Sugar - Free March Madness

Join me this month in putting the artificial sweeteners and such far far away in never never land. I was very successful in December by eliminating sodas and Splenda. Now, I've had some feedback from a few fellow gym goers interested in the experiment inspired by Jimmy Moore. They want me to blog about my experiences this month in not only going sugar-free but abstaining from fructose, too. A trainer from my gym is a lurker at Zeroing in on Health and has suggested an all ketogenic diet for the next two weeks. He prefers eating fatty meats and water. I prefer eggs, lean meats, olive, avocado oils, as well as limited full-fat mayo, with my only spices, cayenne, black pepper, and mustard.

I am also training for a half-marathon for Boston's Run to Remember. I thought it was in June. Oops! It is in May and I'm getting an all out training regimen, TOMORROW!

Wish me luck!

Finally, Grateful and Positive...Not Dead!

Last week, I finally saw the scale inch to the 126lbs. mark. I didn't dance or jump on sofas declaring my love for anyone. I walked away. The number is merely a number. After several months of low-carb, I realized food is no longer the focus of my life, though, I do find pleasure in the simplest of foods without stressing about what to put into my mouth. I stopped counting calories or carbohydrates. I know what protein and fat does to my body and see the results every morning when I dress for work. Outward appearances are one thing and now I'm concentrating on the inside. I recently started reading the "Secret". The Secret is about Laws of Attraction. The more you think positively, the more positive forces will be drawn to you. I know it will work. :)

Go easy.

THE Zero-Carb Controversy Rages On...

Low-Carb Friends website are a buzz with this. I am trying to get more feedback from regular low-carbers not associated with LCF, but at the moment they haven't responded back. They may have the right idea by keeping out of it! You only have to google Zero-carb and bam! A plethora of the good, the bad, and the ugly, for your reading pleasure.

At the moment, I'm in the process of conducting my own poll at my local gym. So far, I've gotten blank stares or questioning looks. They don't even know what low-carb is until you mention Dr. Atkins. Laugh-Out-Loud, indeed!

Until then, here is my menu for today.

Breakfast: 6oz. of full fat Chobani Yogurt with 1oz. of blueberries, 3 oz. of turkey meatloaf
Snack: 4oz. of 4% milk fat cottage cheese
Lunch: Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, tuna with mayo, hot peppers, purple onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. (YUM!)
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit
Dinner: To be determined.

Water and green tea.

Trying to get out of my funk...

The zero-carb debate rages on in the low-carb world. Gimmicky diet? Or legitimate? We shall see.

Back to reality now, let's see how I'm doing. Hmm...not so good. Depressed, mostly. I try to keep a happy face at work. No one cares at the gym. I can grunt and grit my teeth as much as I like. As for food, I hate the feeling of being addicted to bad carbs, such as triscuits and cheese. Anxiety leads me straight to the box and I would like to conquer the beast!

This week I decided to go back to blogging my menus. Also, lowering my fat intake, yet, increasing protein for a more "cut" look to my muscles.

Monday - 2/9/2009

B: 3 eggs scrambled, 1/4t mayo, mustard, spices, green tea.
S: 4oz. fat-free cottage cheese.
L: Same as Breakfast.
S: 1/2 grapefruit
D: 4oz. tuna with mayo, 2 hard-boiled eggs, 1 turkey cube, green tea.

I'll give this a week and post a progress pic.

Go easy.

To Zero Carb or not to Zero Carb? That is the question.

I am reading some interesting details from the ZC forum and LCF. When I was on the egg/protein fat fast I did feel good. Yet, my energy plummeted during the evening when I needed it most. At the gym. Now, I think I may be finding out the real reason why. Protein. I need to eat more protein throughout the day. At least 140g worth. Plus more fat.

I find myself going off plan a little to often these days. A cookie here. Some bread there. Even the low-carb veggies are leaving me bloated.

At this point, I will do more research and check with the online trainer if this would be a good way to go.

Go easy!

A week filled with highs and lows.

I'm trucking along with my food and exercise plan. It is challenging to say the least being on low-carb. Yet when you are on a budget? Eggs and turkey meatloaf are what has yielded me the most meals this week. I enjoy eating the same meals throughout the week, too. I am less likely to binge if my food is prepared ready to eat. When it isn't? Boy, that homemade bread is sooo tempting!

Meals today:

B: 3 egg whites, 1 veggie pattie, 1/4 teaspoon of mayo, mustard, spices - green tea
Snack: 4oz. of cottage cheese, 6 almonds
L: 4oz. of turkey meatloaf, 3oz. of red kidney beans, 1 scrambled egg - green tea
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit, 6 almonds
D: Same as lunch. - green tea

On a side note, I'm thinking of the possibility of zero-carb. Meat and eggs all day does not sound as revolting a year ago. The protein does fuel me at the gym and the fat curbs my appetite. I never felt as good as when I was on the egg/protein fat fast. I may look into this before I do the whole heave-ho with my grapefruit, blueberries, and broccoli.

Go easy!

Good things can happen even during hard times.

Update - How am I doing?

There are days I barely make it to 1400 calories and days when I want to eat 10 times that amount. (Especially the 3 days before and 1 day during TOM.) I try to work out 5 to 6 days a week. Weight-training, 20 minutes of HIIT, and abs. I've already increased the weight of my bench presses, improved my triceps, and legs are stellar! Shoulders and back can be tough, yet, biceps are the worst! I feel very weak!

I am planning on eating more and prepare better meals throughout the week. Since, I am on a tight budget this week, I'll be putting this to the test!

Breakfast: 2 eggs with 2oz. of turkey meatloaf, 1/4T of mayo, mustard, spices
Lunch: 6oz. Chobani 0% Fat Yogurt with 1oz. of blueberries, 2 eggs scrambled with turkey burger, mayo, mustard, spices
Snack: Reduced Fat Triscuits with cheese
Dinner: TBD

Go easy!