Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[DoeWDW]

Well, yesterday (Saturday) went downhill pretty quickly and I ended up "grazing" through the kitchen - definitely NOT healthy and NOT better. On the positive side, I did take the puppy for a lovely walk outside with my DD and her friend. In the beginning of this journey, if one area of my healthy living would slide (like my eating) I'd consider the whole day as a failure. Now I see that my eating was not where it should have been but my exercise was OK and my mind was still THINKING about healthy living. It's not all or nothing.

My depression seems to be hitting me harder. I didn't really put the signs together until last night when I realized what I'd been eating and how I'd been feeling. Looking back, my feelings of blah and lack of motivation really hit the day after Christmas. I guess all the adrenaline of stuff to do for the holidays kept me going and once it was over, I just bottomed out.

I know I'll get my eating back in shape, because I physically FEEL better on low-carb. I used to have terrible acid reflux until I started to eat low-carb. If I stray too long, the acid reflux, the bloating, the gas, the water weight all comes back to remind me. Then it's much easier to go back to low-carb and see all that disappear again.

So I still have a sunny attitude ! I'm not proud of the way I've eaten the past few days, but I'm not beating myself up for it either. This is a REAL accomplishment for me. I used to become almost paralyzed with shame and guilt. Now, I just recognize that I'm not doing myself or my body any favors by over-indulging for this long.

So today is another day. It shouldn't be too hard to make today healthier than yesterday as far as food ! I still have my sense of humor. I also still feel my depression tugging at me - not as bad as in the past but still there like a shadow in the back of my mind pulling me down.

I know that my healthy living will help me fight the depression, so today will be better. I will do my Pilates workout. I also will focus on a grocery trip and making some healthy food for the freezer, so I don't have to stress out about not having anything low-carb handy.

On a scale of 1 (nothing healthy) to 10 (perfect healthy living), yesterday was probably a 4. Today I'll strive for a 7!

Let's hope I can keep these positive feelings throughtout the day!

 

[DoeWDW]

I have REALLY gotten lax about doing my measurements! You know how I always say they're important, that the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story? Well, it's true!!

I took my starting measurements on August 28th. My last set of measurements were from November 9th!!! I REALLY must post these every week. My weight has stayed the same since early November, but my measurements show that I've gained back some of those inches I had lost.

Here are the stats. The first number is today, second is 11/9 and third is when I started on 8/28.

Weight: 131 / 131 / 142
Bust: 39 / 38 / 39.5
Chest: 33 / 32.5 / 33.5
Waist: 33 / 31 / 34
Hips: 38.5 / 38 / 40
Thighs: 39.5 / 39.25 / 41

There's some motivation to go back to healthy eating! No wonder I'm feeling fatter at the moment!!

Brunch (around 10:30 AM) was a ham & cheese sandwich on low-carb bread - 16 carbs, a big glass of ice water and my meds.

Onward and inward!! (inward meaning less inches )

 

[LAinSEA]

Holiday season is always a struggle...this modern life isn't helping the situation. Don't get discouraged about an inch or two - a busy January will turn things around. TOM will add an inch also. (I used to battle it more in the middle of my cycle than at the end for some reason.)

Winter is doubly tough for depression - not enough daylight - and when the sun comes out we're usually at work behind windows and can't get any of it. Right now it's dark here where I live about 4pm and the sun doesn't come up until after 7am. I know that the dark and grey gets to me. But If I try to take a 5 minute break here and there outside (even with the rain) I feel much better.

I have to agree - I feel much better overall without the high-carb diet. Low-carb is just feels better - I get confirmation whenever I eat anything high in carbs, even just a spoonfull, that my body just doesn't need the extra insulin flowing through my system.

Doe, hang in there. Stay strong. Onward, downward, inward.

-Laurie

 

[DoeWDW]

Laurie, thanks for your encouragement. Also thanks for the reminder that I should get out and soak up that sunshine! I often forget in the winter, and I do think it affects my moods.

I forgot to post about my exercise earlier. I did my 20 minute Pilates workout first thing this morning. I also just got back from walking the puppy. It is a beautiful day outside - sunny and in the 50's - which is heaven in PA during the winter! I logged about 2 miles on my pedometer. I shouldn't have too many problems getting my steps in today.

Since I had a late breakfast / brunch, I just got around to eating again. I had 1 serving of pumpkin custard - 6 carbs. Total so far today = 22 carbs. There's some chocolate calling me in the kitchen, but the kids have strict instructions to eat all of it soon, before I throw it away!!

I'm doing all I can to make this a healthy day! I'm drinking lots, took my meds, exercised (Pilates AND a walk!), am eating low-carb, and have been getting a lot done around the house.

It's almost 3 PM so I only have 6 more hours to hold off on those cravings and get back to a cheat-free way of life, even if it's only for today.

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doreen! You can do it. One day at a time. That's how I'm trying to look at this new way of life. Progress and not perfection. I have enjoyed the nice weather here today in Cleveland in the 50's. Makes me and DH think about reconsidering our move to North Carolina (not!). Hope you have a peaceful and crave-free evening!

