Day Six - Phase One

Well, last night I got about 7 hours of rest. I would say that today I woke up feeling a little - maybe - depressed? I don't know if that is the right word. I think I am just mourning my old way of eating and the foods I used to eat. It will pass.



I got on the scales - no weight lost or gained today. No big deal. Would I have liked it to go down? Well of course - what girl wouldn't have? I see that despite my tiredness I am going to HAVE to add exercise. Did I tell you I was thankful for my supportive husband? He has been so very great during this.



Lets start with the menu today:



Breakfast: I passed up the homemade pancakes I made for all the sleepover kids (not even a nibble I tell you!) and made omelets with red peppers, tomatoes, and onions - seasoned with Emmeril's essence. These were so very very good! I also had two pieces of turkey bacon and about 16 oz of water.



Snack: got busy and forgot this

Lunch: Taco Salad (no shell, no chips - really good!)

Supper: Crock pot Turkey (Butterball turkey breast about 3lbs. and one pack of Lipton onion soup mix placed in crock pot and cooked on low 8 hours) green beans
This really wasn't enough and I found myself munching afterward - like on fudgsicle, cheese stick, and a cream cheese mixture I had made.

Suggestions:
1. Watch out for the business of life -that is a sure fire way to kill a plan. Twice in two days I have let that get ahead of me.
2. Exercise. Take the stairs more, park further away - just get the energy going (heaven forbid you would like to, but you could even deep clean your house to burn calories)
3. Go to sleep at a decent time and then get up at a decent time. This is part of caring for yourself. Take it from me, there will ALWAYS be "something else" to do or get done before the day is over. Seriously though, if we are good stewards with our time (note to self: this does not include t.v., computer, or phone time as much as I would like them to) then the important things will get done in the time allotted. We have to be vigilant about protecting the time we have and not letting frivolous things (even those that mask themselves as "good") to get in the way or knock us off course!


Stay strong!!

Day Five - Phase One

"...for though the righteous man falls seven times he gets back up; but the wicked are brought down by calamity." Proverbs 24:16



Have you considered cheating yet? Thought, "oh, one time, one day, one bite, won't matter"? Well the Lord knows I have, and now you do, too. But it does. As my husband says, "It isn't the caboose that kills you, but the engine on the train." Wise, huh? I have experienced that "engine" many times in my life. Not only in the area of food, but this is the main and most frustrating area. So, on this fifth day I am down 1/2 a pound this morning. Very happy with my progress, but very proud of myself for sticking with this for five actual days. If you knew me you would know I have a difficult time following through with my goals or things I start. So, the verse above means so much to me personally. It has allowed me to shed the guilt that attempts to creep back up and keep me down from past failures. I am taking this one day at a time, one step at a time and trying to stay ahead of my weak flesh by utilizing the strength God has given me. I just love that God loves me no matter what!



Suggestions:

1. I think it is time we started actually exercising. Anything. Kickball with the kids, Wii Sports, Wii Fit, or whatever you like - time to move.

2. Keep drinking the water - I would actually encourage you to drink at least 8 oz before you eat each meal or snack.

3. Keep up your daily Bible study. This is really so important.

4. Get your rest and don't feel bad about it.



Menu for today:

Breakfast: two boiled eggs with a little Lawry's seasoning salt on them, two pieces of turkey bacon.

Snack: 15 Cashews

Lunch: Wendy's spicy chicken Go Wrap (not on SBD at all - but this occurred because of poor planning on my part for grocery shopping before lunch - lesson learned)

Snack: Fudgesicle

Supper: Taco Salad (no shells - I also used turkey meat instead of beef and lots of lettuce, and tomatoes. My husband added salsa - another good way to get veggies in)

I was too busy tonight when I had six kids over ranging in ages from 16 mths to 9 years to really think about food for me. It did creep back up when all were in bed and it was the end of the night and I felt like, "whew, now I 'deserve' something." Bad habits are difficult to break. I did not give in.

Onward, Soldiers! This battle is behind us but the war still looms!

Day Four - Phase One

Well, I have completed day four. When I got on the scales this morning I was disappointed, but not disheartened. I had gained a half pound. What did I really expect though with all the seasonings and sodium I consumed yesterday?

Anyway, I had a good day today. I really wanted to cheat about midday. Had to evaluate why. I think it was because I was bored. Finally, I just reoccupied myself, drank some water, and kept on going. I am still tired. I don't know if that is normal or if my body is really, really hoping I will "switch back" if it stays tired, so I am going to bed shortly.

Suggestions:

1. Keep going. Don't give in - even if no one would never know - you would
2. Keep the plan fluid. Sometimes you get home from work and what you thought you could cook won't work out for whatever reason - that is okay - go to the next menu item.
3. Thank your support system
4. Look up new recipes. I had to - I get bored easily.

