Round on the ends and Hi in the middle - OHIO

Back to work now......

2007-01-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Weighing in at 199.2 :-(

Yep, had to many rainy days inside and that really hurts. But it's back on track for me this week. I've already limited my food and carb intake. Almost back to induction rates. I have to get moving, not only for the challenge, but for Hawaii!!!! Yep, that's coming up soon too. I still want to look good in shorts and a t-shirt in the winter. YIKES. I even want to buy a new bathing suit. Maybe I can find one in Hawaii?

Oh well, thanks to the rain on both weekends we had off of work, it was easy to stuff more food in my mouth. We did (as a family) have way too many parties and I did fine at all of them. I didn't over eat or eat anything bad, I even by-passed the alcoholic beverages. BUT, when I sit at home watching tv or reading I like to snack on crackers/chips and that hurt some. Yep. Back up five lbs. It sure is easy to do. Even with small cheats. New years eve I did have two margaritas, but I used Baja Bob's Margarita mixes and they don't have any sugar in them. I did have some pizza that night too......bad Mo! Well, I don't cheat alot, and it wasn't a fall of the wagon, completely denounce lowcarb, stuff your face cheat! I'd say it was moderate by some means. I will be very hard on myself now as I still want to get down to 145 lbs. I don't have a desired "get to" date, just want to get there, and most important of all - STAY THERE!!!!

So move your big butt over Kirsty Alley, I don't need any packaged food to get me there, or some gal named Jenny, just my common sense and being honest with myself! HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

Ho Ho - OH NO.......

2006-12-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

Weighing in today at 198.0 :-( Yep, that's a weight gain again......

Could it be? Yep, it's the Grinch that put on a few lbs. Oh well, look at it this way, I have been going down for so long, would it last. Nope, and I can go back to working really hard next week. Yep! I had my son's birthday, office parties, Christmas, New Years, more birthday parties all in these two weeks going by, than all the rest of the year. I have cheated a few times, but I've mostly stayed away from the really bad cheats. No egg nog or candies. I have had some pretzels and popcorn, and a piece of my son's birthday cake. I haven't felt the pinch in the wasteline on my size 12's, but I'm not going to go there. I have eaten moderately as well. I have not over-stuffed myself, and I have actually not really eaten alot. The things I have eaten alot of are veggies, fish and meats. I am only eating when I am hungry too, no over-stuffing my face with snacks. A friend came over last week and took us out to dinner too. I stayed away from the alcohol and I only had a few tiny pieces of the pizza they ordered. I had the wings instead and a salad. So, back to work as I have to face the music (SCALES) this morning!!!! My husband asked me yesterday if I have fallen off the diet plan. I told him no, but I have cheated a bit. He's on me like a hawk. Of course, he likes what he see's and we are going on a cruise to Hawaii in February and wants me to look my best! Of course he does, he's my best friend! So, back on the plan and keeping on the lowcarb lookout. I won't beat myself up for the gain, just working harder not to let it get ahead of me!!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Cheeseburger in Paradise........

2006-12-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Weighing in late this week at 196.5

Well, now, it wasn't a cheeseburger, I did eat really well, but I had some drinks too! I went to Florida to visit with my folks and my brother and sister. We all went down (my husband and my son) as a family, and we had a great time. I didn't really focus on food that much, but my cheat blinders were still locked and loaded. I did navigate on the menus the options that I stick too, and I let in a few I don't usually have at home. I had some wine with my meals and I also had a few carbs here and there. Not the carbs that give you major headaches, mind you. I did ok, as there were many temptations at my fingertips. One of the hardest to resist was my sister's margaritas. Yes, I had two. They were so good, but I did have a slight headache the next morning. Other than that, I stayed pretty true to my original diet schema. Lots of veggies, meats, eggs, cheese, salads, and I took my own candy bars. Yep, that helped too! I didn't have the desserts, just one night I had some sugar free icecream. That was all. So, since Thanksgiving, I've gained two and a half pounds. Yep, back up to 196.5. Now, don't count me out. I'm back on it this week and I will lose this too. Since it dropped into the teens, I'm on the treadmill at night instead of walking and playing ball outside. I will have to invest in some silk long underwear. Since losing the 38 lbs, I can't seem to keep warm outside. I've lost my heavy insulation!!!! So, I guess I'll just have to buckle down and buy some. If I ever make it to 145, what will I do, I'll be freezing in the winters here!!!!!!!!!! Florida was great, 83-85 every day, sunny, warm water. Yep - I did it, I actually put on a bathing suit and wasn't afraid to be seen in it. AMAZING. I think my suit was around 6 years old!!!! Ha ha!!! Well, back to putting together my menus for the week. Take it easy around Christmas and don't beat yourselves up too bad for cheating a little. It happens - Happy Holidays - hope to check in on time next tuesday with better results.

