Cohen's Lifestyle Dietgrrl's journey
- Thread starter dietgrrl
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Prefix for Cohen's Lifestyle
dietgrrl
New member
Thank you Cate! The pizza WAS delicious! 
I froze the rest so I wouldn't be tempted anymore. I can always eat it (defrost it) so it won't be a waste. Also, I'm really excited because I bought a bread pan! I'd be baking my own wheat bread from now on! It would be much healthier than buying my own and more fun too. Sooo excited....
My neighbour knocked on my door this afternoon and presented me with CAKE! She said shyly that it was her first cake that she baked so OF COURSE I had to try it.
It was about 430 pm I think so I decided to have an early dinner (i.e. with carbs). I ate leftover roasted chicken (from lunch) with couscous (carbs). After that, I enjoyed the cake. It was really good. I didn't eat all the sugary icing though but the rest of it went down my little tummy.
Problem with eating too early is that you tend to have the munchies later at night. I didn't have my veggie portion for my early dinner so am munching on fresh cucumbers instead. Will probably whip up a simple cabbage stir-fry later. And yes.. hot tea !
I froze the rest so I wouldn't be tempted anymore. I can always eat it (defrost it) so it won't be a waste. Also, I'm really excited because I bought a bread pan! I'd be baking my own wheat bread from now on! It would be much healthier than buying my own and more fun too. Sooo excited....
My neighbour knocked on my door this afternoon and presented me with CAKE!
She said shyly that it was her first cake that she baked so OF COURSE I had to try it. It was about 430 pm I think so I decided to have an early dinner (i.e. with carbs). I ate leftover roasted chicken (from lunch) with couscous (carbs). After that, I enjoyed the cake. It was really good. I didn't eat all the sugary icing though but the rest of it went down my little tummy.
Problem with eating too early is that you tend to have the munchies later at night. I didn't have my veggie portion for my early dinner so am munching on fresh cucumbers instead. Will probably whip up a simple cabbage stir-fry later. And yes.. hot tea !
dietgrrl
New member
Everybody has her own way of approaching weight maintenance. This is mine:
I try to eat mindfully at each meal. Every day, I buy fresh foods (I am lucky that it is delivered to my doorstep and comes in small quantities) and my meals for that day are determined by what is available by local farmers.
My processed carbs (as opposed to the carbs I get from eating vegetables, etc.) currently come from homemade bread, rice or couscous. Even so, I am careful with the quantities. I don’t eat as much as I used to, especially when it comes to rice. My current struggle is to not eat too much bread because it is heavenly when freshly baked! However, I am lucky because it doesn’t seem to affect my weight as it does for others. Perhaps it’s because of my body type and apparently carbs are ok for me, but fats are a no-no. I have noticed that when I eat bread, I find my cravings for bread increases. Right now, I’m alternating bread with rice or couscous so that I don’t have bread every single day.
I make a point to have protein and fresh green vegetables in every meal. These remain a focus in my meals.
No junk food. I snack on fruit. Currently, I feel that I am eating too much fruit but so far, it hasn’t affected my weight (I know that I am lucky yes!).
I still drink at least 2 litres of water every day, sometimes 3 litres. I drink green tea about two or three times a day.
When I think about my past eating habits, and the foods I use to eat, I have no regrets. I find myself enjoying an apple or an orange much more than wanting cake or junk food! I do love dark chocolate – that is my ultimate treat. However, I am ‘lucky’ that I live in a town that has no dark chocolate…. I think when I go back home, I want to stock up… but then it would be a struggle to make sure that I don’t eat chocolate every day!
As for exercise, I cycle to work every day, and I go back for lunch too. Every couple of days, I cycle to the fruit stall to stock up on fruit. I also cycle to town (pretty far off) to stock up on cat food, etc. I find that I am more energetic than I ever was and I think it was because I overate carbs I don’t need a lot of it, and neither do you if you are the same as me (sedentary office worker). We spend most of our time sitting down – do we really need a big pile of rice or pasta to keep us ‘energized’?
I’ve also found that my sleeping patterns have improved – I now wake up at 530 am without the aid of an alarm clock. I go to sleep around 10 or 11 pm. I love having the extra time in the morning, and I use it for contemplation, quiet reading, playing with cats.
I certainly don’t want to go back to the way I was before. I was more lethargic, easily prone to depression, and had a less zest for life. It’s all changed now. If I told you that all it takes is to change the way you eat, would you believe me?
Today I weighed in at 52.9kg
I try to eat mindfully at each meal. Every day, I buy fresh foods (I am lucky that it is delivered to my doorstep and comes in small quantities) and my meals for that day are determined by what is available by local farmers.
