Cohen's Lifestyle Life's Good's journy to life being even better!!!

Prefix for Cohen's Lifestyle
MERRY CHRISTMAS LAUREN!!!

Thanks so much for continuing to keep us posted about your life after Refeed. It really helps so much.. because this is the bit that I am most worried about because I have to make my own decisions...rather than having it all written out for me!

I hope that 2008 is all that you imagine and hope for. It already is in so many ways. I bet you never thought at new years last year.. you would be where you are today!

Blessya mate
Kannadew
 
Just wanted to pop in here and wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year!!:beerchug:
 
Silly Season is now behind us... yahoo!!!

Well I don’t know what I’ve written and not written now because it just seems to disappear so I’m actually typing this in a word document first and will copy it across.

Christmas and New Years were good. They had there ups and downs as they ususally do but certainly not as stressful or anziety filled as normal since we spent Christmas with LBs family and I managed to avoid seeing all relatives on my fathers side for the whole month of December. AHHHHH…. I actually don’t believe there were any tears for the whole month which is an achievement in itself for December!

New years was very quiet, just how I like it. And much to my surprise I received a gift on New Years morning that I had been missing for the past 6 months… yes that’s right TTOM finally arrived. And I was missing it because it was unnerving not having it for that long but that passed very quickly! Ha ha ha…. GRRRRR….. I’m just glad it did arrive now instead of what I was starting to fear on day 2 or 3 of our 6 day hike through the Tasmanian wilderness… at least I can now control that situation!

Enough of that but thought it was important for those who may have the same occurance through their weight loss… it does return – just give it 6-8 months!

Well over Christmas I did learn a couple of things about myself and my new nutritional ways… Alcohol sends me and my scales through the roof! In analysing it after the fact I think it was more how I was drinking it though. I did have my protein before and just had a couple of glasses of champange (the new Yellow Jewel which is low carb and low calorie is just yummy and light and refreshing – you must try it if you like the champers like me!) but then got over it very quickly and had a couple of softies and then had a couple more. At the time I thought I was actually doing the right thing but when I thought about it I realised that it was actually over quite a few hours which is where I might have got caught. I have been sitting between 70.5kg and 72kg which I am assuming is all muscle from taking up the running because some of my clothes, including jeans which are what I am using as my tell tale, are actually looser, especially around my waist. I really really want to get back down to the 68kg or lower but am just letting my body adjust and as long as nothing it tight and I am following the principal then I’m not too bothered but where I was going is my scales jumped the day after my drinking that way to 75kg. I freaked but after just 1 days with no carbs or alcohol I was at 71kg again. I guess it’s all just water weight or fluid retention I don’t know but I had a couple of glasses of wine consequetively and when I had enough I didn’t start again and it didn’t have that result. The scales actually didn’t even register a difference. So I guess my lesson learnt is if you are going to have some alcohol then have it but if you are going to space it out over a whole day and night keep that protein up and also if a massive unreasonable jump occurs within a 24 hour period don’t freak out too much unless you know you have consumed that amount of fat etc because the guidelines will work and it is just the side effect of an insulin surge that can be corrected if acted upon straight away!

Another lesson for me… The whole carb thing just isn’t for me. I just don’t feel like the bubbly, energised, enthusastic and able person I am the next day. After a low carb day I wake up just feeling amazing and like ‘me’ but when I do have the carbs just feel withdrawn and bothered. I struggle in my run and actually feel 20kg heavier on the pavement. It is bizaar and I find this mainly with the processed ones as potatos, rice and polenta I seem to be managing fine. Maybe it’s just the gluten aspect of them, I don’t know. Also they give me an instant headache. Mind you I had to bear this same headache 4 times before the connection really clicked! It has been difficult trying to find the balance I need with my exercise. I’m now up to running continuously for 20 minutes and it is such a thrill. I get so excited when I’m getting ready to go. And then there have also been people I know who have recognised me out there pounding the pavement and I am addicted to hearing ‘Oh we saw you out running last night’. As I have mentioned before I have always been fit but fat and I used to shudder at people seeing me out running before as I felt so self conscience and embarrassed but now I couldn’t be prouder.