Happy Holidays to you ALL!!!!

2006-11-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

Weighing in at 194 today - that's a 2 lb weight loss for the week!!!!

Hey, that's pretty darned good going into the biggest feasting holiday of the year. I am armed with my Pumpkin Impossible Pie recipe and my Chocoperfection chocolates, I should be good to go. We are going to my husband's brother's house and I am bringing the dessert. Of course, one regular pumpkin pie, and one for the low carbers. I am also thinking about bringing the cauliflower and cheese bake, since the vegetables will probably consist of potatoes, yams, peas, corn and the like. I think I'll just be stuck with the turkey and the olives. I won't let that happen this year. Not when I just took all of my size 16 and 14 jeans into the consignment shop this afternoon. Nuh uh! No going back for me, it's going forward full steam ahead!!! I hope all of you have a wonderful Holiday season and I am out looking for a bathing suit to go swimming when I get down to visit my folks next week in Florida. Keep thinking about the long term effects and keep smiling. Don't get overwhelmed by all the food at the table. You don't need to eat it all to survive. You need to eat to live, not live to eat.

So much to do, so little time.....

2006-11-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

Weigh in 196.0

Hello, I have been so busy here at work and at home, I haven't had any time to write! I've had a bunch of new software rollouts at work and numerous requests for projects and of course, I'm off in a few weeks. I've been super, super hard at work at home too. I did make that Impossible Pumpkin Pie recipe last night, and instead of the Splenda, I added a half cup of DaVinci's sugar free caramel syrup. The pie was good, but not a sweet as I would have liked. I did add some sugar free whipped cream to it, and it helped a bit. I'll have to modify it the next time to suit my sweetness. I just don't like using the crystalized Splenda. I wish I could find the liquid kind. It bakes better.

So, how did all of you do? The holidays are coming. I have stocked my shelves with goodies for the sugar/carb busters. I bought a mix of choc chip cookies from Big Train and also some mocha frapachino too from them. I also have my back up choc bars from Chocoperfection! Thanks Jimmy for all the great hints on the "I feel like I'm cheating" snacks!!!

I've been kind of low lately. My cat was hit by a motorist in front of my house and had to have her tail removed. I've been doctoring her up these last two weeks. Plus the weather is nothing short of dreary and damp. I also lost (what I thought) was a very healthy baby rabbit the other night. I found him out of his nestbox a bit stiff. It's tough to be a breeder of any kind, you have to suffer numerous defeats, Mother Nature can be so cruel. I've also not felt on top lately. I had to go to a viewing on sunday of my husbands cousin. He passed away at 55 from a long battle (four years) with a brain tumor. Wow, sure makes you appreciate all the rest of the days that you have.

Well, back to working. I'm going to try and lose more before I leave for Florida on the 30th. My parents won't recognize me when I get there. I didn't tell them I've lost all this weight, I wanted to surprise them.

Fall foods - Fall forward.......

2006-11-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well, with the recent time change and all, and the cold nip in the air, thoughts are turning to Holiday foods. I just recently found a great recipe for Impossible Pumpkin Pie. I'll have to list it here in my blog. I thought it would be a good one to try as it makes it's own crust. No need to try to put nuts in it and spoil the whole thing (I'm not fond of nuts in sweet things). I also wanted to tell everyone that even though it gets dreary and dark and cold out, light a fire, walk on the tread mill (if you have one) pick up some weights (or canned food) and do some arm curls. But don't get caught sitting in front of the t.v. with thoughts of snacking. I have plenty to do, since I raise rabbits and have a barn full of critters. I'm always out there, working, cleaning or just enjoying the animals. Be creative it'll help you get through those long winter days!

