REGANDY .... the weigh down!

What's in your Toolbox?

2019-10-18T13:27:00.002-07:00

I have had some discoveries lately and thought it might help someone else.  I am calling this ALL THE TOOLS IN THE TOOL BOX.  I started I.F. in 2017 and bounced around from several different approaches until I finally found what works for me.  I dabbled with weigh/no weigh, keto/kitchen sink, moderate fast/Alternate Day fast, Measuring/clothes size.  ETC. (including the "Who cares! Eat it all! approach)  This would always lead me into a hard  struggle and questioning my ability to commit, have any success, including the "This works for everyone BuT me." mentality So.. I DRUG OUT EVERY SINGLE TOOL IN MY TOOLBOX and began to apply it every single day. (This list is not all my tools, but I didn't want this post to be too long! haha too late!)

EASY BUTTON - USE a Fasting App -- "Diet Struggle" - Every time I have been on a diet in the past I have always struggled with it - "Am I doing this right? What is permissible? Oh no, I have an event! What if I don't lose this time?"... It is a fight, struggle, wrestle, control, etc. As if my normal stress level of life wasn't enough, diets always put me on a new level of stress. NOW -- Intermittent Fasting gives me a break from that struggle. I set the timer and forget about it. I had to force myself to "write it/ log it/ forget it!" so I would relax and ... trust the process.
THE SCALE - I bought an electronic scale with an app (Weight Guru). I step on the scale in the morning and it records my weight. It does NOT define ME. I can choose to look at it or not. But at least it is there and I will be honest with myself. I NEED this because I am the type of person who is quick to believe the negative about myself and always SURE I have "gained"... but I have found that this is NOT true. The more I use it the less afraid I have become, I have made peace with the fluctuations. This works for me.
FOOD APP (Carb Manager App) -- The next tool I used temporarily was "keto" & "sweet free" (not even sweet snacks). Yes I know it is NOT for everyone but it was part of MY journey to find what works for me. I KNEW I had to get off of SUGAR because I was hiding and hoarding it like an addict. I had all the symptoms of metabolic resistance. This approached worked by cutting my cravings for sugar. Besides, I love cheese, olives, avocado, and that sort of stuff. I think it might be in my French Acadian DNA.
JOURNAL / LOG (Nomatic) -- AND in my tool box, I got a new paper journal. By golly I was going to conquer this beast and quit playing around. I carried this in my purse and I wrote in it every single morning, afternoon, and before bed. In this electronic age I had forgotten how good it feels to write in a journal. This was a little bit of a hassle at first and I know it is not everyone's cup-o-tea, but again... I was determined to use every single tool I had!
FASTING WINDOW / STYLE - This was a little tricky. What would fit my lifestyle? What could I do that would be consistent, manageable, and be stress free? In my journal I wrote down my plan for the week. I tried different approaches, windows, etc. until I found something that clicked and made me happy. It is a mix of everything - no routine for this gal. I literally looked forward to each daily approach. Each day is an adventure and a challenge. Besides, when I wanted to eat outside of my parameters, I would write first - log it. This gave me time to reign myself in.
SOAK IN IT -- READ AND LISTEN! I listen to podcasts every week. I re-read sections of fasting books. I watch at least ONE inspiring I.F. video each week. I keep it in front of me, around me, and near me throughout the day. It is like the GLUE in my toolbox that helps hold everything together.

WILL THIS WORK FOR YOU? I dunno.  Maybe.  Maybe not.  The POINT is for you to mix it up, try it out, experiment with what makes YOU happy!!  There are so many approaches and we are all different.  Do you like a steady routine or do you prefer to mix it up?  I am a "mixer" and this FINALLY became a reality to me! I discovered how I operate best and how to make this work for me.  I was free to experiment without condemning myself for not "doing it" like everyone else (... STAYING in the guidelines of a clean fast of course!!!).  This became like a fun game to me!  I know, right?!?  To some this would be terribly tedious and not work for them, but for me it was like creating a teacher's "lesson plan" for the day.

if you have given up, or are struggling ask yourself, "What do I have in my toolbox?"  Break out all the tools and build your house your way!  You can be happy. 

30 Day OMAD Challenge (One Meal a Day)

2018-10-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had a long talk with myself, assisted by my wonderful sister. She said, "If you are going to eat One Meal A Day, then you ought to make it a great one!" She is so right. I have been snacking and grabbing and feeling very dissatisfied, to the point of not caring about much of anything. I didn't want to cook. I didn't want to shop. I certainly don't want to spend a part of my day deciding.

Why is food such an issue?!? It affects so many of my choices - how I feel, how I act, and what I do. Can you believe that? So the ONLY way I can do this is by setting a goal and sticking to it... hopefully.

So here is my personal challenge. Thirty days of OMAD - One Meal A Day.

You can find all entries here: https://30dayomad.blogspot.com/

DAY ONE: Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

Imagine if you will tan colored stir-fired rice, tan colored calamari, tan colored stir-fried yellow squash, onions, and bean sprouts, with a side of tan tea. Tan tan tan. I should have taken a picture but it might not have turned out very good because of so much tan. I could only eat half of it and was too rushed to box any up to take home. As if I really wanted more tan-ness.

I wanted something sweet so on my way back to the office I drove through McDonald's for a tan cone. Just seemed fitting.

There.... Day one is complete. I will not have anything else until tomorrow's OMAD. I must make better choices!!!

No. Friends don't let friends eat tan.

NEXT Chapter. NEXT Phase. Next decade.

2017-08-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Observance and Annoyance: I really really strongly dislike it when YouTube video's start out with, "It's been a while since my last video..." or "I apologize for taking so long to post a new video..." OR, "I am SO sorry that it has been SO long since my last video because my life has been SO busy and SO crazy..." No. Stop that. Just say what you gotta say. I am looking for content and information about a particular subject. NOT looking for excuses, problems, issues, etc. UGH!

It is what it is.

I blog when I feel like it. I don't think it gets read so it really doesn't matter. I blog what I want when I want and again, it doesn't really matter.

Information: Just started "Optavia" diet. It used to be called Medifast, but they made a lot of changes and re-marketed it. I am doing the "5-and-1 Plan" - Five "products" called fuelings, every 3 hours, and one "Lean and Green" meal a day. It is a little more detailed than that, but it is the basic idea. I like it.

Why did I switch from Weigh-Down? Because... Control. Since I have trouble controlling "me", I need to control the food. And guess what? It does NOT change my relationship with my God. He does love me unconditionally. :D

Have I lost weight? Well, I discovered that my latest binge was directly related to the passing of my father. I did the same exact thing after my mother passed away.

I "ate" my grief. I mean, I ... "A T E !!"... my grief. Good to say that one week on Optavia and I have lost 6 pounds of grief.

I also moved. I live on Galveston Bay now. It does something to my heart to see the water every single day.

Turning 60 has been interesting. The journey continues.

You are Brave and Smart and Capable

2017-01-19T14:01:00.001-08:00

Through God and God alone.

This is often a hard concept because I am so used to driving myself and getting nowhere.

It takes a strong act of will to stop and consider the map.