I was especially excited when my sister and brother-in-law saw me last week because I was not only running but they drove past when I was powering up one of the steepest hills in our area (we live in the Adelaide foot hills so it’s quite hilly anyway) and all my BIL could say to my was ‘what the heck were you thinking to run up that’. I had to laugh because I really didn’t know what came over me but was so excited because I didn’t find it difficult. It was a breeze. Actually I did the same route last night and my timed run finished right at the bottom of it and half way walking up it I actually broke into a run because it was easier to run up it than walk! It’s just such an amazing feeling of strength and power.

Shopping Spree
Before starting this program I was whinging one day about my weight and how I felt etc and my father said to me… when you get to your goal weight I will take you shopping for a new wardrobe at David Jones. Since getting to my goal weight he has been nagging me about going shopping but I just wanted to stabalise a bit and find where I was going to settle etc. Well in light of all the sales on I thought I would take advantage because otherwise I was only going to get 1 maybe 2 items of clothing in the $ limit (ha ha) so we went on Sunday and had just such a lovely day. It was just my mum, dad and I and we wondered around DJs and then also got some stuff from Dotti and Portmans! Some beautiful clothes that I loved but never would have actually spent the money on buying for myself. And the discounts!!! I ended up getting 3 dressed, 2 skirts, 5 dressy / casual dressy tops, tracksuit pants and workout top. I just feel amazing in them! I just kept grabbing 12s because I would rather the feeling of trying something on and having to go down a size than the other way and with the clothes being designer and upper market than where I usually buy from I was expecting smaller makes but to my surprise I had to go down every time and in one shop I tried on the 12 and that was way too big, tried on the 10 and that was comfortable but sat funny around the waist and when the shop assistant said you really need an 8 I nearly died. It fit perfect and I was in just such amazement because an 8… are you serious!!! When we, well Daddy Dearest, was paying I picked up a head scarf and said to my mum ‘8 months ago this wouldn’t have even fitted me in this shop!’ we both cracked up laughing! This is a shop that doesn’t actually stock over a size 14 and is one I used to just walk past and upset myself over not even looking in because it would just cause me to be more upset so it was a great feeling. So now I have my practicle staples in my wardrobe plus some really beautiful and femimine clothes for both casual and going out – and yes… I do know how lucky I am to have a mum and dad like I do!!!

Well I guess that can be it for me for the moment as again it’s a book already but that’s been my holiday period. I hope everyone has had a wonderful family and friends time and I’m sure like me you are all looking forward to getting back to some normality and routine… Don’t forget to take time for yourself… If you don’t allow the time to be the best you can be then you are no good to anyone else either!

Cate – I will PM you about our trip as I am hoping you may be able to suggest a couple of accommodation places that will be in conveint locations for what we are planning…

Take care everyone and be kind to yourself.

Lauren
 
Wow what a transformation! Congratulations I am really inspired by your before and after photos. I have read your entire diary and love the detail in your posts. I have put back all the weight on from my Cohen’s 16.5kg because I didn’t stick to guidelines and tried to go back to other diets which didn’t work. I feel so depressed because I am back at 85kg and feel like I want to run from the world and hide. The motivation is back after seeing some horrible photos of my self.

Thanks again for sharing your journey.

Keep up the great work and take it from me, do anything you can to maintain your weight loss as being fat is no fun.
 
I_wannaBthin and KGB - Thank you both for you kind words.

KGB - it really is a daily focus. As I have said previously the weight loss part was easy. It's just the staying on track now. And it really is a daily, some days an hourly struggle. Today a minute has not passed that I haven't been thinking about food. It's just ridiculous! For 6 months I managed my stress in other ways and bam now off of the loss part of the program when I get stressed my first thought is what can I get my hands on to eat and I really have to fight with myself mentally. Some days are easier than others and some days I am so full of life and energised that I dont think about food on a single occasion other than to fuel my body. Those of you who have already done the program, especially in the past 6-24 months have been my inspiration and it's nice to know I have now inspired you a bit. You can and you will get back there... 1st step - dont run and hide, just get in there and do it! I made a new vision board for the new year which helps to remind me of where I am and now where I want to stay every morning as it's next to my bed. Last years what where I was and where I wanted to be and it worked!!! Just an idea - some of these little things help!