I also am excited today, I went to my favorite consignment shop and bought two pair of nice pants, both a size 12 and three wonderful looking sweaters - mediums!!!! I am so psyched!!! I just want to put up three way mirrors in my bedroom now........before I didn't even want to PASS one!!! It's so great to go from a size 18 to a size 12 - what an ego booster that is. And the clothes!!!! Wow, there is so much more to be had as a size 12. They don't know what fashion is when you're a size 18 - sad. I feel on top of the world, thank you all for the encouragement to succeed. Well, enough said - here is that recipe......

This smooth, spicy pumpkin pie makes its own crust! Delicious with whipped topping or Breyers Carbsmart vanilla ice cream. Yields: 1 - 9 inch pie Ingredients:

2 cups pumpkin puree
1-1/2 cups Hood Calorie Countdown milk
1 cup Splenda
1/2 cup Carb Quik baking mix
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch pie pan. In a medium mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, baking mix, melted butter, eggs, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, until mixture is smooth. Pour mixture into pan. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until set in center. Allow to cool before serving.

Trick or Treat?

2006-10-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

Checking in at 200 lbs. 2+ weight gain this week. ;-(

Well, I received my treats in the mail yesterday! I ordered the Chocoperfection bars and boy are they wonderful. I think I will be substituting these for my icecream this winter. I'm not much on icecream in the winter time, so these bars may actually help me get over the sweet tooth/chocolate cravings. I also am looking for a low carb hot-chocolate mix. If anyone out there knows of one, tell me please!!!! Well, this week was a gain week as I have had nothing but heartburn and acid stomach problems. Don't get me wrong, it's not from doing this diet. It's probably stress/work related as well as eating too many of the tortilla chips and cheese. I sometimes overdue them as they are my snack favorites. I have eased up on coffee and fried foods and also the chips. I did add more yogurt and I bought some of the Hood Calorie Countdown (used to be called Carb Countdown) choc milk. I drank a glass a day for a while until I got over this acid problem. I did gain two pound and I'm back up to 200 again. Oh well, back to the drawing board. We had a pig out day at work today for Halloween, but I picked at the fruit and the cheese/meat tray. I did have a small piece of tortilla wrapped with cream cheese and some meatballs, but I won't be eating much for dinner. I am taking it easy on my stomach. I have also started to walk/jog on my treadmill down in the basement at night. The weather has been too nasty to walk outside and it rains off and on now. Well, trick or treat everyone - Have a safe and Happy Halloween.

Jimmy Moores new Pod-cast - fantastic!!!!

2006-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an uplifting experience, to be able to hear Jimmy's voice coming to you through your computer. It's like having your own radio tuned into your favorite channel. Now you can have Jimmy speak to you right from his website. Hear him get fired up about what he is doing and how you can benefit from all of his vast experiences through reading and living life "La Vida, Low Carb! I'm sure Jimmy will have loads to tell us and maybe even a guest speaker or two! Tune in weekly to see what he has to say. I've added the link to my side bar on my site so you can all experince this great pod-cast show. The Living La Vida Low Carb Show comes to you directly from Jimmy Moore himself, author of the wonderful book with the same title, Living La Vida Low Carb.

Whoohoo - size 12 jeans!!!!

2006-10-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

Scales are still out and I'm begging my husband to bring them back! Weigh in at 198????

Well, I sure feel like I'm losing something, inches if not weight. I went shopping later on last week and I fit into a size 12 jeans. That is just one pair, as I have another in my drawer that is just so close to fitting. They have to be a size 11. They are super straight legs wrangler 20X. It'll take a few months more of this diet style to get into those. I did eat a few things last week that I wasn't suppose to. I guess it was a down weekend for me. It's tough staying indoors, as there are too many things to get in trouble with food wise. My husband still eats the junk foods, so I have to keep them on hand for him. I didn't get the low carb choc bars, as they've been out of stock for a bit and I just don't want to go there. I was thinking about going back on induction to jump start my slowness in losing. I may start today. I haven't been eating much in the mornings, as I have no time. I feed everyone else (everything else) and run to work....

I am so elated about being able to fit into a size 12, it shows. I had my hair colored with highlights and I'm sporting some newer fashions now that I didn't used to go near. I also bought some jewelry to go with things for fall. It's like a new me!!!! I just hope I can keep on going as work has been such a drag lately. Nothing is going right in that area. Seems like I can't balance work, home, myself very well. If I pick myself up, my home or work drops and vice versa.......I guess you can't have it all!!!!

I hope you all are doing better today, even if the blahs have come around. I'm hoping I don't get too depressed about a long cold winter, cause it seems like that's where Ohio is heading!!!