Breakfast: Eggs (hard boiled, then mixed with low fat mayo and salt and pepper), 2 pieces of turkey bacon.
Snack: Didn't have one - running late with work
Lunch: "BLT" salad - two pieces turkey bacon crumbled up on romaine lettuce, low fat shredded cheese, medium tomato sliced up, and two hard boiled eggs (minus yolks), with a little spicy ranch dressing (not SBD approved, but low in carbs) and sugar free jello
Supper: 1 1/2 fillets of blackened tilapia, leftover oven roasted veggies (did I tell you how great this was?) fudgesicle

I didn't do as well today with my water intake. I think because I was a little busier at work and I just let it slip. My body can tell, though, so I won't do this again.

I pray you continue on - day seven will probably be another difficult day for me, but I have prepared a menu (Super Bowl Sunday) and a list to go to the store with. Wish me luck as I do you!!

Day Three - Phase One

Okay - here I am on day three and I have to share my phenomenal news!! I got on the scales this morning (book says not to daily, but what dieting female doesn't?) and I am down three more pounds!!! Don't worry, I didn't believe it either. Thought my scales were playing a trick. So, I took a shower then got back on. SAME NUMBER! That is more motivation.







I have to say, I am smiling a little more. I really do believe that, while this whole "dying to flesh" is painful, God is walking me through it moment by moment. Even in my Bible study this morning He reminded me - again in Proverbs - 5:22-23 "the evil deeds (in my case pure gluttony) of a wicked man (sinner) ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast (the shame and toll this amount of weight takes on my body, soul, and relationship with others). He will die for lack of discipline ('nuff said) led astray by his own great folly (the continuation of the same choices and mindset)."







So, although I am following the South Beach Diet plan (and truly believe in its principles and medical basis since I was diagnosed insulin resistant in 1994, even though I only weighed 147 lbs., and told I would not have children), I do believe I cannot "just follow a diet". I have to allow God to lead me in this. How? Through daily Bible study, fellowship with others, music, wisdom from those that have gone before me (even those that have struggled through other addictions), etc.







The ultimate goal my heart has for this journey (in addition to the weight loss) is a freedom from bondage. Bondage from the thoughts and fear and shame of food. Food preparation, food buying, food everything - it all brings about craziness inside my brain. So, with my goal, my plan, my God, and my support system I know this too can be kicked!!







This Sunday coming up is Super Bowl Sunday. Now, I like to watch football, but not as much as my husband, and I use the time to gather with others and eat. When I was preparing for this this last Sunday I was already dreading having friends over on Super Bowl Sunday. Now I am excited for the challenge. I am going to do some research and figure out "dieter" friendly snacks that we can have, without freaking them out, when they are here.







Suggestions from today:



1. Set small goals for your water drinking so you are not waking up in the middle of the night :)



2. Hug your support system/smile at random people - you will just feel better.



3. Spend time reading the Bible. I recommend Becky Tirabassi's Change Your Life Daily Bible.



4. Be happy with yourself for even starting - and for clearing out all that "not okayed" food!



5. Start considering exercise (if you don't already do it) just so your mind can start preparing your body :D







Today's Menu:



Breakfast: two boiled eggs mixed with a tablespoon of low fat mayo, salt, and pepper, two pieces of turkey bacon - water and a diet mtn. dew



Snack: wedge of laughing cow cheese (garlic and herb) spread on multiple half sticks of celery (I really used to hate celery - the cheese makes it bearable), and more water



Lunch: Green beans (again because of how many I made the first day. Recipe on cookingforeinsein.blogspot.com), water, three pieces of Oscar Meyer smoked turkey meat (the thicker sliced kind), sugar free jello, and finished with a piece of extra wintergreen gum.

Late afternoon snack: Low fat string cheese stick

Supper: Baked, blackened tilapia and the SBD recipe oven roasted veggies (instead of salt and pepper I used Emeril's Original Essence). This was a really, really good and tasty meal!

Dessert: No sugar added fudgesicle (I guess I cheated by having two)

Today I went back to noticing billboard ads, radio ads, and TV ads for food. Everything sounded so good. I really was craving today. I was also not feeling so well in the afternoon - think I caught something from my youngest, but after some Pepto felt somewhat better and able to eat dinner (and dessert obviously), but still struggling with wanting carbs. Like my middle child wanted popcorn while watching American Idol. Normally we would pop this and eat it and I would think we were doing good because of the fiber (okay, yes, there is LOTS of butter, but does that count against the fiber?). On this diet popcorn is out. I made her eat it downstairs so I didn't have to be so tempted. Sad, huh? Another really weak moment was right before we started cooking dinner - my husband is doing this with me - we looked at each other, drained, ready for bed, bodies attempting to adjust to this onslaught of healthy food, and he said, "You want to stop and start back tomorrow?" Only God was able to give me the strength to say no in the face of such an appealing proposition. Had it been Monday night I would have jumped at the chance and probably jumped his bones for feeling liberated. Not so this day. I felt like even though we have made it through only two and a half days - those were hard fought and hard earned two and a half days, and I didn't want to go back. This Phase is only two weeks, right?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am a little concerned about reverting back to old, time worn, unhealthy, obsessive patterns I have had in the past after these two weeks, but I am trying not to get ahead of myself and continue to let God lead in this.

