automated eating tracker

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

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Octavia
Posts: 901
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Location: UK

Post by Octavia » Tue Mar 20, 2018 9:38 am

PS hope your little one is recovering from his hospital trauma.

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Tue Mar 20, 2018 7:35 pm

That's rough about the blood sugar and blood pressure issues, but maybe they will become a reason it could be easier to change S days. They payoff is pretty big. But I know it wouldn't be easy. High blood pressure runs in my family. There's no guarantee my habits now will protect me. It's gone up some as my weight has gone down.

In any case, good luck for a green week. Enjoy every bite!
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)

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Tue Mar 20, 2018 8:27 pm

Oh auto,

I wish I had words of wisdom to ease your mind... The only good thing I can think of is that the weight-loss piece of this is probably not as important as you originally thought. Reasons not related to vanity alone could likely cause permanent change for you and can help sustain your habits on No S no matter what mods you decide or don’t decide to try.

Maybe you could spend some time thinking up a system for “No stressâ€. I loved reading about your creative ideas in the past around reading to your children and spending- why not try and help reduce some of the stress that seems to really be causing issues for you? Feel free to ignore if that didn’t cheer you up. 🙃

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Mar 21, 2018 6:15 pm

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and support. And that is indeed a very intriguing idea to me to have a NoStress System. :)

Tuesday, March 20th

140.8 - BMI 25.8

B: yogurt smoothie w/banana, blueberries & strawberries
L: oatmeal w/peanut butter and banana
D: taco salad -- taco meat, tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, salad
glass of wine
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Mar 22, 2018 12:50 am

My son gets his stitches out tomorrow!

Wednesday, March 21st

140.3

B: small smoothie -- yogurt, banana, blueberries, strawberries, coffee w/milk
L: 3 corn tortillas w/ beans, cheese, tomatoes & sour cream
D: big salad with tuna fish, guacamole, olives, and tortilla chips

NoSlouch: walk/jog w/ dog. Goal is to absolutely make this part of my morning routine -- no excuses. 14 min/day, of course longer is fine. Biking with dog fine too. Actually, I do go most mornings, but I'd like to be more consistent. Sometimes I let the weather, the darkness, or my schedule push this aside.

NoStress (thanks for the idea, Worthit): For the next two weeks, I'm going to do Yoga for 7 min a day, focusing on stretching and deep breathing. Today -- check, but didn't do the breathing part very well.
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

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Thu Mar 22, 2018 2:15 pm

Auto- lol! You are SO CREATIVE! Love the yoga for 7 mins- sounds very doable.

I will also keep the peaceful vibes coming your way! 😊

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Mar 23, 2018 3:24 am

Thanks, worthit! :)

Thursday, March 23rd

B: smoothie -- banana, yogurt, frozen strawberries/blueberries, coffee w/milk
L: 3 corn tortillas w/beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream
D: 3 corn tortillas w/chicken, cheese, guacamole, sour cream!
2 glasses of wine

Tomorrow I am going to visit some puppies......... Oh my. Long-term forum members will know that getting our first dog landed me with a Xanax subscription. I think collecting pets might be an actual disorder.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Mar 23, 2018 8:53 pm

Friday, March 23rd

B: banana/blueberry/strawberry yogurt smoothie; coffee w/milk
L: salad w/chicken, guac, sour cream, cheese, onions, cilantro & a few chips
D: not sure yet but I'd like it to be a tuna melt. kids have a pizza party end-of-basketball season at someone's house, and I will NOT eat pizza tonight (refined carbs). So..... I guess I might be able to find enough healthy sides to make a plate of dinner food there. Maybe not.

Visited puppies. Came back down to Earth. Came home to my (now) mellow 2-year old dog and I'm relaxing on the couch with him and my 9 year old lap cat. Good, right? Why rock this boat right when my husband's schedule is easing up? Why do I always get this desire to add something more complicating to my life when things start to ease up?????? I won't do it this time. Maybe another dog next summer. The first dog will only be 3 and still probably young enough to enjoy a pup, AND I will have a nice laid-back spring and summer to enjoy my family, pets, and friends. Oh, and food!
:wink:
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

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Fri Mar 23, 2018 11:13 pm

I probably shouldn't say anything about the puppies in case you change your mind, but I'm glad you didn't take one on for now.

Did I already say I've been looking occasionally for a good tuna sandwich in my town? It's the bread that makes the big difference for me, although I did have one with primo filling, and can't remember where. I like the bread to be very grainy. Haven't found it commercially yet. And I don't want a whole loaf in my freezer for now.
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)

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Mar 24, 2018 3:31 am

Victory!!!

I made good choices at the party and bypassed ALL the S's. I chose a spinach salad, veggies w/ranch, and guacamole and corn chips. And a few cubes of cheese. Small fail in that there was a late arrival of fried chicken and I got a piece. Um, so I don't feel bad -- I've been doing NoS long enough to know how I COULD and WOULD have eaten at an event like that, and I call it a victorious evening. :)

Oolala, how have you avoided collecting pets? :lol:

And, I didn't end up with a tuna sandwich tonight, but I am right there with you on the search for a good one at a cafe or something. That is way hard to find. I am not much of a cook, but the ones I make at home are way better than the typical restaurant tuna sandwich.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Mar 25, 2018 12:18 am

Saturday, Squishy S Day

139.9 (!)

Well, today is my first ever Squishy S Day, which I'm still trying to define but my goal is to keep sanity throughout my weekend.

B: Smoothie same as other days but had more of it. It has about 30 g of carbs, 8 g protein, 3 g fat. Hmmmm, maybe too carby. But sure is good.
L: tuna fish sandwich. Squishy in having bread (really been avoiding that on regular N Days), and also having some doritos with it.
D: hubby and I are heading out for a date night. I checked out the menu and I'm looking at either the fish tacos or the blue cheese burger. Lesson learned from a few weeks ago -- if I get the burger, I should only eat half. And going to drink a bunch of water BEFORE eating (rather than after!!!)

OK, update -- I did well at the restaurant. I had fish tacos for my entree. Squishy S Days included crackers with brie (the appetizer). Had 3 onion rings off my husband's plate.

But then......called my mother-in-law and found out her brother had died. Walked into the house (on the phone) and proceeded to eat 2 cookies and like a cup of raw cookie dough (my 12 year old had been making cookies). Argh!!!! Massive fail, but it's almost laughable how the emotional toll sent me straight to the crap food.

Whatever. Mark it and move on. Tomorrow isn't squishy, it's a pure S Day.
I'm not sure what to make of my first squishy S Day.
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:22 pm

Sunday, S Day

B: cookie, bacon, egg & cheese sandwich, coffee w/ milk
L: cookie dough (my kids made cookies 2 dang days in a row)
D: beef brisket, 1 triangle of quesadilla
1 glass of wine

NoStress: Practiced some deep breathing exercises.

Also went on a great woodsy hike with dog.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Mar 26, 2018 11:24 pm

I was pretty sure I had posted an entire discussion here. LOL, I wonder if it's on someone else's thread? If so, I apologize.

I just found the COOLEST article -- check this out!!! (Note -- when they say "training" they don't mean exercise, they mean practicing estimation of blood sugar and then measuring):

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1702540/

Here is the abstract:
Abstract
Background
The will to eat is a decision associated with conditioned responses and with unconditioned body sensations that reflect changes in metabolic biomarkers. Here, we investigate whether this decision can be delayed until blood glucose is allowed to fall to low levels, when presumably feeding behavior is mostly unconditioned. Following such an eating pattern might avoid some of the metabolic risk factors that are associated with high glycemia.

