Apachejenn Progress

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone,

Today is Friday, which means I've been on the program for a week. I started at size 18, weight 232, 5'6", 9.5 shoe size. Before I get into my week I will give you some history on me.

Since I was 10 or so, despite whatever sport or athletic activity I did (softball, PE, swimming, etc), I steadily gained weight until 2 years ago I topped at around 260. A blood test revealed I had hypothyroid and after meds, 20 pounds came off instantly. I hired a trainer and got down to 220 and gained a lot of muscle mass. Then came the yo-yo of my doctor saying I don't need the meds and taking me off, and then gaining weight, and then putting me back on them again. I had asked her for medical diet advice and hers was to "just take benefiber all day", so I knew she was of no help. No matter what I did, I stayed in the 230 - 220 range.

My short term goal is to fit a size 12, the smallest size I ever remember being (in 8th grade).

Now for my week on the plan. In the beginning I was down save for that I couldn't drink alcohol or eat chocolate (I'm a social drinker and love my Zone Perfect dark chocolate protein bars), and my program started the day before a birthday party I had already RSVP to...which took place in a bar. I did Friday and my body didn't seem too fazed, but by Saturday it woke up and was like HOLY CRAP! I'M HUNGRY! And then I had to make the decision to go to the bar. I did, and didn't drink one drink...or eat any cookies or cake. It sucked because I had to explain why, and after fumbling for an answer, I've decided to just tell people that it is a doctor prescribed diet to help balance my metabolism.

The next day I went to a movie and sat through the smells of hot dogs and popcorn (which I don't really like anyway, but the smell made my tummy grumble) and successfully resisted the bar temptation again.

I miss salmon sashimi, dark chocolate, and white russians. :(

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were the worst days. Someone recommended rice cakes to me and it's much better than crackers. I've been trying to find ways to convert usually fatty and greasy Mexican dishes into plan dishes. I've had coworkers either tell me that this diet is scary and I need to eat more, or I have coworkers go buy food from restaurants I love (mmmm, lamb kabobs) and eat it in front of me at meetings or other places where I normally couldn't readily escape. I've decided that to combat this I will just get up and leave and have done so twice. Another coworker bought a carrot cake for her bday and asked if I wanted some. I said yes, deep down, I really, really, really wanted some carrot cake, but I won't take or eat any. She offered to put it on my desk. I told her I'd throw it away if she did. She's a sweetie so she knows I wasn't being mean, and laughed and said that she was glad I was working so hard at this diet, but so far she's been the only one to really respect my choice or not require a dissertation on this diet.

Tangerines, tangelos (they taste like ice cream!), rice cakes, and being able to eat SOME fish have totally kept me from tossing in the towel.

I haven't checked my weight yet because the only scale I trust is at the gym, and after thunderstorms and tornado warnings this week, I've been too afraid to venture far from home or work. However I did buy a size 16 dress and a size 14 dress at Torrid, and tried on the 16. It was a bit snug, but it fit. I suspect to be able to wear it next week...and then not be able to wear it. It's okay though, both were on sale and I know how to take things in. I've noticed my double chin, bust, tummy, and thigh fat getting a teensy bit smaller. I always lose fat in my face and boobs first. I wish my tummy would shrink first!

Anyway, that's my first week progress report. Next week is the trip to Houston and I have it planned out. Take care of meals for breakfast and lunch Monday, eat dinner at a sushi restaurant when we land in Houston (bring scale, weigh tuna sashimi, no ponzu, weigh salad, no dressing), go to the Walmart superstore there and get food for Tuesday and Wednesday (I fly back home Wednesday). I got a fridge put in my hotel room and will ship my hot plate (I take my raw food to work, pre-measured, and cook it there, as I don't like cold or microwaved meat), pan, and spatula overnight to my hotel room today. To ship it back I will pack it in some booth boxes and retrieve it when it gets back to California.

Here's some pix!


Me at 255+


Most recent at about 230ish. I have noticed that this jacket is starting to fit a lot better. Still can't zip it all the way though.

[maradeth99]

Hi there and welcome!! You are off to a great start! You also look great by the way......I liked reading your 'about me' and I felt like I was reading about myself.
You are going to get to your goal and be so happy! Dont worry about the people at work.....it will die down. I know it did for me! :) Now they are very supportive.
Keep up the great work. It is work and time will fly by.......
Have a great weekend!

[Aqua Eyes]

Thanks for sharing about yourself. You are doing good so far on this program. Fighting the social temptations at social events is a huge success.

Just remember, while trying to recreate the yummy mexican dishes, you can not have red pepper of any kind, cayenn pepper, jalapeno pepper, chili pepper... in fact the only pepper we can have is black pepper and green bell pepper. :( Bummer, I know! Mexican food is my favorite. BUT... if you use lots of garlic (because that is unlimited) and Italian seasonings, you can create some yummy Italian type dishes.

I can relate to missing different foods, while on this program, such as Mud Slides (kinda like your white russians), wine and nuts.

[Dayanira]

Oh Apache! I've enjoyed reading your post. It seems that you have everything sorted for your trip. "Planning" is one of the most important keys in this programme, keep planning for your trips and social engagements and you'll see the results very fast!

[apachejenn]

Thanks guys. The people at work are sarcastic and we have good laughs daily, and I don't think they understand that their teasing really messes with me.

I haven't had any pepper, as the only pepper I do like is crushed red chilis and of course I can't have that. Garlic is a life saver for me, especially when it comes to beef. Before this diet I really didn't eat beef except for the occasional hamburger.

I do have everything planned and my motto is to not let anyone make me feel guilty about what I'm eating. Just now my parents texted asking if we could go out to dinner. I said yes...if it is a sushi place. They don't like sushi. So I said no, I can't go out. They seemed really disappointed but I am not going to deviate for anyone.

:D

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone,

I am having a problem. I seem to have some sort of enhanced taste and smell sense thing going on right now. I can smell food from the other side of the office and now every spice is tenfold in taste. I am having a hard time eating my meal and it's taking me a while, but I noticed that I was doing that with my lunch and yesterday's dinner. I am going to change up a few recipes I've been using but the smells are driving me bonkers. ):

[Kala Lina]

I also have an enhanced sense of smell. That started for me in about the 2nd week. When it started for me, all I could concentrate on was the smells of foods that I like when people at work would bring their food back. Now though I smell all the yukky things and it really grosses me out! My mom laughs at me because I smell everything. She ordered a pizza awhile ago and when she walked the box past me I said that I smelled mushrooms. She normally doesn't get mushrooms on a pizza, but she did that night because her boyfriend was sharing it with her. Even he couldn't believe that in just those 2 seconds when she walked past me that I could smell the mushrooms - he thought I had talked to my mom while she was ordering and my mom even told him that I wasn't around and how enhanced my sense of smell is now that I'm eating healthy.

That's great that you have at least one friend at work who will support you and isn't trying to sabotage you. I have a couple friends like that at work...which really doesn't matter right now anyway because I'm on short-term disability until Feb 15th from the wrist surgery I had last week. There are other people that I work with though who would go out and grab lunch from places that they knew I liked. They were helping me sabotage myself for a long time because they would ask and if I said that I didn't want anything, they would ask if I was sure...then a lot of times I would give in. My willpower finally completely kicked in during my TOM and then afterward I just didn't want all that stuff anymore anyway. Then when my friends would come and ask if I wanted anything for lunch it didn't even phase me and I was easily able to say no. After a couple weeks of them seeing me eat on plan and reject office treats and fast food, they just started saying okay and accepting that I was sticking to it - they stopped second guessing me. Even when I would sit with them at lunch their food didn't even smell good to me.

Good for you for sticking with it! I know it's hard to do.

[apachejenn]

Yep! A coworker made a 100 calorie pack of light popcorn the other day. Where normally I probably would have only smelled the popcorn slightly, then it smelled like I was swimming in a vat of heavily buttered popcorn. The TOM is coming for me and already I am moody and craving chocolate. Maybe that has something to do with it.

Tomorrow I am getting some salad fixings. I am usually not a salad fan but right now zucchini, tomato, cucumber, and mushrooms have lost their appeal (aside from those zucchini hash browns I am totally trying tomorrow). I will do the hash browns, some salad with feta, and then shrimp over lettuce with mango and tomato. I wonder if there is a recipe similar to thousand island dressing? Mayo, tomato, onion, bell pepper, mustard powder?

[Kala Lina]

Luckily for me I never want to eat anything during my TOM and I don't have craving then. I think my cravings were all just because I wanted some carbs or because I can't have something (normally I don't have cravings for things - until you tell me that I can't have it...that's when it becomes a mind game for me), not due to my TOM. I am not a fan of vegetables at all...well except the starchy ones. I used to have 2 salads each day and then I had to switch it up and have some other vegetables for a week before going back to my salads.

It sounds like you're really on your way. That's so awesome to see. :)

[Kala Lina]

I tried sending you a private message, but it says you aren't accepting them. :(

[apachejenn]

This forum layout change borked a few things. Let me go to my profile...there. You should be able to do that now.

