davisgirl’s journal

[davisgirl]

It's just another day & it's done & dusted.
I'm really going to try to eat very little in the evening. I think most of us get cravings then & it's a dangerous time.
Hope gym doesn't kill you

Evenings are the worst for me too. I have been eating between noon and 6. Those hours are a joyous time when I give my body all the nourishment it needs. Strangely, when the eating window closes at night my cravings take hold. Even though I’m full. I find it a lot easier in the morning — I get a few hunger pangs but not bad. I can distract myself pretty easily.

Do you think my cream in my morning coffee breaks my fast? May be a question for the experts. If so, not willing to give up my coffee creamer, straight heavy whipping cream so no carbs.

The gym yesterday was a blast. I was very pleasantly surprised. I was happy with my intensity on the arc trainer. Then, I had a nice run on the rowing machine. Skipped doing my legs when I went on the weight machines, and I think it really helped. Strangely, I did gym before lunch, so worked out fasting. I was a little worried about that but it worked out fine. Then I had to run a few errands and didn’t get lunch until 4. So my eating window was 4-9 yesterday. If I could do that every day, I’d have my evening cravings mostly licked, but I doubt I can (or should) put off lunch on the regular like that.

The changes I am seeing in my body are dramatic. I KNOW this is working. Sadly, this morning the scale is still stuck at 221. My official weigh in, on day 30, is still a week away. I’d love to take off a few more pounds to show for my first month.

But I can see big things happening. I know I’m doing all the right things. I just need to keep at it. Eating less and exercising more is a NO FAIL strategy, I just need to be patient. 20 years ago I would have easily lost 15 lbs by now. (Also 20 years ago: because the changes weren’t permanent, the weight came back!).

I didn’t take measurements when I started unfortunately. I pulled some yesterday, just my hips and waist. That’s where I expect to see substantial changes in the future. My waist came in at 42.5 inches, my hips at 51.5. These numbers will come in handy for in the future, when the scale isn’t budging, but the measuring tape tells it’s own story.

Hoping for a good day. Got my meals all planned out. It’s not a gym day, so I’ll be looking for some alternate activities. I found a stretching program I like, it really helps to soothe my muscles. I’m also hoping for a long walk with the dogs, and I’ve got a bit of work to do around the yard. It’s supposed to be no warmer than the mid 70s so it should be a great day for both.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy day!

 

[Zahida]

Hi Davisgirl ... Your doing well with your weight lose journey. The main thing is your moving in the right direction just keep persistant. You mentioned call for sweets was loud, just a quick tip DATES are a very healthy fruit to include in your diet. They are high in several nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, all of which may provide health benefits ranging from improved digestion to a reduced risk of disease. Dates are extremley tasty one date contains about 20 calories. It contains 2.8 mg of calcium and 5 g of total carbohydrates. Dates are also extremely rich in antioxidants.

 

[davisgirl]

I love dates! I’ve been eyeing the potassium packed dried apricots too. Even without added sugar though, a meaningful portion costs a whole day of carbs. Keto is tough! I’m feeling pretty committed at the moment. I don’t always feel satisfied, but I always feel like I certainly should have been.

Right now I spend almost all my carbs on spinach, kale, and broccoli. Spinach and broccoli have always been favorites, and I prepare a special sauce with the kale that makes eating a relatively large amount of it palatable. My peanut butter/almond flour treat takes the rest. I try to stay under 25 net carbs and it’s close. I’d love to ease up on it (and add something like keto “friendly” blueberries) but without solid results on the scale at this level, I hesitate to deviate from strict keto adherence. I made a lot of progress with keto and exercise in the past, I just didn’t change my core lifestyle and the changes didn’t stick. I know I just need to stick with it.

Thanks for checking in on my diary. Where are you in your weight loss journey?

 

[davisgirl]

No problem...

Exactly it's difficult to deviate from your current adherence i understand. just to mention bluberries are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, blueberries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory. I add blueberries every morning to my porridge

Few months ago i weighed in at 245 pound, regarding my weight this caused a severe health issue which led to a fatal ligament collapse to my right foot i was wheel chair bound for at least a year and to make matters worse it ended my 20 year marriage. This was a breaking point i didn't want to live like this for the rest of my life.

For good few years I have struggled relentlesly to lose weight, regardless to trying hundereds of different
diet plans and riding the same old cycle of starting and quitting a few weeks in. Guess my body wasn't prepared
to try anything different other than adapting to a healthy meal plan:

This was recommended by a friend : A Science Based-System That Melts Away All Your Stubborn Belly Fat in Just 14 Days. I immediatley noticed the difference. I was losing 1 pound every 72 hours and loss 3 Pounds in 7 days in less than 5 month i loss 85 Pounds and i am still losing weight.