Results
In this 7-week study, patients were trained to estimate their blood glucose at meal times by associating feelings of hunger with glycemic levels determined by standard blood glucose monitors and to eat only when glycemia was < 85 mg/dL. At the end of the 7-week training period, estimated and measured glycemic values were found to be linearly correlated in the trained group (r = 0.82; p = 0.0001) but not in the control (untrained) group (r = 0.10; p = 0.40). Fewer subjects in the trained group were hungry than those in the control group (p = 0.001). The 18 hungry subjects of the trained group had significantly lower glucose levels (80.1 ± 6.3 mg/dL) than the 42 hungry control subjects (89.2 ± 10.2 mg/dL; p = 0.01). Moreover, the trained hungry subjects estimated their glycemia (78.1 ± 6.7 mg/dL; estimation error: 3.2 ± 2.4% of the measured glycemia) more accurately than the control hungry subjects (75.9 ± 9.8 mg/dL; estimation error: 16.7 ± 11.0%; p = 0.0001). Also the estimation error of the entire trained group (4.7 ± 3.6%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (17.1 ± 11.5%; p = 0.0001). A value of glycemia at initial feelings of hunger was provisionally identified as 87 mg/dL. Below this level, estimation showed lower error in both trained (p = 0.04) and control subjects (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Subjects could be trained to accurately estimate their blood glucose and to recognize their sensations of initial hunger at low glucose concentrations. These results suggest that it is possible to make a behavioral distinction between unconditioned and conditioned hunger, and to achieve a cognitive will to eat by training.
Bwahaha! So I'm basically going to do this experiment on myself. I have a glucose monitor and I want to see how low I can get my sugars before meals. It should provide entertainment for some of you for a couple of weeks. :)

B: bacon & eggs
bought glucose monitor
L: bg 101 before eating
Ate: salad, olives, cheese, chicken, tomatoes, onions, olive oil & balsamic vinegar
45 minutes after - bg 127
4.5 hours after eating -- bg 89
glass of wine -- then 30 minutes bg 94
D: bg _94___ before eating
dinner will be fish
I really needed some carbs w/this meal, for the texture or something. Rest of family had rice-a-roni, which of course I'm avoiding w/ my no refined carbs mod. So I had a hard tortilla shell and put fish in it. That worked pretty well!
1 hr postprandial - 94
2 hrs postprandial -
I am curious about my 1 hr/2 hr postprandial numbers. I've read that early diabetics lose the "phase 1 insulin" but are fine with phase 2 (in other words, blood sugars might spike but then actually go a bit low). Watching with curiousity. This is a perfect hobby for me. LOL, it keeps me from getting a puppy.
Last edited by automatedeating on Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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
Posts: 1118
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 10:41 pm

Post by ladybird30 » Tue Mar 27, 2018 2:56 am

Interesting idea.
Three meals a day - not too little not too much, but just right

Friyay
Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 4:16 pm

Post by Friyay » Tue Mar 27, 2018 4:29 am

Good luck with the blood sugar. For me, I start to feel a little spacy around 70, and if I feel really awful it's in the 50s. Anything much above 70 and I can't tell.

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Mar 28, 2018 4:27 am

Tuesday, March 27th

Fasting BG: 81
B: coffee w/milk - up to BG 95
L: giant salad with chicken, olives, sour cream, cheese BG before/after: 76/120
D: grilled tuna fish/cheese sandwich and broccoli
2 glasses of wine
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

User avatar
Octavia
Posts: 901
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2015 8:01 pm
Location: UK

Post by Octavia » Wed Mar 28, 2018 10:38 am

Wow! :o That blood sugar article! Are doing doing the experiment? Do share your findings with us, Auto!

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Thu Mar 29, 2018 2:42 am

Auto- I’m watching almost with obsession! I can’t quite put my finger on it, but you are creative in a very special way... I tend to look for clues to peoples strengths from their communication (your posts), and yours is such a unique combination of an almost facts-and-numbers-based creativity. So cool.

This is of special importance to me since my mom is diabetic. I am constantly reading up on it and trying to help her be her healthiest self, and your results should be very interesting info that I can share with her. Thank you!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this No S team!!! â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Mar 29, 2018 2:57 am

Oh my! The pressure is on for me to "stick" with the blood sugar "sticking" for a few weeks and report. Ha!

OK, so today:

Fasting: 93
B: small smoothie (whole fat greek yogurt, peanut butter, blueberries -- we were out of strawberries & bananas)
Before lunch: 105
reflection -- not too hungry, but I still ate lunch. Compare that with yesterday, when my BG was down to 76 before lunch and I was STARVING. Still remains to be seen if the level itself has any correlation with hunger, or (as I suspect) it's more the rapid change that affects my hunger. And honestly, something as simple as how empty my stomach is (duh, in a way, yes? If that's the case, our NoS strategy should be to eat stuff that digests very slowly -- ideally fat & protein)
L: GIANT salad, avocado slices, cheese, olive oil & vinegar
BG 2 hours post-salad: 99
D: 3 corn tortillas w/ beans, cheese, sour cream, chicken, avocado
Sounds carby - yes? But....BG 2 hours post meal: 95 that's a beaut!
2 glasses of wine very slowly sipped for the past 3 hours, so not sure about how they affect BG. I think they do, but I'll have to wait for days without wine to compare.
Oh -- forgot to report FAIL -- I nibbled at shredded chicken as I passed by in the kitchen. :x
Puppy fever ebbed but is now back with a vengeance. I've been researching Vizslas all day. :) Comparing them to Aussies (we already have one Aussie).
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

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Thu Mar 29, 2018 3:46 am

p.s. no pressure (please) 🙂

You are still cool in my book no matter how much you can post (or not). 😉

Friyay
Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 4:16 pm

Post by Friyay » Thu Mar 29, 2018 4:30 am

I definitely have episodes of hypoglycemia, and over the years I've learned to distinguish three kinds of hunger: low blood sugar hunger, empty belly hunger, and actual calorie deficit hunger. Low blood sugar comes with a spacy sense of unreality. Empty belly hunger is growling and cramping. Real calorie deficit is when you're ready to pounce on the first nutritive substance you see, and your mouth waters.

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Mar 29, 2018 4:24 pm

Thanks ladies for the feedback. I don't feel too much pressure, worth it! :) It's fun to have a little experiment to perform.

Friyay, very interesting your observations. I virtually NEVER get the spacey feeling (doubt my blood sugar ever goes below 70), and I don't know that I've really ever felt the calorie deficit ready to pounce!! Haha! I do daily get the empty belly feeling/growling when I'm following NoS consistently. In fact, it's the lack of that empty belly feeling that typically alerts me that I'm gaining weight. As many other posters have also observed on this forum, if I'm not experiencing some (mild) hunger daily, I'm gaining. Mild daily hunger between meals at least means I'm maintaining (thankfully!!!).

Other observations over the past few days -- I might get the belly feeling of hunger about 2 hours after the meal, but then it subsides for another couple of hours (assuming I ignore it, which I do). I wonder if that 2 hour thing is when my belly has just finished emptying from the previous meal? And then I just have to wait a few minutes to calibrate to emptiness for a few hours. Maybe I'm literally "feeling" the metabolic switch from glucose burning to fat burning, which in my case could be sluggish. LOL.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:55 am

Help! I'm hungry and the family ordered pizza. It'll be here soon. What do I do? I'm avoiding refined carbs on N Days.....yikes!!!!!!
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Mar 30, 2018 2:36 am

OK, I made it.

B: coffee w/milk, avocado on toast
L: chicken, sour cream, avocado eaten over a crushed tortilla shell
D: 4 corn tortillas w/beans, cheese, sour cream, avocado (this instead of the rest of the family eating pizza)
2 glasses of wine
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

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:46 pm

You did it!! Go AUTO!

...And dinner looked pretty darn delicious (especially the vino)🙃! Seems like a good trade-off for not having pizza.

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Mar 31, 2018 2:27 am

:) Thanks worth it! I was pretty pleased with myself.

B: avocado on toast, coffee w/milk
My pre-lunch BG was 108, which seemed a little high since I hadn't eaten in 5 hours.
L: big salad, hard-boiled egg, cheese, olive oil & vinegar
D: pork tenderloin w/applesmoked bacon, black beans & sour cream
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

User avatar
Octavia
Posts: 901
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2015 8:01 pm
Location: UK

Post by Octavia » Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:18 am

Hi Auto,
Enjoying all these discussions on the different types of hunger. I get all three you describe - the spaced out feeling, the growly tummy, the vicious desperation feeling. Wouldn’t it be great if we could really know what’s going on in there? I think it was Proust who said that trying to understand one’s own body is like trying to communicate with an octopus. :lol:

I like your analysis though - it certainly chimes with my experiences. I am going to bear it in mind this coming week.

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Apr 02, 2018 4:28 pm

I've had a rough few days. Thought I'd better check in before things get out of hand.

