http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/ Atkins Diet and Low Carb Diet Support, research and free low carb diet recipes. Resources for low carbohydrate diet plans such as the atkins diet and the south beach diet. en Sun, 19 May 2013 23:16:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/images/misc/rss.jpg http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/ http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/please-get-clue-lady-113/ Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:53:15 GMT So, I have a bit of a vent that I need to get off my chest because it has been frustrating me for weeks now and I thought this would be the best place to share. My poor boyfriend is so sick of hearing me b!tch and I am too polite to say it to the face of the person in question. I have a... So, I have a bit of a vent that I need to get off my chest because it has been frustrating me for weeks now and I thought this would be the best place to share. My poor boyfriend is so sick of hearing me b!tch and I am too polite to say it to the face of the person in question.

I have a collegue/friend who is the typical “chase the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” dieter. You know the type – tries new diet craze, finds it too restrictive and feels too deprive, strays off plan due to the strict nature of it all, eats waaaaaay to much crap in retaliation for the food they have been missing out on while on said diet, put on weight thanks to junky food blow outs, wonder why they put on weight and curse the new diet for not working. I’m sure you know a person like this or were that person yourself. Well the person I am talking about – let’s call her Sally (name changed of course), is exactly this person and she is getting on my nerves!

Now, I am not one that enjoys bitching but I simply have to get this out in the open. So many times I have wanted to yell at her “you put on weight because you eat too much sh!t!!!!!!!!” but I hold my tongue and listen politely to her grumbling and complaining.

A few months ago it was Weight Watchers (which I actually must thank her for as she introduced me to the meetings, which have been a great help in my weight loss pursuits) but she no longer goes because she gained weight. Forget the fact that for two weeks prior to that weigh in, she had been pigging out non stop on chocolate, pasta, pizza, hot chips and other various nasties. She even sighed to me during the meeting that she didn’t understand why she couldn’t lose weight and how she was going to see a doctor to see if she had a medical condition. Hellooooooooooooo! It’s called eating too much crap!

Next came the Syndrome X idea. When she told me about this it sparked my interest and after doing some internet research on it, I came to learn of low card eating and I decided to try the Atkins approach (which I have stuck with for a few months, thank you very much!). Of course, the whole Syndrome X plan when out the window in a matter of days after she found that she couldn’t afford to buy the book from the book store. That is when I offered to lend her my Atkins book as I had already bought and read it, had been on it for a couple of weeks with much success and knew that she might find it quite helpful.

Initially she was interested, especially after hearing how much I had lost, but she wanted to take it “easy” and was only willing to give up obvious carbs like white bread and pasta. Fruit for breakfast was on the menu, as was rice, noodles and other carb loaded foods. It was at this point that I started to get frustrated as I was trying really hard to give her a helping hand and all my advice was being ignored.

Of course, after more weight gain was seen on the “low carb” diet, she was off finding something else.

At present it is a program called Sure Slim. They do blood tests on you and advocate a break of five hours between each meal. Their argument for this break is so that your body has time to digest food and avoid too much production of insulin. Ah, I am pretty sure all is required to avoid insulin overdose is cutting out the carbs – an issue I had already highlighted to her when talking up the Atkins plan. She is still allowed to eat bread, crackers and other things like that on the plan, so even after the supposed five hours of required rest, if she eats a bowl of pasta up goes the blood sugar. And she wonders why she is hungry all the time!

After complaining that the Atkins plan was too restrictive and complicated, she is now on a plan that tells you what time of the day to eat. How stupid is that! It sounds to me like a lot of bells and whistles just so a company can pretend that it has a new revolutionary diet plan that will melt off the pounds. And the fact that she had to apply for finance just to afford the damn program actually makes me quite mad.

So, that is my b!tch. Sorry about my venting but it had to be said before my head exploded! ]]> LifeInMotion http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/please-get-clue-lady-113/ http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/off-wagon-112/ Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:20:54 GMT Well, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been in touch and I must admit that part of the reason for my absence is that I fell off the wagon a bit over this period. It was a case if gastroenteritis that had me throwing up at even at the thought of eggs, bacon and anything remotely diary. So of course... Well, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been in touch and I must admit that part of the reason for my absence is that I fell off the wagon a bit over this period. It was a case if gastroenteritis that had me throwing up at even at the thought of eggs, bacon and anything remotely diary. So of course I took full advantage of the fact that I had given myself some “off time” and indulged in some not-so-good-for-me foods, such as Rocky Road and potato chips. I have to say that after three days of this behavior I was kinda over it and snapped back into my low card routine. I have been doing pretty well considering my lapse and have continued to steadily lose weight over the past couple of months, although at a much slower pace than when I fist started but I expected that to be the case. In total I have lost about 6kgs, which I am really happy with as I always thought that losing any kind of significant weight would include suffering, hunger and deprevation. But I love my diet and feel that there are no restrictions on me at all.

