8:45PM
1 ounce cashews--160 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
1:00PM
1 scoop Big Train Low Carb Hot Cocoa Mix--50 calories
6 Tbs heavy whipping cream--300 calories
1 Tbs Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil--120 calories
2:30PM
3 sausage patties--600 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:00PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
7:45PM
Slice of Blueberry cheesecake (cream cheese, blueberries, stevia, Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola for the crust with butter, and whipped cream)--500 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2030
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.4
NOTE: Okay, it's time to get back on it again. That's right, I'm gonna take another stab at the "sweet"-free challenge again and this time I'm gonna make it for an entire month! I've posted about it at YouTube today and will be committing to being "sweet"-free from December 1st through December 31st. That will include all the Christmas parties, Christmas itself and even my birthday on the 27th. But this is too important for me to take whimsically. It MUST be done and I had such great success with it last month despite giving up on it after 18 days. This time I'm hardcore all the way to 2009! Anyone else want to join me on this? We've even got a support thread at my forum for others who want to do this challenge of going without "sweet" for the next month! WE CAN DO THIS!!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
November 29, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
12:15PM
Hardee's Low-Carb Thickburger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, mustard, beef)--425 calories
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
3:45PM
1/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--150 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:00PM
5 1/2 ounces of boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce--225 calories
1 cup Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola--354 calories
4 Tbs heavy whipping cream--200 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
8:30PM
1 cup Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola--354 calories
4 Tbs heavy whipping cream--200 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2208
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.8
NOTE: Headed back home from Virginia after seeing my new niece Brianna:
AIN'T SHE CUTE?! It's good to be back home again and I've got a special something in mind starting on Monday that I can't wait to share with you.
Hardee's Low-Carb Thickburger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, mustard, beef)--425 calories
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
3:45PM
1/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--150 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:00PM
5 1/2 ounces of boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce--225 calories
1 cup Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola--354 calories
4 Tbs heavy whipping cream--200 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
8:30PM
1 cup Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola--354 calories
4 Tbs heavy whipping cream--200 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2208
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.8
NOTE: Headed back home from Virginia after seeing my new niece Brianna:
AIN'T SHE CUTE?! It's good to be back home again and I've got a special something in mind starting on Monday that I can't wait to share with you.
Friday, November 28, 2008
November 28, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
12:00PM
2 servings turkey breast--200 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
3 deviled eggs--185 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:30PM
13-ounce sirloin steak--900 calories
Salad with Italian dressing--50 calories
Zucchini and squash with butter--125 calories
Diet Coke--0 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 1890
CURRENT WEIGHT: NO ACCESS TO SCALE UNTIL 11-29-08
NOTE: Since we would be heading back home tomorrow, Christine's grandmother took us out to the Olive Garden tonight for a meal. Although most of the menu was off limits (including the famous breadsticks and all of the pasta dishes), I found a great Italian steak that was magnificent with some low-carb friendly veggies. WOO HOO! YUMMY!
2 servings turkey breast--200 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
3 deviled eggs--185 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:30PM
13-ounce sirloin steak--900 calories
Salad with Italian dressing--50 calories
Zucchini and squash with butter--125 calories
Diet Coke--0 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 1890
CURRENT WEIGHT: NO ACCESS TO SCALE UNTIL 11-29-08
NOTE: Since we would be heading back home tomorrow, Christine's grandmother took us out to the Olive Garden tonight for a meal. Although most of the menu was off limits (including the famous breadsticks and all of the pasta dishes), I found a great Italian steak that was magnificent with some low-carb friendly veggies. WOO HOO! YUMMY!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
November 27, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:45AM
Hardee's Low-Carb Breakfast Bowl--620 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
2:00PM
2 servings turkey breast--200 calories
1 serving green beans with butter--120 calories
2 servings mashed cauliflower with cheese--400 calories
6 deviled eggs--375 calories
1 sweet potato with 1 Tbs butter and a dusting of cinnamon--225 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
4:00PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
7:30PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
10:45PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2435
CURRENT WEIGHT: NO ACCESS TO SCALE UNTIL 11-29-08
NOTE: Thanksgiving Day 2008! Football, family, and fun. See, you CAN survive the holidays without going off your low-carb diet.
Hardee's Low-Carb Breakfast Bowl--620 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
2:00PM
2 servings turkey breast--200 calories
1 serving green beans with butter--120 calories
2 servings mashed cauliflower with cheese--400 calories
6 deviled eggs--375 calories
1 sweet potato with 1 Tbs butter and a dusting of cinnamon--225 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
4:00PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
7:30PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
10:45PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2435
CURRENT WEIGHT: NO ACCESS TO SCALE UNTIL 11-29-08
NOTE: Thanksgiving Day 2008! Football, family, and fun. See, you CAN survive the holidays without going off your low-carb diet.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
November 26, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
10:00AM
3 sausage patties--600 calories
10:30AM
60-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga)
2:00PM
Hardee's Low-Carb Thickburger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, mustard, beef)--425 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:45PM
Hardee's Low-Carb Thickburger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, mustard, beef)--425 calories
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
9:45PM
1 scoop Big Train Low Carb Hot Cocoa Mix--50 calories
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream--100 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 1900
CURRENT WEIGHT: NO ACCESS TO SCALE UNTIL 11-29-08
NOTE: Road trip from South Carolina to Virginia for Thanksgiving! Gotta LOVE those Hardee's burgers. :D
3 sausage patties--600 calories
10:30AM
60-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga)
2:00PM
Hardee's Low-Carb Thickburger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, mustard, beef)--425 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
6:45PM
Hardee's Low-Carb Thickburger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, mustard, beef)--425 calories
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
Diet Rite--0 calories
9:45PM
1 scoop Big Train Low Carb Hot Cocoa Mix--50 calories
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream--100 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 1900
CURRENT WEIGHT: NO ACCESS TO SCALE UNTIL 11-29-08
NOTE: Road trip from South Carolina to Virginia for Thanksgiving! Gotta LOVE those Hardee's burgers. :D
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 25, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
10:45AM
2 ounces cashews and almonds--320 calories
11:00AM
30-minute weight lifting with personal trainer
12:15PM
1 scoop Big Train Low Carb Hot Cocoa Mix--50 calories
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream--100 calories
1 Tbs Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil--120 calories
1:30PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage patties--600 calories
4:15PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
5:15PM
2 1/2 ounces pork rinds--225 calories
20-ounce Diet Rite--0 calories
7:00PM
120-minute recreational volleyball
TOTAL CALORIES: 1955
CURRENT WEIGHT: 251.0
NOTE: It's not too late to get in on the low-carb menus challenge! All you need to do is set up your own low-carb menus blog and e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others. Be sure to bookmark the other low-carb menus bloggers too and encourage them in their commitment to stick to their low-carb plan.
I'll be out of town from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday, so my menus blog will not be updated until I get back. However, I will be keeping track of my food intake while I'm gone. I won't have a computer to do updates nor will I have a scale to weigh myself, but I'll share all of that when I return. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
2 ounces cashews and almonds--320 calories
11:00AM
30-minute weight lifting with personal trainer
12:15PM
1 scoop Big Train Low Carb Hot Cocoa Mix--50 calories
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream--100 calories
1 Tbs Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil--120 calories
1:30PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage patties--600 calories
4:15PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
5:15PM
2 1/2 ounces pork rinds--225 calories
20-ounce Diet Rite--0 calories
7:00PM
120-minute recreational volleyball
TOTAL CALORIES: 1955
CURRENT WEIGHT: 251.0
NOTE: It's not too late to get in on the low-carb menus challenge! All you need to do is set up your own low-carb menus blog and e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others. Be sure to bookmark the other low-carb menus bloggers too and encourage them in their commitment to stick to their low-carb plan.
I'll be out of town from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday, so my menus blog will not be updated until I get back. However, I will be keeping track of my food intake while I'm gone. I won't have a computer to do updates nor will I have a scale to weigh myself, but I'll share all of that when I return. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Monday, November 24, 2008
November 24, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:00AM
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
11:00AM
20-ounce Diet Rite--0 calories
12:30PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage patties--600 calories
1 Tbs coconut oil--120 calories
2:00PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
3:30PM
10-ounce Nutrition53 Lean 1 Banana Cream protein shake--200 calories
5:30PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
6:30PM
60-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga)
TOTAL CALORIES: 2080
CURRENT WEIGHT: 252.4
NOTE: People are enjoying the thrilling challenge of posting their own low-carb menus and I invite you to get in on the fun, too! All you need to do is set up your own menus blog or create a menus journal on my forum Just e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog or journal thread and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others. Be sure to bookmark the other low-carb menus bloggers too and encourage them in their commitment to stick to their low-carb plan.
I had a diet soda today for the first time in about a week and a half. Why? Because I wanted one. And that one is all I had. Didn't want any more than that and got the full benefit of drinking it without feeling the need to keep feeding the beast. I have to repeat--THIS IS HUGE PROGRESS FOR ME! Diet soda has been a MAJOR weakness for me like regular soda used to be. Little by little we're slaying that giant in my life.
By the way, as you can see from my menus I'm still eating low-carb. From the sound of some of the feedback in the comments from people so "disappointed" in me for ending my "sweet"-free challenge earlier than expected, you'd think I'd be chowing down on Ding-Dongs and Ho-Hos and washing it down with a Super Big Gulp cup full of Coca-Cola. Get a grip, people! My low-carb diet may not be how someone else would choose to do it, but it is precisely what Jimmy Moore eats and is happy with it.