Scales, scales, who's got the scales???........

2006-10-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Mo's Double Vision
Best of Breed Win - Jr. Black Otter Buck

Ack!!!! No readings, no scales. I have been without scales for a week now. I'm still waiting on them to come back. My husband lent them to a friend to weigh his experimental aircraft last tuesday and they haven't been back. I'm not really worried, as it's my tom week anyhow. You know, I don't even want to look in the mirror or try on any clothes THIS week. Yep, straight water weight gain. SO, better luck next week. I did have a great weekend. My little junior black otter Netherland Dwarf buck, Vision, came home with a Best of Breed win at a show in Dover Ohio. I got a blue ribbon and a trophy for my case. I went on to win best in four class, but we didn't make the cut. Too many big breeders there to compete against and the judge didn't really like ND's, you could tell. I'm attaching a photo of Vision, who is growin up nicely. Not much more to blog about this week. Too busy at work, and the weather isn't particularly being nice. Rainy, ugly and cold. Well, stick around, this is central Ohio, bound to change in a minute or so!!!! Have a great week gang - lose two for me!

Oh well - can't lose them all in one day!

2006-10-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Check in at 199 for another week - must be a stall week.

Oh well, like I said, you can't lose them all in one day or week. I have to be patient. It's not like I put it all on that fast either. This has been a long, long road and now I am traveling down a new path way. This one is paved with healthier benefits and great kudos if I stay on it. There are new clothes, a better feeling, a clearer head and of course, the mirror loves me back!!!!! YEAH!

I'm working on my rabbits this week as I have a big show in eastern Ohio and I want to go with winning rabbits. I will be working out in the barn after work all week, so I should try and get on my treadmill late at night or earlier in the a.m. for workouts. The weather is getting colder and it is going to rain, so I best start planning my workouts in the basement. My dogs aren't happy about that, maybe I should teach them how to use the treadmill too!

I did clean out my closest and I took all of my large size (18's) to the second hand store and dropped them off yesterday. These are some of my designer office clothes that can be re-used as I make money off of doing it. I am now into the size 14's so I thought it best to move those 18's out of there. Fall is hitting harder, so I had to move my sweaters up too. Clingy sweaters look so much better on me now that I dropped that weight! I'm not so afraid of tucking in my shirts and wearing belts anymore!!!! Thanks Jimmy and Gang! Your the best!

Happy Birthday Darling!!!!!!

2006-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Checking in at 199 lbs. WOOHOO!!!!

(that's 10 lbs total loss on the 30 in 30 Weight Loss Challenge so far!)

Yep, that's right. I am having a great day today, no one can spoil it. I am dressed to the 9's and have a bouquet of tea roses to present to my husband when I take him out to his birthday dinner tonight. I told him that all of this wasn't possible without the help and support and adoration of my one and only!!! He has been with me through thick and thin (well, mostly I've been thick) HEE HEE. When he first met me at the tender age of 19, I was 140 lbs. That's when we used to run around in skimpy bathing suits when I lived near the beaches in SW Florida back in the early 80's. I've been married to this terrific man for 20 years, and have known him for over 25. I have also slowly gain all of this extra poundage and most came on after my son's birth and then more, after I moved up to Ohio in 98. I am now glad to say that I will be pre-Ohio weight soon. Once I hit that next mark of 180 lbs. I'm hoping to get closer to that before I leave to see my family in Florida (early Dec 06). I'm wanting that "drop the jaw look". I also have another big surprise for my mom and dad..... I'm bringing my husband and my son too. We didn't really plan it that way, but it turns out that it worked out for the flights and all. No one knows but my brother, who will be putting us up. So, another small goal is to get to 180, but I don't know if I can get there in two months time. Oh gosh, anything on the minus side is surely a PLUS!!!!!! Well, not much has changed in diet, just added the fish oil caplets and the calcium caplets and Co-Q10 and Royal Jelly as well. I do that to ward off colds and flus. Stamina too! Honey is a wonderful natural substance and the royal jelly comes from the queen bee. Keep up the great work gang, and stop and smell the roses along the way!!!

A shopping we will go..........

2006-10-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Mo-Better Rabbitry's Double Vision took home BOG/BOV on 10-01-06.