Take care and have a good weekend.

Lauren
 
Hi Lauren,

Congratulations on completing the program, your end result is sensational. I have followed your progress in the past few months (just have not posted much )and I must say, very very inspiring! your pics were amazing you look so great!

Good for you girl...

Annie Lusion
 
Hi Everyone... and I mean everyone... WOW!

Thanks Annie for your support and encouragement. I'm glad I have been able to inspire!

To all the oldies who have come back and all the newies embarking on their Cohen's journey WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME! Towards the end of last week work was just so manic and then we have been so busy in the garden over the weekend I haven't even turned the computer on so opening up the forum page this morning has brought much joy. I will spend some time today in everyone's diaries!

Well last week was really busy work wise and left me very tired of the evening. I also had something on each night which then left me to put what I needed aside and bring what was easiest for me ahead of all else. The result - 2kg... 2kg over one week... I know at first it's water weight and by dropping out the carbs for the 48 hours etc will re-stabilise but I couldn't make the 48 hours... 24 hours fine, felt great mentally about being carb free but then the whole oh just one of this or a bit of that just kept coming in. Over the week I just felt the control slip away. We ended up having yiros for dinner two nights, hot chips with one of them, and going out for dinner 2 nights where I ordered the salt and pepper squid thinking I was doing the right thing as it was the best on the menu compared to the pasta and deep fried schnitzels etc but also consumed the mass of chips on my plate and the other night I had the roast of the day where I actually just had roast beef and steamed veggies so it wasn't as bad. One night was followed by an ice cream sundae for the movie we went to see... Oh how easy it is! I kept up my exercise, so it could have been worse but OMG on my run on Saturday morning I could feel every single bit of those two unnessary kilos. It was hard. I felt it on my knees and ankle and just with my breathing. I didn't think a couple of kilos would have made that much difference to that but they have. So this actually puts me 5 up (3 are from my muscle gains which I still wanted to strip though)! I cant believe it. So last night I stopped dwelling on it and finally peled myself away from the mirror where I was analysing every mm of my body and looking at where it had gone (middrift and top of thighs) and decided that I would jump straight back on this week and hopefully with dedicating a full week I will get rid of those 2kg plus maybe trim some extra where my muscles have built up.

I must admit those 3kg from the muscle gain haven't really bothered me because my arm and '6-pack' are becoming quite defined and I dont feel those kilos on my body as extra weight. I just feel strong by them. I'm not getting body builder cut or anything, nor do I want to, but just that nice toned and fit definiation that I have health and strong, and feminine, muscles. There still is some fat to trim off on top of those muscles but as I have said previously I have given myself 3 months to get my fitness and muscle mass up before I reassess my fitness program. I'm also up to 15 pushups straight on my toes now... Yes I'm a bit of a loser I know but that is very exciting to me... it's another achievement which is helping to keep me focussed! Plus I am going to have to be strong in the arms and shoulders to carry my 15-20kg pack across Tasmania in 4 and a half weeks! OMG!!!

Over the weekend we did so much in the front yard it was so rewarding. Last night we stood on the porch for ages admiring it. We put in a path with slate tiles and river pebbles and it just looks fab. It curves into our front porch with such good energy. I made up all the concrete slabs for the tiles to sit on and I really think I missed my calling! I was impressed with my concrete blocks and I used my Opa's tools which we ended up with when we cleared out the house after he passed away so it was quite a humbling day yesterday and just felt really lovely, getting a bit emotional now... It will be so nice to drive into such a nice front yard tonight when I get home!

This week hopefully wont be as jam-packed. I will be running every day plus one night we will do another 'training hike' up the local hill / national park as we get closer to our Overland Track trip. I will have to make sure I get in here each day this week so I dont have so much to catch up on in one hit.

This activity is fantastic and inspiring... Thank you everyone!