I'm not ashamed of my low-carb menus and they are light years ahead of what they were prior to beginning the Atkins diet in January 2004. Just as every diet plan doesn't necessarily work for everyone, the same goes for how you choose to do low-carb. I've never suggested people mimic every meal I eat nor would I expect them to. We're all adults here and can make our own decisions about what is right for our bodies. But I do appreciate everyone's feedback. KEEP IT COMING!
By the way, update on my car situation with the dealership after our transmission blew up on us in Hilton Head, SC a couple of weeks back. They FINALLY agreed to give us $300 cash for our inconvenience. Although we bought the car in August and the transmission went out to the tune of $1500, they thought $300 was fair. We asked for half, so I'm a bit disappointed. But something is better than nothing, so we'll take it.
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
11:00AM
20-ounce Diet Rite--0 calories
12:30PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage patties--600 calories
1 Tbs coconut oil--120 calories
2:00PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
3:30PM
10-ounce Nutrition53 Lean 1 Banana Cream protein shake--200 calories
5:30PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
6:30PM
60-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga)
TOTAL CALORIES: 2080
CURRENT WEIGHT: 252.4
NOTE: People are enjoying the thrilling challenge of posting their own low-carb menus and I invite you to get in on the fun, too! All you need to do is set up your own menus blog or create a menus journal on my forum Just e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog or journal thread and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others. Be sure to bookmark the other low-carb menus bloggers too and encourage them in their commitment to stick to their low-carb plan.
I had a diet soda today for the first time in about a week and a half. Why? Because I wanted one. And that one is all I had. Didn't want any more than that and got the full benefit of drinking it without feeling the need to keep feeding the beast. I have to repeat--THIS IS HUGE PROGRESS FOR ME! Diet soda has been a MAJOR weakness for me like regular soda used to be. Little by little we're slaying that giant in my life.
By the way, as you can see from my menus I'm still eating low-carb. From the sound of some of the feedback in the comments from people so "disappointed" in me for ending my "sweet"-free challenge earlier than expected, you'd think I'd be chowing down on Ding-Dongs and Ho-Hos and washing it down with a Super Big Gulp cup full of Coca-Cola. Get a grip, people! My low-carb diet may not be how someone else would choose to do it, but it is precisely what Jimmy Moore eats and is happy with it.
I'm not ashamed of my low-carb menus and they are light years ahead of what they were prior to beginning the Atkins diet in January 2004. Just as every diet plan doesn't necessarily work for everyone, the same goes for how you choose to do low-carb. I've never suggested people mimic every meal I eat nor would I expect them to. We're all adults here and can make our own decisions about what is right for our bodies. But I do appreciate everyone's feedback. KEEP IT COMING!
By the way, update on my car situation with the dealership after our transmission blew up on us in Hilton Head, SC a couple of weeks back. They FINALLY agreed to give us $300 cash for our inconvenience. Although we bought the car in August and the transmission went out to the tune of $1500, they thought $300 was fair. We asked for half, so I'm a bit disappointed. But something is better than nothing, so we'll take it.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
November 23, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:00AM
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
12:15PM
3 ounces turkey--150 calories
1 slice of ham--100 calories
1:15PM
2 1/2 ounces pork rinds--225 calories
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
1 Tbs coconut oil--120 calories
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream--100 calories
2 Tbs Banana-flavored DaVinci syrup--0 calories
7:45PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
3 slices American cheese--180 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--150 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2035
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.0
NOTE: Harry gets in on my new low-carb menus blogging challenge with the most creative name of a menus blog so far: "The Wowee Zowee Menu Blog!" Too funny that Harry guy! YOU can still participate in this challenge as well if you'd like to share your daily low-carb menus with everyone. All you need to do is set up your own menus blog or create a menus journal on my forum Just e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog or journal thread and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others. Be sure to check out what your fellow readers are doing with their menus by visiting their blogs listed to the right.
This morning I was running late for church and didn't have time to make my usual egg breakfast meal. So I improvised and consumed some cashews so the Metformin wouldn't upset my stomach during the church services. Then when I got to church, I was reminded that they were serving a church-wide Thanksgiving meal today after each of the morning worship services. I brought my neighbor's 12-year old girl with me and we headed over to the Christian Life Center following the 11:00am service to check out this meal.
Predictably, there was turkey and ham, but everything else was off limits to me: stuffing, gravy, cream corn, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese (my FORMER favorite!), dinner rolls, and carrot cake for dessert. I dutifully got my turkey without any gravy and a small slice of ham to eat while my neighbor's kid got a little bit of everything. It didn't take me long to consume the food I was allowed to eat and I was still hungry after eating it. The meal needed more fat in it to be satiating for me, but it was free so I wasn't complaining. I just ate some high-fat foods when I got home.
We're heading out of town for Thanksgiving on Wednesday afternoon going to visit my wife Christine's family in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her sister Jennifer just had a baby girl in September named Brianna and we're gonna see her for the first time. This is a surprise for the family because they have no idea we'll be coming. With all the traveling we've done lately with Christine's doctor appointments in Hilton Head, SC and going to Pensacola, FL in the final days of my brother Kevin's life, we weren't sure we'd be up to going. But going we are and I'm looking forward to getting away for a few days.
Oh, speaking of Thanksgiving, I posted something at my forum the other day that I'd like for all of you to participate in. Since we all eat a Thanksgiving meal and try to keep it as low-carb as we possibly can, I thought it would be a neat idea to get everyone to take a photo of their plate before they eat it and post it in this thread at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Discussion" forum. We'll archive this thread so that others can benefit from seeing what real low-carbers eat during a holiday meal like this. It's NOT impossible to stick to low-carb even on a day like Thanksgiving and this will make quite a statement affirming this fact! Get out those digital cameras or camera phones on Thursday and take your photo. Can't wait to see what YOU eat on Turkey Day!
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
12:15PM
3 ounces turkey--150 calories
1 slice of ham--100 calories
1:15PM
2 1/2 ounces pork rinds--225 calories
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
1 Tbs coconut oil--120 calories
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream--100 calories
2 Tbs Banana-flavored DaVinci syrup--0 calories
7:45PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
3 slices American cheese--180 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--150 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2035
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.0
NOTE: Harry gets in on my new low-carb menus blogging challenge with the most creative name of a menus blog so far: "The Wowee Zowee Menu Blog!" Too funny that Harry guy! YOU can still participate in this challenge as well if you'd like to share your daily low-carb menus with everyone. All you need to do is set up your own menus blog or create a menus journal on my forum Just e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog or journal thread and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others. Be sure to check out what your fellow readers are doing with their menus by visiting their blogs listed to the right.
This morning I was running late for church and didn't have time to make my usual egg breakfast meal. So I improvised and consumed some cashews so the Metformin wouldn't upset my stomach during the church services. Then when I got to church, I was reminded that they were serving a church-wide Thanksgiving meal today after each of the morning worship services. I brought my neighbor's 12-year old girl with me and we headed over to the Christian Life Center following the 11:00am service to check out this meal.
Predictably, there was turkey and ham, but everything else was off limits to me: stuffing, gravy, cream corn, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese (my FORMER favorite!), dinner rolls, and carrot cake for dessert. I dutifully got my turkey without any gravy and a small slice of ham to eat while my neighbor's kid got a little bit of everything. It didn't take me long to consume the food I was allowed to eat and I was still hungry after eating it. The meal needed more fat in it to be satiating for me, but it was free so I wasn't complaining. I just ate some high-fat foods when I got home.
We're heading out of town for Thanksgiving on Wednesday afternoon going to visit my wife Christine's family in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her sister Jennifer just had a baby girl in September named Brianna and we're gonna see her for the first time. This is a surprise for the family because they have no idea we'll be coming. With all the traveling we've done lately with Christine's doctor appointments in Hilton Head, SC and going to Pensacola, FL in the final days of my brother Kevin's life, we weren't sure we'd be up to going. But going we are and I'm looking forward to getting away for a few days.
Oh, speaking of Thanksgiving, I posted something at my forum the other day that I'd like for all of you to participate in. Since we all eat a Thanksgiving meal and try to keep it as low-carb as we possibly can, I thought it would be a neat idea to get everyone to take a photo of their plate before they eat it and post it in this thread at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Discussion" forum. We'll archive this thread so that others can benefit from seeing what real low-carbers eat during a holiday meal like this. It's NOT impossible to stick to low-carb even on a day like Thanksgiving and this will make quite a statement affirming this fact! Get out those digital cameras or camera phones on Thursday and take your photo. Can't wait to see what YOU eat on Turkey Day!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
November 22, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:45AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
10:15AM
120-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga)
2:00PM
2 1/2 ounces pork rinds--225 calories
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
3 slices American cheese--180 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
6:30PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
2 crab cakes--500 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2075
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.8
NOTE: Erika joined in on the menus blog challenge now and there's still plenty of room for YOU if you'd like to share your daily low-carb menus, too! Just e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others.
I did a special two-hour Pilates/yoga class today that was a workshop about how to improve your skills at doing this sometimes complex set of stretches and relaxation for the body. Although I've only been doing this for a couple of months, I can already tell my flexibility is getting better--although I still have a LONG way to go! My hamstrings are VERY tight and I want to get better at balance than I am. This is yet another layer on top of my cardio and weight lifting that will make me stronger, better physically than I have ever been in my life. The stress relief from doing this is utterly amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who needs a way to unwind from the pressures of life.
