No One Will Know … Wrong

Well tonight was a night of tests for me in regards to food temptations.  First while at the school photo lab, a friend brought me a pizza 🍕.    Really?   I can not eat this.  He insisted, so I ate the toppings of one piece.  That probably took me over calories, but I stayed within my carbs and macros.  

Second temptation came when I came home and had to bake chocolate chip cookies 🍪 for my daughter’s college softball team.  Every time I make them I am tempted to lick the spoon, my fingers, bowl or paddle.   No one would know, right?   Wrong, I would.  So I didn’t.  

Feeling Good

Some days are better than others.  Honestly, since I broke 220 pounds the days have been bettter.  I know that I still have a lot of weight still to lose, but I feel like I look better. 

Crazy 😜 you say.  Probably.  I do know I feel the best I Gabe in over 20 years.  I am happier and almost kid like. (Found myself wanting to play chicken with shopping carts at the commissary.). 

I know everyone he is different but take it from me, this way of eating (WOE) is easy and fun.  I almost want I tell complete overweight strangers they need to do this.  

If you are considering losing weight, consider ketogenic. 

There is always Light with family

This week has been a week of family, friends and road trips.   I know I normally do Friday’s Focus today, however, I have been going for the past 15 hours non stop 🛑. As much as I would love to do this feature, my mind is not focused.

Today I took my Mom to see her aunts. They sound old don’t they?   They aren’t really.  They were raised together a sisters, not aunts and niece. It was a great day!   We laughed, shoppped, shared stories.  Family is a wonderful thing.  

Dealing mentally with the fact that I have gained weight this week from over eating on calories. I am not upset 😠 I know what I have to do.  

Break from the Norm

plz do photos

Today I took a different angle on my work outs.  Normally as you know I walk anywhere from 3-8 miles a day.  I seldom take a break from that, knowing that I am doing the best for me – or am I.

Today, my friend, Pam and I decided to take my son up on a boot camp for women of my age.  What did we have to loose – it was free.  We worked on roll outs, stretches and light exercises.  They actually left me feeling more energized and the stretches were a solid work out.  We are going to do this for about 6 weeks, once a week.  We will see how it all comes out.

The pictures from the gym were not as much fun as the ones we take along the Potomac so I wanted to include ones I had not shared as of yet.  I hope you enjoy them.

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I seem to be on a stall with my weight, but I am hoping it is just muscle gain – but I am not going to get overworked by it.  Today’s entire food intake was a small green salad and a trimmed ribeye.  Boy was it good.

Till tomorrow – lots of photography work to be done, can’t wait.  Think I will grab a short walk in before hand unless Pam wants to join then we will do more.

Who was I before…(yesterday’s post)

I feel that I need to catch up from yesterday.  I was so exhausted after class that my brain could not think of the words I wanted to post on the blog.  I am beginning to think I need to be a day ahead, but not sure that would be fair to me or to you.  So hear are the thoughts that rummaged through my head yesterday  that I wanted to share.

Often I think about how I should share who I was before I started blogging and why I started blogging.  I know if you read you will see that I started because I wanted to hold myself accountable.  Well that is definitely working.  I am sticking with this lifestyle change and enjoying it.  I am enjoying the blogging process and have made blogging friends.  These are all good points, but who was I before??

This time a year ago, I was not only younger, but I was more confident with myself.  I sold Premier Designs Jewelry (a Direct Sales business) and was good at it.  I loved showing women how to look and feel better with oneself by completing you outfit with accessories, specifically jewelry.  I wasn’t much different in weight than I am now and was happy with me, loved me and what I was doing.  Then something changed.  Not sure how to explain it, so I will just share what occurred…

I had just celebrated a year of not smoking in December and it had been approximately 6 months since my last cycle…I knew I was coming up on full blown menopause, but like most I think was in denial.  The new year of 2017 was upon us when I rolled over and realized, that somewhere and somehow my stomach exploded over night.  Nothing I owned fit!  I cried all the time…I mean all the time!  You could say hello and the tears would flow.  My family was sure I was crazy, I just wanted to hibernate and never speak to anyone.  This does not make for a good salesperson of outer beauty.  Kind of hard to sale jewelry when one does not feel good about themselves and really does not want to leave the house.

These emotions brought on the vicious cycle that would soon be my downfall.  I would look at the mirror, see the person I had warped into, cry inside all the time and outwardly some if no one was looking, then look for food.  My favorite was Ruffles and homemade Onion Dip.  Needless to say, this only added to the problem.  Just typing the words make me want them.  The comfort of them was what I reached out for daily along with a Pepsi.  The weight just added on, pound by pound – day by day.

