MAYA's Re-feed

[Maya]

REFEED TIME!:clapping3:
The day has arrived... Hard to explain the emotions... hard to believe I'm really here...

Some of my stats:

start: 20.03.2008 66,9 kg
end: 29.06.2008 48.6 kg
duration: 14 weeks, 3 days (or 101 days)
lost weight: 18.3kg


Just wanted to pop in and tell how the refeed is going.
I'm very busy, have a huge exam in 2 days...haven't slept well in a week now...:sadeyes:

First two days nothing very special on the refeed yet...a little increased amounts of protein, veggies and I had some bread already (I shed some tears, believe me or not...that's how much I missed it!).
No problems with digestion or anything. Weight stays almost the same.

I do have few questions...

Since I would like to keep having 3 meals a day (I dont wanna get used to snacking, so I would like to have 3 meals a day...like Shasha suggested) - but right now I am still not feeling full...still kind of hungry...

But I can't seem to find a way to get all the fruit in (if I wanna avoid snacking) - how can I have 5 fruits a day if they have to be apart (still, right? or I can have more than 200g of apple at a time?) and would like to keep 3 meals a day? Should I just have them anyway and stop having them when the additional amount of protein and veggies will fill me up?

I would like to not get used to snacking, really...

Thank You again, Shasha for your explanation. I am SOOO happy I decided to eat EVERYTHING dr.Cohen perscribed.

Brownyn, you are so sweet to keep writing...you will be soon done with the refeed. How are you doing???? You feeling full? Still losing weight? You sound SOOOO awesome... I miss you!

Extra food sounds great and I am looking forward to every day of a refeed.

Do you recommend I should have all the fruit? Even if I have it between big meals?

Thanks!:party1:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Missy Maya


YAAAAAAAY!!! {wave}

I’m really thrilled for you – {goodjob} on dropping 18.3kg in only 101 days!!!

For now, I recommend that you have all your fruit, either as snacks or as part of your meal, it doesn’t matter. Fruit between meals was never a problem during the diet, you were always allowed to do this. I think it is really important for you TO DO THIS NOW – more than any other time simply because of your up coming exams...

You do not need to feel hungry now, why pain yourself unnecessarily… and yes, you can eat more than one fruit at a time so, happy chomping! And ENJOY! It will be okay, I’m sure of that
:bighug:

[Maya]

SHASHA, you're here! Oh, My God, this is great!!!

Are you sure I can have more than one fruit at a time? I am soooo hungry?!?!?! I keep counting seconds till my dinner....

I can literally feel my stomach wanting food???
Is it my metabolism kicking in???

More food, but more hungry???

So, the fruit doesnt have to be 200g apple at a time and then only 100g blueberries at a time? It means I can have apple AND blueberrie salad? *200g apple and 100g blueberries???

You are a doll, come here!!!!{friendhug}

[10rus]

Congrats to you on making your goal and being on the refeed. I am new to the program 4 weeks in, and still have a weighs to go about 40ish lbs haven't decided yet. Hope that the hungry feeling leaves you soon and you can keep going.. Congrads again:party1: I have lots to learn and many questions about refeed but am putting them on hold for now.. Keep up the great work.:weights2:

[Bronwyn]

Hello Maya dear Maya,

I'll be here for you during and after this refeed process - as long as you'll have me! Yes - you MUST eat your snacks. While I understand your concern about the "bad habit of snacking", I hope you realize the healthy snacks in small portions are actually GOOD for your metabolism and are a must for your daily routine. Skipping snacks is causing you to be too hungry between meals. Right now you're safe because you are weighing your portions, but in post-diet life, if you ingore those hunger pains and do not treat them well with a healthy snack, you may tend to overeat at meals. At least that is a common problem a lot of dieters have. I'm so happy for you that you're on this last leg of the journey. Keep up the good work and enjoy the ride.

[Maya]

Deares Browny, thank You thank You! {wave}You are sooo sweet!
And YES, I will have all the fruit as snacks. I WILL!!! You are absolutely right! (did you have just one piece of fruit at a time, or did you practice having more together (to fill you up more)?

I think my hunger was because of sth going on in my body.
The scale showed it today.

49.7 and 14.9% of fat. (700 grams lost during the night)
I think my metabolism is "kicking in" - or however you can say that.

What I was thinking last night on the walk through the town where as a child.. ...all sad about not being to eat yet...and thinking why oh why do I have to go through all this ...

the answer flew to me ...
...to learn to listen to your body again...to appreciate and honor the food...

That sentence was SO loud and clear...
And YES, I admit it - in my life, there was mostly "hate" & "abuse" relationship with food and me. I mean, I thought I loved food, but... if I think more... I mostly hated it.
It only looked good.
And tasted good at first bites. But just thinking about it the whole time made me angry, because I saw it as the biggest problem...when eating it, I already hated it. Of course, after the meal, I usually usually hated it, because it never gave me the right energy, cuz my body couldnt really used it.

Having a hormonal problem, I felt like I have no control over my body. A month or so ago, I tried to explain to my friend how much different I feel and I said -
-it feels like first time in my life I can hear my body...I can really hear what it needs...As if someone else had a control over it my whole life...

So, what I felt yesterday was really - as if my body was using fat for energy until now... yes, I admit it, as before, I was afraid I will start gaining weight immidiately the food wil increase on the refeed... because that's what usually happened...
...but I could feel it yesterday so clear, as if my body turned on the engines and started to use even more fuel as I'm putting in.

So, maybe...maybe the big reset in my body really happened and my body WILL use the food for energy from now on and not store everything that touches my lips...Yipiiiiiii!:party1:

After all - I had bigger drop through the night than EVER - 700 grams!!! When I went to bed, I told my friend - I feel even bonier today. I feel like I'm all bones...

I will keep posting my progress... But now I gotta study...:eyebrow:

[Maya]

Just one question...that popped in my head while toasting bread...:hypnotic:
It might be interesting for others...

When I bought bread, it was frozen... just normal bread...when I weigh it, it had 34 grams, so I cut the 4 grams off...toasted it and had it with lunch.

Today, I took it out of freezer, put it on toaster...and then remembered - oh, weigh it, Maya!
When I put it on the scale, it had 24 grams.

On the packaging the label says they weigh around 34 grams...
now, I heard the slice should not be more than 30 grams...so I am wondering -

if it is big difference to weigh it before or after defrosted (of course it is probably just water evaporting?)

Gosh, I hope this isn't too stupid...:innocent4:


Brownyn!!!!!

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!
I had a toast with the apple jam (I did as you said...Oh MY GOD!!! SOOOOO GOOD!!!!!! YOU ARE A GODDESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!{wave}) THANK YOU FOR THE IDEA!!!!{king}

[Bronwyn]

Good morning Dear Maya, I KNOW!!! Isn't that home-made jam amazing? I don't know that I'll ever eat store-bought jam again, when making this stuff from real, fresh fruit is SO delicious, quick, and easy! Glad you liked it!

I don't weigh my bread at all. I just buy the loaf and I think as long as you're buying normal sized loaf of store-sliced bread then you should be fine and not worry about it.

