Raych's Journal, 17 January 2009

Are you going to kep track of your own calories and carbs or rely on the food diary? What do you suggest? 

I don't rely on the food diary, because I can't always find a perfect match, and sometimes it isn't what the package says. I might use it to look some things up, such as veggies, but I'm going to rely on what the packaging says, and if it says less than 1 carb, I'm going to round it up to 1, just to be safe. I tried looking up bologna today, and couldn't find the same Kraft kind I had. I looked up large eggs today, and it ranged anywhere from .6 - .7 carbs. I spent hours that I didn't really have, looking up all the info I could find. The most important info I found, was about the calories. Gotta make sure I get what I'm supposed to have. And it's hard, because I don't have a lot of time to cook, and don't have that big of an appetite. I still didn't get all the calories in today, but I will work on it tomorrow. What I'm doing is, keeping a notebook close to write down everything I do to contribute to my weight loss. I write down everytime I finish my huge cup of water, crunches, push-ups, all food I eat, and as I eat I figure up the carbs, calories, and protein. It is easier for me, than to spend the time going through the food diary. Got to make sure to get enough protein so I'm not losing muscle. I'll send some good sites that I found helpful info on. I also bought ketosis test strips from Walmart. Want to see if I'm actually even in ketosis. I'll let you know what happens. They're only $6, so I thought what the heck. The worst part about this diet is, finding something to drink besides water! Ugghhhh! I drink way more than I need to. 

Don't worry... a lot of things could be the cause... one, being a female in general I do believe!!! LOL. I've put on a couple pounds since weigh in... BUT I know TOM will be here in a week or two and I always gain a couple weeks before hand... sucks doesn't it???  

I think you are worrying WAY too much about it!! Calm down!!! And don't make it so hard. Its a really good idea just to round numbers up for carbs. I do the same thing (on the advice of someone else!!!). My friend, who worked at the Atkins Institute, always says that if you make it too complicated you won't stick with it. Know that your body is going to fluctuate a lot while it is getting used to you finally giving it what it needs!! And lorik is right - sometimes just being female is a cause!!! On my doctor friend's advice, I just try to make sure I have some protein with every meal, keep the carbs around 20-30 a day (that's where I have a steady loss), get in some exercise every day, drink plenty of water and make sure I have at least 2 cups of veggies a day. Those are the non-negotiables. You are also learning what works for your body. I know I stall if I have a lot of sugar sugstitutes - but it took me awhile to figure that out. I still have some - I can't live without a sweet treat once in awhile, but I try not to have more than one serving a day. And by the way, I HIGHLY recommend Crystal Light to drink a little something else besides water!! It really helps me when I get sick of water! You can do this!!! It is all such a learning process - learning what works with our body and what doesn't. It also occured to me that you might want to weigh in only once a week since the fluctuations are bothering you so much. You will see much more steady progress - and you won't be disappointed by slight gains, etc. that are a natural part of this process. Gosh...did I write enough here????? ha!!!  

Thanks guys. The best thing is I found helpful info yesterday. I'm feeling better about it all now. Just need to pay closer attention to what I'm doing. It's a bit hard with 4 kids, but I'll manage! 

Don't worry you'll do great. This is a learning experience for everyone. It takes time to tweak it so that it works optimally for you, but you'll do it. Just keep learning and reading. :) 

I think that in time, you will get a diet/ meal plan that works for you but it does take time no matter what your diet is. I don't know anything about the diet that you are on but I am sure that eventually you will find enough helpful information on it. Also, I agree that we gain and lose just being a woman. Before I have had loss/gain from 208 to 204 to 195 all the way back up to 210 all in a couple weeks without changing my diet/exercise. Mostly water/hormone issue I am sure but everyone is different!.  

Hey Raych - I completely understand. It's so hard when you are stalled not to have doubts about the diet you are following. I went so far as to attend the Curves diet class this weekend because I was on day 8 without loss. But the stall does break and those pounds will start to come off. I think it was sararay that once told me to just trust the system. It will work. I did have a tip for you (you said you stayed pretty busy). At the end of each week I buy several rotisserie chickens (Sam’s Club has the best price), debone and package them in individual serving sizes. Then I can just grab one if I’m in a hurry.  

Thanks! I'll have to do that. What a great idea! Cooking for me and cooking for my family is a pain. Cooking for them is dreadful now! I keep having to remind myself not to eat their food! So far, so good!