ezeyes's Journal, 06 Oct 12

I get so frustrated with the scale. It goes down and then it goes right back up. I met with my Doctor, told him I cut back to about 1000 calories a day and was trying to make healthier choices and it just isn't happening. He gave me the following advice: He said forget low calorie --- your body needs fuel for your metabolism in order to burn the calories but you need the 'right' fuel or you just burn out. The kick that finally started working for me was info in a book my doctor had me read through in his office. I've cut my sugar intake down to 15g or less a day and maximum carb intake is 120g. 120 seems like a lot if you're an atkins or low-carb fan but my body just doesn't like low carb; I get physically ill if I drop below 60g. It's more about the type of foods you are eating than the amount (unless you're consuming 3500 calories every single day -- then it's also the amount :-) I don't like the term diet. When you're working towards your goal and losing weight, making changes to make your life better --- make sure you are still getting the nutriets/vitamins that your body needs to fight cancer and infections and mood swings. Munch on a couple of baby carrots or celery when you find yourself in the kitchen looking for something to eat because you're bored or stressed. I keep a baggie of carrots and celery and a couple of apples on the 2nd shelf in the refrigerator right up front so it's in my face when I open the door. Also a can of mixed nuts and almonds. I know I can grab a handfull of those too and when I'm really hungry I'll have an apple or an apple with some peanut butter on it -- really filling and I find my dr. was right that all the chewing that I have to do with the fresh or uncooked fruits and veggies helps my brain to decide that I'm full or satisfied sooner. I've been losing 3 pounds a week pretty steady the last month since cutting back on the sugar and tracking carbs. No more soda, I've cut that out completely. Not even diet soda. I did get crazy lazy when mom went into the hospital and we found the cancer has moved into her stomach and liver and I gained back some of the weight I had lost but I will stick with the low sugar/lower carb because it's working for me. And I'll try to make time to get on here more often. Well -- off to help my sister & brother in law put the roof on the house they're building (my first roof raising party - should be fun and I'll get my exercise for sure) and then to the hospital to spend a few hours with mom. Hoping I can keep it together and be strong for her today. My tears aren't good for her. She is having a difficult time coming to terms with what is coming. She is only 66, and has been my very best friend. Off to dry my cheeks again... and then out the door to the roof raising party.