I am so happy to hear of your revelation you had with regards to listening to your body and your relationship with food. I have been having the same feeling and thoughts and that is why I know this was not just a "diet" to be completed and then ignored once over, but a real change of life! I have realized that food is a sustenance and while we do enjoy it, I must not over-eat or indulge in things that are not good for me. If I do have a treat, it's going to be a VERY GOOD, HIGH QUALITY treat - not just a Snickers bar or fast food. And I'm going to save treats for special occasions. Otherwise, I'm going to be sticking to lean meats, fresh vegetables, healthy snacks, and non-processed foods. I think the longer you're on this diet the more peace you make with this new way of life and that you really do find a new relationship with your body that far outweighs any relationship you had with food.

So glad to hear you're going to have your fruit snacks. I do get mine in most days, but especially once I started adding more and more food during my refeed I haven't always had them. Again, the key is listening to your body. If you feel hungry you should probably have a snack. If you feel hungry and you've just finished a big meal, perhaps just have a glass of water and see if the hunger will pass. And yes - I have mixed my fruits together to make some yummy fruit salads. Enjoy this refeed process! It's bizarre to be adding so much food and the weight stays off or goes down!! It is a little scary, but you must trust Dr. Cohen, the diet, and the process because it does work! Tomorrow is my last day and I'm holding steady at 115 pounds - 2 pounds under my goal weight of 117. Keep me posted in between your studying and keep the questions coming! I'm here for you!

[Shasha]

{hi} there Missy Maya

Remember, you probably have 2 diet fruits and now 2 good fruits with this?

So, you can have an apple (regardless of the size) and another fruit at the same time, or three fruits at the same time. On the Re-feeding Program, your Blueberries are still limited to 100 g per 1 good fruit – but if you are having 2 x good fruit portions at the same time, you can have 200 grams of Blueberries at a time – no problemo! Please do not leave out the fruit, you may disappear and become too small altogether!!!

{goodjob} on being down another 700 grams!! It really looks as if your body is into big time fat & food burning mode! PERFECT!!! I think this is also because you are a tad under goal… it’s like you’ve become one of those skinny folks that say: I can’t seem to gain weight… and that’s because their body is using all the food for fuel. The problem is that some people don’t go down to their ideal goal weight and this can be a reason why they gain weight easily…

I still want to ask you to please show us a dolphin photo… please, please, please :praying:

Bronwyn: you are a SUPER STAR! :bighug:

[SurferGirl]

Hi Ladies,

I am so grateful for the posts you have submitted about changing how you feel about food. As I have recently posted, I feel like this is the biggest battle I have to face. Food has to stop equaling fun, comfort, joy, cravings, compensation and just be food to fuel my life. I know that food can be enjoyed in moderation but that has not been my way with food. It gives me so much hope to hear you girls talking about how the diet has changed your relationship with food.

Shasha had mentioned that once the hormones balance out, physically food becomes less of constant struggle, but I am certainly still concerned about the mental part of it. On the diet I haven't really felt hungry often, but I have wanted food for other reasons. I'm so glad I'm training myself to say no, and I am so happy to hear that you girls have found this much easier after reaching your goals.

[Shasha]

{hi} there :surf: Girl

Remember, you are changing what is probably life long / very long thinking patterns – this change may not happen automatically, but as you enjoy the rewards of seeing your slim healthy body good patterns will become re-enforced - it takes a bit of practise and a bit of time, like everything else in life.

Try to find new things to fill the different needs in your life ie: make friends, time to relax, time to pamper yourself, new interesting hobbies etc…

...and, then I want you to do the following: cross your left arm over the front of your body and stretch it across the back of your right shoulder as far as it will go, then at the same time cross your right arm across your left waist and stretch it back as far as it will go and simply give yourself a :bighug: from me!

[SurferGirl]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have been so busy with my new house and my super busy job that I haven't had much time for me:sadeyes: But next week I have a couple days off and I will be sure to spoil myself a bit:eyebrow: I grately appreciate the hug and I have been thrilled with the changes I have seen in my body. (my arms reach a lot further than they would have 3 months ago when I started, thats for sure!!:bighug:)

[Bronwyn]

Hey SurferGirl,

I have to share...

My friend's family owns a chocolate shoppe where they make home-made chocolates, truffles, you-name-it... YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY! They have just made it so that you can place orders through their website (the shop is about 4 hours from where I live and prior to this you could only order on the phone). Anyway - The other day I logged on and was hand-picking an assortment of truffles and nut-cluster to order myself a box of chocolates (only a small 1/4 pound box = 6 candies) as a reward for completing the diet. Suddenly I realized how horribly ridiculous that was!!! Ordering chocolate as a reward for getting thin and healthy??!!?? I saved the website to my favorites, let my husband know that if he ever orders chocolates for me for Christmas, Valentine's, etc. that these are my chocolates of choice as I know they are high-quality and would be worth an occasional treat on special holidays, and then cancelled my order. Instead, I'm going to give myself a day at a spa, or buy some expensive "skinny jeans", or something like that. Food as a reward is no longer acceptable!! SO... If I can pass on Stafford's Famous Chocolates... You my dear will be able to do so too.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Everyone

:clapping3: Now Bronwyn, that’s what I call scoring 10 out of 10 for changing and correcting your thinking and renewing your mind to a healthier lifestyle and healthier thoughts!!! :clapping3:


VERY, VERY, VERY {goodjob}

[SurferGirl]

Hi Bronwyn,

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad that you were able to say no{chucks}.I guess theres no magic switch that simply turns off our instict to reward, etc. with food(bummer). It's going to be a concious decision we will have to make over and over again in our lives. Although the magic switch would be easier, this concious process will force us to recommit to the new healthy lifestyle everyday.

I'm sure your skinny jeans will bring you way more joy than a box of chocolates! Time to go shopping!:cloud9:.

[SurferGirl]

Hi Maya,

Hows your refeed going? How's the test preparation? Are you still noticing that you feel more intune with your body?

Sorry I keep starting other converstations in your diary threads.{oops} We are all super interested in hearing how you are doing.

I've been meaning to ask about your traveling too. Were you traveling for work or pleasure? How is it that you have "known the dolphins" for so long. Do you do marine research? Or perhaps Bitten is right and you really are a Mermaid. ;)

I love hearing about all your adventures?{pirates}

[Maya]

Hello again, my friends! I am sorry I was a little ignorant, but have been busy with my exam and I promise to be back soon...

I just ran up here to tell you I BECAME MASTER OF SCIENCE yesterday!!!!:clapping3:
I still can't believe it... The final exam went good, the comitee tortured me for an hour, but I DID IT!!!!! I am soooo happy I cant even tell you!

My friend bought me a massage today (Boy, I CAN'T wait, I've been waiting for it for 4 months now...), then I will take her downtown a little, we just came from walking dogs in the mountains and tomorrow she's flying back home.
I will go back to the seaside then and sleep for few days.
I am exhausted (haven't slept properly in 2 weeks).

I will be back with all the refeed report, am writing everything down, so I will keep you posted about every detail, ok?