Here is my current route:

The Food: Just enough and no more, within the bounds of hunger and fullness.

This is not easy. It is MUCH easier to manipulate the food! However, just changing the food does not change my heart and my desires. A change of heart is needed for long term success.

The Scale: Once a week with a nod.

I will approach the scale like I approach my food - just enough and no more. I am "fasting" the scale 6 days a week and weighing on the 7th day. Once, and no more.

The Time: Now THIS is how I get my nourishment.

TIME

I am spending my time in the Bible, in prayer, in listening to worship music, and in watching the video teachings of Gwen Shamblin on the Weigh Down Workshop website. I am soaking it in. I am focusing everything within me towards the main thing - My God and My Savior.

NO more foolishness and useless actions that do not produce change in my life.

Week One choosing whatever I want to eat - Down FOUR pounds.

I am hungering and thirsting for more of God.

I am longing to make my life count.

I am desiring more energy.

I am focused.

Want more information? Weigh Down Workshop

WEIGH DOWN - BACK TO THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS BLOG

2017-01-10T15:06:00.002-08:00

What a weekend. Started with my sister asking me, "Whatever happened to..."

AND ... There we were, sitting in the middle of a weekend full of meetings to inspire us. We were surrounded by happy, energetic people with big smiles.

At one point my sister made the comment that they (the WDW staff) were all so full of energy, to which I replied, "It's because they are all thin!" haha

I have been watching the low carb community doing the "next big thing" which is intermittent fasting. I considered it. Here I was at the beginning of a new year thinking, "What next?" Then I thought, "If I just do 'what next' will anything really change?" I could just see another year of struggling to lose, then gaining some back, then struggling to get it off again.

Why Weigh Down Workshop?

On the physiological side:

-- I will eat less food. Hmmm... sort of like intermittent fasting.
-- I will only eat when I am hungry... what a concept.
-- I will rate my choices and eat my favorites... which is basically what I did eating low carb/high fat.

On the spiritual side:

-- I will be thankful... for every bite, for every success, and for God's redeeming love.
-- I will be obedient.
-- I will draw closer to God.
-- I will focus on changing all of me from the inside out instead of changing the outside (food) hoping for an internal change!

Did you get that last one??? We change the food hoping that it will change the inside of us - habits, emotions, etc. It cannot do that. Eating from ONLY one food group cannot change your heart. If you have regular bouts of sadness or depression, that cannot be changed by a steak or a carrot. It is a matter of the heart. (Although to some a juicy Rib Eye Steak can come pretty close!)

I MUST change my heart. I must change my attitude about food and how I approach it. AND when I change my heart and desires, the rest is a natural blessing.

By the way, there are a LOT of negative things about the founder. Oh surprise, shock and awe!! What spiritual leader has never had negative comments or misunderstandings? Get in line with Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Kathryn Kuhlman, Oral Roberts, etc .. Need I go on?? I have been around long enough to see the same "ado" happen to ALL of these ministries.

The most important thing, for me, is the MESSAGE not just the messenger. I am all in.

Fluidity of Life

2013-11-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

Change Change Change -- always changing.

Sister moved across town. Great view from her parking garage.

I am happy for her, but going to miss having her one block over. Life is always changing, but that is not a bad thing. I am always amazed at how God provides exactly what we need at just the right moment.

Puppy to Dog -- growing up.

Her first photo:

My first ever puppy, inside dog, cuddler -- Ginger.

She's great, except when she is chewing. Puppies really do chew EVERYTHING.

Finally found a chew bone and toy that she loves better than my feet and hands.

And finally ... the diet.

My weight is up a little because my attitude was down.

Now my attitude is up a lot, so I fully expect my weight to go down.

I am very blessed and grateful.

I am very happy and thankful.

Sometimes what I think I need or want is NOT beneficial for me.

This time last year I thought I wanted something that was not in God's plan for me.

I was pursing a direction that was toxic and obviously (now) upside down.

Everyday I thank God for keeping me safe and protecting me from harm.

Great to be awake and alive and back to the things that REALLY make me happy.

Blessed.

The Gods of the Copybook Headings - Rudyard Kipling

2013-09-07T13:25:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE POEM (The "copybook headings" to which the title refers were proverbs or maxims, extolling virtues such as honesty or fair dealing that were printed at the top of the pages of 19th-century British students' special notebook pages, called copybooks. The school-children had to write them by hand repeatedly down the page.)

The Gods of the Copybook Headings - Rudyard Kipling

As I pass through my incarnations in every age and race,
I Make my proper prostrations to the Gods of the Market-Place.
Peering through reverent fingers I watch them flourish and fall,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all.

We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn
That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn:
But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breadth of Mind,
So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind.

We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace,
Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market-Place.
But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come
That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the lights had gone out in Rome.

With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch
They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch
They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings.
So we worshipped the Gods of the Market Who promised these beautiful things.

When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease.
But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
And the Gods of the Copybook Heading said: "Stick to the Devil you know."

On the first Feminian Sandstones we were promised the Fuller Life
(Which started by loving our neighbour and ended by loving his wife)
Till our women had no more children and the men lost reason and faith,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "The Wages of Sin is Death."

In the Carboniferous Epoch we were promised abundance for all,
By robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul;
But, though we had plenty of money, there was nothing our money could buy,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "If you don't work you die."

Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards withdrew,
And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and began to believe it was true
That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four —
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more.

* * * * *

As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man —
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began —
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire —
And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!

Change is Good Bulletproof Style

2013-09-01T16:01:00.001-07:00

First here is the official information - http://www.bulletproofexec.com/bulletproof-fasting/

And some of Dave Asprey's information --

14 Steps To Eating The Bulletproof Diet

1. Eliminate sugar (including fruit juices and sports drinks that contain HFCS, honey, and agave) .

2. Replace the sugar calories with healthy fats from the Bulletproof Diet such as grass-fed butter, ghee, and MCT or coconut oil.

3. Eliminate gluten in any shape or form. This includes bread, cereal, and pasta. Do not make the mistake of resorting to gluten free junk food, which can be almost as bad.

4. Remove grains, grain derived oils, and vegetable oils such as corn, soy, and canola. Also remove unstable polyunsaturated oils such as walnut, flax, and peanut oil.

5. Eliminate all synthetic additives, colorings, and flavorings. This includes aspartame, MSG, dyes, and artificial flavorings.

6. Eat significant amounts of pastured, grass-fed meat from big ruminant animals such as beef, lamb, and bison. Pair this with fish, eggs, and shellfish.

7. Eliminate legumes such as peanuts, beans, and lentils. If you must have your beans, soak, sprout (or ferment), and cook them.

8. Remove all processed, homogenized, and pasteurized dairy. High fat items can be pasteurized, but they should be grass-fed. Full fat, raw, whole dairy from grass-fed cows is okay for most people.

9. Switch to grass-fed meat and wild caught seafood. Eat pastured eggs and some pork, chickens, turkeys, and ducks.

10. Switch to organic fruits and vegetables. This is more important for some plants than others. See this site for details.

