Life After Refeed...

[SurferGirl]

Hi Friends!

I'm going to use this thread to track my first little while after refeed. I know this is quite a transition period and I want to start my new healthy post diet life on the right foot.

Summary of my journey thus far.

Before 1PD, I had always been heavy. I had lost and gained a lot of weight during and after highschool. I started exercising in highschool and was able to keep up my exercise level despite all the extra weight I was carrying around. I hovered around 200lbs for a long time. Then life got a little crazy and I started gaining, and eating more, and gaining and eating more, and on and on. At over 265lbs, I realized this had to stop. My weight was begining to make the activities I loved way too difficult not mention a deluge of other parts of my life were suffering(namely, my marriage).

I started Weight Watchers, and got a personal trainer and was able to lose maybe 10lbs over 3 or 4 months. Frustrated, I turned to a nutritionist who explained that I may have food allergies and other illness that is leading my body to hang on to the weight. I went on an extreme diet to test my food allergies and took a million weird tests to determine what was wrong with me. The nutritionist thought maybe I was glueten intollerant, and I needed to see their chiropractor and physical therapist for my back, and I needed supplements, and b vitamin shots...So I stopped eating gluten, and dairy, went to the chiro/PT 3 times a week, got vitamin shots, took the supplements, continued with my personal trainer and...the weight did not come off. I was losing hope. After another frustrating weigh in my personal trainer told me that I was headed for diabetes and amputations and my husband would leave me, and I would end up living alone in an apartment off welfare. I left in tears and then fired my trainer. Side note-any aspiring personal trainers out there, don't ever say something like this to your clients, it is NOT motivating!

Absolutely depressed and a complete wreck, who did I call? My mom, of course. She told me, that it was time to do 1PD. She had just finished and looked amazing. I thought, alright, it's my last shot. And signed up. That was last April.

I started 1PD in April 2008 at 252lbs. I went strong all the way through till August. In August, I was invited for a girls weekend in NYC and decided to cut loose a bit. I tried many tasty treats and then came home and got right back to it. Here, I'd just like to say, my cheat did not derail me from the diet. I still had my mission and that hadn't changed. But, I did notice that my weightloss slowed from around 12 lbs per month to 8 or 9 after that. It could have just been a coincidence but it might be good to know for the rest of you.

Since August, I have stuck on plan completely. During the holidays there was an unbelievable amount of temptation but being so closed to my goal really motivated me to stick to it. I weighed in at 149 on December 16th. Over the next couple weeks, I decided to stay on the normal diet portions because managing refeed while traveling was too much. On January 2nd, I returned home and immediately started refeed at 145.2lbs. Yesterday 1/20/2009 was my last day on refeed.

Next you will find the story of my life after 1PD.

[SurferGirl]

1/21/2009
147.6 lbs

Day 1!!!
Here we go! I'm going 48hr no carb to get back down to my pre-Refeed weight of 145.

Not sure what to do for snacks. I know they suggest crackers and cheese but what about veges? It's weird not eating the fruit.

AM-1 egg, mushroom, onion, peppers, and extra lean hamburger with cumin and vinegar. Yummy!

Lunch-Taco Salad-lettuce, chicken, onion, peppers, tomato, cilantro, garlic, vinegar AND....AVACADO!!!

Snacks-cauliflower, green peppers, diet crackers

Apple 20 mintues before exercise

Dinner: Chicken, hamburger, lettuce, sauted mushroom, tomato, onion, lite mayo, 1T of greek yogurt

Exercise: 1hour Cardio Kickboxing

[CohenInAz]

WOW! I didn't know all that stuff. Thanks for sharing your personal journey with us.

You've done such a great job!

[Zee]

Hi SurferGirl,

Thanks for sharing, what a journey! You must be so proud of yourself, you have done amazing things.

Mmmmmmm.....avacado, only my all time favourite, you lucky fish.

I am eager to see what other delights you decide to add to your diet and how it tracks with your weight.

Good luck

Zee

[happytmo]

You are an inspiration to me. I can relate to some of your issues pre-Cohen. Thanks for the insight.
Congratulations on your new life!!!!!!!!

[PhyllisRis]

Hi....I can totally relate to your issues!!! Sounds VERY familiar.... Glad you fired that trainer!!!
You are a TRUE inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story and for being such a great Forum-ite!!!
Phyllis

[Sharon]

Agree with Phyllis, that trainer had to go, what a shocker.
You have done so well, a real success, thankyou so much for sharing.

[Mei Mei]

What was that personal trainer training for??? Jerk lessons? I don't beleive in scare tactics. I believe what I see and hear--personal testimonies, and yours was great, thanks. that's what got me in here. I would not have tried this diet but for knowing someone else who did it. We all have to continue to pay it forward. It is really spreading in Texas!
Mary

[SurferGirl]

I'm so glad that sharing my story helps you all. It is completely eye opening to see people who have had success on the plan in real life. That's what got me going too. My mom has really encouraged through the whole thing, and knowing that she has been there really helped me. Also, the forum is really great because you can talk to real people going through the same stuff (much better than just having to talk to your consultant). With so many of you guys losing so much weight it's pretty much impossible to doubt whether or not the program works.

BTW I liked the jerk training comment Mary LOL! Perhaps she was on steriods and that's what made her so nasty.:angry:

Day 2
1/22/2009
Weight 147.6

Breakfast: egg, mushroom, zuchinni, extra lean ground beef AND 1 tablespoon fat free greek yogurt with vanilla extract and stevia which was DEVINE!!! (I have had the no dairy version of the plan so I'm trying to add it back in a little at a time, now I see what you are all saying about the greek yogurt...YUMMM!!)

Lunch: Chicken, tomato, mushroom, onion, lettuce, lite mayo

Dinner: Same as lunch, Chicken, tomato, mushroom, onion, lettuce, lite mayo

Snacks: carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, diet crackers, apple 20 minutes before exercise, tomato with mozarella and basalmic

I asked my consultant a couple questions about maintanence, this might be helpful to others too.

1. I know you reccomend cheese and crackers for snacks but are there any other foods that would be good, or that should really be avoided? What about veges? Meat? I'm assuming we need to stay away from carbs and fruit to avoid triggering insulin. You may have lean meat ie: a piece of turkey breast or veggies or perhaps celery and cottage cheese etc. You should remember to eat enough during meal time so that your snacks are not meals. Please limit starch to one meal per day only.

2. I know nuts are in the carb catagory, what about avacodo? Are they in the fat catagory or does Dr. Cohen consider them a carb?
Avocado is not a carb, it is a vegetable, but it is high in "good" fat, so you should limit your avocado to 1/2 or 1/4 depending on what other foods you are eating.
3. During the 48hour no carb, can we have our diet fruit and diet crackers? Yes, you may.

[Sexymama]

Surfergirl, thank you so much for these wonderful posts on life after refeed! You inspire me and I'm so proud of you! I personally think you should try to get back in to say "hello" to this trainer! Wouldn't her mouth just drop!! He he he!!!

I just started back up after being off for almost 8 weeks and I was trying to calculate where I would be at the end of this 12 weeks and if I would be able to order my refeed. I am just in my first serious 100% week back on plan and am now praying my weight loss will not slow. I have about 40lbs to go so we'll see!
Keep up the great work and this great thread!!
Julie

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf:Girl

Awesome thread! How very touching to read your story :bighug: thank you for sharing this!!!

A big well done on having STOOD UP and for having DONE something ie: joined the program! I am so proud of you for having walked this road and for having STUCK to it!!! :clapping3:

It was not easy, but, it was certainly worth it!!

I do believe you should go and see your trainer again… but, not with a baseball bat or a mini skirt…

If I may be allowed to say something… without being hunted down and being shot… by the whole lot of you…

Despite the pain she may have caused you at that very moment, I got the feeling from your e-mail that your personal trainer may actually have done you a favor. HOW can I possibly say this? I believe she made you realize that if YOU don’t DO something, then and there, your health and marriage etc was going to suffer. You saw a picture of what could have happened and I’m sure, of what is happening to many folks out there who do get diabetes… although I don’t think you go from diagnosis to amputation in 1 day – it takes time. The sad thing is that for many diabetic’s the situation COULD have been prevented if they had DONE something to change their lifestyle.

Your trainer was very, very hard and you… and… in your very next line got you on the phone, calling your Mom and then and there you determined to MAKE this program work for you. You had to, because the alternative was too horrible to imagine…

Hind site, perhaps, despite the harsh words, she was not the enemy. I believe that very often, too many of us (I am not saying you, but many of us) are just not “motivated” enough by every day life to actually get out there and DO something about our problems or issues… we tend to forget them, ignore them, become too busy to see them. Many people live in denial – they can be 100 or more pounds overweight and still not think “I am fat and this is not good for me – I must do something now.”

When faced with illness, injury, divorce or some hurt, people are often motivated to change… maybe because of a sense of desperation? I’m not sure, but maybe the ugly trainer worked as your spring board to your success?

I’ve just finished reading a fabulous book called The Shack and one of the things I’m keeping in my heart is that sometimes pain and suffering can be turned around by the grace of God and it can actually lead to numerous good things being birthed. Whether or not that is true in your case, if the pain pushed you forward into an action plan - only you can tell…

I certainly find this topic very interesting because many time, people ask the question How do I get started? How do I motivate myself and somehow, through the painful experiences, YOU GO IT! YOU GOT THE MOTIVATION THAT TOOK YOU TO THE WINNING LINE!!!

