Tex Ark Check In

Counting carbs/calories is a drag. Obsessive scale stepping is a recipe for despair. If you want to count something, "days on habit" is a much better metric. Checking off days on a calendar would do just fine, but if you do it here you get accountability and support. Here's how. Start a new topic in this forum called (say) "Your Name Daily Check In." Then every N day post a "reply" to that topic as to whether you stayed on habit. A simple "<font color="green">SUCCESS</font>" or "<font color="red">FAILURE</font>" (or your preferred euphemism if that's too harsh) is sufficient, but obviously you're welcome to write more if you want. On S-days just register that you're taking an S-day. You don't have to do this forever, just until you're confident you've built the habit. Feel free to check in weekly or monthly or sporadically instead of daily. Feel free also to track other habits besides No-s (I'm keeping this forum under No-s because that's what the vast majority are using it for). See also my <a href="/habitcal/">HabitCal</a> tool for another more formal (and perhaps complementary) way to track habits.

Moderators: Soprano, automatedeating

TexArk
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Post by TexArk » Sat Dec 22, 2018 2:21 pm

December has been the easiest it has ever been. Of course it helps not to be overwhelmed with travel and baking of goodies which used to be my life. Pretty laid back now in retirement years.

Weight has been consistent at 154. Of course, in the back of my mind, I still have 150 as a magic number because that would be a bmi in the normal range. That might happen over the year. I have gone down from 160 since March very slowly with the idea of maintaining.

But best of all...I think I own the no snacking pattern even in my subconscious. It is just not a consideration. I also learned over the years that I am an abstainer instead of a moderator. I have not eaten sugar in over a year and that is so much easier than thinking about it. I would do so if there was an occasion that presented itself, but I am no longer thinking about it or planning those events. It is not a rule. It is my choice. Cravings are gone. Why has it taken me 50 years to get to this place???
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Post by automatedeating » Sat Dec 22, 2018 3:07 pm

Life is a bumpy journey. I too often wonder about lessons I wish I had learned when I was younger, but I suppose that is not a good use of my time, haha! I'm happy for you, though, and I really relate. I think I am also a bit better as an abstainer, but I do make sugar exceptions (e.g. I had a piece of my kiddo's birthday cake last night).

Glad to hear you are in a good place.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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Octavia
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Post by Octavia » Sun Dec 23, 2018 8:40 pm

...I ALMOST have the no snacking thing in my subconscious....and in fact I reckon my first Mod, allowing an apple and a banana as snacks, undermined the habit to a large degree. I think I need to go back to Vanilla, and just make sure I get my healthy fruit as part of meals. In fact you’ve helped to galvanise me, Tex! Thank you :)

TexArk
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Post by TexArk » Mon Dec 24, 2018 3:55 pm

Octavia,

It really helps to think about how my body will never burn any extra stored fat from my liver, etc. and will just keep using the available glucose in my blood if I send it food all the time. We really do need to fast between meals like we used to do before all the snacking started up, and I am also getting more comfortable with 2 meals a day when convenient.

I am going to enjoy a Christmas Eve meal and have some sweets on Christmas Day but no longer is the Holiday eating from Thanksgiving to New Year's! I am also only having the one meal this evening. My daughter and I are going to bake cookies tomorrow to try out a new recipe. However, they will not be in my house after Christmas Day.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

TexArk
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Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Post by TexArk » Tue Jan 01, 2019 12:46 pm

Made it through the Holidays without gaining! Yea me! I did have some sweets but I think the key was not to start up the grazing and second plates.

Here is the Year's report.
Way back 10 years ago I started NoS at about 175. But, of course, I had my ups and downs. By January 2017 I was back up to 191.6 with a bmi of 31.9. Obese! So back to serious NoS. Result: End of Dec. 2017 167.

Jan 1 2018 166.5 bmi 27.7
Dec 31 2018 154 bmi 25.6

Trend Analysis:
Max. trend for year 167.2
Max. trend for 6 mo. 160.9
Max. trend for quarter 157.4
Max trend for month 156.2
Max. trend for week 154.4

Loss per week:
For 2018 .27 lbs. per week
last month .52 lbs. per week

I declared myself at maintenance at 160 and even though I was still in the slightly overweight bmi category I felt healthy and had gone down in sizes and looked good for a 71 year old. My mindset changed to maintaining, but I kept weighing daily because that is just what I have learned I have to do. If I do not weigh in, I seem to be in denial. I do know I can go up and down which is why I like the trend analysis. If anyone else is reading this, please note that the average weight loss for the year was about 1/4 lb. That is so slow as not to be noticed which is another reason I record my weight. I think it takes a long, long time for the body to get regulated at a new set point. I am a firm believer in the no snacking rule as well as pushing the overnight fast to 16 hrs. I think that has been key to resetting my set point. I also think leaving sugar alone except for rare special occasions has been a turning point for me.

