A Great Pair Of Cords...

I have to apologize for the lack of consistent posting lately. The only excuse I can possibly give is that sometimes, "life gets in the way..."

Anyway, I spent last weekend at Pismo Beach, we rented a house for my husbands birthday. We had so much fun and ate a lot of really great food. I completely skipped the carb counting and just relaxed and had a good time.

I know, I'm not quite as dedicated as I was a few months ago. Although, I'm not gaining anything back, thank goodness. I think mentally I've just created a barrier that basically says, "I'm only willing to go so far" and certainly not in the direction of largers numbers on the bathroom scale.

My weight fluctuates 2-3 pounds, fairly typical.

This past weekend I fit into a size 10 at the Bass Outlet. A cute pair of chocolate cords, they were 30% off - but I'd have bought them at full price. I never thought I'd slip into a size 10, easily, ever again. I'm thrilled!

On top of that... I'm finally able to buy clothes at American Eagle... one of my favorite stores.

I'm not 100% happy with where I am now... I've got another 20 pounds to lose, at least. But, I'm much happier than where I was 6 months ago. The biggest issue is to maintain the weight and not go back the other direction... I think I can manage that. I've really established a lot of good habits and I've eliminated the majority of sugar and carbs in my diet.

Although, I am still considering going on the Shwarzbein Principal diet. It's a little bit more lenient than straight low-carb. I'm thinking about doing it throughout October. I've still got a couple of days to decide. If I do start it, I'll start on Saturday the first. A fresh start, clean slate on the first day of the month. That's probably just what I need.

Successes and Failures...

Loser... and not in the good "weight loss" sense of the word either.

You may recall that my ultimate goal was a 50lb. weight loss by my husband's birthday.

The deadline was YESTERDAY... and the sad fact is that I only made it to a little over half of my goal. I've lost a whopping 26 pounds since committing to this little adventure just 6 months ago. Rather pathetic, don't you think?

Still... I'm committed. But, I have to tell you... I now KNOW the secret.


Exercise.

Period.

Dieting only gets you so far... and a comfortable diet can help you maintain any weight within 2-4 pounds. But, without a regular exercise routine there just isn't going to be much weight loss. Since trying to get over this cold I have slacked off on my exercise routine and it appears that my weight loss has stalled. I'm trying not to beat myself up about it, but that is easier said than done.

So, I've decided that Monday morning (why not today? Tomorrow? Because I am going away for the weekend and I am going to relax and have a good time, I'll also be monitoring my carb/sugar intake... but I'm not going to sweat this weight loss stuff right now) I am going to recommit myself to my weight loss efforts. In fact, I am going on the Shwarzbein Principal diet for 28 days. Combining that with regular exercise I think I can get my diet back on track.

I'll update you on the exact diet and my progress as I go along.

I'm going to have to create a new goal as well...

Wish me luck!

What A Good Cold Can Do...

I really cracked down on the water, even while battling a cold. I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time drinking water when I'm sick. It's just not a comfort drink for me. Even though I was sick, I tried to work out yesterday, I even made it through almost 3 sets of my lower body workout on the Total Gym.

I've observed something recently... a lot of people are sticking with water at meals. I've cut out sodas, even diet sodas... they are just a huge no-no for me. I've even cut out wine at dinner, I used to have at least one glass 3 - 4 times a week with dinner. Not anymore... I go weeks without consuming any alcohol. But, I havent' cut out coffee or iced/hot tea. Typically, I drink water in-between meals and coffee in the morning, iced tea with lunch and/or dinner.

Am I missing out on some key component here? To be healthy should I be eliminating all beverages on a daily basis with the exception of water?

I have to wonder... I really do.

Yikes!!!!

Well... well... well... I can tell you that this was certainly an unwelcome sight. I jiggled, I bounced, I swore, I threatened, I begged, I cajoled, I attempted to bribe. Still, that SOB in the bathroom resigned itself to read a dreary 161. And seemed to admonish me with a "don't push your luck!"

Now, don't bother going back to previous posts, I admit... that's a 3 pound weight GAIN.

