Cohen's Lifestyle Dietgrrl's journey

Prefix for Cohen's Lifestyle
I wouldn't skip your vinegar dietgrrl. It makes your meals so much nicer! Hey sweets, my re-feed was only 2 days less. It's to gradually reintroduce foods back into your diet & so that you can monitor the effects of adding them. It is frustrating I know but will stand you in good stead in maintenance. Patience dietgrrl, patience. You have gone this far & managed really well under trying circumstances so you will blitz it I'm sure. Cheers, Cate
 
He he thanks Cate! I am bit frustrated because my weight hasn't budged and rereading my refeeding programme several times have made me more anxious to start! :) Ideally I would like to drop down to 55 kg before I commence refeeding - and my consultant has given me the go-ahead to do so... But now, I wonder whether 2 kg is worth the wait.

I still feel that my thighs need more improving but now I wonder that only exercise can do that now at this point. Am attaching photos I took yesterday so you get what I mean.

p/s I don't normally hike up my shirt :p
 
You know dietgrrl, I think you look fantastic. I love your waist- a real hour-glass figure! I can't tell how your thighs look but I know that if I was back in time, in the same position as you are now, I would go for the extra 2kg! It will probably make a difference. Imagine 1kg of butter & then imagine that off each leg or thigh. You have become so used to the discipline of Cohen's that unless you are ravenous I would delay it a little. It is so much harder to get back on Cohen's again if you decide later that you want to drop a couple more kgs. xo Cate
 
Yea! Many many thanks Cate! :D :D You have given me the extra push to roll off the extra 2 kg. I just hope it won't take too long! I've tentatively given myself a deadline to start in April nevertheless because of my travel schedule.
 
WOW! You look amazing!!!!!!!!!!! Well done.... you should be so so proud of yourself. I think you look great as you are but you just need to do what you think is best for yourself. xoxo
 
Thanks Kris, :)

I'm actually seriously considering starting refeed today because I understand that it's the most important part of the programme and I have more travelling come up next month with no access to a kitchen. I think I may have to start refeed early so I can do it perfectly with no deviations and I can always tone up during maintenance. Truth be told, I've been stuck at 56-57g for many weeks now and maybe I need to start eating more because my body's gotten used to this food regime...

This week I have to admit that I am hungrier than usual - not as bad as yours, Kris, or the others but it's noticeable. Hopefully I'll drop another 2 kg during refeed but most importantly, I rather get my thighs toned!! :)

Hey, I might even start refeed today! How crazy is that??
 
Hokay, because I am anxious to get my refeed right especially since it's 22 days long, I am waiting to hear from my consultant on what to do whilst refeed on travelling.

My current travels for next month means that I can't have a kitchen on my disposal. I'm ok if I stick to the old proteins (aka canned tuna) but what about when I have to add new protein?? I've asked my consultant for some ideas on how to add new protein that I CANNOT cook (and without eating out)... I really hope she gets back to me soon because I won't start refeed unless I'm absolutely sure this could work. Arrrgghhh...

Cate - do you know of anyone on the forum who had the same dilemma as me? I can't delay my refeeding until my travels are over (because they are never over!). Many thanks!!

xoxo
dietgrrl
 
I'm sorry dietgrrl but I don't. This sounds really hard. Your consultant should be able to come up with a plan. I am so used to being able to buy fresh meat & vegetables that I realise how spoiled for choice that I must be. Sorry I can't be much help. By the time I was at re-feed I was not working at all & rarely ate out. I really had to concentrate on it. xo Cate
 
Thanks Cate - heard back from my consultant and she gave an interesting answer. First she points out that the refeeding part is the most important part because it reprograms our HGH, etc... and that you need to stick closely to the instructions as best you can. But she acknowledges that it would be tricky during travels and ends the email saying that cooked meats weigh 20% less than uncooked meats!

I guess that is the only solution that I have if I'm really stuck out - the good thing is that I'd be in Jakarta for my first travels and am sure I could find good organic restaurants (i hope!) but what I dread is travelling in the smaller towns because there is NO good choices to eat out healthy in rural Indonesia.

I'm going to maneuver my refeeding so that whilst in Jakarta, I would be eating old proteins - and if possible, put a travel ban until I'm completely done with refeeding.

I've read so much about how essential refeeding is - I want to make mine as perfect as it can be! Wish me luck!
 
Stats Information before Refeed
Start Cohen Date – 11 Jan 2010
Starting Weight - 69kg*
Goal Weight Range given by Dr Cohen - 53kg to 57kg

Duration of Phase 1 - 11 Weeks and 6 Days (83 Days)
Starting Weight for Refeed – 55.5kg
Refeed Start Date - 29 March 2010
Estimated Refeed End Date - 19 April 2010 (22 days of refeed)

Total Weight Loss in Phase 1 of Cohen Program – 13.5kg

*I commenced on my programme about a month after I received it and somehow managed to lose 2 kg despite the Christmas and NY binge (well, I also lost more weight (8 kg!) when I had malaria at the same month lol)

Reason for starting refeed now is that while I wish I was on the lower end of my Cohen body range in starting, I do realize that it is more for vanity than health reasons. I believe that my thighs would benefit most from exercise at this point. I'm also going to be travelling a lot again next month and I need to maneuver my refeed schedule so that I would be home (to cook) when I have to add new proteins.