I just am a little confused what to do with all the fruit... I wanna have it all, I wanna train my body to have it all, but I dont wanna have them between the meals really, I feel I should train my body to 2-3 meals a day, really, but if I wanna squeeze all 5 fruits in - then I am really stuffed...dont wanna stretch my stomach so much either... still kind of confused about it...

Would anyone advise me - did you stop adding protein after day 9 or you had it all? I dont think added 60g is enough for me...I think I rather have more protein than carbs anyway...

OK, ok...talk to you soon, just wanted to share this news I'v been working years on... with all of you!!!!!

Surfer girl -I will send you a personal mail, ok? When I come to the seaside I will take time for it... Gotta dedicate my last day to my best friend, she's leaving to States tomorrow... and so many things to see and do, still...

I will tell you everything!

Browny, did you eat all the food? Did you stop adding protein? I mean - yes, added 60 g is nice, but I could certainly have more... :innocent4:

Talk to you soooooon!!!!!:party1:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Missy Maya


{congrats} on becoming a MASTER OF SCIENCE :clapping3:

{goodjob} it seems that you have made quiet a few of your dreams come true this year!

Nice that your friend came to visit you – once she’s gone, please come and catch up with all your Cyber Buddies too!!!

I’m sure Bronwyn will pop in again soon, but in the meantime, I think you should eat more protein! It’s not about stretching your stomach, it’s about eating enough good food that your body needs – remember, you are quiet an active lady – physically your body will need more proteins to sustain your muscles while swimming etc.

Don’t worry so much about the fruit… have the DIET Fruit during the day and the BAD Fruit for desert at night… you need to take your activity level into account and I don't think the fruit will make you gain anything at all...

Hoping to hear from you soon...

[Bronwyn]

Good morning Missy Maya!

Yes - Shasha is right and you must continue to add your protein as it is outlined in your eating plan. The only time you are to stop is if you gain more than 2 pounds, go back and re-do 2 days, and if you gain the same 2 pounds that means that is your body's limit for portions. I added protein every day to the end and either lost or maintained my weight. At times, it felt like a ridiculous amount of food, but again, Dr. Cohen is prescribing for you to begin eating more normal sized portions post-diet. I also still think you need to get over your "snacks are bad" thinking. Snack are good and necessary for your body to retain strength, energy, and to avoid hunger cravings and insulin level dropping too low between meals. Just don't snack on BAD things, but if you're finding your hungry between meals you must have a little something to keep your body balanced until it is fed again at meal time.

Can't wait to hear how you're doing. Sounds like you were having a great time with your friend. How many days do you have left for refeed? My 19 days flew by (now looking back it feels that way).

[bitten]

congratulations to miss maya the master of science.

this is so wonderful.

well done, gorgeous mermaid!

[Maya]

Thanks Shasha, I will have all the protein and all the rest of the food.

Brownyn - Im on day 10, I got 18 days... I will post all my days after this post where I just wanna thank You for being up here and reading my diary. Thank You, I really appreciate it a lot.

Today I put on some weight and just wanna make sure...
I started at 48.6 kg - the lowest was day 4, 47.9 (-700g)... yesterday I had 48.4 kg and today 48.9 kg, which is 500 g more than yesterday, but whole kilogram from day 4...
So, you think it's too much?
Its still 300g above my refeed starting weight...but you seem to handle the weight awesome...I :love1:obviously wont lose much more on the refeed...

Shasha? Any reason for alarm yet? Thank you!!!!

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 1

29.6.2008
Weight: 48.6 kg
Bodyfat: 14.8%

Breakfast: 1 egg, veg
Lunch: chicken, veg, 2 crackers, 100g nectarine
Dinner: beef, veg, 1 apple

Tired from travelling, sleepless nights and bruised all over from carrying suitcases... Excited about the refeed as I was worried I would start too soon... And VERY glad the feeling of catching the right moment...

Added amounts unfortunately didnt make me full at all... I was hungry, tired and had to fill myself up with some more coffee... but the hunger probably also came from travelling, no sleep and of course - not more fat to burn.
SOOOO very excited for the bread tomorrow!

REFEED DAY: 2

30.6.2008
Weight: 48. 7 kg (+100g)
Bodyfat: 15.6%

Breakfast: 1 egg, veg, 1 apple
Lunch: chicken, veg, 1 slice of bread, 1 apple
Dinner: beef, veg, 2 crackers, 100g nectarine

I was hungry in the morning, so I had an apple... Can't wait to get my yogurt back! I had eggs last few weeks on the diet... but now I'm ready for some yogurt that will fill me up with an apple and coffee!!!! Just have to get some of my greek non fat one...

Lunch... Oh, God, the bread... I measured 30g exact, toasted it and cut it in half...I had a half with chicken and... I cried. I literally cried... My friend was shocked, she took a picture of me, having my first slice of bread! While still chewing, I called my mom:
"Mom, after 14 weeks, I am having my first slice of bread!!!!

I felt good. No problems, no digestive problems, totally great.
But not full. Nope. Not yet.
After dinner, I was still hungry.


First two days haven't been too filling. Nice changes though - nectarine and bread - for sure! I'm looking forward to have some yogurt and blueberries...
I'm still drinking a lot of water. Eventhough I wanna eat all the fruit, I'm keeping apples as "extra" if I will be hungry...just have to figure it out how to add them without snacking...maybe in first days of refeed as long as I am hungry (on original diet I used to have an afternoon snack - apple, cracker and coffee) - and then with bigger meals leave it out? Any suggestion very welcome...

(I just finished my lunch on day 3, but will write about it in the evening, just to keep the journal more organized...)

Came to the weekend house on the ocean...And decided I have to come back here more often. It is AMAZINGLY beautiful.
Now I have to go back to the paper. Huge exam in 2 days...
I AM HUNGRY!!!!

WHY AM I HUNGRY????

I am counting seconds to my dinner.
I was gonna go without snacks...but I can feel my stomach hungry... I'm hoping this is my methabolism kicking in?!?!?!
Seriously, I think I am hungrier than on the diet... what else can it be?

I will defenitely have ALL the protein and veggies. Oh, yes OF COURSE BREAD, TOO!!!!!!!!

WHY AM I SO HUNGRY?
I will try to get some nap...I can't even study....

REFEED DAY: 3

1.7.2008
Weight: 48.6 kg (+0.0)
Bodyfat: 15.6%

Breakfast: yogurt, 1 apple, cinnamon, coffee
Lunch: chicken, veg, bread, mango
Snack: blueberries
Dinner: beef, veg, crackers,apple

I had kind of a emotional day today... A lot of things just gathered in my head and heart... I woke up early just to have my breakfast. Weight stays the same.
I had slightly more protein today, same amount of veggies... and I am hunrgy.
I so wanted to just have three meals, but in the afternoon, I could just feel my stomach crying for more food ...so I had blueberries (new fruit allowance) and then apple after dinner.

