Week 3 – Diet. Off Keto on Calorie Counting!

I am beyond excited to share with you that I’m down a total of 7 pounds over the last week and a half. I had a stomach virus that took off about three of those, but the rest were mine from eating less and eating smarter!

I’ve stopped keto and am counting calories. Why? I wasn’t losing weight on keto. I also had a very hard time keeping up with the eating plan with such a slash to the amount of carbs per day (I was on 20 grams a day or fewer). I’m now on a 1500 calorie a day plan and eat veggies, meats, fruits, whole grain breads, and healthful fats.

I was struggling every day to stay true to a keto plan. It was not at all a “normal” feeling program for me. Even after a month or two trying (yes, I’d been trying for that long), I still was clawing my way uphill most days – trying so hard to stay on that program.

Now, I just eat healthfully and count the calories I take in. It is much nicer, and I can honestly LIVE with this program. I use the Loseit! app and journal my meals, exercise, water intake, and anything else I feel like monitoring. It’s fun!

I asked my doctor if there was a medical aid to help me with my appetite here in the beginning of this phase of a new path. She suggested a few different meds. I didn’t like any of them. Too many side effects. I chose one I’d had two decades ago and am on a very small dose of it (Phentermine). I can’t tell I’m even on it except for my being able to control my decisions over food better. I don’t have a burst of energy or sleepless nights like old diet pills used to have. It’s so nice to have some “help” here for about a month or two. I don’t need it for any longer than that. Also, don’t want to be on a med for any longer. I still have to make wise food choices and eat less food. I still have to move my body some. It’s not a magic pill.

I ate a cinnamon raisin English muffin for breakfast with a bit of peanut butter on top for a protein kick. Some hot coffee with it hit the spot!

That lasted me until lunch. For the mid day meal, I ate a salad recipe I love. It’s got shredded cabbage, walnuts, grapes, chopped chicken, and apple in it. I add a little Tony Cachere spice to it, as well. It tastes wonderful and is good for me.

Are you fighting your eating plan right now? Is it more like a job? You might need to consider a different approach as I did. I’m much happier now.

Tonight, I’m making a chicken and sausage gumbo. Yes, it’s still on my daily food list. It’s still “counted.” Here’s to gumbo (because I can finally eat rice)!

Weight Loss and How to Stick With It!

This doesn’t look like a “diet” plate of food, does it? Well, guess what? It is. I’ve been fighting the bulge battle for 30 years and have lost every go round. Not lost weight but lost the diet game. I’d lose a few pounds and then gain back that amount plus a few more. I did that EVERY time I dieted.

I have tried multiple diet plans, too. Expensive ones where the food comes to me in the mail, Low Carb, Low Fat, Richard Simmons’ Deal a Meal, Cabbage Soup, Counting Calories, TOPS, Weight Watchers, etc.

I came to realize that it wasn’t the actual diet, per se (some were odd), but the fact that I didn’t stick with the plan long term. Well, who could stick with eating NO bread for the rest of her life? Not me. I chose a long term eating plan that I could stick with this time. Weight Watchers has always been suggested by my doctors, and I always enjoyed the freedom with that way of eating, so I began WW (their new way of referring to themselves) last week.

So far, so good but I’m having trouble with one area. The fact that I get “too” much freedom is a bit of a hindrance, believe it or not. The current plan has 200 FREE foods, meaning they have a zero Smart Points count (I get 28 points per day to spend on food. The bacon and eggs above equal 6 Points). On this list is white meat chicken, fruits, veggies, seafood, and other goodies. They assume the average dieter (which is not me) won’t overeat on eggs or beans, etc. They’re wrong.

My new antidepressant makes me hungry, so I find myself eating these free foods in quantities that aren’t diet-friendly. Example: I had a can of beans for lunch. A whole can.  Weird stuff.

Anyway, I thought I’d let my readers know that this plan really does work if YOU work it like you’re supposed to. With a few exceptions, I’ve stayed on plan and eaten very tasty meals. I drink water, iced tea, Coke Zero, and coffee mostly. I try to stay hydrated, though.

Oh, and I usually hated going to weekly meetings. I didn’t like having to take the time out of my day to do one more thing. However, my friends, I see now that these meetings are quite helpful. It’s not the weighing in for me, it’s the information from the other members and my fantastic leader (her name is Candy. LOL) and the camaraderie. It really does help me realize I’m not eating like this alone. I get some great ideas from the meetings.

So, I urge you, if you need to lose pounds – seriously – check into a plan that you know you will be able to LIVE with, and then take it head on!

I am sipping iced green tea with Stevia while I type. It’s refreshing and reminds me that spring is on the way!

Good luck, dears ~