Am I annoyed? Yes.
Frustrated? Absolutely.
Willing to throw in the towel? Not a snowball's chance in hell.

My mother assures me that muscle weighs more than fat and that I have been "working out like a fiend" (her words NOT mine). With the exception of the weekends, I am still working out at least 30 minutes a day on the Total Gym and at least three days a week I do a 20 minute Pilates workout on top of that.

I probably need to start hitting the Gazelle Glider an additional 20 minutes... but I really detest that thing. It makes me feel clumsy and uncoordinated.

Now, I admit to falling off the wagon on the weekends... a bit. But, since Monday I've been straight... I haven't waivered. I've ordered my burgers without buns, I've avoided temptation, I had eggs and bacon for breakfast this morning, I had nuts as a snack. I'm really trying to stick with the program here...

One thing I am not quite up to par on is water consumption. The weather has cooled slightly (high 80's low 90's) and I'm just not diving in like I have in the past. My fault, my problem, I know. I'm pushing about 50 ounces a day... but I should really be doing at least 80 ounces a day. That's 30 ounces shy... and I do know that the carb cravings tend to disappear when I have my water up to the designated level.

What I fear (and it is a fear) is having to give up caffeine. I've read at various diet sites and msg boards (pertaining to weight loss, low carb, and PCOS) that when all else fails, giving up caffeine can do the trick. The problem is that I'm a hardcore Starbuck's addict. I grind the beans at home, I run through the drive through at least 4 days a week. I don't DO well without caffeine.

Problem is... I want to be thin, healthy and have my caffeine fix.

Isn't that terrible?

The Jackass In The Bathroom

Had a morning meeting with my arch-enemy Bathroom Scale this morning. Considering that I've had some issue with water weight for the last week or so I'm pretty pleased at the results this morning.

I'm also back to my normal workout routine, so the goal is to drop 8 pounds by my husband's birthday.

Here is where the jackass in the bathroom tells me I am now...





Wish me luck!

Shwarzbein... Atkins... Southbeach... OH MY!

I've waited too long between posts... I'm still experiencing "issues." So I'm not going to update my weight until I feel it is accurate. I won't bore you with gory details. Let's chalk it up to "water weight" and let sleeping dogs lie.

The kids are back in school and I am back to regular 30 minute Total Gym workouts at least 4 days a week. By next week I expect to be back to my 30 minute morning routine and my 20 minute Pilates routine in the evening.

I'm trying to stick with the low-carb thing. Atkins has gotten me where I am thus far... I admit, I am afraid to try anything else.

In my W2W kit I did receive a lovely copy of The Schwarzbein Principal. It's a cross between Atkins and Southbeach... that's kind of general. But, there is also a large amount of time devoted to "damaged fats." Yes, it's almost as confusing as it sounds.

Still, there is a 4 week meal plan complete with recipes. Supposedly you only have to stay on that version of it (kind of like induction) for 4 weeks. After than you can go to a more relaxed version. But, this is supposed to heal your metabolism.

I'm tempted to try... but afraid to go away from what has been working.

Any thoughts?

WomenToWomen Update

Without going into graphic detail... I'm thrilled with my purchase of the W2W personal supplement system. After 1 week I am noticing a difference. A certain spring in my step...

More importantly, I'm noticing a hormone shift in the right direction.

I'm not posting my current weight because I haven't weighed myself in a few days. It's a female thing. The kids have gone back to school, I'm back to my Total Gym workouts, and as soon as things level out - we'll see where my weight is. At last check I was sitting at 159... sure hope I am still below the 160 mark by the time I have my next early morning appointment with my buddy Mr. Bathroom Scale.

Notice I have applied a male personality to my scale?

There are some similarities... none of them complimentary to either a man or the bathroom scale.

Women To Women...

I finally broke down and ordered from www.womentowomen.com - it's geared for PCOS, Peri-menopausal, and post menopausal support. I've researched, I've looked and this is only one of two places that I have found a complete, natural, system to help restore hormonal balance.

