jsfantome's Journal, 03 January 2011

The beginning of every journey – takes commitment. And a willingness to Change.

Not the easiest thing - to CHANGE. But change is good for you. And it’s good for me. But we are all weak, and change is HARD. By the time you get to the middle of this journey you start to figure out this is not so much about a ‘diet’ or ‘losing weight’ as it is about CHANGING your life. Adapting to the changes, embracing them – makes the whole process go more smoothly.

Since getting to the maintainance level…I have pretty much figured out I am fairly intolerant of going up the carb ladder too high…or too often. I lowered my weight goal to 135 lb…because I would like to have the flexibility of that 3-5 lb range of 135 – 140 to live within.

I have added additional veggies, I (very seldom now) have nuts…(they seem to call my name when I have them in the house.) I have fruit now and then, perhaps the random additional item here or there, like yogurt or cottage cheese – split peas in a soup I made – but they are random and very rare. But mostly I eat Bkfst, Lunch, Dinner, and perhaps one snack – all in the lower carb range of everything – and – then on the once every two weeks, to once a month basis…I have a splurge.

This past month, my splurge ended up being peanut M&M’s. Didn’t plan that…but caved. The month before it was a low carb dinner out, then a movie, and some theater popcorn! (yum). I think the month before that it was a low carb dinner out…and tortilla chips w/ cheese dip at the Mexican restaurant.

But each of these are well planned – and as I said – very rare. But basically since I started allowing myself these extra indulgences…my weight has stayed the same. Up one, down one, up two, down two…but I am no closer to getting to the 135 mark I was shooting for.

So, much like the rest of you…I am going back to a two week – strict induction menu. I am going to try to commit to log all of my food, and track every item. I will measure again. I will count my ounces of water again. And I will see if I can’t get to where I wanted to be – and then I will work on leveling off again. No more indulgences or splurging – until I have reached my new goal.

Very few people will end up being this intolerant to carbs, that they can’t climb further with more variety, up the carb ladder. (so don’t let this scare you.) But I thought I would share all of this for any of you getting closer to your goals, and wondering what to do when you get there. Start your climb on the OWL ladder at least 15-20 lbs before your goal weight. (and no, it won’t hurt you to eat at the lowest level of carbs for a long time.) It takes a number of weeks (months really) to add back 5 g’s / day…for one week…then assess…then repeat…that’s only adding maybe 4 things a month…so you can see, it takes a little effort. It’s kinda like a puzzle…it is interesting to see how you can mix and match more foods to make different meals and recipes once you start adding back carbs slowly.


p.s. I would normally put an entry like this in a forum post...but it doesn't seem like anyone is using them anymore. sorry it's so long...but I had lots to say... Love.

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1664 kcal

Fat: 132.44g | Prot: 104.17g | Carb: 18.48g.   Breakfast: bacon (9AM), water (6-10 AM), I can't believe it's not butter, eggland's best eggs (9AM), coffee (8oz) black. Lunch: boneless chicken thighs, romaine, Marie's blue cheese dressing(2 tbsp), real bacon bits (1 tblsp), hidden carbs. Dinner: cheddar cheese, hamburger patty (6 oz), Hellman's Mayo, shredded cheddar, marie's blue cheese, (2 tbsp), hidden carbs, iceburg lettuce, water (4-6). Snacks/Other: pistachios, olives. more...

1801 kcal

Activities & Exercise: Weight Training (moderate) - 30 minutes, Exercise machine (fast) - 10 minutes, Resting - 15 hours and 20 minutes, Sleeping - 8 hours. more...