I was in the house all day, preparing for the exam and then I went to pick up my friend (I took her downtown, so I had peace to study) and we took a nice walk in the old town by the sea...this is my home, this is where I grew up...as for last 5 years I have been working abroad, I havent been here in the summer at all...only few times in the winter... and years before I wasnt much here, either because of some different reasons...

but now...

just walking here, same streets, same old town, same ice cream places...same fishermen, same yummy bakeries...same smells of popcorn on the street...same little train that took you from one town to another - that was the biggest reward in the end of the summer for kids, if we were good...

I just realized how much I missed this...but the sad thing was, when I realized... last 15 years I didnt enjoy this here, cuz I always felt fat, I felt not-good-enough to be here... I would fight with myself for not being able to eat this food normal people enjoy during vacation...and if I did, I didnt enoy it cuz I felt hot, ugly, greasy skinned and guilty for even licking the ice cream...and when I couldnt hold myself back, binge on it while alone...but again, feeling guilty for not being strong enough...

...either way - now I'm here - again, hungry ... but not able to eat it, either... all the fresh fruit, straight from people's garden... walking in our garden while my mom and friend picking cherries, strawberries and rasberries from the trees and bushes...and I can't, not yet...

Just made me more sad.
I know, I know, higher goal and everything.
I think I am just a little tired...I think I was so excited about the refeed and finally I thought I would feel full...but I dont. I am hungry and tired of this. And hopefully really hopefully it is because my metabolism is speeding up now... I do feel some difference, I must say - as the engine in my body is working faster or sth...

Yes, I get more food, but still - it is diet food and no, it doesnt fill me up.

I will go to bed now.
I'm sorry I'm so down this evening.

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 4

2.7.2008
Weight: 47.9 kg (-700g)
Bodyfat: 15%

Breakfast: yogurt, 1 apple, coffee
Lunch: chicken, veg, bread, apple
Dinner: beef, veg, crackers, 2 crackers, blueberries

I was hungry the whole day. Have added just tiny bit of veggies...hungry hungry hungry...


REFEED DAY: 5

3.7.2008
Weight: 48.1 kg (+200g)
Bodyfat: 14,2% (this is confusing for me)

Breakfast: yogurt, nectarine, 1 little apple, coffee (divine!!!! nectarine in yogurt was just NIRVANA!!!!! thank You Shell for reminding me to get nectarine and not frozen blueberries!!!!!)
Lunch: chicken, veg, bread, apple
Dinner: beef, veg, crackers,apple

I was tired the whole day. Nervous about the exam tomorrow... nervous having my friend here as I felt I was a terrible host - she was so lost here...but I was also so busy in my head...I had to run around, do the last things for my exam...prepare... I wished I could take her to our favorite places...and I realized how it is ALL about food here... When you come to our country, our culture is to FEED YOU. Anywhere you turn around, it's traditional food . I realized how limited we get if we tried to avoid food. I still tried to cook for her every day, but boy, was it hard... I was hungry even wth some added amount of meat and veggies...I was very very tired.
Haven't really slept in 2 weeks now...

Thanks to SHASHA, browny and other experts on here, I decided to have ALL the food dr.Cohen wrote for me, despite my wonderful consultant's advises to leave half of it out. Now I know how important it is to train our body during the refeed. Dr.gave me 18 days to train my body back and I will eat EVERYTHING he wrote or I know I will be lost in problems later.
I have all the tools. If I gain too much, I will go back.
Had ruin enough of my health and sanity because I was trying to be better and smarter...


REFEED DAY: 6

4.7.2008 EXAM DAY
Weight: 48.9 kg (+800g) (kind of a lot, but got hardly any sleep and was too nervous to worry about it, plus no BM in few days now)
Bodyfat: 15,0%

Breakfast: yogurt, nectarine, tiny apple and some mango, coffee
Lunch: chicken, veg, bread, 1 slice of bread, apple (not hungry, but VERY VERY tired)
Dinner: beef, veg, crackers, 2 crackers, 1 orange, blueberries, coffee

The exam tired me big time... I mean, when I was done it was really weird...I went in the car and changed into my snickers...then got message from my brother (I told everybody I have exam in the afternoon, so this was the time to tell them I was done) - I called him while walking through the store and buying strawberries and champagne for the evening to surprise my parents...and I said - "Hey, I'm Master of Science!"
It was REALLY weird...
Kind of unbeliveable. When I came home, I just dropped in bed. I wasn't hungry at all. Just soooo tired.
I felt VERY Stuffed in the evening after dinner. BUt I decided to have all the food, because even when I read all the diaries (on other forums, as well), I realized that people that have been 100% on the refeed, too - without NOT having this or that...have much less problems later.

The surprise at gym with my parents worked out amazingly. I think I would be able to see tears of joy in my dad's eyes when he saw me walking in with the champagne and strawberries and chocolate shells in hands, singing: "Happy master to meeeee.... ", but he barried his face in my shoulders when he hugged me. No one has ever seen him cry. I think this was close.

My mom was -of course - in tears, shocked, she couldn't sleep until 3 pm.
I took her downtown the very same day, pretending I am too nervous to study, I took her to this ice cream place where they used to go when they were young - it was the best ice cream in town she told me so much about - she LOVES ice cream and once they made a bet she can't eat more than 20 scoops of it...well, she did. 23 scoops (small, of course) of walnut ice cream (the owner brought the recipe from Vienna) and then she was sick for a week.

But I wanted to take her there and have some nice time with her, after 5 years of feeling I still am NOT done with my education... My brother came by, finally saw him, too... The ice cream is gone, they haven't had it in years...but we still had coffee... Brother was SHOCKED to see me so thin (my veins are popping out of my arms as by a street worker and the vein on my head is really visible now)... My mom insisted to take the gift (the dolphin picture) for my mentor to this special flower shop she found that they arrange gifts beautifully and I had to somehow explain her I already did it (as everything was over for me).

So, the surprise was huge success....the gym owner was also shocked, as no one knew about my exam.

Thank You life.
Thank You angels.
I feel soooo free.... I have never felt so free in my life.

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 7

5.7.2008
Weight: 49 kg (+100g) (nicely gaining it)
Bodyfat: 15.1%

Breakfast: yogurt, nectarine, 1 apple, coffee (waiting for waking up and wishing to have an egg, but yogurt just sounds so goood in the summer)
Lunch: chicken, veg, bread, apple, coffee
Dinner: beef, veg, bread, mango, nectarine


I could have 2 toasts today...well, I just realized I didnt have the crackers...as I could have 2 toasts and 2 crackers... I also had some more meat...

And no, I dont have enough of that additional protein on day 9, so I will keep adding. Still better more protein than carbs, right? Thanks SHASHA!

Gotta tell you...
I HAD THE BEST MASSAGE IN MY LIFE!!!!! My friend gave me as a gift after all that a 90 minutes thai massage...I WAS IN HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't recommend you to take a massage more, oh, GOD, if you can, DO IT!!!! I have been in Thailand like...4 times and did it there, had massages before, but hello...this was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! And I also think it was because my body went through so much now that I simply craved it!!!!!

PLEASE PEOPLE, AFFORD YOURSELF A MASSAGE if you can!!!!
I was thinking the whole time how I can afford it every month as I will be really short with money this year... and I realized - you probably spent more on bad food for you in a week than you would pay for a massage once a month! (it's 60 EUR for 90 minutes here, which is 94 $ or 97 Australian dollars, but we dont tip)...

