Cohen's Lifestyle Dietgrrl's journey

Prefix for Cohen's Lifestyle
Thank you Cate and Geo! You know a big part of my success is forums like this because you guys got me through when I was down and out, and worrying about the small stuff, etc... wow it feels like a lifetime away! Funny that during refeed land, you feel like a different person. Maybe because I'm eating so much lol.

Speaking of eating so much.... today, I am struggling with finishing my meal. I could only eat half of my lunch because the amount was crazy big - like two plates full, piled high! I packed the rest and figure that if I get the munchies in the afternoon, I can have that for 'tea'. I ate all my protein anyway so it's the veggie portion that I have difficulties finishing. I'm not sure whether I should force myself to eat it all?

Today, I weighed in at 55.6 kg - that is 200 grams increase from yesterday. Yesterday being the First Rice Day so I'm not too surprised. Just relieved that it's only 200 grams!

Had a nice long morning walk today, hoping to make that into a routine and then, incorporating jogging into that as well. I feel more energetic (than usual - not that I was tired during the programme but I certainly did not feel motivated to run around!) that I think I can burn off this excess energy I have!

Geo - I guess even in the best of friends, there is sometimes a competition streak going on? I'm not sure. My skinny friend is happy for my weight loss but to her, it's no big deal (because she's seen me small and big throughout). I find that my friends who are bigger to be more muted in their comments, or to the other extreme: very encouraging that you feel rather shy! I am starting to feel the pressure to stay slim because everybody is commenting on my weight loss, including the fruit stall lady who could not get over my new size.

"You were FAT before. NOW you're NOT. But you were FAT before" so embarrassing! I buy my apple supplies from her. :)

My refeed ends in a week!!!!
 
dietgrrl- Thanks for the hug. I am so happy for you and am enjoying reading your posts. You will get over the embarrassment of having once been overweight when it becomes a distant memory. You sound like you are starting to think like a slim person & that is very important. You are not that over-weight girl any more & you should be very proud of yourself. It's all good, xoxo Cate
 
Dear Cate, that is certainly my hope! To think and feel, and remain a slim person! :) I am reading a really good book to help me with my emotional component of losing weight - it's by Martha Beck and it's called "The Four-Day Win: End your Diet War and achieve thinner peace".

When I first started this programme, I really thought that my problem with being fat was just of poor food choice. Certainly that plays a role but I was also in denial that I had some emotional issues when it comes to making decisions that led me to be fat.

Now that I'm on the tail-end of the programme, and truly enjoying my foods, and realizing that I don't need to eat a lot to stay active and healthy - I've come to realize that obviously, something else has been keeping me fat. Why would I be mindlessly reaching for chocolate or junk food without thinking of the consequences especially when I'm stressed? Food doesn't have to be the only thing that alleviates my stress.

I've just started the book and I already think it's amazing - it's not condescending to fat people, on the contrary the author herself struggled with her weight and understands where we're coming from. The book is about applying behaviour strategies to enable you to lose AND maintain weight - perfect for someone in Cohen's! She acknowledges that we all know how to lose weight - eat less, move more. We're not stupid. But what we lack is listening to our bodies, and understanding our trigger points, etc... I haven't finished the book yet but I wholeheartedly recommend it! It's also useful in battling other demons (as I've found).

Anyway, yesterday, for the first time, I was *uncomfortably* full. I found the portions so huge that I couldn't finish my lunch and saved my leftover veggies for tea. By dinner-time, I really wasn't hungry but made myself eat.... and went to bed feeling tight around the belly.

However, when I weighed myself, I dropped 200 grams and am now back at 55.4 kg!!! This programme really works!

By the way, I wrote to my consultant asking whether I need to finish my portions. My consultant wrote back and she said that if I could not finish my portions, that I should remove 15% from my OLD proteins (raw weight - huh? that means I have to anticipate being full!) and 15% from my OLD veggies. I cannot just decrease the protein (or vegetables) - it has to be an equal removal.

I also asked about the 1 kg weight gain - is it cumulative or instant? She said, cumulative. (I asked this question because I was quite convinced that I had gained from stuffing myself yesterday).

Oh, so I ended up canceling my trip - it took some mental debate but when I decided that I had too much work to catch up in the office and that my staff could handle the exhibition on their own and that they didn't need me around, I felt a sense of relief. I am still interested in trying out steaming the fish in my rice cooker. I also told my consultant of my idea for any other future Cohennites who may have the same question as I did.

Today, I had an "oopsie" - mom (who is visiting me this month!!) fried me some fish for lunch (the first time I allowed her to cook for me because I was paranoid of getting something wrong) - at first, she put too much salt on the fish, and I asked her to wash it off. Felt really bad like a fussy brat, and when she fried the fish, I realized too late that she had put too much oil in the pan. My only consolation is that she did use olive oil so maybe the damage wouldn't be so bad.