Let me clear up something that has become quite the topic of conversation here in the past week. I created this blog so that other people could see what I eat on a daily basis. Nobody made me do this and I did it out of my own choosing. Little did I know when I started this blog that my weight would start doing what it did this year with all the struggles to get it back down that I've contended with. But I'm glad that happened because it showed others (and is still showing others) that it is okay if the scale doesn't necessarily cooperate with you on your low-carb lifestyle as long as you remain committed to sticking with it when you KNOW it works. That's true for me and I'm NEVER gonna stop eating this way.
Is my diet the object of perfection for all low-carbers to follow? No and I wouldn't expect people to eat exactly like me anyway since I have my individual tastes and preferences. But that's the beauty of livin' la vida low-carb. You find what works for you to make this a lifestyle change you can live with for the rest of your life and then you do it unashamed because in the end it is ultimately about YOU! I don't worry myself with what other people think about me because quite frankly I am just trying to live my life the best way I know how. Life's too short to let people negatively influence you simply by what they say. I try to find the good in everyone and everything to learn from the shared experiences. It's one of the reasons I enjoy blogging and hearing from my readers each and every day.
THANK YOU for being here and sharing in my journey. May God continue to bless you in your own personal path to weight loss success and the amazing health you deserve! Livin' la vida low-carb--whatever that means to you--will help get you there! :)
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
10:15AM
120-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga)
2:00PM
2 1/2 ounces pork rinds--225 calories
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
3 slices American cheese--180 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
6:30PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
2 crab cakes--500 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2075
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.8
NOTE: Erika joined in on the menus blog challenge now and there's still plenty of room for YOU if you'd like to share your daily low-carb menus, too! Just e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others.
I did a special two-hour Pilates/yoga class today that was a workshop about how to improve your skills at doing this sometimes complex set of stretches and relaxation for the body. Although I've only been doing this for a couple of months, I can already tell my flexibility is getting better--although I still have a LONG way to go! My hamstrings are VERY tight and I want to get better at balance than I am. This is yet another layer on top of my cardio and weight lifting that will make me stronger, better physically than I have ever been in my life. The stress relief from doing this is utterly amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who needs a way to unwind from the pressures of life.
Let me clear up something that has become quite the topic of conversation here in the past week. I created this blog so that other people could see what I eat on a daily basis. Nobody made me do this and I did it out of my own choosing. Little did I know when I started this blog that my weight would start doing what it did this year with all the struggles to get it back down that I've contended with. But I'm glad that happened because it showed others (and is still showing others) that it is okay if the scale doesn't necessarily cooperate with you on your low-carb lifestyle as long as you remain committed to sticking with it when you KNOW it works. That's true for me and I'm NEVER gonna stop eating this way.
Is my diet the object of perfection for all low-carbers to follow? No and I wouldn't expect people to eat exactly like me anyway since I have my individual tastes and preferences. But that's the beauty of livin' la vida low-carb. You find what works for you to make this a lifestyle change you can live with for the rest of your life and then you do it unashamed because in the end it is ultimately about YOU! I don't worry myself with what other people think about me because quite frankly I am just trying to live my life the best way I know how. Life's too short to let people negatively influence you simply by what they say. I try to find the good in everyone and everything to learn from the shared experiences. It's one of the reasons I enjoy blogging and hearing from my readers each and every day.
THANK YOU for being here and sharing in my journey. May God continue to bless you in your own personal path to weight loss success and the amazing health you deserve! Livin' la vida low-carb--whatever that means to you--will help get you there! :)
Friday, November 21, 2008
November 21, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
10:45AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
3:30PM
3/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--450 calories
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
6 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--450 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
8:45PM
2 ounces cashews--330 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2205
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.2
NOTE: Special THANKS to Dawn, Vadim and Laura for being the first ones to step up to the plate and start blogging their daily low-carb menus. You'll notice their blogs listed to the right and I'm happy to add many more from those of you who have been reading my menus blog over the past year. This is indeed a challenge of accountability, sustainability, and resolve. Be honest about what goes inside your mouth even if it isn't "perfect" and you'll quickly realize how important it is to make the best choices you can.
Will you stumble at times and make poor choices? Sure, that's completely normal and I'd wonder about you if you did low-carb perfectly every single day. But the key is to strive to be the best you can the vast majority of the time. That's what I do and I know many of you do, too. Remember, if you want to take this menus challenge, then simply e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others.
This isn't a contest to see who is better at low-carbing or a place for people to tell you what you are necessarily doing wrong in your diet. This is about YOU and simply how you eat while livin' la vida low-carb. Everyone has their own definition of what that means, but it can vary from individual to individual based on their own specific metabolic needs. Show us your menus so we can all learn from each other and the experiences we have gone through. You never know who you may positively impact just from posting what you eat on a daily basis.
Most of my calories came midday today which was kind of odd for me since I like to spread them out a little more than that. But I've gone nearly a week without a diet soda (WOO HOO!) and my weight dropped slightly today as well. Progress, progress, progress. You gotta LOVE it!
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
3:30PM
3/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--450 calories
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
6 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--450 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
8:45PM
2 ounces cashews--330 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2205
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.2
NOTE: Special THANKS to Dawn, Vadim and Laura for being the first ones to step up to the plate and start blogging their daily low-carb menus. You'll notice their blogs listed to the right and I'm happy to add many more from those of you who have been reading my menus blog over the past year. This is indeed a challenge of accountability, sustainability, and resolve. Be honest about what goes inside your mouth even if it isn't "perfect" and you'll quickly realize how important it is to make the best choices you can.
Will you stumble at times and make poor choices? Sure, that's completely normal and I'd wonder about you if you did low-carb perfectly every single day. But the key is to strive to be the best you can the vast majority of the time. That's what I do and I know many of you do, too. Remember, if you want to take this menus challenge, then simply e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel with the others.
This isn't a contest to see who is better at low-carbing or a place for people to tell you what you are necessarily doing wrong in your diet. This is about YOU and simply how you eat while livin' la vida low-carb. Everyone has their own definition of what that means, but it can vary from individual to individual based on their own specific metabolic needs. Show us your menus so we can all learn from each other and the experiences we have gone through. You never know who you may positively impact just from posting what you eat on a daily basis.
Most of my calories came midday today which was kind of odd for me since I like to spread them out a little more than that. But I've gone nearly a week without a diet soda (WOO HOO!) and my weight dropped slightly today as well. Progress, progress, progress. You gotta LOVE it!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
November 20, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
10:00AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
10:30AM
60-minute yoga class
2:00PM
8 ounces of shrimp with mustard--240 calories
2 ounces of pork rinds--90 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
5:30PM
60-minute spin class
7:15PM
13-ounce sirloin strip steak--780 calories
2 small squares Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--265 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 1960
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.0
NOTE: I have a new challenge to share with everyone today that I think will be quite an illuminating experience. As you know, I've been writing down my daily menus for nearly a year here at this blog to show what this particular low-carber actually eats on a daily basis. Some days have been better than others, but I have been quite transparent about what goes in my mouth and how much exercise I'm engaged in.
Today, I challenge YOU to do the same. That's right, I'm encouraging other low-carb dieters to be willing to share their daily menus online as well at their own menus blog. I'm going to start compiling a list of these low-carb menu sites on the side panel here so everyone can benefit from the variety of voices about what low-carb living means to different people. Are you brave enough to put your low-carb menus out there for everyone to see?
If you want to take this challenge, then simply e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel. With so many people professing they know the best way to do a low-carb diet, it's time to see how you do it. This should be a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing how other low-carbers eat. List your portions, calories, and current weight each day so we can follow your progress.
Anyone up to the challenge? :)
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
10:30AM
60-minute yoga class
2:00PM
8 ounces of shrimp with mustard--240 calories
2 ounces of pork rinds--90 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--165 calories
5:30PM
60-minute spin class
7:15PM
13-ounce sirloin strip steak--780 calories
2 small squares Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts and whipped cream--265 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 1960
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.0
NOTE: I have a new challenge to share with everyone today that I think will be quite an illuminating experience. As you know, I've been writing down my daily menus for nearly a year here at this blog to show what this particular low-carber actually eats on a daily basis. Some days have been better than others, but I have been quite transparent about what goes in my mouth and how much exercise I'm engaged in.
Today, I challenge YOU to do the same. That's right, I'm encouraging other low-carb dieters to be willing to share their daily menus online as well at their own menus blog. I'm going to start compiling a list of these low-carb menu sites on the side panel here so everyone can benefit from the variety of voices about what low-carb living means to different people. Are you brave enough to put your low-carb menus out there for everyone to see?
If you want to take this challenge, then simply e-mail me at livinlowcarbman@charter.net with the URL of your new menus blog and I'll add it to my new list on the side panel. With so many people professing they know the best way to do a low-carb diet, it's time to see how you do it. This should be a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing how other low-carbers eat. List your portions, calories, and current weight each day so we can follow your progress.