And when I think how much I spent on diet products and miracle creams... I think I wanna afford myself one massage a month like this.

It helped me feel my body again. It was a little weird, feeling I should suck my belly in again, but when she touched it, it was just skin... Really, really, I recommend to get some massage if you can!!!

I was in heaven afterwards. Totally.
I have a best friend I really do.

After dinner we took a beautiful walk...I haven't walked in a long time like this. We were walking for an hour...then I had to RUN home...My BM was moving!!!!! But then...then I got swollen knees?!?!?!?! I couldn't even make a sit up - weird?! Never in my life that happened... Could that be from a piece of bread? (I never had problems with bread and it is still sooo small...??!?), maybe walking after so long did it...
Weird, really...Went to bed with my knees up and felt totally ok in the morning.

I LOVE walking after dinner. I think it is GOOD for my body. I know they say sport makes you hungry, but in my case - whenever I worked out I was always LESS hungry... I didnt experience that hunger after working out much... So, I decided to at least take longer walks on the refeed and some easy swimming when on the ocean and on the maintnance, I will add more and more sports- but I WILL DO WHAT I LIKE BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE ME FEEL GOOD not because I will have to burn calories.

REFEED DAY: 8

6.7.2008
Weight: 48.6 kg (-400g) (back to the start weight)
Bodyfat: 14.6%

Breakfast: yogurt, nectarine, apple, coffee
Lunch: chicken, veg, bread, apple, coffee
Dinner: beef, veg, bread, mango, nectarine

I am totally happy having breakfast...sometimes I think - I will wake up and not eat so early, but I do feel hungry in the morning even if I wake up at 5. Which I think is good, cuz my whole life I haven't been hungry in the morning...

I still LOVE my yogurts and fruit...I keep thinking I shouldnt have an egg morning, but... yogurt is just soooooooo appealing! And just as I am writing this I realized I could have had that cracker allowance in the morning (last few days I could have 2 breads and 2 crackers), but I didnt... Hm...wonder why? I really dont think it would make a difference on my weight, but maybe made the yogurt w.fruit and some crumbed crackers even yummier!!! I might do that if I will sacrifice the 3rd piece of bread that I CAN HAVE TOMORROW!!!!!!

Was hungry today... Watching my mom and her friend having freshly baked cakes with coffee.... no fun...

REFEED DAY: 9

7.7.2008
Weight: 48.4 kg (-200g)
Bodyfat: 13,5% (I don't understand this fat thing, seriously)

Breakfast: yogurt, (half apple, half mango) and nectarine, toast (NO chance for crackers...had some toast with a slice of mango on it ) coffee (I wanna see how bread in the morning will make me feel)
Lunch: chicken, beef (mixed) (stiry fried with veggies and mixed with salad), 1 toast, 1 apple and 1 FIG that was WORTH EVERY SECOND OF WAITING!!!! OH-MY-GOD!!!!! FIRST TIME IN 15 WEEKS I HEARD MY BELLY SINGING - THANK YOU THANK OU THANK YOU THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dinner: chicken, beef (mixed), veggies, 1 toast, apple

Yesterday I drove by this woman that is selling fruit by the road...I used to buy a huge watermelon and 1 kg of figs by her every single day for years...she remembered me (I wasnt here 5 years now)...and she was surprised seing tears in my eyes telling her I can't have even one fig last week... these people here dont understand why someone can't have fruit...she thought I dont have money, so she said - I will give it free!!! - and I was like - no no no, I will get them next week, I promise!"

So, last night I drove by, I made a slow stop, made it all soooooo big...I asked her to give me 500g of figs... so, today is the day.

I will have my first BAD (ok, come on, BAD ?, I AM OFFICIALLY SWITCHING BAD with SWEET fruit ...I dont wanna code the fig as bad before even it enters my body)...SWEET fruit today after lunch.

Did I tell you I cried when I had my first piece of toast on refeed? I took a picture and called my mom while still chewing on it... I said -
MOM, I AM HAVING BREAD! MY FIRST BREAD IN 15 WEEKS!!!!!

Today, it will be a fig.

Hm...this piece of toast with morning yogurt REALLY filled me up.
GOOD!!!!!!!

Thankfully I dont feel stuffed, too full or bloated.

I would like to say this - I REALLY think it is important to have everything that is written on the program. I can't forget some words of wisdom from you guys... thank You so much for convincing me about it.

THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT TIME TO ADD ALL NEW FOOD TO OUR BODIES!!!! I wish those consultants wouldnt let us complicate even more than it already is and just do what Dr.perscribed for us!

So, yes, if anyone of you reading this spaghetti post (by the way - amazing patience!) - that have a refeed to come - ENJOY ALL THE FOOD, PLEASE!!!!! I think every bite is important now - I think you have a chance to train your body for normal amounts of food NOW! If you will not have this and that because of this or that reason...your body might react the same after the diet... and say - oh, I didnt know you want that...sorry, can't recognize that food...don't know what to do with it...will store it as I did before...bzzzzz...

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 10

8.7.2008
Weight: 48.9 kg ( +500g )
Bodyfat: 12.9-13.5% (I have no idea what to think about this fat thing...shows so many different numbers in two minutes?)
Breakfast: yogurt, 80g fig, 160g mango (first morning I wasnt hungry on refeed...felt even satisfied in my belly, not just NOT hungry...nice feeling, very nice:party1:! Tried to have an egg, but when I asked my body what it wants:thinking:...it was defenitely yogurt and fruit...So I had it without toast and crackers - just didnt miss it:eyebrow:...)

Lunch: chicken, beef, veggies, 2 crackers, 1 apple, 80g fig
Dinner:chicken, beef, veggies, 2 crackers, 1 apple (God, how boring am I? - well, the veggies were nice, made a mixed salad...made a stew from the meat and some veggies and then also stir fried the rest of meat and mixed it in salad...yummm! Worried about gaining too much weight again tomorrow, I only had crackers...and didnt really miss bread...weird for me! Will see if there will be difference tomorrow.


I also went swimming today (yesterday was too rough and unapealling and was walking more... I decided to drink less water as I think I was drinking 4.5 liters which is too much for my weight and might have flushed minerals out of my body, cuz I felt very dizzy and tired last night...

My weight has gone up half kilo from yesterday,
1 kilo from day 4 (I was 47.9 on day 4) - you think I should go back 2 days?
I am still just 300 g heavier than on the 1st day of refeed...so I think I'm still OK?

My body fat seems low, but as I said - I dont trust the scale. In one morning I get measurments from 12.9% - 13.5%, so I dont bother that much.

[bitten]

mermaid maya girl-

once again i am entranced by all you think and write.....

bitten

[SurferGirl]

REFEED DAY: 7

on the maintnance, I will add more and more sports- but I WILL DO WHAT I LIKE BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE ME FEEL GOOD not because I will have to burn calories.