Feeling very sad and down over various things. I guess I would be more excited about refeed on Day 3 when I introduce bread.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cate! I don't need to start a separate refeed diary - do I? I kinda like hanging out on this thread. :)
 
Hey dietgrrl, congrats for reaching the refeed stage!! I wish I was you, but I still have a while to go.

Good luck for the refeed - you will be ok. You have made it thus far and had discipline till now - so don't stress too much.

Your pics look fabulous by the way.

Keep the focus and enjoy the travels!
 
Hi dietgrrl- I felt a bit the same when starting re-feed. I was excited to be at that stage but also scared to be about to lose my boundaries. I also was about 2kgs over what I wanted to get down to. I will tell you something that should make you feel better. I lost those 2kgs on re-feed. Not everyone does but you may. The fact that your re-feed is long will work in your favour. After re-feed if you stick to the original Cohen's food as your basic food & limit your carbs then you should be able to drop a couple more kgs easily. I think setting our own boundaries after the program would be an excellent idea. I'm positive that you are more than capable of doing that. You will have a better idea when you finish about what food quantities & carbs suit you. Maintaining control I think is important & the losing control is what most of us fear. I think it's best not to go there! You are strong dietgrrl & will blitz it.
No rules re diaries here- Please stay with this diary, by all means. I like the continuity of staying in the one thread. I think it's more helpful to others & for our own self-esteem to be able to jump back & see where we have come from & what we have achieved. Once again dietgrrl, well done!
xoxo Cate
 
Date: Monday, 29 March 10
Cohen Refeed Day: 1 of 22

Start Refeed Weight: 55 kg (29 March 10)
Lowest Weight During Refeed: 55 kg (29 March 10)

Yesterday Refeed Weight: None
Today's Weight: 55 kg


Breakfast: Tuna (+additional protein) & cucumber (+additional veg)
Lunch: egg & cucumber
Snack: 1 Apple, 2 crackers
Dinner: Tuna (+additional protein) & mushroom, cauliflower (+additional veg)
Snack: 1 Apple, 2 crackers
Water: 2+ litre, 2 cups of tea

Sigh, my usual 'market guy' didn't come early enough (before I have to go to work) and I had to use my canned tuna for my protein. I like tuna but I prefer fresh foods like chicken or calamari! The beef here is too grizzly and I rather avoid it.

As advised by my consultant, I am splitting my extra protein and vegetable to different meals. I decided to have my 'lunch' for breakfast to see whether it would fill me up till lunch - it did!

I am certain that starting my refeed today was a very good thing. I feel satiated.

My new fruit introduction starts tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it!

Oh yes, one complication on my refeed is that I don't have a digital scale which makes it a tad difficult. Even if it means buying another weighing scale (now I have two! after years of not weighing myself ever!) - I think it would be good to have a digital scale.

Nothing much to report other than it was rather an emotional day. I didn't sleep well at all last night (spent most of the night awake, and when I fell asleep - I had anxious dreams) so I was surprised to see that I had a loss on the scales this morning. Spent most of the day with an employee who is not happy with his boss (my colleague). Tactfully pointed out ways to protect himself but he was more interested in whinging and giving excuses why he can't do what I suggested. Sigh. He did give me some good input though so overall useful discussion.

Needless to say, it is a relief to be back home!

Mands - thanks! Funny because I don't think that I am stressing over it but reading my entries, I obviously have been!

Cate - thanks dear :) I truly appreciate your advice and feedback! What would be interesting is that during maintenance, I would like to be more physically active but make sure that I don't overeat (OR undereat!) in return. So that's the next phase that I would have to graduate from!
 
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and you will, I'm sure dietgrrl. Exercise during maintenance & for the rest of our lives is an excellent idea for many reasons. If you maintain the food quantities that you end re-feed with then that will most likely be the amount of food your body needs to maintain your new, slim weight. Depending on the amount of exercise you may have to add a little but maybe not. It is trial & error but there is no error really, only learning. We'll always be learning. Doing well dietgrrl, doing very well, xo Cate
 
Hi dietgrrl!

Hmmm it's amazing how you can stick to your programme even during travelling..(with all em tunas girrlll!!) I just got back from Bandong and Jakarta... was over there for 4 days and all the food was so tempting but I stuck to my programme although it wasn't 100%. No.. I didn't eat the nasi padang or sunda food.. :p just had veges (wasn't much) and fish or chicken. Mostly I stuck to the seafood portion as I could eat more. I weighed myself this morning and luckily I didn't gain any weight.