[apachejenn]

LOL I was going to wait until next Friday to post, but I had to. Last night my sister announced she got engaged, so she had a pre celebration celebration at a fish grill restaurant. I saw on their menu that they served sashimi so I went. Brought my own balsamic vinager (aged and YUMMY), and scale, plus measurements. One waitress there was fine, the other was...less than happy to help me. I asked her for just the tuna sashimi and a dinner salad. She kept trying to argue with me when I said no to this or that! "Soy sauce?" "No please." "Why not?" *incredulous stare* "I don't want any soy sauce please." etc. I brought out my scale and she gave me a look like I just popped out of the looney bin! When I was eating, but getting close to being done, she started reaching over and taking my plates without asking! I was like, "Um, I'm not done yet." She dropped the plate (literally dropped it right back down in front of me audibly) and scoffed before walking off. She gave the same stare when I told her no champagne and no cheesecake, like how DARE I be different. They had put some sort of cajun spice on the sashimi so I had to scrape it off, and then didn't give me enough so I had to make up about 50 grams in other people's sashimi. I also don't think it was that fresh and it gave me gas D:

All in all I thought it was very hilarious. My family also asked questions but seemed satisfied with the, "It's a doctor prescribed diet to balance my metabolism" explanation. My dad, who recently just lost 40 pounds himself, made it seem like I lost a lot, and when I told him I had only been doing this diet for a week he seemed shocked, so maybe it really is working and I am just having some body dimorphism when I look in the mirror.

[Aqua Eyes]

That's fantastic that you stuck to your guns and didn't allow anyone, especially the badittude waitress, to keep you from doing what you needed to do at the dinner. This is what will continually make you stronger as you make your way each day on this program. Keep up the good work!

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone, I'm in Houston and so far so good. I'm dealing with a lot of seared tuna that I am scraping seasonings and cooked parts off of, and carrying around vegetables to make up what I am not being served. I am also dealing with a weird schedule. I did did get some groceries so I am prepared. TOM hit and I am bloated and nauseous. However I am having a problem with salad dressing. No one has regular balsamic vinegar. I will admit that I will use restaurant balsamic viniagrette if they have it if I can't find a better alternative.

But so far no drinks, no deviations. Getting water all the time is hard with my schedule. I had to wait 3 hours yesterday to eat my lunch because Southwest doesn't give out utensils anymore.

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone, I have a small confession. Today I was cooking my food when I grabbed the pan on accident and burnt my hand pretty bad. I ended up skipping the second meal and for the third I tried to cook but I can barely move my left hand. I ended up going to a bbq and tried to eyeball the measurements for chicken with no sauce. I feel so sick right now, but I am also so stressed that I am not hungry and am running on all cylinders. I feel a little bit bad but guys I am in so much pain and I really had little choice in the matter. Tomorrow I am flying home so no more deviations and I will rely on cold salads for a while.

[Key]

Wow, Jenn! What an awful thing to happen - in my opinion, health always takes precedence. Keep up with drinking your water (and more) and do what you can to alleviate the pain of that burn. How awful it had to happen... and even worse that you were in unusual surroundings when it did.

[Dayanira]

Sorry to hear about your hand. Do as Key tells you, health takes priority. Drink your water and try to stay within the limit of 1PD. I hope it doesn't affect you work either!

I hope you feel better soon!
Dayanira

[apachejenn]

Thanks everyone. I am back in California and am so glad. I was getting tired of either not eating due to time constraints or being forced to sit there and watch my coworkers eat plates heaping of Texas bbq. I do have one coworker who is seeing everything I eat and is kind of like...making sure I follow my plan. I told her how bad I felt for even just eyeing proportions even though I ate the same food and such. I told her I was eager to follow the diet to a T and I needed to get back to my own kitchen to do so. I think skipping the meals was worse than eyeing things though. But when one has 20 mannequins to strip all by oneself and with one useable hand, it's either skip a meal or stay until 12 AM working...so not keen on staying up till 12 AM working!

Anyway. Last post until hopefully next Monday. I don't want to keep bumping my own thread. Still haven't weighed myself.

[apachejenn]

16 pounds gone (give or take, of course, due to womanly body weight fluctuations) in two weeks.

Happy dance time?




:party8: :party6: :rolling2:






Yay! I'm doing the mad dash to shrink up my clothes as much as possible in the dryer. I have a clothes swap coming up so I am not too worried about finding new clothes...

[Chris68]

Great scale story! Love it. Keep up the good work!!!!!

[Dayanira]

YES!!! Happy dance time!!! Congratulations Apachejenn!! 16 pounds gone for ever!!!

[apachejenn]

Thanks :D I am not going to check the scale until the 4 weeks are up. Friday is the end of the third week. I am excited for whatever number I get on the 4th week!

I had had a cheese dish for four days in a row and was wondering why I didn't seem to budge, but my consultant told me it was because of the salt. I didn't eat cheese today and could immediately see the difference! Although the consultant said to go ahead and have cheese 3 days a week to alleviate this problem, I think I will keep cheese to a one day a week thing. Every Saturday I make an "apple pie" from apples, diet coke, a tiny bit of cinnamon, and crackers, and I will reserve cheese, spinach, and asparagus quiches for that day too.

[Dayanira]

Good planning!

[apachejenn]

We have a rather fat pomeranian (she's old) at home, and she weighs 16 pounds. So, I've lost a dog's worth of weight! LOL

[mmamotsem]

Well done on your week and your resillience. I have been on the diet for the past 2 weeks and i am glad to report that i do not have cravings. The only problem that i have is the loss of appetite. :( I was very naughty yestarday as i had a glass of juice. :(

[Key]

We have a rather fat pomeranian (she's old) at home, and she weighs 16 pounds. So, I've lost a dog's worth of weight! LOL

When people ask me how many pounds I've lost, I tell them I've lost a german shepard.

[apachejenn]

Ha! I can't wait until I can point at our Labrador (90 pounds) and say, "I lost an Annie!"

[apachejenn]

I am at 206 which means at 4 weeks I lost 26 pounds! Crazy!

However, I might be in trouble. My mom is currently in the hospital for an emergency gall bladder and possibly pancreas removal. The doc told her she got gall stones that passed into her pancreas that came from losing weight rapidly. She explained the symptoms: a strange feeling under the right side, just below the ribcage and diarrhea. I've had this, so I scheduled an appointment with my doc just in case.

I will edit this post with a picture when I get to work in a few hours.

[Nicole Collins]

Hi apachejenn, I am so sorry to hear about your mother and hope you are ok as well. But I am very impressed with your weight loss. Great job. I only have been able to get off 22pnds in 5 weeks. I have stuck to the plan. We both started at the same weight so this definetly shows how people loss differently. I was hoping to loss more but I am glad I have gotten off what I have so far. Keep up the great work. You are awesome!!!!

[apachejenn]

Thanks Nicole. My mom should be fine, it's just that she didn't catch it before it got crazy. I am going to the doc's because if I do have them, and they catch it early, I can just take a pill to make them go away. Gall stones due to rapid weight loss are cholesterol stones, and they can go away with meds, from what I've read.

I lost 16 pounds for the first 2 weeks then just 10 in the last two. For one week I don't think I drank as much water as I should have. This week I am making sure to drink 2 liters a day! I do think everyone's body is different and I am just waiting for a dreaded plateau!

Here's a pic of me from last night.



Excuse the expression. I was tired ;P Those are my size 16W pants that are baggy already. I am trying to dry my clothes a lot to make them shrink but it is starting to not work anymore.

[apachejenn]

Here we go again...

For the week of March 3rd, I will be in New York, at the whims of work related dining. Again. It was super hard to do meals in Houston, and now I look at my itinerary and it's ALL fine dining. Usually I'd be happy. Yay, free food! Now I'm like...what am I going to do?

I will bring my pan and hot plate, etc. I will try to do meals as best as I can...but really, this could come at the worst possible time for me. My coworkers don't try to work with me in picking places to eat, so...I dunno.

[apachejenn]

They FIT!

My mom had bought me a pair of size 16 Nine West jeans (straight size 16, not 16W or plus size) a few years ago. For the longest time I could never get them to button. On this diet, I watched as the buttons slowly got closer to the button holes until last night they buttoned! There's still a bit of muffin top, but I am strawberry shaped/inverted triangle, so my waist is always an issue when fitting pants, and my hips are narrow (where pants that fit at my waist are baggy everywhere else).

I'm excited!

[KMac]

congratulations on getting into the jeans- when you see results it great but what is equally great is feeling the difference in your clothes.
I always thought I had an unusual shape, tight in the waist, loose in the legs- when I started dc1 I was an 18/18W- today I went Marshals to get a dress for a night out in the city tomorrow- I bought a size 4 Calvin Klien funky little black dress!! Believe me please- if I can do this- soon you will be donating your size 16's, 14's then 12's etc.. just keep doing what your doing everyday- your doing a great job.

[apachejenn]

Oh yeah, I can't wait. Actually, I am participating in a clothes swap tomorrow. All my 3 and 2X, 20s and 18s are being swapped for some 16 and 14s. I have a pair of size 12 jeans I got to do the same with the 16s. :D

And thanks :D I can't wait to get to where you're at!

[OopsieDaisy]

Congratulations on the pants! I am sure you will be saying goodbye to the muffin top in no time. That clothes swap sounds amazing.

[Dayanira]

How are you doing Apache? I know you're in NY at the moment and I hope that you're doing OK.
Take care,
Dayanira

[apachejenn]

Alright everyone I am back from NYC. Let me start off by saying that I prepared for NYC by cooking meals for all days, brought it, had a fridge, everything.

