Sunday, September 16, 2007

Week 27 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) (carbed up for the race)
Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4) - Week 13: 142.4 (-0)
Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8) - Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2)
Week 16: 140 (+0.6) - Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8)
Week 18: 139 (-0.2) - Week 19: 138 (-1)
Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6) - Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8)
Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4) - Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6)
Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4) - Week 25: 137.6 (-6)
Week 26: 139.6 (+2) - Week 27: 142 (+2.4)
Total loss: -12

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Thursday was a semi-cheat due to the staff dinner so I logged it as a cheat day.
Weight Thursday morning: 134.4 (One week ago: 133)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 260

Calories eaten Friday: 1245
Fat: 21g (15%)
Carbs: 93g (30%)
Protein: 98g (32%)
Weight Friday morning: 137 (One week ago: 132.4)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 274

Weight Saturday morning: 137.4 (One week ago: 135.6)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 266

Crap. I just keep gaining. It has to be the soy. Every time I eat the soy cereal I start gaining and I know it's bloat. Plus, two cheat days this week made the whole week a wash. So time to get back to my regular one cheat day per week, and cut out the soy cereal. Doing a high protein breakfast is so difficult without the cereal. I need to start thinking about meat and lower-carb dairy options.

I'm also getting sick. I've had a sore throat for a couple of days now. I bought various cold and allergy medications yesterday and am dosing up on Zicam and Vitamin C. I made it to the gym anyway, and did a full workout. Thank God for Rock Star energy drinks! Tomorrow I am going to sleep in and let my body fight off this cold.

Had one sad thing happen this weekend. Brad came to church with me on Sabbath, and as we were driving back there was some really bad traffic. We finally came upon the cause of the traffic backup - an accident scene. Any cars had already been cleared, and on site were a bunch of police and the coroner's van. I could see a body on a stretcher wrapped head to toe in a sheet, and blood was visible on the sheet. It's not every day you see a dead body, and this guy was clearly dead. After the accident scene the traffic cleared up.

By the way, Abby came back on Thursday night while I was doing laundry. She was only gone one day this time. I guess she is settling into the domestic life. Brad pointed out that each time she gets out, she comes back sooner. :)

Now for the photos. First, I got Thursday night's dinner photos up. More will likely appear on my Flickr account when I get Jon and Lisa's photos. Click any photo to enlarge and read a full explanation.

staff photo they prepare Brad's salad at the table

my low-carb dinner Lisa me with after-dinner coffee

I also took a couple of sunset photos through the window of the restaurant.

sunset from El Torito, where we had dinner sunset from El Torito, where we had dinner


Friday Brad and I went walking in Sibley Park. I took just one picture of a lizard on a small side trail. Click to enlarge.

a lizard on a small side trail in Sibley Park

Saturday after church Brad and I visited the Mormon Temple in Oakland, something I have been wanting to do for a long time. A lady explained some things to us about the temple, then left us to the exhibits in the visitor center. There is so much stuff to look at there, we couldn't do it all and I want to go back again. Here's some photos we took outside. Click on them for a larger size and full explanation.
me in front of a fountain at the Mormon temple

Oakland Mormon temple a view from the Oakland Mormon temple Brad and I at the Oakland Mormon temple

me at the Oakland Mormon temple flowers in the garden at the Oakland Mormon temple the Oakland Mormon temple

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Thursday, September 13, 2007

Staff dinner at El Torito

Calories eaten yesterday: 1302
Fat: 34g (25%)
Carbs: 101g (33%)
Protein: 127g (42%)
Weight this morning: 134.4 (One week ago: 133)
Calories burned in exercise today: 260

Abby ran away again. I left the door ajar while I took out the trash and she got away. This is the third time since I moved into the apartment so I'm not really worried. She'll come back in three or four days when she gets hungry enough.

I have more info. on my sister's baby. Her name is Marina Celina. She was born at 10:00 pm, weighed in at 6 lbs. 9 oz., and was 19.25 inches long. She's a little small, but she was three weeks early. Pictures will be posted on my Flickr account as soon as I can clean them up and post them up. So far, I have six photos posted, but the remaining ones need some cleaning up. I'll get them up in a day or so.

My department at work had a staff dinner at El Torito Mexican restaurant. I had the beef, chicken, and shrimp fajitas with no rice, beans, guacamole, or sweet corn dessert thingy - just meat and grilled veggies. No tortillas. I think they used a lot of oil though, so it had a lot of calories. Unsweetened iced tea and Diet Pepsi to drink. I had a few tortilla chips and several bites of the appetiser platter, but mostly just dipped on NutriSystem chips in the salsa and ate those. I tried to be good. Pictures forthcoming, including a photo of my dinner. I am going to weigh a ton on the scale tomorrow. My metabolism is very slow and my body stores every calorie I eat as fat.

I made it to the gym today. I am a certified gym rat. The front desk staff know my name without looking at my membership card!

I got a compliment at the gym today! I was resting between sets on a machine and a guy walked past me and paused. He said something like, "You need to stop (working out). You are looking too good." I live for compliments like that! (c:

Today was a semi-cheat because of the staff dinner, so I bought a a box of Oreo 100 Calorie Packs and had one after my workout - the theory being that you need fast digesting carbs after your workout to replenish muscle glycogen and help the protein get into your muscles. So I had my regular protein shake plus the 100 Calorie Pack. Eventually I hope to have a 100 Calorie Pack after all my gym workouts, but I would like to reach goal first. I gave the box to Brad to hold onto for me so I won't be tempted. I really love these packs - they taste great! They taste so good and are perfect for after the gym - bleached flour and sugar. You don't get more high-GI than that.