So, off to another year of maintaining. I may slowly, slowly lose 4 more pounds which would put me in the 25 bmi range. But I am not fretting over a number! It is the daily habits of NoS that I want to continue to firm up.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:50 pm

Love your numbers-head. :-) I too like to do these reflections and track.

And I just posted a vent on poor WhosonFirst's thread saying something to the effect of not weighing for many = unwilling to stop overeating, same as your denial thing. Totally true for me.

So here's to a year of maintenance and many different growing experiences for you! I hope there are a lot of people in your life that get to reap the benefits of your wisdom from walking around on this planet for 71 years.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

ladybird30
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Post by ladybird30 » Tue Jan 01, 2019 9:02 pm

TexArk wrote: I think it takes a long, long time for the body to get regulated at a new set point. I am a firm believer in the no snacking rule as well as pushing the overnight fast to 16 hrs. I think that has been key to resetting my set point. I also think leaving sugar alone except for rare special occasions has been a turning point for me.
Thanks for that TexArk. After 5 months in my current weight range, I am also hoping to reduce my setpoint a little more, but it is taking a long time at 63. I also weigh daily, as I would rather know if my weight is starting to creep up again.
Three meals a day - not too little not too much, but just right

TexArk
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Tue Feb 05, 2019 9:28 pm

Thanks so much for upgrading the site and working on the spam problem. Now it is time to bump my check in to the first page again.

Milestones:
Feb. 1---- 50th wedding anniversary! Had a nice weekend trip and we are thinking about something special later. Toying with the idea of a trip to Iceland.

February weigh in: bmi now under 25! I had declared months ago that I was OK where I was, and if more fat came off, that was OK. So this is bonus.

All going smoothly on the eating front. Tomorrow I am starting a resistance weight training program so I won't be as random. The walking (10,000 steps minimum) is going well, and it helps to have a large dog (actually my adult daughter's dog) that needs to exercise. I started out just to help since she works 9-5 and now we are a pair. I go pick him up and bring him to walk in our neighborhood. We even went out in light rain today.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Tue Feb 05, 2019 11:23 pm

I really love how you have formed a habit of walking your daughter's dog.

And Iceland - oh, my that sounds lovely! Congrats on 50 years! That is amazing!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by BrightAngel » Fri Feb 08, 2019 8:51 pm

Hi Tex Ark. Dropped by to check out the forum, and was glad to see you here again.
BrightAngel - (Dr. Collins)
See: DietHobby. com

TexArk
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Thu Feb 14, 2019 12:33 pm

Interesting look back at This Day in History (my history)

Valentine's Day
2013 162.6
2014 172.8
2015 195
2016 In denial no weigh in all year!
2017 204
2018 167
2019 147.5

And this is just the past 6 years...I don't really want to look at the last 50 years of ups and downs! But I was at my lowest in 1972 (132) and highest in 2017 (204) and up and down the whole time...down to 142 and then up and so on. My set point seemed to be stuck on 176 the last 30 years, especially after a pregnancy at 40 and then menopause. That is actually where I was when I started NoS 10 years ago. I would diet down and then regain up and up and the cycle repeated itself. I think I have finally got my set point reset by controlling insulin. Wish I had known this decades ago!
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Thu Feb 14, 2019 1:59 pm

So happy for you Tex!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

TexArk
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Fri Mar 15, 2019 8:52 pm

monthly check in
I am still maintaining wt. around 149 and am happy with that. Of course I would like to drop to 145 just for "insurance."

Post prandial blood sugar is nice and low (high 90s) but fasting blood sugar is considered pre diabetes (over 100). I am thinking dawn effect and not concerned, esp. since I check it at other times. No sugar, no grains, and low carbs, no meds.

Added resistance training this last month as well as the regular walks.