Lauren
 
Hi Lauren

I love reading your diary. You sound like me (but unlike me) you are able to express yourself so well. I always hold a bit of myself back not only here but in my everyday life as well. You are so inspiring to read and what i like about your diary is you manage your situations in a head on way.....you know where things are heading but you nip them in the bud before it get out of hand.
Reading through everyone's diary has really helped me get out of my weightloss rut.....check out mine for more details. Yours has definitely set me on the right path.

Your pathway sounds like a succesful labour of love well done....a few more inches lost there i imagine.

Hope your day goes well.

Sam:)
 
Hi Lauren,

Like Sam I also love reading your diary, you really do have it all together girl.

Good for you Lauren, have a great week !!

Annie Lusion
 
Thanks for stopping by Sam and Annie... I must be able to write things down clearly and assertively and laterally because I certainly dont think I'm as together or on the ball as you two have given me credit for! Today I feel like a fraud to your encouraging, supportive and uplifting words. I do appreciate them, thank you, but oh boy is today a bad day and I just dont feel worthy of them!

Today I am spinning out of control in a downward spiral of self destruction and I have been beating myself up so I thought I would come and type it in here to get it off my chest and out of my head and be done with it all!

This morning started out fine, normal really and when I got into work I just started to feel aggitated and unmotivated. Nothing happened to make me feel this way I just was. I bought myself a nice long black on the way into work and I decided that I was going to have 2 scotch finger biscuits with it. As I broke it in half to dip I told myself that I didn't really want it, I dont even like scotch fingers (never have) and to just throw it in the bin. So I dipped it in my coffee and ate it, and the other half and then the next biscuit too... When I finished I told myself I will just have to work a bit harder on my run tonight and to get over it and move on.

All morning I just plodded along with work, sorted some stuff for our upcoming trip and was just quite unproductive. At 1pm today I had a job interview which I have kept very quite. Usually I would tell my folks and sister and maybe 1 or 2 of my close friends but other than LB no one has known. I have been quite excited about it because it just kind of came about. I'm not actually out there looking for a new job so I went off to that which went really well. It was scheduled for 30 minutes and and hour and 20 minutes later I walked out of there feeling quite positive. I think I was more relaxed about it because I'm not actually looking and wouldn't be fussed either way. Well the extra money would be great but I do like where I work also so it's no biggie. Anyway, from there instead of coming back to the office to have my tasty salad I made this morning and a fresh peach for lunch I decided I was going to have take away. I really really wanted a hot chicken roll from a particular fast food chain but it was too far out of the way so I headed to the big commercial servo nearby. I wanted a sausage roll from the bakery section but talked myself into a turkey sub to at least save some face with myself. I just felt numb and really detached from it all. I got that with a yoghurt and diet coke and thought to myself 'it's ok, it's not as bad as you could have done'. So what did I do... I bought myself a blueberry muffin on the way out.

When I got back to work I decided it wasn't enough torture and consumed a chocolate bar too... again, one that I've never really like or eaten before, just because I could. And now I'm really angry at myself because a hour after all that I have found myself pulling out my hair (for those of you who have read from the beginning I have an obsessive compulsive disorder that can be 90% managed by the food I eat and I stopped pulling while I was on Cohens because of the no sugar and preservatives etc) again. So now I have a shocking headache from the sugar overload and hair pulling and just want to cry. Or run... surprisingly I actually do feel like running to get my frustrations out.

I feel so pre-menstral, you know when you know what you need to do but dont feel you have the control to act upon it, but I'm not, or shouldn't be, or should I be. Without getting too detailed my TTOM returned new years day after being absent for 6 months but yesterday / today is when I would have started if it hadn't gone away. And all my other symptoms have been to my cycle still. But I cant use any of that as an excuse because I still control what I do, woman or not, and I have to take responsibility for it.

I think what really upsets me is the feeling of disappointment. The disappointment of letting myself down. Tonight I was going to start the cake I am making for my BFs daughter's 1st Birthday on Saturday but I dont trust myself in the slightest to be around the cake mix or meringue any of it.