Then, let me say that the amount of food you eat on this diet is nowhere near enough fuel to get you through a week of sight seeing, walking, shows, walking, plays, walking, subways, walking, museums, walking, shopping, and did I mention, walking? The first day there, I actually nearly passed out and had to eat something extra. I went through water like nothing on Earth. This comes from someone who is used to pounding out 10 miles or so in the gym no problem. From 8 in the morning to midnight for five days, I think we did walking with a few other activities sprinkled within.

So, needless to say, I did not follow this diet past the first day. It was near impossible. I didn't go nosh hot dogs from street vendors or anything, and I stuck to plan items like chicken and veggies and fish, etc, but I did not stick to the portion sizes. I feel sorry for anyone who visits NYC or even lives in NYC and attempts this diet. It's a huge challenge.

But now I am back and am back on the diet.

New York also dried out my skin and hair, and I think due to this diet I am having trouble recuperating. I did a hot oil treatment for my hair and slathered on lotion, but I do think the lack of oil in this diet is drying things out exponentially. I've been noticing more hair breakage and I've been putting more days between washing hair to let my natural oils try to do their job.

Either way, I do not expect a giant weight loss when I weigh in for the 8th week. I'm okay with that, as I don't feel like I've gained weight. I've been thrown a lot of hurdles during this time (with one coming up, my sister's "engagement celebration" where they are having catered spaghetti and breadsticks) and NYC is the only one where I (reluctantly) caved. I'm not going to wallow in guilt or anything. You can only move forward.

[Key]

Hi Jenn,

Glad you're back on track here! People who are considering working out while on this plan should read this post - we don't consume enough calories on this diet to sustain a serious cardiovascular workout. Have you mentioned this to your consultant? I'd be interested if there anything else you could have done.

I had a little dry skin problem too; mentioned it to my consultant and was told I could take a daily fish oil supplement. It helped. You might also want to reward yourself with a facial the next time you reach a little milestone in your diet. Totally relaxing and your face will feel like a baby's butt. Plus, you deserve it!

[apachejenn]

I haven't. I had tried to work out in the beginning but it was clear I couldn't do it. I tried to run and was tired and ready to pass out after 15 minutes. I was supposed to take a blood test at 4 weeks but even though I ordered it, I haven't had time to go do it.

I haven't checked the scale, but I do feel as if I've lost weight since last week, despite the portion problems. Maybe I just didn't deviate long enough, and I kept moving, and it didn't create a problem. I wouldn't recommend anyone trying the experiment, though.

As for the clothes swap, I had managed to get rid of all my bigger clothes but only got 4 items in return. No one size 16 and under attended aside from myself. I went and bought some new clothes so I would have something to wear to NY, even a coat that I obviously wore once. It's too bad, it's a nice coat (regular $200 I got for $70). I plan on hanging onto these new clothes until Fall so I can sell them off.

I will probably have a pampering day at 8 weeks. Although I must say that my skin has cleared up acne and blotch wise.

[apachejenn]

Bluh...

I checked the scale last night. It seems that I have not lost anything since week 4. I am sure I have and gained it back due to NYC, but yeah. Just an update.

[OopsieDaisy]

I think that vacations and being away from home mess me up too. The great part is that you did not gain :) All that walking in NYC must have helped to maintain. I was kind of bummed to hear that not that many people went to the clothes swap who you could swap with.

[apachejenn]

Does anyone notice they are less likely to lose if they eat chicken or beef? I eat fish and cheese, I am fine. The minute I try to change it up, my system seems to stall. Not that I don't mind fish, but even I like some variety (and fish is expensive!).

[Aqua Eyes]

I experienced that beef and cheese might keep me from losing weight more quickly...that if I ate fish and chicken I saw better results. I think it would be different for each person but fish definitely is better for weight loss than beef.

[apachejenn]

It's my bday, so all my friends are trying to take me out to dinner and buy me cake. I feel really bad for telling them no, especially when everyone is being nice and just wants to make me happy, and I really would like just a little bit of cake! It sucks so much. I am getting tired of being on this diet. April 10 can't get here soon enough.

[OopsieDaisy]

Happy Birthday!! You can keep away from that cake, I know that it sucks .. especially because it's your birthday; why don't you do something non-food related with your friends?

[Key]

Happy belated birthday, Jenn! Hope you had a great day. Don't be bummed - remember there will be time for cake when you've finished this part of your life. If you're getting tired of the diet, do some things to distract you - reward yourself wih new lingerie or a manicure/pedicure.

[apachejenn]

I know this is just whining and I am posting it just to post it, so you can ignore if you want. I am having trouble with eating the same thing day in and day out. Most of the food we eat is pretty bland, and we can dress it up with seasonings but without spices, it's still pretty bland. I try to make the best of it, but even when not on this diet, I would get sometimes where I just cannot eat anymore of a certain something because I was just tired of the taste. Today that happened during lunch and I could not force myself to swallow it down. I spat it back up in the trash can. It was a zucchini, tomato, and mushroom with mozzarella "pizza" on saltines with oregano and garlic. I think it was the oregano and zucchini. Either way, I just couldn't force it down.

I would kill right now for a little red pepper or onion powder (I do not eat onions) just for the flavors.

Anyway. I went downstairs to our shipping scale (giant floor scale) and stood on it. It seems in the week since I came back from NYC I went down to 202. Three pounds, and I will be at a weight that I hadn't had for near 15 years. While I am excited about this, because trust me this is a big thing for me, I'm wondering how much longer I can do this. Not that I want to eat some cookies or anything but...eat something at all. When I get like this I'd rather eat nothing than eat something I can't force down.

I'll try to change it up tomorrow, again.

[OopsieDaisy]

In the 9 weeks I have been doing this program, I have come to read many posts with disclaimers and I can't help but think of this forum as a sort of therapy group. So if you want to whine, let it out! I do it all the time :).

I am completely 100% (+ infinity) in agreement with you. I am too a die hard chili, salsa, anything spicy fan. Mustard powder has become my friend. The first couple of weeks I was trying out recipes of my own and for the most part pretty bland; I went to the store and scoured the spices/condiments section to get whatever I could find that was Cohen approved. Now, I just add a little bit of everything when I cook.

Congratulations on the loss! Wow! 3 pounds and you will be 199; how exciting!

[apachejenn]

Yeah, I am just not a big mustard fan. Or onions. Onions more for the texture, but mustard for the taste. I love the taste of bell pepper juice, but actually eating it is hard. I bet if I grind both onions and bell peppers to a paste I could mix it in and not worry about the texture so much. It would be easier if I could have breakfast all day. Cheese, eggs, and yogurt. I'd be set.


I'm sure by the end of the week, if I can remember to drink all my water (I am working really hard so sometimes I just forget), I will be out of the 200s. My size 16 jeans are already baggy.

[Nicole Collins]

Hi Apachejenn, you are doing great. I also do feel very tired of the same thing over and over. I just need to spend more time planning and preparing different items. But look how far you have come. That is awesome. Keep up the great job. I am at the end of week 9 and I have finally got down to 197.....yeah!!!! below 200. Yeah 36 pnds loss total. It does take every day to stay motivated. Hang in there we can do this!!!!

[apachejenn]

Thanks Nicole. Tonight I stayed late at work (am still here actually) by myself, and I finally just broke down in some sort crying episode. I really think what I am feeling has to do with hormones and has nothing to do with food, but in my mind I'm focusing that negative energy on food.

I suppose I am just feeling sorry for myself, because there is very little, if any, support coming my way from people around me. Sure, people give me the "oh you look good!" thing, but to me that is just an empty thing to say to make conversation. I don't have someone doing this diet alongside me, and no one makes any effort to help me abide by my rules. In fact, everyone around me seems intent on trying to get me to cheat! My boss keeps trying to take me to restaurants where I KNOW they don't serve anything I can eat, someone brought Girl Scout cookies and kept trying to get me to eat them, and then today at a restaurant the waitress learned it was my birthday and brought a piece of cake to the table. Needless, I got to see all my coworkers eat that cake. But hey, I got to blow the candle out, right? :| And when I press the issue, I get accused of being "crusty", which is a nice substitute for the real word being used, but I obviously can't type here.

I'm going to go to the gym to do a run. Even if we aren't supposed to work out, running is therapeutic for me, and I haven't done it at all since I started. I need a good dose of endorphins to lift my mood.

Tomorrow's a new day, after all.

[apachejenn]

After I went to the gym and ran for near an hour, I felt 10 times better. It was just weird. I felt silly for crying and such.

Today I went and picked up my new glasses, and one of the doctors was trying to figure out who I was. I'm getting that a lot more now, where people don't recognize me.

[George]

Great Job,
I just started also, and I am missing Cabernet's and Long Islands, and various other things, its amazing how important food is in my life. Im looking forward to eating for nutritions sake instead of eating just cause it tastes good. My wife keeps telling me "Nothing tastes as good as Skinny Feels".
Can anybody tell me how to paste that ticker thing in my profile?

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to report that the big floor scale says I am at 198. I didn't mean to check my weight again so soon. I walked across it at work today and caught the number in the corner of my eye, then stood on it to double check.

Man, those five pounds were a pain in the you know what...