You may recall that not too long ago I swore I would attempt to put together similar supplements on my own because I was not about to pay that much. It's about $270 for a 90 day supply, but they do bill in installments. Now, that may seem exorbitant. But, if it works and according to women who have tried it, they've been able to get off the anti-depressents, than it will be worth it. Plus, if I were to put together all the supplements I should be taking, on my own, I'd be popping pills all day!

I'm not big on pill popping... but, I'm not too keen on having panic attacks either. Given the choice I'll be a pill popper with a big smile on my face!

My symptoms are pretty severe, so I did opt to go with the "severe symptom" product line. But, if you symptoms aren't as severe, you can get away with paying less. They have a nifty quiz you can take to see exactly where your symptoms line up with women your age. It's very interesting and the entire site is very informative.

D-I-E-T not so much fun to spell...

In case you haven't noticed the first three letters in the word diet are d-i-e. Doesn't that just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? There is no wonder why the mere prospect of a diet gives people the heebie-jeebies and cold sweats!

Which is why I've adopted the completely B.S. sounding theory of "lifestyle change." As bogus as it sounds... I keep thinking that if I just accept this as a life sentence instead of a death sentence it will make the whole weight-loss process easier.

In truth, I have noticed that the longer I do this whole low-carb thing, the less I crave the carbs and, really, they don't taste all that great when I do have them. The obvious exception being chocolate, cheesecake, and my new-found love pies. Although, truthfully, I don't feel so great after indulging. It usually makes me sick... except for the pies.

I did my usual tango with the grim reaper of dieting, also known as the bathroom scale, this morning with happy results, finally!

Lava Colada and Pilates :o)

If you were hoping that I was going to have some nifty recipe for a fruity drink with no carbs... keep dreaming. Although, I am tempted to investigate those happy little things that Kim Catrall has been vamping in recent commercials.

If anyone has tried those and they are worth a damn... let me know, please.

Today was my mom's birthday so I booked us for pedicures complete with foot masks and massages! She ended up with a summer pink nailpolish with blue and yello polka dots on her big toes (very retro... gorgeous!). My pedicurist (is that a word?) was not as creative... so I've got shimmery bright pink nailpolish with no nail art :o(

Still... mom commented on how my arms are toning up. Eventually, I'm considering putting up "before" and "after" pics, but at the moment I just don't have the guts to do it. ;o)

We had lunch at El Torito, it was fun. She had a couple of peach margaritas (woo hoo!) and I had a Lava Colada, which is a Pina Colada with a Strawberry swirl. All fruity, strong, and no doubt, filled with carbs.

Good grief, I'm not sticking with the program too well this week, am I?

I came home, started pounding water and did a 20 minute pilates workout (still love that), followed by another 20 minutes of whatever-the-hell you call those things where you step up on the fanny-lifter one leg at a time over and over again until you want to cry... or scream if you are more the Braveheart type workout enthusiast. I finished up with arm toning using weights.

Yippee Skippee.

I'm not eating anymore today either... that would be to make up for dessert...

You see, I didn't stop at the Lava Colada. I finished with 3/4 of a "Chocolate Volcano" cake complete with Dulce De Leche ice cream and hot fudge sauce. What can I say? It was chocolate!
Oh, and I also had a tiny bite of my mom's birthday flan. Which was quite tasty, but lacked in chocolate. ;o)

I finally got around to placing the order for my diet supplements. I firmly believe that the following items had a lot to do with my weight loss:

• Cortislim
• Taurine
• Apple Cider Vinegar with Cayenne and Grapefruit rind caplets

I also ordered the Zipfizz that Scott over at www.scott-o-rama.com recommended. It already looks better than sugar-free Red Bull. If it is - I'm ordering a freaking case... or two!

Fanny Lifting and Iced Coffee

Still holding at 162... did a 50 min. Pilates workout today because I just couldn't stand to look at the afore mentioned skinny, implanted, lipo'd, blonde hags anymore. Besides, I love doing the pilates workout. Although, my ab muscles usually kill me the next morning... at the moment though, my rear is pretty sore, no doubt from my aerobic/fanny lifting joyride yesterday...

Wait that last part probably didn't come out quite the way I wanted it to, that could get completely misconstrued...

