The Magic Bus Trip

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

I'm hoping that starting a journal will help keep me more accountable as I keep falling off the wagon lately. (Maybe the bus will be easier to hold on to Cool

)

I'm 33 (till next week), a new mom (to an almost 10 month old) and sick to death of being fat and tired all the time.

I have previously lost 100 lbs on a VERY restrictive diet so I know the willpower is there somewhere. Of course, back then I wasn't living in a house full of ice cream, chips, cookies, and bread.

But I suppose my husband can't help that he's a freak of nature who can eat nothing but junk and still occasionally exclaim from the bathroom 'I lost two pounds last week'.

So far I've managed not to take an axe to him in his sleep LOL

I've got PCOS which is a hormonal disorder that includes all kinds of unpleasant side effects, one of which is insulin resistance. I've recently decided that I can just about 'cure' myself by changing my diet and losing the weight, not to mention prevent diabetes which is probably right around the corner if I'm not careful.

Anyway - I'm gearing up for the March Hardcore Contest and I'm ready to do it right this time.

Thanks for having me on the bus - I'm hoping that radio plays some metal once in a while!

Dean · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:19 am Post subject:

to Journaland, MetalMama! Cool

Glad you started a journal. It will surely help keep you on track. Yup

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

jeff · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject:

Welcome to Jounaland, MetalMama. I think journals really do help keep you on track and accountable.

BTW, the Magic Bus video jukebox plays all kinds of music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRYDetbwegs
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Things I will be giving up for the March Contest:

Bacon
Sausage
Mayo
My beloved ranch dressing (love it on steak)
Olives
Salt
Diet Pepsi Cry

I actually think steering clear of the Diet Pepsi is going to be the hardest part. My mornings will be very depressing without my Pepsi fix!

Have to pick up some 'un'salted butter - sounds awful, hopefully it won't be too bad.

Jeff - I gotta ask, is that YOU in your avatar?

jeff · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

Heather · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

Welcome to journal land.

I love ranch dressing on the side of my steak, chicken, etc. as well.

LOL

Sorry to hear about your husband. LOL

_________________

Heather

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Heather L · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 7:48 pm Post subject:

Welcome to journaland, MetalMama.

What a cutie pie you have in your avi!!

I have to give you props for not using an axe on your husband for losing weight without trying, while eating junk.

jeff · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:56 pm Post subject:

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Thanks Heather (both of you) - yeah, it's really hard with my hubby around but I've decided to keep him for now LOL

The cutie pie is my son and my main motivation.

Yes Jeff, it sure was - you are smokin'!

The first order of business will be eliminating 'the lick' (now try to stay on the dietary path here with me - I've peered in a few other journals and had no idea the bus had a red light district! Devil

). 'The Lick' is what happens when I prepare my husbands nightly ice cream mountain. I diligently scoop 4 to 5 different flavors of ice cream for him and then lick the remaining blend of melty evil goodness off the scoop.

It's been easy for me to excuse it - after all it's just one little lick, but clearly it's got to go.

jeff · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject:

Yes, "the lick" has to go. If you need a substitute.....just step to the back of the Bus. I'm sure we can find you something. Devil

_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

jeff · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject:

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

It's become clear to me that the Pepsi corporation has been cleverly adding heroin to their Diet Pepsi to keep people hooked, there can be no other explanation for this kind of yearning. Bastages!!

Ate a lot of food today - all clean but I was hungry constantly - probably another adverse affect of the Pepsi withdrawal LOL

Dean · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:49 am Post subject:

When you crave carbs, you crave food. When you're over that, you won't even think about food. You'll have to remind yourself to eat. Cool

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

jeff · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:10 pm Post subject:

y0u · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:19 pm Post subject:

Hey there, thanks for visiting my journal, looks like your journal was getting pretty lonely. Sounds like we are in the same boat indeed!! I think I saw you in the February challenge, I am excited about that!! I am sure we can learn a few things from each other and hopeefully lose some weight and improve our health along the way. I think I will post the stats of my last months experiment in my journal, I had pretty good luck with it, and I am upping the stakes this month just a little bit.