[jay_yz250]

Hey George nice to see another guy doing the diet and wish you all the luck im on day 2 and finding it a little hard also noticing im getting a little moody at times. just gotta look forward to the ultimate goal.

[apachejenn]

Hi Jason and George! I was super moody when I started the diet too, like angry moody. It was easier for me to deal with this as it was heading into a weekend and I didn't have to deal with anyone.

George there's a topic on the forum about the ticker. After you set one up, you can put it in your signature through your Settings link on the front page.

Good luck, guys!

[jay_yz250]

Thanks Jenn, same here i was heading into a weekend on my start date thank god or i would have bit someone head off lmfao day 3 is here now. I made a really bomb ass stuffed pepper yesterday will have to post recipe.

[apachejenn]

Just make sure the pepper is a green bell pepper.

[OopsieDaisy]

Congratulations on breaking out of the 200's. Wow 198! In no time that number is going to seem like a distant memory.

[apachejenn]

255 is a distant memory to me right now. I want to see my trainer to prove to him I haven't given up. I think he thinks I have. D:

Also I posted some info on dressing your body type as a blog. I will be posting more clothing stuff too.

[OopsieDaisy]

oOo Thanks for posting that blog. I went through my closet last week, and until this morning I did not realize how bare bones it is now.

[apachejenn]

Mine is def. bare bones. I want to go shopping but I know what I buy will become too big too soon. D:

[OopsieDaisy]

I feel like it's a bittersweet thing. I don't like having nothing to wear, or having to wear the same things over and over again; but I am so excited that I get to fit into smaller clothes. I saw this super cute dress at target two weeks ago, I think I might go back and get it. Hopefully I can find it again, it was in the clearance rack. And even though it probably won't fit right now, it will give me a goal (something to get into) by the time summer begins.

[apachejenn]

I am def. shopping the discount "throwaway" clothing stores this weekend. It's dress season in SoCal and the days where I'm in a hurry I like to throw on a frock and be done with it. Mode Plus has stuff for $14 a garment. I am probably on the small end of 1X now, though, but those garments are easier to alter to make smaller.

[OopsieDaisy]

I did not realize that you were in SoCal too! Ok, now I really have to know where the clothes exchange is. And $14 per garment, thats awesome. I was thinking about going to Ross and picking up some black slacks. The ones I am wearing today are soon to go into the donation bin. Darn, and they are really cute.

[apachejenn]

Forever 21 might be a bit young, but they do have good prices. Their clothes are considered "throw away" as they only really last the season you bought them. There may be a few pieces worth getting there. The clothes exchange was a plus size exchange that I did through my blog. I will send you a private message since I can't link it here. But when we do another in September obviously I am not going to be plus size anymore. I think I am going to pass the responsibilities of organizing it to another lady.

[OopsieDaisy]

Forever 21, hmm, over the holidays they opened a HUGE store in the mall near my work. Maybe I'll go there after work. Thanks for the heads up.

[apachejenn]

I've been pulling really long hours at work lately, and sometimes I forget to eat breakfast, but I pick up that meal when I go home. More and more people are starting to notice my weight loss, and the comments are so frequent it's getting harder to field them. People are not recognizing me, but I also think it's because I dye my hair often as well. My goal is to be a size 14 before these 12 weeks are up. It's amazing that each size is about 20 pounds.

And I love cheese. I am going to go have a cheesy salad.

[OopsieDaisy]

What do you mean that you pick up that meal when you go home? I am sure you are looking amazing! How far away are you from the 12 week mark?

[OopsieDaisy]

10 days, I wish I had 10 days; my last day of the first 12 weeks is Thursday. I am also really anxious to see where I will be there. I did pretty well the first month and then the second month was *wah wah wah* and at this point it looks like this month is shaping up pretty similarly. Late last summer I purchased a pair of barely fitting shorts, and since I needed something to wear to a 'Painting Party' I decided what the heck. They were so loose! It was definitely a high point of my weekend. Ha! I am glad to see you have crossed over to the apple-side of life. I had an amazing Granny Smith Apple at the Spa today :). As far as the last thing is concerned, I have no idea. I am not as well-endowed and as I progress I find that my endowment is decreasing .. I am not sure how I feel about that. Have you brought these concerns up with your doctor?

[apachejenn]

My doc is a bit oblivious to the needs of a larger and more well endowed woman. I had tried to talk to her about both before, but she kind of gave me this deer in the headlights look. LOL

Painting party? Is that where you paint on canvas at a party, live? Those are fun! I haven't been to one in ages though. I found the energy to start converting my living room into a studio this weekend, so hopefully I can crank out more paintings!

[OopsieDaisy]

That sucks, I am sorry to hear that your doctor is not much help. Yeah, the term "Painting Party" was grieviously misused; it was just a group of people doing some tedious painting. Today I actually started my kitchen cabinet spruce-up. I got some hardware for the cabinets and am painting them to give them an updated look. I figure this is a pretty interesting use of my Spring Break, though I am sure it will take a little longer than a week to get the whole job done. How was work today? I am really starting to freak out about the 12 week mark.

[apachejenn]

I'm pretty excited for the 12 week mark because until now, no diet I have done has worked this well for this long. I've done practically everything short of being bulimic and anorexic, and after a few weeks they just didn't work. I hope the next 3 months goes by just as fast. I want to get back in the gym and I really really really want to pick up martial arts training again. Of course, I will need a completely different diet to pull through those sorts of work outs, but I definitely want to get going with that before the end of the year.

I am also trying to cut back on diet coke. I noticed my teeth have been getting yellower. Ew. I'm sure it's because of the diet coke. Also, aspartame isn't really good for you anyway. I know sugars are bad, but natural sugars should be in a diet (although I can understand how they are limited in this diet). I can't wait for strawberries, cherries, blueberries, bananas, and other fruit! Summer is for Robek's acai frozen yogurt! I miss it D:

Work is alright. I am more worried about my business I am trying to get going. The FTB for California (not sure if this goes for the rest of the USA) has decided that because I started a new business that I owe them $800 despite having no revenue. I don't know how that works but it's frustrating!

I am also in the midst of spring cleaning. That means my apt. looks like a total mess...while being cleaned. The "ugly duckling" stage, my friend calls it. Hopefully in a few weeks it will be all done and I will have a nice studio area!

[apachejenn]

Here's a progress pic for the "190-something" I am at somewhere. I liked the lighting in the staff bathroom so please excuse that it's in the bathroom D:



I do notice more chin definition. My double chin is sloooowly going away. I hate to look so mean in my photos but when I smile all you see is CHIN/CHEEKS/FOREHEAD! My eyes disappear all squinty like. My back is a small trouble area, as you can see I'm still very fat between my shoulders, and you can't see in this picture but I still have a tummy. My legs, however, are much more defined.

[OopsieDaisy]

You are looking pretty amazing Jenn. That's so weird that you are cutting back on the Diet Coke as I have recently started drinking Diet Coke/Pepsi. This weekend has been pretty interesting because I keep finding myself at restaurants and diners where I have been able to keep my head on by ordering a small diet soda.

Yikes, how is it possible that you would owe the CA FTB $800! I would be pretty frustrated too.

[apachejenn]

They're aching for money. My advisor says I can wait up to 10 months and pay only a $45 fee, but I want to remain in good standing. I've got to set up my business checking because I can't loan my biz anything more out of my pocket. All I need is to pay this and get a dress form and my start up costs will generally be covered. It's so frustrating though. CA is not making it easy for people to make money.

I cracked and got a six pack of diet coke today. I haven't had any yet though.

And thanks :D I like your hair from the small pic I can see XD

[OopsieDaisy]

Thanks Jenn! I just went to the salon today; going for something new. I guess the economy in California is pretty bad off, but you would think that they would want to help business owners to would in turn help promote economic growth through their investment back into the state. I already had my diet coke for the day. I am sure I could have had more, but today I have been trying to focus on drinking more water.

[apachejenn]

Well my consultant says that basically Dr. Cohen would make me take an 8-10 week break (??????) and then repay everything all over again if I do this surgery. I am not going to do that. I obviously don't have the money to do that but 8-10 weeks is pretty crazy. I'd probably gain all my weight back. So no surgery for me.

GRRRRR.

[OopsieDaisy]

Wow! That would have been a pretty long break. 8-10 weeks, I think I would fall off of the deep end. It looks like we our loss so far has been very similar. Have you noticed any loose skin? I was putting on a sleeveless top the other day and I noticed some around my upper arms and shoulders. I know, what a strange place. I went out and bought so Cocoa Butter .. I hope that works *crosses fingers*.

[OopsieDaisy]

Ha! I love it, "a deflated 6". You make an excellent point Jenn. They can be my badges of courage; it was just so odd for me to see excess skin as opposed to the streched out skin. You really have given me a new perspective on this, thanks Jenn!

[apachejenn]

You know what's a bad idea?

Sneaking a bite of tempura.

UPSET DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE CENTURY D:

[OopsieDaisy]

Ouch, thanks for the heads up! Your first twelve weeks are ending soon, right? Are you nervous? Excited?

[apachejenn]

I'm anxious, lol. I just want it to be done so it can be official that I can go through something like this. D:

[OopsieDaisy]

For some reason I keep thinking that your first session is over tomorrow. I know what you mean, 12 weeks feels like such an accomplishment. I can't wait to see your next update :).