11. Cook your food gently, if at all. Incorporate water into your cooking whenever possible and use low temperatures. Do not use a microwave or fry.

12. Limit fruit consumption to 1-2 servings per day. Favor low fructose containing fruits like berries and lemons over watermelon and apples.

13. Add spices and other flavorings from the Bulletproof Diet. Favor herb based spices such as thyme and rosemary over powders. Use high quality ones, recently opened.

14. Enjoy your food.
And GREAT charts here. Eat on the "green side" -- http://www.bulletproofexec.com/the-complete-illustrated-one-page-bulletproof-diet/

Sample:

I just spent 3 days listening to Dave Asprey and I was amazed and overwhelmed. His storage bank of information is incredible. There is still SO MUCH I do not know.

I love Atkins, Low carb, and LCHF - but I am very happy that there are a lot of variations out there. One size does not fit all and sometimes it is just good to shake it up a little bit.

In 3 days I have already dropped 4 pounds. :D And getting my energy back.

I must say that there are a few minor changes. I do not have my official "Bulletproof Coffee" yet (ordered a small bag) so I am just using what I have. Also, I have added organic coconut milk to my coffee.

Here is a typical day for me:

6:00am - 8 oz coffee blended with 1 tbs butter, 1/2 oz coconut milk, 2 tsp stevia/erythritol (Swerve), and 1-1/2 jigger of MCT oil.

10:00am - another BP coffee at work

2:00pm - Lunch - Meat, Fat, & veggie -- Usually in that order. I am NOT a big veggie eater, but I am trying. I am excited for colder weather to get here because I bought a Vitamix and can make some awesome hot soup!

6:30pm - Dinner - Meat, Fat, & veggie - Favorite is just bacon and eggs. lol

NOTHING between 8pm and 2pm. THAT is the "fasting" time. I did not die for putting off lunch. hahaha Actually felt pretty good.

Yay! So... that is what is happening.

I have a plan. I have focus. I am working on dropping my last "binge weight" before the holidays get here!

And besides, I have some really cool clothes that I don't want to outgrow!

I take NO CREDIT for this information. Everything can be found at www.bulletproofexec.com

Combo Check In

2013-08-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Just checking in with the Blog.

Doing fantastic. Blood ketones were 1.9 today - in ketosis. I have increased my activity thanks to a "jawbone" and the UP app -- https://jawbone.com/

Enjoying the challenge of trying to get more activity. Cooking more.

My weight climbed 15 pounds (all my fault for eating bad) but now it is going back down.

I am happy and just plugging along.

I am thankful for my friends who are always just a phone call away.

And I am especially thankful for my family who always encourage me.

It's all good.

How to RESTART - Set a Date, Make a Plan!

2013-06-01T09:55:00.001-07:00

First, "restarting" is NOT failure. It is success. Restarting should be a regular part of your diet journey. It is NOT an excuse for going off plan. NO EXCUSE! However sometimes our mind and our body just takes a break - planned or unplanned. It is important to create a 'marker' or mental note that D-Day is coming when you will do a clean sweep and hit it again.

Bathrobe Breakfast on the Carnival Magic -- Susan, Nickie, Shari, and Mandy. See more cruise photos in the private Facebook group - Low Carb Cruise Group.

I had a GREAT cruise with some wonderful people. The Low Carb Cruise is the highlight of my year. I found myself very relaxed and refreshed with great memories. After I got home I found myself eating more nuts, dark chocolate and dairy than I normally do. I splurged on a few higher carb foods (onion rings, for one). The month of May was more vacation than I expected to take. haha.

So I set my mind on "June 1". Restart day. And I do NOT want to step on that scale -- waaaaa -- but I will. I know I am up about 5 lbs, because I can feel it.

Knowing that my body will go through a slight detox as I get my ratios back together, I am starting with very high fat to keep the hunger and cravings down.

Today I will have:
1 bulletproof coffee
1 serving of Shirataki "mac" and cheese (goat cheese, coconut cream)
1 serving of Avocado Deviled Eggs
1 oz macadamia nuts
1/2 oz pork rinds
Bacon and eggs w/ Kerrygold Butter

That is 1,040 calories (however, calories do NOT count!! )

THIS does count! -- 84% / 13% / 3% -- that is 84 percent fat, 13 percent protein, and 3 percent carbs.

Shirataki "Mac" & Cheese from The Fat Fast by Dana Carpendar (can be purchased here - Fat Fast Cookbook)

So here we go! Ready, Set, Diet!

Me and my friend and diet buddy, Kim Eidson. Kim has lost over 200 pounds.

Great products for a low carb lifestyle:

2013 6th Annual Low Carb Cruise Report

2013-05-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are back but way too soon. Time flew by!

As usual there were so many cruise guests that I never got to speak with and get to know.

There was a wedding,

... and ziplining in Honduras,

…and cave tubing in Belize,

… and meetings on the ship,

… and food,

… and fun.

AND... I've seen the question asked around the web, "Where was Robb Wolf?" (Most are meant as jabs at Jimmy Moore, but we do not care.)

A few days before we sailed Robb Wolf contacted us and said that his mother was in the hospital with pneumonia and in a semi-conscious state. He had to back out at the last minute to take care of her. Family is more important - always!

Join the Low Carb Cruise Facebook page for more information or on twitter @lowcarbcruise,

2014 plans are in the works! Hope you can join us!

DUMPING DAIRY: Are you really unwilling to at least try it?

2013-04-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting “posting” duel with someone on Facebook recently. It is not the first time I have run into this issue. It started with the suggestion of dropping dairy from the diet. There are quite a few of us out there who have stalled, dropped the dairy, and started losing again. It was not an easy thing to do at all but the results were worth it.

Here is sort of how it went --

Problem: (violins in the background) I am stuck. I am stalled. I cannot lose. Nothing works. Waaaa.

CRUISE PREP & HOMEMADE MAYO

2013-04-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hey hey! It is about that time! Getting ready to sail on the Magic.

Suitcases are out and half packed!

Made a trip to Galveston just for fun. The weather was great. Got a little sunshine Vitamin D.

So about the diet and ketones. I am still loving Low Carb/High Fat. I do not measure my blood ketones every day, just a couple of times a week. I fluctuate between 0.6 and 1.5 on the meter.

I had gained a few pounds over the last several weeks, but have now dropped those pounds. It is very true that the closer you get to your goal the easier it is to maintain it. Easier, but still a slippery slope if not dealt with promptly.

So I am still looking at the elusive "last 10", HOWEVER I have prepped all of my meals for the next two weeks and have added the walk of torture - the treadmill. AND just as I feared, one day I was distracted and stepped wrong and yes ... did the quick step dance, allbeit not quite as graceful as this couple. But I was able to recover before I received a treadmill rash. hahahaha

(video not visible on some phones)

THEN I did this:

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AND came up with this:

However it took me 3 different tries with other recipes. Thanks to my friend JoAnn Paxson for sending me this link! It was so quick and easy. I used a combination of olive oil and mct oil. The flavor is amazing and it does not contain all of the bad stuff that regular shelf mayo has in it, especially soy!