Yep, Vision took home two firsts yesterday. He won the first show with Best of Variety, Best of Group, and took Best of Opposite Sex Variety BOSV and BOSG (Group). This is his third show with firsts as a junior buck (male rabbit). I can't wait to see him grow up and win as a senior!!!

Yep, I promised myself. If and when I broke the 200 lb mark, I will go shopping. And shop, we did!!! I took my son, as my husband is terrible at looking at things. I went with him to his favorite store, American Eagle outfitters. I let him buy a pair of pants and a shirt, and I tried on a pair of junior size 14 hip huggers and I bought them. I was like a kid, giggling about it. I also bought a nice leather woven belt to go with them. Then I bought two pair of dress shoes and some perfume to boot!!! I went kind of wild with the shopping! It was all in fun and I promised this to myself a while back. Now, I have this other mark that is waiting to be hit. Yep, 180 is my next smaller goal. Another 20 lbs to go on that one. I'm hoping to get to this soon before I leave for Florida in December. I hope I can do it! My mom and dad won't recognize me. Incidentally, I didn't tell anyone in my family that I was going to start this. I wanted to keep it all to myself for a while, just to know I can do it!!! My son was inspired so he is now trying to lose some weight too. He isn't really "fat", he just has some weight around the middle he would like to lose.

I did discover that I don't lose any weight if I don't eat. I had alot of running around to do over the weekend, and I didn't eat as often as I should. I tend to store when this happens and not lose. So, I have to plan my weekends better with small portions of healthy snacks to go......

Have a great week!

Rain, rain go away......

2006-09-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I started taking the supplements that Jimmy Moore had listed on his 30 in 30 Weight Loss Challenge and it seems to be working nicely. I am moving forward and the weight just seems to be slipping off. I don't exercise as much as I should, but then again, I have been taking care of this lower back issue. I did walk the other day and ride my bike a bit, but no set routines. I finally fit into a pair of straight leg western Rockies jeans today that I thought I would never ever wear. I bought them a few years back, at the local second hand store. They were tagged new, and I just had to have them because of the brand and they were also Longs. I have a 34 inseam and I am hard to fit on jeans. Any time I find a long pair, I grab them up. I am not really tall, just have long legs I guess. I stand 5 ft. 7.5 without shoes, but I do know that regular size jeans when washed will shrink up and be above my shoes. I like the length to the ground sometimes, especially when wearing boots. Today is a good day for boots, it's cold and rainy outside. I think I'm at a good place right now, I finally feel like I'm ready to start hitting this challenge even harder today. After hitting my 200 marker, I am energized and raring to go now! I had a slight head ache this morning, and I know it's not food related. I didn't eat anything out of the normal range of acceptable foods. This morning I had 1 egg scrambled a half of a small coffee with half and half (just a pinch) and an Atkins crunch bar. I just had some nuts, hoping to take away the headache. Maybe I didn't eat enough??? I do have an Atkins shake in the refrig, but I was saving that for a bit later. I'm making italian tonight, yes!!! My famous low carb meatballs and no-sugar marinara sauce - yum. I don't eat the pasta, but I do have a piece of low carb bread or wrap with my meal and of course, a salad. When I make my meatballs, I use an egg and for the breadcrumbs I substitute ground up pork rinds and parmesian cheese mixture. It works great and makes them moist. I also use herbs and some onions and garlic. Nice thing about this is that my family eats it and it doesn't taste any different from the old style I used to fix. Just not as sweet. I also add black olives to mine, and of course mushrooms. Well, I think I've just about nailed all of my computer problems this week, now I'm working on budgeting for next years software. Till nest time......

Well Happy "200" Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Good Morning - REALLY! I finally reached my first big goal of 200 lbs. Yahoo!! I am feeling good and it shows, look at that smile on my face! I had a girlfriend at work take these photos of me this morning. I have never felt better in my life and my back is actually starting to shape up as well. I pulled some muscles in the top part of my back over the weekend while buttoning my really tight jeans and my Dr. worked out the kinks last night. I am waking up every morning now feeling much better and not having to work out the pain/stiffness of the lower back. My diet hasn't changed too much, and I have done the fasting with good results before. I may try this over the weekend as I have so much planned. I did very well on the show tables last weekend with one of my junior black otter bucks named Vision. I took two firsts with him and I was very elated with those wins. I can't wait to take him to the next show with me. Well, now, I have to re-set my goals. I still have 50 lbs more to lose to get down to my all time goal of 150 lbs. With that said, I've been losing around an average of 2 lbs a week on this diet. I am happy with those results, as I don't want it to come off too fast, I want it to just slowly disappear and stay away!!! I also like eating my icecream when I want too (or when I feel bad). I haven't been able to eat anything else that feels like I'm cheating! Bakery items are always off limits and I don't like the fake chocolate candy with the malitol in them. Terrible. So, I'll just keep doing what I am doing. Winter will be here and I'll probably give up the icecream for something else - any ideas???? Please comment!!!! I'd like to hear what you all have to say!