[apachejenn]

Well, today I tried on a pair of 14s. They buttoned, but there was some muffin top. I consider them "fitting" seeing as my tummy is always bigger (if it fits around my tummy, it's baggy everywhere else; if it fits everywhere else, it's tight on the tummy). I also tried on a size 14 dress. It fit too! I'm sure a few more pounds these fit issues will be gone, but it's nice to see the 14s in the horizon!

I've been selling off my old clothes that are in good condition in order to afford new ones. I have 3 garments in size 14, so I'm a bit scared D:

[OopsieDaisy]

ooOo 14s! Congratulations :). That is really amazing. You have been working so hard, it must feel great to see this paying off.

[apachejenn]

It does! I put on the acid wash jeans (icky I know) I had on with the last pic I posted (black shirt) and I can actually pull these off without unbuttoning them. I wore them today because I had nothing else to wear, and since I don't do belts, I spent the whole day walking around with one hand holding them up!

Tomorrow to celebrate, if it fits, I'm going to wear the polka dot dress I bought at the beginning thinking, "Yeah, I'll never fit that!"

We'll see!

[OopsieDaisy]

How exciting! I can't wait to see what you have to say tomorrow.

[apachejenn]

I checked the big scale this morning...191! That rounds it to a 40 or so, I believe. I think the last few pounds came off because I stopped eating cheese for 3 days. XD

Pix later!

[OopsieDaisy]

Congratulations! I can't wait to see those new pictures. Does eating cheese really slow someone down like that? Eek, I have a cheese meal once a day.

[apachejenn]

You're just retaining water because of it. Salt = water retention, so maybe about 3 or 4 pounds. It really isn't that big a deal since a person's weight fluctuates between 1 and 6 pounds up or down on a daily basis anyway. However, I got stuck with 3 packages of mozzarella and I don't want it to go bad, so I had basically eaten cheese every day for two weeks XD

I will resume the cheese on Monday.

[OopsieDaisy]

That is really good to know. I have been in love with this Zucchini lasagna recipe I found so I have been making that pretty religiously. I think I just started getting tired of the other stuff I was making. I love it though, I don't know if I can give it up for too long. Just thinking of all the cheesy goodness makes me antsy for tomorrow :). I hope your day is going well. I am breaking in a new pair of heels *ouch* and I have been walking around so much today that I can't wait to until we close the doors so that I could change into my shape-ups.

[apachejenn]

Here's some pix! All that fits me right now are my gym clothes, so that's what I'm wearing.

[OopsieDaisy]

Jenn, you look amazing! How did the color matching seminar go? Wow! Can you believe it's been 12 weeks for you already? I know you are going to do great the next 12 too!

[apachejenn]

Thanks :D I put this pic on FB and everyone says I look like I'm 150 pounds. That must count for something if they think I'm 40 pounds less than I am! :D

It was an interesting thing. I am contemplating having my palette done out of curiosity, but it's $1K D: However, if anyone is new to "wardrobing", I'd say go for it. Most people do wear things that they shouldn't wear, and not because they're fat or something, but because it's just not them.

I hope the next 12 go by better. I want every day to count!

I just got a bunch of stuff at Old Navy and a sale at the Levi's outlet. 2 Levi's capris for $40, and a ton of clothes from old navy for $100. My mom also gave me a bunch of her old size 14s, but I kept the nicer, more current styled ones. It was weird walking into stores and asking what size they went to or if they carried plus size and then realizing that I fit into their clothes. It was...weird. Like the Twilight Zone weird.

[Gail]

Jenn, You look amazing!

I was intrigued by you talking about the color seminar. I wish after we lost our weight, someone would come along and give us new makeovers! Tell us what colors and what type of patterns and cuts look flattering on us, not to mention I would love a haircut to suit my face!

I have only been on the diet for 2 weeks and have alreay had to go out and buy new pants. I can't wait to see what the next 10 hold for me. I'm loving the new wardrobe and the new me.

Keep us up to date!!

[apachejenn]

Thanks! :D

I can sort of help with clothing (I work in the fashion industry). It helps if I see photos of people, then I can tell you what your bone structure is and what type of clothes to look for. When it comes to hair and make up, however, I don't really know, and aside from, "Oh yeah, that color is totally not you" I don't know what exact colors will work on someone.

For your hair, however, there are tutorials on the net (search for hair styles face shape, etc) that will tell you what sort of hair cuts will go with your face shape.

Be sure to stick to "discount" stores like Boutique Target, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, and Forever 21. Those places have clothing for a lot less, and are considered "throwaway" clothes as they usually only last a season anyway.

[OopsieDaisy]

I might just take you up on that offer Jenn. Most likely once I have reach my goal weight. And yes, sticking to the discount stores is the best advice. I actually get my jeans at Old Navy, and recently I hit their clearance section and found some really great shirts. I am planning on making a trip to Ross very soon, I have picked up some nice dresses there. Sometimes the search involves a little work (looking through tons of clothes racks) but it is worth it when you find a deal; especially because you are still going to lose more weight and it does not make sense to spend $$$ when you are probably going to shrink out of the clothes in a few short weeks/months.

[apachejenn]

I tried to go to Marshall's last night, and if there's one thing I can't stand, it's a disorganized store. Even stores like Macy's that are organized by designer and not by category bug me. I turned around and left before I got even 3 feet in the door. D:

Old Navy's Sweetheart/Dreamer rises fit me wonderfully, but they don't carry Tall or Petite in the stores yet, and averages hi-water on me. But they're a great deal and fit wonderfully. I actually bought most in size L even though I am an XL right now, but what's that going to last? 3 weeks?

[m01e]

Hello Apachejenn... what i did was i went to the very first page of this thread then to your latest pics and wow! what a dramatic change! keep the good job! your work is paying off!!!

[apachejenn]

I plan on putting a collage together and line the pix up from beginning to end when I am done. I kind of wish I wore the same clothes in each one but *shrug* it's all good. :D

Thanks :D I'm glad it's actually working!

[ElizabethRedux]

Jenn, loved your latest pics! Look at you, Skinny Minnie! And your arms look SOOOOO tiny. I'm completely jealous of that. ;) Way to go...your hard work is definitely showing. Good job!

[gmagirl]

What a transformation from the beginning - awesome new pics. You carry your weight very well. Wish I had just a little of your height! Keep up the great work!

[OopsieDaisy]

In that case, I would settle for an inch :). How is your weekend going Jenn?

[apachejenn]

Oh man, I feel tall now XD I am actually the second shortest in my family (my youngest sister is 6'1"), so this is news to me :D

Everything is ok. Went to a bowling party at LA Live, then took my youngest sister to the Roxy to see Slash perform. Best night of my life. :D

I hope everyone else had an awesome weekend!

[apachejenn]

Best new invention: Ziplock Zip N Steam bags. If you worry about cooking at work, you can cook a whole meal in one of these things. Just add a little bit of water! I just made steamed tilapia and asparagus in one! AWESOME!

[ElizabethRedux]

Good idea, Jenn. And people should be warned that regular Ziploc bags are NOT a good substitute for the Zip & Steam bags...the bags melt. They are completely not meant for the microwave. I love the Zip & Steam bags. I also have 2 Pampered Chef microwave "pots" that are completely wonderful for steaming veggies. I think they're one of the best inventions ever!

[apachejenn]

LOL! Did you try it with a ziploc bag?

Are you talking the micro cookers with the strainer lid?


Also, yesterday someone brought 2 packages of mint oreos to work and left them in the staff room. Everyone here knows how mint and chocolate are my weakness.

I'm sorry, whoever bought those oreos. I opened the packages...and dumped them all in the trash.

No one has said anything yet D:

[ElizabethRedux]

Yes! The micro cookers! I couldn't remember the name of them...we've had ours for years and we just love them.

Yes, I tried steaming veggies in a regular Ziploc bag. Duh. It was messy and painful.

Nice move on the Oreos!! I took our kids to some ice cream place over the weekend and my daughter (6) had a peanut butter cup cone. THAT is my weakness. It took a lot of effort not to rip it out of her tiny hands and shove it down my throat.

[apachejenn]

I was just miffed at the obvious attempt at sabotage. My coworkers have been less than helpful with this diet.

Hahaha, it's ok. I've destroyed numerous things in the microwave. Nothing beats my sister trying to heat up eggs in the microwave...but the eggs were still in the frying pan. That was an interesting thing. "Why is lightening coming from the microwave?" LOL

Before I started the diet, I went to Cold Stone. I had Cookie Mintster or something. I could barely finish the small size then. I hate to think what that would do to me now, especially after not eating dairy for so long D:

[Gnildarts]

I love that you tossed the Oreo's in the garbage! I will have to try that. My co-workers bring some kind of bad food (cookies, donuts, cake, chocolate, etc) almost everyday and leave it in the employee lunch area. The problem is that it is right next to the bathroom. With all the water I am drinking I have to walk by the junk 7 or 8 times a day. It drives me crazy! Next time I might try your trick and dump it!:devil:

[apachejenn]

Our lunch room is right by the bathroom too. But the water cooler is in there so not only when I use the restroom I have to pass it, but when I fill up on water too!