Now i am a healthy 160 Pounds and i feel great. It's not bad weight for a 50 year old.
Spam Link Removed

Where are you in your weight loss journey?

I am at my ideal weight....

85 pounds in a few months? Unbelievable! That looked like a gimmicky link, what kind of diet is it?

 

[alligatorob]

85 pounds in a few months? Unbelievable! That looked like a gimmicky link, what kind of diet is it?

If it looks like a gimmicky link it probably is.

You are doing pretty good on your own plan, I would stick to it. I have used low carb diets in the past and have lost weight on them and been happy, but as you say it does limit things a bit. In the end I believe your weight loss is mostly tied to the number of calories you eat vs the number you use every day. I believe low carb works when its also low calorie. It can be a good way to get to low calorie.

Keep on posting you are doing well!

 

[overlandflyer]

spam is a daily occurrence on this site.

 

[alligatorob]

Hey Davis, how did your day go?

That peanut butter/almond flour treat sounds really great. Probably too good and too sweat for me right now, but if it works for you, good for you! If I could get a good fresh date I would eat it, but the dates available here are long packaged and dried out. I spent a little time in Saudi, Kuwait and the region a few years back, they had incredible dates. Guess it spoiled me. Probably not the right fruit for someone on a low carb diet though.

 

[alligatorob]

Oh what a joy for her! I am planning a bathroom remodel to include a large tub. I’ve always wanted one. I have this theory that spending time in the water is therapy. It always changes my whole day for the better, never mind how nice it feels to my muscles and joints.

Good idea, one suggestion, look at your water heater and the size of your tub. We had to add a second water heater to make sure we had enough hot water, a second water heater cost less than upgrading to a big one. A few years back we had a big tub, but not enough hot water.

How was your day?

 

[davisgirl]

Good idea, one suggestion, look at your water heater and the size of your tub. We had to add a second water heater to make sure we had enough hot water, a second water heater cost less than upgrading to a big one. A few years back we had a big tub, but not enough hot water.

How was your day?

Ah, good point. I am just in the dreaming stages so that is good to consider.

I had a great day! I cheated and had an extra snack, but still only 1,500 calories for the day. Today, I’m going to wait until the end of the day to have my ONE snack.

But what made it awesome was taking my dogs for a long walk out in the country. We ended up going a little less than 2 miles, but today is cool again so I think we’ll try for 3 today. We’ll see how everybody feels. We generally take short walks around town, but they really appreciated putting some serious time in. I hope to make it a regular thing, I just have to bring water for them because the big Bernese overheats easily.

The scale is up 1 pound today. Maybe just a fluctuation thing or water or some weird diet voodoo. I have been eating less and exercising plenty, and I can tell by how I look and feel, that the weight is coming off. So #%*€ that stupid scale. Not gonna weigh again until the 30 day mark, on August 7th. I know I’m doing this right, because math. It’s just a waiting game and I’m going to win eventually if I keep doing what I’m doing. I suppose I could cut calories and exercise more, but it wouldn’t be sustainable and I feel like what I’m doing now is healthy and can’t help but work. Eventually

 

[davisgirl]

Had a great day exercising, not so great with eating.

Took the dogs for a longer walk, today we went 2 miles. It was in the upper 70s, sunny and beautiful, but still a tad too warm for the big Bernese mountain dog. Tomorrow I’m going to try for an early morning or evening walk and avoid the middle of the day.

Just got back from the gym now. Had a great workout. I went easier on the cardio because of the walk. When I did the weight machines, the new weights I had bumped up to just last week are feeling quite a bit easier. Very encouraging.

My eating sucked. I did great at lunch but tonight I’m late to dinner and my sweet tooth is looming large. I had an extra portion of my little snack and skipped dinner. So for the day I’m under for calories, but also under on protein and nutrients. I’ve got to get it together. Feeling really great physically though, strong. And mentally, the exercise and eating right (mostly) is having such a positive benefit.

 

[davisgirl]

Ooph woke up a wreck this morning. Head pounding and left shoulder aching, I’m a side sleeper, so it happens. The pool isn’t scheduled to reopen until 8/17, my shoulders are really going to miss it. I snapped this shot last night from the fitness room: *argh the attach files option can’t see my photos. I’ll try later.

Here is where the post workout magic happens

The entire Y is now closed for annual maintenance until Monday, so the dogs and I are on our own as far as exercise. I’m hoping for a long walk every day, and some assorted YouTube videos here and there, stretching, body weight workout type stuff.