In June, I went to my mom’s to take care of her following her back surgery.  The feeling of inadequacy did not stop, I continued to eat everything and continued to hate what I was doing to myself.  Then it happened.

I decided to stop the madness!

I promised myself on the 1st of July at the fine weight of 255 pounds that I would lose 10 pounds a month for a year – 120 pounds total.  Almost half my weight in a year’s time.  I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I was.  I was still at my mom’s when I made this declaration.  It was going to be hard while there, but I have to start and I refused to put it off.  My legs were so heavy I could not walk for long periods of time, so I knew I needed to start that as well, a little bit at a time.

I walked for 5 minutes a day, twice a day and maintained a 1200 calorie intake.  Doesn’t seem like a lot and it wasn’t – but it was all I could do.  I needed more.  I talked to my doctor about gastric bypass surgery – I was desperate.

Then enter KETOGENIC.  I really did not want to have surgery. So I went to find an alternative that would help me achieve my goal!  So 4 and 1/2 weeks ago on the 18th of August I started the ketogenic lifestyle.  My weight at that time was 237.8 and today it was 222.4 – 15.4 pounds down in 33 days on the KETO diet and 33 pounds in 2.5 months.  Better than that I am now walking 5-7 miles a day and feel better than I have in years.  Yes I want to lose the weight, but more importantly, I want to love me and be a healthier me.

plz do photos

 

Look what I Saw

Today’s was like most Sunday’s but yet I looked at it differently.  That is the most important thing, how you look at something.

PLZ DO PHOTOS

PLZ DO PHOTOS

For example the above photos are in essence the same photo but with a different depth of field, but what do you think of each one of the photos.  Which are you more attracted to?  Why did you choose the one you did?  Because you look at them differently because the artist (that would be me) changed your focus.  So I am doing the same in my days…changing my focus.

During my walk today, I took several photos of things that caught my eye.  Wondered why I had not noticed them before and then had to reflect on the fact that my son aka personal trainer had told me to slow down – so I have. I also have taken a different look at the things around me.

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My daughter surprised us today with a visit from college.  I am sure it was because she wanted her laundry done, eat some home cooking, and to hug me awhile.  I miss her so, even though she is just a couple of hours away, I cherish the time I have with her.

Yes there was the normal football food spread.  I did well I think.  I did not attempt to log my food, but did not overeat this time.  I can say that everything is better with queso 🙂  I also steered clear of the the items with carbohydrates in them.

Spent the day with my friends getting ready for the Hannah Graham Memorial Softball Tournament next weekend.  I miss that sweet young lady.  This would of been her senior year in college.  Hard to believe that it has bee 3 years since last she was with us.  Damn senseless murders.

Today Mr Scales was kind to me.  He exclaimed 222.2 pounds.  A little bit apprehensive about what the measuring tape will read tomorrow for Measure Monday..  It will be ok, I will be ok, I will be strong!

Have a great evening, remember don’t give up on you!

 

 

 

 

 

The Paths are Not Always Straight

Today is hump day!  I feel that in my weight loss journey.  I have maintained my carbs below 20gr and calorie intake below 1200.  However, my weight has remained the same since Monday.  

This is very discouraging.  

My son, the personal trainer, explained that my body may be stressing and that is why I’m not losing any weight this week.  Ok I will buy that.  I  spent the next hour rolling out my muscles.  We’ll see. ANOTHER CURVE IN THE PATH. 

I may not ever be perfect,  but I am working on a better me!   Don’t give up your on YOU. 

Rain or Shine

Rolled over in bed to the sound of rain on the roof.  Reached for the phone to text my friend, Pam to see if she was up for walking in the rain.  She was not.  I laid there contemplating if I wanted to don the clothes and do the walk.  I knew I should, but the temptation to snuggle in bed while the rain fell was almost too great.  Yes, that’s right, almost too great.  I made the decision once again, not to give up on me.

But first, my visit with Mr. Scales.  He hasn’t been very friendly this week.  He hasn’t budged since Sunday – 224.  I guess the good news is that I haven’t gained weight, but I haven’t lost it either.  So I am satisfied with inches being lost and continue onward with my keto lifestyle.  I will not let this discourage me.  It was just a few months ago that I would of retreated with tears and tossed my plan out the window.  Now, I am more determined to succeed in my goals!

