Yesterday I weighed 147.8 pounds, this morning 148. It would be fantastically awesome if your scales always moved in the same direction, but fluctuations throughout the week are totally normal.
I’m just happy to still be under 150!
Regardless of the numbers on the scale, I can see and FEEL huge changes in myself. Losing weight slowly is helping me get used to those changes, and get comfortable with “the new me.”
I was fresh out of the shower yesterday morning and sitting on the back deck enjoying a coffee, when I realized my stomach was NOT resting on my lap where it used to sit.
Looking down at myself, I realized how different I look – and how different I felt. I took this “selfie” to get a better view of myself:
Different feels WEIRD. Scary weird sometimes. 😛 lol. But it also feels GREAT!
It’s a strange thing, accepting the “new normal”. Looking at this picture, I also noticed how LEAN my upper legs are getting. If you want to see some recent comparisons, check out my Spanx Review from 6 weeks ago (six SHORT weeks ago!!) – especially the Spanx knockoff pics. My body is changing FAST! 🙂
Here is my Low Carb Food Diary for Day 43 of the “Get Lean For Summer!” 90 Day Low Carb Challenge. It’s not too late to join us if you haven’t already!
Day 43: Monday’s Low Carb Meals
Remember my hiking buddy, Joe? We’ve been hanging out a lot lately. What started out as a great friendship and BIG fun has turned into a beautiful Spring romance. 🙂
He’s been supportive of my goals from the start, and even joined right in! Yesterday we hit the trails together, but when he showed up I still had to eat real quick. We’d both started our days with just coffee, so I whipped up a quick “breakfast for two.”
That’s my handy little Ozeri kitchen scale on the counter – and yes, I weigh & measure everything! lol
This second photo made me realize how TONE my thighs are getting. 🙂
I cut up two Oscar Mayer Smokies (zero carb) and scrambled 6 eggs with colby jack cheese – in real butter. It made for a quick & easy meal, and very filling. Split by two I had one smokie and 3 eggs (1.2 carbs).
We put in some serious miles and worked up a good sweat on our walk. I got back and had to hop on a client all, so I just grabbed something quick for lunch: Oscar Mayer turkey slices, almonds & colby jack cheese off the block. Simple!
I had to run out for coffee, and also picked up some almond meal & parmesan cheese to make low carb breads this week (!!). 🙂
While I was out I grabbed a Low Carb Thickburger from Hardee’s for dinner. I ordered it plain with cheese & mayo, making it zero carbs.
Late last night I had a nice treat: coffee & dessert. 🙂
It was just 2 ounces of Philadelphia cream cheese, 1/4 cup raspberries & an ounce almonds – which came to 8 net carbs and 80% healthy fats.
I love berries & cream cheese together. So simple, but SO good!
Here’s My MyFitnessPal Diary for Monday:
Tracking Macronutrients (Simple Explanation of Macros)
How To Get Net Carbs in MyFitnessPal
Calories: 1687
Net Carbs: 19
Total Carbs: 27
Protein: 80 Grams
76% Fat, 19% Protein
Exercise: 3.10 Mile Walk + Dancing
FitBit Steps: 10,323
Water: 56 ounces
I was SO close to 10,000 steps on my Fitbit last night, so around 11:30 I got up and danced to a Pink Video to reach my goal. 🙂
I focused on my arms & core mostly, which felt great! But probably looked goofy. 😛
Here’s a picture of Slim and I on our walk yesterday. We walked all the way down the river, across the bridge and around the dam, up the other side, then back across the railroad tracks.
Those shorts are SO big on me in the waist now, lol. I had to belt them up tight to keep them on for the walk. 😛 I seriously need to find a local seamstress to take in some of my favorite clothes!
Slim only has a good mile or so in him (danes are couch potatoes, lol), but it was cool enough yesterday to take him over 3 miles with a few breaks. He turned 7 in April – you can see how grey he’s getting. 🙂
That photo above is so accidentally inappropriate. 😯 haha. As was this video:
Watching that video above, which was in August (only 9 months ago), makes me realize just how bad my hair is lately. It’s been breaking off and falling out SO much, so it’s a lot shorter – and looks rough.
I’ve been taking Hair Skin & Nails to get it back in shape. I should have never stopped. 🙄 It’s very common for your hair to break off & fall out when you experience rapid weight loss, by the way. It’s a normal side effect.
Speaking of video, Slim got to go skateboarding on our walk yesterday! He loved it. 🙂 You can see the video here.
It was a good day with great low carb foods that were all super easy, plenty of exercise and good company. I still haven’t done my Ab Carver Pro workout this week yet, so I’ll do that today. I love that I’m finally exercising consistently – and even more so that it’s showing!!
How is your week going so far?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
Ya’ll are lookin’ good Lynn. Slim says hey now I ain’t tryin’ to lose any weight I need my couch!! He is loving the outside I am sure though.. Keep on Keeping onLynn your doing great !