Saturday -- can't remember everything I ate but I wouldn't be surprised if I ate 3000 calories:
B: 4 pieces of toast w/ 4 soft-boiled eggs (the second two pieces were because I was wanting junk and I thought if I ate more healthy stuff I'd resist -- no such outcome)
ice cream drumstick -- fudge center. Was delicious, honestly. Just that I kept eating the rest of the day.
L: hot dog w/ chips
D: hamburger & tator tots (again, delicious -- my husband made the burgers and we had fun toppings)
another ice cream drumstick
glass of wine and a bunch of candy as I prepared the kids' baskets

Sunday was bad, too, although I don't think I ate as many calories overall
B: soft-boiled eggs on toast
L: some chocolates, some licorice, other candies
D: taco meat, cheese burrrito w/ sour cream
ice cream drumstick

Now here I am, Monday morning, and I am staying home from work because I came down with a cold on Saturday (I sometimes wonder why when I get a cold I go totally crazy with my eating -- most people I know lose their appetite. I seem to go into carbo-crazy mode)
B: few slices of apples, coffee w/milk
FAIL -- ate 3 chocolates from kids' baskets (dang it!)
So this is where I'm at -- looking to avoid the WTH response and have a normal N day from here on out.
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

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Apr 03, 2018 5:18 am

I swear I can so easily eat 3k calories in a day. I sometimes think that those daily averages must be way off. Even with intermittent Fasting I’m easily eating 1500-2000 calories a day. Or maybe I’m just a big eater. ☺ï¸

Hope your cold goes away soon!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Wed Apr 04, 2018 3:30 pm

OMG auto- I ALWAYS overeat (even binge sometimes) when I have a cold. I know how you feel. It’s almost like we’re trying to make ourselves feel better-or maybe even feel worse? No clue what to do about it, just wanted to empathize I guess.😕

I hope you feel better soon- seems like something is going around again, but only lasts for 3-5 days. Hugs!!

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Apr 13, 2018 4:38 pm

Well, here I am. My goodness I've gone off the rails.

2 weeks with this cold. Last week I ate SO badly. This week I've stuck with vanilla NoS but I've been eating refined carbs. So like 8 red days, really. Ugh.

I weighed myself this morning to assess the damage of my wild weeks: 142.7/BMI 26.1. So about a 3 pound gain. I was totally not surprised, but it is still sad.

Like worth it said, I think I'm trying to make myself feel better. I sense that this is a DEEP-rooted coping mechanism, going back to my childhood. I was such a driven kid, I never wanted to slow down when I was sick. Food can be used to provide quick energy, especially carby food. So I think I learned that it (successfully) helped me keep driving hard despite my illness. And here I am now as an adult struggling mightily with overeating when I'm ill.

I can honestly say that that urge to eat junk (like McDonald's burger & fries) while sick is one that I feel almost powerless to withstand. On the bright side, I've never before honestly analyzed this habit. So maybe my next cold I will be prepared and can plan to, for example, get delicious Thai take-out instead of McDonald's. So, still an indulgent "self-care" mechanism, but healthier than McD's or other crap I've eaten.

Just a quick pity party. I HATE 142.7.
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

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Sat Apr 14, 2018 1:56 am

Auto:

I hope that the worst is over and that you are feeling better. Sorry the cold lasted so long! Ugh.

Interesting analysis on the "quick energy" that can come from the carby foods- Makes total (reasonable and logical) sense.

I know you're not pleased with the results, however, I think as soon as you are ready to get back on your personalized No S plan that the excess will come off quickly.

Hugs!

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lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Mon Apr 23, 2018 5:48 pm

Hope you’re feeling better! Remember sick days are S days!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:48 pm

Just stopping in to say hi- hope all is well!

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Octavia
Posts: 901
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2015 8:01 pm
Location: UK

Post by Octavia » Wed Apr 25, 2018 3:58 pm

Hi from me too. Hope you’re fully recovered from your cold. I too binge when I’m ill! Learning how to be ill ‘well’ is a real life skill!
Take care.

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

Saturday, June 9th

Post by automatedeating » Sun Jun 10, 2018 1:21 am

Hello.
It's been a long while.

I think my weight is 145, but I didn't weigh recently.

I have to have lithotripsy next week. I'm not in a lot of pain, but I have a large kidney stone that needs to be dealt with. I've had vague pain from it for 3.5 years. As long as I stay hydrated I'm generally OK.

But my kidney function is mildly decreased, and so it's time to fix it. No more putting it off. Ugh.

So....fasting blood sugar is usually about 100; blood pressure is usually about 140/80. BMI hovers around 26. I'm excreting very high levels of calcium, which is freaking me about osteoporosis.

Saturday:
80 ounces water + soluble fiber supplement
B: maple bar donut and coffee with milk
L: leftover fish stick w/tartar sauce
snack: some goldfish crackers
D: rice a roni & baked fish
NO wine.
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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lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jun 10, 2018 4:04 am

Oh boy, I’m so sorry to hear about your kidneys. I’m so glad you’re getting it taken care of. Kidneys are important!

Take care of yourself!

Linda 💜
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Jun 10, 2018 11:06 pm

Thanks Linda.
I can't deny I'm feeling a bit down. I need to practice some gratitude exercises for all the wonderful things in my life, and the good health I still have.
Still haven't weighed. Maybe tomorrow morning.

Fasting BG: 112 (yeeks)
3-hs post-lunch: 138 (yeeks)

I went on a lovely walk this morning. A black bear ran right in front of my car as I was approaching the trailhead. I took a few great pictures and enjoyed watching the dog romp and enjoy himself, too.

B: coffee with milk
L: 1/2 cinnamon roll, cashew chicken & fried rice (yes, that no doubt explains the high postprandial blood glucose, lol)
D: fish & steamed vegetables
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jun 12, 2018 2:11 am

Monday, June 11th
142.3 I guess my weight hadn't crept up as much as I feared. I sure have felt BIG & frumpy lately.
prebiotic fiber supplement and 80 oz. water/2.5L

B: coffee with milk
L: string cheese & hot dog w/mustard
D: shepherd's pie w/ prime rib
NO WINE
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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lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:10 am

142 is definitely it big & frumpy in my book.

I see you’re basically doing like a 16/8 fast since you don’t do breakfast. Pretty cool.

I’m certain everything will be okay. Hang in there. 💜
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jun 14, 2018 1:34 am

Wednesday, June 13th

141.1
B: coffee with milk
L: piece of cheese, big salad
D: corn tortillas w/cheese & chicken; 2 hot dogs w/mustard

Blood glucose update -- within a couple of days of trying to keep my carbs limited my blood sugars have dropped a bit.

tomorrow is my big day -- lithotripsy. I was prescribed this horrible laxative and within about 20 minutes of taking it I got totally light-headed and sick to my stomach. Yuck! It tastes horrible too.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:10 pm

Friday, June 15th
139.9 (thanks to pre-op laxative and no food yesterday)
Haha know that won't last. But fun to post it.

My lithotripsy was amazing. Everything went as well as possible -- I'm thrilled with the outcome and it almost restores my faith in my local hospital. Out of respect for my frustrating history of mis-diagnosis, etc., my doc didn't use a stent or give me antibiotics. Yay!

B: coffee w/milk; 10am meal of bacon & eggs
L: big green salad
D: salmon & green beans
2 glasses of wine
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jun 18, 2018 10:53 pm

Sunday

B:Eggs & Sausage, 3 cups coffee w/milk
L: 1/2 tub of movie popcorn
D: 1 piece of pizza
NO WINE

Monday
141.6/BMI 25.9
B/L: 2 eggs & one piece bacon, 3 cups coffee w/milk
L: few slices of apple, 1 cup whole milk
D: 3 corn tortillas w/ cheese and avocado slices, 1 cup whole milk
2 glasses of wine

Disclaimer: I love NoS and not counting anything. But I guess my health problems are requiring more counting these days. So.....I think I will need to truly embrace my "automated eating" in that I plan out my three meals and just eat the same stuff every day as long as my routine is typical. Travel, strange schedules, I get that things will be different then. And then I can still fall back on the beauty of NoS and at least minimize the damage by not overeating more than a plate or eating snacks.
My diet to prevent future kidneys stones, manage my hypertension, and to prevent my prediabetes from progressing to type II diabetes is pretty strict.
1. 2-3 L of water a day (I have gotten pretty good at this one)
2. Reduce & Remove refined carbs (I'm actually pretty good at this, too)
3. 1000 mg dietary calcium (this one will be new, but I like dairy and leafy greens and salmon so hopefully quite doable).
4. Reduce Sodium to 1500mg-2000mg. Ouch! This one will be TOUGH for me because it requires home-cooking....
:roll:
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jun 19, 2018 4:14 pm

Tuesday, June 19th

Weight: 141.4
BP: 128/82
BG: 89 before dinner
Note: BP & BG are already looking better after just a couple of days of moderating my carbs.