Anyone up to the challenge? :)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 19, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:30AM
45-minute spin class
10:30AM
30-minute weight lifting with personal trainer
12:30PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
3 eggs--240 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
4:45PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts--125 calories
1 hamburger patty--430 calories
2 slices Wisconsin fine cheese (salsa cheddar)--150 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
7:45PM
2 small squares Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with whipped cream--300 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2015
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.8
NOTE: I hate it when I wake up late for a scheduled appointment after staying up a little later the night before. That's what happened this morning. My spin class at my gym started at 9:30AM followed by a weight lifting workout with my personal trainer at 10:30AM--but I woke up at 9:15AM! EEEEEK! So, I didn't have time to eat anything before I left...stupid, I know, but what do you do? :)
But the good news is I'm not getting dizzy during my workouts like I used to. That was the strangest thing earlier this year when the symptoms of hypoglycemia were happening to me, but now they've seemed to subside and I make it just fine through my various exercise activities. And my knee that I talked about yesterday did perfectly okay during spin class with all the jumps and sprints...no trouble at all. YEAH!
I struggled getting my calories up to where they needed to be today partly because I got behind by not eating breakfast. Grrrr! But I'll work on that so I can get back to a balanced three-meals-a-day routine again. Yes, I know I had a LOT of sweet today and that was by design. I just wanted to irk everyone who thinks I shouldn't be eating stuff like that. Hee hee! Still no diet sodas for me today...MORE progress! You gotta love it!
45-minute spin class
10:30AM
30-minute weight lifting with personal trainer
12:30PM
1/2 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--300 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
3 eggs--240 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
12 turkey deli slices--90 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
4:45PM
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with walnuts--125 calories
1 hamburger patty--430 calories
2 slices Wisconsin fine cheese (salsa cheddar)--150 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
7:45PM
2 small squares Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie with whipped cream--300 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2015
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.8
NOTE: I hate it when I wake up late for a scheduled appointment after staying up a little later the night before. That's what happened this morning. My spin class at my gym started at 9:30AM followed by a weight lifting workout with my personal trainer at 10:30AM--but I woke up at 9:15AM! EEEEEK! So, I didn't have time to eat anything before I left...stupid, I know, but what do you do? :)
But the good news is I'm not getting dizzy during my workouts like I used to. That was the strangest thing earlier this year when the symptoms of hypoglycemia were happening to me, but now they've seemed to subside and I make it just fine through my various exercise activities. And my knee that I talked about yesterday did perfectly okay during spin class with all the jumps and sprints...no trouble at all. YEAH!
I struggled getting my calories up to where they needed to be today partly because I got behind by not eating breakfast. Grrrr! But I'll work on that so I can get back to a balanced three-meals-a-day routine again. Yes, I know I had a LOT of sweet today and that was by design. I just wanted to irk everyone who thinks I shouldn't be eating stuff like that. Hee hee! Still no diet sodas for me today...MORE progress! You gotta love it!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 18, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:30AM
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
3 eggs--240 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
1:45PM
1 ounce mixed nuts (almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, pecans)--170 calories
7 ounces beef tips--425 calories
2 ounces sour cream--60 calories
6:15PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage links--375 calories
3 bacon slices--110 calories
Mixed veggies (broccoli, squash, red peppers, onions, green beans, pico de gallo, and salsa)--125 calories
1 Tbs sour cream--30 calories
7:00PM
120-minute recreational volleyball
TOTAL CALORIES: 2270
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.4
NOTE: Last week when the transmission went out in my car (still no word from the dealership about what they are gonna do for us) in Hilton Head, SC, a very nice man helped push the Buick LeSabre out of the middle of the rush hour traffic. As I was pushing and steering the car with the Good Samaritan pushing from behind, the car picked up a LOT of momentum and was on a beeline for a small diner that was closed at the time. Freaking out, I jumped inside the moving vehicle to slam on the brakes and I busted my right shin. When I got back to the hotel room, there was a gash right smack dab in the middle of my leg where I bumped it on something to get inside the car. But something else happened to my left knee that I didn't realize at the time...until today. OH...MY...GOSH...it hurts! Walking was okay, but bending my knees to pick something up off the floor made me aware of a slight strain. OUCH! I thought about getting a knee brace for my volleyball game tonight, but I did okay. It's just a slight twinge, but I'm keeping an eye on it and not doing anything stupid. Lesson learned about pushing a car out of the middle of the road next time! By the way, still no diet sodas for the past three days...haven't wanted one. WOO HOO!
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
3 eggs--240 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
1:45PM
1 ounce mixed nuts (almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, pecans)--170 calories
7 ounces beef tips--425 calories
2 ounces sour cream--60 calories
6:15PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage links--375 calories
3 bacon slices--110 calories
Mixed veggies (broccoli, squash, red peppers, onions, green beans, pico de gallo, and salsa)--125 calories
1 Tbs sour cream--30 calories
7:00PM
120-minute recreational volleyball
TOTAL CALORIES: 2270
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.4
NOTE: Last week when the transmission went out in my car (still no word from the dealership about what they are gonna do for us) in Hilton Head, SC, a very nice man helped push the Buick LeSabre out of the middle of the rush hour traffic. As I was pushing and steering the car with the Good Samaritan pushing from behind, the car picked up a LOT of momentum and was on a beeline for a small diner that was closed at the time. Freaking out, I jumped inside the moving vehicle to slam on the brakes and I busted my right shin. When I got back to the hotel room, there was a gash right smack dab in the middle of my leg where I bumped it on something to get inside the car. But something else happened to my left knee that I didn't realize at the time...until today. OH...MY...GOSH...it hurts! Walking was okay, but bending my knees to pick something up off the floor made me aware of a slight strain. OUCH! I thought about getting a knee brace for my volleyball game tonight, but I did okay. It's just a slight twinge, but I'm keeping an eye on it and not doing anything stupid. Lesson learned about pushing a car out of the middle of the road next time! By the way, still no diet sodas for the past three days...haven't wanted one. WOO HOO!
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
12:30PM
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1.5 ounces pork rinds--135 calories
5:30PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
4 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--250 calories
8 turkey deli slices--60 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie--100 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2025
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.6
NOTE: I didn't eat breakfast this morning because we went to our car dealership to try to negotiate something with them about our busted transmission on the 2002 Buick LeSabre we just purchased a few months ago from them. The meeting took a LOT longer than we expected and then they said they would need to mull over what they want to do for us (if anything). I told them if they just met me halfway and paid for part of the repair with cash and/or service credits, then I'd be satisfied. Here's hoping!
So by the time we got home from dealing with that, I was pretty hungry and went right for those satisfying hamburgers I enjoy eating so much. They're packed with lots of fat and calories, but that's what makes them so filling for so long. I even added in a few pork rinds today with that meal for some crunch. And I wanted a little something sweet at the end of my supper meal, so I got just a very small portion of those incredible Flax Z Snax brownies. LOVED IT!
A funny thing has happened the past couple of days, too--I have drank a single diet soda. WOO HOO! After my recent "sweet"-free challenge, I'm finding I really don't have a daily desire for one anymore like I used to. It's amazing since I didn't think I'd be able to survive without them. But here I am not only surviving, but THRIVING with no ill effects from removing them most of the time from my low-carb lifestyle. You gotta celebrate success any way it comes and that's exactly what I'm doing.
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
2 slices American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1.5 ounces pork rinds--135 calories
5:30PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
4 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--250 calories
8 turkey deli slices--60 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
1 small square Flax Z Snax Low-Carb Brownie--100 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2025
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.6
NOTE: I didn't eat breakfast this morning because we went to our car dealership to try to negotiate something with them about our busted transmission on the 2002 Buick LeSabre we just purchased a few months ago from them. The meeting took a LOT longer than we expected and then they said they would need to mull over what they want to do for us (if anything). I told them if they just met me halfway and paid for part of the repair with cash and/or service credits, then I'd be satisfied. Here's hoping!
So by the time we got home from dealing with that, I was pretty hungry and went right for those satisfying hamburgers I enjoy eating so much. They're packed with lots of fat and calories, but that's what makes them so filling for so long. I even added in a few pork rinds today with that meal for some crunch. And I wanted a little something sweet at the end of my supper meal, so I got just a very small portion of those incredible Flax Z Snax brownies. LOVED IT!
A funny thing has happened the past couple of days, too--I have drank a single diet soda. WOO HOO! After my recent "sweet"-free challenge, I'm finding I really don't have a daily desire for one anymore like I used to. It's amazing since I didn't think I'd be able to survive without them. But here I am not only surviving, but THRIVING with no ill effects from removing them most of the time from my low-carb lifestyle. You gotta celebrate success any way it comes and that's exactly what I'm doing.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
November 16, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:45AM
3 sausage patties--315 calories
1:15PM
2 ounces of mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews)--340 calories
2 crab cakes--500 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
5:45PM
1 hamburger patty--430 calories
2 slice of American cheese--120 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
1/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--150 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2015
CURRENT WEIGHT: 252.4
NOTE: Okay, everyone, class participation time. Follow my lead--breathe in...breathe out...breathe in slowwwwwwwllly...breathe out slowwwwwwwwllly...AHHHHH! Don't you feel better now (all those yoga and Pilates classes are starting to rub off on me). I think it's a good idea to remain relaxed and de-stressed as much as possible because it can and will have a measurable impact on your weight far beyond your diet. People get so uptight about the smallest things and yet forget to even realize how much they have been blessed with.
