Lisa's Weightloss Journal (comments welcomed!)

[Castillo Mom]

Time to post my menu for yesterday.

1/7/04:
Breakfast-1 slice of toast, small cup of coffee. Lately I hadn't been eating a full breakfast due to time constraints but I know I need to do better in this area.

Lunch-Two small chicken breasts topped with cheese, green beans, sliced tomato, diet Sierra Mist.

Dinner-Ate dinner really late. I worked until 7:30 last night and DS called me right before I left to tell me that he came down with the flu, so I ran to the pharmacy and grocery store. I knew I should have picked up some Thera-Flu tablets last time because DS will NOT take liquid cold/flu meds. But I digress. I had a low carb wrap from Subway, chicken bacon. Very good! I had an Atkins Endulge candy bar for dessert, only 2 carbs.

Erin, salami didn't sound too good to me either for breakfast but I figured it was better than nothing. You ladies have taught me not to skip no matter what, so I've tried really hard to keep to that rule. My goodness, the lengths we go to to try and stay on plan!

A1A1, you had me cracking up as I as picturing you trying to get a metal tape measure around your waist! So have you gotten the right one yet? Have a great day!

Laurie, thanks for the fireworks. That pound took quite a while to come off but at least it finally did!

 

[Castillo Mom]

I don't normally post to my journal this many times in one day, but I just have to vent! This may be long, so brace yourself if you're reading this. Let me preface by saying that I have several relatives and friends like my fellow WISHers that are on different weight loss plans, whether it be Atkins, SB, WW, etc. I've found the majority of my support here at WISH and even though I've said it before, I'll say it again, I really appreciate all of the kindness and encouragement from all of you. Now on to my story. I have a friend from work that I used to work closely with that moved to a different department over 2 years ago, but we still keep in pretty close touch and she started WW at about the same time I restarted Atkins. Anyway, to make a long story longer, when she first found out I was doing Atkins she was highly critical. I didn't really take offense to it at first and figured she was just misinformed. Many have the impression that those on Atkins are carnivors who load up on raw red meat, whole sticks of butter and a block of cheese every day. I know I'm being melodramatic, but you get the point. Anyway, I politely explained to her that while the induction phase of the plan is very strict, the process is to add carbs to one's diet little by little which includes fresh fruit, veggies, salad, so on and so on. One doesn't stay on induction forever. This is supposed to be a change in eating habits, not a fad diet. I wasn't trying to get her to convert to Atkins, just giving her the facts since she seemed to have the wrong impression. I've always fully supported her in her endeavors as I have with another close friend that I work with here in my office. Actually, what she and I eat is very similar since she keeps her carbs on the low side except that she counts points instead. Well, the latter friend got an email from the one I used to work with. In the email she asked how I was doing and the other replied that I was fine and had officially lost 40 lbs as of today and that I'm still doing Atkins. My other friend (the one I used to work with) replied back that she still thinks that I'm wrong for doing Atkins and that WW is definitely the way to go and that I'm going to gain all my weight back while they'll keep theirs off because WW is a lifestyle change. She also commented that she hasn't lost only a few pounds but I've lost way too much in too short a time. Excuse me but when I lost the most weight during the induction phase, but of course a lot of that was water. Since then I've been averaging 2 pounds per week. Those of you who keep up with my journal regularly know that it took almost two weeks to lose 1/2 a pound. When I found out what was said I was angry at first, but what it comes down to is that my feelings are hurt. What difference does it make what plan you, I or anyone else is on? Why do some people have to be so critical and tear others down? I've read up on many different plans, and I have to admit that each one has it's advantages and disadvantages. I don't think there's one out there that's perfect. It's up to the individual to decide what's best for them, their health and their circumstances. My dear friend here has never been critical and we cheer each other on, in fact we have lunch together every day. If I hadn't been planning this vacation to WDW, I never would have found WISH and all of you wonderful ladies. I've never had one negative word from any of you and I've never seen a negative comment made to anyone else here, only uplifting thoughts and comments. This journey has been made so much easier because I know that no matter what happens during the day, whether I slip up or not, someone will come around and say something kind or nudge me back on track. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

[LAinSEA]

You are the only one who can make lifestyle (including diet/exercise) decisions for you.