B: toast w/avocado, coffee w/milk
Did you know 1/4 tsp of salt has 540mg sodium?! :shock: :(
L: tuna fish, cheese, pickle, and avocado on 1 piece toast, glass of milk
*salt crazy meal. :-( This is so hard to reduce both carbs & salt.
*can you believe even one slice of bread has 160mg sodium? Of course you aren't surprised that canned tuna and the pickle and the cheese are salty. Yikes. I think I'm easily at 1200mg sodium already and I haven't even had dinner.
D: kale salad w/ veggies & blue cheese (200mg sodium); 1 cup siggi's yogurt (that stuff is scrumptious!) - 50mg sodium
2 glasses of wine (I shouldn't be drinking this much but it's like -- dude, I CANNOT restrict everything! Willpower muscles cannot comply.....)

I have to apologize to anyone reading this journal that it is so "county". I'm not an advocate of counting. I love NoS in its purest form. But I have to count, at least for awhile, to get a sense of how much sodium, sugar, and calcium I'm currently getting.

I have been bemused that I am not getting much calcium. I love dairy, but the best calcium source really is milk, which I only put in my coffee. Well, not anymore. I love the stuff, so I'll have a cup a day, either with a meal or as a snack if I'm hungry (see, true NoS rule there!) between meals. Then I can count on cheese and a cup of yogurt to pretty much round out my calcium. I also am working on eating more salads, so I can get good calcium from my leafy greens.

I have been horrified at the amounts of my sodium intake. On the bright side, that alone might explain why I'm losing so much calcium in my urine (from my 24 hour urinalysis results). Restrict the salt, fix the hypercalciuria, prevent more stones, save my bones. Ta-Da!
Note: Apparently some people (myself being one) are genetically predisposed to easily lose calcium in the urine. Sodium makes this much worse for some people, not so much for others (I'm not sure yet which of those types I am). Reminds me of salt-sensitive hypertensives vs. non-salt sensitive hypertensives.

I've equally been shocked to learn that refined sugars increase calcium loss in the urine -- and that the calcium lost is coming from the bones not the meal (clinical trials using just a glucose drink demonstrate this). I'm not sure why I've never learned this before. I was ignorant!

I'm not working now -- summer break is upon me. So I have my work cut out for me: develop EASY, whole-food meals to feed my family this summer. Whole food automatically reduces salt, which now I'm concerned about my kids and how much they get in a given day (4000mg? I just don't know.)

BTW, did I mention I am no longer in that administrative position that has sucked the life out of me for the past 3.5 years? Freedom, baby!
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jun 20, 2018 2:52 pm

Wednesday, June 20th

141.5/BMI 25.9
morning BP: 107/73
Fasting BG: 91

Well, last night after I finished my entries -- my husband brought home Mexican take-out! :x I ate a bag of the chips w/salsa. Ergh. :roll:

B: 3 cups coffee w/milk (found a grass-fed cow milk with 6% milkfat!); avocado on toast
L: (will be) salad + yogurt
D: (will be) chicken thighs with baked potato + glass of milk
Update - fail after dinner with an ice cream sandwich & wine
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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lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Fri Jun 22, 2018 1:20 pm

Omg, I really feel for you! How do you reduce sodium and increase calcium when most dairy products have a lot of sodium?

Hopefully reducing sodium and sugar will help with the calcium issue. I have a friend right now who has some strange medical issue with her ear and she has to go pretty much zero sodium. She likes to cook though so has adapted pretty easily. She has lost a ton of weight since her choices are so limited.

I know you’re not big on fasting but if you only had one meal to have to worry about, it might be easier. It’d also get your blood glucose under control pretty quickly. I wouldn’t worry about wine right now. Maybe a glass ceiling?

I think you said you did the meal service before but that’s an easy way to eat unprocessed foods and control the sodium. We love Plated.

Congrats on getting away from the admin position and good luck with your health issues. I’m sure after a period of adjustment, it’ll just be part of your life.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:29 pm

Thanks Linda for the encouragement and the ideas! I wouldn't be surprised if I end up doing more IF as I find my groove this summer.

Thursday felt like a giant fail. I was on the road in rush hour traffic with my car-phobic dog :roll: to get him to a specialty vet in Seattle. He has a salivary mucocele that requires surgery to correct. He is not uncomfortable at the moment though, and the surgeon doesn't think it's urgent. Estimate for the surgery -- $5500. I just about fell out of my chair. :shock: :!:

B: coffee w/milk
L: beef chimichanga (left over from that Mexican food my husband brought home!!!!!)
D: chicken & a glass of milk (it was frozen in a bag -- spicy but not sugary, too salty I suppose)
then I had an ice cream sandwich. dang it we just shouldn't have that stuff in our house!!!!!!!!!
so too much salt and sugar today. hardly any unprocessed foods.
hopefully tonight I'll make an actual whole-foods meal. :arrow:
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jun 23, 2018 1:36 am

Friday, June 22nd
B: coffee w/milk
Late Breakfast: Eggs & Sausage
Lunch: Yogurt
Dinner: Salmon, corn on the cob
ergh - fail: ice cream sandwich --
2 glasses of wine

I really should have had a calcium-rich glass of milk today. Hmmm, interesting how making unhealthy choices (the ice cream, for example) crowd out the space for good choices (such as, in my case, a glass of milk).

On the positive side, I didn't go crazy on the sodium today.

Also on the positive side, I got another quote for pup's surgery -- $3500. MUCH better than $5500 (gulp).

Stone analysis came back -- calcium phosphate stones. Not super common, actually. Still waiting on the parathyroid testing results.
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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Location: UK

Post by Octavia » Sat Jun 23, 2018 9:58 am

Hi Auto,
Just popped by to say hi, as I’ve not been posting much this month. Hope all’s well - good to hear you got a better quote for the pup’s surgery - that’s quite a big difference!

It’s so true how unhealthy choices crowd out healthy ones...like, why do I have hot chocolate or a milkshake when a glass of milk would have the same effect in terms of hunger management?

Sounds like you’re dealing well with your dietary complications- it can’t be easy doing that balancing act between sodium and calcium!

Really delighted to hear that you’ve escaped the imprisonment of your admin job! Hurrah!

Cat is coming to climb on top of me so had better go.

Hope you have a good weekend! X

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jun 23, 2018 2:10 pm

Thanks Octavia! :-)
I have two kitties, and they are the perfect excuse for everyone else to have to get me things when I'm sitting on the couch with one or both on my lap!!

Saturday, June 23rd

Weight: 139.3/BMI 25.5 looks like restricting sodium and sugar has already lost me some water weight!
BP upon rising: 125/73 (also very nice!!)
Fasting BG: 88 (wow)

Apparently, it doesn't take too much to bring my numbers into a normal range. That's encouraging! I've never restricted sodium before -- maybe that's helping my BP too. Of course I read that it can, but have never experimented on my blood pressure with varying sodium. I do remember about 10 years ago when I did low carb for a few weeks -- my BP was very low! So maybe this whole dietary intervention will actually help. :wink:
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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lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Sat Jun 23, 2018 5:11 pm

Yay! That is encouraging! Keep up the good work!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jun 25, 2018 5:57 pm

OMGosh -- wild S Days! :roll:

Weight this morning: 142.9! Wow, lots of nice salt and carby water retention.

So, this week my goal is all green.
Yogurt for breakfast, 1 glass of milk at some point during the day

Meal choices need to keep sodium and sugar low, and ideally be simple and homemade.