I for one am very thankful for the incredible lessons I have learned over the past few weeks about myself. Giving up "sweet" (artificial or otherwise) was indeed a challenge for me, but I did it and saw GREAT success in my weight and behavior towards those foods. Whereas I probably tended to consume too much of the "sweet" low-carb treats in my life before, I now realize I can make do with less and still have the same enjoyment from those things. And the diet sodas I was drinking in high quantities before have dropped significantly (and I didn't have a single one today!). This is HUGE progress that I'm very proud of accomplishing.
Incrementalism is a superb way to bring about new habits that are good for you. I'm not in the camp that it's all or nothing--that's a great way to quickly label yourself a failure when everything doesn't go perfectly. Had I taken on that mentality during my 180-pound weight loss in 2004, then it would have never happened. Thank the good Lord I hung in there doing it my way back then and that's precisely what I'm doing this time around too. The best new is my weight is still falling...a clear-cut sign I'm doing something right. And I fully intend to keep that momentum rolling.
3 sausage patties--315 calories
1:15PM
2 ounces of mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews)--340 calories
2 crab cakes--500 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
5:45PM
1 hamburger patty--430 calories
2 slice of American cheese--120 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
1/4 cup Flax Z Snax Sweet Nut'ns--150 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2015
CURRENT WEIGHT: 252.4
NOTE: Okay, everyone, class participation time. Follow my lead--breathe in...breathe out...breathe in slowwwwwwwllly...breathe out slowwwwwwwwllly...AHHHHH! Don't you feel better now (all those yoga and Pilates classes are starting to rub off on me). I think it's a good idea to remain relaxed and de-stressed as much as possible because it can and will have a measurable impact on your weight far beyond your diet. People get so uptight about the smallest things and yet forget to even realize how much they have been blessed with.
I for one am very thankful for the incredible lessons I have learned over the past few weeks about myself. Giving up "sweet" (artificial or otherwise) was indeed a challenge for me, but I did it and saw GREAT success in my weight and behavior towards those foods. Whereas I probably tended to consume too much of the "sweet" low-carb treats in my life before, I now realize I can make do with less and still have the same enjoyment from those things. And the diet sodas I was drinking in high quantities before have dropped significantly (and I didn't have a single one today!). This is HUGE progress that I'm very proud of accomplishing.
Incrementalism is a superb way to bring about new habits that are good for you. I'm not in the camp that it's all or nothing--that's a great way to quickly label yourself a failure when everything doesn't go perfectly. Had I taken on that mentality during my 180-pound weight loss in 2004, then it would have never happened. Thank the good Lord I hung in there doing it my way back then and that's precisely what I'm doing this time around too. The best new is my weight is still falling...a clear-cut sign I'm doing something right. And I fully intend to keep that momentum rolling.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
November 15, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
7:45AM
1 20-ounce Coke Zero--0 calories
12:30PM
2 ounces of cashews--320 calories
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
4 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--250 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
6:15PM
1 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wrap--50 calories
6 slices of deli turkey slices--45 calories
2 slice of American cheese--120 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
1/2 cup Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola--177 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2022
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.2
NOTE: We finally made it back home from our trip to Hilton Head, SC this week for Christine's chelation therapy treatments and unexpected car repair...HOME SWEET HOME! Although I'm now officially "off" the "sweet"-free challenge, I'm being much more mindful of my calories and intake of sweet-tasting foods. Since I stayed away from all things sweet for the past nearly three weeks, I went ahead and tried a small sample of a new blueberry-flavored granola from one of my favorite low-carb companies Flax Z Snax. Delicious and just enough sweet for me. I won't make it a habit to eat that stuff everyday, but it was a nice little treat at the end of my dinner meal. My calories came way back down again today after yesterday's crazy total. Feeling good about my continued weight loss chances with my weighing continuing to come DOWN! Yee haw!
1 20-ounce Coke Zero--0 calories
12:30PM
2 ounces of cashews--320 calories
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
4 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--250 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
6:15PM
1 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wrap--50 calories
6 slices of deli turkey slices--45 calories
2 slice of American cheese--120 calories
1 Tbs mayo--100 calories
1/2 cup Blueberry Nut Flax Z Snax Granola--177 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2022
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.2
NOTE: We finally made it back home from our trip to Hilton Head, SC this week for Christine's chelation therapy treatments and unexpected car repair...HOME SWEET HOME! Although I'm now officially "off" the "sweet"-free challenge, I'm being much more mindful of my calories and intake of sweet-tasting foods. Since I stayed away from all things sweet for the past nearly three weeks, I went ahead and tried a small sample of a new blueberry-flavored granola from one of my favorite low-carb companies Flax Z Snax. Delicious and just enough sweet for me. I won't make it a habit to eat that stuff everyday, but it was a nice little treat at the end of my dinner meal. My calories came way back down again today after yesterday's crazy total. Feeling good about my continued weight loss chances with my weighing continuing to come DOWN! Yee haw!
Friday, November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:30AM
30-minute walking
11:15AM
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
11:45AM
1 20-ounce Coke Zero--0 calories
7:00PM
Slice of pumpernickel bread--110 calories
Few nibbles of fried onion--60 calories
14-ounce prime rib steak--798 calories
1 ounce creamy horseradish sauce--150 calories
Mixed vegetables (snowpeas, squash, zucchini)--80 calories
2 Tbs butter--200 calories
Side salad with Ranch dressing--150 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2738
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.0
NOTE: After giving in and having a diet soda yesterday, I suppose my "sweet"-free challenge has come to a screeching halt. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna go hog wild on a bunch of "sweet" low-carb treats all of a sudden. If I've learned anything from this experience, it's this--I have live with a LOT less sweet in my palate than I think. To that end, I'm limiting myself to no more than one 20-ounce diet soda per day. This is a HUGE step from the 8-10 Diet Rites I was drinking on a daily basis prior to the challenge, so I'd say progress has been made. I'm also gonna make sweet low-carb treats as infrequent as I possibly can and perhaps only limit them to once or twice a week. If I don't need a diet soda or sweet treat, then I won't consume them. This is HUGE progress for me and I'm so grateful for the support everyone has shown me over these past few weeks.
As for today's menu, it was the highest number of calories I've consumed since I started tracking my calories for the "sweet"-free challenge. I didn't set out to eat that many calories, but it worked out that way to the tune of an extra 500 calories than usual. After shelling out nearly $1500 for the transmission to be fixed on my car tonight, what was another $50 for dinner at the Outback Steakhouse? And I even had a little bit of Christine's Bloomin' Onion as well as the pumpernickel bread they serve at the beginning. It was DELICIOUS, but I wouldn't make it a habit to eat either one of those regularly. But at least I counted the calories. :)
I'll continue to list when I consume a diet soda for accountability here as well as my daily calories. My weight is hovering right around 255 right now...ten pounds less than it did less than three weeks ago, so I can't complain. THANKS as always for reading!
30-minute walking
11:15AM
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
11:45AM
1 20-ounce Coke Zero--0 calories
7:00PM
Slice of pumpernickel bread--110 calories
Few nibbles of fried onion--60 calories
14-ounce prime rib steak--798 calories
1 ounce creamy horseradish sauce--150 calories
Mixed vegetables (snowpeas, squash, zucchini)--80 calories
2 Tbs butter--200 calories
Side salad with Ranch dressing--150 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 2738
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.0
NOTE: After giving in and having a diet soda yesterday, I suppose my "sweet"-free challenge has come to a screeching halt. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna go hog wild on a bunch of "sweet" low-carb treats all of a sudden. If I've learned anything from this experience, it's this--I have live with a LOT less sweet in my palate than I think. To that end, I'm limiting myself to no more than one 20-ounce diet soda per day. This is a HUGE step from the 8-10 Diet Rites I was drinking on a daily basis prior to the challenge, so I'd say progress has been made. I'm also gonna make sweet low-carb treats as infrequent as I possibly can and perhaps only limit them to once or twice a week. If I don't need a diet soda or sweet treat, then I won't consume them. This is HUGE progress for me and I'm so grateful for the support everyone has shown me over these past few weeks.
As for today's menu, it was the highest number of calories I've consumed since I started tracking my calories for the "sweet"-free challenge. I didn't set out to eat that many calories, but it worked out that way to the tune of an extra 500 calories than usual. After shelling out nearly $1500 for the transmission to be fixed on my car tonight, what was another $50 for dinner at the Outback Steakhouse? And I even had a little bit of Christine's Bloomin' Onion as well as the pumpernickel bread they serve at the beginning. It was DELICIOUS, but I wouldn't make it a habit to eat either one of those regularly. But at least I counted the calories. :)
I'll continue to list when I consume a diet soda for accountability here as well as my daily calories. My weight is hovering right around 255 right now...ten pounds less than it did less than three weeks ago, so I can't complain. THANKS as always for reading!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
November 13, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:30AM
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
8:45AM
30-minute walking
11:15AM
Lump crab meat with cheese sauce--300 calories
Mixed veggies (broccoli, snow peas, squash, and zucchini)--100 calories
3 Tbs butter--300 calories
Slice of whole wheat bread--110 calories
7:00PM
1 20-ounce Coke Zero--0 calories
7:30PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
8 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--500 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 18 TOTAL CALORIES: 2095
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.8
NOTE: The stress of dealing with the prospect of a major car repair got worse today when I got word that it was indeed my transmission that needed to be fixed to the tune of $1400! EEEEEK! We just bought this car in August, so this is quite disheartening to say the least. Add to that the fact we are still away from home for Christine's chelation therapy in Hilton Head and will need to be here another day for the car to be in the shop and it's a lot to take in. We had to walk to Christine's appointment at the doctor's office which is a little more than 2 miles from our hotel. It was a nice stroll for me, although I know Christine didn't enjoy it very much. Thankfully one of the nurses gave us a ride back to the hotel where we stayed the rest of the day.