WELL DONE!!! GOOD JOB!!! I AM THRILLED FOR YOU!!!

[SurferGirl]

Hi Shasha,
First of all, I would never think something coming from you was meant in any sort of negative way. You are hear to support us and to push us to be better people and improve ourselves. THat is your goal and it is very evident in how you treat us with such respect and compassion while still be real with us and forcing us to acknowledge when we aren't in line with our goals. I really appreciate all you feedback.

While I completely understand that there are people out there who simply would not do anything about their weight without some doom and gloom speech. And for those people, who really are thinking, I'm fine, it's not a big deal, a slap of reality is just what they need. In my situation, I was trying everything I could think of to get the weight off. I had already decided to do whatever it took to make that happen. I thought going to a trainer 3x a week and seeing a nutritionist would work and get me to my goal. When it wasn't working, I just kept trying and forking out lots of money, and eating what they told me, and training with hopes that it would start working. It was less like tough love and more like, she had a bad day and was angry with me for not having the results we both expected.

But in a sense, the trainer did do me a favor. Because after she left me feeling like a failure who would always be fat, I fired her. Which left me with no plan to reach my goals. Which led to me calling my mom, and her telling me I had to sign up for 1pD. Planless and knowing that it worked for my mom, I decided to sign up.

As a side note, after starting 1PD and losing a bit of weight, my trainer contacted me (she didn't know why I had fired her). I explained that while I was grateful for the time she had spent with me I felt that her speech on the last day I was there was really demoralizing and made me feel like giving up altogether. But that I had gotten straightened out since then and had lost a bunch of weight on this diet. I told her that while I understand that some people need to be told the worst case scenario to actually do something about their problem, I was going to see her because I was trying to do something about it already. I thanked her again for her time and for checking in and wished her the best.

Her response was not so kind. She told me that my "low self esteem" was "not her problem." I really don't think that someone who had me best interests at heart would say that after hearing that I had found something that was helping me achieve my goals.

I'm so happy that I found a healthy way to reach my goals and that I've had all these amazing supportive people behind me all the way. That's what has made this possible. Having all the people in my life (including you guys) to back me up and encourage me and help me make sure that I am doing what I need to do.

[lfingers11]

Sounds like that trainer has the problem and has issues with herself!! Urr. I bet if you went back and saw her now you would be skinnier and alot hotter than her!! :party1:

But remember, everything happens for a reason. You have now moved on, your mom helped you, your hubby has been there and we have all cheered you on. I won't go into it but the road that lead me to 1pd is very long, sad, happy and exciting all at the same time. :)

[SurferGirl]

Thanks! And you are right. It has worked out in the end and I wouldn't take any of it back because it got me here. I love my new healthy lifestyle and fit new little body!

Sexy Mama-So glad you are back and ready to rock. I look forwarding to seeing you reach your goal!

Now for Day 3
1/23/2009
Weight 146.8

Breakfast:
egg, ground beef, zuchinni, onion, mushroom and 2TBL greek fat free yogurt with vanilla and stevia

Lunch:
Chicken stir fry, spinich, brocolli, cauliflower, red pepper, celery, water chestnuts(yummy!) and homemade orange ginger garlic sauce

Snacks: Diet Crackers, carrots, celery, chicken, apple before surfing

[wantonhubris]

Surfergirl!
I agree with everyone else. You really are inspiring. I just realized you lost over a hundred pounds! Surfing the whole time is pretty impressive, too.

[SurferGirl]

Hi guys.
Day 4
1/24/09
147.4 lbs
Breakfast: egg, mushrooms, morning star breakfast sausage(very tasty)
Lunch: grilled chicken, avacodo, cucumber, salsa, 1/2 whole wheat tortilla, a bite of my husbands black beans, diet coke
Snacks: 2 tbl Greek yogurt, diet crackers, cauliflower, broccoli, orange before exercise
Exercise: 2 mile run (woo, I'm tired after that)
Snack: cauliflower, broccoli, diet crackers
Dinner: Fish, bokchoy, mushrooms, salad
and a bite of my husband's yogurt and raspberry dessert

I'm trying to add in a bunch of exercise so that I can get used to it again, and to build up endurance before my surf vacation. It is fantastic to have so much less weight to carry around but with 10 months off it might take me a while to get used to exercising again.
With the added exercise I know my weight mighht be doing some weird things. But that makes it realy hard right now, when I'm supposedto be using my weight to determine if I'm eating the right amounts of food. Any suggestions out there?

[SurferGirl]

Day5
Weight 146.6

Breakfast: egg with veges, 2 tbl yogurt, 2 morning star breakfast
sausage

Snack apple

Lunch: diet crackers, chicken and vege stir fry

Snack: crackers, apple 20 min before surfing

Surfing 1 hour

Dinner SUSHI!!! 6 pieces of rolls, sashimi, salad, miso soup
Dessert: 1 coffee flavored candy 1/2 almond dessert bread thing at starbucks, yum yum !

Day 6
Weight147.0
Breakfast: egg, spinich, 2 morningstar breakfast sausages

Snack: carrot/cucumber/celery with laughing cow reduced fat cheese wedge, diet crackers

Apple 20 minutes before workout (kickboxing 1 hour, +.5 mile run to warm up,which resulted in extreme hunger for the rest of the day)

LuncH; chicken and vege stir fry, yogurt with flaxseed

snack:, diet crackers, reduced fat string cheese, carrot/cucumber/celery

Dinner: Chicken vege soup, diet crackers, popcorn, yogurt

Dessert: orange

[lfingers11]

I had this same question. consultants told me to work with a trainer. Well, I can't afford a trainer so I do my body % everyday. As long as my body fat is getting better I try not to worry about pound or two.

[Zee]

Hey Surfergirl,

If you don't have a body fat % thingy, perhaps if you go by your measurements instead of your weight when it comes to exercise, might be a good indication - just a suggestion, I don't know if this helps, but I am going to have the same problem once I have completed refeed.

Keep up the great posts, I'm lovin reading what you are adding to your diet and how it is tracking weight-wise.

You go girl!

Zee

[CohenInAz]

If you belong to a gym, they might offer free testing once a month or so.

My gym does this, you just have to ask for it. They will take your measumrents, calculate your BF% and even give you a "mini" training session to see if how you are working out needs to be modified.

You can also ask your doctor to do it too...

There are also a few websites that if you enter in your measurements and weight it will calculate your approximate BF% for you.

Just know that you might go up 5lbs but your inches will get smaller.

[lfingers11]

You can get a scale at walmart for $30 that calcutes weight, water and bf% for 4 people. it also measures in .2 which is really nice.

[Sharon]

Sounds like a set of scales I want, mine are acting strange so it may be time to move on, I can stand on the scales - get a weight, do a pee and weigh again and my weights gone up by sometimes 2-300 gms - eh.
The basic weight is in the range as I have checked it against our work one, but it does add to my frustration. Will have to shop around and see what I can find that is in line with the ones you discribed Pam, they sound really great - will be more than $30 that is for sure but will be worth it.

Surfergirl - it shows so much strength in character you have in being able to deal with it as you have and be able to move on, your ex- trainer just sounds bitter and twisted, hope she will be able to move on from her troubles or she will end up wrinkled, angry and sick.
{king}
You are awesome

[SurferGirl]

Hi Guys,

I scheduled to have my body fat calculated again on wednesday. That should help. Thanks for all the advice. It is just super difficult to figure out a healthy routine with only a few rules when you are used to structure. On plan I knew that I was burning fat even if the scale was doing its occasional weird fluctuation cause I knew the program was working. Now i have try to interpret and evaluate how my intake is maybe off.
Today was the first day i felt really a bit dangerous. I was super hungry(after my workout) and with sweet memories of yesterday's tasty treats, I was thinking dangerous thoughts (like I want a burger! or ice cream!) I stayed out of trouble but it wasn't easy. And even so I ended up overdoing it on the dairy stuff (2 pieces cheese,and 2 servings yogurt-unfortunately my digestive system was not fond of all that, sorry if thats TMI). OK I'm falling asleep now, so good night!

[Shasha]

Hi there :surf:Girl

I agree with you, that’s NOT “tough love”…


I thanked her again for her time and for checking in and wished her the best.

Her response was not so kind. She told me that my "low self esteem" was "not her problem."

… sounds she’s got serioous MAD :cow: DISEASE! But thankfully {wave} this got you moved OUT from there and INTO the right direction!! ie: the love and support from all of your Diet Buddies!



I'm trying to add in a bunch of exercise so that I can get used to it again, and to build up endurance before my surf vacation. It is fantastic to have so much less weight to carry around but with 10 months off it might take me a while to get used to exercising again.
With the added exercise I know my weight mighht be doing some weird things. But that makes it realy hard right now, when I'm supposedto be using my weight to determine if I'm eating the right amounts of food. Any suggestions out there?

Best suggestion would be to start SLOWLY – no point in getting injuries cos that will really SLOW you down!! Rather start slowly and keep listening to how your body tells you ie: how you feel after the exercises and the next day etc etc. you should not exercise to the point of becoming drained or feeling famished… remember you can eat an apple 20 minutes prior to exercising – the apple will help to prevent low blood sugar and it doesn’t cause a spike like so called “energy drinks”.

I’m not sure what kind of exercises you are doing or how fast you can gain muscles – just be careful not to increase too much starch – the way I understand, you need proteins to build muscles and become strong.