We'll be on the road tomorrow and Saturday, so fast food choices are preset SALADS. Did I hear me? Salads, salads, salads! :evil: :!:

B: yogurt, 2 cups coffee w/milk
L: 2 eggs on buttered toast
D: (will be) salmon & baked potato
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jun 30, 2018 11:11 pm

Saturday S Day

So, just returned from a trip to Oregon to visit family. Here's how I did:
Tuesday:
B: glass of milk
L: chicken salad from Burger King (victory)
D: spaghetti & a big salad
1 glass of wine
water intake 3 L

Wednesday:
B: 1 egg & a yogurt
L: steak & cheese sandwich on flatbread from Subway
D: Taco salad
1 glass of wine
water intake 2 L

Thursday:
B: 1 egg
L: Chicken salad at Burger King (victory) - very late lunch after hiking
D: -- don't think I ate dinner? - I was exhausted
2 glasses of wine
water intake 3 L

Friday:
B: 2 eggs (victory -- avoided the proffered donuts!!)
L: S EVENT lunch with sisters -- taco salad - 2 margaritas - lots of chips & salsa
fail - 1 small piece of pizza kids were eating
D: fail - 2 pieces of garlic bread & a salad
1 glass of wine
water intake 3 L

So, overall, I did pretty good! Friday the wheels started to come off, but I'm home now and it's an S Day.
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

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jul 01, 2018 7:05 am

Yay you did great!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jul 04, 2018 12:15 am

Monday, July 2
142.4
B: glass of milk, coffee w/milk
L: yogurt, string cheese
D: turkey & mashed potatoes -- fail -- I ate seconds and also had a reese's peanut butter cup and I also drank too much wine

Tuesday, July 3
B: yogurt
L: tortilla chips w/cheese
D: (will be) steak salad
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jul 07, 2018 1:57 am

Wednesday, July 4 S Day 4th of July
B: coffee w/milk
L: potato salad, hamburger, fruit, veggies
D: none

Thursday, July 5
B: crepes w/fruit at restaurant (crepe fail)
L: 1 starburst (fail), 2 sunflower balls
D: pork ribs & popcorn

Friday, July 6
Weight: 140.0
B: coffee w/milk
L: pizza (fail fail fail)
D: 1 glass of milk, baked salmon

I know these fails and a few poor food choices are not impressive-looking, but everything is relative! This week I had the dog at the vet on Tuesday (sprained knee mis-diagnosed (hindsight 20/20 of course), Wednesday (emergency vet on July 4th -- suspected meningitis); Thursday -- specialty vet an hour away suspected autoimmune meningitis; and today -- picking him up and getting take-home instructions. If the diagnosis is correct, he will be on steroids for 6 months, with hopes that he will not have a relapse. Long story short -- he was SO ill he could not move or walk, and cried out every time we tried to move him. Today we brought him home from animal hospital after 24 hours on steroids, and he is walking again. So, suffice to say it's been an emotionally turbulent week. My heart goes out to parents that have sick children, after this frightening week of watching a pet suffer.
He apparently has what is called "steroid-responsive meningitis". Still possible it is bacterial in nature, but he is responding so well to the steroids that the vet is hopeful he will make a full recovery.

One other thing -- I must have been on a roll with being a proactive client this week, after all the vet talks, because I had to speak with my urologist's office about a follow-up appt and I advocated for a particular test that has been overlooked/accidentally fallen through the cracks. If I hadn't pushed, the test would have been passed up again. Without boring you with all the details, it is a test for parathyroid hormone and is a fairly important data point for people with hypercalciuria. Anyhoo.. ... I was kind of proud of myself. I can be grateful for this week's experience if it means I am better at being a polite but persistent advocate for my health and the health of those around me.

Another thing -- we don't know what the future holds for my dog. This is a true practical lesson for me to practice taking life one day at a time. Trying to live in the present and not take the little things for granted.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:10 am

Monday, July 9th
139.7
B: coffee w/milk, couple apple slices
L: leftover steak and a little bit of cheese, couple more apple slices
D: (will be) baked potato w/ all the fixin's
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

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Jul 10, 2018 2:22 am

Looks like you’re doing great and your weight is going in the right direction.

Good for you for being so proactive. It’s so important we do that for our health.

I hope the doggie is okay!


Linda
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jul 11, 2018 4:52 pm

Thanks Linda.
It's been a weird summer so far, but I am hanging in there.

Tuesday, July 10th
B: coffee w/milk, a few blueberries & apple slices
L: yogurt & some almonds
D: 1/2 burger + 1/2 fries (we split date night, since I have learned that the whole meal makes me sick later....)
got home, FAIL -- drank too much wine + ate a piece of the kids' pizza. :-( It felt like such a bummer after having such a good day. Mark it and move on, I guess....

Oh, and a piece of empowering success -- I completed my first true pull-up!!
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
Posts: 1118
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 10:41 pm

Post by ladybird30 » Thu Jul 12, 2018 5:56 am

Congrats on the pull up.
Three meals a day - not too little not too much, but just right

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:01 am

Thank you LadyBird! I am proud of myself! :-)

Wednesday, July 11th
B: coffee w/milk
L: Pork Loin + beets & carrots
D: 1 Fish taco, a few fries, and 2 fried mushrooms (trivia night with friends)

Thursday, July 12th - big-eating day....
B: cashews, coffee w/milk
L: Out to lunch with friends and kids -- had seconds on curry.
D: To a church BBQ -- overate on amazing food -- got seconds and had dessert (grilled peaches & ice cream, seriously, I couldn't resist).
So today was a fail day, but I don't feel too bad. Mark it and move on.

Dog is improving nicely. Long-term I'm not so sure what to expect, but I feel like this experience is training me to live in the moment a little more than has been my habit.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jul 14, 2018 4:00 am

Friday, July 13th
B: coffee w/milk
L: Indian food leftovers
D: split burger w/ hubby at date night (yes, we snuck out twice this week!!)
2 glasses of wine

not a fail, but not a very healthy eating day...
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jul 18, 2018 1:02 am

I'm afraid to weigh. Heavy eating, and fails.

Monday
B: bacon & eggs, coffee w/milk
L: yogurt, veggies w/ranch, cherries
fail -- ate cookie dough and cookies (my son was baking...errr)
D: steak, grilled onions, and french fries

Tuesday
B: coffee w/milk, blueberries, few bites of a friend's "bean" cake to sample
L: steak & fried potatoes and onions & peppers
D: cookies (fail), 1/4 of a quesadilla
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jul 21, 2018 5:26 pm

Crapster-eating week. I'm afraid to weigh.

Wednesday, July 18th
B: avocado on toast, coffee w/milk
L: lots of berries, I think I ate more of those stupid cookies, can't quite remember the rest of the food from this day.
D: pork loin and stir-fried veggies

Thursday, July 19th
B: bacon&egg sandwich, coffee w/milk
L: 1 piece of pizza (oh, the salt)
D: popcorn and licorice w/ 9-year old at movie (oh, the salt!)

Friday, July 20th
B: avocado on toast, coffee w/milk
L: skip
D: chicken fettuccine alfredo
fail, ate cookies son made. :evil: gotta figure out a way to not let his baking derail me.

I've been eating some homemade meals, so that is good.
I've been eating too much salt, so that is bad (I have idiopathic hypercalciuria and am particularly sensitive to salt, I have recently learned.)
I've been snacking on sweets too much, and even occasionally going back for seconds.
So all-around I'm struggling right now.
One really nice event -- yesterday I got a deep tissue massage. Ah, nice!
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

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Sun Jul 22, 2018 6:50 am

Lovely to see you’re still around here! The massage sounds amazing. I would have troubles with a baker at home too
Last edited by eschano on Mon Jul 23, 2018 12:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Sun Jul 22, 2018 10:10 pm

Hi auto,

Just wanted to stop by and commiserate. I’ve too have been eating pretty junky lately and am trying not to worry too much, thinking that it’s all cyclical.

While I know I don’t have some of the health challenges you face, I guess I just wanted to say that I think sometimes that stuff can be even more difficult to navigate... basically a long way of saying I hope you will not be too hard on yourself. Seems like some of your diagnoses are very recent and will take some time to adjust to. In the meantime, I believe you are doing your best and will be on the upswing again soon. Hang in there.

And here’s to a good upcoming week! 😎

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

Post by Soprano » Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:57 am

Don't beat yourself up, it only takes one green day and you are back on track :)
Last edited by Soprano on Sat Jul 28, 2018 1:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jul 23, 2018 2:33 pm

Thanks everybody for the encouragement!