Now I'm sitting here, still not being productive (unless self help counts ha ha) just wanting to go home, run it out and hopefully arrive back home it a more positive and proactive state of mind.

Anyway, I guess that's me for today. I'll look at everyone's diaries tomorrow as I wouldn't want to spread my energy.

Tomorrow is going to be wonderful!!!

Lauren
 
Lauren, You are not perfect. NO-ONE IS!! I too, did just the same last week(similar) on a shopping trip, after my great medical. I recognised the self-sabotage. I have no idea why it happens but it does. I had just been told how fit & healthy I am (for my age!!) & I reacted to that wonderful news by stuffing my face at a bakery. I just didn't come in here & admit it at the time. I was so p'd off with myself but I woke up next day, thought about it & just got back on track & looked at the positives. We have achieved so much! It's never going to be easy. Don't beat yourself up over it sweetie. Look at what you have done. Looking forward to seeing you next month(soon) xo Cate
 
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Cate and Same - Thank you for being so supportive and accepting. I dont know what I would do without you guys for a sounding board!!!

Last night I did as I said and I got changed into my running gear and I ran my little heart out. It didn't take long for the 'runners high' to settle in so I started to feel more positive again quite quickly. LB rang while I was running to stay sorry he was late but he was on his way home now. I told him it wasn't a problem, I wasn't looking for him and I was just out for a run so will see him when he gets home. He then said where he was which was the same road I was one so I told him I would just run until we see each other. I ended up running for 27 minutes straight which was my longest yet without a walking so that put me on an extra high.

When we got home I got dinner out of the way so I could start these bloody meringue mushrooms. I ended up with meringue everywhere as it kept bursting through the seams on the piping bag! Oh boy that was fun! Some did end up in my mouth but I reminded myself of how I felt earlier and that it's not going to get me any closer to that happy place I want to be so I just chucked it all in the sink and washed up straight away so there was no longer any bowl or wisk to lick etc.

Finally sat down at 9.30pm and then remembered it was an early start today so went to bed and crashed. I think it too me all of 2 seconds because I had mentally exhausted myself so much!

Woke up today feeling great, somewhat normal again except for the shocking headache that I have reminding me that sugar, especially excessive amounts, really isn't that great afterall and my body is still rejecting it! I had a couple of panadol with my yoghurt and blueberries I have just had for breakfast. I am just finishing my coffee before I chuck my sexy fluro vest on and head out to the depot to give the guys a hard time! I'm sure they're doing something wrong out there... ha ha ha!

Anyway, thanks again for your support gals - it means so much. I just wanted to make myself accountable today. I feel strangely focused once again!

Have a great day. Will pop back in later.

Lauren
 
Lauren- I'm pleased to hear you're feeling much more positive. That's made my day!xoC
 
Hi Lauren

How's everything going since your last post.....it sounds like you have managed the situation and are moving on.
I just remembered I have not opened up that new thread.
We do have the Life after Cohen's thread.......should I bump this up or re-enter a new one with fresh ideas? If I do start a new one I will do it when the kids are back at School next week.
I am glad to see your back on board and with a renewed vigor. Now send some my way....hehehe....I need a good kick in the b....u......motivators.

Sam:)
 
Finally got to me!!!

I keep forgetting to update my diary even though I am coming in and writing in others so today I thought I would just dedicate it to putting some thoughts in here from the past week or so…