Oh yes, another oopsie - I really wanted to finish off my yoghurt (I changed my mind! I love yoghurt and it fills me up!!) but it wasn't enough. So I had the brainwave since I was in the 'mixing proteins' phase that I could have the rest of the yoghurt and cheese on toast (half amount) for breakfast! But when I reread my programme, it said to mix fish, chicken and meat. It didn't say about mixing the other proteins. By then, I had already eaten my yoghurt and wasn't sure whether I should start on the cheese (and migosh, just writing this down I realize how anal I've become over my eating!) .... so I just had yoghurt for breakfast.

I had my yoghurt with boiled plantain bananas that I LOVE.

I shall continue eating bananas every day in maintenance, I think. Limiting myself to 2 a day. I like it better than bread. Have you ever had boiled plantain bananas??? So yum!!!
 
"Oopsies"- dietgrrl, you are cute! I like that word. Life is full of oopsie moments & we used to live oopsie lives & have oopsie bodies to match. No longer. I loved this post & tried repping you but they would not let me, xoxo Cate.
PS I always have a laugh when they say I must spread my rep around. Don't they know that I am not that kind of a gal? LOL.
 
hehe Cate, I just gave your post a rep!

I steamed fish in my rice cooker for the first time! And it was yum! It was my 'new protein' - therefore a mackerel. I slit it in the middle, and added grated carrot (new veg), onions and garlic into it. Rubbed salt and chilli powder on fish. Then, I threw in the rest of the vegetable allowance (cabbage and green pepper, tomato) as an afterthought. As you can see, I'm all about the easy (lazy?) cooking! Steamed it for about 15 mins? in the rice cooker. Added my rice allowance, and the rest of my old protein allowance. Very yum!! I shall try steaming tofu in my rice cooker next. This is so fun.

HOWEVER, I am left again VERY FULL. :( Not a good feeling. At least I know now in maintenance that I won't be eating these amounts. Or if I do, I really need to start running!!

By the way, I've noticed an increase of energy lately. I find that I can't really sit still and that I'm always moving. Like right now, *groan* tummy so stuffed, I feel like running in tight circles to get rid of the feeling!
 
hey dietgrrl, how do you steam fish in the rice cooker? you mean just put the fish in the pot and then switch on the rice cooker? or is your rice cooker a sophisticated one that has the steam function?
 
Hey geo, my rice cooker is the simple one - no special functions. I didn't even have the steam basket (my mom was looking for it) so we used a bowl instead (ceramic?). Place ingredients in bowl, and then add water OUTSIDE the bowl (make sure that the water is not over the bowl). Press "cook" and maybe wait for 15 mins? I forget how long it took. But it won't stop cooking on its own because of its simple machine brain - you have to watch it, and turn it off yourself. Very easy!

I think for travelling - it would be good to get a smaller rice cooker and make sure it has a steam basket (or you can improvise if you have too).
 
ah i see, i love steamed food but i haven't been able to steam food cause i don't have a steamer...now i shall improvise. Thanks dietgrrl.
 
You can also steam via a wok (with a cover) - my wok wasn't big enough, and I didn't have a cover for it. :)
 
Geo, just had steamed tofu and fish (mackerel - new protein) with veggies cooked from my rice cooker! This time, it was better. My mom's suggestion: cook the veggies first, and then add the fish last so it doesn't fall apart. Added some rice wine vinegar, and tofu... Wow - my tofu never tasted so yummy! It was always kinda bland, or took up so much of the vinegar.. Really enjoyed the meal!

Oh, as well, today I weighed in at 55.3kg!! Couldn't believe it. I was soooo stuffed yesterday after my dinner. Then I had some hot green tea so my tummy would feel better. Felt better, and then remembered that I had one apple left in my allowance - ate that and was promptly stuffed again! So I'm really chuffed that I dropped 100 grams overnight. Yippee..
 
Dinner was steamed calamari & fish with veggies. Cooking via ricecooker is my new favourite way to cook! No use of oils, easy to assemble and clean!

I was debating today to decrease my amounts as suggested by my consultant but I figure that tofu and calamari would be alright. I certainly feel nice and full (but not bloated). Different from eating chicken. Good to note!
 
Hi dietgrrl,I find chicken more filling than fish & that is why I ate it mostly on Cohen's. It's great that you are really taking note of all of these things on re-feed. It will certainly help you in the future xoxo Cate
 
Thanks Cate!