When I first started my adventured into low carb eating I of course took the typical route of a anally retentive perfectionist – I wanted to stick strictly to plan each and every day. I wanted to be the best little low carb dieter in town. But I soon realized that putting this kind of pressure on my self was doing more harm than good. And all the old hang ups I had from my eating badly days were still hanging around. So for some silly reason, when I would eat a “sweet”, such as sugar free jelly with a bit of thickened cream on top, it sent a message to my head that I was eating something “bad” (presumably because I actually enjoyed it!) and then that gave the binge eating process some momentum. It was the same trap that I had fallen into too many times before.

Now my attitude has changed. Instead of beating my self up over stupid petty things, I just pretend like I am not on any diet at all and live my life as though I would if I could eat whatever I wanted to. Except now I enjoy sugar free chocolate bars and Coke Zero instead of cake and soda. If I feel like something “junky”, I find out a low carb version and enjoy the hell out of it! That way my brain is getting its little fix of “naughty” food while my body gets the nutrients it deserves.

I know that deep down the best thing to do is to tackle the issue of why I crave certain foods and that wanting to eat them is just a knee jerk reaction to some deep seeded emotion. But I also find that over analyzing the situation can make it real hard to have some head way in terms of tackling my fixation on what goes into my mouth.

I understand that I will never be perfect – I still love chocolate and jelly and soda and all that other yummy stuff. I also know that my body needs to be better taken care of after all the dietary torture I have put it through over the years. So for me it is about balance and right now I am in a great place both mentally and physically. My clothes are looser, my stomach less bloated, my skin in better condition. I am confident enough to go out and buy a pair of jeans in a smaller size. And I really enjoy my weekly Friday lunch time Weight Watchers meetings. Even though I don’t follow their plan, I love the support and shared sense of purpose that I get from getting together with a bunch of like minded people.

As for my eating – I am of the opinion that as long as I stick to low carb options, I have had a good day. I still write down my carb intake, but this is mostly now just to make sure that I am getting enough vegetable carbs, rather than a way to over control my eating habits. And it works for me. And I guess that is all a weight loser can ask for. ]]> LifeInMotion http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/off-wagon-112/ http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/easter-tried-break-me-89/ Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:42:49 GMT Well, this weekend was one hell of a comfort zone blaster! This was the first Easter that I have not indulged in a bit (okay, A LOT!) of chocolate. It was very challenging and very uncomfortable at times. Four whole days of sitting on my hands and trying not to pay attention to the chocolate... Well, this weekend was one hell of a comfort zone blaster! This was the first Easter that I have not indulged in a bit (okay, A LOT!) of chocolate. It was very challenging and very uncomfortable at times. Four whole days of sitting on my hands and trying not to pay attention to the chocolate surrounding me.

First up was Easter Friday, which wasn’t so bad as I stayed at home and was therefore able to control my food intake. Saturday was much the same, except for the difficult task of Easter egg shopping, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy any of it. Next up Sunday and we went to the Royal Sydney Easter Show. OH MY GOD! Talk about an overwhelming experience. Every where I turned there were things enticing me to break my resolve, things that any other year I would have indulged in until I felt sick. The show bag pavilion, the candy floss stands, donuts, ice cream, slushies, popcorn, nachos, hamburgers, hot chips and every other junky food under the sun. But I stuck it out, refusing to buy into any of it. Fortunately we were lucky enough to find a restaurant amongst all the crazy excess and I sat down to a yummy lunch of steamed veggies, rocket parmesan salad and half a low carb beer. I was really proud of myself that I had stuck it out and waited until something good came along. And that lunch was much more satisfying than a greasy carb loaded meal would have been.

Monday was spent with my partner’s family and once again I was up for a day of dietary hurdles. There were sweets galore on every surface, so no matter where I stood they were staring me in the face. Then out came the scones, chocolate slices and cakes. I could almost swear they were trying to break me! I made it through and was thoroughly proud of myself. I even learnt a few lesson along the way.

Next time I will definitely be more organized and bring some low carb snacks along with me. I will also not assume that there will be something on offer that I can eat, which is the big mistake I made yesterday. I also found Maggie’s story up on the site at the moment timely advice. I got quite grumpy over the past few days, feeling I was “missing out” while everyone else got to indulge. So next time I will DEFINITELY take a low carb food offering with me, then at least I will know that there will be one thing I can get away with eating.