Life is very good and I can hardly wait to see all of my dear low carb friends!

Blood Ketones – Follow Up

2013-02-26T17:36:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it can take weeks or months to become "keto adapted" (see previous post about this), so just for the record I have been semi-eating this way for a couple of months BEFORE I started actually measuring my blood ketones. I have also measured my blood glucose and it stays between 80-95. IF you want to try this I recommend reading the posts from Jimmy Moore's blog on his N=1 experience (see previous post about this). There is a process that your body must go through to make adjustments to becoming a fat burning machine (keto adapted) - a "well oiled" machine.

WEEK ONE GRAPH

Typical Ratio - 1,200 - 1,300 calories per day based on my height/weight/BMI

Breakdown – 80-85% fat / 15-18% Protein / 5% or less carbohydrates

(charted with myfitnesspal.com app)

MY TYPICAL WEEK DAY

I wake up between 4:30-5:00am and make a cup of coffee. To the coffee I add 2 rounded teaspoons of erythritol, 1 ounce of MCT oil, and ¼ cup of coconut coffee creamer. Most of the time I add a tablespoon of Kerrygold unsalted butter, but sometimes I do not.

Recipe for Coconut Coffee Creamer:

1 can of organic, unsweetened coconut milk, shaken

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla (or other flavoring)
1 tsp cinnamon

Place all in the blender and beat until frothy.

I pour all of this in a shaker container (made for smoothies,

with the wire ball) and store in my fridge.

I enjoy my quiet morning sipping my coffee. Sometimes I walk on the treadmill, but most of the time I just catch up on the news of the day. While I am getting ready for work I take my thyroid meds, my multi-vitamin, and extra vitamin D and have my first glass of water for the day.

Then I pack my lunch which is usually about a cup size portion of protein. It could be egg or tuna salad, sometimes homemade chili, or any leftover from other meals. I make a second cup of coffee to take to work with me (using the same ingredients as listed above).

I always get hungry around 10:30am – it is a mental habit. I have done this for YEARS and blame it on Weight Watchers and the thinking of always needing a mid-morning snack. NOW I just have my second cup of coffee around this time. Now this is when the fun begins because I usually forget to eat lunch until 1:00-2:00pm, which is totally fine. I will also have another bottle of water.

I might have a snack around 4pm. For snacks I have either pork rinds or Alouette cheese blocks. I am very careful with dairy because I seem to be a little intolerant of it since I have gotten older. It was a very sad day of realization. Sigh.

Then I LOVE the evenings when I can enjoy my very favorite meal of the day – breakfast for supper.

Depending on how I feel and what I have on hand it is usually around 2-3 eggs and 2-3 strips of bacon. I fry the bacon until crispy. I pour off about ¾ of the bacon drippings into my bacon drippings jar. Hahaha. I add a tablespoon of butter in the pan, break my eggs into that… and away we go! Then sometimes I have a steak or pork chop, depending on my mood.

Before bed I take two Carlson Cod Oil Capsules, magnesium, and potassium tabs. Last night before bed I was craving something – perhaps to relieve the stress from a hard day at the office – so I had a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese. It hit the spot.

The ONLY exception to this routine is the weekend. On the weekend I usually eat a little more variety probably because I have more time to cook. I might add a salad with olive oil, or roasted asparagus or cauliflower. I MIGHT add these if I feel like it.

Did you know that your body can totally survive without carbohydrates? Yes it can. Did you know that your body can create carboydrates from protein? Yes it can – gluconeogenesis. Did you know that your body CANNOT create the fat and protein and that it NEEDS to survive? Yep, it must be from what you eat. Sort of make you wonder about vegetarians, doesn’t it?

Anyway, I keep it simple, boring, and predictable. This is for weight loss after all and not entertainment. Food is fuel and I am trying to reach my goal. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE this way of eating, but realistically in order to lose weight I have to keep it very simple. Otherwise I get off course very quickly.

RESULTS – 1 week of high fat and ketone testing = 2.8 pounds lost

Energy is up.

Cravings are down.

Attitude is up.

Weight is down.

Testing Blood Ketones

2013-02-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

There has been a trend lately - Fat Fasts & Blood Ketones. Being a trendy gal, I am following this protocol because I still have that stubborn "Last 10" to wrestle to the ground. (and perhaps an extra 5 lbs lingering in the wings.. HAHAHA... the wings! Get it? (the dreaded bat wings) sigh... anway...

1. Here is the book that started Low Carbers looking at Blood Ketones - The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance by Jeff Volek and Stephen Phinney.

2. Dr. Robert Atkins, the originator of the Fat Fast would certainly endorse my good friends at CarbSmart - Dana Carpender, Amy Dungan, and Andrew Dimino - Here is the $4.99 book -- LINK TO BOOK Has a LOT of good information about the Fat Fast and measuring Blood Ketones. The recipes are fantastic!

3. My dear friend Jimmy Moore, always blunt and always honest - he has shown us the way. Here is a link to JIMMY'S BLOG Having started this phase of my diet it is very understandable why Jimmy was hesitant to post his food logs. It is very strange to most people to eat a diet of 85-90% fat - butter, coconut oil, mct oil, avocados, etc. I'm just thankful he made the public aware of this adjustment to our low carb lifestyle.

Recently I strenuously dieted for 2 weeks and dropped 4 pounds of what I had gained over Christmas. Yay me! THEN for Valentines I baked 2 dozen sugar-free, low carb cookies and ate 1 dozen. Gained all 4 back in ONE day (and NOT temporary gain. It stayed for 4 days, until I started the Fat Fast).

So I ordered the meter. I chose the Precision Max - Amazon Link to Meter

AND I ordered the pricey Blood Ketone Test Strips - Link to Amazon - Blood Ketone Test Strips

I searched high and low for the best prices on Blood Ketone strips (NOT the same as Blood Glucose strips). They can run anywhere from $2 to $5 PER STRIP.

I bought one box of 10. I figured that at least gives me 10 days to monitor my eating and see what tweaks might be needed. For example, following Jimmy Moore's lead when he discovered that he was eating TOO much protein (not optimal for being "keto adapted").

I have NEVER professed to being a perfect "low carber". I have my moments just like regular folks with food addictions. However, I am closer than I have EVER been to reaching my goal. EVER! So, the day before I tested my blood ketones I had a Girl Scout cookie - yep, just one - but sugar none the less. (In case you didn't know it, I am a SEVERE sugar addict - even so far as having my own bakery for 3 years.)

I test in the mornings when I first get up, before I have my Bulletproof Coffee.

Day 1 - 0.1

Day 2 - 0.3

Day 3 - 0.6

(According to the book, optimal levels are 1.0 to 3.0 - expecting 1.0 in a day or two)

Ooooooooo.... this is exciting. Even better than the stupid scale! hahaha AND yes, 3 pounds gone in 3 days.

So WHY do this?

High Blood Ketones (caused from a "High Fat / Moderate Protein / VERY low carb" diet) can put you in a state of being "keto adapted". I am not scientific in thought, and always prefer the "Cliff Notes"! lol. ONE thing I DO know about being "keto adapted" is that a person is NOT hungry, NOT craving, AND losing weight. :D There ya go - the Cliff Notes, or "Ketones for Dummies".