Thank you Sandi! lol, Slim loves playtime! π He lives in my shadow, so he pretty much loves to go anywhere and do anything – as long as he gets to be by my side. True love!! π
I had a good feeling about you and Joe! Sounds like a fun and exciting relationship! Happy for you! I love how patient you are with that darn scale because I know how easy it is to let it run your emotions! You have really motivated me to stay on track! Today is day 10 for me! I was down 3# the first week. I love Slim, he looks like a gentle giant for sure!
Thank you, Barb π π I had a good feeling too!!
Patience with the scale… that took awhile, lol. I had to learn to focus more on my goals, on the long game, on eating healthy & BEing healthy, than on the weight alone. That has really helped me A LOT.
Congrats on getting started and staying consistent!! π I wish for you a much shorter journey than I’ve had myself, and learning the hard lessons much faster. π
OMG I wish I could say my journey has been shorter than yours but apparently I’m pretty hard headed and stubborn! I think the first time I ever tried LC was about 15 years ago. Throw having 3 babies in there and trying LC throughout. I did do WW after my 2nd was born and got to goal. Got pregnant with 3rd and gained it all back. Since the 3rd (who is 12) I’ve yo yo’d around never sticking with LC longer than 6 weeks. So yeah, I don’t learn things easy either! My main reason for going LC is to help with my sugar addiction. I get it under control with LC and then convince myself I can eat sugar moderately. It always ends up in a spiral down. This time I believe there is no going back to sugar. I have no control once it’s in my system. So I am in this LC journey for the long haul!
I am the same way – once you “feed the monster” it comes right back. And for me it GROWS lol. Ack π
Here’s to a healthier lifestyle, a better mindset, and becoming our happiest selves ever!! *cheers*
Awww yay!! There’s no better relationship than one that grows from friendship. I’m so happy for you. And btw you look great!! Consistency is really paying off for you. βΊ
Yesterday was a good day for me. It “shark week” lmao again so my stomachs upset and I didn’t feel like eating too much. My meals were:
B: bpc, 2 boiled eggs, 2 pieces turkey bacon
L: wasn’t all that hungry so I had some pepperoni and 1oz colby jack cheese (I zapped the pepperoni in the microwave which turned them into crunchy chips)
D: grilled chicken breast, 1/2 cup green beans
S: 1 sf jello cup w/sm spray of whipped cream
I drank 40oz of water, my fat was 83% and my net carbs were 7. All in all I’d say it was a successful day.
A successful day indeed! π And thank you… I agree too, the friendship alone has been such a welcome thing in my life. Someone to walk with, share with, great conversation, fun hikes – all such a wonderful addition!!
Absolutely! I wish you all the best βΊ
I read your post every day. It helps me get into a good mindset to lose weight. I have gone years without focusing on myself and gone on and off diets. I have done great on this diet thanks to you. I am even walking most every day now. I started on February 22nd and purposely had a couple of cheat days that set me back, but I went right back to the diet. It is comfortable for me now to get back on track when I go off. I have about nine more pounds to go and then I think I will try to maintain. It sounds very doable and not outlandish to accomplish this. I am losing slowly, but sure enough the pounds disappear.
Thank you, Amy – I’m so glad to hear that!! π Kudos for taking control and sticking with it. 9 pounds from goal is great! What are your plains for “maintenance” when you reach that goal??
I think I will stick with this way of eating. I like how I feel. I get migraines and they have improved so much. I imagine I will indulge in some cravings at times, but I am going to try to stick with low carb.
Me too, Amy. π It’s the only way I can maintain my weight loss anyway – plus, like you, I feel SO much better eating low carb!
So ive tried low carb many times but really have never been successful at losing wiehgt and one time I even gained weight! I’m guessing I ate too many carbs while trying to avoid them. Can you tell me how soon you lost weight on a LC diet? And does everyone experience carb flu? We were on vacation last week and I ate more carbs than I care to remember so I’m starting new this week.
Also, I’m not a meat lover, actually prefer to be vegan/vegetarian, but I can handle chicken and turkey when I have to. Any meatless ideas for me?
Thanks
Hi Laura,
I lost 8 pounds in the first 10 days when I first started. You want to stay at 20 net carbs a day. Here’s a checklist to get started, lots of helpful info: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/start-low-carb-diet/
There are TONS of low carb foods to choose from, so you can get as picky as you please. π At the link I gave you there are some good food lists. Just use those and pick what you like to make your own list.
I’m trying to add fiber to my fitness pal app on my phone but I don’t see where to do that. I don’t see food in settings. Do you know how to so this on an IPhone 6?
Hi Laura,
You have to set that up online. The MFP hack for net carbs only works online – not on the phone or tablet app…
Laura, I had problems even setting it up on my computer so I downloaded an app called Carb manager (it’s a green looking app), It was 3-4.00 but well worth it if you aren’t having luck with the other.
I feel like it’s too late in your 90 days to actually do it together. What is you plan or recommendation for after u complete your 90 days or for someone starting today?