Other than the challenges of adapting to a new way of life, I have been very successful during my Atkins Induction – although I slipped up a bit with the low carb beer and some Atkins bars. I didn’t find that these items affected my weight loss – which to present day stands at 4.7kg/10.3lbs!!! – but those Atkins bars certainly gave me some painful gas! I think I might trade those those suckers in for a daily OMM to satisfy my sweet tooth, so I am going to give them a go sometime during the week. Over all, I am really glad that I made it through the long weekend alive. I can’t believe how much staying power I have had since starting a low carb lifestyle. I guess the fear of slipping back into old habits stops me from even cheating just a little. I also feel so much more alive now that there is nooooooooooo way I would trade this wonderful feeling in just for a measly carb fix. ]]> LifeInMotion http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/easter-tried-break-me-89/ http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/time-say-goodbye-my-best-friend-77/ Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:58:40 GMT Have you ever had to cut someone out of your life even though you loved them a whole lot? You knew they were toxic for you but letting them go hurt too much that you would keep putting it off, simply to avoid the pain. I have had to do this twice in the past with boyfriends I loved deeply,... Have you ever had to cut someone out of your life even though you loved them a whole lot? You knew they were toxic for you but letting them go hurt too much that you would keep putting it off, simply to avoid the pain.

I have had to do this twice in the past with boyfriends I loved deeply, one of whom was my first love. It hurt a lot, and for a long time I avoided the inevitable break up. Yesterday, I had to go through another difficult break up – but this time I had to say goodbye to the best friend I have had all my life. The best friend that has boosted me up when I was stressed or angry, the best friend that held my hand when I was upset, the best friend that was there by my side to celebrate every important milestone I’ve ever experienced.

Unfortunately, the relationship has turned toxic and it is time to say goodbye to both friend and foe. A foe who controls the way I think, a foe that has influenced me to both starve and purge, a foe that has ruled every hour of my waking day.

My best friend.

Food.

Yesterday was the breaking point in our relationship and the realization that it was the end of a lifelong partnership. It was day 5 of my Atkins Induction. I felt weak, lethargic, irritated, restless and nauseas. By this point I was expecting the energy “zing” to kick in. Alas, I was stuck lolling on the couch with zero motivation, barely able to keep my eyes open. And then it hit me. Something I’d been putting off for 5 whole days. The bold faced truth that the most influential support system I’d ever had was gone. Now how would I cope with all the emotions I’d been repressing over the years…..?

Then came the tears. Heaving, heavy, body wracking sobs. I actually felt a severe sense of loss wash over me. I didn’t understand why, after almost a week of feeling fine, I was all of a sudden taken over by emotion. But then I realized, I was grieving. This was different to the last times, as I always knew that after a short period of the inner battle that is a low fat diet that my best friend would return. This time I know that my best friend is gone for good.

Its funny how you can be so mad at something that controls your life so much yet can be so drastically upset when it is no longer there. I am so used to that comfort zone of coming home from a stressful day at work to stuff myself with any junk food I could get my hands on. I guess I’m scared of how I will deal with my feelings now that I no longer have that crutch to lean on.

You know what though? I may be scared, I may be apprehensive, I may be COMPLETELY out of my comfort zone, but I am determine to be a success. I don’t want something as ridiculous as food to rule my life anymore. It’s time to turn my back on my old pal.

It’s time to say good bye – for good. ]]> LifeInMotion http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/time-say-goodbye-my-best-friend-77/ http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/atkins-induction-day-3-73/ Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:09:53 GMT It is the afternoon of day 3 and I am feeling better than earlier in the day. This morning I was barely awake and so, so, soooooooo lethargic. I have pepped up somewhat since then and am feeling pretty good. In fact, I am feeling a surge of energy coming on and it's very exciting.

So I thought I'd share by stats so far, and will continue to do so on a weekly basis in order to keep me honest.

I have started going to a Weight Watchers meeting on a Wednesday to support my friend who is doing their program. I am not following the program myself but I find the meetings and the idea of a weekly weigh in to be positive things in my life to have. This week I did my first weigh in.

Weigh In; 73.7kgs/162lbs
Goal Weight; 50kg/110lbs
Weight to Lose; 23.7kg/52lbs
Current Cravings; would kill for something sweet!

I am having lots of fun coming up with different variations of my induction foods. Last night I had a prawn stirfry and the night before it was a chicken curry - they were both delicious! And all the cooking and food prepartion has taken my mind off the fact that I am not bingeing on chocolate anymore. Just can't wait until induction is over so that I can start experimenting with low carb sweets. ]]> LifeInMotion http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/blogs/lifeinmotion/atkins-induction-day-3-73/