S Days were reasonable. :-)

Monday, July 23
Weight: 141.4 BMI 25.9
Fasting Blood Glucose: 103
Blood Pressure: 110/75 (very nice number there!)
Waist: 33 inches at belly button; 30.75 at narrowest point above that (strangely, this is an improvement I think, despite my weight not really reflecting much. Hahahaha maybe it's all those pull-ups and chin-ups I try to do!!!)

B: coffee w/ milk
L: fried potatoes, onions, and peppers
D: pork chop w/ cream cheese, sour cream & grilled onions, grilled zucchini

Despite my recent ... mild depression .... about where I'm at health-wise, I will say that my typical enthusiasm cannot be long contained. I'm already percolating with all kinds of ideas for this upcoming school-year.

Some updates and some goals and some happy-spots:
1. Action: Cancelled club membership for upcoming school-year.
Effect on me: Save $$
Comment: It is very expensive, and although I enjoy it, is is LITERALLY the first thing to go when times get busy or something unusual kicks its way into my schedule. And then I'm stuck for an entire year (they don't allow month to month). So, of course I'm not giving up on exercise, but I'll be doing some brainstorming (as is normal for my busy brain).
2. Action: Signed up BOTH kids for school in the fall at a bigger school. Effect on me: MUCH more free-time, MUCH less responsibility with kids, MORE need to support kids in homework efforts to make sure they adapt OK, MORE need to monitor their hearts as they adjust to new school, MORE MORE MORE $$$ spent on education.
Comment: No homeschooling for this mamma! Although in theory I'm always a fan, in practicality it's not the best fit for our family's busy lives and casual approach to education, haha. This means I will have 8:30-3:00, at a minimum, to be at work. Conceivably, if I were ultra-efficient, I could get all my work done and not need to do much work from home. That would be a huge change for the positive. Oh, and their school is right next to the public library, which normally is a bit out of the way of our normal errands. So it should be perfect to add in a reliable library day.
3. Reminder of Wondrous Change: Let's not forget -- I'm no longer administrative. Happy dance, joy all around, count that blessing!
4: Action: Goal of COOKING AT HOME almost daily has been made!! Effect: Menu planning, careful shopping lists, and determination in the face of fatigue will be necessary.
Comment: This will most likely be my greatest "will-power" suck this year. A worthy place for such suck, right?[/b]
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jul 24, 2018 1:52 pm

Tuesday, July 24th
Weight: 141.2
BP: 123/79
FBG: 102

B: cheerios and a banana w/ a cup of milk, coffee w/ milk
L: 1/2 cup of milk, yogurt, string cheese (sheesh, a little too much dairy I guess!)
D: cheeseburger w/ lots of toppings, caesar salad & some shredded cabbage Kids will probably be having fries, so I'll have a hard time having zero of those.... update -- so far I haven't had any fries. :-) I asked hubby to toss the extras to help me avoid temptation.

I just ordered and I am reading The Diabetes Code: Prevent & Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jul 25, 2018 4:53 pm

Wednesday, July 25th
B: eggs, bacon, small banana, coffee w/milk
L: soluble fiber supplement and 1/2 cup milk
D: steak & stir-fried peppers & onions & mushrooms
Last edited by automatedeating on Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Wed Jul 25, 2018 7:06 pm

Hi auto!

I just finished the diabetes code his past weekend at my moms house. I originally bought it for her since she is diabetic and she really enjoyed it. In fact, she practices IF (not just as a result of book) and is not nearly as strict as Dr. Fung recommends. She simply does a 16:8 protocol and has lost 13 lbs on her small frame (now at a normal BMI), but most importantly, has improved her liver function, significantly reduced her A1C and cut her insulin in half! Additionally she recently went through open heart surgery for a valve replacement and a single bypass and she’s already leaps and bounds ahead of those in her age group. We’re convinced it’s due to consistent walking (she walked about An hour a day before her surgery, and is now back up to that already), and fasting.

As You can tell, I really believe in the science behind IF, but think it has different effects on different people. In the end, it’s all about what works best for you. I think that simply fasting between meals can be enough for some to experience benefits. Anyway, sorry to hijack your thread! I am really looking forward to hearing what your thoughts were once you’re finished With the book.

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:35 am

Worth it -- you did NOT hijack! I love hearing people's experiences and thoughts, and I love it on my thread!

So I finished the book. Wow, it was great! Despite having a strong background in the science of diabetes, low carb eating, and the various confounding functions of insulin, I found the book to really round out my science background on how insulin affects our health. I loved it!
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:23 pm

I have GOT to stop drinking so much wine! I really feel like it's become a problem in my life.

I am going to list my reasons:
1. According to my research, drinking too much is exacerbating my prediabetes AND my hypercalciuria.
2. We will save a LOT of money if I'm not buying so much wine.
3. I'll have more energy to read longer to my kids at bedtime.
4. I might lose weight.
5. I'll prevent becoming an alcoholic (hmmm, maybe this should be reason #1).
6. I will be a better example to my kids if they don't see me having wine every night.

Argh, I have tried many different strategies over the years to cut back. I always fail and end up breaking whatever my plan was. I've tried -- only drink when out with friends; only drink on date night; only drink on S Days; cold turkey 30 days; cold turkey 90 days; cold turkey 40 days. And somehow, as soon as I get stressed, I go back to drinking almost daily. And I seem to always have 2 (or 3) glasses. Grrrr.

My best success has been cold turkey, although my last cold turkey was January -- and I only made it 20 of 40 days.

I think I probably need something fairly extreme, like cold turkey for a year. ugh. How do I even get started with such a hugely challenging undertaking? I feel like I'm going to fail before I even start. This is not good. And shameful for me to write about.
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

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Thu Jul 26, 2018 3:06 pm

Hey don’t feel shame! I’m in the same boat nd was suppose to detox for seven days before my trip. I made it 3 days! 😊 such is life. I read that it’s actually more important to have some non-drinking days than not having some days of overindulging. So I’m aiming for no alcohol M-th. Realistically it’ll be more like M-W but it’s something.

Weirdly alcohol doesn’t seem to be effecting me the same as it used to. Mentally I’m not getting that nice buzzed feeling but I still get the fun stuff like hangovers and sleep disturbances. It’s either from fasting or too much tolerance. I’m doing a no alcohol no sugar month in September if you want to join. I’m hoping it’ll help with the tolerance issues. (I think worth is joining too. )
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jul 26, 2018 4:17 pm

Thank you so much for your comments, Linda. I really needed a good virtual "acceptance" hug. Thanks.

I'll definitely join you for a dry September! In fact, maybe August 1st could be my start date, and then I'll have motivation/support to keep it up through September with you and Worth It.

Thursday, July 26th
B: coffee w/milk, 1/2 cup of milk, soluble fiber supplement, apple slices
L: out to lunch w/ a friend, so I will need to look at the menu before I go -- update -- had fish tacos & french fries.
D: I think I'll have brie cheese & an apple for dinner. I'll be on my own tonight, fam is heading out for reunion but I need to stay back one more night with the dog. Then I'll return Sunday night, and family will not return until Monday night. Reduces time for dog-sitter.
Last edited by automatedeating on Fri Jul 27, 2018 3:46 am, edited 2 times in total.
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
Posts: 1118
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 10:41 pm

Post by ladybird30 » Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:40 pm

Hi Automated - Reinhard's glass ceiling of 2 drinks per day has worked for him, although he does say it is the habit he struggles most with. It's all part of his systematic moderation, which seems to me to be a viable alternative to abstinence if you don't want to give up alcohol (or chocolate or whatever) for life.

All the best for whatever you decide to do, and thanks for your honesty.
Three meals a day - not too little not too much, but just right

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jul 26, 2018 11:28 pm

Thanks LadyBird! I guess I have tried Reinhard's glass ceiling, but 2 glasses is too high for my ceiling (height, female, etc), so I could modify my ceiling to 1 glass. But it's super hard for me to just have one glass....

I speculate that the healthiest long-term habit for me is to make alcohol an S. So I can have it on special occasions and weekends and date night with hubby. But I've struggled mightily when I've tried this.

I think I need to reset to a new normal where alcohol is not an everyday thing. After a period of time, I'd like to see if I can introduce it as an S.
So August 1-Oct 1 would be a nice "reset" period. I'm looking forward to it. I also think having a "start" date is a nice idea for me. I've never done that with alcohol before. I always think -- I'm starting TODAY! and I panic a little. This feels more planned and therefore more likely to succeed.
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

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

Post by Soprano » Fri Jul 27, 2018 4:52 am

Not shameful to write about your alcohol habits. However I would be slightly worried if you can't manage without, purely from concerns over addiction.