Keep on track and don't give up on yourself - Mo

It's not been a great week......computer wise......

2006-09-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, weighing in today at 202 :-)

Good morning, or is it? I was due to type in my weigh in on tuesday, but my computer at work had other ideas. Yep, the dreaded "blue screen of mega-death" - disk hard sector corruption. YIKES. Well, that's a long story, but also, I gained a lb over the weekend and it showed on tuesday!!!! I attended one of those dreaded (EEEKKKK) family reunions!!!! OH NO, not another one! Yep, the foods that the older generation think we eat were all there!!!! Cassaroles apon cassaroles, jello whipped desserts with fruit in them, and banana pudding with nilla wafers. UGH!!! Well, I stayed away from almost all the really bad sugary items, but I did have a bit of a wrap sandwich and some salad coleslaw hash thingy. I also had cheese and some salami/trail bologna and meatballs. Some of these items I tasted had sugar in them I bet. I think the salads all did and the meatballs had a tangy zippy sauce and there were carbs in the tortilla roll ups. But for the most part, I stayed small portions, just nibbled and got rid of my hunger pangs. The great thing is as of this morning, that pound is no where to be seen. I weighed in on my scale this morning at 202!!!! YEAH! I am also starting TOM so, you know what that means......it's probably going to really drop of by next weigh in on tuesday!!!!

I just might reach my first big goal of getting under that big iron 200 bar!! Yep, you know the one. That's the one the big heavy nurse slams across the very top of that big scale you step on the moment you enter the DR zone!!!! YES SIR am I going to be glad when I go back to my dr and they can't do that to me anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hee Hee!

Well, I'm feeling extra special today even though the things around me seem to be falling on the way side (thanks computer)......I had to put away my super large size 18 pants and my 16's are getting big too. I was so proud to jump back into my pencil thin Rockies (western straight leg jeans with no back pockets). I had to show them off to my husband yesterday. What an accomplishment that was. I've saved these jeans from the goodwill pile and another pair of small size 14's Calvin Kleins for a rainy day and it just started to RAIN.

Till we blog again! Have a great weekend!

Feeling better - doing better......

2006-09-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

Weigh in is 203 - 6lbs lost in 4 weeks on the 30/30 but a total of 27 since I started on Atkins 6/2/06

Good Morning! I finally made a tuesday weigh in :-)

Well, busy busy was the weekend. With the big Buckeye game on saturday, a ton of food and fun. I splurged a little (well, alot), but still came through with a turn around today! I was having lower back problems and I went to see a Chiropractor last thursday finally. I've been living with this for a while now. He has been doing a world of good and I actually didn't feel sore when standing most of the day up in Norwalk at a rabbit show. I did alot of heavy lifting and cage cleaning and moving all day before the big game. Then I cooked and cleaned to for a kick off party that evening. I didn't get much sleep and was up early on sunday to head to the rabbit show with a bunch of my juniors. I did stay for both shows, and posted a Best of Opposite in black otter juniors with one of my bred bucks. I was pretty proud, but there are more shows to come. This weekend it's Lima and next weekend it's Ostrander. I'm hoping to break through this year with my newest stock. I'm ready to compete!!!! I feel GOOOOODDD!!!!!

I did modify my diet these past two weeks. I cut out the snacking to a real minimal. I also added Atkins shakes for a choc fix and more veggies and less red meat. I've been eating chicken and fish and doing better!!!! Eggs of course as well. I can't believe that I didn't gain after cheating a bit, but I've been tighter on my diet lately too! Good luck to you all and I'd love reading all your blogs!!!

Where did Tuesday go?

2006-09-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

Checking in on Wed - 206 - ACK!!! gained a lb........