And I made it to my 72nd birthday this month so there is that!
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

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Octavia
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by Octavia » Fri Mar 15, 2019 10:31 pm

Happy birthday! 🎂 :D

ladybird30
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by ladybird30 » Sun Mar 17, 2019 7:08 pm

Happy birthday, good to hear you are still going well.
Three meals a day - not too little not too much, but just right

automatedeating
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:36 am

Happy Birthday!!!

Was reading that the postprandial numbers are far more significant in predicting diabetic complications. For what it's worth.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

Kathleen
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by Kathleen » Tue Apr 02, 2019 11:17 pm

Hi Tex Ark,

My 93 year old mother was thin all my life. 5'6 1/2" as an adult, she was probably never more than 130 pounds. She is now under 5'. She is completely in control of her senses, still drives, and lives in a retirement community. She told me the last time I visited that she weighs more now than when she went to the hospital to deliver babies. I am guessing she weighs about 140.

Why I am telling you this? I have read that very old people tend to carry a little weight. Here is one article I pulled up:

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/new ... e-longer#1

I am 60 years old and feel very blessed to have her still on earth.

Kathleen

Whosonfirst
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by Whosonfirst » Wed Apr 03, 2019 12:15 am

Kathleen wrote:
Tue Apr 02, 2019 11:17 pm
Hi Tex Ark,

My 93 year old mother was thin all my life. 5'6 1/2" as an adult, she was probably never more than 130 pounds. She is now under 5'. She is completely in control of her senses, still drives, and lives in a retirement community. She told me the last time I visited that she weighs more now than when she went to the hospital to deliver babies. I am guessing she weighs about 140.

Why I am telling you this? I have read that very old people tend to carry a little weight. Here is one article I pulled up:

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/new ... e-longer#1

I am 60 years old and feel very blessed to have her still on earth.

Kathleen
That's a wonderful story. I often wish my parents were still around to be able to talk to. Still drives, wow.
https://twitter.com/SipeEngineering
Current weight(9/2020)-212 lbs.
Goal Weight- 205 lbs.
NoS Goal: >= 80% Success days

oolala53
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by oolala53 » Tue Apr 09, 2019 6:32 am

Happy wedding anniversary, happy birthday and happy set point!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

TexArk
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Thu Apr 11, 2019 4:07 pm

Thanks for all the well wishes from the crew. I am still maintaining without much effort or brain drain. Also my blood glucose is steady all day in the 90s from fasting to pre and post meals.

I don't want to tell anyone else how to eat or live so I mostly keep quiet. What I am doing is working for me. Zero cravings! I eat when hungry...about 2 meals a day, with no snacking. I haven't had grains or sugar since September 2017. I am walking daily my 10,000 steps or more plus slow burn resistance training twice a week. I eat low carb obviously, but I do not eat high fat, just good healthy fats and no vegetable oils (PUFAs) or processed foods. S Days now are for extra cheese and nuts which are foods that have high reward for me. I have upped my protein since I have found from my reading that older folks are not getting enough.

My latest toy is a sous vide! I am brand new to this way of cooking but am so excited to learn.

For those who have been discussing memory loss, etc. I can recommend Amy Berger's book, The Alzheimer's Antidote. It will not set well with the plant based vegetarian folks, but she has some good documentation and is not an extremist. She just thinks it is very hard to do this on a vegetarian way of eating (especially vegan). She also has interviews and talks on youtube as well as a blog. I just recently read a study of Alzheimer patients in nursing care who were doing better on a low carb, high fat approach than they were on the current meds, which have not really had any proof of working that well, so it is worth checking out.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Fri Apr 12, 2019 1:29 pm

Thanks for your update, Tex! And although I didn't buy the book, I read a couple of her blog posts about the Alzheimer's Antidote. Very interesting! You know I love stuff like that.

Also, curious about the difficulty level of total grain-free. I like to say I "minimize" grains, which in practice means I eat hamburger buns about twice a week, and tortilla chips about twice a week. The occasional pizza, which I invariably regret and don't feel good after. And I still have sugar in my ice cream and other S-Day desserts! I am grateful that I was able to see results without having to scale back too strictly, but it's nice to know that if I need more "fences" I have room to tighten up my boundaries.

Always nice to see your posts. We are kindred spirits. :)
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

TexArk
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Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Mon May 27, 2019 1:12 pm

Just checking in to be accountable.