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Wednesday, September 12, 2007

My sister had her baby, and my life

Calories eaten yesterday: 1276
Fat: 33g (24%)
Carbs: 93g (30%)
Protein: 137g (44%)
Weight this morning: 135 (One week ago: 134)
Calories burned in exercise today: 87

First, yes, my sister had her baby. Marina was born late on the night of September 10. I have no further information and have been waiting for an update. I spoke to April briefly on the night of September 10 and she sounded fine. She had a very short labor. So I am now officially an aunt. :)

I'm broke, so eating out this week is off. I just did the math and I have a total of $141 in overdraft fees. Geez, how did I let that happen?!? *sigh* Anyway, payday is tomorrow but I will be lucky just to pay my bills and eat this month.

I did buy some more NS eggs from someone on the forum. I'll be sending them a check. I got a pretty good deal - 16 eggs for $25 including shipping.

I haven't lost in the last month. I thought I was part of a Halloween challenge at the NS boards, but found out today that they didn't have a start weight for me. I asked them what day the challenge started (just after vacation), so I took the following Sunday's weight as my start weight. It is exactly the same as this Sunday's weight - 139.6. That is extremely depressing. I am starving myself on 1300 calories most days, and I have lost zippo.

And did I mention that I have a staff dinner tomorrow night as a Mexican restaurant? No matter how healthy I eat I always gain when I eat out because my meds make me hungry. *sigh*

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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Week 27, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1294
Fat: 36g (26%)
Carbs: 101g (32%)
Protein: 125g (40%)
Weight this morning: 136 (One week ago: 135.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 261

Well, I'm stupid. After bidding on and winning 14 NutriSystem egg breakfasts on eBay, I discovered that a simple Maintenace order for only breakfasts from NS is much cheaper. I paid $37.92 for 14 breakfasts ($2.70 per breakfast!). With NS, and with my 15% discount and the two coupons I had, I got 56 eggs breakfasts for $43 ($1.30 per breakfast) - less than half the price! Only a few dollars more, and 42 more breakfasts. I won't be doing that again!

At any rate, I'm stocked up on eggs again. I can do just about any meal on my own except breakfast. There's so few low-carb on-my-own breakfast options that I still feel I need NS for that.

By the way, the anti-Atkins nonsense is starting again on the NutriSystem forums (and I did not start it - somebody made an ignorant comment). If anyone has some good studies from PubMed or some similar place, please leave a link in the comments section. I posted what I could find, but I am sure there is much more out there. I'm trying to use studies and logic, but for those who are terminally stupid it won't work. I just want to prevent this person from getting others to fall into their ignorance. No, I take that back - it's stupidity. Ignorance can be cured with facts; stupidity can't.

I bought more Muscle Milk Light today. It's still on sale and I need enough to last me until the next sale.

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Remembering

9-11 circle heartunafraid

I can't begin to put my thoughts on 9-11 together this year, so I will just repost what I write last year. I still feel the same way, even on this 6th anniversary of the attacks.

Today is the 5th anniversary of 9-11. If you are like me, you know exactly where you were when you heard the news. (I was in bed listening to the radio.) Where were you? Leave a comment.

9-11 split history down the middle - before and after. The '89 earthquake didn't do that. Five years later and I barely noticed that anniversary. But this was different. This was so completely foreign to my experiences. When I was a child and terrorists took over planes, they had the pilots land, and they would negotiate for the lives of the people on board. Sometimes a few died; sometimes all survived. But no terrorist took flying lessons to fly the planes into buildings, purposely killing themselves and all on board. It's indeed a new era we live in, and we've all settled into the "new normal." Now, everytime I see a plane in the sky I say a quick prayer of protection for America and her allies.

Let's purpose to never forget the lives lost. Never before. Never again.

God bless you, my beloved country. I am proud to be an American!


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Monday, September 10, 2007

Labor!

This is just a quickie post. My brother-in-law just called and said my sister has gone into labor and is at the hospital now! The baby is coming! I'll update more in another post when I know more.

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Week 27, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1297
Fat: 34g (25%)
Carbs: 88g (28%)
Protein: 141g (46%)
Weight this morning: 137.8 (One week ago: 137.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 131

Above where I was last week. My body truly hates me. I feel fat and bloated. Why won't my body lose this weight?

12 hour day today. Bleh. But I need the overtime. My only exercise was the walk to work, but I stopped at both Pac N Save (for salad) and WalMart (for diet soda) on the way, so it took a bit longer and I got more aerobic time in. Don't know if I will make it to the gym tomorrow or not. Depends on how tired I am.

Forgot a couple things yesterday. I ate pretty bad on Saturday. I did well for lunch and dinner, but broke just about every one of my 10 Commandments other than that. One reason was because of the power going out. It went off most of the way through Monk - about 9:45 pm. It came back on at 1:30 am. This caused my computer to automatically start up since it had been on at the time the power dropped. The "ding" of the startup woke me up and I was too hungry to go back to sleep. So I ate - horribly. After dinner I continued to eat horribly. I probably ate 3-4 sugar-free chocolate bars on Saturday, plus no-sugar-added ice cream and sugar-free Mentos. I have got to get a grip!

Sunday the power went out again. I don't know what time since it happened while I was asleep. The "ding" of the computer woke me up again (I put it in sleep mode at night instead of shutting it down). I was able to get back to sleep without eating, but what is it with the power going off twice in two days?!

And now the computer is acting funny ever since the first outage. Most times when I load a page it comes up wanting my to type in my password and I have to hit cancel twice to get it to clear. I may have to get a new computer sooner than I hoped.

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Sunday, September 09, 2007

Week 26 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) (carbed up for the race)
Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4) - Week 13: 142.4 (-0)
Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8) - Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2)
Week 16: 140 (+0.6) - Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8)
Week 18: 139 (-0.2) - Week 19: 138 (-1)
Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6) - Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8)
Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4) - Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6)
Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4) - Week 25: 137.6 (-6)
Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Total loss: -14.4

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.
Calories eaten Thursday: 1331
Fat: 18g (13%)
Carbs: 101g (32%)
Protein: 144g (45%)
Weight Thursday morning: 135 (One week ago: 137.8)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 215

Calories eaten Friday: 1417
Fat: 23g (15%)
Carbs: 86g (24%)
Protein: 144g (40%)
Weight Friday morning: 132.4 (One week ago: 133.8)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 287

Weight Saturday morning: 135.6 (One week ago: 134.6)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 249

Crap I suck. I gained two pounds. *sigh* And this week will be extra rough because of the staff dinner Thursday, so I'll be off plan two days this week instead of just one. As any regular reader here knows, no matter how healthy I eat when off plan (and I do always eat healthy) I gain weight. Foodwise, I am back on plan today and trying to keep my calories in the 1300 range.