Hi Maya,

Wow, that was great. It is so excellent for you to take us along on your refeed/life(congrats on the MASTERS!!!):applause: journey. It will certainly help us when we get to the refeed to know the trials and frustrations and how you have overcome them.

I really love the quote above. I think a lot of us have tried to sweat off our extra weight:weights2:, and you begin to think of exercise as punishment:sadeyes:, but it really can be something that adds joy, excitement, and pleasure to our lives:surf:. I so look forward to reaching goal and seeing how different I feel about exercise. Thanks for the inspiration!

Keep us posted!

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 11

9.7.2008

Weight: 48.7 kg (-200g)
Bodyfat: 11.9%-12.5% (seriously, how low will I go:hypnotic:?!?!?!)


Breakfast: yogurt, 100 g apple, 100 g mango, 2crackers, black coffee
Lunch: chicken, beef, veggies, 1 toast, 1 apple, 1 fig (this was yumm! - because the apple was small, I added a spoon of mango, stewed it with some water and stevia and spread it as jam on half of toast - HEAVENLY!!!! Makes such a nice desert with some coffee, BROWNYN you rock!!!!...)

Dinner: beef + new added protein (chicken thighs - was REALLY just few bites), veggies, 1 toast, 1 apple, 1 fig (I made that desert with the toast again...it is soooo nice, I'm glad I'm having it...If I have a small apple, then I take just a tiny slice of mango to cover the half of toast I saved from dinner and just few bites of that with coffee closes meal sooo nicely, yumm!)




I was sooo hungry in the afternoon? I almost made a mistake...I didn't wanna drive all the way to the butcher for one chicken thigh as new protein and just got some tuna in can, thinking it might be new protein as I didnt have it on my original program...but then one girl that is done with the program told me tuna is NOT new protein eventhough I haven't had it before... So I drove to get that chicken thigh...

My friend came for a visit and I was soooo hungry and nervous while talking to her...I jumped in the water quickly and then made my dinner. I wasn't really feeling really good today. I read some diaries of women on the maintnence ...after the diet... they are struggling big time. It's still all about measuring, about weighing food, about gaining weight and fighting with cravings... I soooooo don't wish that anymore.
I am SOOOO tired of that.

Yes, refeed is nice, adding new food, but still - even after having 200g of meat and almost same veggies and one tiny toast... Yes, maybe my stomach is full, but if I don't get that fruit salad afterwards and my toast with that jam AND coffee, I hardly feel satisfied, you know??? I mean, I wonder will I ever feel really satisfied again, so I can walk away from dinner and do sth else without thinking about food????
It's like eating 3 pots of soup - it surely fills your stomach up, but it doesnt satisfy.

Getting help with some hypnotherapy on tapes, to calm me down.

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 12
10.7.2008

Weight: 48.5 kg (-200g)
Bodyfat: 12.0% (IS THIS STILL HEALTHY:hypnotic:?!?!)

Breakfast: yogurt, apple, orange, 1 fig, 2crackers, black coffee (ate my wonderfulest breakfast on the beach while the bay was waking up.... HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!!)

Lunch: chicken thighs (new added P), chiken breast (some old), 2 slices tomatos grilled on the chicken, on the bed of lettuce and over the top melted mozzarela.... HEAVEN, HEAVEN, NIRVANA, ANGELS, TAKE ME WITH YOU WHEN I'M DONE, THIS IS TOOOOO GOOD....plus big salad, oh God...AND 2 crackers....AND mango... Oh, BOY!!!!!!!!!This is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!!!

Dinner: beef (original amount plus some of the added old P as chicken), macaroni pasta (as new added carbs) and huge salad and two crackers and an apple and a fig... OH holy cow is this real?!?!?! I kept checking the refeed guide where am I making a mistake, cuz this was just unbeliveable!!!!!

FINALLY, FINALLY FINALLY, MAYA WAS FULL!!!!!!!!
HAPPY, SATISFIED - NO MORE HUNGER FOR HER!!!!!!!!!!!!
HER BELLY - HAPPY
HER SOUL - HAPPY
HER TASTEBUDS - CELEBRATING
HER HEART - WANTS TO JUMP OUT OF HAPPINESS

....
Oh, I have no words...if this is where I would have to stop - be it. I was soooooo satisfied with this amount of food... It is Cohen's 18th day and I AM LOVING IT! I still have 6 more days to go and as I know the amounts are not adding so much anymore, mostly switching now to new stuff....I can say - this is awesome!!!

After dinner I was so full I went for a walk with my friend.
I had to. I had to breath, I had to get my body moving. I know I know, not too much not to upset muscles or something, but I had to walk...

I was scared a little to step on the scale today...

Guess?
Come on, guess!!!!
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no, guess!!!! No picking and scrolling down!!!!:innocent4:
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YES! THe weight stayed completely THE SAME:party1:!!!!! Wohoooooooo!!!!!!!!
I can go on with another day!!!!!

Sooo happy!


I am planning to have lamb parma today - I get this low fat mozzarela (the real one, the ball in the water, Italian Santa Lucia - the best stuff!)...

Can someone help me with this new protein please?
My guide says:
New Protein: any meat (no fat, no grind meat)
but when it says like that, it seems like it can also be chicken breast then...?...
any fish (except fake crab meat) - now is that ANY fish EXCEPT the one listed on the old list?

And another one - what would be the healthiest choice of carbs - I dont wanna have white rice (makes me sleepy)...I had some pasta today...I wanted to have beans, but someone said not a good choice as it has lots of sugar...so...brown rice?
Thank You everybody, this is sooooo cool!

I am THE HAPPIEST WOMAN ALIVE!!!!!!

DR.COHEN SHOULD GET A NOBEL PRICE{king}, THIS IS AMAZING, WE CAN FINALLY REALLY REALLY BE

THIN, HEALTHY AND SATISFIED, FULL AND NOT HUNGRY!!!!

THATS JUST TOO AMAZING!!!!!!!!


REFEED DAY: 13
11.7.2008

Weight: 48.5 kg (000g)
Bodyfat: 12.1%

Breakfast: yogurt, apple (1st old fruit), mango (2nd old fruit), 2 crackers, black coffee (woke up at 5, wasnt very hungry, so I saved a fig for later)

Lunch: chicken, veg, pasta, bread, 1 fig
Dinner: mozzarela on lamb with veggies and 1 piece of bread, 1 fig (didnt feel too full)


p.s. how do you deal with constipation??? I cant have senna tea every day, can I?

[Hugentobler]

Maya- Thank you!!!!! I have been "stuck" at 15 lbs. from my goal weight. Your journals have shown me the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Bronwyn]

Hello Miss Maya!!

I know - the amount of food almost becomes ridiculous! You wait and see at the end... My husband and my sister would just laugh at me for complaining that I had to eat too much food. Really... I'm glad you are finding the amounts more satisfying and I think it shows you that life after the diet you can eat bigger more reasonable portions than what you had on the diet. Honestly though, I'm not eating as much food now as I was at the end of refeed.