I am still maintaining at top of normal weight range and have been stable since February. No sugar or grains since September 28, 2017 and all cravings gone. I gave up all industrial seed oils 10 years ago. It is such a comfortable feeling...light, satisfied, energized, no hunger. I naturally eat about two meals a day and of course no snacking. I do eat lots of protein and the plant based people wouldn't approve of my diet I am sure, but I firmly believe we have to find out for ourselves what is best for our bodies.

My blood sugars stay stable around 90-100 all day long. Nothing I am eating spikes my blood glucose. My exercise is walking over an hour a day and resistance weight workouts twice a week. At 72 years old, I feel younger than I ever have. I wish I had given up sugars and starches years ago. No S was a beginning but the S Days always triggered the carb cravings. So I am still NoS. I just don't have S Days. Fifty pound weight loss is staying off without a fight and very comfortable.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Mon May 27, 2019 1:54 pm

Hi Tex! Thanks for the update and I love that you feel good and are still so active and feeling young and great!

Both of my sisters recently got their blood work done and both were very iron-deficient (like crazy low - doctors prescribing massive supplements and injections). Anyway, I mention this because my blood tests showed my hematocrit, iron, etc., are all really good now. My sisters wondered how I'm fine (in the past I have also been anemic), and after discussion it became pretty clear I eat a LOT more red meat than they do. :-) So now they tease me a bit, but I have an inward smile. My body likes how I've been treating it, and I'm thankful my body is working so hard for me and I feel better than I have since high school!

Keep on updating; I always love to see your posts.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

clarinetgal
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Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:16 am
Location: Western Washington State

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by clarinetgal » Mon May 27, 2019 5:14 pm

Wow, Tex Ark! I think that’s great! I really hope i’m Where you are, when i’m 72! (I’m 44).
Committing to a fresh start, with 3-4 plates and no snacking.

1/2018 Current BMI: 31.8
2/2018 BMI: 31.5
4/1/2018 BMI 31.5

TexArk
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Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:50 am
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Thu Aug 01, 2019 6:48 pm

August 2019 Check in

Thankful for this website especially today since my recent Microsoft Word update wiped out all of my documents. I have tried all suggestions but so far no luck in restoring. So I am looking at it as a good housecleaning! I do have years of records here.

Age: 72
Ht: 5'5"
Wt: 149.6 lbs.
BMI: 24.9
%BF: 31.8
BP: 105/65

Highest Weight: 204 lbs.
Total weight change since Jan 1, 2019: -7.4 lbs.

No Sugar No Grains No Seed Oils abstinent since September 28, 2017
Eric Westman "page 4" since January 2019 with slight tweaks

Fasting Blood Glucose: Average around 90
Post Prandial Glucose: Average around 100 (one hour after starting meal)
small sweet potato shoots blood glucose from 89 to 133 and after 2 hours 118 (hence need to eat low carbohydrate)

Autoimmune liver disease and corticosteroid med appear to have changed my circadian rhythm....when cortisol kicks in. For several weeks I have adjusted to what has been happening for over a year. I am not trying to fight or override it any more. I go to sleep about 8:00 and wake naturally about 3:30. I am always up and active by 4:00. So I have decided to pretend I work a 4-12 shift!

Schedule:
3:30-5:30 cook, food prep, read, study, laundry
5:45 3 mile walk 4 days a week and weight training 2 days a week
7:00 hearty high protein low carb breakfast
8:00 3 mile walk 5 days a week
12:00 hearty high protein low carb lunch
HIIT on exercise bike 2 days a week usually in the afternoon

No more eating until the next breakfast unless genuinely hungry. NoS fasting between meals good training for this.
I could probably not keep this schedule if I were not retired or if I still had a child at home.
I cook and prep meals in the middle of the night and my husband can reheat for supper so I don't have to cook in the afternoon.

I found that this schedule has actually been researched and even has a name. Etrf Early time restricted feeding. It seems to be more successful for fat burning and satiety. I can honestly say that I am not hungry in the afternoon or when I go to bed. It is actually pretty amazing.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Fri Aug 02, 2019 1:36 am

I love your routine!

I have the same probs with my blood glucose, btw. My blood glucose numbers are so similar to yours when I eat low carb, and unfortunately, I also have the spikes if I eat potatoes! Bread and pasta are the worst for me, actually. They have a particularly dramatic effect on my blood sugar. Your blood pressure is amazing. Awesome!!!