Went to the gym today. Did one hour of weight training (upper body and core), and then 30 minutes on the exercise bike incorporating the hand weight moves from the magazine, this time using the 8 lb. dumbbells (except for the arm raises where I use no weight).

Here's a couple photos of Brad and I's walk around Lake Merritt on Friday. We went around twice for a total of 6 miles in 2 hours. Click any photo to enlarge.

Lake Merritt me after walking around Lake Merritt

My low weight last week was 132.4, which is what I am in the photo.

Had lunch with Mom, Bill, and Brad on Saturday at Quinn's Lighthouse. Click on the photos to enlarge. There's too many to use the "small" size so I have to use the "thumbnail" size. The last two photos were taken at my apartment.

Mom and Bill

my lunch - steak and veggies Brad and I having lunch Brad, me, Mom, and Bill waiting for lunch

me with Merlot Mom & I Mom, Bill, and me

And finally, a couple sunset photos from my apartment building on Saturday. Click to enlarge.

sunset through screen sunset from my apartment building

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Thursday, September 06, 2007

Week 26, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1286
Fat: 29g (22%)
Carbs: 88g (29%)
Protein: 149g (49%)
Weight this morning: 133 (One week ago: 135)
Calories burned in exercise today: 215

133 this morning! Yay! My pattern of losing during the week and gaining over the weekend seems to have reestablished. 132.2 is the low weight I need to beat. The only time I saw that was July 6.

Had a bit of excitement on the way to the gym. A police chase passed us. The guy fleeing was driving a van and the right front wheel was nearly off. He nearly collided with my bus. I knew he wouldn't get far with the wheel nearly off, and sure enough, within a block or two we passed him crashed, although he didn't appear to collide with anything. I didn't see anyone in the car so he must have run off on foot. I said a quick prayer for him to be caught, and if the car was stolen, for the owner.

I am wiped out today. I made it to the gym, but I had no energy for my leg workout. I had a Diet Rock Star and then bought an ABB Extreme Speed Stack - basically a drink with a lot of caffeine, and only 10 calories. I got the cranapple and it was really good. When I got to work I sent Brad off to Starbucks for a Venti black coffee. Yes, I really am that tired. My only cardio was walking on the treadmill; I was too tired for anything else.

I had a scoop of the chocolate Muscle Milk I bought yesterday with a scoop of chocolate whey protein. That Muscle Milk does taste really good. Yummy!

The overtime I mentioned in yesterday's post is officially reset for Monday. A 12 hour day - ug! But I need the money.

See you all on Sunday with my weigh-in!

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Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Week 26, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1290
Fat: 31g (23%)
Carbs: 111g (36%)
Protein: 125g (40%)
Weight this morning: 134 (One week ago: 136.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 259

Barely hit 134 today. Yay! I'd like to see 134 on the scale more often.

Hit the gym hard today, all upper body work. I'll go back tomorrow and do mostly leg stuff, plus any arm exercises I missed today. After this I did that 1/2 hour treadmill workout in the magazine. I'm getting better at the side stepping. I'll just keep working on it. That's the hardest part of that workout for me. I am so wiped, but whew! - what an endorphin rush!

The overtime that was scheduled for tomorrow may be reset for Monday. They said they will let me know by tomorrow.

Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Light was on sale at my gym today so I bought two canisters of the Light, chocolate flavor of course. ;) It's normally about $35 and they had it on sale for $20. I figure I'll use it in place of my ready-to-drink EAS shakes to save money. I ran into my trainer while I was carrying it and he said it tasted really good. Going by the ingredients it's mostly casein protein with some whey. I don't see any soy protein in it which is good because I already have enough of that in my diet. It's sweetened with Ace-K and Splenda.

Got a call from Mom and Bill and they want to do out to eat at Quinn's Lighthouse. Saturday is the only day I can do that since it's my cheat day. I looked up all the information on MapQuest and faxed it to their hotel. They are supposed to pick me up at church after the Bible Study and then we will drive to Quinn's.

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Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Week 26, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1325
Fat: 37g (26%)
Carbs: 84g (26%)
Protein: 149g (47%)
Weight this morning: 135.4 (One week ago: 138.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 87

Well, I have my overtime on Thursday pulled out from under me. The trip Brad was going on on Thursday is off, so he will be in Net Control, and that means Lisa and I just have our normal shifts. Damn. I don't like change. I like things neat and orderly and I really rearranged my schedule to accommodate this and now it's not there. :(

My women's magazine said that if you can train each body part more that twice a week, you are probably not working out hard enough, so I guess I will go back to the gym tomorrow and hit the upper body weights hard, then go again on Thursday, but do more leg stuff. Time to get back in the game!

My pattern of weight loss seems to be settling back into that pattern again and buy am I relieved. I'm still guarded, but hopefully that my "normal" pattern has returned. I so want to get to goal!

I finally called SheKnows about the magazine subscriptions I ordered two years ago right before they quit doing the hard copy and put it all online. They referred me to the people that are handling subscription questions. The first person I talked to was very unhelpful and I was ready to call the Better Business Bureau. I needed more info to file with them so I called back for more specifics and was helped my someone much more helpful who gave me a username and password and said my two-year Web site subscription didn't start until I logged in (otherwise, it would already have run out!). She also said all three magazines (I had subscriptions to two) had been rolled into one. So I went to the Website she gave me and logged in and perused the online issue. So at least I will get something for my money, even if I'm being jipped by only getting one online magazine instead of the two hard copies I ordered. I could have ordered just one magazine two years ago and saved money! :-p

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Monday, September 03, 2007

Week 26, Day 2 (Labor Day)

Calories eaten yesterday: 1063
Fat: 25g (22%)
Carbs: 80g (31%)
Protein: 119g (46%)
Weight this morning: 137.2 (One week ago: 140)
Calories burned in exercise today: 233

So here I am laboring on Labor Day. Bleh. Oh well, I get comp time for it.