I like a drink and still overdo it on occasion to the extent I make myself ill but I don't have any trouble not drinking on a normal day.

I wish you luck with you drink free months and would gently suggest you try and maintain a couple of drink free days a week :)

I am not suggesting for one minute you are an alcoholic but having known 3 people who are/were one of whom sadly died it concerns me.....
Last edited by Soprano on Mon Jul 30, 2018 11:38 am, edited 3 times in total.

worth it
Posts: 458
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2013 1:47 pm

Post by worth it » Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:52 pm

Hi Auto,

Arghhh! I’ve been in the same boat with the alcohol recently...things are slowing down a little on that front, but then have picked up with some other crazy behaviors for me. Sigh. Just want some balance sometime, ya know?

Anyway, it seems like you have a good plan in place and it should break the neural pathways that may have been developed over time. And, I will be joining you and Linda in September after I return from vacation (I’ll start on 9/10). We can do it!!!

Good luck tonight. Hugs!

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Jul 29, 2018 8:20 pm

Thank you Soprano and Worth It!
Soprano -- I have a brother that is a recovering alcoholic, and a sister that is not dealing with it, and many other more distant relatives that have struggled with alcohol abuse. So you are so right that I need to be very careful and take this seriously.
Worth It -- It is frustrating how we can get a particular behavior a bit under control, and then something else pops up. It is hard to have will power in multiple areas when there are numerous parts of our lives that are not yet "habit-run".

OK, so I am returned from my family reunion. I have the house to myself for 24 hours. :-) Then hubby and kiddos return.

T minus 2 days until my No Alcohol Season begins. August 1st - October 1st.

I ate very nicely on the trip. There were lots of healthy options, though, so that always makes it so so much easier. I have been splurging a bit more today, but it is an S Day, after all.

I'm just making sure that all my meal plans are ready for the upcoming week!! And I need to balance the budget and start seeing if a trip to CA next year could possibly work out!
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jul 30, 2018 2:30 pm

Monday, July 30th
Weight: 140.4/BMI 25.7
B: coffee w/milk, maybe an egg w/ goat cheese
L: smoked salmon & goat cheese with chives, 1/2 apple (BP 124/79 after lunch -- not bad!!)
D: pork ribs, kimchi, saurkraut, some broccoli w/ranch

Confession Monday
I'm going to be adjusting "what's on the plate" as Reinhard would say. And for me, that means it's time to get very serious about whole-food eating. The menu you see above for today is a good example of what I'll be aiming for.
It's fascinating to me to look back to Aug 2013 when I began NoSing. For YEARS the idea of adjusting the plate was anathema. But, beginning in January I began embracing this idea of a healthier plate, but fell off the wagon (I think in March?) Fits & starts have led me to July 30th. I'm back on, with serious intent. I joined the website DietDoctor -- it is absolutely awesome. I've been binge-watching their video selection.

T minus 36 hours until Dry Days.
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

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Wed Aug 01, 2018 6:39 am

Thank you so much for your lovely message auto! I am very much encouraged by your progress and will be watching with fascination. You’re about 5 years ahead of me now 😉
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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Octavia
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Location: UK

Post by Octavia » Wed Aug 01, 2018 12:37 pm

Best of luck with your No Alcohol season, Auto. It’s a great idea. I bet you’ll lose weight and gain a sense of strength in dealing with this tricky temptation.

I’m incredibly dependent on avoiding cues, where drink is concerned. If alcohol is offered to me, or I’m going to the pub, I cannot say no. Fortunately for me, I have plenty of days when this doesn’t happen. But it’s all to do with circumstances and chance. I think the best approach is to do exactly what you’re doing...also, people do tend to understand and respect that idea, if you say ‘I’m having a dry August, as I had a little too much last month.’ Or words to that effect! I hope you get plenty of support and encouragement from your friends. Onwards!

automatedeating
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Post by automatedeating » Wed Aug 01, 2018 3:37 pm

Thanks for the comment, eschano! And I am so not 5 years ahead of you, silly! It's hard not to notice that I STILL am a little bit overweight, grrr. But I guess I do have the consolation that at least I am steadily not gaining a bit of weight each year as much of my country does (that's probably the encouragement that Oolala would give me). Maintenance for the slightly chubby, lol, that should be the title of my testimonial.

Octavia, thank you so much for your support in my Dry Days. It means a lot. I think I'm actually excited to see how good it feels to resist! :-)

Tuesday, July 31
B: coffee w/milk
L: 2 eggs, goat cheese, avocado slices
D: steak, baked potato w/ toppings, asparagus
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Aug 01, 2018 9:19 pm

Wednesday, August 1st
Dry Day #1
Weight: 140.2/BMI 25.6

FBG: 80!!! That is my lowest recorded fasting blood glucose ever! I started periodically checking back in 2012 and 81 is the lowest I've ever seen.
Blood Pressure mid-afternoon: 138/78

B: coffee w/milk
L: cheese & avocado with 2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
D: (will be) fish & fried veggies

Drat. I have come down with a cold. Hopefully it will pass quickly.
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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lpearlmom
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Thu Aug 02, 2018 4:47 am

Yay for low blood sugar! Looks like your weight is steadily coming down too. Congrats on dry day #1. I’m looking forward to joining you in Sept. We’re having a big party in a couple of weeks and going away at the end of the month so I’m trying to be realistic.

You’re doing great. 💜
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Thu Aug 02, 2018 6:34 am

Oh good auto, brilliant news about the blood pressure
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

automatedeating
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Post by automatedeating » Thu Aug 02, 2018 11:58 pm

Thursday, August 2nd
Dry Day #2
Weight: 139.2/BMI 25.4

B: bacon & egg sandwich, latte
L: grilled chicken and bacon salad
D: (will be) salad -- avocado, cheese, leafy green, onions, cilantro, tomato
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

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Fri Aug 03, 2018 11:41 am

How are you finding the dry days so far auto?
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Aug 03, 2018 3:14 pm

Friday, August 3rd

Dry Days #3
Tess -- I'm finding these dry days easy! It was really just the mental determination I needed. I think that planning a "start" date really helped. I had almost a week to prepare mentally. I also think the accountability of posting is helpful. I'm very optimistic, because previous "dry day" challenges I've found the first week very hard! This time not at all. Previously, I would start suddenly (without a "start date" a week out) -- I felt making a start date felt too much like something an alcoholic would have to do, and I hate admitting that I have anything near alcoholism. For the record, I don't believe I am an alcoholic, but I do believe I have been on that road, especially with my family history of alcoholism. Another helpful thing is that I've made a long list of reasons to quit drinking, and I read it frequently. Oolala did something like that when she started NoS, actually.

Weight: 139.4/BMI 25.5
Fasting Blood Glucose: 95
Morning Blood Pressure: 131/75

not hungry today, I almost feel like I have the flu
B: coffee w/milk
L: one stick of cheese
D: big green salad
Last edited by automatedeating on Sat Aug 04, 2018 1:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
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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lpearlmom
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Fri Aug 03, 2018 3:27 pm

Well done on the dry days! I find the accountability so helpful too. You’re really brave for taking a honest assessment of yourself before things got too out of hand.

Keep up the good work!

Linda
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:07 pm

Oh that is great news auto! Sounds like a great idea to have a list handy. Well done.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Aug 04, 2018 2:53 pm

Saturday, August 4th
S Day!! What does this mean to me now? I will need to reflect.

Dry Days #4 - oh yeah, baby!

Weight: 136.9/BMI 25.0 -- lowest in 3.5 years!!!!!!
Fasting Blood Glucose: 80 (yes!)
Blood pressure: 126/86

So, I am at a "spot". You know, a spot where things are good but I have some decisions to make. Such as.....how to handle S days now that I have realized my blood sugar goes bonkers if I eat junk? Is free and easy on S Days still the trick to maintaining compliance on N Days?

Logic tells me I have enough large will-power challenges in front of me without adding the stress of regulating S Days. Between limiting my carbohydrate intake on N Days, and avoiding alcohol altogether, I think I have my hands full. However, I can't deny that I'm motivated by my progress and that inspires me to keep up my momentum during S Days.

