sararay's Journal, 21 February 2008

sounds like you're getting yourself mentally prepared for battle! I'm proud of you for turning down a 'cheat' day. you're right, they lead into other 'cheat' days! 

This is an excellent followup to your steak post :) "The surefire way to reduce LDL and increase HDL is to keep eating fat and to keep NOT eating processed carbs." - I replied a bit ago on your steak post saying this very thing...funny :) Are you saying that bacon is the variable that keeps you regular? Keep up the effort; it will continue to pay off! 

That is an interesting statement about the saturated fats and the processed carbs (what a connection/correlation!). Is the source for that the Good Fats Good Carbs book (I may have missed that part in one of your previous posts)?  

The information is from current biochem textbooks. However you can also find the information and correlating studies in "Good Calories, Bad Calories" By Gary Taubes. I studied biochem and honestly I didn't make the connection between how cholesterol carries fats and the size of the LDL molecule. VLDL or the smallest and densest cholesterol is the stickyest and tends to be the one associated with heart disease. The less fat you eat, the stickier and denser your cholesterol LDL molecules. Also, the more fructose you eat the more triglicerides and the more LDL molecules your liver has to produce. Causing more to be available to get sticky in your arteries. Science is catching up, after all. :) 

Specifically Chapter 12 of "Good Calories, Bad Calories" has a very good explanation. 

Insofar as not eating anymore refined flour or sugar again, believe me Sararay, that is much easier said than done. I admire the conviction and determination in your statement though. Also, I suspect that sooner or later, a woman as intelligent as you obviously are, will come to the conclusion that a little bit of whatever you want, from time to time, and in moderation, is not only going to be alright, but is necessary to preserve one's oveall balance. Having said all of that, I definite agree, that there is no need to knowingly poison ourselves. 

My mistake on the book title, thank you very much! 

...and thanks for the additional details. 

Thanks for the information about the need for fats in the diet... I've been trying to eat more healthy fats like avacados, nuts, olive oil and fish... I'm definitely limiting the carbs and for me 'cheat days' are out since Christmas Eve I've been OK despite constant insistence from friends to eat carbs! Don't cheat and you'll only feel better for it in the long run. I know it's difficult when everyone around you is tempting you with a lot of treats but think of the long run and staying at your optimum health! :) 

My husband is very supportive and he understood. My other friends are used to me not indulging so I hope they won't make it difficult. Glenn, I hope you can find some friends that don't try to push you into unhealthy choices. Information: I understand what you are saying about moderation, but I have some very harsh consequences if I eat refined sugar and flour, not to mention my allergies to wheat and soy, which is in everything now. I know that I can focus on just whole unrefined grains at home and probably stick to meat and veggies if I go out. Cheat days are for people who are at their goal weight. That is what I have decided from my experience. I don't believe any amount of sugar and refined carbs is a healty part of anyone's diet, and should only be a rare "treat". When we say "occasionally" it can mean different things to different people. For me, once I reach my goal, my "occasionally" will be a cheat day once a month. I will re-evaluate that when I try it out, but first I have to get there. LOL. Having a little here and there is what got me to where I was overweight, unhealthy and unhappy. I did not get there by eating junk food daily. I don't have the luxury of a good metabolism. I don't even lose quickly on this diet like some people do. I have to be very strict to lose ANYTHING, so I know I don't have the luxury of the leeway some people have. I have come to terms with it and I deal with it.  

Anyone out there know any obese vegetarians? Ive not ever seen one, but maybe you have... Maybe they are pouring MUFAS all over their veges, legumes, and other starches? 

Im talking about the ones that try to eat clean..no junk food...btw 

I was skinny when I was a vegetarian. But that was when I developed my allergies to milk and wheat, LOL. I'm serious, though. I don't think my body was made for it. I think some people's were and can be healthy that way. However, I also know some very unhealthy vegetarians. One died of colon cancer at the age of 29.  

I see. I wasn't aware of the allergies and totally agree that until you get to your target weight you should be particularly careful. I once lost 60 pounds eating raw foods only (i.e. I would accept absolutely no level of refinement in anything). I lost weight quickly, and it was exhilarating while it lasted; I never felt better. Then I started making exceptions... 

interesting about the cholesterol, Sara, your journal is always interesting to read. I hope you get to feeling better soon! good job on "preparing yourself for battle" as BadAndee put it! 

Hope you have fun on your shopping trip. Even though you won't be trying on any clothes, there are many other things to shop for! If you're going to ride 3 hours one way, it must be a great place to shop! Have fun! 

Thanks guys! I get a lot of strength from the fact that even though I can't have something there are others with the same health goals as I have. You all make me stronger. I am going to try my best to enjoy my trip this weekend.  

Wishing you an AWESOME time!!! I totally understand the "cheating" thing. I was ot to dinner recently & some friends said "just have a bite" (of Creme Brulee) & I said not 1 bite leads to me wanting more. I know personally that what you said about cravings is so true! We got to this point & don't want to ruin it! You have done wonderful for yourself & you are an ASSET to all of us! You teach us so many things! Thank you! You are SMOKIN' girl! 

Go have a great weekend. Hopefully that just want you need to feel better. And keep on "desiring" the size 6 more than the cheat days. You will so happy with yourself when you do (resist temptations).  

It really sounds like maybe your hormones may be getting the best of you with feeling a bit low and tired. Try to just let it all go for now, keep doing what you know is best for you and CHIN UP!! :) Eat well, try not to cheat, have a great time and no worries! ;) Buying new clothes takes time and energy and if you don't have both, it's not the best time to do so. :) Have a great visit! :)