After burning myself out last week I am just doing light cardio this week and nothing more. I may go back to the weights Wednesday. Haven't decided yet. I want to, but I do have a tendency to push myself too hard.

Today I went to the gym and walked about 4.4 miles on the treadmill (1 hour 15 minutes). FitDay says I burned 233 calories. I forgot my protein shake, but had three bags of NS Nacho Crisps in my backpack (12g protein per serving), so I ate one of those. It only has 10 more calories than my shake.

A strange thing happened while walking to work yesterday. I sometimes have people stop and ask my if I am going to the airport (I guess with my Pullman backpack it kind of looks that way). Anyway, someone pulled over and offered me a ride this Sunday. I turned off my iPod and peered into the car to turn him down. After all, I'm walking to work, not the airport (which is much further), for the exercise. If I didn't want to walk I could take the bus. Anyway, it was a really hot day and the guy seemed genuinely concerned about me walking in the sun. The funny part about it is - and this is a "could only happen in the Bay Area" sort of thing - the guy was a midget! Yep, as short as the day is long. I thought it was funny because while people have stopped before, I've never been offered a ride by a midget!

I have all the NS bears I hope to earn uploaded. Eventually I hope to show off all of them here! The red is for losing 10 pounds, the purple for losing 20, and the gold bear is for hitting goal.



Since my official goal is just 17 pounds (137 pounds), I'll actually earn the goal bear before my 20 pound bear (134 pounds). I don't need to hit 134 on my official weigh-in day, just see it on the scale three days a week for at least two weeks in a row (to make sure the first week wasn't a fluke).

You'll recall that I fudged my weight before my last order to ensure I would have my 20 pound and goal bears before I had to cancel. They are still sitting in my closet waiting for me to make those goals. The 10 pound bear is still sitting on my bed, all alone.

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Sunday, September 02, 2007

Week 25 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) (carbed up for the race)
Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4) - Week 13: 142.4 (-0)
Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8) - Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2)
Week 16: 140 (+0.6) - Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8)
Week 18: 139 (-0.2) - Week 19: 138 (-1)
Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6) - Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8)
Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4) - Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6)
Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4) - Week 25: 137.6 (-6)
Total loss: -16.4

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.
Calories eaten Thursday: 1254
Fat: 19g (14%)
Carbs: 88g (29%)
Protein: 139g (46%)
Weight Thursday morning: 135 (One week ago: 137.8)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 222

Calories eaten Friday: 1366
Fat: 23g (15%)
Carbs: 80g (23%)
Protein: 146g (42%)
Weight Friday morning: 133.8 (One week ago: 137.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 247

Weight Saturday morning: 134.6 (One week ago: 137.2)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 87

Woot! Down 6 pounds! :-D The bloat is pretty well gone and I'm close to goal again. I didn't follow all of my 10 Commandments this Saturday, but overall I did better than most. Now to just stay on plan this week and next Saturday.

Friday I actually saw 134 or under, so that's good - great in fact. I haven't been losing water weight during the week like I was used to, so it was good to see that pattern. I don't know if the whoosh was due to having a period for the first time in 6 months, or cutting out a lot of the soy I ate, or the Candistroy cleansing program I'm doing. Whatever the reason, I'm thrilled!

Xena went to the vet on Friday. She was so scared she actually peed the towel in her carrier and then laid on the vet table shivering with fear. She got her shots and a clean bill of health. The doctor said her teeth are good. I said I feed her dry food and he said that was good. She's 10.5 pounds - a really good weight for her, so I'm happy with that. Most girl kitties are 8-10 pounds, but she's big and looks too skinny when she's under 10.

Brad and I hiked on Friday. We did the Sequoia Bayview Trail to the Big Trees Trail, then walked out a ways on the Sequoia Bayview Trail and back to increase our time since the Big Trees loop only took about 38 minutes.

I'm taking this week off from working out until Wednesday. That will give me six days away from the gym. My body is telling me it's burnt out and needs some time off. I'll just do my 1.5 mile walk to work from the train station. I did that today wearing a skirt and it didn't chaff my thighs! Woot!

Here's photos I took this weekend. Click on them to see a larger size.
Friday:
I take Xena to the vet me on the Big Trees Trail me on the Big Trees Trail

me on the Big Trees Trail the trailhead Brad hiking

me drinking Merlot me drinking Riesling

Saturday:
"cold oatmeal" breakfast low-carb blueberry pina colada

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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Week 25, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1239
Fat: 32g (24%)
Carbs: 89g (30%)
Protein: 131g (44%)
Weight this morning: 135 (One week ago: 137.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 222

First, a quick victory. When my size 6 stretch WalMart jeans (the painter's jeans that are like a large size 8 anywhere else) are stretched out, I can now pull them off without unzipping them. I did that a day or two ago and forgot to write about it here. So the weight and the bloat are going down. I think I will add the soy cereal back in next week on my gym days, and do eggs and yogurt other than that. I'll see how that goes and if the bloat comes back.

I did the rowing machine for 20 minutes at the gym today before getting on an elliptical for the last 10 minutes of my cardio. I don't need the steps, so I figured this was a good time to do it. Man, the rowing machine really does work your back! My shoulders are all tense now. However, rowing doesn't burn many calories though (unless you are going really hard), so my "calories burned" are lower today than usual. I didn't even burn off my protein shake which has 240 calories!

Laundry tonight, and then Xena goes to the vet tomorrow. Bwahaha! After that Brad and I are picking up my $20 at Safeway and then going hiking.