Update for the Curious Seekers

2013-02-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hi -- guess what?!?!? I survived! lol

I can adapt and adjust and redefine my life at any given moment. Yay! I am proud to say that there is very little that can get me down. I credit my creative side to being able to recreate the atmosphere around me.

Diet? Been hard lately because of facing the "Final 10"! sigh... up down up down up down.

Life? Wonderful. There had been enough activities to keep it interesting and fun.

Food? Always an adventure.

FAT BREAD - the best low carb bread recipe ever! Link here - FAT BREAD RECIPE

Friends? I love my friends. As time goes by I find out who my TRUE friends really are.

BEFORE

AFTER.....the best is yet to come.

Family? Good. I especially love my sweet sisters.

Yep... these are my sisters. They are wonderful and joined me on several cruises!

Yep... just keeps getting better.

Too bad some people never realize what they have until it is gone.

Defying Negative Projections

2013-01-30T11:32:00.003-08:00

Recently I have had several encounters with people projecting untrue ideas or beliefs on to me. The words "negative projections" kept running through my head. At first I was like "absolutely rubbish", then I decided to examine the words a little closer to make sure I got the meaning and to see if there was any validity. Only one sentence applied, but the rest of the points were assumptions, judgments, and PROJECTIONS.

Here are a couple of thoughts found on the internet about that:

We project our own perceived shortcomings onto others. We say to others what we should be saying to ourselves. When we judge others we are judging ourselves. If you constantly beat yourself up with negative thoughts, you will either beat up on the people around you - verbally, emotionally, or physically - or you will beat up on yourself by destroying some area of your own life.

and

When we make negative projections, we rarely recognize the seeds of those qualities in ourselves. Painful or incompatible qualities get projected onto another person, and that person ends up becoming the target of our wrath.

But by ALL means, listen to what is being spoken OVER you by others. Accept and change what is true - and wipe out the "false"! Do not accept every judgement that comes your way. Be who YOU are at ever stage of this journey.

Another thing about those negative projections -- They are not you. ;)

I was accused of being unhappy -- I'm actually very happy which is part of what a healthy, creative mind will do for you. lol I think the person who accused me of that has an issue with happiness.

I was accused of being afraid to be alone -- How can I explain that being alone is totally ok. Being lonely is not. I love to spend my alone time doing absolutely nothing, but also love my time with my friends. It is all in balance. Afraid? Absolutely not. JUST because I enjoy being social does NOT mean that I am afraid of being alone.

I was accused of being afraid of growing old -- HAHAHA.. Sorry.. that really does make me laugh. Growing old is inevitable. However, feeling old is not. Resistant to feeling old? - guilty as charged! Afraid to grow old? No, that is an accepted fact of life.

You have to FIND ... WHAT ... WORKS ... FOR ... YOU ... And then DO IT! Never give up.

Here are some better ones:

I am me. (non food post)

2013-01-18T17:28:00.001-08:00

I love this and it is so "me"!!

I am basically a very happy person.

I have been misjudged many times, but it is just because they didn't really take the time to know me.

lol

I am also pretty funny.

Enjoy!

Simple Plan: The Hard Fa(c)ts!

2013-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

(Added a couple of pages - "Before/After Photos" and "Menus and Recipes". See list on right side column)

THIS IS MY USUAL DAILY GOAL:

This consisted of slightly over 1,200 calories, 50 grams of protein, and as you can see, a LOT of butter.

Breakfast: 1 egg with butter, coffee w/ erythritol & coconut cream
Lunch: Steak with butter, green tea
Dinner: Beef Chili with tomatoes, red peppers

When I got snack hungry later in the afternoon, I ate a few pork rinds.

It is important to keep the fats high. That is very hard to do unless you have butter and/or coconut oil at every meal (or other equal quality fats).

And as usual, you have to find what works for YOU and do that! I am not a fan of exercise, so I have to watch my food quality and quantity very carefully. If you exercise, perhaps you can up your carbs a little (ala Paleo), but whatever your method the important thing is to keep trying and never give up!

One of my tips is to narrow your list of foods to those that you really love and keep it simple, fresh, and real. (Just Eat Real Food). Make it easy! I save "extras" for special treats and dining out. For example, I love eggplant. It is higher in carbs so it is not something I would have every day. So when I go out to eat, specifically at Carrabbas Italian Grill (Link to Carrabbas), I will order the grilled eggplant! Yum.

I'm knocking on the door of my goal weight! And feeling pretty sassy! The LAST 10!!

I am now ... officially ... in ... CRUUUUUUUUISE TRAINING!!! wOOhOP!! Let's DO IT!!

And a very special thank-you to my supporting cheerleaders:

Several of my very best friends in the world -- Kim Eidson, Ailsa Washington, & Debbie Hubbs
Through thick and thin! ... and on every cruise!

AND one last photo of another true friend who is an inspiration, source or information, and just a lot of fun! ... with an awesome blog (and in the top "Low Carb" blog lists!!) Anne aka Carb Tripper -- Link To Carb Tripper's Blog.

2013 and Happiness

2013-01-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

2012 was a year of big change for me. I am finally within 10 pounds of my goal weight. I achieved several other goals in 2012 including settling in my new house, a better car, a raise, a promotion, a new office (with a window!) and a great feeling of anticipation of what is ahead.

Maybe it is my age; maybe it is my weight; perhaps it is just looking forward instead of behind. I started looking at what I DO have and what I HAVE accomplished instead of looking back at things not done. What a great feeling. How encouraging.

Attitude is everything.

I'm facing 2013 with glee.

This is the year I WILL reach my goal weight.

So, while working on the "last ten", I plan on enjoying life to the fullest.

1. Music -- Such fun! I've discovered some new bands that I enjoy listening to. I've had the fun opportunity to enjoy live music. I have some very talented friends and especially family. We could be the VonTrapp family of Rock and Roll! (Garage Band -- my nephews and great-nephew -- Allen Little, Matthew Dunn Sr, Matthew Dunn Jr.)

haha I look forward to continuing. I quit playing keyboard for a couple of years, but like riding a bicycle, I'm back on it.

Just one of my favorites!

2. Dining -- I am a foodie. I am a "controlled" foodie, but ... lol .... I just love the culinary art. So for 2013 I am going on a "tasting" journey. I started with a wonderful restaurant called "Bonefish Grill". FABULOUS atmosphere (and great company) with an attentive staff. I had lobster bisque that was amazing. It was a cold and rainy day so I asked for coffee with "real" cream (for lack of coconut cream, my usual favorite). They brought me a bowl full of whipped cream (no sugar). I limit my dairy, but an occasional splurge is my choice. As for restaurants of course there is my personal favorite, Carraba's. And yes, always with more butter!

Bonefish Grill - Salmon and Vegetables

3. Travel -- From camping in the rough to hotels in style, I love all kinds of travel. Starting in January I have a trip planned to Dallas. My niece has the lead (Kim) in Bye Bye Birdie. I was in that same musical in High School. Should be a lot of fun. Among the other short excursions in the work, I will be going on the Low Carb Cruise in May. I always enjoy seeing my friends from all over the world. GREAT people.