Also remember that muscles weigh more than fat – so, even if you find the scale going up a bit, your clothes should not fit tighter – unless of course you are related to Arnold somebody or other :flirt: Oh and remember, you need to get MORE sleep if you are exercising - body uses sleep to repair itself!!

[SurferGirl]

Day 7
Weight 147.4

Thanks for the reminders Shasha! You're right I probably am not getting enough sleep.

I'm having a really hard day today. My weight was up .4 again, and I'm just feeling really down. I'm exercising so hard and I feel like I'm eating really healthy foods, but my weight is not responding the way I want. And the exercise has been making me more hungry and less able to keep to smaller portions. So basically I'm feel obsessed with food, and exercise. Too much? Too little? Too MANY DARN QUESTIONS running through my head. Ughhh. How are my other maintenance friends out there coping?

Breakfast:
1 egg, 1 breakfast sausage, veges

Snack: light cheese, diet crackers, cauliflower and broccoli

Lunch: Chicken Soup, tomato, cucumber and fat free feta(less than 1 tablespoon)

Apple 20 minutes before surfing

Snack: string cheese, diet crackers

Dinner: Pot roast, cellery, cauliflower, broccoli, onion
Dessert: Wheat bread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

[happytmo]

I have no advice, but keep up the good work. Listen to Sasha and start slow. I'm fascinated by your thread b/c I can't wait to exercise again. I'm reading your thread and learning, so thank you for posting what you are doing and your frustrations.
Theresa

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf:Girl

Sounds like your trying to do too much too quickly? and really not sleeping enough… OOOps – please try to get more sleep.

In your snacks – are you having just 2 x cracker portions? If so that’s fine, if more, you may be triggering too much insulin 3 times a day… just checking…

Also, do you think you would have more energy for :surf:ing if you had the bread and PNButter with lunch ie: starch meal for lunch before :surf:ing?

Please keep up your vitamin intake!!!

[lfingers11]

Question/comment: if you are no carbing it why did you have bread/peanut butter? This might have made you hold on to all that water. Was that a no carb day?

[alabama]

Remember that muscles hold on to water when they are worked, so that could be another reason.
Also, vegetarian meats usually have some carbs in there. I don't know if you might need to keep that in mind....But really, what do I know?? I have only been doing this 3 weeks.

Keep up the good work! I know you will balance out the fluctuations. We are proud of you for staying so committed and keeping us informed with the way it looks in the "real world after Cohen".:party1:

[CohenInAz]

I know when I start working out, I gain 5lbs in a week, but it all settles out.

Alabama is right about muscle holding onto water. I talked ot my trainer about the 4lbs I gained after the 1/2 and he said it was mostly water retention.

I agree with Sasha.. watch the clothes...

You''re doing great!

[SurferGirl]

Hi Guys,

THanks for the input!

I did the 48 hour no carb my first 2 days off refeed (not yesterday, sorry for the confusion).

As for the vege sausages- they actually have less carbs than the plain fat free yogurt, but I will surely keep that in mind. Maybe going with ground beef in the eggs is better. AND BTW-3 weeks is nothing to scoff at, you are through the hardest part of the diet, good work and keep it up!

Shasha, I think you are right. I realized after posting last night, that I have been feeling the same way I did after exercising while on plan. I thought before it was just because I was not eating enough to do the exercise but it might also just be a matter of the exercise being too strenuous. The kickboxing class I have been taking is brutal, and most people can barely make it through (and these are people who have been regularly active). I got used to pushing my body so hard before (I was carrying around an extra 100lbs which meant I was working twice as hard as the people around me). It just feels like that's the way I should be exercising. But I have been so emotional, and hungry, and grouchy the past couple days and I think that's my body telling me to slow down. I guess learning how to listen to our bodies doesn't stop after refeed.

I went to see the personal trainer at my gym today so she could do my body fat % again. It has gone down 1% in the past 6 weeks! I am now at 20.3%! She said the "Ideal" percent is 20% so I am right there, and I just started exercising again. I'm really thrilled with these results. She also let me know that the scale is really not going to be a good way to judge how I am doing for right now. It is such a transition to be adding in the exercise and the whole muscle weighs more thing. So (and this may seem drastic for us scale addicts) I'm putting my scale away for a whole week!! I'm going to do my best to listen to my body, and I will continue to do the body fat test and my measurements to help me keep in line but backing off the scale for right now is what I need to do. To give you guys an idea, I litterally broke down in tears yesterday because I was up .4lbs. That's just not good.

Thanks everyone for reading and your input. It means a lot!

[SurferGirl]

Day 8
1/28/2009
Weight 146.8

AM- 1 egg, veges, 2 breakfast sausages

Snack- light cheese and veges, apple

Lunch- Salad with tomato cucumber feta and steak, chicken vege soup, string cheese

Snack- Salad with tomato cucumber feta and steak

Apple 20 minutes before kickboxing and more salad with steak(i swear, I'm taking tommorow off, I just already commited to go to this class)

Dinner: Chicken sausage gumbo with 2 tbl white rice, ceaser salad with a few croutons

Dessert: 1 Chocolate-Cocunut macaroon ( I don't know how I managed to only eat one, the meeting I was at had a whole tray of them and a tray of frosted brownies-EVIL)

[alabama]

Hello cute little surfergirl! My uncle used to sing me that song...you know "little surfergirl:innocent4:" He was teaching me how when I was younger. ahhhhh! memories:)

Anyway, I just wanted to say that you are the BOMB{wave}

You keep it up and I think that is a wonderful idea of skipping the scale for awhile and laying off the exercise. We have so much in common. My trainer was always getting onto me for doing too much cardio. It just seems that the harder you push yourself, the better....not the case, as we can see. She always said I was pushing my body too hard and I would NOT lose weight. HMMMM.??? So, maybe it is true. Your body starts holding on if you are not giving it enough and pushing it too hard. I think there is a healthy balance and you will get there! Dont worry! And congrats on the body fat loss!!! that is AWESOME:party1: We are all behind you!!!!

[SurferGirl]

Thanks ALabama! It is awesome to know I have my supporters out there! And ya, I'm pretty sure that over doing the exercise is why I have been SOOOO HUNGRY!!!!! All this crazy exercise is probably not helping the whole trying to find a balance business.

Day 9
Breakfast: egg, veges, lean ground beef, and 4 mini saltines

Snack: Apple, 3 small pickels, diet crackers

Lunch: lean ground beef hamburger, lettuce, mushroom, zuchinni, salsa, onion, avacado, mustard, and light mayo

Snack: diet crackers, broccoli

Snack before dinner: diet crackers

Dinner: ground beef, lettuce, zuchini, mushrooms, onion, green pepper, avacado, black beans, salsa

Dessert: toast with PB, and a pickle

I was still super hungry in the evening, so I probably ate a bit more than I should have. The extreme exercise just completely messed me up.

[jrose85826]

Surfer Girl, you rock! You have been a true inspiration to me. I have been off the plan since Thanksgiving day and I am seriously thinking of starting to skip the scale from time to time. I know I look good, but for some reason that little number means so much to me.

I was begining to wonder if having my crackers and apples was ok and now that I see you are doing it I am glad to know I am not shooting myself in the foot persey. I usually have 3 snacks a day, one at 10, one at 2, and one at 5. I seem to be the most hungry from 2 to 5 for some reason. It was the same thing on the diet. I guess it is just my body. My snacks usually consist of an apple or orange and my diet crackers. All though lately I have been having an apple and orange because the apples were getting smaller during the winter months.

I am sure you are feeling great getting in that bathing suit and surfing with less weight to pull around. I know moving around and exercising has been easier for me since I dropped the excess weight.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted!!!!

:weights2:

[SurferGirl]

Hi JRose!

I totally know what you mean. It seems really weird to have us get so used to the fruit and then tell us, to avoid it. If it wasn't triggering our "fat *******" for the 10 months on the program, while all the sudden is this an issue now that we are at a healthy weight? I'm going to try eating 1/2 a fruit at each snack, and I'm sticking with my diet crackers. To make up for the fruit I'm used to having, I'll have some veges with my snack too. I just don't see how eating cheese and crackers three times a day is better than veges and fruit for our bodies. Plus I haven't been reacting very well to the cheese.

The surfing is great, unfortunately the cold NorCal waters affect me a whole lot more than they used to when I had all that insulation. As for the swim suit, from far way (really far away) I probably look pretty good, but up close there's a lot of loose skin going on. I'm sure it will tighten up with time. I'm also going to try a body wrap before I go on my vacation. I'll be sure to let you guys know how that works.

It sounds like you are still in the 1pd mindset and that's awesome. Just keep coming back to the forum to stay motivated. It certainly is scary out there in the Maintanence world.

It would be great to hear about your journey on the diet and how it's been going since. I always want to hear about other people's experience on maintenance.

[SurferGirl]

Day 10
1/30/2009

I'm holding off on exercise for the next few days and getting my appetite and portions back in check.

Breakfast: diet portions (1 egg, 60gm vege)

Snack: Spinich, crackers, 1/2 apple

Lunch: Carb Meal: Taco salad (same as dinner last night, but smaller portions), 1 slice of bread with PB, diet dr pepper

Snack: broccoli, crackers, 1/2 apple

Dinner: hamburger, lettuce, tomato, onion, mushroom, zuchinni, taste of chedder cheese, pickel, homemade teriyaki(soy sauce, stevia, rice vinegar) light mayo, mustard

Snack: diet crackers, diet stevia rootbeer

Snack: Brocoli, crackers, 1/2 apple

I am feeling so much better now. My appetite is way smaller today, and I'm really taking time to appreciate what I'm eating. I'm also less grumpy. I'm so glad to be figuring this out. Man I was worried there for a bit.