Ok, I'll be back on Sunday with my weigh-in and a full report on Friday (with photos I hope - the trail is beautiful!) and how my cheat day went with my 10 Commandments in place.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Week 25, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1239
Fat: 21g (17%)
Carbs: 100g (35%)
Protein: 140g (49%)
Weight this morning: 136.2 (One week ago: 137.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 102

Lost 2.2 pounds since yesterday! I'm back to seeing my goal weight again. :) That's good. The bloat is going down. I hope it's not because I cut out the soy cereal! I love that stuff!

Went grocery shopping. Got tons of fresh veggies and salad stuff. Brad and I have decided on Saturday's dinner - Dreamfield's pasta (it's low-GI) with low-carb pasta sauce and ground turkey breast. Stir-fry veggies on the side. Probably no-sugar-added ice cream for dessert.

I printed out my 10 commandments for "cheats" and will tape it above the stove when I get home.

When I went shopping they didn't give me my $20 cash back!!! I called the store and they called me back and found my money. I don't have a car so I can't just run down there, so I will have to go back Friday. Argh! What a pain in the ass!

I hit my step goal for the month yesterday, so I don't need any more steps, but I walked the last 1.5 miles to work today for the exercise. It was SO HOT! Damn it was hot. I stopped off at Pac N Save and bought a liter bottle of Calistoga and drank that as I walked.

I use the Our Daily Bread devotional put out by RBC Ministries (a great organization!). Yesterday's topic was about pedometers! It make the point that as a pedometer is a visible reminder to take more steps, we should have visible reminders around us about the Lord and His word each day - a memory verse on a card taped by our desks, or a Scripture calendar. Something to help us focus on Him.

I love the new little bear icons on the NS Website. I have the purple one (20 lbs.) in my sig right now saying, "I will get here." That means getting to 134 pounds - not realistic for a Sunday, but I would like to see that weight a few days a week - wiggle room and all that.

Let's see, upcoming plans. Xena goes to the vet this Friday, then we have to swing by Safeway. I asked for $20 cash back when I bought groceries today and they forgot to give it to me! I called them, and, using the receipt, I found out the register number. They pulled that drawer and counted it and called me back. They are holding it at the customer service desk. I said I could come by Friday afternoon.

After we pick up my money Brad and I are hiking out the same trail as last week, but we are turning off at the Big Trees Trail and seeing what's up that way.

Friday after next I scheduled a dental cleaning since it's been over 6 months. Since my dentist is close to the lake I asked Brad if we could just walk that.

September 13 (a Thursday) we have a staff dinner at El Torito Mexican restaurant. I've been through this before so I will probably order the fajitas, sub out the rice and beans for extra grilled veggies, skip the tortillas, and just eat the meat and veggies with a fork. I'll take a bag of NS Nacho Crisps with me to keep me out of the tortilla chips. I'll probably also need an NS dessert - maybe order after dinner coffee and bring a biscotti.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Week 25, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1215
Fat: 27g (21%)
Carbs: 104g (36%)
Protein: 123g (43%)
Weight this morning: 138.4 (One week ago: 138.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 248

Finally back into the 130s today.

Today I did the stationary bike workout described in the magazine. I've done the treadmill one twice and wanted to try this one out. The article said to use 5, 8, or 10 lb. dumbbells and that this program is for the arms.

First, I couldn't get my heart rate up to the target ranges they suggest. I suspect I'd have to put it on some incredibly high level and really push at the pedals. So I just pedaled at a modest level and speed as usual. It still made me sweat.

Second, all the arm exercises were easy except for the lateral raise. After straining for the 5 lb. weights through two sets of that I ditched the dumbbells and just did it without weights. I'll get an 8 lb. weight for the other exercises next time.

In case anyone wonders about my workout schedule, here's an ideal week. I can't always follow this pattern, but I try.

Sunday - 90 minutes at gym (1 hr. weights/30 min. cardio)
Monday - walk 1.5 miles from train station to work
Tuesday - 90 minutes at gym (1 hr. weights/30 min. cardio)
Wednesday - walk 1.5 miles from train station to work
Thursday - 90 minutes at gym (1 hr. weights/30 min. cardio)
Friday - walk 4-6 miles exploring local trails with a friend
Saturday - rest

Found a cool weight link today. You plug in some basic info and it tells you how your weight compares with other people your age, gender, and height. I'm female, 36-years-old, 5'7", roughly 140 pounds, and I fall into the 20th percentile, meaning that 80% of Americans like me weigh more.

The doctor said I was 5'6.5" and plugging in 5'6" for height I am in the 24th percentile - 76% of Americans like me weigh more. It was a nice ego boost to find this site. With all my recent weight gains I have felt really down. By the way, if I ever hit my goal weight I will be in the 17th percentile for 5'7" and 21st percentile for 5'6". Check it out!

Tomorrow is groceries. I'm going to get salad, veggies, eggs, Dannon fat free yogurt, and cottage cheese. I'm stocked up on meat between my NS meals and the chicken Brad bought for me.

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Monday, August 27, 2007

Week 25, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1189
Fat: 27g (22%)
Carbs: 80g (29%)
Protein: 136g (49%)
Weight this morning: 140 (One week ago: 142)
Calories burned in exercise today: 88

I did some research yesterday and it seems that soy may cause bloating. I wonder if that it my problem. I really like the Nutlettes soy cereal. One article I found gave three dietary changes to make, two of which I am already doing - eat more fiber, cut back on refined carbohydrates, and take a probiotic to increase good bacteria. Part of the Candistroy program I started yesterday includes a probiotic component, so we will see how that works out. I also need to find a way to cut back on soy for a while.

I wonder if my goal of 137 isn't too low. I've hit it once and come darn near another time and always bounce back within a very short time and gain a lot. My body just doesn't want to be there, even though I feel and look great at that weight. I need to lose weight because my body fat of 27% is far too high.