Kinda like the time someone told me that she loved that I "shoot straight from the hips" and I looked at my third child and said, "well, not anymore... that one was my last shot."

Anyway, enough of my yackin' (for you Tap fans out there)...

Thought I would give you my special recipe for iced coffee low-carb style...

I am a Starbuck's addict, I love a good iced cafe americano with sugar-free vanilla and cream. Don't get on to me about caffeine and dieting, blah blah blah... I couldn't care less. I lost the first 20lbs. drinking Starbuck's every day (5 days a week, that is).

My version...

Ice, add a good shot of sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup (and a dash of s-f caramel if you like)
Fill with Coffee
Drizzle in heavy cream, to taste

Stir...

Voila`

;o)

Pretty simple. Really tasty!

There Is A Sweaty Line Between Love and Hate...

Ok, let's get this one out of the way right now...

For the record, that 22lbs. to go is my first weight goal. That's the one where you say, "Gee, if I could just get down to XXX, I'd be thrilled!" That's what 140 represents to me.

Now, my ideal weight is between 128 - 132. I'd be over the moon with that range.

So, just what am I doing to achieve that?

Well, I'm back on my workout routine. I hate, with a passion, doing "hop about the room like a freaking ninny" aerobics. Cannot stand it... it's like that line from "City Slickers" where Phil goes a bit bonkers at the birthday party and says, "If hate were people... I'd be CHINA!!!!" - that's me where aerobics is concerned.

So, I'm very proud of myself that I managed to pull off 25 minutes of fat burning, muscle building, cursing at the little skinny people on the screen, aerobics today. From there I went into my 20 minute pilates routine, which I love... love with a deep, unabiding, passion.

That's sounds a wee bit strange, doesn't it? But, I do... I unapologetically love to bend and contort around the family room floor... far better than I like "double step touch and squat, drag the foot, and double step touch... now power march!"

Stupid, skinny, blonde, breast-implanted, lipo'd, hags. #!@#$#@#$%#!

Current Weight Loss Goal:

• Lose 8lbs. by Sept. 01

That's 5 weeks to drop 8lbs. Now, I think that is more than reasonable. Besides, 10 is more realistic and I'd be absolutely stoked if I pulled that off. Still, baby steps... baby steps!

Damn The Farmer's Market... Damn Them!

Ok, it's not their fault. I know... it's me. I visited the Avila Valley Barn yesterday in Avila Beach, CA.

Me and my damned weakness for cherry cobbler. Especially with their granola topping. Fresh cherries, crisp, sweet granola topping... all fresh from the oven. Only someone with a heart of stone and a black hole where their taste buds should be could resist.

I would post a picture... but I'm afraid the carnage we have left behind would be too much for even someone with only a casual interest in good, old-fashioned, hearty desserts to bear. I admit, I've been very bad. But, I don't regret even a single bite of that sweet, tart, summer treat.

How terrible is it that this is supposed to be a weight loss blog and yet I'm discussing sugar-filled baked items while supposedly set into a low-carb lifestyle? It's pretty bad, I admit. But, I also never felt that this should strictly be a "good news" blog about how I'm dropping pounds left and right and am down another size with each post. How ridiculous is that? (Although... how great would that be?) No, I think it's better to just lay it all out the good, the bad, and the fattening. Why the hell not?

BTW - tip here - did you know that heavy cream (not half and half) has no carbs? Yes, it has fat - but that's essentially ok on a low-carb regimen. I use it in my coffee with a sugar-free flavored syrup or just some splenda. I also drizzle it over frozen (or fresh) berries since blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are so good for you and when used in moderation are totally fine on a low-carb diet.

Now, here is the bad news... unless there is some sort of diet miracle, I won't hit my Aug. 3 goal... which as you may recall, was to lose 8 pounds. :o(

Gotta get back on that horse and watch it (aka no splurging) until I hit that goal.

Lunch With Mom...

I was at my mom's house today we had a "light" lunch. An asian salad with grilled chicken and a mexican salad with grilled chicken. Both were really great... unfortunately, we had chocolate chip cookies (fresh from the oven) for dessert. On the lighter side, we did wash it down with a nice peach tea from Crystal Light.