Well darn it.....just when I was walking the dogs everyday and working on my rabbitry getting ready for a show this weekend. I had days where I was eating to the plan, and then there were a few where I was enjoying myself a little too much. Oh well. I didn't go overboard and that's a good thing. I also didn't fall off the wagon like I used too long ago. It's hard sometimes to keep your mind focused to this overall lifestyle when everyone else is going on as usual. I haven't been to too many places where I have to watch what I eat, I usually just over do it with my snacks when I'm home and bored!!! The weather tried to keep me indoors but I went out and worked in the barn anyhow. It just rained on my head most of the day on Saturday, but I didn't mind. I have to stay active to not think about food. I need to eat more chicken too, seems that when I don't go to the butcher store, I tend to eat more red meats. My husband isn't a chicken fan either. I love it. I did have two nights of vegetarian squash cassarole, and it was good too!!! (See post below)

Well, my goals this week is to lose that additional pound and a few more, so stay with me, I will do it. I also would like to join a gym, but I think I'll just come up with a plan at home. I have a treadmill down in the basement, and two dogs that need to walk. I also need to start doing some crunches and bends to work out the small of my back. I've been having some pains down there.....sore alot. Could be the bed I've been sleeping on....hmmmm.

Well, good luck to all of you and hello to the new joiners!!! Welcome aboard!

Yum - great recipe I just had to share.....

2006-09-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post this, as it was too good not to. My mother in law blessed me with this tremendously huge zucchini squash the other day. It was sitting on my kitchen island and I thought of an old recipe my sister-in-law shared with me. It's all low carb too, as I sat there and read the ingredients. Here it is and it was wonderful and rich.

Cut up (don't peel) enough zucchini for three cups cubed
put this in a boiling pot of water for about 5-8 minutes until tender and then
rinse with cold water wash in a collander.
In another 1 quart pan, low heat, add
1/2 cup of sour cream
4 tblspoons of butter
3 tblspoons of grated cheese (parmesan or romano)
Melt all of these together and remove from heat.

When slightly cooled down, add one egg and two tablespoons of chives
(I didn't have chives and added green onion last night as well as fresh mushrooms)
mix this creamy mixture in with the zucchini in a cassarole dish.

For the augratin topping -
take 1/2 bag of pork rinds and put them in a food processor/blender and puree
add two tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
sprinkle on top of zucchini and add pats of butter.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.

MMMMMMmmmm GOOD. I didn't even eat any meat as it filled me up for dinner last night. I don't know the carb count, but I don't think it will be that high. Enjoy!!!!

Back in the Saddle again.......

2006-08-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon - Checking in at 205 (a day late) 4 lbs lost

Yep, I had my stall week, now I'm back in the game! I weighed in at 205 so that makes it 4 lbs since joining the 30 by 30 Weight Loss Challenge, but I feel even better as I am starting to fit back into my size 14 jeans. Well, some of them. Seems each manufacturer has a set model and some size 14's are really size 12's in disguise!!!! HA HA!

I have limited my carb intake and slowed down on the higher carb snacking I've been allowing myself. Well, you gotta let go a little bit now and then.... but it's time to get tough. This is a Challenge, ya know! So, I backed off the Breyers Carbsmart ice cream and the Garcia Lo's Tortilla chips. They do come in handy when feeling deprived, depressed or just plain down and out on diets!!! I still want to know where you go to for all you can eat prime rib, Jimmy???? I sure wish we had a place around here like that. You would think with all the cows in Ohio, they could have something like this, but no! They even try to give you margarine blend at Bob Evans restaurants. You have to ask for butter!!! I told the waitress when I moved up here - this IS Ohio isn't it? You have a cow on every corner! Ridiculous!!!! ;-)

Well, back to the software upgrades and database construction here at work. It's been a tough week, but the weather is a changing here. Buckeye football is on so that means I'll be out riding my mare or walking the dogs......

Keep on keeping on!!!! Ciao!

Does my dog have his paw on the scale or what???.........

2006-08-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Still 207!