My processed carbs (as opposed to the carbs I get from eating vegetables, etc.) currently come from homemade bread, rice or couscous. Even so, I am careful with the quantities. I don’t eat as much as I used to, especially when it comes to rice. My current struggle is to not eat too much bread because it is heavenly when freshly baked! However, I am lucky because it doesn’t seem to affect my weight as it does for others. Perhaps it’s because of my body type and apparently carbs are ok for me, but fats are a no-no. I have noticed that when I eat bread, I find my cravings for bread increases. Right now, I’m alternating bread with rice or couscous so that I don’t have bread every single day.
I make a point to have protein and fresh green vegetables in every meal. These remain a focus in my meals.
No junk food. I snack on fruit. Currently, I feel that I am eating too much fruit but so far, it hasn’t affected my weight (I know that I am lucky yes!).
I still drink at least 2 litres of water every day, sometimes 3 litres. I drink green tea about two or three times a day.
When I think about my past eating habits, and the foods I use to eat, I have no regrets. I find myself enjoying an apple or an orange much more than wanting cake or junk food! I do love dark chocolate – that is my ultimate treat. However, I am ‘lucky’ that I live in a town that has no dark chocolate…. I think when I go back home, I want to stock up… but then it would be a struggle to make sure that I don’t eat chocolate every day!
As for exercise, I cycle to work every day, and I go back for lunch too. Every couple of days, I cycle to the fruit stall to stock up on fruit. I also cycle to town (pretty far off) to stock up on cat food, etc. I find that I am more energetic than I ever was and I think it was because I overate carbs I don’t need a lot of it, and neither do you if you are the same as me (sedentary office worker). We spend most of our time sitting down – do we really need a big pile of rice or pasta to keep us ‘energized’?
I’ve also found that my sleeping patterns have improved – I now wake up at 530 am without the aid of an alarm clock. I go to sleep around 10 or 11 pm. I love having the extra time in the morning, and I use it for contemplation, quiet reading, playing with cats.
I certainly don’t want to go back to the way I was before. I was more lethargic, easily prone to depression, and had a less zest for life. It’s all changed now. If I told you that all it takes is to change the way you eat, would you believe me?
Today I weighed in at 52.9kg
dietgrrl
New member
Thanks Cate!
So I've been reading about green tea and its side-effects. I think will lay off the green tea for a while even though I am not having any of the symptoms yet (not being able to sleep, etc.). Reading articles on carbs, and I think I would rather focus on whole foods carbs such as potatoes, carrots, etc.. as opposed to wheat products as bread, pasta.. Which means less baking bread, sadly! Although giving away freshly baked bread to neighbours is also a good thing and builds relations.
And after writing all this, I am seriously contemplating baking a no-flour cheesecake AND pancakes...
So I've been reading about green tea and its side-effects. I think will lay off the green tea for a while even though I am not having any of the symptoms yet (not being able to sleep, etc.). Reading articles on carbs, and I think I would rather focus on whole foods carbs such as potatoes, carrots, etc.. as opposed to wheat products as bread, pasta.. Which means less baking bread, sadly! Although giving away freshly baked bread to neighbours is also a good thing and builds relations.
And after writing all this, I am seriously contemplating baking a no-flour cheesecake AND pancakes...
dietgrrl
New member
Dear Geo,
Thank you for your message! I am doing well, taking each meal as it comes. Gosh, I think losing weight was kinda easier than maintaining the weight! Today weighed in at 53.2kg. Pretty relieved because yesterday, I indulged in a big slice of homemade chocolate cake that my neighbour kindly gave me. Unfortunately for me, her hobby too is baking every Sunday, and she wants to share with me what she creates. Me, I have to learn to have the willpower to not eat it in one go!
I did eat a potato before the cake, and that helped as it was hours after lunch, and you don't want to eat dessert on an empty stomach.
I also baked yesterday, and failed both attempts. My baking mojo was a bit off last night and yet, I couldn't help but eat some of the failed attempts!
I certainly have to be more disciplined when it comes to baking and not be tempted to eat a lot of it. So far, I've been good and whenever I bake, I have some but give away most of it.
Other than that, my meals have been very good. I enjoy eating Coheny so that is no issue. I do eat processed carbs now and then (such as rice). I think I might avoid wheat products (i.e. homemade bread) for hopefully a long while because I find it harder to stop eating it, than say rice.
On the emotional side, I think my breakthrough was realizing that when I get stressed, I don't eat. But when that stress goes away, I do want to indulge (hence me thinking that I am not an emotional eater).
Also working on my inner calm, and creating that space of tranquility and being in the Moment... trying not to let outside forces affect me.