Glad your weight has stayed the same! That is absolutely wonderful and means your body is where it should be weight-wise. Please remember to not give to much credit to the body fat % on your scale as that is a very inaccurate way to measure body fat. We had some dialogue on this a few weeks back (you were probably on the boat away from the forum) and we all agreed that the only true way to measure body fat is through a doctor or medical facility where they have physical tests they run to give accurate readings. For instance, my body fat % on my scale barely moved down even though I lost 53 pounds!!! It just made me laugh because I'm clearly not in the above average range for fat anymore.

Keep on enjoying your new foods and HUGE amounts of them. Oh - re: the new protein vs. old. I really didn't worry about it too much. I did (like you) add chicken thigh and on one of the last days I had a lean pork chop - trimmed off all the fat. My sister didn't really like any of the new protein so she pretty much just kept increasing the weights of her old proteins and that worked too. Not sure if you're a fish-eater, but now you can have Salmon and a couple of other types of fish that weren't allowed prior to refeed.

I'm so happy for you that you're staying so strong and that you're seeing how your body is staying the same in weight even though you are becoming more satisfied. You go girl!!

[Bronwyn]

AmyLynn! I'm so glad to see you here! I've missed you and figured you've been busy losing more weight. Look at you!!! You're so, so close!!! You will get there my dear, I promise. Did you have to re-up for a third session?

[bitten]

hello miss maya-

when are you going to post those amazing photos that i have seen....????????
please, please show everyone here on this forum your mermaids strong and fit figure.

you have worked so hard and you look so wonderful.

and the dolphins too....

bitten

[Maya]

Amy Lynn, I thank you for that post... sometimes I just wanna stop writing, as I dont know if anyone is reading this at all...
I am sooo glad you get sth from this...if I was writing the whole diet journal, you would have seen my weight has been stucked so many times...for 2 weeks NO change at all...but its all good, its all gonna work out - the stubborn fat is melting, thats why you dont see the change on the scale, do not give up!!!!

Browny - thank you for staying with me here... How are you doing on your maintnence? I would LOVE some of your advice... And yes, there is more food, though the next day I wasnt so full anymore? I guess I'm just one big hungry monster...
:innocent4:

As for salmon - I have been making it on the boat and I think I have had too much of it in last years, because it came so far I couldnt even handle the smell of it anymore...It makes me sick just smelling it...maybe it would be different now... Funny, I LOVE sardines now? They remind me when I was little and we had war, not much food and we would eat canned sardines and then dip the bread in oil...Of course when I bought them later I would dry them from oil and have them with hardboiled egg, onion and other veggies...mmmmmm!

About bodyfat percentage...I was thinking same thing, but since my bodyfat got down so nicely through the diet (28%, 25.3%, 23.9%, 23.2%, 22.8%, 22.3%, 22.3%, ...19.4%, 18.8%... 18.1%, 16.5%....14.8%, 15.6% (start refeed), 15%, 14.6%, 13.5%, 12.3%, 12.1%... (ok, wrote you kind of weekly) and the scale is really expensive one and shows only 1-2 % difference if I step on many times...compared to another scale is the same...I dont know? I just dont know how soon to go to my female doctor, I havent had my period since the beginning of diet, but again - I never had it regular anyway...)



bitten - I will post them soon here, too...just gotta go get them again, I have them on the other computer... you sweety you!!!! when can we meet??? I REALLY WANNA MEET YOU ONE DAY:party1:!!!

[Maya]

REFEED DAY: 14
12.7.2008

Weight: 48.6 kg (+100g)
Bodyfat: 12.1%

Breakfast: yogurt, 1/2 apple (1/2 old fruit), 1/2 mango (1/2 old fruit), 2 crackers, 1 fig (1st bad fruit), black coffee (I LOVE MY MORNINGS!!!!!)

Lunch: mozzarela (allowance), chicken breast (old P), veggies (+new added), 1 piece of toast with butter (OH MY GOD, I never thought I would LOVE butter so much?!?), 1 apple (2nd old fruit)

Dinner: lamb (new P), 50g wholewheat pasta, 14g crackers, Old and New Veggies, 1 fig (2nd bad fruit), 1 apple (3rd old fruit)


I was so tired today... I realized that since I came from the boat I never really took time to sleep. I kept running around, doing stuff... never really took time for myself..waking up at 5 am, being up all day and going to bed around midnight couldnt be enough...so yesterday I took a day for Maya and slept and read some books I never had time to get to, I am in a process of making a plan for my maintnence... as I know I wont be able to do it right without a plan.

(ANY comments VERY, WARMLY welcome!!!!! I will appreciate any comment!!!!)


I do have few questions...



1.) I realized my refeed ends with the day 29, which is same as day 30, just no alcohol. Considering I REALLY never liked alcohol (except when I was baking, rum would poor out of the bottle !) and I was never drunk in my life (I REALLY have a hard time even with the smell of beer and vine, there's only ONE wine I can manage to drink) - you think dr.Cohen could see my intolerance in the blood? (It doesnt say I CANT have it, of course, it was just interesting to see that...)
Does people normally get the last day on the refeed?


2.) How do you really know that when the milk is allowed (or is it when we start mixing protein..) we dont have to wait 5 hours between meals anymore? I haven't find that on the instructions...

I REALLY have a hard time with this time limitation as I know it is such psychological pressure for me (knowing you CAN'T makes me think about meals all day...I know that if it says - you can eat WHENEVER - I would probably not eat any earlier...but just the fact I can't - I know how that influences my will, as does the quantity limitation... Like -


When I start eating now, I know how much I am allowed to eat and I dont start eating knowing I can eat until I feel satisfied or full, but only until the meal is there. Why I am looking forward for the maintnance is - that I will KNOW that I can eat so much I will feel satisfied and that will already give me the needed freedom - and I know I might eat even much less than on these meals now.


And also, I get up at 5am, so eating so early when Im not really hungry yet makes me hungry around 11am already...which is early for lunch as Im not near home usually... And having dinner around 7pm is too late for me again...so I am really hoping to make a schedule somehow like this:


midmorning : light breakfast (yogurt w.blueberries and some protein powder/ maybe an egg), coffee


around 1-2 pm: some cheese on a cracker or some cold chicken with veggies


around 5-6 pm: lunch with lots of veggies (salads, some cooked veggies, maybe soup...meat, poultry or fish and some starch (not much, I dont miss much, just so I can have sth sweet later if I want to), bread and then a tblspoon of dried peanut butter and coffee (that still sounds sooooooo unbeliveable:hypnotic:!!!)



3.) About bread - when it is allowed to have 3 pieces of bread (each not more than 30g) - where does it say we CAN have them all together? I mean, is the limitation so we wouldn't have it more than 90g of bread a day or does 30g at a time NOT influence the insulin yet? (Im trying to see how much bread I can have...as I was thinking to have one piece with the lunch and if I can have another piece with the peanut butter as a desert after lunch...(still in that starch hour)


Thank You all so much for reading{grouphug1}!!!!!!!!!!
Have a marvellous SUNDAY:innocent3:!!!!!!!