My medication refill came today. I take a generic form of Celexa. I've been on it since December of 2004 and it's still working great for me. :) I get it from Canada much cheaper than the U.S. One bottle lasts 3 months and costs about $80. My employer reimburses me 80% of the costs after I turn in the receipt.

I'm starting to get the hang of the treadmill workout in the latest issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers. I gave it another shot yesterday and had an easier time doing the left and right side step, but I still had to go slower than the plan calls for and hang onto the rails for dear life. And it's hard to kick my legs back to target my glutes when I'm walking 3.5 mph. My legs are too short.

No exercise today. I went into the City to check my mail and just walked the last 1.5 miles to work. Tomorrow I will hit the gym again.

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

The 10 Commandments of Saturday "Cheats"

Since I seem to mess up worst on Saturday and am steadily gaining fat, I present these rules as a pledge. My "cheat" days are closer to being binge days, and I must rein them in. I have had this problem before, but what I used to do will no longer work. My metabolism is way slower. As I asked myself before, why do I feel I deserve a cheat? Well, why do I?

I reserve the right to revise this as needed.

The 10 Commandments of Saturday "Cheats"

YOU ARE FAT! Therefore -

At church:
1)
No snacking before church. There will be plenty of time to snack afterwards. If this is a temptation, chew sugar-free gum until the service is over.
2) Two mini cups of peanuts and 1 mini cup of Cheese-Its during break. One mini cup of vanilla animal crackers if they are out. No dipping into bowls or bags. No dried fruit, M&Ms, or Reese's cups. They will make you FAT and you are already fat enough!
3) No snacking on breaded foods or desserts. Three bite maximum to taste.

At home:
4)
Eat only until full at breakfast. Brush teeth after eating.
5) Only one sweet treat per day. If you have a chocolate bar, you cannot have ice cream. If you have ice cream, you cannot have a chocolate bar. Period.
6) Absolutely no seconds on dinner or desserts! One plate of food, one bowl of ice cream, period. The ice cream will still be there next week. This is not the last chance you'll have to eat it.
7) Three drink maximum and no alcohol until you have drunk at least 32 oz. of water.
8) No Atkins bars on Saturday. They have too much fiber and too many calories.
9) If you are not hungry, don't eat! Period! Brush your teeth, chew sugar-free gum, or stick a whitening strip in your mouth.
10) No Starbucks, even if the item is "skim" or "light." Coffee or tea with a little skim milk and sugar-free sweetener is okay.

As an addendum, I won't buy more ice cream after the current supply is gone. The only exception is Carb Smart Rocky Road, which I don't think is being made anymore anyway. I also need to stop buying the sugar-free chocolate chips.

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Week 24 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) (carbed up for the race)
Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4) - Week 13: 142.4 (-0)
Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8) - Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2)
Week 16: 140 (+0.6) - Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8)
Week 18: 139 (-0.2) - Week 19: 138 (-1)
Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6) - Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8)
Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4) - Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6)
Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Total loss: -10.4

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.
Calories eaten Thursday: 1310
Fat: 20g (14%)
Carbs: 85g (27%)
Protein: 144g (46%)
Weight Thursday morning: 137.8 (One week ago: 137.4)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 262

Calories eaten Friday: 1407
Fat: 27g (17%)
Carbs: 71g (20%)
Protein: 150g (42%)
Weight Friday morning: 137.2 (One week ago: 138)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 344

Weight Saturday morning: 137.2 (One week ago: 137.8)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 267

Crap. The fourth weigh-in in a row showing a gain. This week I added another half a pound. :-( I suck and my body hates me and wants to be fat. That GNC total body cleanse did no good. I am still fat and bloated. What is bloating me?

I'm starting the Candistroy today, but instead of doing one tablet from each bottle a day for a week, then two tablets from each bottle the second week, and then going to three a day, I am just starting at three. So I took three of the morning tablets this morning, and will take three of the probiotic rebuilders tonight.

Due to four straight weigh-ins (and five straight weeks) of gaining, I am laying down "the 10 Commandments of Saturday "Cheats." Look for that post coming soon.

Brad and I took the Sequoia Bayview Trail to the West Ridge Trail (photos below), then walked a way along the West Ridge Trail. It was long (6+ miles) and we missed a turn at one point causing us to have to walk along the road, but not too hard in terms of steep ups and downs. Next week we will take the Sequoia Bayview Trail to the Big Trees Trail and see where that goes.

Lots of pictures taken this weekend. Click any of the thumbnails to enlarge.

Friday:

me after hiking the Sequoia Bayview Trail me after hiking the Sequoia Bayview Trail (close-up)

me with Merlot me with Riesling & NutriSystem bear

Saturday:

me with Riesling wine me with Riesling wine & fat tummy

Xena preens me Xena & I me with a low-carb margarita

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Saturday, August 25, 2007

8 Interesting Things About Myself

I was blog tagged by Breadless Ms. B to blog about 8 interesting things about me. (She was tagged by Jimmy, who by the way, has a great blog about low-carbing the healthy way!)

This meme seems similar to the 5 Little Known Facts About Me I did last year, but I guess this one should be more focused on recent events, rather than little known facts from the ancient past.

1) Ever since Conference earlier this month, God has been taking more of a role in my life. You will recall I came home from Conference to find both my computer and satellite receiver broken. With no way to kill time at home, I sensed God was asking me to spend more time with Him. While I have not been perfect in talking to Him as much as I should, things have improved. It was a huge wake up call for me. (post 1 / post 2)

2) My weight loss is totally stalled ever since vacation. I came back from vacation and my tummy pooched out, the weight had piled on, and no matter what I do it will not come off.

3) I have been at the same job for several years (check the date of the check in kitchen). I never thought I'd be able to find something that I could do for so long, especially without hating it. I won't say I love my job, but at least I don't dread getting up and going to work each day. At least I have a fast computer there!

4) I have ow insuin levels, but normal blood sugar. This means that my cells are very sensitive to the effects of insulin so it takes less to keep my blood sugar in line. This is actually a good thing. In this high-carb world where most people have high insulin levels trying to keep their blood sugar in line, the low-carb diet has shown its healthful power again.