 

[DoeWDW]

I did fall prey to the evil chocolate - but the kids finished it last night so it's all gone!! YAY!

The rest of the day went very well. I definitely did better than Saturday, so I'm counting it as a success. My pedometer said 9300+ steps for the day. Progress, not perfection!

Today should be better than yesterday. I've had pumpkin custard - 6 carbs for breakfast, taken my meds and am drinking that water. I have my pedometer on and will do more walking at lunch. Normally this would have been a WATP morning, but DD cleaned out her room in preparation for painting so all my usual exercise spots are filled to the gills with her "stuff"!

Onward and inward!

Edit: 11 AM
I can tell this is one of my tricky situations. It's not time for lunch but I need a light snack. I briefly thought about the sweet & salty mix in the E.V.M. but remembered I have a protein bar - 3 grams - in my purse.

I will have to get to the grocery store tonight and get some snacks to have at work that will help me stay away from the E.V.M.

Total so far today = 9 carbs. Only 12 oz water so far - am working on my second mug. I plan to walk at lunch - no playing at the computer for a whole hour!!

Edit: 11:45 AM
24 oz water down, vitamin taken.

 

[lulu201]

Hello, Doreen! I'm home and sending you some more of this beautiful Pennsylvania and lots of . You are going to get through this day in a healthy way and love yourself for it!

You are STRONG, girlfriend! You picked a protein bar over the E.V. M.! Munchie Monster, beware! You can't mess with Doe-Doe!

Seriously, Doreen, you know that it's just one choice at a time that makes the difference. I know that if you're determined to make good choices all day long--and you can visualize yourself at the end of the day happy with how you've lived it--you will succeed!

Good luck and ,
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

I'm having a salad for lunch - about 12 carbs. Total so far = 21 carbs. I also have my Trident handy just in case that nasty Munchie Monster tries to lure me toward the E.V.M.!!!

Dinner tonight will be one of the new Subway Atkins-friendly wraps. DH and I are so excited to try these! I think one will be around 10 carbs, so I should be under my carb limit for the day. This will be a great accomplishment for me!!

I didn't walk at lunch - I just get lazy when I'm on the computer. I WILL walk at break-time this afternoon though. I've just GOT to get some sunshine today.

I do think I am my own worst enemy on this journey. I'm trying to change that, but it's been tough the past few days. I don't know why I'm making such bad choices but I really must put a stop to it.

 

[littleducksmom]

glad you are remembering that progresss not perfection phrase, doe..........hehehe......now let's live up to it!........you still need the progress part of it

i'll be checking back to see if you went for that walk.dont let me down!

 

[lulu201]

Hey, Doreen, p.m. coming your way. . .

 

[Castillo Mom]

What?! Did you just say Subway has a low carb wrap?! Thanks for sharing Doreen, I had no idea. I'm definitely going to check in with you tomorrow to see how liked it. When I find a fast food joint that has low carb food on the menu, I go running. Never though Subway would ever offer anything like that. Have a good evening.

 

[lulu201]

Good morning for my WISH-sis, Doreen! I'm going to raise a glass of water and toast you this morning, Doe-Doe. We can make this Tuesday of ours a great day--especially if we try to do it together.

The Great A.M. Challenge: Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to walk the walk until 11:59 a.m. You have to avoid the E.V.M. unless it can spit out something healthy. You must drink lots of water or decaf green tea, and you must engage in many positive, Doreen-affirming thoughts. Got it? More importantly, will you accept this challenge? (I'll be peeking in later to check on your answer.)

Here we go, Doreen, off into the new day.

WE CAN DO THIS!
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

It's a brand new day! It's rainy and gloomy outside, so I put on my brightest yellow turtleneck to add some to my day!!

Recap of yesterday:
On the negative side, I never did make it out for that walk. I had every intention both at work and then later at home, but it never happened for a multitude of reasons. Pedometer yesterday = 6200 steps.
On the positive side, I had a snack of some macadamia nuts and some leftover ham and then a healthy dinner of a Subway turkey bacon low-carb wrap - 11 carbs! I figure I had about 40 carbs for the day -YAY!!!! I had NO chocolate and NOTHING from the E.V.M.!! I think I may have broken the nasty food cycle!!

I'm making definite progress!! The junk food just doesn't look as inviting as it did a few days ago.

Today's goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out on the desk for lunch.
2. Water - 64 oz at work.
3. Food - under 60 carbs and NO chocolate or unhealthy E.V.M. stuff. I'm eating my pumpkin custard for breakfast - 6 carbs. I brought string cheese and another pumpkin custard for snacks. I think I'll have a salad for lunch. Dinner is a roast which is already in the Crock-pot (patting myself on the back for remembering to put it in this morning!).
4. Exercise - none so far, but I have my pedometer on. My goal is to top my 6200 steps from yesterday.

I think that's enough for me to do today.

