I'm down exactly 15lbs. . . it's been about 6 weeks with 4 weeks being almost 100% Paleo (grain free). I'm thinking it's about time to measure again. . . my 14's are officially falling off! I can pull them off without unbuttoning them. I don't have any 12's in my closet, so I'm hoping to make a quick transition into my 10's (of which I own several pair!). I'll just wear a belt and have saggy butt syndrome until then. :-)
My friends are noticing. . . one said this morning, "I swear you've lost another 10lbs since last week. . . you are getting TINY". Tiny is a overstatement. . . but I'm definitely shrinking again. Yay!
For lunch today:
Leftover Cauliflower soup (this is a favorite in our household) w/ a small amount of raw sharp cheddar cheese and a bit of diced up uncured ham. Joining my soup is a side of sauteed zucchini and mushrooms in Kerrygold butter. This is not a high protein lunch, but I'm counting on the healthy fats to carry me through. I love this soup and it's a great way to sneak in a couple extra servings of veggies.
Yes, I've made some not so healthy food choices along the way. . . for instance, this past weekend, Hubs and I stayed out of town and ate out the entire weekend. I had 3 coffee shop mocha's -AND- 2 milkshakes over the course of three days. Bad choices. . .but I made them consciously. I didn't consume a bit of grain. . . I did have mashed potatoes with my steak and veggies. BUT I didn't gain a pound (I didn't lose any either). Monday and Tuesday I spent in carb detox and it wasn't fun. . . it's funny that as I eat standard American diet foods, I feel crummy. I didn't realize how desensitized I was to foods until I took them out of my diet. This amazes me, especially since I already ate much healthier than the average American (no gluten, only whole grains, limited sweets, no fast food, etc. . .).
I'm actually getting excited for family photographs at the beach in late Summer. Looks like I won't have to hide behind the kiddos this time!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
My Grain Free Life
I'm really liking how I feel sans grains (and refined sugar). My body is happier (it tells me so). I'm trying to break my scale addiction, so I won't weigh in again for at least another week. . . maybe longer. I'm going to restart the 21 Day Sugar Detox on Monday (I've had a bit of cheese and occasionally a second piece of fruit or a nip of dark chocolate here and there). My pants are getting looser and looser, to the point that I'll have to dig out the 12's again soon. Right now I'm walking around with saggy butt syndrome.
This weekend I'm making the choice to not eat 100% fabulously. . . it is Mother's Day after all and I'm having some hormonal issues (or mental issues. . . whatever you want to call it, I'm not pregnant again. . . 18 cycles later and it's getting a bit difficult to deal with). So, I'm going to have a bit of healthier treats here and there and start the detox anew on Monday. I'm happy with this decision and know it's just what I need (emotionally speaking) right now.
For lunch, I had an all natural (no sugar) bratwurst sausage and a few organic apple slices. It was delicious. I should have some veggies as well but I don't feel like it. I've actually been eating a lot of veggies but I've found that if I do have "treats" I tend to not want as many veggies. Weird but true. I was planning to fast today but I only made it until 1PM. We will see how the rest of the day goes.
I was just comparing the 21 Day Sugar Detox to the Atkins Induction Phase and I think they are pretty darn similar. Eat protein, healthy fats, and veggies. My brain needs a bit of carb/starch (like a banana) after my workout or I hit a big slump. I have noticed a significant slump mid afternoon and I need to figure out if that's because I need a bit more carbohydrate or if its not diet related at all.
All in all, I feel really good. . . my skin is great. . . no break outs. . . no need for lotion or lip balms (I'm an addict). This is due to adequate water intake, adequate healthy fat intake (yay for real pastured butter and coconut oil), and no depleting foods in my diet (soda, sugar, processed stuff).
For a reformed vegetarian it is quite a feat to say. . . I like meat. I don't even mind cooking it anymore (raw meat used to gross me out). Maybe that's because I feel healthier than I ever have in my life. I'm wondering how I'll do morning sickness wise when I do conceive again. . . in my previous pregnancies I've had hyperemesis for 16-20 weeks and lost a significant amount of weight (my first OB actually sent me to a nutritionist like it was my fault!).