I love chicken but I feel bit guilty when I eat it - it's a silly story. Years back, I joined this gym and this personal trainer was advocating the Blood type diet to all her clients. So I bought the book, and found out that as type B, I'm not supposed to eat chicken. Ugh. Of course now, I know that the blood type diet is not what it's cracked up to be but I find myself thinking at times, should I be eating chicken?

I should note that this personal trainer, while very strong and active at the gym, is very chubby!! She used to be a beauty queen in her younger days, and was apparently slim most of her younger life.

Anyway, apparently I'm not supposed to eat tofu either but cutting out tofu and chicken is so ridiculous considering that both are a staple in my diet here! Another irritating thing about the blood type diet is that it advocates foods that you can only find in western countries/imported food. So if you're living in Asia, and trying to follow the blood type diet, you're in for an expensive haul.

At least with this diet, I can pretty much eat anywhere! What we cut out is sensible. The only difficulty I have re: food availability is wheat crackers. It's so weird but Indonesians apparently don't like healthy crackers. I thought it was just the town I was living in but when I was in Jakarta and visited at least THREE upscale supermarkets for the rich/expats - the selection of healthy crackers was so poor! Whereas in Malaysia, even in small towns you can easily find healthy crackers in any local supermarket (not targeted for expats). I thought that was interesting...

Anyway, today I weighed in at 55.4 kg. Bumped up a 100 grams overnight but am not fussed about it. 55.4 kg happens to be the constant number during my refeed phase!

Have a great weekend, everybody!
 
dietgrrl- My sister swears by the blood group diet but personally I think it's a lot of hog-wash, but I don't say that to her. I wouldn't be eating most of the things I love, including chicken. I'm AB +. I love Cohen's & it suits me better than anything ever has. My sister has always been pretty skinny but she follows it for her severe allergies. I don't see it helping her much there unfortunately. Have a lovely w/e dietgrrl (soon to be neverneedanotherdieteveragaingrrl) xoxo Cate
 
hey dietgrrl,
i'm a B+ too...my italian expat neighbour strictly follows this Blood Group diet...she's managed to keep off the fat..and i almost bought that book..and like you, i felt that it was gonna be a super expensive diet to be on...so i didn't even attempt it. anyways, you have a good weekend! :)
 
cate - I aim to be neverneedanotherdieteveragaingrrl - thanks for the support!!! :) No, if, whens, buts about it - I'm going to do it! Think like a slim person!

geo - hey, seems like the blood type diet is more popular than I thought! I can see why some people lose weight on this diet because it does advocate eating fresh foods, etc. if you mostly ate processed foods. However, the logic of not eating certain foods is what I don't get. At least in Cohen's, you can do research on it and understand why some foods are not allowed, and some foods are. It is just about the sugars, carbs, etc. Nothing too mystical.

Gained another 100 grams bumping me up to 55.5kg! It may or may not be because of the banana I insisted on having right before bedtime... hmm.. yeah, it's water weight! :p

Today is Plain Biscuit Day but bleargh, I prefer my crackers!
 
This year feels different for me. I can feel it in my bones. The last couple of years have been stressful, and before that, I think I was in a daze. When I started this programme, I also started reading self-improvement books by Eckhart Tolle, reading about the power of attraction, etc. It helped put me in a better mood to handle the daily stresses of my life. I mean, my life hasn't changed - I still have the same issues that stress me out but I am learning how to distance myself from them (still a zen baby!) and being more in the Moment.

I'm so grateful for the many lessons, because I think otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do this programme in the right frame of mind.

I'm currently reading The Four-Day Win: End your Diet War and Achieve Thinner Peace by Martha Beck and I think it's excellent! It's a book on behaviour strategies that will enable you to stay on a healthy eating program. Have I talked about this in my diary yet? I can't remember. She takes you from the various phases of wanting to lose weight, from the precontemplation all the way to maintenance. I think it's a must-read for anyone wanting to lose weight!

I'm currently doing some exercises as recommended in the book (not the physical kind) and recognizing my triggers for emotional eating. I'm also learning to disassociate myself from the "Dictator" (the part of you that says you're FAT, and you SHOULD stop eating), and the "Wild Child" (the part of you that fights to keep you alive, i.e. when the Dictator is weak from stress, tiredness, etc. the Wild Child takes over and thus, you overeat). I find this exercise useful for other negative thoughts I have (non-eating related). Overall, I think this book is a winner because the simple strategies that it recommends can be translated to other non-eating parts of our lives. Like how to get over procrastination, and writing that novel that you've always talked about, for example.