I actually have one possible idea for your circadian rhythm - CBD oil. I started taking 1 mL at night with hopes that it would ease my teeth-grinding and subsequent tension headaches. Surprisingly, what I noticed is that I was sleeping longer in the morning (without any grogginess). It got me thinking about how cortisol is what wakes us up in the morning - and sure enough, CBD inhibits cortisol secretion. So. Just a thought that may or may not be of interest/use to you.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

TexArk
Posts: 804
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:50 am
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Mon Aug 05, 2019 5:29 pm

Thanks auto. I will look into it. I have to be very careful about anything that I take because of the autoimmune liver problem. Liver specialists seem to be divided on this. Some say no and others say not enough info, and so on. I will run this by my doctor, even though there are areas I think I know more about than he does. He is not arrogant, however. He has accepted pubmed articles I have brought to him and has authorized the recommended tests. Some would have said, 'I am the doctor; stay off the internet." Rare disease may make a difference.

Here is a youtube video on dawn phenomenon I found instructive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l80su1zCLc. Sten Ekberg is a chiropractor but doesn't seem to veer off into woo woo and is not selling anything. Also one of his exercise information videos I found to be very good also. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irq_-gvLw4Y
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
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Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Tue Aug 06, 2019 11:37 pm

Tex - thank you for the Youtube suggestion. I watched it and found it very encouraging. Thanks!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

TexArk
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Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:50 am
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Wed Aug 07, 2019 7:06 pm

I have started dropping a little weight again and want to record food, exercise, and blood sugar as a reference.
August 7 Wednesday:
149.5
5:00 fasting blood sugar 105

6:30 20 minute walk and 20 minute resistance training
7:30 coffee with KITU creamer
walk for 45 minutes
9:30 2 poached eggs, 2 slices bacon, 2 T. chicken liver pate w/ bacon fat, 1 sardine w/ olive oil, 1/4 cup cooked spinach, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1:00 2 Pollack filets sautéed in ghee, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese sprinkles, mixed green salad, 4 olives, 1/4 cup cheese, olive oil, macadamia nut oil, 2 frozen cherries, coffee with KITU creamer
2:00 blood sugar 92
3:30 HIIT plan to (didn't make it)

August 8 Thursday:
5:30 coffee decaf
6:00 walk 5000 steps outdoors
7:00 coffee with KITU, pollack fillet, 2 cherries, spinach, flax seed bread, bacon
8:00 walk 5000 steps indoor track
11:30 steak, avocado, spinach, 2 Laughing Cow cheese wedges, homemade jerky, cherries (too many!), coffee
blood sugar went up to 200 on the cherries
down to 118 by 3:00
3:30 HIIT for 6 minutes + 4000 steps
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

TexArk
Posts: 804
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:50 am
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Wed Oct 09, 2019 10:29 pm

Just dropping by since it has been a couple of months. My weight is staying the same give or take a couple of pounds so I am happy in maintenance. I have not had any sugar or grains since Sept. 28, 2017 so that makes 2 years now! Hard to believe, but so nice to not have the conversation going on In my head. I am continuing to walk about 4 miles a day and do resistance training twice a week, and HIIT twice a week. Just got some lab work back today and my Hemoglobin A1C is 5.4. You would think it would be lower with a nearly zero carb diet, but I'll take it. Triglyceride is 51 so that is good and my liver enzymes are in the normal range (have to take immune suppressor drug to keep in range). Full abdominal ultrasound and all is good.

NO S prepared me well to give up sweets and snacks. I easily eat 2 meals a day without a snack and experience no hunger until time for meal.

My only issue with the AI disease is sleep and I can't seem to get that resolved. I get the wide awake call from cortisol about 2:00 a.m. every morning no matter what time I go to bed the night before so I just turn in early and enjoy my quiet time from 2:30-5:00.

The crazy season is about to start for us all. It is so much easier for me now that I don't have to make decisions. I only wish I had figured out many decades ago that I am a good abstainer and a lousy moderator. Even though I don't post much any more, I enjoy keeping up with you. I know most of you have other ways of eating and that's OK.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Fri Oct 11, 2019 1:23 pm

Hi Tex! Always good to see an update from you! Glad you are doing so well.

You know, the abstaining completely is definitely something more of us need to consider as a viable option with our various "addictions". I had to completely give up alcohol last April when I finally threw in the towel at successfully moderating my intake. As I went through that process, I constantly found myself comparing it to the moderation of sweets that many people make, which then of course they give in to and then feel guilty. Same cycle!