Deb, I'll be getting more steps in today - you can count on it!

Lisa, the Subway turkey bacon wrap is DELISH!! I really enjoyed it and it didn't feel like "diet" food. Who needs all that bread, anyway! I want to taste all the good stuff INSIDE! We will be making regular trips to Subway! You can also get ANY of their sandwiches on a low-carb wrap - you'll just have to calculate the carbs yourself.

Erin, I'll see your A.M. Challenge and raise you one - I'm ready for a Tuesday Challenge! I can walk the healthy walk all day long today, especially if you're walking with me! :happy1: I'm mentally ready to commit to the whole day - are you with me, girlfriend?? My goals above will cover everything but the Doreen-affirming thoughts - hmmm, have to work on that one. I am proud that I was cheat-free yesterday and that I've got dinner in the crock-pot already and that I have healthy snacks with me at work. I'm on a roll!! Here's a toast back at ya, Erin - to my WISH-sis, who helps me more than she could ever know!!

 

[lulu201]

Doe-Doe, you're on! We're going to make this a cheat -free, living-healthy-and-loving it-Tuesday!

Queen Lulu (but not for long! )

 

[DoeWDW]

Goals so far:
1. Meds taken, vitamins still waiting on the desk.
2. 24 oz water down.
3. 6 carbs from breakfast so far. I made a salad for lunch but haven't eaten it yet. I wasn't hungry over lunch hour and I think it's silly to eat just "because it's time". I have the salad in the fridge so that I can have it when I'm hungry this afternoon. I'll take the vitamins then too.
4. Walked for part of lunch hour - about 2800 steps. I'm up over 7000 for the day so far. This is a big deal - I usually just sit on my bum over lunch hour - takes a lot of willpower to walk!!

I'm doing well and I'm cheat-free so far. I can't see anything that might derail me!

Edit: 2:45 PM
Ate my salad an hour ago and took my vitamin. I'm finishing up 52 oz of water. I'm feeling so full! Can't imagine cheating at the moment!

 

[lulu201]

Hey, Doreen. . .YOU'RE DOING IT! A CHEAT FREE TUESDAY IS OVER HALF WAY THROUGH (that is, if you go to bed by 10 p.m. ).
I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers all day. Just wanted you to know that.

You're beating me on steps today, too. I'm at 7389 and I'm on my way to take a nap! DSIL didn't come today--long story--but now I'm into some serious R and R. DD is at a birthday party/sleepover and DH, who has a bad headcold, is already snoring away. Might as well join him, don't you think?

Did I tell you I'm going to Subway to have a turkey wrap? It's sounding good at 10 points!

'Til later,
E.

 

[DoeWDW]

It's only 6:30 but I've finished eating. If I have anything else it will be sf jello w/ whipped cream, but I don't think I'll even want that. I've had my second cheat-free day!! Dinner was roast beef and 2 Dove dark chocolate Promises. I was going to make veggies but all the stuff in the freezer had freezer burn! The kids and DH will have carby stuff with their roast - I have left the kitchen!! The Dove dark chocolate Promises are the only chocolate I have no desire to overeat. They have lots of healthy stuff in them, believe it or not. 2 of them = 7 carbs.

My goals:
1. Meds & vitamins taken - A+
2. 64 oz water - drank it all - A+
3. Food, under 60 carbs for the day - A+
4. Exercise - 9100+ steps at the moment - A-, but walking at lunch bumps it up to a solid A.

I did GOOD today! I'm feeling better and stronger each day. Gotta love this healthy living!!

 

[mudnuri]

Good job on not cheating! DH brought home chinese food tonight, per my request, and I had to eat in the living room, and stay away from them with all their carb laden food. DD's had sweet & sour chicken, loaded with carbs, and the sauce must have tons of sugar!....so I know the feeling of leaving the kitchen!

Congrats again....your quite the inspiration!

Brandy

 

[Castillo Mom]

Congratulations on your cheat free day and staying away from the E.V.M. Thanks for the feedback on the Subway wraps, they sound good. I'll probably try one this weekend. Keep up the good work Doreen!

 

[DoeWDW]

Brandy, I thought I was the only one who fled the kitchen.... Glad to hear I have good company!!

Today will be another healthy day for me!

Goals - the usual.
1. Meds & vitamins.
2. Water - 5 12 oz mugs = 60 oz before I leave work.
3. Food - under 60 carbs for the day and avoid trigger foods.
4. Exercise - I have my pedometer on and will try to motivate myself to walk at lunch for at least 15 minutes.

No big plans for tonight. We're staying home and I don't have anything special planned. I'm not even sure I'm going to stay up until midnight - am feeling tired already this morning. I feel guilty - shouldn't I create a festive atmosphere for the kids and DH? It sounds like work. Maybe we'll play a game as a family tonight, so we can at least spend time together - that's what is important, right? I don't HAVE to do a special meal, have party favors and toast in the new year, do I??? So many mixed feelings.

More later.....