Things I learned This Weekend

OK, so I learned some interesting things this weekend. 

First off, I still crave sugar!  Not nearly as bad as I did, but I'm kinda disappointed that I still have that craving.

Second, we went to Dion's for pizza on Friday night and we ordered a pizza and a pitcher of Dr. Pepper.  We each got a small paper cup (12 oz?) and refilled as wanted.  Well, I filled up my cup and I couldn't drink it!  I was shocked at how sweet the soda was.  I never remembered it being that sweet.  I drank about 1/2 of the cup and threw the rest away.  I was really pleased with myself that I didn't go hog wild over having some soda.  I was also surprised that I didn't like the taste all that much anymore.  I asked for a glass of water and drank that more than the soda.

Third, never buy donuts for church (especially krispy kreme).  They just call out to you no matter what.  I tried one of them also - way too sweet as well. 

So, the lesson I'm learning this week is that yes, even tho I am craving sugar, the taste is nothing like I remember it.  I'm pleased with my progress so far.  I'm curious to see what this coming week will hold.

Hmmmmmm...........

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks.  I haven't weighed myself and don't plan on it.  Been trying to figure out some way to check my weight loss (if any).  My clothes don't feel as tight and I'm sticking to the "diet" fairly close.  I'm not watching my carbs, but my sugars.  I try and eat only a things that have 3-4 grams of sugar per serving (or less).  I have learned doing this that I need to watch how many nuts I eat because even tho they have no sugars, they are extremely high in fat.  Now, it's "good" fat, not "bad fat", but it's still fat and I don't want to add anymore of that to my body.  I have had no bread in three weeks, no flour tortillas, only a few chips (I'm a sucker for chips and salsa), 2 pieces of chocolate cake (my daughter's birthday - but the 2 pieces were spread days apart).  Anyway, when I do eat something with lots of sugars, I'm controlling how much I eat.  This has changed a lot from what I used to do before.  I am become more aware of what I put in my mouth.  I use Splenda for my tea (which I drink almost all the time) and I've noticed I am using less of it.  I am realizing that my "sweet tooth" is shrinking.  I am not craving sugar or sweets like I used to. 

I have found a couple of recipes that really appeal to me.  Breakfast is a really hard thing for me.  I've never been a breakfast eater, but in January, I started cooking breakfast for my daughter before school.  I finally found an spinach omelette recipe that I liked.  Lunch is much easier as is dinner.  I made red chile meat this morning.  It should be really good tomrrow for breakfast. 

Lunch has been chicken salad (recipe on my blog), salads, hamburger patties and beans. 

Dinner has consisted of broccoli, salmon, shrimp, anything that doesn't have any flour products or sugar. 

It's been an interesting journey so far.  I have come to realize that I am not as tired as I was.  My body feels so much better.  I feel like I have a lot more energy.

So, what am I going to use as a way to judge my progress.  I'm thinking I'll use my wedding band to see if I can get it to fit my figure eventually. 

March on.....

A New Journey - losing weight one Sugar gm at a time

17 Years ago I gave birth to our daughter.  Since that time, I have yet to get rid of the excess weight I gained.  It's now time to try and get rid of it.  My first concern is the possibility of having diabetes.  No, I haven't been tested, but if you looked at my dad's side of the family, it's rampant.  My Mom's side, none.  I know that most things run from the Mom's side, but I just don't want to take that chance.  So, I decided 2 weeks ago to try and lose some weight. 

I think the biggest problem for me has been "hitting the wall".  You (or at least I) have to finally reach a point where enough is enough.  You are miserable in your clothes, refuse to buy a bigger size, don't want to look in the mirror and don't want anyone (especially your hubby) looking at you because you feel like you're bigger than your house.  The last one I know is not true, but at a certain time of the month, it sure can feel that way :-)

I have tried diet centers, weight loss clubs, gyms, walking, the Wii, the treadmill, my exercise machine, all to no avail.  I tried last October to lose weight.  I actually did it.  I tried eating 1500 calories a day.  I counted EVERYTHING that went into my mouth.  Do you know how tiring that is?  How frustrating it is to keep it at 1500 and not go over?  I hate living by my weight.  I want to go out and buy a size 8 pair of pants again.  I want to buy a Lg. shirt instead of an XL (which won't ever happen because I have really broad shoulders, but it's nice to dream).  I want to be able to wear my wedding bad.  I haven't worn it since I had my daughter all those years ago.  It sits in my drawer, very sad. 

In October I lost about 20 pounds, but then the holidays came and that counting calories went right out the window.  I welcomed all those lovely carbs into my life with open arms and an open mouth. 

Now, I'm not obsessed with food, but I do like it.  I love to cook and bake and share my goodies with my friends and family.  Thankfully, regretably, my husband only likes white cake with white icing, Snickers and peanut M&M's.  Oh, and cinnamon rolls, but I don't make them too often - they're a lot of work.  So, there normally isn't baked goods laying around my house.  There are however, chips and salsa and candy, lots of candy.

I don't own a scale -  I haven't in years.  I threw the thing out because I went to a diet place that had you weigh in EVERY DAY!!  Do you know how much your life ends up revovling around that darn thing?  I decided enough was enough and tossed it.  I now gauge by the size clothes I wear and in the scheme of things, I'm not doing bad.  I still wear the same size and have for the past 17 years or so.  The problem is, that is not where I want to be. 

So, where to begin.  Well, I have two dear friends who both have diabetes.  One of them lost a lot of weight by watching her sugars (not sugar, sugars).  She has been an encouragement to me and my other friend to finally jump in with both feet and get started to what I hope will be a successful endeavor.  This is a record of my journey.  It may be a short journey and total car wreck, but I'm going to give this my best shot and I'm bringing you along for the ride.  Hold on, it'll probably get bumpy.