I will start my refeeding after the 12 week blood test.. which is on the 16th April.. I thought maybe with 2 comparisons, he would be able to get a clearer picture as I've been out of range of my food portion of weight... From your picture, you look fantastic! Your face from the angle seemed more "bujur".. you must be over the clouds!

Anyways, stay strong.. it's not long till it's over..!! I'm rooting on you!!
 
ehrose - good to see you back on the forums, albeit briefly! You are starting your refeed this Friday right? It's the best feeling to be on refeed. :)

Sorry for the long absence everyone but I was travelling for work - wow, I managed to stick to the refeed guidelines to the letter! I was not tempted by the hotel buffet - I was enjoying my yoghurt (that I had bought in a supermarket because the hotel's yoghurt was too high in fat) and pineapple! And yes, finally toasted bread!! Have I mentioned how much I love this programme because it is making me love the simple foods?

Ok, since I haven't updated for so long, here is an update (to anyone who is interested) for my refeed adventure:


Day 1: 55.5 kg
Day 2: 55.1 kg
Introduced new fruit (pineapple)
Day 3: 55 kg
Introduced one slice of bread
Day 4: 55 kg
(note: Day 1 – 4, I was using an analogue weighing scale)

Day 5: 55.7 kg
Delayed reaction from first day of bread introduction? Also, I started using a digital scale so perhaps previous readings were not accurate.
Day 6: 55.1 kg
Introduced two new fruits (pineapple)
Day 7: 55.5 kg
Increase of 400 grams due to? Bread? Tried a different brand.

Day 8: 55.6 kg
Introduced two slices of bread
Day 9: 55.5 kg
Day 10: 55.5 kg
Introduced ‘bad fruit’ aka banana
Introduced three slices of bread
Day 11: 55.5 kg
Day 12: 55.4 kg
Day 13: 55.4 kg
Introduced additional bad fruit aka 2 bananas and milk (new protein)
Day 14: 55.4 kg
Introduced new protein aka mackarel and RICE!

As you can see, I haven't really lost any weight on refeed! But am not complaining because at least my weight has been stabilized. I don't think I would lose anymore weight considering that I am eating more and more. I just started on rice today and it was so yummy! But now I understand that I don't need so much rice to feel full. I'm excited about being on maintenance because it would give me the flexibility in choosing meals but also I have the tools to choose wisely.

Had the opportunity to buy new jeans so I wandered into Gap. I asked for a size 8 and the salesgirl looked at me and said that she thought I was another size. My heart sank a bit thinking that I was obviously still a size 10. She then gave me a size 6. I tried that on and it wasn't really fitting as well as I thought... so I thought I should go up another size, i.e. size 8 but the salesgirl said.... you really need to try a size 4!!! I was shocked. I don't think I've been a size 4 adult size! I know size charts differ wherever you shop but I don't think even at my smallest, I've tried on size 4 jeans! (27" - that is a UK9?) It sits nicely on my hips and wow, I love my new jeans. I love my new size! I was in a daze for the rest of the day. It was a good day. :)

I also had to buy new bras and I was quite certain that I had gone down a breast cup. Lo behold, I'm still a B! Hooray! My bra measurement went down from 80B to 75B. I'd take that! I had tried on an A cup just to check it out but it was too small.

Met up with my friends and it was kinda weird with one friend - she was so jealous (she admitted to me later during text a couple of times) that I had lost weight that she wasn't particularly friendly. It kinda saddened me like she had accepted me as the 'fat friend' and wasn't too happy about me giving up that status but I realize that it's more about her than it is about me. She also wants to lose some weight and has been struggling with her weight loss battle so seeing me succeed is making her a bit bitter. I have shared with her some of my secrets and told her about the programme but like the others who have asked me how I did it - they all then say, oh it's too hard - I'd rather do it my way. But if your way hasn't been working, wouldn't it be rather crazy to keep on going on that road?

I still have a week to go before end of refeed and I'd be travelling again! This time, it would be difficult because I have to add new proteins. I've had a brainwave today - bring along a rice cooker and steam fish in it! I won't be staying in a fancy hotel - it's more like a motel so hopefully they won't be too bothered about it. Well, it's the smell of fresh fish that might make them unhappy. I'd just have to wing it and see. I hope you all have been doing well on your journeys so far! Will check out your diaries soon.

xoxo
dietgrrl
 
p/s I think Gap jeans sizes must have increased - I don't think I'm a real size 4 but then again, it doesn't matter what size I am anymore! I feel fit and great! And am loving all my meals.

p/p/s I had a full lunch with rice for the first time and I'm finding that I'm hungry again! Carbs!
 
dietgrrl. Thanks for that up-date! I am loving sharing your journey. You are doing so well & should be inspiring others to follow your example. Good for you! xoxo Cate
 
you go girl! well done...you are my inspiration, dietgrrl...and about those friends, i can understand what you mean...


geo
 
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