It’s not too late to join us, Kelly! π I’ve been going for over 5 years, and will keep going – and the group is open year round. π Everyone kind of started at different times for the most part. Start today. You’ll be so glad you did!!
I am so happy for you!!!! Congratulations on the spring romance. I hope he’s good to you. I’ve never met you but all women deserve someone good in their life. Someone to treat them well. Oh and by the way, you look amazing
Thank you, Michelle. π He’s a nice man and a great friend, and we’re having tons of fun together! That’s all you can really ask for this early on, hey? π
Ah…I love your spring romance, he seems like a positive influence in your life, and we all need that! I love your simple meals, I really think a big part of me stays with this is your simplicity, and your “realness”. I started Feb 20th, and have only lost 16-17 lbs (depends on day) but I feel like I’m making progress, and feel content. And Usually one or both of those are not here this many weeks later, so I am staying the course.
Thank you JoAnn. π I do love simple, and it’s one of the things I love about eating low carb – it’s so easy, no matter where you are (the kitchen, or out & about, traveling, etc).
16-17 pounds lost is great! I know firsthand what that weight feels like ON the body, and how great it feels OFF the body. π My only real option is to keep going… or gain it back – which does not appeal to me at all! Kudos for sticking it out. π
Hi Lynn, I deleted the posting with the blueberry crepe. Is there a way to go back into previous days postings? If not, can you repost it? Also, are people’s weight affected by drinking vodka once in a while? I haven’t had any alcohol and yesterday I was out for lunch with friends and I had a vodka martini. My weight was up this morning. It could have been the salt in the lamb burger, but not sure if it might have been the drink. Thanks, Susan.
Hi Susan! It’s on the main page of the site, but here’s the direct link: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/10979/low-carb-blueberry-crepes/
Alcohol metabolizes slower than food, and first, so it creates what is referred to as “the alcohol stall.” It’s best to just not weigh yourself for a few days after a drink while it metabolizes. π
Hi Lyn
I have not gone off the wagon. Lol. I had a lot going on since Sunday….lots of stress
(for a moment comfort food popped in my mind but i quickly dismissed those old bad thoughts about food)
I am staying in a Hotel since Monday. I have to have some repair work on my home( long story) i may be here for a while so i have been using your helpful tips on eating healthy and low carb while eating out
I had the Chicken Club from Hardees ( bunless) i did not know this but the lady at Hardees said i could order any sandwich low carb. It is served exactly how you picture it. Yesterday i had the low carb burger
I am thinking of ordering from Applebees one day soon.
I also got my cottage cheese and strawberries to have in the hotel. There is a small fridge in my room. I bought my pecans and walnuts too. π
I am so glad that i have been reading your posts everyday to get some great ideas on how to order food while out. It helped me a lot.
I have not weighed myself yet but i go to the doctor tomorrow and i will wait to get weighed there. I hope i have a pleasant surprise
Lyn….you are looking good. I also had a “good feeling” about you and Joe. You both seem to have a lot in common and it really neans so much when you have someone in your life who is supportive. I am happy for you!! And he seems very nice as well as he is good looking. π its great that he and Slim are buddies too. π
I am staying on plan …….all i am commited!!!
I drink Spring Water. But i do not know which brand is the best or the purest.
I love FIGI water but it is very pricey to drink regularly. I also like the smart water
I HATE those little plastic water bottles. I always get a bath everytime i open the bottle Lol. π the Smart water bottle is sturdy. I like that.
I buy the Ice Mountain spring water or Crystal Geiser spring water butbi still prefer FIGI water…..it tastes so fresh and high pure.
I am tried one from the health food store…..Alkaline water……it was very pure tasting. It is also expensive. (of course)
I also have a Brita filter. (pitcher) i filter my water when i do not have bottled water
I buy a gallon of distilled water to make my coffee or tea
One thing i want to share. (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) Do not leave water bottles in your car exposed to the sun for a while. It has been reported to cause Cancer. I think it has to do with the plastic being heated to higher temps that then affects the water
Sheryl Crowe was talking about this. She is a breast Cancer survivor and was told that her cancer was caused by the plastic water bottle left in her car too long and exposed to heat. Then she drank that water. IDK but it doesn’t hurt to be careful..
Just remember that “comfort food” is anything but comforting. π You end up feeling bloated, miserable, disgusted with yourself, discouraged – it’s the opposite of how you WANT to feel. π
There are tons of easy foods you can eat. I love keeping it simple, like meat & cheese rollups, nuts & laughing cow creamy swiss wedges, the cottage cheese with nuts & berries has great macros too – so that’s a good option.
It’ll be interesting to hear the food choices you make this week! π
And yes, Joe – quite handsome, tons of fun, and such a great friend. I’ve missed GOOD conversation and laughing HARD. π Even better that we both like to get out and sweat, lol.
Thanks Lynn and Susan for the info about carb counting set up.