I hope all is well with my other diet buddies.

[SurferGirl]

Day 11
1/31/2009

Breakfast: Diet portions egg, 60gm vege

Snack: cauliflower, crackers, apple

Lunch: Carb meal Mexican food, chips, salsa, chicken enchilada, and and beef tostada with rice and beans. I didn't eat the rice and beans and most of the tortilla and cheese of the enchilada.

Dessert: after lunch 1/2 choc chip cookie, and 1/2 choc almond dessert and tea

Rock Climbing for 2 hours

Dinner: pretty close to diet portions (i didn't weigh) of steak and broccoli and asparagus

Snack: apple




Day 12
2/1/2009

Breakfast: Diet portions egg, 60gm vege (+ a couple bites of my husband's eggs with vege and meat scramble)

Snack: Apple, crackers

Lunch: Carb Meal- chicken vege wrap in a whole wheat tortilla with salsa and avacado- I added some left over steak for more protein

Snack: crackers, broccoli and carrots

Dinner: Diet portion steak, and veges, apple

[SurferGirl]

Day 13

Breakfast: egg, veges (diet portions)

Snack: steak and broccoli

Lunch: grilled veges, steak, toast with pb, brown rice pudding (made with unsweetened almond milk and stevia)

Cardio kickboxing

Snack: crackers, steak, and spinich, apple

Dinner: grilled chicken sandwich (1/3 whole wheat bun), lettuce, tomato, onion, side of broccoli and carrots, side salad with crutons, shredded cheese, and fruity basalmic vinegar dressing

Dessert: chocolate cake with ice cream hot fudge and lots of other tastyness (i had 3 bites) and 3 pieces dark chocolate

I ended up with double carb meals today. Tommorow its no carb and diet portions. Got to pay the price now.

Day 14 (diet portions, and no carbs)
2/3/2009

Breakfast: egg and veges diet portions

Snack: Crackers and Apple

Lunch: cabbage, salsa. green peppers and extra lean ground beef (diet portions)

Snack:Crackers and Apple


Dinner: cabbage, salsa. green peppers and extra lean ground beef (diet portions)


Snack:
Crackers and Apple

[Zee]

Hi Surfergirl,

Sounds like you have life after refeed down to a good balance. How is your weight tracking through these changes in diet, had any losses or gains?

Zee:)

[jrose85826]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am actually doing 2 days no carbs, I was very bad on Superbowl Sunday. :) Then I am going to do the carb refeeding portion of the program. I would like to work more carbs into my diet as odd as that sounds, but I want to be able to have more than a piece or 2 of bread without having to do no carbs for 2 days because I gained more than 2 lbs. The tricky part for me is not going off the deep end and over endulging. I am hoping by slowly reintroducing the carbs like in refeed, I will be able to have more with out such drastic consequences.

I do not know how you surf in Nor Cal waters. I won't go in the ocean up here for anything, wet suit or not. When I head to Halfmoon Bay it is not to hit the water.

Keep up the good work!

Jamie:party1:

[lfingers11]

Jamie,
I could be wrong but doing refeed again is not going to change any results. I love my carbs and I realize when I eat more of it than I should I will be no carbing it for a couple of days. We will NEVER, in my opinion, be able to eat the amount of carbs we want too.
Also, the only time you need to do your refeed is if you go back on your regular diet plan for 2 weeks or more.
It is ok to indulge once and a while as long you turn around and take it right back off again.

[SurferGirl]

Hi Jamie,

2 Slices of bread = 2lb gain...Arghhhh!!! That must be really frustrating! I completely understand your desire to add more carbs. While there is no telling if redoing some of the carb days of refeed will increase your body's capacity for more carbs without gaining, I don't really see what harm it could do. It seems like a good idea to use the controlled method of the refeed program to monitor how your body handles the increase. You'll be weighing everyday so there's no way you'll gain a bunch and if it works that would be such a relief for you. I say go for it. I definately agree with lfingers11, we will never get to eat the amount of carbs we want and still maintain but I would hope your body could handle a sandwich! Jeesh! I'm super curious to hear how this goes for you. Keep us informed! and i wish you lots of good luck!

[SurferGirl]

Hi Zee,

It's so great that you will soon be doing refeed! Congrats on getting to your goal! What a huge accomplishment!

As for me, I'm not sure how my weight is (I'll know tommorow). My husband took my scale away for a week because I was crying when I went up .4 lbs. It's good, I needed to just listen to my body and not rely so heavily on that number. But I'll be sure to post it tommorow.

[Zee]

Hi Surfergirl, thanks for your encourangement. I am really proud to have gotten as far as I have. I still have 3lbs to go before I can start the refeed, but I seem to be yo-yoing a little up and down at the moment. I had this trouble a few weeks ago too, I think it is because I am so close now my body feels like it wants to settle at this weight. I will persevere till the end.

Can't wait to see how your weight is tracking. Good on your hubby for hiding the scales, I think that was a great idea, I think we all have to try and not get too obsessive with our little gains and losses, but having said that I DO UNDERSTAND, I step on the scale everyday now and it can be very frustrating....grrr.

Keep up the great work, and keep us posted (it really helps :))

Zee

[SurferGirl]

Zee you are almost done, hang in there! I know its frustrating especially when you are almost there, and that scale can really mess with our minds, just know you are doing exactly what you are supposed to and trust in that.

Day 15
2/4/2009
Weight 146.0! I feel really good about this. I just went with my gut on when to reduce intake and go no carb and I am down from my last weigh in! YAY!!

Breakfast: Diet portions egg and veges

Snack: crackers, cabbage, green pepper and salsa, string cheese

Lunch: I had picnic lunch and picked from a table of food so I had small portions of a bunch of stuff. I had 1/2 a piece of bread, ham, cheese, onion, tomato, lettuce, waldorf salad (lettuce, sunflower seeds, apple, chicken, lemon poppyseed dressing), 4 potato chips ...AND there were cookies and fudge but I said no-I'm very proud of this ;)

Snack: Crackers, broccoli, cauliflower, and low fat laughing cow cheese wedge, diet coke

Snack: Apple

Dinner: Diet crackers (+4 mini saltines extra), 2 diet sodas, 3 pickles, cheese, hamburger, light mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, mushrooms. I ate too much during this meal. I don't know what was going on. I was watching a movie and I just kept going back for more and more and more.

After the cheese, my body was rebelling a bit (in a stinky way, this is so embarassing). I'm thinking that I may be lactose intollerent, which is about the saddest thing ever! I did a no dairy version of the diet because a nutritionist said I might have a lactose allergy (though never confirmed it), so its only after the diet that I have been having dairy again. Each time I have cheese I seem to get really bad gas. Is this common? Do I just need to get used to eating it again or is this a pretty good sign that I am lactose intollerant? Sorry to be gross, I'm just not sure what this is about.

[SurferGirl]

Day 16
2/5/2009
Weight 146.6

I suppose I'm paying for overeating last night with that .6 gain this morning. I'm heading to the gym tonight :weights2: , so I hope that helps a bit.

Breakfast: 2 morningstar sausages, egg, veges

Snack: cabbage, salsa, and 1/2 apple

Lunch: hamburger, light mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, mushroom

Snack: Broccoli and cauliflower, 1/2 apple

[CohenInAz]

SurferGirl -

You know I love you... and I think you are doing SO great!

I just wanted to add, after seeing that you were really updset and the scale taken away last week that if you go up 2 lbs... you know what to do. Other than that don't sweat the small stuff :)

.6 lbs could be be SO many other things than just what you ate.

Not that it's not good to head to the gym, but just be sure to balance it in perspective :)

[SurferGirl]

Cohen in AZ,

You are the best! Thanks for keeping it in perspective for me. You are right, I was back on my obssessed with weight path again, and that is a no no!

Thanks again for the wake up call!

[lfingers11]

I think it is hard not to be obsessed with the scale. I secretly weigh several times a day :innocent4:

[Shasha]

I think it is hard not to be obsessed with the scale. I secretly weigh several times a day :innocent4:


:shocked: OH NO PAM!!! :shocked:

I don't know what to say other than: {praying} please stop it!!

[GailStout]

You're right that it's hard not to obsessed -- it actually is a WIN for awhile to look down and see those numbers you NEVER thought you'd see. However, it doesn't help on or after the refeed. My weight, when I was doing that, could fluctuate as much as 10 pounds in ONE day...and if I happened to weigh myself at the WRONG time, well, then...how I did my re-feed was WRONG.

Remember what a happy surprise it was after the first four weeks on the diet and you were told to weigh in? How cool it was that you'd lost SO much so quickly? Well, life after refeeding should be like that: USE YOUR CLOTHES to determine how you're doing. If they get tight, hop on the scale at the correct time (right after you awaken and empty your bladder), assess the damage, and do what you have already demonstrated to yourself you CAN do. I know that I'm continually surprised that as much 4 pounds can come on overnight due to water or "one more (whatever)"...but I also have the correct technology to take those pounds right off again.