I am all out of peanut butter. Woe is me haha! Reinforcements arrive on Tuesday, so we’ll see if I progress over the weekend without my snacking interference. Gosh, if I could just get a grip and have just one!

I decided not to weigh myself until the next 10 day mark on 8/7. But I was relieved anyway to see the pound I had gained back gone this morning. So, still holding at 221, down 6 pounds since 7/7. Good grief this is going to take forever! Is how I’m feeling from time to time. I thought that last year too when I gave up, and if I hadn’t, I would have been well on my way by now.

I see big changes happening in the mirror, especially around my problem mid section. It’s just a matter of time before the scale catches up.

Ooh my stomach is growling.

 

[alligatorob]

Hey Davis, sorry you woke this morning feeling bad. I am also a side sleeper, and have on occasion had shoulder pain, I don't know the cure except to roll over or change positions. I am feeling it less lately, maybe the weight loss is helping.

At first I kind of struggled with only weighing myself once a week, one week I would lose a lot and the next week I'd be up. What I started doing is weighing everyday, usually multiple times a day. It has helped me see that my weight naturally varies, and given me some understanding as to how and why. For example I usually weigh more in the evenings than in the morning. I can also lose 2 pounds of so just sleeping overnight. I was also surprised to see how much different items of clothing can weigh, I can gain 5 pounds just by getting fully dressed. Now I try to weigh in my shorts, shirt and sandals, and only really count my first thing in the morning weight. When I post my "official" weight once a week it is a kind of running average of what my weight has been over the past few days. I don't post the high or low, just what looks about right to me. The only downside to this approach is that in the short term you can see weight gains that don't make you happy. For me that happened at first, but now I understand to expect this to happen and not to put too much stock in it.

I see big changes happening in the mirror, especially around my problem mid section.

Good for you, bet that makes you feel better!

I snapped this shot last night from the fitness room: *argh the attach files option can’t see my photos. I’ll try later.

Sometimes I have problems with photos if they are too big, not sure what the size limit is, but I know its smaller than the standard size my phone produces. Post it when you can, I always like looking at pictures of people here.

 

[davisgirl]

Hey Davis, sorry you woke this morning feeling bad. I am also a side sleeper, and have on occasion had shoulder pain, I don't know the cure except to roll over or change positions. I am feeling it less lately, maybe the weight loss is helping.

At first I kind of struggled with only weighing myself once a week, one week I would lose a lot and the next week I'd be up. What I started doing is weighing everyday, usually multiple times a day. It has helped me see that my weight naturally varies, and given me some understanding as to how and why. For example I usually weigh more in the evenings than in the morning. I can also lose 2 pounds of so just sleeping overnight. I was also surprised to see how much different items of clothing can weigh, I can gain 5 pounds just by getting fully dressed. Now I try to weigh in my shorts, shirt and sandals, and only really count my first thing in the morning weight. When I post my "official" weight once a week it is a kind of running average of what my weight has been over the past few days. I don't post the high or low, just what looks about right to me. The only downside to this approach is that in the short term you can see weight gains that don't make you happy. For me that happened at first, but now I understand to expect this to happen and not to put too much stock in it.

Good for you, bet that makes you feel better!

Sometimes I have problems with photos if they are too big, not sure what the size limit is, but I know its smaller than the standard size my phone produces. Post it when you can, I always like looking at pictures of people here.

Good morning Alligatorob! Haha, no people in this one, just the empty pool.

I love looking at pics too. I’ll take another set on August 7th, I’m doing it every 10 days. I’m really anxious to see if the side profile pic has a visible difference, even though it’ll only be 10 days old. The change I feel has been crazy.

 

[davisgirl]

Silly question for anyone doing weight training. I’m pretty new to it and don’t want to attract attention at the gym.

When I do my “sets”, I do my 8 repetitions then go to the next machine. I visit all the machines 3 times. Yesterday I noticed someone sit at a machine and just park there, so I’m assuming they did their repetitions, and just repeated all their sets without moving to a new machine first. Is this how it’s customarily done? I’d rather go with the flow then stand out, and I feel like I do quite a bit of moving around. Like, I’ll do one set on all the machines, then hop on a cardio machine for 20 minutes, then do another set on the machines, then another cardio session, then the last set. Am I doing this right?

 

[Trusylver]

When I do my “sets”, I do my 8 repetitions then go to the next machine. I visit all the machines 3 times.