I've found a lot of people (including our doctor) who think Atkins is unhealthy. The media doesn't help the sterotype either by showing a guy eating 4 quarterpounders - no bun as a snack on Dateline NBC (yeah, he also lost 108 lbs in 10 months).

I picked up the SBD book last Monday at Costco and was surprised to find that the way I do Atkins is extremely similar to the meal plans on SBD. The biggest difference is the low-fat foods and the way you "count" or "not count" carbs. WW also has a low-carb plan. And Atkins doesn't say that you are supposed to live on butter, beef & cream alone.

I chose Atkins because it was easy to follow and I'm never ever hungry. I've know people on WW that become absolutely obsessed with food because they were always hungry!

How to handle the negativity...maybe thank her for her concern, compliment her on her efforts to lose weight, show her your meal plans (which are varied and healthy) and tell her about WISH!

But hey maybe she's just envious of your success! (I know that I wish that I could do 40 in 4 also.)

Keep up the incredible effort.

-Laurie

 

[Castillo Mom]

Laurie, I know of some doctors that don't agree with Atkins either. However, my personal physician is in favor of it. When I first started Atkins, I talked to my doctor about it and he did my labs as it is suggested in the book. While I've never had a problem with my cholesterol, when my labs were done again, there was no change. He mentioned that many of his patients who've done the same have actually lowered their cholesterol. My point is, my doctor has given me the green light on this and I trust his judgement.

I'd like to respond to her comments (kindly of course) but the email was to my friend about me, not to me. Lately there's been some distance between us and while I don't expect or need her to comment on my weight loss, whenever I see her she doesn't say anything and I always commend her on her progress. Oh well, I just need to get over it and I know I will, I'm just a little hurt right now but I won't hold a grudge.

 

[ZerasPride]

I'd like to call and give her a piece (what little I have to spare) of my mind! Lisa, she is obviously jealous of the fantastic progress you have made. I have a friend that is doing something similar to me right now. She's on WW and started in September. She lost 13 pounds. When I started SBD in December we were at a gathering together and she noticed I was only eating the meats and cheeses (my second week on Phase I) and she asked me what plan I was doing because it looked like I had lost a few pounds. I told her it was SBD and she asked me how much I had lost and actually I was a little embarassed. I finally did tell her I lost 11 pounds. She asked how long it took me and when I told her 1 week, she almost fell on the floor!

When I see her now she looks me up and down but doesn't say much except to ask me how my diet is going like she expects me to say I've quit the diet and am on my way to a all you can eat buffet but when I try to talk to her and give her encouragement with her WW program, she changes the subject. I don't understand people sometimes.

We know the struggles you face on a daily basis to juggle your woe, family and work responsibilties. This isn't easy for any of us and I sometimes resent how people snub you when they realize you are doing low carb. One lady at my job made an unsolicited and definitely unwelcomed comment about her niece's aunt's cousin twice removed that lost 70 pounds on Atkins one summer and then had gained it all back by Christmas. These urban legends just kill me. Why do people have to be so critical? It's unbelieveable. You are doing so well - keep up the great work and instead of saying something to that co-worker, let your weight loss success and positive attitude speak for itself!!!! Take care my friend!

 

[A1A1]

This is deja vu. I had a similar situation with a very dear friend. A year or so ago, my very dear friend started WW while I started Atkins. I have never heard her be so forceful about the food pyramid and she knew someone who did Atkins who doubled his weight once he stopped it, and on, and on, and on. I lost over forty pounds on it in a very short time. When I stopped into her house one afternoon, she said with horror, "You look better than me!" She did not like that one bit.

People feel so insecure. It amazes me how competitive some people can become. Weight is such a personal issue, and for many of us who have been overweight for a long time, it becomes how we identify ourselves. Your "friend", sorry to use that word, is probably feeling like a failure herself after seeing how successful you have been. I bet she feels very powerless, and the way for her to feel more powerful is to drag you down.
I hope you don't allow yourself to be too affected by this. Then she will have accomplished what she secrectly hoped to do---make herself feel better, by degrading you in some way. She must be scared out of her wits. I bet you she'll secretly do Atkins without telling anyone now.

I tried WW in between the last time I did low carb and this time. It just doesn't work for me, but nevertheless, the woman at WW was very negative about Atkins when I mentioned my success on the Atkins program. For some who are less knowlegable, it is just easier to bad mouth the competition than to accept that different plans work for different people. Your former co-worker may be hearing some of that at her meetings like I did. I hope not.