For example, it's been well below zero for about three weeks here -- our bodies are COLD! It's hard for a COLD body to willingly give up extra insulation -- it's contrary to how the body is wired to work. I'm not too worried about the fact that my pants this week are a bit tight; I'm thankful for the extra insulation. But I also know how to make my pants fit nicely again.

Just do what your Guide says, and don't do something ELSE. Take your win on your weight (you DESERVE it) -- but DON'T sabotage yourself by weighing all day long!

[SurferGirl]

Day 17
2/6/2009
Weight 145.2

Breakfast: egg, veges

Snack: veges, 1/2 apple

Lunch: Salmon, veges, 1/2 apple

Snack:Veges

Dinner: whole wheat pizza, chicken ceaser salad

Dessert: Popcorn, 1/2 chocolate bar

Day 18
2/7/2009
Weight 145.2

Breakfast: egg, veges, yogurt

Snack: broccoli carrot salad

Lunch: salmon and stiry fry veges, 1/2 a PBJ sandwich apple

2 mile run

Dinner: steak and salad with avacodo

Snack: crackers, yogurt


Day 19
2/8/2009
145.0
Breakfast: egg, veges, 1 morningstar sausage

Lunch: 1 piece bread, turkey, cheese, sandwich with lettuce, onions, mushrooms, 1/2 apple, broccoli

Dessert: Frozen yogart with toffee chunks in a waffle cone- yum yum yum

Snack: Steak, mushroom, onion (left overs), then... apetizers at this dinner party (included 3 mini weenies wrapped in buttery bread stuff, 2 peices of cheese, veges)

Dinner: Steak, potato with light sour cream, salad with light italian dressing
I basically ate carbs all afternoon and evening (this is against the rules and I know it, time to get back to following the rules)

Day 20
2/9/2009
Weight 146.4

Totally off yesterday...whoops, time to pick up the peices a bit. 48hr no carb (other than diet fruit and crackers)

Breakfast: egg, veges, 1 morningstar sausage

Snack: brocoli carrot salad, crackers, peice of vege cheese

Lunch: steak and salad, 1/2 apple, turkey lunch meat

snack: brocoli and cauliflower, crackers, 1/2 apple

Dinner: chicken sausage, veges, salad, avacodo

Snack: apple, crackers

[CohenInAz]

Keep up the good work... sure you slipped one day but are taking care of it. I loved that you had Pizza one day and no gain! The rules work!

YAY!!!!

[alabama]

Great job, surfer girl! It looks like you are really getting the hang of it. It is nice to know there is life in the "real world" per say after this diet.

It is exciting to see exactly what you are eating and your exercise!!! I always worry of what it will look like after the regimented diet. How have you been feeling?? by the way, did you exercise while on the diet? if not, did you notice a big change in your endurance? I am sorry, you may have already talked about that before.

Anyway, keep it up!!! You are doing great:party1:

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf:Girl

It’s really great how your are keeping a Food Diary – makes it really easy to sort things out.

We all know Day 19 was not right and I’m glad you fixed it on Day 20, but I am curious about something else…

Day 17 - Weight 145.2
Dinner: whole wheat pizza, chicken ceaser salad
Dessert: Popcorn, 1/2 chocolate bar
Despite the carb load of pizza, popcorn and ½ a chocolate – you followed the rules of starch once a day and gained NOTHING!

Day 18 - Weight 145.2
You did the 2 mile run and watch what happened the very next day ie: starch from lunch to dinner:

Day 19 – Weight 145.0
Lunch: 1 piece bread, turkey, cheese, sandwich with lettuce, onions, mushrooms, 1/2 apple, broccoli
Dessert: Frozen yogart with toffee chunks in a waffle cone- yum yum yum
Snack: Steak, mushroom, onion (left overs), then... apetizers at this dinner party (included 3 mini weenies wrapped in buttery bread stuff, 2 peices of cheese, veges)
Dinner: Steak, potato with light sour cream, salad with light italian dressing
I basically ate carbs all afternoon and evening (this is against the rules and I know it, time to get back to following the rules)

Then obviously came the:

Day 20 - Weight 146.4

What I’m wondering about is did the exercises cause you to want to eat more the next day?

I know the weight gain was due to too much insulin and {goodjob} on restoring your insulin levels right away :bighug: but it would be interesting to monitor the effects of exercise on hunger levels the next day...

[SurferGirl]

Shasha I've been struggling with the exercise thing since the beginning. I am most definately more hungry after exercise. Its funny because you think of exercise as a way to help you maintain or lose weight, but in my case it seems to make it way harder. I know I need to exercise to be strong and healthy, and I love it but it sure makes it hard to find a balance in the diet department.

[SurferGirl]

2/10/2009
Weight 147.0 (still going up)
48 hour no carb, Day 2

Breakfast- egg, veges, 1 morningstar sausage

Snack-apple, crackers, green pepper and celery

1 Hour workout (weights, situps, 15 minutes on stair machine)

Lunch: Chicken sausage, veges, salad with avacado and salsa

Snack: turkey vege wrapped in lettuce, crackers

Dinner: orange, egg, 1 morning star sausage and veges

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf:Girl

Yes, exercises do bring in a whole new dimension… So I’d like you to pay special attention to how much and how intense you exercise and how you eat the next day. :weights2:

Maybe the key is not to do too much OR maybe the key is to up the starch a bit more on the day you exercise, but in the evening (one meal) so that you can prevent a “binge” the day after. Maybe the “binge” came because your muscles were depleted from glycogen? I’m thinking it would make sense that if you were to run your little tank too empty, your body will react with sending up cravings as a signal of desperation to get more fuel in. :gurney: So perhaps the answer is making sure you replenish the correct amount in the same evening.

I have read that you don’t want to drink sugary energy drinks prior to exercising as this prevents your body from producing HGH – which helps with firming and toning muscles.

Let's see and monitor how things develop... these are still early days...

[CohenInAz]

I have read that you don’t want to drink sugary energy drinks prior to exercising as this prevents your body from producing HGH – which helps with firming and toning muscles.

Oh good to hear.. but having an apple before is ok right? Or should we do that after only?

[SurferGirl]

THanks for the input Shasha. I'm definately going to watch it and see how I'm reacting. And I'll try the extra carbs after exercise to see how that works.

Day 22
2/11/09
Weight 146.0

Breakfast: egg veges 1 morning star sausage

Snack: broccoli, 1/2 apple, crackers

Lunch: tunafish with light mayo cellery and pickels, salad with salsa and avacado, 1/2 apple

Snack: cellary and green pepper, crackers

Dinner: Chicken and veges, low carb tortilla, broccoli, pickles, 2 peices toast with PBJ

[alabama]

WOW! See, it works...you are going back down:)

Keep it up and I can't wait to hear how you monitor the exercise/hunger/etc...

[SurferGirl]

Hi Alabama!

It is really cool. And actually, I'm feeling better too. Less hungry now. I can totally see how much it can screw people up to have the hormones out of whack and not fix it right away. Imagine eating too many carbs, then gaining weight, then having more cravings and hunger because the hormones are messed up, then eating more carbs {bdaycake}, and so on and so on. :pig:

Its also cool how in tune with your body you become through this whole thing. Before I never knew what was causing anything with my body but now I'm watching very closely :thinking:

[SurferGirl]

Hi Friends,

Well I'm off on my weight loss celebration trip. We leave tommorow morning and I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight, I'm SOOO excited. I'll be gone until March 2nd. keep up the excellent work over the next couple weeks. I hope to see "less" of you when I return.

night of 23rd day, I totally over did it. It's weird, its like I give myself permission to eat stuff I shouldn't and then I want to fit everything into one night, like I'll never get another chance for M&Ms or something. It's so stupid.

Day 23
Weight 146.8

Breakfast: egg, vege, MS sausage

Snack: turkey lettuc wrap, 1/2 apple

Lunch: chicken veges, 1/4 apple

Snack: 1/4 apple, broccoli, turkey lettuce wrap

And here's where I'm embarassed to post and everything went to you know where

Dinner: nachos, 1/2 hamburger(I didn't eat the bun), a few sweet potato fries, salad with grilled chicken...Then Movies with popcorn(from the theatre) and peanut M&Ms. Ya I know, a little over kill maybe, I think so?

Day 24
Weight 147.8 (Ouch, I deserved that) I would go no carb but I have kickboxing today, and I'll need a few carbs for that class

Breakfast: egg, veges, MS sausage

Snack: broccoli, 1/2 apple

Lunch: turkey sandwich with high protein whole wheat bread, salad, 1/2 apple with PB

Kickboxing

Snack: celery and peppers, 1/2 apple, chicken

[CohenInAz]

Enjoy Hawaii!!

We want to see some COOL pictures!!

ENJOY and don't stress about the weight you will find your balance! I know you will!

You'll need to replace your cool surfer pic with one of you in the same pose!!! :)

[SurferGirl]

You are such a great girl! THanks for all the encouragement! I will for sure have some pics to post after my trip. I also found some new before pics(I litterally did not recognize that one of them was me, isn't that crazy?). So my before and after will revamped once I get home. Cohen in AZ you are doing so awesome and you are really close to goal now. Congrats and good job on all the hard work!

[lfingers11]

First, have so much fun on your vacation. I am soooooo jealous.

Second, the first couple months after refeed I would overkill it too with the carbs but now I am realizing to keep my weight level I can just have a little bit every night. I also came to the realization that the popcorn that is fat free makes my weight jump up quickly. I think I am going to save the popcorn for when we go to the movies. You will figure out a good balance for you. Have a great time on vacation and I can't to hear about it when you return.