But I did something today I haven't done in the previous 18 days...I had something "sweet." That's right, I listed it right there at 7:00PM on my menu although it has ZERO calories--I had a diet soda. I was going nuts for one today with all that has happened and decided to let myself have one. Taking my time to drink it slowly, I enjoyed every moment of it and it was delicious. Amazingly, it wasn't overly sweet like I expected it to be. It was glorious! Of course, I'm right back on the "sweet"-free challenge again for the remainder of the 30 days. THANK YOU for your encouragement and support through this difficult, but doable challenge. The weight is still going down ever-so-slightly, but I'm seeing progress--WOO HOO!
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
8:45AM
30-minute walking
11:15AM
Lump crab meat with cheese sauce--300 calories
Mixed veggies (broccoli, snow peas, squash, and zucchini)--100 calories
3 Tbs butter--300 calories
Slice of whole wheat bread--110 calories
7:00PM
1 20-ounce Coke Zero--0 calories
7:30PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
8 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--500 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 18 TOTAL CALORIES: 2095
CURRENT WEIGHT: 254.8
NOTE: The stress of dealing with the prospect of a major car repair got worse today when I got word that it was indeed my transmission that needed to be fixed to the tune of $1400! EEEEEK! We just bought this car in August, so this is quite disheartening to say the least. Add to that the fact we are still away from home for Christine's chelation therapy in Hilton Head and will need to be here another day for the car to be in the shop and it's a lot to take in. We had to walk to Christine's appointment at the doctor's office which is a little more than 2 miles from our hotel. It was a nice stroll for me, although I know Christine didn't enjoy it very much. Thankfully one of the nurses gave us a ride back to the hotel where we stayed the rest of the day.
But I did something today I haven't done in the previous 18 days...I had something "sweet." That's right, I listed it right there at 7:00PM on my menu although it has ZERO calories--I had a diet soda. I was going nuts for one today with all that has happened and decided to let myself have one. Taking my time to drink it slowly, I enjoyed every moment of it and it was delicious. Amazingly, it wasn't overly sweet like I expected it to be. It was glorious! Of course, I'm right back on the "sweet"-free challenge again for the remainder of the 30 days. THANK YOU for your encouragement and support through this difficult, but doable challenge. The weight is still going down ever-so-slightly, but I'm seeing progress--WOO HOO!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November 12, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
10:45AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
2 Tbs salsa--10 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
7:00PM
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
2 American cheese slices--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 17 TOTAL CALORIES: 2185
CURRENT WEIGHT: 257.0
NOTE: Life has a funny way of throwing you a curve ball just when you least expect it. We're still away in Hilton Head, SC for my wife Christine's chelation therapy treatments and planned on going home Friday morning--not gonna happen now thanks to my 2002 Buick LeSabre deciding that the transmission would go out at just over 50,000 miles and only a couple of months after purchasing it. ARGH! But what do you do? I gotta tell you it was tempting to eat something sweet today, but I resisted and stayed true to my "sweet"-free challenge since I'm getting so close to the end of the thirty days. We're bracing for what this is gonna cost us, so wish us luck! :)
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
2 Tbs salsa--10 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
7:00PM
2 hamburger patties--860 calories
2 American cheese slices--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
2 ounces cashews--320 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 17 TOTAL CALORIES: 2185
CURRENT WEIGHT: 257.0
NOTE: Life has a funny way of throwing you a curve ball just when you least expect it. We're still away in Hilton Head, SC for my wife Christine's chelation therapy treatments and planned on going home Friday morning--not gonna happen now thanks to my 2002 Buick LeSabre deciding that the transmission would go out at just over 50,000 miles and only a couple of months after purchasing it. ARGH! But what do you do? I gotta tell you it was tempting to eat something sweet today, but I resisted and stayed true to my "sweet"-free challenge since I'm getting so close to the end of the thirty days. We're bracing for what this is gonna cost us, so wish us luck! :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
November 11, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
12:00PM
3 ounces roasted shelled peanuts--480 calories
2 steak skewers with onions, green peppers, squash, snow peas, red peppers, broccoli--300 calories
3 Tbs butter--300 calories
6:15PM
Slice of pumpernickel bread--110 calories
10-ounce prime rib steak--570 calories
Fresh mixed veggies (broccoli, snow peas, and squash)--80 calories
3 Tbs butter--300 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 16 TOTAL CALORIES: 2140
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.2
NOTE: Today was Christine's birthday and I tried to make it a special day for her. While she was at the doctor's office for her chelation therapy treatment, I went out and got her a card, a slice of carrot cake (her favorite!) and a homemade birthday mold made of chocolate. SHE LOVED IT! In addition, since it was her birthday, I wanted her to have some great meals. So we went to Longhorn's steakhouse for lunch and Outback steakhouse for dinner. Those two meals alone were all I needed to get the calories I needed today. That prime rib was amazing, too! Yes, I had some pumpernickel bread, but at least it wasn't "sweet." :)
3 ounces roasted shelled peanuts--480 calories
2 steak skewers with onions, green peppers, squash, snow peas, red peppers, broccoli--300 calories
3 Tbs butter--300 calories
6:15PM
Slice of pumpernickel bread--110 calories
10-ounce prime rib steak--570 calories
Fresh mixed veggies (broccoli, snow peas, and squash)--80 calories
3 Tbs butter--300 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 16 TOTAL CALORIES: 2140
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.2
NOTE: Today was Christine's birthday and I tried to make it a special day for her. While she was at the doctor's office for her chelation therapy treatment, I went out and got her a card, a slice of carrot cake (her favorite!) and a homemade birthday mold made of chocolate. SHE LOVED IT! In addition, since it was her birthday, I wanted her to have some great meals. So we went to Longhorn's steakhouse for lunch and Outback steakhouse for dinner. Those two meals alone were all I needed to get the calories I needed today. That prime rib was amazing, too! Yes, I had some pumpernickel bread, but at least it wasn't "sweet." :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 10, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:45AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
1:15PM
2 ounces of cashews--320 calories
6:30PM
Side salad with Ranch dressing--70 calories
Beef stir fry (sliced beef, broccoli, zucchini, green peppers, onions, carrots)--250 calories
1 Tbs sour cream--30 calories
8:00PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
8 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--500 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 15 TOTAL CALORIES: 2005
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.0
NOTE: It was my first full day away from home and I had a little trouble getting the calories up where they need to be. I took Christine to a local diner here in Hilton Head, SC for supper and I got a beef stir fry meal without the bread. Not too shabby, although it wasn't enough food. I brought some really fine cheeses from Wisconsin with me on this trip and enjoyed some melted in a couple of low-carb wraps.
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
1:15PM
2 ounces of cashews--320 calories
6:30PM
Side salad with Ranch dressing--70 calories
Beef stir fry (sliced beef, broccoli, zucchini, green peppers, onions, carrots)--250 calories
1 Tbs sour cream--30 calories
8:00PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
8 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--500 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 15 TOTAL CALORIES: 2005
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.0
NOTE: It was my first full day away from home and I had a little trouble getting the calories up where they need to be. I took Christine to a local diner here in Hilton Head, SC for supper and I got a beef stir fry meal without the bread. Not too shabby, although it wasn't enough food. I brought some really fine cheeses from Wisconsin with me on this trip and enjoyed some melted in a couple of low-carb wraps.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
November 9, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:45AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
3:15PM
2 Hardee's Little Thickburger patties with cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard, and lettuce--750 calories
7:45PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
12 thinly-sliced deli turkey slices--90 calories
3 slices of American cheese--180 calories
3 Tbs mayo--300 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 14 TOTAL CALORIES: 2155
CURRENT WEIGHT: 257.0
NOTE: Christine and I have been doing a lot of traveling this year. From business trips related to low-carb to visiting my brother Kevin prior to his death, it's been quite a year so far. And lately we have been going down the road a few hours to Hilton Head, SC to see a chronic pain specialist for Christine--that's where we are this week. We drove in this afternoon (thus, the trip to Hardee's for lunch!) and will be living out of a small refrigerator and microwave for my menus this week. I'm stocked up on some GREAT food, so here's hoping the "sweet"-free challenge continues without a glitch. THANKS for all your support through this journey!