My kids are loving the grain free life as well. Giving up breakfast cereal has been the hardest on them, but since I'm the mean Mama that only allowed it once or twice a week it hasn't been a terrible adjustment.
Here's to optimal health!
This weekend I'm making the choice to not eat 100% fabulously. . . it is Mother's Day after all and I'm having some hormonal issues (or mental issues. . . whatever you want to call it, I'm not pregnant again. . . 18 cycles later and it's getting a bit difficult to deal with). So, I'm going to have a bit of healthier treats here and there and start the detox anew on Monday. I'm happy with this decision and know it's just what I need (emotionally speaking) right now.
For lunch, I had an all natural (no sugar) bratwurst sausage and a few organic apple slices. It was delicious. I should have some veggies as well but I don't feel like it. I've actually been eating a lot of veggies but I've found that if I do have "treats" I tend to not want as many veggies. Weird but true. I was planning to fast today but I only made it until 1PM. We will see how the rest of the day goes.
I was just comparing the 21 Day Sugar Detox to the Atkins Induction Phase and I think they are pretty darn similar. Eat protein, healthy fats, and veggies. My brain needs a bit of carb/starch (like a banana) after my workout or I hit a big slump. I have noticed a significant slump mid afternoon and I need to figure out if that's because I need a bit more carbohydrate or if its not diet related at all.
All in all, I feel really good. . . my skin is great. . . no break outs. . . no need for lotion or lip balms (I'm an addict). This is due to adequate water intake, adequate healthy fat intake (yay for real pastured butter and coconut oil), and no depleting foods in my diet (soda, sugar, processed stuff).
For a reformed vegetarian it is quite a feat to say. . . I like meat. I don't even mind cooking it anymore (raw meat used to gross me out). Maybe that's because I feel healthier than I ever have in my life. I'm wondering how I'll do morning sickness wise when I do conceive again. . . in my previous pregnancies I've had hyperemesis for 16-20 weeks and lost a significant amount of weight (my first OB actually sent me to a nutritionist like it was my fault!).
My kids are loving the grain free life as well. Giving up breakfast cereal has been the hardest on them, but since I'm the mean Mama that only allowed it once or twice a week it hasn't been a terrible adjustment.
Here's to optimal health!
Monday, May 7, 2012
On Not Being Hungry
I've been eating Paleo/Grain Free for just over a month now. I'm not hungry. I am eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, and veggies. I miss cheese, but I'm surviving with just a tiny bit every now and then.
Last night, I made the children some delicious chocolate chip scones from The Gluten Free Almond Flour Coookbook (Elana Amsterdam). I ate two with real butter on top. That was definitely a cheat. . . since there was 1/4 cup of maple syrup (recipe called for agave) and 73% dark chocolate in them. . . but they were delicious. (Hard core paleo's would scoff at eating "treats". . . that's okay, I'm not nor will I ever be hardcore.)
For breakfast today, I avoided the scones (it was close) and sauteed up some mushrooms and organic broccoli slaw (Trader Joe's) in real butter and added two scrambled eggs. Yum.
I didn't drink enough water over the weekend and my hands feel very dry today. I'll work on correcting that balance today.
Over the weekend, we moved 7 yards of play ground fiber with shovels and wheelbarrows. I think that was pretty close to natural body movements and boy was I sore the next day.
I was back at the gym this morning. . . I know it's good for me but sometimes my bed is just so warm and cozy. . . it's hard to crawl out. That's another place I'll never be hardcore. I don't find washboard abs on females to be attractive (or fertile), so you'll never find me striving to achieve that kind of body.
Last night, I made the children some delicious chocolate chip scones from The Gluten Free Almond Flour Coookbook (Elana Amsterdam). I ate two with real butter on top. That was definitely a cheat. . . since there was 1/4 cup of maple syrup (recipe called for agave) and 73% dark chocolate in them. . . but they were delicious. (Hard core paleo's would scoff at eating "treats". . . that's okay, I'm not nor will I ever be hardcore.)
For breakfast today, I avoided the scones (it was close) and sauteed up some mushrooms and organic broccoli slaw (Trader Joe's) in real butter and added two scrambled eggs. Yum.
I didn't drink enough water over the weekend and my hands feel very dry today. I'll work on correcting that balance today.