That's all I have to report for now.
Thank you for your message!
I am doing well, taking each meal as it comes. Gosh, I think losing weight was kinda easier than maintaining the weight! Today weighed in at 53.2kg. Pretty relieved because yesterday, I indulged in a big slice of homemade chocolate cake that my neighbour kindly gave me. Unfortunately for me, her hobby too is baking every Sunday, and she wants to share with me what she creates. Me, I have to learn to have the willpower to not eat it in one go! I did eat a potato before the cake, and that helped as it was hours after lunch, and you don't want to eat dessert on an empty stomach.
I also baked yesterday, and failed both attempts. My baking mojo was a bit off last night and yet, I couldn't help but eat some of the failed attempts!
I certainly have to be more disciplined when it comes to baking and not be tempted to eat a lot of it. So far, I've been good and whenever I bake, I have some but give away most of it.
Other than that, my meals have been very good. I enjoy eating Coheny so that is no issue. I do eat processed carbs now and then (such as rice). I think I might avoid wheat products (i.e. homemade bread) for hopefully a long while because I find it harder to stop eating it, than say rice.
On the emotional side, I think my breakthrough was realizing that when I get stressed, I don't eat. But when that stress goes away, I do want to indulge (hence me thinking that I am not an emotional eater).
Also working on my inner calm, and creating that space of tranquility and being in the Moment... trying not to let outside forces affect me.
That's all I have to report for now.
dietgrrl
New member
Wow, I realized that it's been about two weeks? Since I last posted. I am doing well - have been busy on other things.
I've been going to the field a lot and I have to say that I miss packing my meals! But I have to show some attempt at 'normality' whatever that means, to avoid people gossiping about my 'diet' and my boss having screaming fits about it. I've decided that the best way to treat difficult people is to imagine them certifiably crazy. That way, I won't be taking them so seriously and what they say to heart. What do you think?
I've been doing a lot of reading on minimalism, and strengthening the sense of equanimity and inner peace. I figure the drama at the workplace is my sadhana and I can either a) moan about the situation or b) use the situation to spiritually grow. I choose the latter.
Foodwise, especially during travels, it is quite sucky because have you realize how much STARCH/CARBS people eat??? In the field, I was quite horrified to see people happily tucking into rice AND fried instant noodles in ONE meal. I'd like to pack my meals again but people here tend to take it very personally and think it's 'rude'. Well, this is the culture here and I chose to stay.. so I need to suck it up.
I've also gotten very sensitive towards MSG and if I have some, I have a blinding headache for many hours. Now this one, I have to make a stand on - and refuse any food that has MSG on it. I don't care if people are in a snit about it but at this point, I need to think about my health too.
Weighed in today at 53.3 kg so pretty happy that despite the crappy food, my weight is stable.
I've been going to the field a lot and I have to say that I miss packing my meals! But I have to show some attempt at 'normality' whatever that means, to avoid people gossiping about my 'diet' and my boss having screaming fits about it. I've decided that the best way to treat difficult people is to imagine them certifiably crazy. That way, I won't be taking them so seriously and what they say to heart. What do you think?
I've been doing a lot of reading on minimalism, and strengthening the sense of equanimity and inner peace. I figure the drama at the workplace is my sadhana and I can either a) moan about the situation or b) use the situation to spiritually grow. I choose the latter.
Foodwise, especially during travels, it is quite sucky because have you realize how much STARCH/CARBS people eat??? In the field, I was quite horrified to see people happily tucking into rice AND fried instant noodles in ONE meal. I'd like to pack my meals again but people here tend to take it very personally and think it's 'rude'. Well, this is the culture here and I chose to stay.. so I need to suck it up.
I've also gotten very sensitive towards MSG and if I have some, I have a blinding headache for many hours. Now this one, I have to make a stand on - and refuse any food that has MSG on it. I don't care if people are in a snit about it but at this point, I need to think about my health too.
Weighed in today at 53.3 kg so pretty happy that despite the crappy food, my weight is stable.
Cate
Long term member
Anything that helps you cope with them is good! It sounds like your boss may just be a raving lunatic anyway. LOL.I've been going to the field a lot and I have to say that I miss packing my meals! But I have to show some attempt at 'normality' whatever that means, to avoid people gossiping about my 'diet' and my boss having screaming fits about it. I've decided that the best way to treat difficult people is to imagine them certifiably crazy. That way, I won't be taking them so seriously and what they say to heart. What do you think?
Good for you. Way to go!
I also find it quite shocking how many starchy carbs people consume but try not to comment. I can understand it if they are very poor as they are often cheaper. Re taking it personally about what you want to eat, I'm sorry but I just don't get it. You should be able to eat what you wish. I carry a photo with me taken when I was at my biggest. If anyone queried why I did not want to eat anything showing them my photo should explain it without offending anyone. I think it's rude of them to insist.