Pam

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf: Girl

Oh, how I do hope you have the most beautiful holiday every!! I can just see you go: :surf:

Just a word of caution: please don’t fall into the trap of "I exercised so I can eat more…" usually the “more” is a lot less than we think… that’s when the pounds begin to pack on back and we don’t want that to happen {noway}

COME HOME SAFELY!!! I miss you already!!

[CohenInAz]

How was the trip?!?!

We want pictures!

I know you just got back today just excited to hear about all of your fun!

PS Still not on re-feed, I went off the reservation the day you left for the trip... :innocent4:

[SurferGirl]

How was the trip?!?!

PS Still not on re-feed, I went off the reservation the day you left for the trip... :innocent4:

Am I gonna have to come down to Arizona and steal your crackers? JK- You are SOOOOOOOOOO close girly. Just hammer those last few pounds out! Refeed is waiting and refeed includes cookies and wine and bread and lots more tasty treats that you don't have to feel guilty about eating. It's just around the corner. Go Cohen in AZ, GO GO GO!!!!

[SurferGirl]

Hi Diet Buddies!

I'm back from my two week hawiian celebration. First of all, it was amazing. We went surfing, hiking, scuba diving, and running on the beach. It was so beautiful and warm and I loved it!

On the weight front, there was lots of eating out and carbs everywhere so I'm in the no carb land now, trying to get my hormones balanced again. By the end of the trip I could tell everything was out of whack and I was looking at the ice cream with crazy eyes, but now I'll assess the damage and straighten it all out.

I have lots of pictures and I'll post some this week once I get a little more organized. I missed you all.

SurferGirl

[CohenInAz]

Hi Diet Buddies!

First of all, it was amazing. We went surfing, hiking, scuba diving, and running on the beach. It was so beautiful and warm and I loved it!

YAY!!!


I'll assess the damage and straighten it all out.

Thats the right attitude! I'm really glad you had a great time and can't wait to see you on the water!!!

[CohenInAz]

Am I gonna have to come down to Arizona and steal your crackers?

Um.. no crackers are ok.. it was the pizza, brownies and 1/2 Gallon of milk I had... oh yeah and the stop at Jack in the box...

But it was the 'overdose' I needed. I am ok back on 100% including NO weighing in. I might be at re-feed weight right now... actually I am sure I am but I can't do anything or blood tests until after the 7th, so I am just not looking till then!


Just hammer those last few pounds out! Refeed is waiting and refeed includes cookies and wine and bread and lots more tasty treats that you don't have to feel guilty about eating.

SUCH a good point.. being SO close it was SO stupid and NOT worth it... You're right!!!! I could 'legally' be eating some of that stuff right now!!!

[PhyllisRis]

YES, AZ....but you've waited this long another few days of waiting in order to be SURE will not kill you!! STAY STRONG my friend!
Phyllis

[SurferGirl]

Cohen in AZ I'm so glad to hear you are on the road to refeed. Only a few days more. I am so proud of you. I know it is hard and especially with all the traveling and the 1/2 marathon in the mix. I can't imagine doing that while on the diet. You have had such a great attitude and I am SOOOO happy to see you reach your goal!

As for the indulgence, after this vacation, trust me, I know what you mean. Well now we are both back on track.

[Sexymama]

Hey Surfergirl!! Sounds like you have a great time! I can't wait to see your pics!
Julie
PS
Way to hop back on the bus!!

[SurferGirl]

This morning I weighed in. The results could have been better but they could have been worse too. I was at 151.2 (+6 from my before refeed weight and +3.6 from when I left town.

Well apparently when I throw all the rules put the window and over indulge for 2 weeks, I gain weight. Surprise surprise. The truth is, by the end of the trip I was eating like it was last meal at every meal. Idk what happened, I just decided that being on vacation was only chance to go crazy with the food. It was like I was hurrying to stuff my face before I got caught(by the fat gods who don't see u on vacation???). I'm glad to be in control again but I need some strategies for how to deal with those demons next time so this doesn't happen.

The good news is we cohenites know exactly how to repair the damage. In general I would just go no carb for a few days. But because it has been a couple weeks of hormones out of whack I really want to straighten it out asap. I am doing diet portions for the next few days. I really don't want those extra pounds getting comfortable or inviting friends.
Today has been pretty hard with the diet portions again and I'm still pretty beat from my trip. Hopefully I'll be feeling better tommorow.

[CohenInAz]

Good job taking control!

I'm sure those pounds will be off in no time!

[SurferGirl]

Az and Sexy Mama- so glad to have you ladies lookin out for me.

[Sexymama]

Hey SurferGirl! Glad you are taking control now! You have all the right tools and I know you'll bust those 6lbs off in no time!

[PhyllisRis]

Way to go Surfer Girl.....thanks for sharing with us! What a great example...I KNOW that the rest of us will eventually fall into the same pit as you did on vacation and it's very reassuring to know that we can fix the mistakes by going back on plan for a little while! I think the eventual lesson learned is that when we do err we can fix it BEFORE it gets out of hand!!
Yea....thanks for sharing.....and YES...I wanna see those Hawaiian pictures!!! :)

Phyllis

[SurferGirl]

Hi Phyllis, I think after all is said and done, there is no way that any of us can pretend that we don't know EXACTLY how to lose weight. We know the plan works.

But I have to say, I will definately be thinking a bit more thoroughly next vacation. As it is no easy task to go back on plan after binging.

Ughh, I'm real real hungry but I'm drinking my water and taking my 2 vitamins and I know I'll get through this just like I got through 10 months of it before. But it's not fun :( But I am down to 149.2 today (-1.4 from yesterday!), see it works!

[alabama]

Awesome job on letting go and having fun...then you know what needs to be done and you are back on the saddle again;-).

you will have that 6 pounds off very quickly...I just know it! you look soooooo good anyway (saw those gorgeous pics of you) Doesn't it feel good to be able to put on a bathing suit??! I cant wait! I have lost 30 pounds so far and never thought I would make it. Anyway, thanks for always being honest and reminding us too that you should take control back before its too late and "the fat brings friends.." ha ha!

Anyway, keep it up. Any connection between hunger and exercise that you could tell?? Like wirth all the running and surfing you are doin...? Just curious. We are all glad you enjoyed your trip!

[SurferGirl]

HI Alabama!

Thanks and YES it felt amazing to wear a two piece, a little weird at first but by the end I was pretty used to it. I'm glad to be getting those pounds off now as I felt kind of yucky pigging out that much. But it's no fun being this hungry (a good deterant against repeating this).

As for the exercise, YES it makes me HUNGRY :drool: . Especially surfing, I am ravenous after surfing and always have been. I'm not sure how to balance the exercise and eating thing. I was thinking maybe if I go to the gym at night (after dinner, right before bed) then I can battle the hunger by sleeping through it. I would love to know how others are dealing with this. And I'm sure that it makes it harder to eat right (on my vacation and just in general).

Its funny because Dr. Cohen also seems to have an issue with this, as indicated by the fact that they just have us not exercise because there is too much difficulty with hunger etc.

I'm still trying to to figure this out, sigh, it's tricky.

[CohenInAz]

Do you do like the crackers before and fruit after? That is what I do and it helps a ton.

When I work out I usually go:

M2 am
M3 (2-3 hours before workout)
Crackersx2 (15 min before workout)
Workout 30-60 min Medium Intensity
1L Water Fruit (with 15 min of finishing work out)
Crackers (if I feel hunger about an hour after fruit)
M1

I know if I go CRAZY and burn a LOT of calories I become raveous... SO I just keep it in check. BUT with this eating order, even on those days not too bad at all.

As far as my workout schedule:

I do Pilates (10-20 min) in the AM before I eat and with 30 min of waking up, eat about 20-40 min later...
Hit the Gym around 5 or go walk
Do the 30 Day shred 20 min around 8 and eat M1 at 8:45

depending on how I feel/tv programming might eat and then do the shred before I go to bed.

Now I know surfing and kick boxing is a lot more intense, so maybe you just need to adjust how much for how long will your body can handle both?

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf: Girlie

I’m glad to see that you are back and that you are back on track :bighug:

Please follow your eating plan 100% until you are back to your goal weight – I’m hoping it wont take two weeks to reach your goal again, cos otherwise it will mean Re-feeding again…

A little bit of insight as to what invited “those demons” – when you eat wrong foods in the wrong way, you trigger too much insulin, when that happens, blood sugar drops too low too fast, results = not releasing enough serotonin, the hormone that controls the craving for food – the result of this is that you FEEL hungry or in the mood for food about 2 hours later… I’m guessing at that point you grabbed more quick and easy insulin producing foods – with the same result as before… the pattern repeats itself over and over again. The only way out is to put a definite STOP to it. Make a conscious decision and cut the starch…

In your case, it went on too long – hence the weight gain and the best thing to do would be to pull in the reigns completely ie: diet 100% for a few days.

After you are back to NORMAL, try focusing on allowing a treat ie: ice-cream for desert (within one hour after your starch meal), without thinking this is the one and only last time… tell yourself there is plenty, you can have more again… when having the ice-cream desert as per the rules, you will find that it doesn’t invite the “those demons” – you will feel more in control. If however you eat sweets / treats randomly during the day, things can get out of hand quickly...