This book has also made me more empathetic towards my own path to weight maintenance. Instead of telling myself, "you can't have cheesecake", I tell myself, "you can have cheesecake whenever you want. Cheesecake will always be there." And it's true! When you condition your mind to "DON'T HAVE" (Dictator) the natural reaction is to get it, in large quantities (Wild Child) - however, when you calm your mind and acknowledge that all your favourite foods will always be available, and that you can choose to eat them whenever you want - you find that you don't really want that cake after all. At least, not right this moment. :) That is what weight maintenance is all about, isn't it? Taking it step by step. My hope is that one day, I'd turn around and go, "oh wow, I've successfully maintained my weight to a healthy BMI all these years without realizing!"

Another trick from the book is to get yourself into other pleasurable states that do not include eating. Like sipping hot tea while looking out at your beautiful organic garden (this is for Cate, hehe), or remembering a memory that makes you feel warm and happy, or hot sex (meh, long distance relationship - I'd settle for memories). When you feel the urge to overeat for whatever reasons, try to get into these states. Soon your urge to eat would eventually go away. She also recommends grabbing your right little finger, with your left fist while thinking of a happy memory. There is some scientific theory behind this, I think. Martha Beck is Harvard-trained, and throughout the book, she does quote psychiatry and neurology studies to back up her theories. I'm enjoying this book so much that I'm planning to get her other books.

Are there any other self-help/improvement books that I should be reading?
 
HAPPY EARTH DAY, folks! :)

Not a fan of Earth Hour because it provides a lazy way (yet expensive, and energy-guzzling) out for corporates pretending to go green. Flashy campaigns in a mall with celebrities is silly. Earth Day is more meaningful because of the local activities on the ground - I support simple yet realistic activities by community NGOs rather than silly 'turn off your lights for an hour' campaign..

Anyway, today is Day #2 of MAINTENANCE LAND! You read that right!!!

On my last day of refeeding, I weighed in at 55.0kg - if I'm not mistaken, I lost a total of 500 grams on refeeding. Not a big deal since some people can lose up to 2 kg on refeeding.

However on my First day of maintenance, I weighed in at 54.8 kg!! And today, I weighed in at 54.2 kg. No, I'm not eating less but rather, I'm enjoying home-cooked meals by my mom at the moment (before she leaves on Saturday - boo). Had potatoes, extra crackers and digestive biscuits (i love these biscuits with my milky rooibos tea) yesterday. The potatoes did not go well in my tummy after and I was sooo sleepy and lethargic.

I plan to treat maintenance cautiously, and continue to experiment by adding various fats/carbs/different foods in my diet. I'm so happy to be in maintenance not because I want to eat cupcakes or chocolate (there is dark chocolate in the fridge but I'm not inclined to eat it even though I can!), but rather of the flexibility it allows me. Now, I don't have to stress too much whenever I travel, or am outstation where I would have to eat what is provided for me. I think I shall continue to pack my meals as often as I can however because the reality is that I *prefer* my own cooking in the field - it's not greasy or fried.

I also need to get into a regular exercise routine - I'm going to take it slow, and build it up as to ensure a lasting routine, and not jump into it and be so gung ho that in a week or so, I fizzle out from exhaustion or boredom!

I am thankful that milk, simple carbs, rice do not affect me so much - during refeeding, my weight was stable. I feel stronger (yes!) and more energetic, and I don't shy too much from the camera as I used to. Taking it each day as it comes, folks. Not going to get all cocky yet!

p/s I'm continuing weighing myself every day to keep myself accountable. It also provides an interesting feedback for the foods I plan to introduce.
 
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Happy Friday!

Today I weighed in at 54.6kg. I don't know how long I can keep this up (i.e. weighing every day AND reporting it) but I want to keep myself accountable and not lapse into bad habits.

Gained 400 grams overnight - water weight certainly. However, yesterday, I just could not finish my lunch (too full) that I kept it for 'tea'. By 4 pm I was hungry and could finish off my lunch (Cohen friendly - tuna with fresh spinach). But I was still feeling the munchies (oh dear), had some crackers and my usual daily milky rooibos tea with digestive biscuit. Dinner followed soon after less than 2 hours later. I felt rather sluggish after that. I think spacing out my meals is best. And if I have to have a snack, I should stick to crackers or fruit, and not half a meal!

Today, I am going to the field - mom packed sardine sandwiches for lunch. Not Cohen friendly but will make sure dinner would be so. I hope everybody's having a good Friday so far!
 
So yesterday, I had sardine sandwiches (two white loaf bread) and mixed pesto (1tbsp) with my baked tofu & spinach. The latter was very yum! I was quite anxious to find whether the pesto would have an effect on my body.

This time, I made sure that I spaced my meals appropriately, however I did mix my proteins when I had an afternoon snack of cheese & Salada (CHEESE!) and had dinner a couple of hours soon after.

Today, I weighed in at 54.4kg and am a happy camper!

Except for the fact that my mom is leaving today. I am so going to miss her and all the mom stuff that she does.
 
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