Over the weekend, we moved 7 yards of play ground fiber with shovels and wheelbarrows. I think that was pretty close to natural body movements and boy was I sore the next day.
I was back at the gym this morning. . . I know it's good for me but sometimes my bed is just so warm and cozy. . . it's hard to crawl out. That's another place I'll never be hardcore. I don't find washboard abs on females to be attractive (or fertile), so you'll never find me striving to achieve that kind of body.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Lunch
I just fried one small organic zucchini, Applegate Naturals deli chicken, & olive slices in Kerrygold butter. Then I added in two whisked eggs and scrambled everything up. It's delicious!
I need to get more healthy fats into my diet. . . I think I'm relying a bit too much on protein and not getting quite enough good fats. So, I'm going to make a salad dressing with olive oil (I'm going for something creamy/ranch like) and find some one to get 1-2 TBS coconut oil in every day. I added a pat of Kerrygold butter to my steak last night. . . YUM-O. How did I live so long without butter on my steak? (Yes, I am eating TONS of veggies every day and drinking at least 72 ounces of water.)
I'm not a big avocado fan, but I'm also going to try and find ways to sneak it into my diet. . . I know the fat is really good for you! My kids devour it. . .
I've decided that my prize for 20lbs lost will be a new pair of Nike athletic shoes (which every ones I want!). I'm wearing mine out (which is very obvious at the gym every morning) and I know the value of quality shoes. My former spouse works for Nike so it's really hard for me to pay retail as I'm used to the employee store or even *gasp* free samples! This is my new world, so I'll suck it up as my incentive for losing weight and sticking to my 5am workout routine!
Curves- I definitely recommend this work out program to any female who doesn't already work out at least three times a week. The circuit is great. . . you know exactly what to do for how long and by the end, you've covered every major muscle group. I went to a full on fitness center once upon a time. . . I even had several personal training sessions. I hated the mirrors on every wall and all the bodies in almost too good of shape. I felt out of place. At Curves, I don't have these issues and I also don't worry about not knowing what I should be doing. In a couple more months, I may check out the Crossfit here and see if that will fit into my world, but I know I'm not physically or mentally ready to yet.
I need to get more healthy fats into my diet. . . I think I'm relying a bit too much on protein and not getting quite enough good fats. So, I'm going to make a salad dressing with olive oil (I'm going for something creamy/ranch like) and find some one to get 1-2 TBS coconut oil in every day. I added a pat of Kerrygold butter to my steak last night. . . YUM-O. How did I live so long without butter on my steak? (Yes, I am eating TONS of veggies every day and drinking at least 72 ounces of water.)
I'm not a big avocado fan, but I'm also going to try and find ways to sneak it into my diet. . . I know the fat is really good for you! My kids devour it. . .
I've decided that my prize for 20lbs lost will be a new pair of Nike athletic shoes (which every ones I want!). I'm wearing mine out (which is very obvious at the gym every morning) and I know the value of quality shoes. My former spouse works for Nike so it's really hard for me to pay retail as I'm used to the employee store or even *gasp* free samples! This is my new world, so I'll suck it up as my incentive for losing weight and sticking to my 5am workout routine!
Curves- I definitely recommend this work out program to any female who doesn't already work out at least three times a week. The circuit is great. . . you know exactly what to do for how long and by the end, you've covered every major muscle group. I went to a full on fitness center once upon a time. . . I even had several personal training sessions. I hated the mirrors on every wall and all the bodies in almost too good of shape. I felt out of place. At Curves, I don't have these issues and I also don't worry about not knowing what I should be doing. In a couple more months, I may check out the Crossfit here and see if that will fit into my world, but I know I'm not physically or mentally ready to yet.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
One Month Check In
Today, I'm officially down 13lbs in one month.
I hit a speed bump early on this time, so I started on the 21 Day Sugar Detox in addition to our new Paleo lifestyle. For me, this means cutting out dairy in addition to normal carb/sugar foods for the full 21 days. It kick started things and I've seen rapid pounds dropping in the last 6 days!
My clothes are starting to get loose on me. . . but I'm not down a size yet. I notice my fingers are thinner (my wedding ring is spinning again) and my face is thinner. Not exactly where I'm most worried about loosing fat from, but I know my body and these are the first two places to loose weight.