Susan Winkler, Carb Tripper, JoAnn Paxson, Lisa Coker (and I see Bridget in the back!)

4. Exercise -- No. (I am active. That is enough.)

5. Attitude -- Positive, light, and as always with style and grace.

Happy 2013 - a year of great blessings!

Upside Down and Back Again

2012-12-13T07:16:00.000-08:00

The last two months have been a whirlwind for me. I’ve been exhilarated and I have been broken. I have been to the mountain top and then through the wringer. I have gotten to do some things that I thought I would never do again, but I have also seen some things that broke my heart. I was accepted then dumped. I was praised and then trashed.

So what happened? (I honestly have NO idea because those involved chose to NOT communicate at all. Too bad.)

However, it is too much and too personal to go into here, but perhaps it is still all just a part of trying on this new body and trying to wrap my brain around it. When someone called me “tiny” it actually made me feel scared. Why? I do not exactly know, but being this size has brought a lot of new feelings, thoughts, and emotions, ESPECIALLY in how I handle things.

Just so odd.

So I am trying to turn my thoughts around. I am actively, purposefully cleaning my "house" – I am sweeping out those things that plague my mind. I am giving away those things that no longer fit in my life (no matter how hard I tried to alter them, pin them, and repurpose them - and I am not talking about clothes). I am making the choices daily to keep my thoughts focused on what is constructive. If I feel like I am being sucked into a pit, I crank up a song that I like that will make me want to dance. If I feel sadness begin to pour over me, I text my friends – AND thank you very much Kim Eidson, Ailsa Washington, Debbie Hubbs, and dear Carb Tripper. If I start to feel lonely, I go see my sisters – thank you, Marilyn Little and Sandy Dunn. But most of all, I remember the man that has stayed with me for almost 20 years and never kicked me to the curb – thank you, Ron Gandy.

Somehow on my journey I lost sight of those who have remained beside me and supported me. I confess that I was ready to turn my world upside down and take off, leaving everything behind. I was making preparation for that.

But suddenly … I was given a wake-up call.

I made a conscience decision to look at what I have and NOT what I do not have.

I have a wonderful gift right in my hands – LOVE and LIFE – and I cherish them.

Merry Christmas! ... and now back to business.

Living and Breathing

2012-10-14T05:04:00.001-07:00

It feels good to live. It feels good to breath. It feels good to move & stretch & learn.

I hope that all my friends who are working on themselves find this break. Life should be enjoyed while on the journey to health and wellness.

I have learned to enjoy my choices:
-- tender, juicy beef or smooth, velvety shrimp!
-- creamy, smooth Kerrygold butter & coconut cream!
-- crispy fried bacon!
-- Ah, the flavors, textures, & recipes!
-- coffee fixed JUST right!

I have a core group of food I eat. When I go out to eat I concentrate on ONE item - usually the protein/fat. I never indulge more than two days in a row without a "semi-fast" day. The idea about "metabolism / small meal feedings" does not work for me. I try to eat like a "thin" person -- eat when I am truly hungry, but skip it if I am not. I choose to listen to my body, who has learned to breath without my assistance and meddling. My wonderful body has all kinds of systems that run automatically.

"Hunger / Satiety" is part of that system. For years many of us have "overridden" that system. It starts when the baby is prompted to finish the entire bottle, or the entire jar of food. It starts when food is given as the reward for doing good. It is time to let that system of hunger and fullness operate. I am NOT talking about deliberately skipping meals when hungry because AGAIN, that would be overriding that system! I am talking about practicing the art of listening... of paying attention. I have said this many times to myself - FOOD IS FUEL.

This means evaluating your hunger -- Is it real? Is it emotional? Is it boredom? Is it a result of cravings (usually caused by a food intolerance from and earlier choice)? I have read, and experienced, that when I allow my body to tell me when it is time to eat, it usually is about twice a day - morning, and late afternoon. It took some experimenting and "lab" work on myself. It took concentration and focus. BUT once I began to allow my body to tell me when it was hungry, I learned that I could trust it to do what it is supposed to do - signal me. Just like I get signals for thirst, elimination, pain, pleasure, etc, I have found that my body is fantastic at taking care of me if I listen and follow those signals.

I no longer eat by the clock. I no longer HAVE to have 5 small meals a day to "boost my metabolism". I no longer force my body to change it's system to meet MY demands. I trust my body. It is healing. The metabolism is getting in line.

This did not happen over night. It has been a journey -- and I feel like I am at peace.

The Myth of The Goal at the End of the Rainbow

2012-09-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, over the rainbow, I'll be thin....

The word “Destination” is defined as “The place designated as the end (as of a race or journey).” Other definitions include “Goal, end” and my favorite, “The state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it.”

So do the words “diet” and “end” go together? HECK no, I certainly do not think so. I can “terminate” bad behavior, but the fight and struggle will never end. Just ask weight loss surgery patients. Just ask successful diet bloggers and authors. I will have to make dietary choices DAILY. Some days it will be very easy. Hooray! Occasionally I WILL have those “white knuckle; nail biting” temptations. Waaaa!

( ...psssst... one won't hurt!)

OH, and for the purists let me define the word “diet”. It is NOT totally about “restrictions” in this context. Our "diet" is simply WHAT we choose to eat on any given day. EVERYONE is on some kind of “diet” because everyone eats. (except the extreme anorexics or those who are on a fast for specific reasons). Settled? Okay… moving forward.

I have been talking to a friend at work. Some of the things we have been discussing are words like “Tomorrow” and “When I reach…” and “Just as soon as…”. always waiting for that perfect “jumping off” place, as if somehow the timing plays a part in success. I agree that you have to have your mind in the right place to proceed, but always having your mind geared towards “tomorrow” will never get you started. Along that same lines we often think, "As soon as I reach this weight..." or "When I get to a size ...", as if that is a marker to stop or take a break.

Yikes.

IF we are all on some kind of diet… and especially IF weight loss and better health is our goal ... then will the diet ever end?

Absolutely not. Certain restrictions might end, but we will certainly continue to eat SOMETHING. The sooner we adopt this entire process as a lifestyle change the better. As soon as we can say, “I WILL DO THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.” the better off we will be during the journey.

Actually watching the scale go down and the inches get smaller can be a lot of fun and a lot of motivation. But where does your mind go when that does not happen? How quickly do you freak out when you hit a “stall”? I think we sometimes freak out because we have a “goal / end” in mind and time is passing! We are scared we will give up and never reach our "goal".

SO........ What if there was no final goal and no final end?

What if you were eating the way you are eating every single day with the one sole purpose of just feeling better? What if food was just fuel and not entertainment?

I need to tape this to my mirror:

YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS TEMPORARILY TO ACHIEVE A GOAL.

YOU ARE DOING THIS FOREVER TO BE HEALTHY.