Well, staying steady, and not loosing so I have to re-organize the diet this week. Of course its possibly water gain from having my Aunt Flo visit. Nothing like sabotage to a diet on a monthly basis.....is this payback for tempting Adam with an apple??? Heh heh!!! What we women have to endure - blech! :-(

I do want to point out the most positive things that have been happening lately! For all you low-carb nay-sayers (Rick, you know who you are!)..... my hair is just as shiny as it can be, and my skin - it glows with health. I'm also more relaxed and attentive, my mind is not racing or wandering - I can actually CONCENTRATE!!! I'm not upset about not losing this week, I am happy that I'm not GAINING!!!! I have been enjoying the Breyer's Carbsmart icecream a little too much!! OH COME ON NOW, it's SUMMER!!!! I am an icecream fanatic....and Breyer's, well, I'm their biggest fan! They know it too. I emailed them and told them to keep the Carbsmart icecream a-comin!!!! I tried the butter pecan last weekend and my husband had to agree, it was very close to the real thing. Rich and buttery with all the pecans you could ask for. Honestly, it keeps me sane! I don't think I could ever, ever go on a low fat diet. I think those people have to check their hair, and skin.....it'll definately not reap rewards from a low fat diet.

My friend Rick who is a chemist, believes that it's not healthy to not eat carbs. These people just don't listen to their own bodies, you should see this guys skin and hair and body. And they are trying to preach to me???? WOW, I'd like to hold a mirror to every person who tells me I'm wrong or not doing right by my health. ALSO - why is it that it is so easy to follow this diet and stay satisfied? Maybe.......it's because you are giving the body what it needs, what it craves???? I don't know Jimmy, but I've never felt better in all my life. I was just bending over this morning and playing with the dogs went it hit me. I don't have any pain in my hip joints and I can move free-er with all the extra flab around the middle. I can actually feel like I can keep up with my two energetic border collies. Try to run with those too!!!! Whew!

Well, thanks for all the positive comments group - Vic, CarbAttack, HiketoHealth and all the rest I haven't met yet. Sit back and enjoy the RIDE!

Flying High and Feeling GOOD!

2006-08-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Good morning - Checking in at 207 - 2 lbs lost

I'd thought I would start out with a thank you to a co-worker this morning. She came into my office and said "Mo, I saw you walking in to work, and I just love your outfit". Well, hon, it isn't the outfit, it's because I can wear it now. She asked me "is it new?", and I said, "no, its just been in the back of my closet a long time". I went from a size 18 to a size 14 and now I can wear all those clothes that (yes, I saved because I loved the look) are two sizes down from where I was. I really want to shoot for a size 11-12. Not too far away. Maybe when I reach that, I shoot even lower for a size 10, who knows!!!!

I haven't started an exercise routine, but I'm working on one. It's been just way too hot here in Central Ohio to get out and work out. Gosh, I just got in 60 bales of hay up into my barn for winter. I think that's work out enough for this week!!!! I'm going to start walking my dogs - Fly and Jett and taking more bike rides since the fall weather is starting to break through!
Have a great day - and keep your chin up and fly high!

Doing well in my carbless frame of mind.....

2006-08-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Day 1- Clocking in at 209

It's getting a bit more clearer every day.........my head! It's amazing the feeling I get living the low-carb life. I don't feel drowsy or lethargic. I spring right out of bed (well almost). I get plenty of sleep, un-interrupted (well almost, hard to do with to hyper border collies).

I do think clearer and stay on track with projects better. I have alot more energy and don't feel tired after eating either. It's like I jumped into a new body frame and mind frame. I stood on the scale this morning and felt kind of bloated, but still lost weight. You know us girls, water weight gain at least one or two weeks a month -YECH! Well, I am down another half of a pound, yes half....I have one of those digital scales that talks.

Anyhow....I was starting to say that I didn't feel like I lost anything as I felt kind of bloated and I ate a piece of low-carb cheesecake last night after dinner. That always makes me feel like I've been cheating big time!!! Have to plug the vendor here - Cheesecake, lowcarb, courtesy of The Cheesecake Factory- yahoo! If you haven't tried it, you must. You can order it online at their website. Not to miss! Until next time!!!

About Me

2006-08-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone -

I'm a 43 yo woman who loves food. I live a great life, but overdo it when it comes to eating, both alone and with friends. I have been on the Atkins plan a couple of times and I know this does work and also helps get rid of the fog I live in when consuming carbs and sugars. I'm probably setting myself up for type II diabetes if I don't watch out, so here I am back on it again. Yep, started on my 43rd birthday which was June 2, 2006. I clocked in at 230 lbs on a 5 ft 7 large frame. I have lost over 20 pounds since that day and I have been on OWL for about 10 weeks now. I have hit a plateau. Last week I stayed at 211 for about four/five days, and I re-adjusted my diet again. I weighed in today and I've lost two pounds.