For me, Paleo eating means limiting my fruit and nut products. . . eventually I will allow a bit of cream in my coffee and hard cheese here and there again. . . but I'm hoping the 21 Day Sugar Detox rids me of my constant reaching for cheese when I'm feeling hungry. I read somewhere in the Paleo Blogosphere that milk is a building food, which, DUH. . . but I never thought about it that way. Milk is intended in all mammal species for the rapid growth of their young. It is not intended for adult consumption. . . tht building is going to happen somewhere, and last I checked, I hadn't gotten any taller or any smarter in the last several years. :-)
I'm trying to teach my children about healthy eating habits. Not always an easy thing when the boys spend every other week at their Bio-Mom's where the Standard American Diet reigns supreme. I'm trying to figure out the balance between healthy eating and not being controlling so that my nearly 12 year old daughter doesn't start eating out of rebellion (or not eating). How do you convince a milk lover to stop guzzling milk? My compromise right now is to buy high quality milk and limit her to one cup (8oz) per day. The kids are still eating cheese & yogurt. I'm working on a plan to set up eating plans for the kids. . . something that I can laminate and they can check off their choices each day to help them make good decisions about healthy fats, produce, meat, eggs, dairy, Paleo-ized treats, etc. . . This will allow me to customize the charts based on each child's individual dietary needs (I have a couple of tiny children. . . an average child. . . and two that will thicken up a bit easily). I'm hoping this helps get more healthy fats into the kids who really need them (the tiny ones with some sensory/adhd issues) and keep the kids with Mommy's metabolism in check regarding treats & dairy. If I come up with something awesome, I'll share it!
I hit a speed bump early on this time, so I started on the 21 Day Sugar Detox in addition to our new Paleo lifestyle. For me, this means cutting out dairy in addition to normal carb/sugar foods for the full 21 days. It kick started things and I've seen rapid pounds dropping in the last 6 days!
My clothes are starting to get loose on me. . . but I'm not down a size yet. I notice my fingers are thinner (my wedding ring is spinning again) and my face is thinner. Not exactly where I'm most worried about loosing fat from, but I know my body and these are the first two places to loose weight.
For me, Paleo eating means limiting my fruit and nut products. . . eventually I will allow a bit of cream in my coffee and hard cheese here and there again. . . but I'm hoping the 21 Day Sugar Detox rids me of my constant reaching for cheese when I'm feeling hungry. I read somewhere in the Paleo Blogosphere that milk is a building food, which, DUH. . . but I never thought about it that way. Milk is intended in all mammal species for the rapid growth of their young. It is not intended for adult consumption. . . tht building is going to happen somewhere, and last I checked, I hadn't gotten any taller or any smarter in the last several years. :-)
I'm trying to teach my children about healthy eating habits. Not always an easy thing when the boys spend every other week at their Bio-Mom's where the Standard American Diet reigns supreme. I'm trying to figure out the balance between healthy eating and not being controlling so that my nearly 12 year old daughter doesn't start eating out of rebellion (or not eating). How do you convince a milk lover to stop guzzling milk? My compromise right now is to buy high quality milk and limit her to one cup (8oz) per day. The kids are still eating cheese & yogurt. I'm working on a plan to set up eating plans for the kids. . . something that I can laminate and they can check off their choices each day to help them make good decisions about healthy fats, produce, meat, eggs, dairy, Paleo-ized treats, etc. . . This will allow me to customize the charts based on each child's individual dietary needs (I have a couple of tiny children. . . an average child. . . and two that will thicken up a bit easily). I'm hoping this helps get more healthy fats into the kids who really need them (the tiny ones with some sensory/adhd issues) and keep the kids with Mommy's metabolism in check regarding treats & dairy. If I come up with something awesome, I'll share it!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
10.2 Pounds Down. . .
It's been about 3 weeks and I am officially down 10.2lbs. Yay!
My jeans are getting a little loose. . . double yay!
I'm still going to the gym 4-5x/week (Curves). It's hard to drag myself out of bed at 5:00am to go (especially after only getting 4-5 hours of sleep. . . ) But I'm doing it and I feel better once I get up and get going.
