obligations I ask for plain grilled chicken and sliced tomatoes.  Olive Garden lists there grilled chicken at 110 calories so that plus tomatoes should get me in at the 160 calories I am allowed for each mini meal and it is possiblily under the 160.  So it is working for me.  I plan to do this until I get my regain off and then modify it by eating a 1000 calorie a day food plan.  I would like to get to my original goal.