I just thought of something else - how many times have we been told by "experts" that you can't give up a particular food or make it forbidden because that just causes rebellious failure? We're given the impression that it is impossible. I think that IS true in many cases, but sometimes, it's doable! We each just have to figure out what our "levers" for success are and then fiddle with them.

I am sort of your "mini protege" in that I limit sugar and grains but I haven't given them up completely. I suspect with my metabolic inheritance that day may come, and if it does I will be ready and willing. For now I am just so grateful to feel better than I really ever have...... I can't remember feeling healthy or sick in high school, but already but college I had fatigue and joint issues that are now gone. Anyway, thank you for being an inspiration to me on my healthy journey.

I love your consistent exercise routine! I wish I could walk with you. :-)
I'm looking into some band workouts for resistance training at home. Do you go to the gym to lift weights?

Very good to hear the nice report on your health, but I am sorry that the autoimmune issues disturb your sleep so greatly.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

TexArk
Posts: 804
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:50 am
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by TexArk » Mon Jan 13, 2020 11:43 am

It's been awhile so time to check in. All is good. Weight has stayed stable and no bump up during the holidays. I am happy and healthy eating very low carb, usually 2 meals a day. I have been sugar and grain free since Sept. 28, 2017 and that has freed up so much brain space. No decisions to be made. Do not have cravings or feel deprived. My blood sugar stays level all day with no insulin spikes.

No S helped me transition to no snacking and no sweets. Now that is my life every day. Special days don't mean sugar. S Day now means a big STEAK. At nearly 73 yrs. of age, my only regret is that it has taken me so long to find this success and peace.

The Diabetes Support group at the hospital asked me to speak this month at their monthly meeting. I do not have diabetes but I have to control insulin. They were very receptive and there are a few who have gotten off of their meds. One lady who I transport to the meetings is nearly 90, has been diabetic for 20 years and was on 2 high dose insulin shots daily with still a high HA1C (over 10). Now after VLC, she is on one low dose insulin shot every 3 days and her HA1C is 5.7. I have been working with her and checking in with her once a week. She lives in an independent living facility with a small kitchenette. The meals that are provided for them are high carb (following the guidelines) so she has to really work at it and supplement with her own food. She is really amazing. Another younger woman at the meeting was diagnosed with diabetes, told doctor she was not going on insulin, and started almost zero carb. She has lost 70 lbs. and her insulin test and HA1C are now normal. Her doctor is now a believer.

So off to a good year in 2020. As a side note. My husband lost 30 lbs. last year just following me around. He is nice and trim and healthy. He doesn't have to abstain as strictly as I do, but we have no sugar or flour in the house.
24.7 bmi Feb. 2019
26.1 bmi Sept. 2018
31.4 bmi July 2017

Soprano
Posts: 1184
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2018 8:56 pm
Location: UK

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by Soprano » Mon Jan 13, 2020 11:59 am

Wow you've done fantastic, well done on spreading the word too :)

Jx
Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Re: Tex Ark Check In

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 14, 2020 2:25 am

Hi Tex! The American Diabetes Association (ADA) came out with their new 2020 guidelines and they have FINALLY included low-carb as a safe and valid therapy for type 2 diabetes. Better late than never, but it is sad to think of how many lives could have been better if these govt. entities didn't move as slowly as a glacier.

You know, something in your post really got me thinking. When I discovered recently (November) that my "splurges" caused me to have reactive hypoglycemia (thanks to wearing my continuous glucose monitor I catch these horrific spikes and crashes now), I have really tightened up my "fun" eating, because I am finally recognizing the toll its taking on my body. Sorry this is a long story but my point is that my cravings are exceedingly diminished. The family eats pizza, McDonald's, ice cream, chips, on and on every day around me and all of these things are stocked in my house. But I generally am not tempted. If I'm overtired, overstressed, etc., then yes - I'm still tempted and have to use some sort of distraction (usually I just plan my real dinner and fill up with good food). Perhaps this is the best "pro" of the abstinence approaches: we are not feeding the desire for sweets and so the desire recedes? But probably everyone is different. I guess some people work better as "moderators" and others as "abstainers". Obviously Reinhard is a moderator. I was reading, lol, that most dieticians and nutritionists are also moderators. Me? I'm realizing I function overall better as a (mostly) abstainer. Clearly you thrive as an abstainer.

Always excellent to read your posts. And wow, just wow, about the difference you are making for people. Go you!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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