Maybe you will be able to take her envy as a serious compliment. You must be looking very good for her to get her underwear in such a knot about it.

By the way, my friend that criticized me......her husband is now on the Atkins plan.

 

[A1A1]

Just want to make it clear that I am not knocking WW at all. It is a wonderful program for many, many people. Just not for me.

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, Lisa!

Just wanted to say, "Yippee! You look even better in the 40 pound clippie than you did in the 35!"

As far as your friend's comments. . .I know they hurt you, but some people have a very hard time watching other people succeed--it pushes all their own insecurity buttons. She also probably never dreamed in a million years that your other friend would decide to share this email with you--not that that justifies her negativity in any way.

Try to keep your chin up, Lisa. You are an incredible example of perseverence, and you've accomplished something others only dream about! All of us on the WISH have benefited from seeing you change your life. Let this incident only make you stronger in your resolve and knowledge that what you're doing for yourself is absolutely the best for YOU!

Hugs,
Erin

 

[Castillo Mom]

Thanks to all of you who posted about my experience yesterday. You're all wonderful and I've learned so much from you and your examples/experiences. I feel much better today, especially after reading your comments. I should have seen this situation coming because after my friend found out I was working out at LA Fitness, she told me that wasn't the place for "women like us" and that I should go to Curves like she does. I'm sure Curves is a great place and I did check into it, however it just didn't work with my schedule. I'm not sure what she meant by "women like us" but I'm assuming she maybe had some discomfort with the place because some of the people that work out there are very fit (and young)! That doesn't bother me in the least, but to each his own. Anyway, today is going to be a great day, the sun is shining outside, I feel good and I'm seeing a very productive day ahead here at work. Thanks again ladies and I'll be sure to check out your journals sometime today or tonight. Have a great day!

 

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I've been away from your journal for only 3 days and look at all I've missed!!

First things first!

40 pounds in 4 months!!!

WOW!! I bet you're looking and feeling great - is that a gleam of jealousy I see in your "friend's" eye?? You are looking so fabulous in that beautiful clippie!!

Now, Lisa, we must chat about your scale obsession. It is a proven fact that on low-carb, you generally lose EITHER inches or pounds - you almost never lose them at the same time. That's why measurements are so important - make time to buy that tape measure! The scale may stay the same for a week or two but you will lose inches. Then, your inches will stay the same for a bit and the scale will whoosh downward. That's just the way low-carb works, girlfriend, so you've got to stop letting that scale number rule your life, OK? Hang onto this concept when the scale isn't budging and you'll find it easier to keep going with a smile on your face.

Keep up the great work, Lisa!

 

[littleducksmom]

lisa..congrats on your new 40# clippie!!!!!!!!!........just a note on those secret sabotageurs..........i wonder who showed you this email........hmmmmmmmm?.......

you are doing a wonderful job and now that you have got over this 40# hurdle........maybe you cannot weigh for 1 week?..especially now that your clothes are fitting better.

 

[A1A1]

Yes you are right. The one who showed you the email.........two words..........."passive aggressive"...................

Seems like you are doing so well. Keep up the good work. Stay focused. Don't let anyone deter you from the wonderful journey that you are on.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning gals! Yesterday was a whirlwind and I promised to get to your journals, so I'm going to get right down to business so I can go see what you've all been up to.

1/8/04
Breakfast-I'm going to try to remember what I ate. Oh, two scrambled eggs and 3 slices of bacon, small cup of coffee.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties, green beans, sliced tomato, diet Sierra Mist.

Dinner-I wasn't very hungry so I had a leftover roast beef, Fuze fruit drink and low carb ice cream bar for dessert.

1/9/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of low carb toast, small cup of coffee. Hmmm, I've been having a lot of coffee lately. Wouldn't have noticed if I didn't journal.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties (again), broccoli, diet Sierra Mist. The only reason I keep having the hamburger patties is because I'm not planning ahead. They have salads in the bistro where I work but they're expensive and lately I've been wanting a hot meal for lunch. I'm going to have to strategize.