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
3:15PM
2 Hardee's Little Thickburger patties with cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard, and lettuce--750 calories
7:45PM
2 La Tortilla Factory low-carb wraps--100 calories
12 thinly-sliced deli turkey slices--90 calories
3 slices of American cheese--180 calories
3 Tbs mayo--300 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 14 TOTAL CALORIES: 2155
CURRENT WEIGHT: 257.0
NOTE: Christine and I have been doing a lot of traveling this year. From business trips related to low-carb to visiting my brother Kevin prior to his death, it's been quite a year so far. And lately we have been going down the road a few hours to Hilton Head, SC to see a chronic pain specialist for Christine--that's where we are this week. We drove in this afternoon (thus, the trip to Hardee's for lunch!) and will be living out of a small refrigerator and microwave for my menus this week. I'm stocked up on some GREAT food, so here's hoping the "sweet"-free challenge continues without a glitch. THANKS for all your support through this journey!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
November 8, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:30AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
10:15AM
60-minute Centergy (Pilates, yoga, stretching, relaxation)
3:00PM
1 hamburger patty--430 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
5:00PM
6 Tbs heavy whipping cream with a squirt of lemon juice--300 calories
1 ounce of cashews--160 calories
6:45PM
8-ounce bowl of homemade chili--400 calories
Various cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, cheese dip)--250 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 13 TOTAL CALORIES: 2350
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.6
NOTE: Today I decided to try something to deal with my desire for something sweet without having sweet. I took some heavy whipping cream and added a small squirt of lemon juice to it as a treat. Remind me not to do that again! It was disgusting without any sweetener, so it was kinda gross. I ate it with some cashews and the saltiness of the nuts helped a little, but not much. Then we had a social get-together with my church Sunday School class for Game Night and they served food there. As happens with most of these gatherings, the food was mostly sweet and carb-y. But I stuck with some pretty good choices, although the chili is more carbs than I would normally eat. But still no "sweet" touched my tongue! The real test for this experiment will be coming up over the next week as Christine and I travel to Hilton Head, SC for a medical trip for her. Living in a hotel room with just a small refrigerator and microwave is gonna be interesting to say the least! Wish me luck!
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
10:15AM
60-minute Centergy (Pilates, yoga, stretching, relaxation)
3:00PM
1 hamburger patty--430 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs mayo--200 calories
5:00PM
6 Tbs heavy whipping cream with a squirt of lemon juice--300 calories
1 ounce of cashews--160 calories
6:45PM
8-ounce bowl of homemade chili--400 calories
Various cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, cheese dip)--250 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 13 TOTAL CALORIES: 2350
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.6
NOTE: Today I decided to try something to deal with my desire for something sweet without having sweet. I took some heavy whipping cream and added a small squirt of lemon juice to it as a treat. Remind me not to do that again! It was disgusting without any sweetener, so it was kinda gross. I ate it with some cashews and the saltiness of the nuts helped a little, but not much. Then we had a social get-together with my church Sunday School class for Game Night and they served food there. As happens with most of these gatherings, the food was mostly sweet and carb-y. But I stuck with some pretty good choices, although the chili is more carbs than I would normally eat. But still no "sweet" touched my tongue! The real test for this experiment will be coming up over the next week as Christine and I travel to Hilton Head, SC for a medical trip for her. Living in a hotel room with just a small refrigerator and microwave is gonna be interesting to say the least! Wish me luck!
Friday, November 7, 2008
November 7, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:30AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 sausage patties--210 calories
3:45PM
2 ounces cashews--340 calories
6:45PM
7-ounce sirloin steak--420 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
1 cup organic baby spinach--10 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs Ranch dressing--140 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
4 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--250 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 12 TOTAL CALORIES: 1980
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.2
NOTE: My breakfast kept me very satisfied for a long time today, so I didn't eat until later in the afternoon. Even then, I didn't really want anything "heavy" to eat, so I had some nuts to tide me over until suppertime rolled around. This, of course, lowered my caloric intake for the day which fell below 2000 for the first time since I started my "sweet"-free challenge. But that's okay because I've been listening to my body and recognizing what it REALLY needs, not just what it wants (i.e. something that tastes sweet). And the results have been speaking for themselves as I FINALLY broke through that 257-mark that has plagued me all year. Seeing 255 on the scale makes all that I've been doing the past couple of weeks worth it. I expect to see the scale continue to move downward with some occasional periods of steady or even going up a little. It's all a part of the journey!
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 sausage patties--210 calories
3:45PM
2 ounces cashews--340 calories
6:45PM
7-ounce sirloin steak--420 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
1 cup organic baby spinach--10 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs Ranch dressing--140 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
4 small slices of fine Wisconsin cheeses (Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Salsa Cheddar)--250 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 12 TOTAL CALORIES: 1980
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.2
NOTE: My breakfast kept me very satisfied for a long time today, so I didn't eat until later in the afternoon. Even then, I didn't really want anything "heavy" to eat, so I had some nuts to tide me over until suppertime rolled around. This, of course, lowered my caloric intake for the day which fell below 2000 for the first time since I started my "sweet"-free challenge. But that's okay because I've been listening to my body and recognizing what it REALLY needs, not just what it wants (i.e. something that tastes sweet). And the results have been speaking for themselves as I FINALLY broke through that 257-mark that has plagued me all year. Seeing 255 on the scale makes all that I've been doing the past couple of weeks worth it. I expect to see the scale continue to move downward with some occasional periods of steady or even going up a little. It's all a part of the journey!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November 6, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:15AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
10:30AM
60-minute yoga class
2:15PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage links--375 calories
3 bacon slices--110 calories
Green peppers and onions cooked in 1/2 Tbs butter--60 calories
Mixed veggies (broccoli, squash, peppers, green beans) with butter--125 calories
8:15PM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 11 TOTAL CALORIES: 2135
CURRENT WEIGHT: 257.4
NOTE: It was a "egg"-y kind of day today since that was what I was in the mood for. Plus, all that steak I've been buying lately has hit my wallet hard. I am trying to find a way to stock up on good quality steaks soon, but until then finding less expensive low-carb foods sources like eggs makes it easier on my budget. Even with all the eggs, I liked switching it up a bit at each meal and truly found these meal experiences quite enjoyable. After my yoga class this morning, my body was still a bit sore in the after...so I skipped my usual Thursday night spin class. I needed the rest and took it happily! I was down on the scale a little more today and I'm quite interested in seeing if it will continue since this is about the point where my weight has always stalled out on every plan of action I have taken this year to get my weight down. I'm still committed to this "sweet"-free strategy for the next few weeks, so here's hoping. By the way, Christine and I will be leaving to go to Hilton Head, SC again on Sunday afternoon for more chelation treatments for her next week, so my menus are gonna look strange next week. We have access to a small refrigerator and a microwave, but no other cooking appliances at all. Needless to say, luncheon meats and microwavable meals will rule the roost since I can't afford to have us eat out every meal. But I'm still gonna avoid "sweet." ;)
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
10:30AM
60-minute yoga class
2:15PM
3 eggs--240 calories
3 sausage links--375 calories
3 bacon slices--110 calories
Green peppers and onions cooked in 1/2 Tbs butter--60 calories
Mixed veggies (broccoli, squash, peppers, green beans) with butter--125 calories
8:15PM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 11 TOTAL CALORIES: 2135
CURRENT WEIGHT: 257.4
NOTE: It was a "egg"-y kind of day today since that was what I was in the mood for. Plus, all that steak I've been buying lately has hit my wallet hard. I am trying to find a way to stock up on good quality steaks soon, but until then finding less expensive low-carb foods sources like eggs makes it easier on my budget. Even with all the eggs, I liked switching it up a bit at each meal and truly found these meal experiences quite enjoyable. After my yoga class this morning, my body was still a bit sore in the after...so I skipped my usual Thursday night spin class. I needed the rest and took it happily! I was down on the scale a little more today and I'm quite interested in seeing if it will continue since this is about the point where my weight has always stalled out on every plan of action I have taken this year to get my weight down. I'm still committed to this "sweet"-free strategy for the next few weeks, so here's hoping. By the way, Christine and I will be leaving to go to Hilton Head, SC again on Sunday afternoon for more chelation treatments for her next week, so my menus are gonna look strange next week. We have access to a small refrigerator and a microwave, but no other cooking appliances at all. Needless to say, luncheon meats and microwavable meals will rule the roost since I can't afford to have us eat out every meal. But I'm still gonna avoid "sweet." ;)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 5, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:30AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
9:30AM
45-minute spin class
10:30AM
60-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga, stretching, relaxation)
2:15PM
10-ounce premium aged prime sirloin steak--527 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
Premium baby green beans--85 calories
8:30PM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 10 TOTAL CALORIES: 2142
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.6
NOTE: Although my stomach/diarrhea issues were gone today, I was quite lethargic. I hate it when my body feels this way because I can't get any productive work finished. UGH! Nevertheless, I trudged forward with my "sweet"-free challenge and I've been hoping my desire for a diet soda and sugar-free chocolate would begin to wane by now--it hasn't. While I've refused to give in to my desire to have these things for 30 days, I'm wondering how long I can live completely WITHOUT these things forever. Maybe I will, but right now it's hard to imagine. If nothing else, I think this experiment has taught me that I can live with a whole lot less of "sweet" things than I have been and that's a great lesson I think we can all learn to do.
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
9:30AM
45-minute spin class
10:30AM
60-minute Centergy class (Pilates, yoga, stretching, relaxation)
2:15PM
10-ounce premium aged prime sirloin steak--527 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
Premium baby green beans--85 calories
8:30PM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
3 sausage patties--315 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 10 TOTAL CALORIES: 2142
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.6
NOTE: Although my stomach/diarrhea issues were gone today, I was quite lethargic. I hate it when my body feels this way because I can't get any productive work finished. UGH! Nevertheless, I trudged forward with my "sweet"-free challenge and I've been hoping my desire for a diet soda and sugar-free chocolate would begin to wane by now--it hasn't. While I've refused to give in to my desire to have these things for 30 days, I'm wondering how long I can live completely WITHOUT these things forever. Maybe I will, but right now it's hard to imagine. If nothing else, I think this experiment has taught me that I can live with a whole lot less of "sweet" things than I have been and that's a great lesson I think we can all learn to do.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November 4, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
9:00AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
3:15PM
2 ounces of cashews--340 calories
5-ounce sirloin steak--300 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 ounces of Dreamfields pasta--190 calories
3 1/2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese--287 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
8:45PM
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 9 TOTAL CALORIES: 1847
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.2
NOTE: Today I felt awful--I was lethargic, my stomach hurt and I had several bouts of diarrhea. It wasn't a pretty sight and I got worse in the evening when I didn't feel like eating anything. But I made myself eat a little cheese to take my Metformin and to get my calories up somewhat. I fell several hundred calories short of my target calorie goal for each day. It's not something I am worried about and may have contributed somewhat (along with the frequent bathroom visits) to my weight coming back down again. This just goes to show you there can be daily fluctuations in weight that are inexplicable. That's why I don't really worry about the day-to-day changes. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow and see that scale continue to move downward.