[bitten]

you sound brilliant.
i am glad you had a day of rest and reading. so good for your brain and body and soul.
i love to hear about your plans for future eating and maintenance...so important and well thought out. i know that things change and life does happen, but you have good goals and a proper plan.
hurray for the marvelous mermaid!
will you be in the Caribbean in september? perhaps we could meet underwater somewhere!!!! gosh, that would be magic!

have a beautiful, happy day-
bitten

[Shasha]

{hi} there Missy Maya

Well, I made a cup of coffee and read through your entire journal and boy was it GREAT!!! :clapping3:

I loved the part about your finishing up and your reunion with Mom and Dad and your old home town… When is your next MASSAGE BOOKED FOR??? You deserve one every month and I’m not taking any excuses!!!


{goodjob} MAYA!!!

Now, about some of those questions:

Different people get different Re-feeding days – as per your blood test results… How about the first day after you’re done you celebrate with a glass of wine or a tot of rum if you like?

Milk is allowed from Day 16 onwards: Page 6 of your Re-feeding Guide says:

2. The ONLY exception to the 5 hours rule is skim-milk that you may start drinking as of day 16 of the re-feeding.

After the Re-feeding Program, try to eat meals 3 times a day, with healthy snacks in-between – this way your body will realise: food is coming again just now… so it can relax!

I recommend that you eat similar to the last day of your Re-feeding Program ie: this amount of proteins and veggies and starch etc. – remember if you don’t eat enough good food at your meals you may be tempted to snack.

There is one thing that you will have to change though – that is your breakfast – Dr Cohen says not to eat fruit, especially bad fruit for breakfast because it will trigger insulin. So, there are ways around this: Have egg and veggies and a yummy yogurt for breakfast – rather save the fruit for later in the day. BAD fruit for desert ie: after your starch meal…

You don’t have to eat at 5 am, you can wait until 7 and then eat breakfast… you can have lunch at 12 or 1 and dinner at 6 pm – is that okay?

I don’t recommend you only eat at mid-morning – if you do, you don’t start up your metabolism until then… You can eat early light breakfast and then have cheese on a cracker as your mid morning snack - I don’t know what is in that protein powder, but careful for starch… also try not to have fruit in the morning other than your original DIET FRUIT.

After Re-feeding, keep the cheese and crackers as snacks for if you get hungry, rather eat chicken salad / fish salad for lunch… or veggies of your choice.

You can have dinner early with veggies, proteins, starch and your peanut butter… see how your body reacts. Weigh yourself every day – keep a food journal and you will quickly see which foods work for you… and which make you gain weight…

Remember on the Re-feeding Program you are training your body to cope with more food – as such you will feel full and most ladies cannot eat 3 slices of bread in one go, so they have to spread it out between the 3 meals… after Re-feeding the rule is: STARCH ONLY ONCE A DAY – this means bread / rice/ beans / everything on the list is only allowed to be eaten at one time. You can have a combination, but, you may only eat starch once a day. If you want 3 slices of bread – goodluck! But most people I know have decided to drop the bread and have more starch veggies and less bread if any at all.

Starch once a day will limit HOW OFTEN your body makes lots of insulin. Bread, even 30 grams will produce lots of insulin, Dr Cohen does not want you to produce lots of insulin more than 1 time a day, otherwise your body is going to go into fat fact*ry mode again.

Homework: STUDY pages 24 onwards of your Re-feeding Guide… You could decide to have starch for lunch and only proteins and veggies and no starch veggies for dinner. In this case you may have bread with your lunch and straight after that have your second slice of bread with a bit of peanut butter. Recommendation: weigh yourself the next day and see what happens. Maybe your body is okay with 2 slices of bread and peanut butter. Maybe you can only have 1 slice of bread with peanut butter… it would depend on your body and you will need to do a test to see… remember bread = starch and peanut butter = starch. So, to allow for the peanut butter you need to eat less bread or less starch veggies.

ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR LAST FEW DAYS!!!

I know you can do it!!! {cheerleader}

[Maya]

wow, thank you shasha, I just saw this...
can I just ask you (I'm leaving tomorrow to States again) - can I have fish (sardines) in salad more often a day with some hardboiled egg and some cheese in it? I will simply keep crackers then, avoid bread, move fruit to after starch lunch meal if I wont have Peanut butter...

I just CRAVE some (washed out of oil) sardines in nice salad with hardboiled egg (how many a day can I have? Maybe just the eggwhite?) thanks!

[Maya]

Anyone there?

I'm day 18th, which is my last refeed day... Since yesterday I gained 500 g during the night... I started refeed at 48.6, yesterday I was 48.9, but today 49.4, which is 500 g more than from the beginning... What do you recommend? Going back 2 days or simply finish the refeed or taking some carbs and starches off?
Sorry to bother, but gotta make a quick decision, gotta cook meals for travelling and decide now...

The truth is also I only slept 3 hours because of so much to do, so that might add to it...

Just hoping someone would be there...
thanks!

[SPDeRosa]

Maya,
Not sure exactly what you should do, but according to the refeed guide you only go back two days (and repeat from there) if you've gained a total of 1kg of weight. If you started at 48.6 and are now at 49.4 that's not even one full kilogram. I think you're able to just continue from where you're at and finish your last day of refeed! How cool would that be! :) It'll be interesting to see if anyone else has any suggestions, but that's how I interpret the rules (see page 7 of the Refeeding Guide). Congrats again on being able to do all of this with such a hectic schedule!!!!
- Shawn

[Shasha]

{hi} there Missy Maya

YAAAAAY!!!! You’re almost done!!!! {cheerleader} {goodjob}

Best of all your nightmare of gaining and gaining and gaining ie: 4 kg remember??? DID NOT COME TRUE!!! :clapping3: YAAAAAYYYY!!!

On the Re-feeding, no processed fish, so, no sardines in oil. You may have this again afterwards, but you would need to see how much your body can handle – take into account this is going to still contain fat that goes into the meat while it is being processed etc. Pity you don’t like Salmon in water… Anyway, best bet it to try and see.

Could be when you eat it you won’t like it anymore… who knows? Taste buds are funny things…

I don’t understand by what you mean ‘more often per day’ - remember, you want to aim for 3 meals and maybe a few healthy snacks per day if needed like a piece of cheese on a cracker or an apple or after dinner your fruit as desert… are you wanting to eat your sardine salad a couple of times per day or are you wanting to eat the same thing for lunch and dinner.

You can have 1 egg per day – I think if you have a second one the yoke would affect cholesterol levels… so, one a day is fine as far as I know.

MAYA: YOU MUST GET MORE SLEEP!!! You are going to burn my friend out!!! Not good!!! BAD!!!

REMEMBER: Growth Hormone is produced at night when you are sleeping… you are not helping your body by getting 3 hours of sleep a night, it cannot regenerate, repair itself etc… lots and lots of problems can be traced back to not enough good old fashioned sleep – take a hint from God, the sun goes down at night so that you can sleep!!! And wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

Do not redo the – ignore the 500 grams but watch what happens tomorrow – remember you will always go up a tad, down a tad, but, if up 2 pounds in 1 day, then cut out starch for 24 hours…

Best friend forever is WATER… and weighing yourself so that you can see how your body reacts…

Please keep in touch and show all of us your Dolphin photo’s!!! I want to see them too!!!