5) I take a medication that makes me hungry all the time. If I simply eat to satiety I actually gain weight because it takes a HUGE amount of food to make me feel full. Most people report that after being on a low-calorie diet for a while they can no longer eat as much as they used to. But the med I take messes with the hunger center in my brain. I am doomed to either feeling hungry 24/7 or being fat. Some choice.

6) I am a carbohydrate addict, an addiction that will never be cured. Like alcoholism, it can only be managed. But the addiction is always there, looming. I believe most people in the US are carb addicts and don't even know that it is a real addiction. I need to start a CAA group - Carbohydrate Addicts Annonymous.

7) I love animals and had dogs as pets growing up. I have also had pet rats and currently have two tabby cats.

8) I am a Christian Sabbath-keeper, believing in the so-called "Jewish" Sabbath on Saturday and holding it as sacred time. Instead of giving us a sacred place we have to travel to, God gave us sacred time that happens every week and cannot be stopped or destoyed by man as sacred places can be.

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

New workout, muscle gain, & menses

Calories eaten yesterday: 1300
Fat: 35g (26%)
Carbs: 100g (33%)
Protein: 121g (40%)
Weight this morning: 137.8 (One week ago: 137.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 262

A lot happened since my last post, so this is going to be rather long.

I went to the gym today and after my hour of weight training I tried out the treadmill workout in the new Muscle & Fitness Hers issue. Some part were easy and some part (okay, just the left and right sidestep) were exceedingly hard and I would lower the speed and/or cheat on the movement. I had to hold onto the treadmill to ever stay on my feet.

My 30 minutes of cardio flew by on this program and I felt great afterwords. I wasn't exhausted like I usually am after a workout, but I was sweating.

The magazine also suggested a high-GI carb after a workout. It raises insulin, which helps shuttle protein into cells. I don't expect it would have to be much, and as long as I kept my carbs in check the rest of the day it shouldn't make my total carbs go too high.

I wouldn't trust myself with a lot of high-GI carbs such as Cheese-It's or saltines, and sugar gives me acne so I want to stay away from that. I'm considering a slice of white bread with some sugar-free jam to make it more palatable, folded in half to make it more portable. It would only be on workout days. Insulin helps to shuttle protein into muscle cells and a high-GI carbs give a nice insulin spike.

I think a lack of insulin in my system might be keeping me from progressing (I have low insulin levels). At any rate, I'll think about it more and take a look at the carbs and calories in white bread the next time I am at the store. I'll also look at other high-GI foods that would be portable.

I had a cool NSV (non-scale victory) at the gym! After my workout I got dressed and this one woman walked into the dressing room and used a locker not far from mine. She asked me if I was drinking a Slimfast in my shaker container. I said no; it was an EAS shake with a scoop of whey powder mixed into it. I later added that I also threw in some BCAAs since it's supposed to help with muscle gain. She asked me if I was training for anything specific and I said no, I just wanted to get a bit buff and showed her one of my biceps. She seemed impressed.

She said that she's seen me for at least the last year at the gym. I said I've been coming for 2 1/2 years - 3 years this fall. She said I looked good. I said I started at Curves at over 200 pounds and came to 24 Hour Fitness when I was about 170. I've lost about 65 pounds. She was shocked and said that she just figured I was one of those women who could lose weight easily. I said no, it's been a real struggle and she asked me what the most important thing was. I said the single biggest factor has been diet, and that I cut out the starches and sugars - sugar in fact makes me break out. She said she has a hard time eating well. (She didn't look overweight to me. Her weight was good, her physique was good.)

My Parastroy and Candistroy came today. That was fast since I just ordered them online on Sunday! I'll cut out bread and start the Candistroy on Sunday. The GNC Complete Body Cleansing Program I am currently doing ends on Saturday.

Weekend plans: Hike with Brad Friday afternoon down the trail we did last week, but continue all the way to the West Ridge Trail. This involves a lot of down (and therefore a lot of up). I was too tired last week from giving blood but I am up for a challenge this week!

Saturday: Church and then Brad will cook dinner. I requested ham & cheese omlets (I'll have mostly whites in mine), with a side dish of sauteed veggies since Brad had a bunch left over that need to be used. The ham is turkey ham and the cheese is low-fat.

Today's Daily Dose on the NutriSystem site had this challenge:
* Make a list of 10 activities you will do from September 1st - December 1st that will help your weight loss.

For starters, how about the "fall cleaning" that many of us do around the house this time of year. That would count!

Or how about other activities that are unique to this time of year like apple picking, raking leaves or gardening. Also, note that yes, both Halloween and Thanksgiving are fair game here—so you can add "to-don’t" things ("I won’t eat the Halloween candy!") to your ten, too.


Ok, I can't do 10, but here's a few:
1) I won't eat Halloween candy. (Not hard since I'll be working that night and there won't be any candy in my house, lol.)

2) I'll continue going to the gym and walk to work on non-gym days unless it's raining.

3) I'll keep my calories below 1300 Sunday-Wednesday, and try not to let it get out of control on the other days (I drink alcohol on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and that tends to drive my calories up.

4) I will stick closely to my diet and eat healthier on my cheat days.

5) I'll try to eat about 140g of protein a day.

6) I'll fully clean one room, either the kitchen or bathroom and scrub down all surfaces.

Ok, skip the rest of this post if discussion of female issues will offend you. Don't make fun of me because you have been warned! Proceed at your own risk!

As many of you know, my periods have been strange. I started skipping late last year and would menstruate about every other month. In March of this year it just stopped completely and I haven't had one since then - until yesterday. Yesterday, out of the blue for no apparent reason, I started again. I'm going to monitor myself closely, but so far it appears to be a very typical period.