It has taken YEARS but I think I found that place, at least I hope I have. I just keep eating foods that are rich in nutrients and good for my body. Every single day I make the choice to practice good decisions (or NOT). I almost always have a strategy or plan in the back of my mind for saboteurs and get a lot of opportunities to practice them. For example, the other day a friend in Houston wanted me to taste this home-made bread that she brought back all the way from New York. It was made fresh the night before. It smelled divine! It had been slathered in butter and was soft and a beautiful golden brown. She was pretty adamant that I “try” it. I could see that it meant a lot to her. I had a choice to either get righteous and stand my ground .. “ NO! Bread shall never toucheth thy lips and be forever on thy hips!” …. Or, simply say (which I chose to do), “Well, thanks. I can’t eat the entire thing, but I will take a taste.” I pinched off a crumb, put it in my mouth, and said “Yum.. that IS good.” She left the room, I took the crumb out and put it in the trash. All done.

No “rejection”. No “derailment”. No “regret”. No “anquish”. No “fear”. Easy stuff… NO EXCUSES.

Yes, modify the diet and change the behavior….

….. but just so you know, your “diet” will NEVER end. Ever.

Never. It is FOR .. EV.... ER!!!

From the movie, "Sandlot"

... ok, possibly when you die you can stop.

Things that make you go... wow.

2012-09-08T05:45:00.002-07:00

(Is that not the dumbest marketing brochure??
Sugar and carbs for breakfast? yuck)

The Issues:
1. Inflammation
2. Yeast from Antibiotics
3. Lack of sleep
4. Stress

I say that mostly my diet journey is all in my head, but that is when I am battling the sugar demons. Sometimes, however, the battle is just due to circumstances. All of the above stressors are a result of a recent surgery.

The cure:

Lots of Water

Yeast Cleanse diet (no vinegar products or wine)

Rest as much as possible

Organization - be prepared

I'm already feeling better and undoing the damage!

****************************************

I had a very fun and eventful weekend!

I spent a couple of days with a good friend and enjoyed watching her care for and give attention to her neighbors. I think we almost solved the problems of the world. She is a great cook and really knows her stuff -- all things low carb! Carb Tripper rocks!

Ground beef, Shrimp, Bacon, Roasted Peppers,

Onions, and Cauliflower -- VERY good, especially

with a shooter of butter! Great job, Chef Anne!

My good friend Carb Tripper (Anne) and one of her sweet neighbors.

AND finally -- The wedding!

Congratulations Emily and Charlie Lay!

Then I attended a fabulous wedding of my great niece with an awesome reception with Cambodian flavors. I was blessed to ride with my fab sister and brother-in-law which always makes for good company.

Groom's Cake and Bridal Cake (notice the brake pads in the wheels!! They did not cut the groom's cake -- too pretty!)

My beautiful GREAT Nieces -- (photo by Snapd Photography)

As a result of my weekend however I did gain a few pounds. It was a combination of that awesome food at the reception and the lack of sleep. hahaha BUT the good news is, I know how to fix that. A couple of days of very low - to zero carb meals, combined with water, bulletproof coffee, and rest and I will be back to square one in no time. -- amended -- I AM back to square one, less 1. :D

It's all down hill... or rather "down scale" from here.

What in the WORLD are you DOING?!??!?!!!

2012-08-24T09:43:00.004-07:00

It is so natural and common to see another person losing weight and having success and want to know exactly what they are doing. I have done that a LOT of times in my life as well. Sometimes I attempt their list of instructions but more often than not I feel the need to put MY twist on it so that it will fit MY life, etc. AND then I wonder why I do not get the same results. That brings about frustration and often a little anger.. and of course, a diet backslide.

So I am about to share with you what I have been doing to lose the weight. Be careful in making the decision to “try” it. Any “adjustments” for YOUR life may result in NO results. One size does not fit all. Jimmy Moore says it – You have to find what works for YOU and then do it! (See Jimmy's website HERE.)

HISTORY:

Back when I started this blog I was all into a popular diet of the minute – Kimkins. I STARVED myself down to 150 pounds (and briefly saw 148 for a few days). My hair was thin; my body was cold; my skin was dry; .. all the symptoms of malnutrition (I wrote a blog about that later - Read that post HERE)). I was determined to lose 50 pounds before I turned 50 and ended up losing almost 75 pounds. Thus began “The Low Carb Cruise” (story of a different blog - that I have written about these past 6 years).

Kimkins fell apart amid scam and scandal. I was lost. I wandered from forum to blog trying to find my way and “what worked for me”. I was emotional (ate). I was angry (ate). I was lost (ate). I would dive in with menu plans and a stocked fridge only to dive into a pizza at first opportunity. Up and down. Back and forth. In it, out of it. I continued to organize the cruise, slowly gaining weight and getting more complacent. I believed in the Low Carb life, but just could not seem to get back on the “freeway”. I was stuck on the frontage road with NO on-ramp in sight.

BUT… I kept on. I kept reading. I kept listening. I kept watching. Perhaps I was not “doing” but by golly I was learning. I sort of developed the mentality that "it works for everyone except me".

So… along comes the pivotal cruise of 2011. I was back up to my heaviest I had been in a while (somewhere around 180 pounds).

(Kristen Berglund and ME)

I saw pictures of myself and remembered how sad I felt. They brought back memories of feeling embarrassed, sad, and just miserable. AND of course there were hateful comments posted around on the web about the “fat” organizers of the low carb cruise. I was “caught” eating French toast in the dining room, with “real syrup”. I guess they expected me to be more than what I could be. I was not an “example”, but rather just like everyone else in the group – I needed help too!

So getting back home from the cruise in 2011 with all the “fat” comments, did I make a vow to start again?

No. I had to wallow in self pity and carbage for a few more months.

Finally, Christmas, 2011 was the point of change. I saw 205 on the scale. I am only 5 feet tall and 225 was my highest weight ever (after my mom died in 2005). I was only 20 pounds from that weight. Oh my. That woke me up. December 27^th, 2011, I crawled out of the pit.

I started doing standard Atkins Low Carb. It was a typical menu of protein first, a vegetable, and sometimes a sugar free dessert. I drank protein shakes and tampered with sugar free dessert recipes, etc. I ate a LOT of splenda. I enjoyed a LOT of cream – in my coffee and for cooking. I put cheese on everything. I ate a handful of nuts daily.

I did NOT count carbs. I did NOT count calories. I did NOT weigh or measure my food. I did NOT lose much, but by the end of February I was down to 195. Ten pounds was good and I was feeling better, but still it was a hard battle and a struggle every single day. I HATED obsessing about my diet. I HATED that every day was about what I was going to eat, when was I going to eat it, and where was I going to eat. However, I KNEW that the only way to conquer this was to get a routine going.

I do not exactly remember how I stumbled on her, but I found Dr. Mila MacManus from The Woodlands Institute of Health and Wellness (Click here for link). I scraped money together to go and see her. She tested me – lol, I mean literally!!! – hormones, thyroid, blood sugar, cholesterol, etc etc. I was put on a plan and under her supervision I did a round of hCG (lost 15 pounds – so was at 180) and after that, a “Yeast Cleanse”. It was a relief to follow a “plan” as opposed to the flying by the seat of my pants that I had been doing. I had lists and charts. I had “action”!! I attended nutrition classes by one of her Nutritionists, Nancy Mehlert. I was thrilled and elated that they were proponents of a low carb lifestyle (and good fats) and believed just like I did. Hope was in my heart. In addition to adjusting my thyroid meds and my bio-identical hormones, she put me on vitamin supplements. I felt amazing… I had almost forgotten what “good health” felt like!