The way you are doing your training is called circuit training and is perfectly normal, yes most training routines are done one exercise at a time with a timed rest in between sets but circuit training has its place and is even better if you work one muscle and the following machine works the antagonist muscle. eg, biceps then triceps. Don't panic about how you look.

 

[davisgirl]

The way you are doing your training is called circuit training and is perfectly normal, yes most training routines are done one exercise at a time with a timed rest in between sets but circuit training has its place and is even better if you work one muscle and the following machine works the antagonist muscle. eg, biceps then triceps. Don't panic about how you look.

Thank you Trusylver! Great info to know. It sounds like either way is right, so I can enjoy the flexibility.

I really do feel a bit self conscious in the gym. After the first 5 minutes of cardio, I get terrible red face, and I must look to others as if I’m going to die. I think this just happens to some people. It lasts for about an hour after the workout. So people are watching. And I get a definite vibe from some of the men, a “this is no place for you” type of feel. Maybe I’m imagining it, but I don’t think so. It’s ok. I just need them to tolerate me for now, eventually they’ll be tripping over themselves to hold the door open for me. Ha!

Yesterday was dismal. Woke up with a headache, neck and left shoulder aching, couldn’t shake it all day. Even took some ibuprofen which I avoid because it gives me heartburn and I hate it. Couldn’t bring myself to exercise, it was all I could do just to feed myself and take care of the dogs. It was my first “”no exercise” day since 7/7 when I started. On top of that, my eating was a nightmare. Good until dinner, then my re-occurring snackfest. I probably ate 1,800 calories yesterday, but I at least got all my nutrition in. Then I weigh myself this morning and I’m down a pound. Go figure.

Yup. 220 pounds today. Down 7 total. (Scratches head).

Today promises to be a better day! Relatively minor aches and pains. I’ll be taking the dogs for a country walk and the timing is perfect, the temps haven’t hit 70 yet. I’m going to try for 2.5 miles. I feel like I have my energy back.

I’m going to set some goals for August. I’ll be thinking over some things today so I can kick off my second month of dieting in the right frame of mind. Have a great day everyone!

 

[alligatorob]

220 is great news!!

I get terrible red face, and I must look to others as if I’m going to die. I think this just happens to some people. It lasts for about an hour after the workout. So people are watching. And I get a definite vibe from some of the men, a “this is no place for you” type of feel. Maybe I’m imagining it, but I don’t think so. It’s ok. I just need them to tolerate me for now, eventually they’ll be tripping over themselves to hold the door open for me.

I am guessing your are probably wrong about what others are thinking, but even if you are not what does it matter? You are doing this for you, not them.

 

[davisgirl]

220 is great news!!

I am guessing your are probably wrong about what others are thinking, but even if you are not what does it matter? You are doing this for you, not them.

Thanks Rob! I may very well be imagining that vibe, and you’re right, it doesn’t matter what I imagine they might be thinking. I’m still going to put it my time. But it just lends to an overall discomfort with the experience, and I guess as a heavier woman I’m a bit over sensitive. I’ll get over myself!

Just got back from my walk in the country. Took a pic and attached it. Had to chop it twice to get the site to upload it, have they made recent changes? That was a drag.

Ordered a couple items from trusty amazon to aid in my pursuit. New sneakers! Fanny pack! A mini canister of pepper spray with a noisemaker and flashlight, and a couple collapsible bowls for the dogs. We’ve got this!

 

[davisgirl]

Ok. Here are my goals for August:

1. Only 1 snack per day
2. 1 hour of exercise 6 days a week
3. Continue tracking food and meeting macros

That first one continues to be a real problem. This is not a hunger thing, it’s a dysfunctional food thing and I have to get over this hurdle. There is some bit of satisfaction that I am getting from the extra snack, and I need to get it some other way. The “extra snack” is what got me here, and it’s slowing me down. It’s gotta go! Because if I can’t limit myself to just one, then I can’t have it at all. And that’s no fun.

Fingers crossed.

I was going to put my food diary in here but the pic thing is a pain. Today I am slated to eat 1,476 calories featuring 117 grams of protein and 28 net carbs.

 

[Cate]

Things have changed with photos, but the funny thing is I am able to put anything on easily, whereas before I struggled. Go figure.
I always laugh at the name fanny pack as it has a totally different meaning in Aus. It will be good to have a well-stocked one for your walks(pepper spray ) but try not to have it too heavy. Does it fit one or two drink bottles?
That country track looks good to walk on. I bet your dogs are loving it!
Re: snacks. I count a banana as a snack, but do you mean something outside a meal that is unhealthy and/or high in calories?
Your August goals look doable Go, you!