Our diet is Paleo, with few exceptions now. We did have pizza yesterday (gluten free) but I'm limiting myself to one (two max) tiny gf slices (they are maybe 1/3 the size of a regular pizza slice).
Tonight we are having Paleo mock sushi. . . I'm using seaweed wrappers, with veggies, shrimp and avocado inside. For the kids who need some extra carbs & calories, they will get a side of soaked brown rice with plenty of butter and tamari. I made some cauliflower "rice" as well so I may try to put some of that inside the seaweed wraps.
My jeans are getting a little loose. . . double yay!
I'm still going to the gym 4-5x/week (Curves). It's hard to drag myself out of bed at 5:00am to go (especially after only getting 4-5 hours of sleep. . . ) But I'm doing it and I feel better once I get up and get going.
Our diet is Paleo, with few exceptions now. We did have pizza yesterday (gluten free) but I'm limiting myself to one (two max) tiny gf slices (they are maybe 1/3 the size of a regular pizza slice).
Tonight we are having Paleo mock sushi. . . I'm using seaweed wrappers, with veggies, shrimp and avocado inside. For the kids who need some extra carbs & calories, they will get a side of soaked brown rice with plenty of butter and tamari. I made some cauliflower "rice" as well so I may try to put some of that inside the seaweed wraps.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter and Weight. . .
I cheated over Easter weekend. (Who didn't, right?). That said, my weight stayed steady so I'm not beating myself up (besides, what would be the point?).
I had a sugar shop mocha, but had no problem avoiding them today. I guess the habit really is broken. I had two small pieces of candy from inside the kids plastic eggs and a serving of cooked chocolate pudding with whip cream (I know).
And I was SICK. My body made a quick adjustment to this almost no grains/low carb world and those sugar filled treats made me feel horrid. I won't be doing that again!
I didn't eat enough veggies or drink enough water today. . . funny since I was so incredibly thirsty over the weekend (probably because of my cheat foods).
Sunday night, I took the kids to the play and pizza place where they have gluten free pizza. The girls loved their special treat, I was nauseated with one slice (and the slices are probably 1/3 of a normal pizza slice!). I consider this a major improvement! I don't want to eat garbage food and I like that my body is telling me not to.
I definitely have more energy, but am getting a mid afternoon slump following any sugar. Tomorrow I am going to try my morning coffee with pure cream and stevia (I'm still using some coffee mate). I'm hoping that removing the last vestige of sugar and crap will perk me up. I am getting up at 5am and going to Curves for a work out every weekday morning (and some Saturdays, although not at 5am). I'm also wearing a pedometer and moving as much as possible throughout the day. I need to start making sure I'm in bed by 9 (that's hard!).
I feel like my cortisol levels are already falling and I know this will help with the weight and with the infertility.
On another note, after a rest cycle (month off), I started back on the fertility drugs today. UGH. This could make the cravings more difficult to deal with.
I had a sugar shop mocha, but had no problem avoiding them today. I guess the habit really is broken. I had two small pieces of candy from inside the kids plastic eggs and a serving of cooked chocolate pudding with whip cream (I know).
And I was SICK. My body made a quick adjustment to this almost no grains/low carb world and those sugar filled treats made me feel horrid. I won't be doing that again!
I didn't eat enough veggies or drink enough water today. . . funny since I was so incredibly thirsty over the weekend (probably because of my cheat foods).
Sunday night, I took the kids to the play and pizza place where they have gluten free pizza. The girls loved their special treat, I was nauseated with one slice (and the slices are probably 1/3 of a normal pizza slice!). I consider this a major improvement! I don't want to eat garbage food and I like that my body is telling me not to.
I definitely have more energy, but am getting a mid afternoon slump following any sugar. Tomorrow I am going to try my morning coffee with pure cream and stevia (I'm still using some coffee mate). I'm hoping that removing the last vestige of sugar and crap will perk me up. I am getting up at 5am and going to Curves for a work out every weekday morning (and some Saturdays, although not at 5am). I'm also wearing a pedometer and moving as much as possible throughout the day. I need to start making sure I'm in bed by 9 (that's hard!).
I feel like my cortisol levels are already falling and I know this will help with the weight and with the infertility.
On another note, after a rest cycle (month off), I started back on the fertility drugs today. UGH. This could make the cravings more difficult to deal with.
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