Dinner-Hubby called late yesterday afternoon and ran into some old friends of our that we haven't seen in ages and they invited us out dancing. I didn't have time to eat dinner. I have nothing at home that fits properly, except 2 outfits, so I ran to the mall to pick something up. Of course I got sidetracked at Bath and Body Works since they were having a 75% sale. Ran home, showered, changed and ran out the door with hubby and went straight to the club. Didn't have dinner until 2:00 a.m. I had a tuna sandwich on whole wheat but took off the top piece of bread.

Incidentally, two my friends are on a weight loss plan and one has lost a lot of weight doing low carb and she looks wonderful. The other is doing Atkins as well but is still on induction. It was funny because the 3 of us gave the waiter a hard time ordering our food. The restaurant wasn't very low carb friendly, so we had to ask for substitutions which seemed to irritate him. Had a great evening and got in plenty of exercise witht he dancing. Boy am I out of shape because I sure felt the burn in my thighs! We went out salsa dancing and it was a blast.

I've gone on too long. I'm off the start reading your journals. Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[DoeWDW]

Salsa dancing!! What a great way to exercise! Sounds like a lot more fun than walking on the treadmill!! I bet you looked great and felt lots better dancing with 40 pounds less of you!!

Glad to hear you had a great time!

 

[A1A1]

I want to read more about the outfit, and how great it was to be out and about with your friends.

Sounds like a good evening. I have only seen salsa dancing on tv, and I congratulate you for being able to do it.

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, Lisa! It sounds like you and your friends had a great time out dancing. I bet you felt light on your feet out there on the dance floor!

Good luck with weigh in tomorrow. You know I'll be thinking of you! Are you going to the gym today to workout?

Have a good one,
Erin

 

[Strings]

Good morning Lisa. I'm glad you had fun dancing. Hope weigh in goes well. Have a Great morning.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

How do you get your DH to go out dancing?!!!

Sounds like a wonderful time.

-Laurie

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

I forgot to congratulate you on your beautiful 40 pound clippie! It looks marvelous on you!

You are a salsa dancer? How wonderful! I would love to be able to do that. I bet you had a ball - what a great way to get in some exercise.

I noticed you said you had an ice cream bar the other day, may I ask what type it was? I was looking in the grocery store last week for something acceptable and couldn't find anything. The lc items were all too high in calories.

I hope you are having a good start to your week. Take care!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Here we are, another Monday. Last week just flew by and I'm hoping I can cruise through this week too. I've got two days worth of menus to post, hope I can remember everything I ate.

1/10/04:
Breakfast-Slept in and jumped out of bed and went straight to work, so forgot to bring anything with me. It was too late to eat anyway.

Lunch-Bologna sandwich, small cup of coffee.

Dinner-Went out to dinner with hubby and the kiddos to a soup/salad bar. Ate a small salad, 1/3 cup of lentil soup; had a mini blueberry muffin for dessert; iced tea.

1/11/04:
Breakfast-Hubby and I went out for breakfast while the boys slept in. Went to Hometown Buffet. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, 1/2 cup of oatmeal and 1/2 cup of milk, water. Had a very small piece of sugar free chocolate cream pie but didn't touch the crust. That breakfast took up my whole day's carbs!

Lunch-Wasn't feeling very well. I'm pretty sure I caught the flu from my son but since I had the flu shot, I got a pretty mild case. I napped most of the afternoon so slept through lunch.

Dinner-This is pretty pathetic: I had two hot dogs (no bun) and a Fuze fruit drink. I just wasn't in the mood to make myself anything else to eat.

Doreen, I did feel a lot better without those 40 lbs! I remember going out dancing some time in July right before I started eating right and I felt awful and very akward with all that weight on me.

A, I wore a black velour top with a plunging neckline and a black and berry-colored skirt, you know the ones that are uneven in the hemline (skirt is kind of hard to describe). I've worn it once before to a wedding I went to last month. We did have great fun and hubby and I are thinking about taking lessons. I grew up dancing salsa, it's in practically in our blood (I'm Puerto Rican, he's Cuban). We want to take lessons to learn the more complex turns. It's a great form of exercise and I highly recommend it.

Laurie, my husband loves to dance! That's one of the things that attracted me to him when we met. We have many fond memories of our evenings out salsa dancing. BTW, tomorrow is our anniversary, 15 years married.

Lisa, the ice cream bar I had is called Skinny Cow. They come in both low fat and low carb versions and they're pretty good. I don't know if you have Ralph's grocery chain in your area but that's where I buy them.

Thanks for posting everyone, have a great week!