I have been feeling generally ok but we are having some trouble with some neighbours at the moment which has led to me having very broken sleep due to their disruptive behaviour when they come home from work at very bizaar times (they work hospitatilty). I’ve been waking up tired and haven’t been going on my runs in the mornings like I have been enjoying. I have literally been just too tired! I’ve still been going of an evening and if not running then hiking in preparation for our upcoming trek but I just feel a bit bothered and knackered. LB has been saying that he will go over and have a chat to the lads (better him than me because I will just go off without any tact) but he still hasn’t yet and that’s frustrating me too. On Tuesday night I went and bought a new underlay and new 1000-denier sheets and a new quite cover in hope that it would help me feel more comfortable and ‘nice’ in bed (I love a manchester splurge) but then again last night they were carrying on out the front and then had a tow truck come (still cant figure out why) to get a car out the front of their place but it was like 3.48am… OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! So as you can probably tell my my ‘typing tone’ I’m a little tired and grumpy today. I was out for meetings all morning and that led to me over indulging on the coffee more than I ususally would and I just feel full and bloated. I guess I’m retaining a bit of fluid because I haven’t even eaten lunch yet because I just feel heavy and full. When I got back into the office just after lunch time I have been chugging down the water to try and flush it through but that’s just making my belly fuller at the moment. We have to go and pick up the last of our stuff on layby at the outdoor adventure store tonight so I’m actually going to leave work half an hour early and head some to start running for LB to pick me up on the way. I just really feel like a run – I wish I could go now!!! He will pick me up and then we will go and get our stuff (the store is on the other side of town) and then come home, grab our packs and head back up the hill for a loaded hike. Last night I did a silverside as my folks were coming for dinner so we are going to take some silverside rolls with us and actually eat them when we reach the summit which will take about an hour to get up to… It should be lovely.

On Tuesday night we actually did our first loaded walk and I packed 6kg into my pack. It went great which made me really happy. I know that muscles have good memories so I guess they are just happy that it was 6kg compared to the extra 44kg I used to lug around! I’ve done backpacking before though so it wasn’t too much of a shock and my pack is fitted to me. LB on the other hand felt the extra weight straight away and felt the burn as soon as we started walking but after making some minor adjustments to his pack it was all good and he was really comfortable. That was a huge positive for both of us as that’s been our main concern. His pack was loaded with 10kg and we will do the same weights tonight too and then increase on Saturday. Keep it the same for the Tuesday and increase again next Thursday and so on. So over the next three weeks I should be up to 18-20kg and he up to 22-24kg in training but then for the actual hike I only plan to have 15-16kg and LB around 20kg but having the extra will give us a little leiway for food mainly. I really am feeling strong and lean at the moment though and it’s such a great feeling. I could be a bit leaner but that will come in good time. I just want to enjoy my running and training and especially my trek for the moment. I really am just enjoying life and if I can get some good sleep in over the next couple of weeks my balance will be great. I feel calm and nurtured right now and I’m just going to enjoy that while it lasts because knowing me I will be looking to challenge myself again sooner rather than later so as long as I’m feeling content I will allow myself to! (In writing that I just remembered that I just printed off an entry form for a half marathon in August… I will focus on building up time and endurance after our trek… see what I mean!).

I’ve just been looking at my diary and my next month is just manic. This weekend is a long weekend so we have plently planned for around the house but also want to go on an overnight hike. Next week is a short week so busy. Next weekend is my sister and BILs joint 30th Birthdays (they are actually 1 day apart). The week following that is a big one at work with National Managers over and I’m involved with meetings galore. That weekend is our last one before Tassie but also my high school 10 year reunion and then we are off to Tassie!!! I’m exhausted just typing about it!

I think I’m more tired than I even realised as I just cant think of anything slightly interesting to write so I will head off for now and get some work done so I can head off 30 mins early!

Have a great night – wish me sleep! Ha ha

Lauren
 
Lauren, Well you just made me feel exhausted! Looking forward to catching up with you soon. Hope you get that sleep, cheers, cate.
 
Hi Lauren

Nieghbours been there....as you know. In our last house we actually had a rental property as our neighbour and we had weathered a few doozies over our 14 years their.
We pretty much got on with all but like I said we had some that we didn't.....with our last lot they were very young group of people who sound very similiar to your mob...they would party most weekends...but the last straw for me was when they decided to have an early morning party, now the other thing was our bedroom was right near their house so even shutting the windows did nothing to lesson the sound and the other thing was it was on a weekday.......I had to go sleep with the kids. As you can imagine I was furious so the next day I rang the agent and informed them of the party....and they quietened down after that. We moved shortly there after.

So maybe try that.....that's if they are renting. If you can't find the propery agents ring your local council they will give you the details of owners.

Take care Lauren......you super fit thing you.

Sam:)
 
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