[MadKim]

Yes, you are WAAAYYYY older!! I'm only 43 and 3/4!! LOL!!!

I'm SO bummed out. I had my cholesterol done yesterday and I was feeling really cocky since we've been eating so well. We cut out red meat almost entirely (my Mom was dx'd with stage three colon cancer this year, my Dad's mom passed away from it and I have ulcerative colitis, so i'm high risk for that). For the last three weeks we've been eating very little meat all around. I seldom eat any fried foods. I guess I was expecting them to be WAY better....

CHOLESTEROL 210 (now AWFUL I guess, but I want it LOWER)
TRIGLYCERIDE 103
HDL 54 (Not bad at all but I think I can do better.
LDL CALCULATED 135 (???!!!! YUCK - what's up with that??)
NON-HDL CHOL 156
CHOL/DHL RATIO 4

I guess I've come to the conclusion I need to try to get some more soluble fiber in there AND lose some of this weight. Granted, i'm not THAT overweight, but I know i need to lose a good twenty pounds. I think I'll try to drop 15 and have it rechecked....

NOTE - My doctor was not at all concerned about any of this.

[MadKim]

You guys are TOO quiet! How did yesterday go?? I'm still at 154.4 Grrr.... LOL! I'm thinking about dumping the intermittent fasting and going back to my Herbalife Shakes... Well using those up, I love them but they are not the most convenient. I had SUPER good luck using them, but I picked up some Tera's Whey which is local (although I think it's gone national now) and available down the street at the coop.... Anxious to hear how you guys are doing!

[LeeL]

Hey Ladies, well it's been a rough week. I got a few of the lbs off from last weekend but I'm still UP!! And so annoyed with myself!! I am adding exercise next week - I have to do something! Kim I am glad to hear your eating has been good. How about exercise?

Originally Posted by MadKim

Oh Leel! I'm sorry - now KNOCK THAT OFF, LOL! I'm stuck bouncing around at 154 to 155. I've been off my thyroid meds for a couple weeks too and I'm sure that is wreaking havoc. My eating has been really good. That seems pretty easy for me to stick to. I'm going to go pick them up later this afternoon...

[MadKim]

Still no exercising. Sigh. I'm down to 152.4 though. I can see the 140's through the trees.... How are you doing this week???

[LeeL]

Guys,
I'm doing AWFUL! I officially fell off the diet wagon several days ago and have gained several pounds back. The stress of the new job is killing me. I'm also sick to death of Atkins....I want my carbs back! Not sure what I'll do now but I need to pull back on the eating. I'm to do my work out video NOW and try to start this day off on a better note. Kim I see you too are frustrated - hang in there. Maybe try a new method if the fasting is getting old. Just don't give up!!!

[MadKim]

Ugh!! I was a little worried when we didn't hear from you for a while LeeL! I've never been able to stick to Atkins. Worked great in the beginning for me but I've come to the conclusion I like carbs and it's OK to eat them once in a while. Note, that is just MY strategy. I also try to steer (as close as is realistic to) 100% clear of processed carbs...

Oh, and i've dumped the fasting. I've dropped 3+ pounds since. I'm doing an Herbalife shake in the morning w/soy milk, fruit and flax added), hb eggs as a snack; lunch varies, somtimes it's a greek yogurt and cottage cheese, yesterday it was an organic skinny burrito from Costco (love those). Dinner also varies, but pasta (whole grain) has been in there. We've also been going to Chipotle a lot. LOVE the burrito bowls (chicken and brown rice) or if I'm feeling like I indulged too much recently I'll do a chicken salad bowl...

Get back on that horse! A couple of days of being derailed is not failure. This is something I think we have to learn. We can indulge now and then but need to get back on track and curb those bad habits!

FWIW I am having some (potentially serious) medical issues and I had some stress eating too (Culvers on Monday to include a turtle sundae - also ate pretty bad throughout the weekend). I am still losing through it because I caught myslef and made some corrections. I WILL learn how to balance this all out! I know you can too LeeL!!

[LeeL]

MK thanks so much for the words of encouragement. You made me smile this morning! I'm so happy to hear that you are losing and thanks for sharing your menu. Sometimes it helps to try something different. I think that's where I am at. And yes although I'm allowing carbs back in but also being super careful to avoid processed food & sugar. Today will be my 3rd exercise day this week so I am happy for that too. Just wish I could see the scale move!! BTW your cheat at Culvers sounds awesome - that is a wonderful place to break a diet I hope this coming weekend goes well for you - I have 2 birthday parties w/dinner so I know I'm going to need super human strength

[thnknthin1]

Hey everyone!

I'm a 40-something (43 to be exact)....but have more to lose than you gals Been out of town this week and didn't do well diet-wise. Back on the bandwagon this morning!

Happy Friday all!

[MadKim]

Moderation Leel - we just have to remember that. We will be at our goal weights soon and that is what we have to keep in check!! I need to follow YOUR lead with all the exercise!!! WTG on that! Sounds like we balance each other out well that way - let's learn from one another!!!

Happy Friday to you Thnkthin!! Glad you popped in!! OMGosh!! You've lost 100 pounds??!! WOW!! What an accomplishment!!! Out of town trips are tough - I'll be in Vegas next week for work (Venetian) - hopefully I will be able to keep on track! For me the key will be planning. Already trying to find some healthy options nearby and looking at menus!

[thnknthin1]

Thanks MadKim! Oh I love Vegas, I'm jealous I've stayed at the Venetian, nice place! With all those buffets there is so much good food around, I'd have to splurge a little. I always love all the fresh fruit available....and seafood


ETA: I live in the Midwest as well!

[MadKim]

Your not in WI are you??? I wish I liked seafood, but I've never developed a taste for it. I keep trying too. There are so many really healthy options. LOVE fruit (and veggies) though!! I've never been to Vegas as an adult! I'm excited, but I'll be on my own so it will be low key! LOL!

[thnknthin1]

Not in Wisconsin but not too far, I'm in southwestern IL! I haven't been to Vegas in about two years and I'm sure it's changed since I've been....wait till you see it, you won't recognize it

[MadKim]

Nice! I get to the Chicago area frequently (I'm in Madison), but not s. Illinois too often! I'm looking forward to going, more for the people watching aspect than anything else!!

[thnknthin1]

Yes, the people watching is worth the trip all by itself.

[LeeL]

ThnkThin1 - I'm so impressed with your loss! Thanks for sharing and chiming in!

MK - stay strong in Vegas, but try to have a good time. It's such a fun city!

As for me, coming off the ultra low carb diet has caused me to go up in weight. I'm trying to refocus myself on calories and balance. I'm sure I'll eventually get there. Thanks for all of the words of encouragement MK.