MSG is poison.
I think that you should be able to eat as healthily as you wish & cannot understand why anyone should get upset. Perhaps if you said that you wish that you could eat like them without putting on weight then possibly they may leave you alone. Who knows, it might work. I would rather people think I'm obsessive or picky any day, rather than put all my excess weight back on or even risk it.
That is excellent but may not be sustainable over time if you eat too many starchy carbs, especially man-made ones. Eat as healthily as you wish & put yourself first dietgrrl. Your body should be nurtured. You have done so well & are strong.
xoxo Cate
dietgrrl
New member
Thanks for the advice Cate!
I agree about avoiding the starchy processed carbs. During that meal of rice & noodles, I had a bit of rice and mostly vegetables (which were mostly carrots and cabbage). I abstained from the fried noodles and that wasn't so hard to do at all because I was quite revolted by it.
I'm really happy in the sense how my tastebuds have changed. On my own, I stick to Cohen-y meals but when I do have to eat out with others, I am very careful with what I consume.
A couple of people have asked me whether I was still on the 'diet' and unfortunately, I said no. I should have explained that this is my lifestyle choice, and it's something that works for my body so well compared to my old eating habits but I didn't think that these people asking were truly interested to know - they were just asking for the sake of asking. So I gave them an answer that they would be happy with.
For me, I view weight maintenance like an on-going battle. Just because I'm slim now doesn't mean that I can eat like how I used to. My old eating habits were unconscious anyway. I do weigh in every day and that helps me keep accountable.
HOWEVER, I am heading home for the weekend and there is no weighing scale where I would be! And my friends and bf know that I am 'off the diet' (in the strictest sense). Well, even if I eat out with them, I would certainly choose the healthiest meal. I really have no urge to eat anything unhealthy.
Today, I weighed in at 52.7kg. Weird huh?
I agree about avoiding the starchy processed carbs. During that meal of rice & noodles, I had a bit of rice and mostly vegetables (which were mostly carrots and cabbage). I abstained from the fried noodles and that wasn't so hard to do at all because I was quite revolted by it.
I'm really happy in the sense how my tastebuds have changed. On my own, I stick to Cohen-y meals but when I do have to eat out with others, I am very careful with what I consume.
A couple of people have asked me whether I was still on the 'diet' and unfortunately, I said no. I should have explained that this is my lifestyle choice, and it's something that works for my body so well compared to my old eating habits but I didn't think that these people asking were truly interested to know - they were just asking for the sake of asking. So I gave them an answer that they would be happy with.
For me, I view weight maintenance like an on-going battle. Just because I'm slim now doesn't mean that I can eat like how I used to. My old eating habits were unconscious anyway. I do weigh in every day and that helps me keep accountable.
HOWEVER, I am heading home for the weekend and there is no weighing scale where I would be! And my friends and bf know that I am 'off the diet' (in the strictest sense). Well, even if I eat out with them, I would certainly choose the healthiest meal. I really have no urge to eat anything unhealthy.
Today, I weighed in at 52.7kg. Weird huh?
dietgrrl
New member
Dear Cate (haha probably the only one reading this)
So sorry for the long silence but it's been a very turbulent three months.. my life has changed.. drastically.. and i optimistically think for the better...
However, to keep track on my weight - I am happy to announce that I weighed in at 53kg today. This programme really works people.
So sorry for the long silence but it's been a very turbulent three months.. my life has changed.. drastically.. and i optimistically think for the better...
However, to keep track on my weight - I am happy to announce that I weighed in at 53kg today. This programme really works people.
Cate
Long term member
Hi dietgrrl, I won't be the only on reading that but I may be the only one typing. You made me laugh out loud then! I'm sorry to hear that you have had a turbulent 3 mths but something had to give I think & I hope that everything works out well for you. Optimism is the only way to go! You should be so proud of yourself not falling back into old habits in times of stress. GOOD FOR YOU!!!
Thanks for letting us know that you are still maintaining your GW. More people need to know that it is possible. PM me if you feel like a chat about what's been happening but don't worry if you don't feel like it. I assumed it was about your job. Sending you lots of love, xo Cate
nickychick
New member
AMAZING diet girl, you have done SO well to maintain your weight for so long!
What would you say is your secret or the thing that keeps you on track/in check?
So glad to hear that your keeping strong and maintaining like a champ
xx nic
What would you say is your secret or the thing that keeps you on track/in check?
So glad to hear that your keeping strong and maintaining like a champ
xx nic