Oh, before I forget, I cooked my wings at 425 and then broiled them in the end to get em crispy! I also flipped em once to get both sides all crunchy.

Take care, y0u. Sunny

_________________
Flap-a-doodle-kick-a-poodle-kitty-kitty-cow-cow ~ Fat Freddy's Cat

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Really have to make some wings soon - your picture made me drool, they look sooo good.

The scale is finally moving in the right direction which is a great motivator.

I'm starving tonight for some reason even after a bacon snack - probably a sign I need to go to bed. I sometimes think I confuse the desire to taste something delicious with true hunger. How do you really know that you're hungry?

I HATE pizza commercials - I really miss pizza.

jeff · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 3:04 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:04 pm Post subject:

Metal-- I agree with you about those food commercials. Ugh. Sometimes I just close my eyes or look at something else until they are over. OOOH, or better yet, when I record something to DVR then I can just fastforward through all the commercials. Sweet!

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Thanks Jeff - I'll have to try that method.

Yeah, DVR is definitely the way to go!

Still doing fine but battling cramps. I don't just get them in my calves but in my back, ribs etc. The worst part is I almost always get one during sex now...really ruins the mood. I'm taking Potassium, Magnesium, and a combo Calcium/Zinc. I'm trying now to drink more water in hopes that will help, this is difficult though because I am rarely thirsty. I frequently forget to drink anything - even with meals. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

I'm thinking wings for tomorrow...mmmm wings

Dean · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:45 am Post subject:

MetalMama,

For some reason, I've not had any cramps this time around, and I'm talkin' since Nov 24th! I do salt, and I think that may help. I also do drink lots of ice water if I get thirsty. I Heart

ice water! It has been the only drink I've had for a month! Yup

I know what you mean about the cramps during sex thing. Nothing will spoil an orgasm more than a leg cramp! Mad

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

jeff · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:40 pm Post subject:

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

I don't know what it is but I sure would like to find out. Last night my toes started cramping - OUCH!

Salt is definitely not a problem - if anything, I probably need to cut back a little on it.

Jeff - that's sort of how I used to be. I've temp. given up Diet Pepsi and I just have no desire for water - I'm not even thirsty really so I hardly drink any. I keep thinking that must be it so I'm consciously trying to up my water intake.

If this doesn't help...don't know what I'll do - it just sucks.

Lynne · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:36 pm Post subject:

hello over here..
i didn't know you started a journal.
i really need to get around the forum more.

here's wishing you excellent chix wings & no more cramps!
_________________
"Failure is an opportunity to start again more intelligently."

Nicola · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject:

jeff · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject:

You're right, Nicola, I do drink quite a bit of coffee. How could I forget? LOL

_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

y0u · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:59 pm Post subject:

Metalmama, in regards to leg cramps. Do you eat anything with potassium in it? It is found in Avocados and other plant and fruit cells. If like me, you are not eating any of those, you may consider a potassium supplement. I was having really bad leg cramps, muscle cramps, and they went away within 2 days after adding a bit of potassium to my diet.

If you take any BP medications, read up first, as high doses of potassium may cause heart palpitations. I have had no problems taking a low dose a few times a week.

Just a thought, y0u.
_________________
Flap-a-doodle-kick-a-poodle-kitty-kitty-cow-cow ~ Fat Freddy's Cat

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

I'm taking two 99mg potassium pills a night. I don't have any naturally in my diet at the moment.

I've managed to avoid them the last two days but still came very close - you know that tingly feeling you get when you're just about to get one. I was frozen like a deer in headlights not moving hoping I could avoid it.

Maybe the water is helping...we'll see.

Had cheese over the weekend (I've been off dairy for about 3 weeks) and it was so delicious...I do miss it. For now though, I'm going to continue to steer clear.