This period may explain a bunch of things - binging last Saturday. I think giving blood the day before combined with PMS cravings for carbs was just too much. I was also really grumpy yesterday and snapped at Brad for no real reason. I guess it was PMS. :)

By the way, working out really does help with menstrual issues. I popped three Advil this morning to head off any cramps before I got them (at that time there was a feeling of pressure and slight pain), and dragged myself off to the gym. By the time I finished my weights and new treadmill workout I was energized and felt great! Endorphins really does kick butt with the blah feeling that menstruation gives. You don't want to work out, but the pay off is worth it.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Week 24, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1280
Fat: 26g (19%)
Carbs: 95g (32%)
Protein: 140g (47%)
Weight this morning: 137.8 (One week ago: 138.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 93

I still feel fat and bloated today. Need to keep working hard, keep calories low, and get this weight off! Come on, Whoosh Fairy! I need you!

I'm back into my size 8s today, but they are super tight and my belly hangs over. *sigh*

I picked up the new issues of Muscle & Fitness Hers today. It had an interesting article on nutrition, saying that for "strength athletes" (anyone engaged in a serious weight training program) the 0.8g of protein per pound of bodyweight may not be enough. The magazine recommend 1g of protein per pound of bodyweight.

I have not been eating enough protein. Even at 0.8g per pound I should be at 112g a day. I usually hit that, but not always, and I often don't get up to 1g per pound. I think I need to be eating more meat and soy (and fewer carbs to keep the calories the same). For example, if I cut out the bread on my burger (whether an NS burger or soy patty), I can have TWO burgers for nearly the same calories. :)

My minimum protein goal before this was 100g a day. My new minimum is 112g.

The inside of my thighs hurt today. It's that dang adductor machine at the gym. Oh well, a little pain means it's doing me some good! :)

I am tired. Bone deep tired. I just feel lazy. I didn't want to do anything that involved more than flat walking, but I walked to work anyway, even though there's a couple overpasses I have to get over. Thank God tomorrow is my Friday. I think the lower calories i am eating this week might be a factor.

I have another opportunity for some overtime. Brad is being kidnapped for some off site work so I was asked to do 12 hours that day. I forget the exact day, but it will be a Thursday (so I'll miss a workout) sometime next month. Maybe I can go to the gym Monday (usually an "off" day) to make up the missing day. That would mean going three days in a row, but sometimes that can't be helped.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Week 24, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1296
Fat: 34g (25%)
Carbs: 91g (30%)
Protein: 134g (44%)
Weight this morning: 138.8 (One week ago: 139)
Calories burned in exercise today: 263

I'm depressed that as of yesterday morning I was still 5 pounds above goal (142), but then I realized that that is my old goal and there was a time when that would have thrilled me. So I have to give myself some credit at least.

Where is my Whoosh Fairy, Grace? Except for the unfortunate incidents last Saturday, I've been pretty good since getting back from vacation, and she seems to have abandoned me. Come back, Grace, and give me whooshes!

I finally broke back into the 130s today. Maybe if I work really hard I might see an unofficial goal weight this week. Last week I didn't see it even one day, though I was at or below goal three days the previous week.

Everyone is telling me to eat more for my activity level. Hello? That's how I regained so much weight and ended up on NutriSystem to begin with! My metabolism is really slow.

I know my blood pressure is on the low side. Last Friday at the Red Cross it was 108/69. Low-blood pressure can cause a person to feel cold all the time, which I do, and being cold all the time surely is a sign of slow metabolism - I can't even keep myself warm. I know there are other causes of being cold - thyroid issues and iron deficiency to name two, but I have had both of these tested and they are fine. At any rate, I think my low blood pressure contributes to my feeling cold and likely to my slow metabolism. I should get a free T3 and T4 thyroid test, though. Need to ask my doctor about that.

Regarding God and weight loss, doesn't it all come down to gluttony? Yesterday I found this on the official NutriSystem forums, written by a lady named Sophia who started her weight loss at 294 pounds. She is currently 223 and wants to get down to 160.

To act as though I can walk around on this earth 134 pounds overweight at one point - stuffing myself with fatty foods and mis-treating the body that God created for my soul to live in - and then look down on ANY other sin as it being worse than me - that's just not the case. God loves us as a Father - and those of us who are parents can attest to the fact that when our children do something wrong - it hurts. Whether it's REALLY bad or KINDA bad or OMG- CAN'T BELIEVE THEY DID THAT - it hurts. And I believe our heavenly Father feels the same pain when we sin. So whether one particular thing is sin or not is NOT the issue for me. The issue is that I am NOT the judge. God is. And I've got this big ol' piece of lumber I gotta get out of my eye before I go peering into your eye for that little ol' speck that might or might not be there.

How many of us mistreat the bodies God gave us? We are stewards of the earth, and stewards of our own bodies. God expects us to take care of ourselves just as much as the rest of His creation. Crash diets and those poor in nutrition dishonor Him.

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Monday, August 20, 2007

Week 24, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1240
Fat: 24g (19%)
Carbs: 94g (33%)
Protein: 132g (46%)
Weight this morning: 142 (One week ago: 139.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 94

Why does my body want to be fat? Diets work for a while and then my body just slows down my metabolism until everything I eat gets stored as fat. My body truly hates me and wants to be fat and ugly. :-p I'm wearing my "fat" jeans again - size 8 WalMart which is like a size 10 anywhere else.

I'm working 12 hours today, 11 am to 11 pm. I need the money and was planning on "just" sleeping in. I say "just" because I really looked forward to it - but the money comes first. I still owe $425 on NutriSystem food and need all the money I can get. At least I didn't have to sacrifice a gym session for it this time.

To address the comment two posts back, the reason I pray for weight loss is an attempt to bring God into all aspects of my life. If He cares about the things that are important to us (as I believe He does), then He cares about my weight loss and fitness goals and I want to bring Him into that. I know He's not going to instantly make me slim and I'm not asking for that. I'm basically asking that my efforts at diet and fitness be fruitful.

Not much else going on. No exercise today except the walk from the BART station. Calorie-wise I may be over my 1300 goal tomorrow and will be over on Wednesday barring a miracle.

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