I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you know your coworkers wont make a stink. I was pushing it by ruining everyone else's fun, and luckily no one else said anything. But someone had brought girl scout cookies before and then with the antics of trying to get me to eat bad food, I knew it was less than accidental. I may just be paranoid though...D:


I am FREEZING! All this week I've been freezing cold. I wish I had a snuggie or something to bring to work. D: I know that means the diet is working but I feel like a little old lady shivering in the corner. D:

[apachejenn]

My coworkers have called another lunch meeting, and when I suggested a restaurant that we all can eat at, I got snipped at and then they picked a restaurant where I most certainly cannot eat at. Now I have to sit through this lunch meeting and watch them eat.

I am REALLY getting tired of this behavior. D:<

[Gnildarts]

What restaurants do you know that you can actually eat at? I have the same problem with co-workers and friends. The get together always seems to be around food and I just sit there and have water. If there is somewhere we can order food that fits the plan I would love to know.

Gayle

[ElizabethRedux]

Jenn, how old are your co-workers? Like 2? My preschooler acts more civilized than that! I'm sorry...I get so angry when I read your posts about them. Just think, though: soon you'll be at goal and having the last laugh.

Gayle, I've eaten out twice on plan (in four weeks) and survived. I mean, I didn't go to Wendy's or McDonalds...I couldn't eat at a fast food place because there AREN'T healthy options. The first time we were traveling and we stopped at an Eat & Park restaurant where my son could get pancakes. I asked them to make me a small charbroiled chicken breast, no seasonings, no sauces, nothing -- just plain -- and asked for a plain salad with no tomatoes. I put salt, pepper and vinegar on my salad. They did it and it was fine. The other time, I went to a more upscale restaurant...I order a 6 oz. filet mignon (ate about 2/3 of it) and a plain salad. Worked out great. My only issue was that all of my girlfriends were drinking wine and I couldn't have any! :( The best part, I've discovered, is that I wasn't focused really on the food. Instead, I was more focused on the conversation and having a good time with my friends. It was a really good experience.

[apachejenn]

I usually ask for places that will serve ahi tuna salads or salad with cheese, or sashimi and salad that I mix together. The place they picked was an Israeli place full of lamb and fallafel. D:

I usually don't order cooked items at restaurants because it's too hard to guess how much water something loses and restaurants will use seasonings and butter that you're not supposed to eat even if you tell them not to, which I learned one day when they drenched my asparagus in butter D:

My coworkers are all over the age of 30. D:<

I ended up going to make my lunch while they ate, disappearing so they had to wait until I was done to hold the meeting.

[apachejenn]

I went to the gym tonight just to get some endorphins going. I only ran 10 minutes and then finished up with a circuit. I've gone down quite a bit in physical strength since I started this diet, as I couldn't lift the weights I had before. But it's okay. I didn't push it or anything.

I then went to the grocery store, and there at the cash register, right up front by the key pad, was a big big box of York peppermint patties. Mmmm...mint and chocolate. My uber weakness. I wanted one so bad, especially when I saw the dude who checked out before me grabbing a giant handful. I grabbed some gum instead. I think the check out guy was waiting for me to grab one because he kept giving me a look while I was staring those candies down.

Yeah...it's totally TOM. LOL

[OopsieDaisy]

The force is strong with you :) I don't even look in the general direction of my all time favorite sour skittles. After that session with the personal trainer I could not even think of going to the gym without cringing. But I ended up going for a Yoga class; which I really liked. Part of me feels like I have really been lagging with my exercise this week. And that TOM, I don't know I think I am all messed up; I keep synchronizing with different people and it's driving me nuts. I hope your weekend is going well.

[apachejenn]

My sister and I decided yesterday that it would be a great idea to go for a 3 mile run! Now, not only am I super sore, but I have the cramps of doom. I've never had them this bad. I've skipped meals a lot this weekend, and had a piece of dark chocolate. It was a small consolation next to the cramps and fatigue. :(

But I saw someone today I hadn't seen in months, and when she got out of the car to let me in she mouthed OH MY GOD to my other friend. LOL. It's so weird XD

Oh well. Tomorrow is a new day.

[OopsieDaisy]

Yikes! 3 miles, and you are still in one piece. You are a strong lady. I am sure that the cramps will subside, stretching really helped me. By "we had a piece of dark chocolate" I am assuming that you meant you and your sister. I should confess that today I had an extra half serving of fruit. I don't know why but I have been craving sweet stuff all day. I think for now I am going to up my water intake to 3.5 to 4 liters, maybe that will help.

You must have felt so great :). It really puts into perspective that all this hard work we are doing is actually paying off.

[apachejenn]

It was kind of funny, because I assume my friend talked about my weight loss to her, but didn't tell her how much.

3 miles isn't that bad, but it was on a gravel horse trail with hills. Even the dog got tired and sat down and didn't get up. We had to call my mom to come pick us up XD

[apachejenn]

I got a big letter from the consultants asking me what I was doing wrong before my blood test. I didn't think I was doing ANYTHING wrong, but maybe because I hadn't eaten that morning or something everything was off. Who knows?

[mamaduckling]

I think everyone gets that dreaded checklist - I've gotten it twice! I think it's just their way of making sure we double check what we are doing. Even though I've gotten the list, they have NEVER changed my program. Don't let it get to you. You know what you are doing and obviously it is working!

[apachejenn]

Ah! Phew! I've been trying to remember everything that happened that week! I was like...please don't kick me off the program D:

But it's good to know I'm not the only one. Now I am less worried. :D Thanks!

This week the hunger pains are over and it's back to normal, it seems.

[OopsieDaisy]

So I finally went to get my blood work done .. now I am really curious to see this dreaded checklist. Yikes! I wonder if I will get one. While I have been faithful to the program I am sure you ladies have been also. I wonder what could be that is setting off their little alarms. OMG! I bought this super cute hunter green dress at Ross about a week and a half ago, and it was a little snug but I figured it would be something I would get into within a month or so. I tried it on this morning. Fits like a glove! Now I just have to find somewhere to wear it to.

I hope you are having a great week!

[apachejenn]

I had had a blood test paid for that I hadn't used so when 12 weeks was up I just went and did it. It gives a LONG list of things asking for you to double check. I honestly can't remember. Sometimes things fall on the floor, you can't scrape out everything in the pan, who knows? I am not going to freak out about it, but I am glad that they do keep tabs on you. It's so tempting to cheat thinking NO ONE WILL KNOW BUT ME!

I had bought a Led Zeppelin baby tee in XL Monday, thinking it would be something I could "shrink into". I put it on yesterday and it fit! It's a bit short on me, but I loved it. I've never worn a baby tee before!

[Layne5]

Your blood work questions could be because of the exercise you're doing. You're not supposed to exercise...which is why I love this diet. :) You've done so well! Good job! I can't wait to get past refeed and on with life!

[Kitty]

Jen thanks for the advice on my progress page. It is so much information and I am still quite new so all the help is wonderful. I hope your day is great.
Kitty

[apachejenn]

Could it be because of exercise? I know I pushed it a little too hard this weekend. I am actually still sore from the run D: I wonder how they can tell that from the blood test, though.

I can't wait to get to refeed also. Last night a friend and I (who is doing another diet) talked about what we miss about bread. I had to admit I missed french toast and grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches. D:

Kitty, no probs. It's amazing how many things you're not told in the little booklet. If you ever have a doubt, ask the consultants because you might be doing something wrong and not even know it. I've had quite a few accidental deviations because of it!

[apachejenn]

Yikes. I think it's that time where my hair starts to thin because of the diet, because...it's thinning. Like...clumps of hair coming out in the shower. D: I can see freckles on my head that were hidden by hair before.

[I MUNCH SNOW]

Thinning hair... that kinda freaks me out. I don't have much to give as it is. :( Anything I can do to help prevent this?

[ElizabethRedux]

I've read in old posts (either here or on the "unofficial" Cohen board that isn't used much anymore) that some people took flax seed oil to help with the hair thinning. I don't know how effective it was. I find this topic interesting because my son (who is 4 1/2) has lost a significant amount of hair due to alopecia areata...an auto-immune disorder that causes hair loss. We estimate he lost about 75 percent of his hair in just ONE month (from beginning of March to beginning of April). He's using a topical steroid cream to help rejuvenate the hair follicles, which isn't really working...so I'm interested in hearing how people on Cohen's plan are dealing with the issue of hair loss.

Jenn, did you ever have problems with your nails? My nails on this plan have really taken a beating. I always kept them kind of short, but even short, they are tearing and flaking. Is it the lack of oil in the diet? Lack of a particular vitamin?

[apachejenn]

For the first three months my nails would chip and such, but I didn't really pay attention. They're doing rather well right now.

I just notice that more hair than usual comes out in the shower and on the brush, and I'm getting receding points at my temple. I have really thick hair so I am sure I am the only one who noticed, it's just disturbing when you're fighting clumps of hair in the shower daily D:

[apachejenn]

Today I walked through the warehouse - and avoided the scale - but a coworker pulled me aside. I noticed that whenever I walked through there people would stop and stare. She was like, "How the heck are you losing weight so fast, we've given up trying to guess!" So I told them about the diet. They have similar frustrations to mine; working out all the time but getting no results. I gave them the info for 1st personal diet and told them to tell me if they join up.

Most people I tell about this diet, however, say it's too much to ask for. They see what I do all the time, measuring food, only eating the same kinds over and over, and figure there has to be a different way. Oh well.