It’s all about making smart eating choices… the only way to do this is going to be: practice…

I can't wait to see your pictures!! :surf:

[SurferGirl]

Shasha, thank you for that reminder! I needed it! I have read the falling off the bus post and I know that yucky cycle is really easy to fall into but I didn't fight it like I should have. I guess this is all quite the learning process and sometimes my stubborn self must actually jump off the bus and then chase it down the highway for a few miles to realize that maybe jumping off it wasn't a good idea ;)

I feel like my overkill indulgence has helped me really realize that its not worth it, I also realized (just like you said, and have said before) that it isn't satisfying because you just end up hungry again a little while later, and then again, and again. And you know you aren't doing the best thing for your body so you feel guilty too. And the seratonin drop and insulin spike and all that leaves you feeling a bit :( down too.

Hopefully you guys can learn from my mistakes, but if you have to try jumping off the bus isn't it wonderful to know that Shasha is there to help you pick yourself up again? We love you Shasha! (and your patience/understanding is so appreciated) :love7:

[Shasha]

Hi there :surf: Girlie

Thank you so much for your kind words :bighug:

You know that each and every one of our precious Diet Buddies has a special place in my :love4: and I love reading about your success stories and get sad to read when someone is struggling... We must all remember that life is about learning and growing and getting better at things we do… so, no matter what, always believe in yourself! YOU CAN DO IT!

I’d like to comment on your:


And the seratonin drop and insulin spike and all that leaves you feeling a bit :( down too.


FOR SURE!!! Serotonin levels not only help to control cravings for food and starch, they also help to control mood! Serotonin is also known as your HAPPY HORMONE – if your Serotonin levels are fine, you’re happy, but if they are low, you feel down and in the dumps…

Whoever first said that YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT, was a very wise person!! Foods affect not only your weight, but also how you feel…

So, with that in mind, aim to make wiser choices and to get better at selecting healthy foods that keep your body trim, fit and healthy ~ this way you will get the added bonus of FEELING GREAT for free!

[SurferGirl]

I had been feeling a lot better about all this. Have excessive gain, go on the diet, weight comes off, go back to reasonable food and you're good. Right?

Well... This weekend, I weighed in at 147.2 (less than before I left on vacation and only 1.8lb up from my lowest weight). I had exercised so much on vacation that I may have gained that in muscle and all my pants are fitting just right again, so I decided to come off the diet portions.

Well today I weighed in at 152! A lot of it could just be water weight or something. And I think TOM is coming, but still. I'm doing no carb today, and we'll see if that weight is just a temporary fluke tommorow.

Once again, I think the scale is not my friend. I was doing fine and pretty happy doing diet portions at the end of the week but when I was back down on the scale I figured it wouldn't hurt to go off the diet portions. And now I'm way up and I feel like I better go back on the diet again but I'd rather not just go on and off it all the time.

As for portion control...
Despite all the time being on the diet, and my body getting used to the small portions, I have NO trouble eating WAY too much. You'd think, I'd have a smaller capacity or something saying STOP STOP STOP, but no. If the food is tasty(btw everything seems tasty post diet, even a bowl of veges), I will eat every last bite whether the plate is tiny or huge. I thought that my body would tell me the right portion sizes for me, but it doesn't.
I think what I need to do, is figure out the approx. serving size that is right for me and then weigh my food out for a bit. I'm just sick of feeling like I want more and having no definitive stopping point and then eating like a horse and gaining.

[CohenInAz]

I think what I need to do, is figure out the approx. serving size that is right for me and then weigh my food out for a bit. I'm just sick of feeling like I want more and having no definitive stopping point and then eating like a horse and gaining.

Uhg! :hug: am worried about this as I too have no issue finishing off food... even being on plan,as I was "crazy a few weeks ago and lets just say a Little Ceasar Pizza was involved...and then it wasn't :drool:

Maybe you'll (then we'll) need to try calorie counting for a while? I mean I know I can eat whatever I want and my brain does not signal to stop unless I really think about it....

I know when I was shopping for post diet food, I really made different choices than I did before because I was like I am NOT eating this at 850 calories for ONE meal...

Maybe the portion thing is the way to go... like the actualy portions on the box. I mean mine are pretty dead on to Cohen portions, but maybe that is the way to do it a cup of this, 4 oz of that... I was thinking about trying this, but I also thought that a lot of my questions would be answered with the re-feed guide.... maybe not.

Have you asked your consultant?

I have no idea and I am going to be sharing your struggle and have been trying to figure out how I am going to do it. I was thinking of keeping my yogurt as a breakfast daily, even after plan... or having it as a lunch most days... then I'd only have a few other meals to worry about...

I know there will be an adjustment period of our bodies getting used to 1500-2000 calories from 550-800 calories... BUT 1500-2000 calories should no result in weight gain. It might take a few weeks to even out, but then it should be good. Its just how much do we allow ourselves to gain in that time?

I know we can't go more than 10lbs... but I think 2-3 is reasonable.... and then go from there.

I know I lost 6lbs before starting Cohen just by having 6 meals a day, all around 300 calories. It was all fast food stuff, but nothing too horrible... but maybe we need to think like that?

Ack... Maybe go back on and push the weight a little lower?

[CohenInAz]

Hey lady-

I just wanted to see how you were...

[SurferGirl]

thanks for checking in AZ,

I'm having a hard time. Not so much with my weight or my body, but with my head. I realized yesterday that I have never just straight out had a healthy diet, without rules or some very specific plan. It's always me with rules, trying to find a way around them to have junk. Now I'm using the carb rules to justify carb binging once a day or if I"m on no carb, i'm binging on the other stuff. It doesn't happen every day but when it does, I feel really out of control. So far my weight and stuff is okay (i found out the extra lbs are muscle and my BF is now 19.3% which is actually too low), but i need to find a balance in my head and stop obsessing so much. All these ups and downs are really draining. For now, I'm just going to try and eat healthy. I know it sounds crazy. LOL. I am going to use calorie counting to help me keep in the right range (I know 1PD says I don't need to do this, but I feel that I do). I'm going to try and eat when I'm hungry and stay away from junk carbs and stick to lean protein and veges. But these are just the things we got used to on our plan. I just became way too rule and plan oriented and now I have trouble when I have to think for myself. Wish me luck. I know lots of people do just fine after the diet by just following the rules but I guess I'm not like most people. I'll keep you guys posted on how its going. and AZ, you better believe I'll be checking to see how you're doing on finishing this thing off!

[happytmo]

Oh surfergirl,
I totally understand. I think I will be a lot like you. I think the hardest thing is going to be sticking to the "rules". Keeping it right in my head like you said. You are doing awesome, I've been following you and AZ's progress. I have my refeed and am just waiting.

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf: Girl

I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling! :bighug:

I don’t think counting calories is going to be the answer either… it can be way to easy to think: x calories = so many chocolates and then starve!

All calories are not equal – all calories don’t have the same effect on the body.

Lets say you take x amount of calories from lean proteins and veggies – these will help to build muscles and reduce fat and cravings leaving you feeling full and satisfied because your body is nourished – but, the same x amount of calories when consumed from sweets / chocolate are going to result in fat storing, your feeling tired, having low blood sugar, cravings and hunger… and, it will end up in your wanting more and more…

The idea is NOT that you limit yourself, but that you determine to eat healthy foods.

At the same time, you should set yourself some very clear boundaries in your mind: sweets ONLY twice a week (this will help to prevent cravings caused by eating them over and over again). Remember: sweets and starch TRIGGER CRAVINGS because they lower serotonin levels, which are suppose to help you to control the cravings.

If you feel out of control – eliminate the foods that are triggering cravings ie: sweets for a weeks at least and then, please continue to be careful with them in terms of how often you eat them and how many you allow yourself to have.

Simple rule: aim to eat similar to diet breakfast; similar to diet lunch; then include a small amount of starch with dinner and see how this goes for a few days. You are still having boundaries, but, not a strict as they were on the diet.

Keep us posted! :bighug: Always know that you can overcome this!

[alabama]

How are you doing surfer girl?? I was just thinking about you.... How are the waters treating you?
:rolling2:

Bonnie

[SurferGirl]

Hi Guys,

I hope all of you are doing well. It looks like a lot of progress has been made in the last couple months. I'm so proud of all of you for your hard work.
I've been doing pretty well. I'm loving the exercising and I have regained a lot of strength. My new body is so strong and capable and I'm really proud of what I can do now. (Like running for 4 miles, and hard rock climbing routes, and out running the boys in my bootcamp class, ha ha).
But....I am still struggling with food. :( Its gotten easier but I still fall down..A lot! I've decided that I need to get my hormones all straightened out again.
I'm going back to diet portions for a bit (2 weeks or so). That way I'll get used to eating the healthy stuff, appreciating it, and re-understanding what more reasonable portions are. Also I'll get past the sugar detox and lose a few lbs which are creeping on.
I'm starting tommorow, and I'm sure I'll be here all the time, because I know that's what I need to stay on track-YOU, all of you wonderful supportive 1PD folks. Thanks for always being here for me.

SurferGirl

[CohenInAz]

Kick that sugar monsters a$$

:weights:

[lfingers11]

Cool that you are keeping in check. Remember if you are on diet portions for 2 weeks or more than you need to redo the whole refeed. You might want to do a little less than two weeks so you don't need to do refeed. Have a great weekend.

[SurferGirl]

Thanks! Ya, I was thinking the same thing. I think I may do 12 days, then take a break for a couple days and then go for a bit longer if I need to.