4 miles in on the misty 5 mile walk

Keto Chicken Provencale – Diet Doctor Yes this is my own photo – PLZ Do Photos

Failed to post yesterday’s menu selection and today’s dinner choice.  Last night I made a delicious meal, Keto Asian Cabbage Stir Fry – aka Crack Slaw.  I now know why everyone raves about Crack Slaw.  If you have not tried it, you must!  This recipe and the one from tonight both can be found on Diet Doctor.  Tonight’s dinner was equally delicious and as my sidekick hubby said, “it’s a keeper”.  You must try Chicken Provencale.

When my hubby said it was a keeper, my grandson, asked for the recipe for his cookbook.  I gave him a kids cookbook last week.  He loves to cook.  He said it needed to be handed down in our family.  So sweet, so I did hand it down.  Looking forward to the day he makes it for me.

Hope you enjoy the recipes.  Remember, never give up on you.  Life is a journey, come join me.

Are You Ready for Some FOOTBALL?

What a day!!!  Was scheduled to meet with a family for a photo shoot at 7:30 am.  Got up at 6:30 (I voted with my conscious not to get up early to walk). Checked in with my good buddy, Mr. Scales – he reported minor loss (probably water – but I will take it).  Today’s morning weight was 224.6.  Really need to come up with a new name for Mr. Scales.  I seem to be getting very personal with him.  I mean, I think he sees me naked more than my husband.

My 7:30 am appointment did not show until 8:45 😦  This did allow plenty of time to hydrate and eat my staple breakfast – 2 boiled eggs.

My friends and clients had decided that we should go into Washington DC to the US National Arboretum.  It is a beautiful location for photography.  Great gardens, columns, and more gardens.  Hard to believe something so beautiful and peaceful is in the middle of this overcrowded, hustling, noisy city.  I’m surprised at the number of people who live here that do not know it exists!  If you are in town, check it out!

Arrived back at home just in time for the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles game.  This is a game, I never enjoy.  I have a hard time rooting for either team.  Today I voted for the Eagles….mainly because I hate Mondays having to listen to Hail to the Redskins.  Besides the game, this is what was waiting for me when I walked on the door.  I probably over ate the low carb food to keep from digging into those wings and onion rings my husband made.  I had a small plate of wings that had no breading and bell peppers and queso.  My friend, Mr. Scales may not have positive numbers for me tomorrow, but I at least I feel confident that I did not over indulge in carbs – so I’m a winner.  Next Sunday’s goal – track my food for calorie intake as well as carbs.  I can do this.

Typical Sunday Football Food

Now my Dallas Cowboys are  leading against the NY Giants.  Hope we can hold the lead and take the W.  Off to edit photos from today’s photo shoot.

Tomorrow is Measure Monday – praying that we will see a little difference.  If not, just going to have to work harder.

Comment below a new name for Mr. Scales – its getting personal.

 

Inch by Inch

Today was a busy day.  It started different because I had slept late and did not have time to complete my normal 5 mile walk.  Oh well, I hoped that I would have time later today.

I did have time to check in with my friend, Mr. Scales.  He had good news, I had hit 225 pounds.  Since July 16, I have lost 30 pounds!  Wow, that is an accomplishment.  I have noticed that the clothes I bought in July are now fitting a bit loose.  I have decided to enjoy that they are not digging in my waist for a bit and not disappointing myself by trying on the things I had put in the bin. Inch by inch they are fitting better.

I made out the menu for the week.  It is going to be another week of new recipes.  I will share each one starting Monday.  Tomorrow is Sunday and we know what that means – Football Season!  Temptation will be great as we are known for our Sunday spreads.  Luckily I have a photo shoot scheduled in the morning with a family in DC, so I may be reprieved a bit.  With the menu, came the grocery list, with the grocery list came the commissary. (Deep Sigh)

The commissary took a bit long today and we arrived home shortly before 1, knowing we had to leave by 2:15 to go to a birthday party.  Groceries were emptied, boiled some eggs for lunch then off we went.

Note to self:  I do not like birthday parties for 1 year olds.  Especially when the parents expect me to take photos and I can not enjoy my own family.  Why a 3 hour party?  What can a 1 year old do for 3 hours.  They had it catered!  I knew the chef.  (I used to feed him every weekend when he was in high school and now he was feeding me.)  He was nice enough to let me know what foods I could eat and maintain low carbs.  Meatballs it was!

I was able to get in a 2 mile walk this evening.  Grateful for the time to reflect and get away from noise.  Inch by inch I move on…

Wish me luck tomorrow on the food spread – Looking forward to Measure Monday.