Another thought that applies to my particular situation (pre-diabetes) is that I can probably handle one day of fun eating without too much damage, but two in a row is a bit much for my insulin resistance. So I may have medical reasons to only have one S Day, or if I do have two S Days, I should separate them by a few days. It's all a bit complicated and makes me nostalgic for my pure vanilla lifestyle of a few years ago.

I also could restrict my S Days by keeping mornings normal, since when are there social events/parties in the morning? Like not, right? So could I go (most) of the rest of my life without donuts, cinnamon rolls, and french toast? That's the kind of stuff I am tempted by on weekend mornings, but I end up just buying it and then eating it by myself. Not cool, right? So maybe if I just cut out the crazy morning S's, and leave the rest of Saturday & Sunday alone, I'll do fine? I should just remind myself of my blood sugar readings after eating a donut or cinnamon roll and that should knock me back to realty!
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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Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 10:41 pm

Post by ladybird30 » Sat Aug 04, 2018 10:14 pm

automatedeating wrote:
So could I go (most) of the rest of my life without donuts, cinnamon rolls, and french toast?


That's the sort of question I have asked myself about a lot of foods. A very few I have decided to quit for life, as the health effects were not worth it. Others I eat occasionally on S days if I really want to.

Congrats on your dry days so far.
Three meals a day - not too little not too much, but just right

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Aug 05, 2018 2:08 am

So here I am wrapping up an S Day. I'm sitting on the couch with a GREAT book (Lore of Nutrition by Tim Noakes), and I'm about to have 4 squares of chocolate with a glass of milk. It seems extremely reasonable, but I keep feeling like it's wrong because I know it will spike my blood sugar. I'm having trouble deciding whether moderation will get me farther overall with good habits or if I should just never have anything sugary again. Sigh. I'm in this for the long haul, so I have to come up with a good strategy. What does Rheinhard call it -- "..... moderation" What is that first word? Is it systematic moderation?

B: coffee w/milk
L: veggies w/ranch, apple slice
D: pork chop, corn on the cob, small salad, grilled onions & bacon
dessert: chocolate and a glass of milk

As I sit here pondering the mysteries of the world :-) I imagine that the key to a happy & successful life is eating your meals at home.
1. If I eat my meals at home, it means I probably will eventually learn how to fix them (tonight I grilled pork chops & corn for only the second time, and carmelized onions properly for the first time).
2. Eating at home = healthier eating. It also usually means (and it does for me) that I am serving my family something healthier than they would have otherwise.
3. We are interacting, and everyone learns to help out.
4. It indicates at least a semblance of work/life balance, because in order to be home to eat, and make time to prepare the meal means I had to knock off work!
5. Eating at home ensures better digestion and probably less stress overall.
6. Eating at home saves money so that we can save more money, and when desired, make a planned purchase that otherwise we couldn't have afforded.

There you have it folks! Want a happy & healthy life? Eat your meals at home!
LOL! Happy S Day!
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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lpearlmom
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Aug 05, 2018 5:25 am

I do think ts very different to avoid things for health reasons rather than for weight loss goals. I guess you could try to out how much sugar you can have on occasion without compromising your health and then decide if that’s sustainable or not.

Thanks to Plated, we eat home more often and I really enjoy cooking the meals but I’m sure it’s different when you’ve been working all day.

Either way it’s pretty clear your body reacts well to positive changes which is pretty cool. Congrats on your numbers!

Linda
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Aug 05, 2018 3:00 pm

Thanks Linda!! I am so excited to see my body respond. If it's a taste of how you have felt with IF, I totally can see how the momentum can build! Your suggestion that I figure out how much sugar I can have is a great one -- and you know how much I love testing things on myself and using my glucose monitor. :-)

Also, I am JUST BEGINNING to like cooking. A friend at work told me a few months ago that gradually over the last year I once in awhile will say I enjoyed cooking a meal. :-) In my book, that's progress! We really loved HomeChef (and maybe we'll also try Plated), but for the moment (thanks to that expensive sick dog of ours) we've paused our subscription. It's OK, though, because I realized that thanks to HomeChef, I can cook a steak, chicken, fish, and pork now. Wow. I guess I was also paying for "cooking lessons" without realizing it. I'm sure that I will still have fits & starts with "hating cooking" but I have come a long way.

Sunday, August 5th
OK, I can barely believe I'm about to type this:

Weight: 136.2/BMI 24.9

Unless I'm missing some entries, I haven't see a "normal BMI" in almost 4 years. I'll go back through my thread, but it sometimes can be tricky to find.

FBG: 94
morning Blood Pressure: 122/84
B: coffee w/ cream, some blueberries and a slice of apple
L: scrambled eggs & salad & fried zucchini w/ goat cheese.
D: burger with tomato, onion, lettuce, avocado & bacon! Yum!!!!

dessert: 1/2 cup of premium ice cream (as a test for my glucose tolerance of sweets) -- 45 minutes later my BG was only 101! I was in shock! I think the high-fat content of the food slowed the blood glucose and it probably spiked later, but I was already in bed. I have also read that fat & sugar together spur a much larger insulin response, which mutes the BG but overall maybe not great. Anyhooooo, I think I will count it just fine to have a bowl of ice cream every weekend. My dad used to have ice cream every Saturday night when he was growing up. A tradition. Yet another of his "automated eating" that I named myself after.
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:14 pm

Monday, August 6th
Dry Day #6!!!!
Last night was tough with the no-alcohol. The first real temptation I've faced. I was grilling the burgers, and the weather was glorious, and I just REALLY wanted to have a glass of wine. But I knew it wasn't an option, and I got through it. Also tough that my husband started dry days with me, but fell off the wagon on Day #2!!! So now there IS wine in the house, which makes me need to have an even higher fence around this law. I can do this!

Weight: 135.9/BMI 24.9
Fasting Blood Glucose: 88
morning Blood Pressure: 112/72 (nice!)

B: coffee w/milk, eggs w/ avocado & salad greens & cheese
L: chicken thigh and breast with skin, glass of milk
D: (will be) ground beef salad w/grilled veggies and corn on the cob -- I'll be making spaghetti for the kids, but I'll just keep out some of the browned beef for myself. I got practice doing this in early 2018 when I first removed refined carbs (of course, now I'm reducing carbs in general, but those earlier baby steps helped!)
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

jenji
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Location: Cambridge

Post by jenji » Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:36 pm

automatedeating wrote:Thanks LadyBird! I guess I have tried Reinhard's glass ceiling, but 2 glasses is too high for my ceiling (height, female, etc), so I could modify my ceiling to 1 glass. But it's super hard for me to just have one glass....

I speculate that the healthiest long-term habit for me is to make alcohol an S. So I can have it on special occasions and weekends and date night with hubby. But I've struggled mightily when I've tried this.

I think I need to reset to a new normal where alcohol is not an everyday thing. After a period of time, I'd like to see if I can introduce it as an S.
So August 1-Oct 1 would be a nice "reset" period. I'm looking forward to it. I also think having a "start" date is a nice idea for me. I've never done that with alcohol before. I always think -- I'm starting TODAY! and I panic a little. This feels more planned and therefore more likely to succeed.
I like to have some wine, but I, too, cannot have 2 glasses a night without negative consequences. I also just heard an NPR story about the likely ties between alcohol use and cancer, which are pretty clear, even though we never hear about them. In case you need more motivation...

I use tiny little juice glasses - they are maybe 4 oz, and I fill it about 1/2 to 3/4 full. One little glass feels like a treat but seems to leave me feeling fine the next day. Good luck as you figure out how to manage it.
I'm a 53-year-old mom and non-profit CEO
I am 5' 7.5"
Began No S at 184#, BMI 28.4 - 9/25/2017
Current weight: 181#, BMI 27.9, 12/19/2022

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lpearlmom
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Aug 07, 2018 3:14 am

You’re doing great! Seems like a weekly bowl of ice cream should be just fine. Since fat doesn’t spike insulin much, the full fat version is probably the way to go.

I guess the home delivery services are a bit expensive but I guess I justify it as it’s still cheaper than eating out. Awesome you got some skills from it. Honestly sometimes I miss creating my own meal plans.

So exciting about your BMI. I’m looking forward to the day I’m finally in the normal range. (About 10 more pounds).

I know the dry days can be hard but it’ll feel great when you get through it. Hang in there, you’ve got this!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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