Blessings as you continue on!

Day Two - Phase One

So, I have completed day number two. Granted, I am not in bed yet, but definitely headed that way. Just pumped about updating the progress so far. (No, I did not weigh again today)



When I wrote earlier to begin this journey with you I spoke about a plan. The basis of this epiphany comes from Proverbs - "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."

I am tired of "perishing" so I realize God is announcing to me that I need a plan. In my case, a WRITTEN plan (because I forget so easily in the moments of life). So, that is what I did - created my vision - wrote out my plan. Tried not to get ahead of myself- just taking it one week at a time and then even then one day at a time.



So - the week's menu is up, the groceries are bought (with my husband) and I completed day one yesterday. I will confess today was easier. Was I less hungry? I don't think so. Was I less tempted? No, definitely not (the kids found candy bars in the upper most cabinet I didn't know existed!!). Did my "flesh" die that easily? Nope. All I can say is that struggling so badly the night before with wanting to slide and give in and not doing so (even though I went to bed an extremely unhappy girl) - I woke up feeling good about that - then my wonderful husband left me notes around encouraging me in my goal (cool, huh?), and to top it off I actually planned ahead for the weak moment I knew would come (the new women's Bible study group I had joined that started tonight). No, the pounds lost did not hurt - they were the cherry on top!!



Suggestions from today:

1. Know your schedule. Prepare for that - take things that fit the situation.

2. Check your cabinets AGAIN!!

3. Eat before you go out - even just a snack of cheese or nuts to keep you from binging where you go- or giving into the brownies.

4. Laugh with others at the fact that you brought your own snack - who cares!



What I ate today:

Breakfast: five spinach quiche cups (add salt, pepper, and more hot sauce to this SBD recipe)

Snack: Celery with one wedge of laughing cow garlic and herb cheese (yum!!)

Lunch: Rolled up turkey dipped in melted cheese with green chilies

Snack: 15 cashew halves

Supper: Fresh green beans, bite of egg salad (wasn't good, I put too much mustard in), and jello(sugar free of course)

Snack at Bible Study (instead of brownies, popcorn, chex mix, and candy bars) Sugar free 40 calorie fudgesicle (OH MY STARS, YUM!!!!)



I did complete my 64 oz. today (note to self - don't cram it all in before bed tomorrow).



I wish us all well as we trudge on!!

Day One - Phase One

I have decided to do the South Beach Diet because of my addiction to sweets and breads. This is something I have struggled with most of my life, but honestly didn't know there were any other effects on me other than just increasing my weight.

Not true. Being addicted to anything brings about a feeling of shame for me. Especially since four years ago I was challenged by my child's doctor to stop my dairy intake while I was breastfeeding because my child was allergic to dairy and it was making him more and more sick. I wasn't able to do it. The really sick part was I would hide and think no one would know if they didn't see me. Puhleeze! Give me a break! How blind can a person be, you ask? Very. I am a walking, talking example. So, through the years I have tried a number of different diets and honestly - did well at times, but also did crappy at times. I never fully lost any significant amount of weight with anything.

Currently I am at an all time high in the weight department. I now NEED to lose 80 lbs - just to get to the high end of the "approved" range that doctors give you. Personally, I have been through this so many times, I am just hoping for a decrease in my BMI! Yesterday, January 26, 2009, I got serious about committing, not only to myself and God, but also to a specific plan. I have read the South Beach Diet Book, made grocery lists, and a menu. Yesterday I started the plan.

Difficult? Oh my stars, yes! Not the diet its self - because it doesn't ask you to measure really or count calories, or all the stuff I have learned before - but difficult in the psychological and physical NEED for starch and sweets! I know, I know - this is what I am breaking by going on this, but WOW!! I was near tears last night wanting to eat a piece of cake. I didn't give in, but only because my husband is doing this with me and I could not face him with yet another failure. So, score one for day one!!

Suggestions:
1. Clean out ALL your sweets (even in the freezer), breads, etc. BEFORE beginning this.
2. Shop with a buddy - you need the accountability in the beginning.
3. Rest. You will be so tired, so rest.
4. Really clean out the sweets - don't "hide" something back for "just in case".

My day's eating yesterday:
Breakfast: Diet Mtn Dew ( I know - no caffiene, but this one is all for the day)
sugar free jello, 15 cashews
Snack: Low fat cheese slice
Lunch: SBD Tuna salad (lots of veggies cut up and put in)
Snack: Sugar free popsicle
Supper: Crockpot Cajun turkey (bought at Walmart in the frozen turkey section) Fresh green beans cooked with onions and garlic, salt, and pepper.

Lots and lots of water - But, I did not meet my 64 oz. quota for my day.

Today I weighed - down 2 1/2 lbs!!! I pray it is not a fluke.

Good luck ~