So by the time of the cruise in 2012, I was back to 170. My good friends Debbie Hubbs, Ailsa Washington, and Kim Eidson can attest to the struggles and tears, the victories and joys of this journey. I felt good. My clothes fit better. I wasn’t embarrassed to stand up in front of the group. I got my MOJO back!!!!

(ME and Kim Eidson)

For THE first time, I ate completely low carb and sugar free on the cruise! It helped having a cabin mate who was also determined, Thank you, KIM!! Because I was the travel agent and group leader, every night the cruise line would bring in a plate of desserts to our stateroom. They were beautiful works of art, hidden in my room with no “outside eyes” to see my sin. What did I do? I took photos.

What became of those nightly treats will remain our secret, but let’s just say, “They slept with the fishes.”

Returning home I have continued to focus on my goals. As of this writing I am at 155, but I have a private goal in mind for the Low Carb Cruise in 2013. I keep in touch with my doctor's office through their newsletters and emails. I also read a LOT of the blogs of some of the best out there -- Jimmy Moore, Carb Tripper, Vanessa Romero (http://www.healthylivinghowto.com/), and many many more. I have a great network of Low Carb / Paleo friends from the cruise and enjoy what they share on the Low Carb Cruise Group facebook page.

I am just a regular person and I am amazed at my friends who can do all of the scientific research on themselves. I am in awe of those who know the ratios and the pufas and the n=1’s and the ketones and all those wonderful tools that are out there. HOWEVER, I am an artist type and numbers just do not stick in my head. Lol. Let me paint a food portrait rather than graph my blood sugar. That is just me – and I need it simple, plain, and straightforward.

NOW – WHAT DO I EAT?

I call it "LOW CARB / PALEOESQUE"

I start every single morning with coffee. Most of the time it is “Bulletproof” coffee, but sometimes just plain “my way” coffee.

Coffee (ok, I confess – I’m not a purist. I have a mini-keurig so I use kcups)

Xylitol (2 tsps)

So Delicious Coconut Creamer OR Thai brand canned coconut cream

2 tbs kerrygold butter (from grassfed beef)

2 tbs MCT oil (refined coconut oil)

I bought an “aerolatte” whizzer gadget from Bed Bath and Beyond and this concoction foams up like the best starbucks latte you can buy. Yummmmmm

BREAKFAST – My first thought is “fat”. Sometimes it is only fat, sometimes it is mixed with protein. It all depends on my mood and my time. But here is a standard breakfast:

3 strips of bacon fried in 2 TBS butter

Add to that 1 or 2 eggs, fried

(I like the yolks thick but not done, sort of like the consistency of pudding)

I pour that, butter and all, into a bowl and enjoy. (sometimes salt and pepper, but mostly not)

Those two things – egg bowl and coffee – will carry me through to 1 or 2 o’clock. I am just not hungry.

LUNCH – fat and protein, maybe a small salad.. maybe, if I am in the mood. (example: Small ribeye with butter sauce)

DINNER – fat and protein, maybe a veggie… maybe, if I am in the mood. (example: Shrimp sauteed in butter with peppers and onions)

SNACKS – Dairy free, nut free fat bombs (basically just coconut oil, cocoa powder, powdered xylitol, vanilla extract, roasted coconut mixed together and poured into mini muffin cups) OR (and this is what I save my veggies for!) Raw cucumber slices, red bell pepper rings, etc.

I eat a LOT of beef. I bought some grass-fed beef from a Texas farmer and there IS difference in flavor! Yummmmm

That is my typical day, but it is subject to change according to whim and schedule. Lol.

What I DO NOT eat anymore because of sensitivity and because my doctor said “do not” is:

Dairy

Splenda

Carbonated sodas

And then of course NONE of the following:

Grains (NO bread.. no bread substitutes, no grains period)

Sugar

Starches (no starchy vegetables, potatoes, rice, corn, etc.. NONE)

Splenda was easy to give up because I had a couple of replacements recommended by my doctor – Stevia and Xylitol. My grocery store sells both.

Dairy – ahhhhh, beautiful dairy – that was very very very very very hard… and I confess, it still is. I grew up drinking milk with every meal. I had cheese on everything. I loved cream cheese, sour cream, and of course YOGURT!! Yummmmmm It was easy on a low carb diet to have an entire “dairy day”. BUT the doctor said to lay it down so I did, skeptical, but I did it. (… and I confess, I did it in phases until I was totally off. I looked for “replacements” first.)

With those changes, my weight began to go down. The scale became my friend again. I will mention that I do not like to exercise. (Hate is such a strong word). I joined Curves for women – the ultimate diva, girly-girl, air conditioned gym for the “not so sweaty” inclined. :D Even for the 2-3 days a week that I go, it keeps me loose and limber and doing “something” as opposed to “nothing”. Do not dis my Curves!!! (Because of recent bladder surgery I have not been able to go. I still have another month of recovery.)

To be totally honest I will confess that I have eaten carby foods a few times this year. I have not been 100% perfect …. Only 99%. I have gone out to eat with family and eaten a few chips with my salsa. I ate the hand-made corn tortilla on my fish taco. I had fresh pineapple in Hawaii. BUT those occasions do NOT turn into a weekend binge. Those indulgences do NOT derail my focus. They are NOT excuses to just keep plowing that ditch the next day. I wake up, make a plan, and get right back on the freeway. I betcha I could count on ONE hand those special occasions this year.

I said I did not “count” what I eat, but I recently added “MyFitnessPal” app to my iphone and ipad to just SEE how I was doing. I was curious about how I “stacked” up to what is recommended. Was my eating “intuition” on target or not? On a typical day, these are my stats:

(I totally ignore the 55%/30%/15% that they recommend. They obviously don't know my body or my friends! lol)

I do not believe that MY way of eating will work for everyone. It only works for women over 50, who are dairy sensitive, hormone depleted, thyroid deficient, sedentary emotional/boredom eaters. If you fit that category, then this could be your answer! Hahaha

The absolute, positive, main, number ONE thing that I believe and that has followed me through all these years of this blog is this –

NEVER GIVE UP !!!!!!

I HAVE FALLEN OFTEN, BUT I NEVER GAVE UP!

"Between you and every goal that you wish to achieve, there is a series of obstacles, and the bigger the goal, the bigger the obstacles. Your decision to be, have and do something out of the ordinary entails facing difficulties and challenges that are out of the ordinary as well. Sometimes your greatest asset is simply your ability to stay with it longer than anyone else."

~ Brian Tracy

Interested in the 2013 Low Carb Cruise?

Hear guest speakers:

Robb Wolf - author of "The Paleo Solution"

Dave Asprey - The Bulletproof Executive

And MANY MORE!