My 14s are just barely starting to loosen up. C'mon, let's hit a size 12! Inbetweenie land here I come!

[OopsieDaisy]

Horay for InBetweenie Land! It is truly a magical place. You are well on your way to making you second session goal :). Congratulations!

[Layne5]

I take 10,000 mg of biotin every day now. The hair loss thing makes me wonder how healthy this diet really is. Hopefully it's just temporary.:coolfro:

[OopsieDaisy]

I have always had problems with losing hair, at first I think it was getting better; probably because of the multi-vitamin. It seems to be starting to become a problem again, but I am curious as to whether this is a seasonal thing for me. I am sure that it is just temporary.

[apachejenn]

I've heard that weight loss/change of diet can cause shedding of hair. It happened to my sister on Weight Watchers as well.

I am going to be refraining from dying my hair this summer. I wash it once or twice a week, use a hot oil treatment once a week, and a deep conditioning mask at least once a week. I also use Moroccan oils in my hair as well as cream that protects from heat. Unfortunately I am obviously not eating any oils in my diet, which is why I rub oils into my hair. I make sure spinach is a main part of at least one meal and use multivitamins twice a day. I'm sure if I didn't take these steps the shedding would be worse. I'm sure it's temporary.

[OopsieDaisy]

Thanks for the tips Jenn! I will definitely keep that in mind should I notice that my hair issues become more of a problem. How was your weekend? I have been so busy with school and work lately that I feel like I am totally out of the loop :(. For some reason I keep thinking that your 16 week weigh in is coming up soon. Can't wait to hear your progress update :).

Take Care,
Daisy

[apachejenn]

I had an AWESOME weekend. I can't really go into details, but it was very nice, relaxing, and interesting. :D

My 16 week weigh in is coming up soon but I think I am still hovering around 185.

Today a coworker who has been gone for 3 months from maternity leave came back, and I totally forgot she hadn't seen me in so long, and she was like OMG YOU ARE NOT JENN. lol! I think she's totally cute as she is but she asked about the program so I told her about it.

[I MUNCH SNOW]

That's awesome! I bet that was a breath of fresh air to see someone that you hadn't seen in 3 months. An amazing feeling I'm sure!

How often do you weigh yourself? Just curious. :)

[apachejenn]

I try to do it every 4 weeks. I can go and check tomorrow though.

[OopsieDaisy]

Update, the masses demand an update :). Well by the mass I mean me, and by demand I mean respectfully request.

[apachejenn]

I haven't had time to weigh myself. I am going into work early tomorrow so I should have time to do that early in the morning.

[apachejenn]

So I am at 185. It was a good guess! 7 pounds for one month sucks, but it's better than none like my second month! I am almost halfway through.

This next month I am going to be taking things to basics and really focusing. I hadn't been drinking all the water, and was distracted by work so much I'd skip meals, which obviously isn't cool. However, apricots are now available at stores so I will be adding those to my fruit! Yay!

I just want this diet DOOOOOOONE.

[ppoyster]

I know what you mean about wanting to just be done with the diet already. I can't wait for the end. It feels like it will take forever to get there.

[apachejenn]

Alright here I am, taking it back to basics. I am making sure everything is kosher and drinking all the water. I even got a reusable water bottle to keep at my desk, since our office buys styrofoam cups. Don't they know that it takes over 1 million years for styrofoam to break down?! But this way I can better keep track of what I am drinking. I instantly feel a bit better.

However, washing my hair this morning, I ran my hand through my hair and it was COVERED in shed hair. Ugh. I can't wait for THAT to be over.

[OopsieDaisy]

You are telling me! I was brushing my hair this weekend and just loads and loads of hair falling out. I got a little worried that I may be going bald soon! Yikes.

[Layne5]

whoa...the hair thing really bothers me! Make sure you eat your allowed mayonaise portion every day. That might help. Our bodies NEED some kind of fat to function. Also water, water, water! Hydration is key to great health! I keep a 1 ltr. water bottle at my desk and don't allow myself any soda till I've had at least one full bottle of water. Keep up the good work!:surf:

[I MUNCH SNOW]

WOW You look AMAZING!!!! I can't get over it. You look so much younger!! Love the baby t by the way! Can't wait til I'm there!!!

Hugs!

[ppoyster]

You look great hun! :) What is a TOM anyways? That sucks that they cooked them in butter. My husband actually started cooking his meat in Sprite Zero. I think it's hilarious. I had no idea that you could use it to cook with before this diet. I'm with you on being done with this diet. I'm getting tired of having to weigh and cook all the time.

[I MUNCH SNOW]

Dang parental units. Always throwin' a monkey wrench into stuff. Kidding. It's hard to go to places where it's like that, but you know what's best for you. It sounds like you're doing everything just great.

Your philosophy on sizes.... it's so foreign to me. I wish I could relish each day and the moment and the journey. I still have the 'I want it yesterday' mentality. I'm shaking it.... slowly. I'm now looking at each month as my 'game' versus 'the big picture'. That's a big step for me, all in itself. As time goes by and I become more settled into this diet I think I can continue to change my mindset and be more like you. It's truly admirable!

I haven't cooked in sprite zero yet. I made a homemade chicken broth a while back and froze some. I use that to cook in for the most part. Just chicken, garlic, pepper, thyme and a smidge of basil and salt.

It's ironic isn't it how each of our bodies like different things? You eating no meats and me not eating any cheese or yogurt. Maybe the tables will turn for me at one point that yogurt and cheese would be enough to fill me. Not yet though. :)

Keep up the great work!!!

[I MUNCH SNOW]

Do you know what caused the bloated feeling? Think it's TOM or something you ate perhaps? Sorry that you feel that way. Hopefully chugging extra H20 will make it pass?

[apachejenn]

I think it's TOM. I hope at the end of the week I dump 10 pounds D:

[ppoyster]

Man I couldn't eat just fish all day. Unfortunately it's only in one of my meals. I used to be a vegetarian that ate fish so all I ate was fish and tons of soy or tofu. I couldn't go back to those days. Now that I know how good meat can taste I'm all about it. Besides I think eating all the soy is what helped me pack on the pounds. I tried the plain yogurt and thought it was awful. I even added a peach that I cut up. Do you add splenda to yours or something? I found it just way too bland.

[apachejenn]

I don't eat the yogurt. It doesn't fill me up at all. My days go like this:

Egg+zucchini+crackers
crackers+orange
crackers+spinach, cheese, tomato, mushroom
apricot
tilapia+asparagus
apple

If I am feeling bloated I will switch the cheese with tilapia for that meal. I don't add splenda to anything, or mayo. I can have fish all three meals if I wanted, which is awesome. Since they want you to eat beef that is almost 100% fat free, which tastes like chewing a piece of leather, I decided to go without it.

[Layne5]

I add Splenda and cinnamon to my greek 0% fat Fage yogurt. It's SO YUMMY!!!

[apachejenn]

Today I went to Target and tried on their XL, but it was too big. I fit in the L for juniors, going on M. In 10 pounds I will be my middle school weight, the only weight I really remember being because my doctor gave me a big lecture about not eating potato chips (I didn't eat potato chips) and drinking too much soda (I didn't do that either) and exercising more (I did softball and swimming). If only they had done a blood test, they would have seen I was hypothyroid. But oh well...

It was weird to look into the mirror and see myself so much thinner from the side. I am still sort of on the wider side, being that I am more upper body heavy, but I can see the weight loss for sure from the side.

I didn't buy anything because everything was so short waisted, scoop necked, and didn't fit over my bust, but it was a nice surprise.

[apachejenn]

GRRRR!

Fanta Orange Zero is NOWHERE! I LOVE orange soda so hard! I can't have ANY now because I can't find it anywhere except for EBAY! D:<

[apachejenn]

w00t, my waist measurement is now 37 inches!

[apachejenn]

Here's some updated pix. I am wearing a size 16 shirt which is now almost a dress on me:





Those 14s were slipping down my hips today. My bra is too big now D:

[Dayanira]

You look great! Don't stop girl, you're almost there.

[gmagirl]

Awesome to see your progress! You inspire me to stay strong . . keep up the great work. Carol

[ElizabethRedux]

Look at you!! You're quite the little hottie! Really, you look incredible. And what a great motivator you are for all of the rest of us out here! Thanks for sharing.

[apachejenn]

LOL thanks :D

[I MUNCH SNOW]

Wow Jenn!! You look fantastic!!! Stellar!!!! STUNNING!

I hateeeeee how everything is so short waisted!!! Why can't they make tall t's for girls?! I never understood that. They make long denim and short denim for us!!!

To think that XL at Target is too big on you, doesn't that feel frickin awesome!?

Why is it do you think that some days we feel bloated hardcore, then 2 or 3 days later we have clothes falling off our butts? Any thoughts? I saw last week I think that you were feeling bloated and now you're great! This past weekend I felt like a balloon and this weekend stuff's sagging on me.

[apachejenn]

I definitely think it was time of the month. Again, you can retain up to 10 pounds of water, but I also got gassy this time around. It was weird.

Now I am back to things falling off me. I went dancing on Friday night and I kept having to pull my pants up as I danced.