That almost sounds like the people who order a big mac, large fries, and a diet coke... doesn't it?

Things won't be any better tomorrow, we are going over to San Luis Obispo for the day. It will be cooler and we'll have direct access to home made pies from the Apple Farm. I can feel my rear expanding already. Auuugh!!!!

Going to do the 20 minute Pilates workout tonight... although I am tempted to try the 50 minute workout again, just because it has a longer leg/butt series than the 20 minute workout. I have to admit, I love working my thighs and rear... lift... LIFT... I NEED LIFT!!!

I feel like I have sluffed off a lot lately... it was easier to do this when the kids were in school and I was at my mom's every morning to work out on the Total Gym (which I love!). I never thought I would enjoy working out and I've never been one of those people who is "inspired" by results, but I do like the results I'm getting and I do like how working out makes me feel afterward...

Cutting and Grilling - No Steak Involved

I was having my hair done the other day (a very short cut that I love!) and the lady who does my hair kept grilling me on what I had done to lose so much weight (and to think, I've still got another 20 pounds, minimum, to go!). I explained to her that I was doing a low-carb thing and exercising.

I don't remember how it came up, but she started mentioning fluctuating Seratonin levels. I think this was in reference to chocolate or sugar or something. I explained that I didn't have to worry too much about that because I'm on medication to balance that out - the seratonin, that is. (sugar cravings and chocolate cravings are a whole other ball game) I told her that I had been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression. She said, "Doesn't everybody have that? I mean, all young mothers have that."

Now, here is what I have come to realize; people do not understand what GAD with Depression really is. Having severe panic attacks where you can't function and have chest pains so bad that you think you are having a heart attack - is not normal. Worrying to the point of not being able to function and not being able to control it - is not normal. And, yes, I absolutely believe that a good deal of this issue can be blamed on postpartum depression aka "hormonal imbalance" as well. Again, I don't have professional medical training on this... but I do know my own body and know this is the case with me.

Weigh In - 6am

That's right... I happened to wake up (thank you 18mos. old monster!) around 6am and after fetching a bottle and doing that normal morning routine I did indeed step on to enemy #1 - the bathroom scale.

Boy was I in for a shock!

I have not been as faithful to my diet or my exercise routine - mainly due to the heat. 109, 108, 107 - is just too hot. And, who the heck wants to eat meat or eggs in that kind of heat? Not I, I'm afraid.

Have kept up with the water and lots of green tea though.

Still... I didn't expect the scale to tell me that I was actually down another pound. Still, I'm happy and certainly am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Would you?

It's probably because while I say I'm not sticking to my diet - I'm actually eating a lot less because it's just too damn hot.

Anyway - here it is...

Save Me From Krispy Kreme

It's 105 right now... it's supposed to be 109 tomorrow. We have a heat advisory... and it's poor air quality. I'm retaining more water than a brand new kitchen sponge.

I'm downing ice tea and water like mad... and still not getting the desired effect. ;o)

I'll be placing an order with a lovely little online store this week for several necessities. I found I was losing more weight when I was on Cortislim (I don't know about weight loss in general but between the PCOS and Atkins - Cortislim worked VERY well!).

So, Cortislim is on the list, as is Taurine, and the apple cider vinegar/Cayenne pills. The latter, I found made a wonderful natural diuretic and apple cider vinegar is supposed to have multiple health benefits as well.

I'm also going to do a system detox that is supposed to clean out your digestive system. I feel a good detox is in order because not only am I retaining water, but I'm breaking out horribly. I think it's the heat and the hormone imbalance. But, mainly the heat because I haven't broken out like this in a few years. It's insane!

Obviously, I'm not getting an accurate weight in the mornings because of the water retention, but then, my clothes are fitting better all the time it seems like. So, I know I'm not gaining fat back... still, the scale and I are not on friendly terms these days.

A Summer Place...

I was sitting here mentally composing my next blog post when the faint strains of the theme to "A Summer Place" came through the baby monitor. Even before I saw the movie for the first time (ten or eleven years ago) I always felt that it was a very bittersweet melody. Still do. Hearing that completely threw me off tonight.