[OrlandoOz]

Hi surfergirl

I don't know if I read your post correctly that you are in bootcamp. If so be careful as you are very very active at this time. If I misread sorry, just remembering military bootcamp.... from the dark ages... it was taxing.

I think you are incredible. Congrats on your successes.

M

[SurferGirl]

oh no, not real bootcamp. I am not anywhere near that tough. I mean a bootcamp class, its one hour per week. But yes the exercise and the diet are very hard to balance. I'm still trying to figure that one out. :weights: = :drool: and :munchies:

[CohenInAz]

Sorry I bailed out.. I am back and will check in every day... You're what 7 days in so 5 left to go?

[SurferGirl]

Yay
Yes this day 8 but I'm
Not sure that's the right way to look at it. I think I will have to eat similar to this just in general. But what is weird and awesome is that I feel better than ever. I have energy and I'm not obssessing about food! I've even been working out and still sticking with it. Well not entirely ... I had other stuff Friday night, and some nuts after dinner Saturday. But I've been 100 percent on today and yesterday.
So what's new with you? How was last week?
I'm her for you girly. What can I do to help you get through this?

[Mei Mei]

Hey Surfer Girl,
How is it going? I have gone back and forth quite a few times since finishing, but no more than 3-4 pounds. It seems to come back off if you follow the rules, but like you, worry about the back ond forth of it. I'm up 5 pounds as of this am, and having trouble motivating to be 100%. I don't understand how I had so much willpower at one time and seem to have zero this week. For the past two days, I have tried and got most of the way through the day and caved. I'm mad at myself, even though I know the solution. How are you doing?
Mary

[SurferGirl]

HI Mary,

I've been feeling better lately. I went back on 100% for a bit and the weight came off fast! Really fast (like almost 10lbs in 8 days). I was working out like crazy too so I think my body just started burning the fat-like it's supposed to. Now I'm back at my goal weight (about 150). Now, I'm eating more, but still avoiding most carbs, other than fruit. I'm just trying to stay in the mindset of restricted eating because my mind and body can't really handle a free for all with gaining and feeling depressed. The ups and downs have definately been draining. Sometimes I feel so in control and on top things and then sometimes I feel completely lost.

Chances are it will only take a couple of days being 100% to get those few lbs off. My strategy, was pick a time when you won't have a bunch of tempting functions, and tell your family that you'll be back on plan for those days (with an end date too), then get the food and prepare it so your ready to go. Then you just have to decide that you'll really do it and go for it. The first 2-3 days was really hard for me, but once I got through that, I felt a hundred times better than I had in weeks. I think I really needed to detox from the sugary junk.

It really is amazing how much better you feel when your hormones are back in balance. I predict that your will power will be recovered after the first couple days back on plan. You are a 1pd rock star and you can surely do this.

Let me know how it goes.

Kindest Regards,
SurferGirl

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf:Girl & Buddies

Hope you don’t mind, but I just moved your entire thread into the new LIFE AFTER DIET SECTION…

Always remember, our bodies were not made to eat “sugary junk” – it’s highly refined and totally unnatural… so better to limit the sugar...

I mean, if you were allergic to nuts, a sure sign would be that when you eat nuts, you swell and feel awful... you would no doubt make the wise decision to avoid nuts - you would even go to great lengths to read labels to make sure products you are eating do not contain nuts...

Seems from your symptoms, that you are pretty much allergic to "sugary junk" – you are swelling up and feeling awful :gurney: and so, the best solution for you would be to treat “sugary junk” as you would treat a nut allergy!!

:bighug: from me!

[PhyllisRis]

Wow Shasha.....another great thing to keep in our minds.....I never thought about treating sugar and bad stuff as an allergy! That might be a great way to avoid those sugary junk foods!
Thanks
Phyllis

[SurferGirl]

Hi Diet buddies,

Just checking in. I seem to have found a happy place and am doing really well. Loving the exercise and life. I earn my treats by exercising, and my weight seems to have leveled off. I stay between 150 and 155.

It has been a weird adjustment getting used to looking like a completely different person. All the sudden I have lots of guys interested in being friends (which i now have to watch carefully). And heading out to the bars is a completely different experience than it used to be. I know this should tick me off, but really, I'm too flattered to be mad. It is sooo nice to feel healthy....and beautiful too.

Life is so much better than i ever could have imagined. Every day i really use my body, whether its running or climbing or surfing. I feel confident and have built some wonderful new friendships because i am no longer ashamed of the condition of my body. My attention has shifted off of food and on to activities, friendships, and really living my life.

Anyways, I hope all is well with you. Those who are struggling, please stick with it. You really can't imagine how this can change your life.

Kindest regards and best wishes!
SurferGirl

[PhyllisRis]

Way to go Surfer!!! So glad you checked in with all of us!! As you'll see by my ticker I'm very close to my goal and refeed. It's cuz of people like you that I've been able to stay strong enough to get to this finish line....you were an inspiration and I thank you for that!!
I'm soooo happy for you and proud, too! YOU ROCK!
Phyllis

[Dayanira]

So glad to hear from you Surfergirl! Thank you for checking in. I was thinking of you lately and wondering how you were doing.

I love your new focus!

[Key]

Thanks so much for your inspiring message, SurferGirl. I am so looking forward to being healthy and active and THIN again. Please continue to pop in!

Key

[alabama]

AWESOME, Surfer girl!!!! So glad to hear from you and hear you are doing well. I have been thinking about you a lot and check in periodically to see if you have said anything... You have found peace with your body and relationship to food, which is the greatest gift EVER to find FREEDOM. Knowing that life is worth actually partaking in and LIVING...truly living. I know exactly how you feel as far as having avoided places or activities b/c of your size. So proud of you for doing the hard work and moving on to a better/healthier life for your mind and body.


Thanks for always offering suggestions and tips!!! You really are amazing! What is your diet like now?? I see that you went back on plan for 8 days or so and lost 10 pounds!!! Did that stay gone?? I want to see if that will work for me...:)

Best of luck in all your endeavors. What part of California are you in?? I forgot...after my surgery, my brain is still somewhat forgetful. I am going to LA in a few weeks so I thought I would see if you were close.

[Chris68]

SurferGirl,

It is really good to hear that you have found a happy weight and how good you look and feel. Can you tell us what your daily menu looks like? Are you sticking close to the program guidelines or have you devised a plan that is working for you?

Very curious about life after 1PD.

Chris

[SurferGirl]

Phyllis! WOW!!! Congratulations! You are so close. You have accomplished something that very few people are strong enough to do. I'm glad that i helped you get there but I know that its really your day in and day out commitment that's gotten you this far. And its what will keep you healthy after the diet too. You have such an exciting life ahead of you. And my dear....YOU ROCK!!!

[SurferGirl]

Alabama and Chris,

The 10lbs or so, have pretty much stayed off. My weight does the whole up down thing, but I think that's normal, and I'm just trying to keep under 155.

I'm not really doing the whole carbs once a day thing except when my weight is on the high side. I'm exercising so much that i need more carbs or else i start getting headachey and tired. But if i ever start feeling all sugar crazy i go no carb because i know that's trouble. The hunger and weight gain is right around the corner when i start getting that feeling.

I weigh in every day and then i eat according to how much i exercise and how my weight is. I always eat 3 meals and i eat snacks of fruit and cheese. I have a cookie on days when I do a lot of exercise. When i don't exercise I eat light.

But really the main thing, was getting my head into living life and off weight and food. I feel so much more free. Its amazing how mental this is. In fact...its all mental.

It seems like you ladies are doing great, keep it up.!

I live in the bay area so a ways from LA :( But have a great trip!

[Chris68]

You are doing great. I agree, it is totally mental. I do not even think about cheating. It is the first time ever that food has not totally dominated what is going on around me.

You have the mind set. Keep up the good work.

Chris

[THECATLADY]

Surfer Girl, congrats on your weight loss. Can I ask how long it took you to lose the 102 pounds?

Cat

[Aqua Eyes]

SurferGirl... where in the Bayarea do you live? I'm live in Vallejo/Benicia area.

[SurferGirl]

Chris-Doesn't it feel fantastic to have your life be really yours? I feel so amazing being in control!

Hi Cat,
It took me April-Dec 2008 to lose the weight. Sometimes it felt unbelievable slow but really it went by so fast. And i have a whole new life now!

Aqua Eyes,
I live outside of Santa Cruz...gotta be by the waves ;)

[SurferGirl]

hI Folks! Checking in...its been a while. It looks like some of my girls are still floating around posting here and there...kicking butt as usual! I've been doing pretty well. Today i weighed in at 155...a little over my goal weight. I'm following the plan today for the first time in over a year...ughh! Wow i remember how hard this was now. Anyway, just trying to keep some perspective and hopefully lose a few of these lbs. Still exercising like mad and living a seriously active life that i never could have dreamed of before. I did an olympic distance triathlon in June (.9 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6 mile run). Its crazy how much my life has changed. :)

[ls_dreamer]

WOW! I bet you'll know those 5 pounds off easy!

Congrats on the triathlon that is very inspiring!!!!!

[Sharon]

Great to hear from you
And so fantastic to hear that you are still kicking butt as far as doing a triathlon and that you have mastered maintenance.

[Dayanira]

Keep going Surfergirl! And let us know how are you doing.

We always welcome veterans like you to keep us motivated!
Dayanira