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
3:15PM
2 ounces of cashews--340 calories
5-ounce sirloin steak--300 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 ounces of Dreamfields pasta--190 calories
3 1/2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese--287 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
8:45PM
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 9 TOTAL CALORIES: 1847
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.2
NOTE: Today I felt awful--I was lethargic, my stomach hurt and I had several bouts of diarrhea. It wasn't a pretty sight and I got worse in the evening when I didn't feel like eating anything. But I made myself eat a little cheese to take my Metformin and to get my calories up somewhat. I fell several hundred calories short of my target calorie goal for each day. It's not something I am worried about and may have contributed somewhat (along with the frequent bathroom visits) to my weight coming back down again. This just goes to show you there can be daily fluctuations in weight that are inexplicable. That's why I don't really worry about the day-to-day changes. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow and see that scale continue to move downward.
Monday, November 3, 2008
November 3, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:15AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
1:45PM
4 ounces tuna salad--250 calories
Small spinach salad (spinach, eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, Ranch)--250 calories
6:30PM
1-hour Centergy class (yoga, Pilates, stretching)
8:30PM
6.5 ounce sirloin--390 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
4 Tbs sour cream--120 calories
1 cup organic baby spinach--10 calories
4.5 ounces fresh mozzarella--370 calories
2 Tbs Ranch dressing--140 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 8 TOTAL CALORIES: 2140
CURRENT WEIGHT: 262.2
NOTE: To switch things up a bit, I had some tuna salad made with mayo and egg only for lunch along with a small salad. It was just okay. I really wish I'd eaten a steak like I have been doing. It's not a bad thing to change the routine every once in a while, but there's merit in knowing what works and doing it. On the fitness front, I tried a new class at my gym today called Centergy. This intensive stretching, strength-building, flexibility, relaxation class was difficult, but was just what my body needed to rejuvenate itself. While this kind of exercise may not help with weight loss directly, the mental and physical benefits of doing classes like this is a more tranquil mind, body, and soul. I ENJOY IT! Yes, I noticed my weight was up 4 pounds today...something I can't account for. But I'm not discouraged. I will continue this "sweet"-free journey.
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
1:45PM
4 ounces tuna salad--250 calories
Small spinach salad (spinach, eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, Ranch)--250 calories
6:30PM
1-hour Centergy class (yoga, Pilates, stretching)
8:30PM
6.5 ounce sirloin--390 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
4 Tbs sour cream--120 calories
1 cup organic baby spinach--10 calories
4.5 ounces fresh mozzarella--370 calories
2 Tbs Ranch dressing--140 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 8 TOTAL CALORIES: 2140
CURRENT WEIGHT: 262.2
NOTE: To switch things up a bit, I had some tuna salad made with mayo and egg only for lunch along with a small salad. It was just okay. I really wish I'd eaten a steak like I have been doing. It's not a bad thing to change the routine every once in a while, but there's merit in knowing what works and doing it. On the fitness front, I tried a new class at my gym today called Centergy. This intensive stretching, strength-building, flexibility, relaxation class was difficult, but was just what my body needed to rejuvenate itself. While this kind of exercise may not help with weight loss directly, the mental and physical benefits of doing classes like this is a more tranquil mind, body, and soul. I ENJOY IT! Yes, I noticed my weight was up 4 pounds today...something I can't account for. But I'm not discouraged. I will continue this "sweet"-free journey.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
November 2, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:15AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
1:00PM
8-ounce sirloin steak--480 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
3 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese--240 calories
7:15PM
12-ounce ribeye steak--720 calories
Fresh baby green beans--85 calories
Cherry tomato/mozzarella salad--112 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 7 TOTAL CALORIES: 2,247
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.6
NOTE: It's officially been one week now on my "sweet"-free challenge and I'm still alive. WOO HOO! I saw some success with the scale this past week, but the next few weeks will be the tell-tale sign to me whether this endeavor has been fruitful or not. Breaking through the 250s into the 240s, 230s, and 220s will be the best sign that I've regulated this insulin response in me and fixed the issue that has been my albatross throughout 2008. If you could only see some of the nasty e-mails I'm getting from people telling me I don't have a right to talk about diet since I'm an obese man who can't control his own weight. Sigh. It's the joy of being on the Internet and you just have to grin and bear it. People will always be people and will find SOMETHING wrong about you regardless of what you're doing. My job is merely to keep living my life, sharing from my experiences, and let others make their own determination about what they should do for their health. THANKS for being a part of that!
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
1:00PM
8-ounce sirloin steak--480 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
3 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese--240 calories
7:15PM
12-ounce ribeye steak--720 calories
Fresh baby green beans--85 calories
Cherry tomato/mozzarella salad--112 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 7 TOTAL CALORIES: 2,247
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.6
NOTE: It's officially been one week now on my "sweet"-free challenge and I'm still alive. WOO HOO! I saw some success with the scale this past week, but the next few weeks will be the tell-tale sign to me whether this endeavor has been fruitful or not. Breaking through the 250s into the 240s, 230s, and 220s will be the best sign that I've regulated this insulin response in me and fixed the issue that has been my albatross throughout 2008. If you could only see some of the nasty e-mails I'm getting from people telling me I don't have a right to talk about diet since I'm an obese man who can't control his own weight. Sigh. It's the joy of being on the Internet and you just have to grin and bear it. People will always be people and will find SOMETHING wrong about you regardless of what you're doing. My job is merely to keep living my life, sharing from my experiences, and let others make their own determination about what they should do for their health. THANKS for being a part of that!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
November 1, 2008 Low-Carb Menu
8:15AM
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
9:00AM
4-hour youth football refereeing
4:45PM
5-ounce sirloin steak--300 calories
5-ounce New York Strip steak--350 calories
Grilled mixed veggies (onions, zucchini, squash, green peppers)--50 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
9:30PM
5 ounces of mixed roasted nuts (cashews, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts)--850 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 6 TOTAL CALORIES: 2,160
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.0
NOTE: I almost didn't make my calorie counts today. I started the day with a quick egg breakfast meal before going to my church to referee youth football for the final game of the season. I did all four games and as I have stated before, it's quite a workout with bending over to pick up the cones for the offensive and defensive lines and running up and down the field when the kids score touchdowns. I love it! But when I got home, I was so pooped out I just had to take a nap. And I slept and slept and slept for over three hours! By the time I woke up, I realized I had not eaten lunch and that I would need to eat soon and then again before bedtime if I was gonna get close to my calorie counts for today. That's why I cooked up not just one, but two steaks along with some mixed vegetables cooked in butter. The night meal was tricky--I needed about 750-850 calories and the high-fat nuts seemed to be the best option for getting them into my body. At the end of the day, my calorie counts were fine and I had spaced the meals out with time in between for my insulin to come back down after each meal. Tomorrow will be one week of going "sweet"-free and I never thought I'd make it this long. THANKS to everyone who is following me on this journey and even joining in on the fun at my forum.
3 eggs--240 calories
1 Tbs butter--60 calories
2 slices of American cheese--120 calories
2 Tbs homemade salsa--10 calories
2 Tbs sour cream--60 calories
9:00AM
4-hour youth football refereeing
4:45PM
5-ounce sirloin steak--300 calories
5-ounce New York Strip steak--350 calories
Grilled mixed veggies (onions, zucchini, squash, green peppers)--50 calories
2 Tbs butter--120 calories
9:30PM
5 ounces of mixed roasted nuts (cashews, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts)--850 calories
"SWEET"-FREE CHALLENGE DAY 6 TOTAL CALORIES: 2,160
CURRENT WEIGHT: 258.0
NOTE: I almost didn't make my calorie counts today. I started the day with a quick egg breakfast meal before going to my church to referee youth football for the final game of the season. I did all four games and as I have stated before, it's quite a workout with bending over to pick up the cones for the offensive and defensive lines and running up and down the field when the kids score touchdowns. I love it! But when I got home, I was so pooped out I just had to take a nap. And I slept and slept and slept for over three hours! By the time I woke up, I realized I had not eaten lunch and that I would need to eat soon and then again before bedtime if I was gonna get close to my calorie counts for today. That's why I cooked up not just one, but two steaks along with some mixed vegetables cooked in butter. The night meal was tricky--I needed about 750-850 calories and the high-fat nuts seemed to be the best option for getting them into my body. At the end of the day, my calorie counts were fine and I had spaced the meals out with time in between for my insulin to come back down after each meal. Tomorrow will be one week of going "sweet"-free and I never thought I'd make it this long. THANKS to everyone who is following me on this journey and even joining in on the fun at my forum.
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