It's nearly midnight my time and another weekend has flown by. I've managed to drop a couple of more pounds over the last week. Which means that I have officially lost 24 pounds in about two and half months. Certainly can't complain about that. Although, I still have at least 25 more to go...

My original weight loss goal was 144 but, I'm thinking now that 135 would be better.

DH and I are not getting along very well... I'm not quite sure why, but I have some theories. We haven't spoken much this weekend but we have exchanged some nasty emails, that's always fun. I am fighting the urge to eat everything in the house containing even the smallest fraction of sugar. I know it's part of that nasty stress cycle that's causing this and I know the stress is because of the problems with dh.

All of this is causing the GAD to rear it's ugly head worse than usual. Which reminds me, I need to call in my refill for Lexapro. Splendid. I am getting flashes of last fall when I was having panic attacks fairly regularly. Truth be told, I'm feeling a little depressed too.

Instead of eating the left over peach pie in the fridge and then gorging on the ice cream in the freezer I decided to attempt something a bit more healthy. Yesterday, I used my body mask from Bath and Bodyworks, while it was drying I did some toning exercises. Then I took a long shower and shaved my legs. I actually felt better afterward.

Today things still weren't going very well... so I ate the peach pie. ;o) But, thenI reigned in my cravings and did some exercises, took another shower and used that Neutrogena Micro-Dermabrasion (sp.) system. It works really well, I'm happy with the results!

If things aren't looking better tomorrow - I'll give myself a pedicure and manicure... then I'll paint Kate's nails too!

Holding Fast... By My Toenails!

Had a wonderful, treat-filled, cheat-filled 4th of July weekend. I had chocolate (the real deal), pizza, clam chowder, garlic fries and barbecue.

I didn't give a care... I am setting an awful example, aren't I?

Per Pam's advice (see link in the right column) I kept up with the Taurine, water, etc. When I got home I weighed myself the following morning and found that I was sitting at 164! Not bad. Can't complain considering all the bad stuff I embarrassingly gorged on all weekend.

Still, I have to admit the new version of gorging is hardly anything compared to the old version. The old me stuffed herself until she wanted to puke and then ate some more. It was like living in a giant black-hole of cravings.

Instead, I came away from vacation and back to reality looking forward to leaping back into my old routine. The only part of the routine that I haven't hopped back into is the exercise. Tomorrow I am back on my pilates routine... as any mother probably knows sometimes coming back from vacation is harder than not going at all. The laundry... the house... ugh. So, I haven't been sedentary... just haven't worked out. LOL

Still, I'm happy with how I look and am getting better every day! I can't wait to lose another 20 pounds! I feel so much lighter and healthier from just the 20 I've lost! It's amazing.

I firmly believe in setting smaller goals that lead up to big goals - so my next goal is to lose 8 pounds by my mom's birthday, August 8th... I think that is pretty reasonable. That's 3 1/2 weeks to drop 8 pounds. I can do that!

Shaved A Pound... Maybe Two!

Well, my hard work this week has most likely paid off... I weighed myself this afternoon, after lunch, and only weighed 165... AFTER LUNCH... MIDDAY!!!

I'll update tomorrow when I get a chance to weigh myself first thing in the morning!

I'm getting ready to enjoy the holiday weekend... twenty pounds lighter. I'm thrilled. I'm also not going to be so stressed over my diet this weekend either. Not that I am going to go wild and blow it... if I fudge, I always try to compensate somehow... and I don't go too far with the fudging either.

For example, the other morning I made Maggie (my 18mo. old) some toast with peanut butter. She ate a whole piece and part of another and I took a couple of bites. Literally, just a couple of bites. Now, the old me, would have eaten the rest of the other piece of toast and probably made a couple more slices. So, I consider that another small victory. I've changed my eating habits a lot. They aren't perfect... I still do things I shouldn't, like having coffee, even though I use splenda and whole cream (no carbs).

Fact is, twenty pounds does not fall of by accident! I'm doing something right...

Now... just another 20 - 30 pounds to go. At 145 I'm in the healthy weight range... but I think I'd be happier at 135. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.