[apachejenn]

I just buttoned up a pair of 12s. A bit muffin-toppy but...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Nina]

Isn't that a great feeling, Jen? Congratulations! Soon you'll be into 10's. Way to go! :)

[julie]

WOW! You look awesome! You and I started around the same time, and I was very inspired by your introduction story, so I have been following your progress and pics and whatnot. I am really impressed! Keep up the great work!

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone,

I've been really busy and such. I have decided to continue the diet on my own, considering I just don't have the funds to keep up with it "officially". That might change but as for right now this is what is going on.

[ppoyster]

I feel ya on that one Jenn. Times are tight right now. I'm too worried about trying to find a job to even worry about scrounging up funds to re-up. There are other places those funds could be more useful. Maybe rent. lol! Do you think they will still let you order re-feed though without making it to goal weight yet? That way when you do get close to goal you can put yourself through a re-feed regiment.

[apachejenn]

I don't think so. I wish I did have a clue as to how to maintain outside the diet just in case, but whatev. They wouldn't even cut me a break if I had to face surgery. *shrug* Oh well...

[apachejenn]

Got really discouraged this weekend, although I am better now.

A friend of my mother's, also a friend of the friend who got me onto this diet, basically told me that this is a starvation diet (after she had said she wanted gastric bypass) and made it seem like I was starving myself. I was so upset I ended up crying. She went further and said some other things I won't repeat here, but I couldn't even finish my food I was so angry.

I don't refer to myself in a negative. My body is my body and whatever size I am is MY BUSINESS. I do not judge people based on their size and when others put themselves down and/or others, my respect for them diminishes. If you can't like yourself for who you are, how can you expect me to like you? No diet can undo that damage that you do to yourself.

[ls_dreamer]

Jenn -

I am so sorry you had a hard time with it. I do not think this is a starvation diet. I manage to eat a LOT of protein on this plan so I do not feel like I am starving.

I know it is hard to handle the negative attitudes but you can do it! Hang in there!

[I MUNCH SNOW]

Jenn,

I hope you're still around here! I love reading your progress! It keeps me going!!! Hopefully things are going smoother in your world since your last post and you've shaken all that negativity that got spewed on you, off!!!

HUGS!

[apachejenn]

Hey everyone,

I'm kinda back. I went through a period of high stress and self doubt, and people like my mom's friend (who I refuse to speak to now) didn't help. I am changing things up with the diet again to make me WANT to eat the food. It's so easy to get burned out on the same thing over and over. I kinda don't want to eat fish unless it's raw tuna now. They say only eat cheese 3 times a week but I need it at least once a day to feel like I am not a prisoner on my food choices. I have even started eating feta once a week, which I hadn't done before. Still not eating chicken or beef though. Steamed veggies have been replaced with cold salad and a lot of dependence on cucumber. I might be changing up my crackers too, to another brand.

But the good news is that despite my "hiatus" I have maintained my weight pretty good, even when eating totally not plan items. I think my body is trained to just not store it all as fat now. But there's no point in testing fate, right?

[mommabear]

Jump back in and finish this thing!!! I lost 75 pounds and have NO regrets!!! It is not a starvation diet! Don't let others ignorance detour your success!

[apachejenn]

Ok, here we go. Day one. I might go buy some tuna sashimi tonight. Cooked fish...I really dislike right now.

I have a dress fitting for a bridesmaid dress on the 17th or so of October. The closer a garment is to your size when you wear it, the easier it is to alter it. So if I drop a lot before the 17th, then at least the size I get will be close.

[apachejenn]

Wow, total fail this week! It happened Wednesday when we went out to lunch, and I had ordered something not even remembering about the diet. Of course I remembered after. It wasn't even bad food, it just wasn't plan food or measured. I've taken a drastic step and have begun to leave all cash, credit cards, and ATM at home so if I do get invited to lunch, I can't go because I can't pay! I did do good though when a coworker offered me a turkey sandwich, and I said no.

I think I will be avoiding all Labor Day festivities this year. I don't even want to be tempted! It's so easy to sneak 1 potato chip or a bite of a hot dog if offered. I hate having to do this because I really want to hang out with people, but I can't allow myself room for failure.

I really wish I had someone here to smack my hand or something every time I messed up. We're busy at work so it's really hard for me to not want to just go buy something. I was so tired last night, too tired to make something, so I just didn't eat (12 hour work day). I know it's bad but it's better than going out and getting something.

[ppoyster]

Just hang in there Jenn. There was probably about a month for me that I was eating off plan too. I just started this job and was still trying to get the knack of things. That and I had to escorted around the building anytime I went anywhere (including the bathroom). So needless to say I didn't even get all my water in. Just do what you can and try not to beat yourself up over it. We're only human. I know it's really aggravating having to say no all the time too. Just keep going until you reach where you want to be. :)

[apachejenn]

Has anyone noticed anything about changes of hair color or texture?

I dye my hair black from a dark brown, but I notice that my hair color fades. Before, it never faded. Now it fades after 2 weeks, AND, the color it fades to is not dark brown. It's like...red-brown.This is weird!

I've read that changes in diet can change hair colo slightlyr, so I was wondering if anything like this has happened to anyone else.

Also, I messed up today. I had M&Ms. Again one of those "didn't realize until the damage was done" things. *sigh*

[monkeyface]

Hey Apache Jenn,
I dont color my hair...but it is short and growing like a weed! I use to get it cut every 6-7 weeks...now by week 4 I look like I have a black cup cake on the top of my head! All poofy :) :0
Go figure!!!!!!!!!!

[c2lamoreux]

I've noticed change in texture, it used to be soft and coarse at the same time but now its just overly soft.... Kinda messin up my hair style lol.
Weird that your hair dye fades to a reddish-brown. Sounds kinda cool though.

[jaeden]

A friend who's on Cohen and has several other friends who have completed said that after the first two months, their hair started to thin? I don't know if that's related what's happening to you. Also, among my 7 or so colleagues who are on Cohen, we've all noticed our skin is more dry than it used to be.

[apachejenn]

I caved.

I was getting tired of my food tasting so bland, so I got an onion. I hate onions, but I cut a little bit and put it in for the taste. Wow. So much better. I think this diet has a whole new life for me.

Red onions are ok, right? LOL

[mamaduckling]

I've been using red onions this whole time. LOVE the flavor it gives to things!

[apachejenn]

Yeah, usually it's a texture thing, but the flavor is so strong you don't need a lot to carry through the meal. If I steam them they're soft enough that I don't notice.

I'm starting to see the diet work today. For the past week nothing happened at all. Today my jeans are noticeably baggy.

I can't wait to make the pasta bake again tonight. It was seriously delicious.

[apachejenn]

OMG my HS reunion is this week. I can't find a dress at all! I am making one and taking a gamble in cutting a dress that is 1" smaller than I am now, hoping my body will compensate by Friday. If not, I gotta scramble! D:

[apachejenn]

Well, I found a dress. I went through 4 malls, special ordered two dresses I have to take back, etc and so forth, and found ONE. ONE DRESS.

What's great about my reunion? I am 4 pounds away from the weight I was in junior high. No one in HS has ever seen me at this weight. I graduated a size 16 or so. I have to call ahead to see if they have an ahi tuna salad on the menu, or else I have to bring my own food. I really don't want to bring my own food though.

Although I am glad to be at this weight, and am glad that I will be at a smaller weight soon, I am not glad that after losing 70 pounds, my figure and weight are still not good enough for clothing manufacturers. A lot of people think that if nice clothes are made for larger people, then it is encouraging obesity. I find this to be completely untrue. When I go shopping and cannot find something to wear, that makes me want to go scarf some oreos and cry in a corner, not go run at the gym. I'm sure everyone has felt this way.

I went to four malls (one mall is 2 miles of walking distance inside alone) and tried on many dresses. I found one. ONE dress, out of all the ones I tried on. I got way too many, "All our size 12 and up are being moved to online only." Wow. Way to make me feel like less of a person.

I'm writing each of those stores a nice letter about my disappointments. There are a lot of people going through this change as we are, and some who are not but are looking for a way to express themselves and just be as human as you or I, and it is no one's business to tell anyone no. There is no room for negativity on our journeys, especially when it comes to clothing and our bodies.

[c2lamoreux]

I absolutely agree with you on every leve, that real women and men want to try on clothes in stores as well. Plus you can't tell from looking online if its gonna fit or not, and that goes with every size. Is the dress you found the most perfect one for you reunion? Make sure you put up pictures :]

[apachejenn]

There you go! It was pretty decent. I had to take off 4" of the hem and the only reason why it fit was because it was a knit, but that's ok. Everyone liked it and complimented how I looked :D My friends couldn't believe it was me, last time they saw me I was 230 pounds or so!

The reunion itself was pretty good, although all they served was pasta and creamy sauces. So I didn't eat a thing the whole time. We had an after party at my mom's house and everyone drank but me. I had gotten tired of explaining my diet to people a long time ago so when people asked I just said it was a medical thing. Although at home I did get to make some food, and we all went out to sushi for breakfast today.

[Dayanira]

Nice dress Jenn! You look so radiant! Your steadfastness in the programme! Well done!

[apachejenn]

Uuuuuuugh I am 5 pounds down from my ticker, but my weight is fluctuating at the moment, so I really don't want to change it. It's like I got going and immediately hit a plateau. Blah.

[apachejenn]

Also, thanks Dayanira :D I was looking forward to the reunion for a long time and had a blast. :D