rreed01562's Journal, 30 March 2016

You haven't gained that amount of weight by eating. That looks like fluid retention. Are you on medication for fluid retention? I know it is difficult, especially when you weigh yourself relatively infrequently, but don't let one blip get you down. The time to start worrying is if it is up again, next time! 

Rosemary, when you go into strict LCHF like the challenge you lose a lot of fluid kicking into dietary ketosis sometimes it's more fluid than what is good for you so your body fights to re-balance itself by retaining fluids. Water weight can discourage you but try not to let it. Patience and consistency will pay out in the end. You are doing great!  

I didn't realize the body could retain fluid during ketosis! Hmmmm! RReed, don't be depressed. Just do something nice for yourself today. Take a nice walk, go shopping, read a book. (((Hugs!)))) 

Thank you guys for your encouraging words - But my reality is that I have not been eating properly...Even though I'm in my 60's, I've been missing my mom and dad - Lost mom 2/21/10 and dad 3/9/93 - Bad habits are easy to slip back into when I'm sad. The good news is that I'm getting more focused and actually did some cooking this morning to get me through the week - chicken thighs, a version of an Atkins recipe that I used to love, and some fresh eggs, etc... Thank you, again for your support - It's folks like you that brought me back here so I don't feel so alone. 

Even in ketosis, if you are not hydrating enough and your body has a fluid imbalance it will store all the water it can get. That is why it is important to hydrate to avoid the body storing fluids in your fat cells. 

Rosemary, I don't handle death well either and the emotional things that trigger eating for comfort are many in our lives. I don't know how to explain to you what I do to avoid emotional eating. It involves meditation, deep breathing and listening to positive affirmations and a healthy dose of aroma-therapy in the form of mood uplifting essential oils. One of my triggers is also gray skies, I suffer from Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD) and I have Happy Lights all over the house blazing when it's gloomy out. So, you are not alone in this, most of us have it in some form or other. Being aware of your eating triggers and finding coping mechanisms that work for you are key to overcoming them. I hope you find something good and beautiful to focus on and lift your spirits. 

Rosemary: I have suffered with intermittent depression throughout my life. The best medicine I've found to battle it is exercise. There is something about all that motion and circulating oxygen that can do the trick faster than anything I've tried. One of my favorite affirmations: "To hell with my suffering. It's all too beautiful."  

My Mom died in March 23, 2003 and I always miss her, especially this time of year, when family members gather together for Easter. Sometimes I just go to the park and sit and cry for a while, then I feel better. I can remember things about Mom and write them down in a journal, then I am keeping her memory alive and eventually it will be passed down to my children and my grandchildren.  

Bless your heart. Bless all of your hearts. I think a good cry is under-rated. We all should do that once in a while. Hugs! 

That, too.!!!