Saturday night I was in a jam, my husband wanted to eat at Chik-fil-a so I sat there and watched him eat nuggets and waffle fries. He couldn't believe that I couldn't eat a single thing on the menu - he kept referring to previous things I had eaten there (salads - before I gave up vegetation). He even offered to peel off the breading of a nugget for me - haha. Then we had to go visit family and by the time we were heading home, it was late, I was stressed and starving. The only thing around was fast food so I stopped at a Wendy's.

Normally, this kind of circumstance just makes it so easy for me to excuse myself into cheating...and cheating hard. I can't say that I wasn't tempted still (that oreo frosty was calling me) but I went with a Baconator (plain with no bun) and was satisfied.

Technically I still cheated (in my book) but if a cheat now is a bit of cheese - I can live with that. It was an accomplishment.

jeff · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:46 pm Post subject:

Dean · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:57 pm Post subject:

Great job on sticking to your guns, MetalMama! Cool

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

y0u · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:11 pm Post subject:

I think you did amazingly well, I would not call it a cheat, maybe a compromise. I hope I do so well this Wednesday at my 3 year old Nephews "pizza birthday party". AKK! Maybe I'll eat at home and just drink water at the restaurant.
_________________
Flap-a-doodle-kick-a-poodle-kitty-kitty-cow-cow ~ Fat Freddy's Cat

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

I've been doing well. The weight is coming off and I'm moderately satisfied.

One realization I've come to recently is that I don't think the cravings will ever go away for me. I've always gone ahead thinking that eventually they will just pass and I won't think about forbidden food anymore but the truth is that I am like a recovering addict living in a crack house.

My home is filled with SAD junk from candy to chips, donuts and cookies, ice cream etc. As long as I'm living with my husband I'm always going to have cravings because they are here assaulting my senses constantly. I just have to get past it and get over it.

These past few weeks I've managed to purchase this food - physically handle it (pack lunches, scoop ice cream etc.) and live with it in eyesight without 'tasting' any of it. I'll be the first to admit - it's HARD! However, I know I can do it and will just have to continually remind myself to be strong. It's simply too easy to let a bad day temporarily negate your resolve and the next thing you know you're elbow deep in a bag of Cheetos. I can't get comfortable around the snacks - they must always be my enemy! I will snarl at them every chance I get - haha.

I also have to stop overeating - anytime I make something that tastes really good I eat until I'm just stuffed and sometimes even a little more. This is particularly bad when I'm making enough for my meal and lunch the next day and end up with an empty pan. Gotta work on that. At least it's just meat I'm pigging out on...but still.

Lynne · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject:

you are sooooooooooooo not alone.
everything you said...
sounds like me.
we are true addicts and must remember it every single day.

good post MM. Yup

_________________
"Failure is an opportunity to start again more intelligently."

Manaloa · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:18 am Post subject:

I'm right there with you. Sounds like you're married to my DH. Grin

I have to tell you, it does get a little easier after a while. I've been ZC off and on for the last couple of years and after a couple of months you start looking at carbage like it's not even food. You just have to get there w/out any cheating. LOL

_________________
Manaloa

Heather · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 3:57 am Post subject:

Wow, it's like you read my mind. My house is not filled with stuff but I still crave it all the time... I can be doing so good then the cravings hit like a freight train. Sometimes I can resist and it's easy, sometimes I can't. And I find certain times of the month are easier to resist as well. I wonder if the cravings ever end?
_________________

Heather

Heather L · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:59 pm Post subject:

I think many of us can relate to what you wrote. I experience most of those things as well. My DH eats all those nasty things(carbage), as do my friends. I am surrounded. LOL

Ultimately we learn to do what we must in spite of it all, but it is NOT for wimps!!

jeff · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 8:58 pm Post subject:

Heather · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:23 pm Post subject:

Miriam · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:19 am Post subject:

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

I can't give myself a 'cheat' meal.
I can't have just one taste.
I can't have just one piece because it's my son's birthday.
Or...because it's mine.
I can't order what I want just for today because I deserve it.

It doesn't matter how much I miss that particular food or how good I've been, or how good I promise to be right after.

It WILL derail me.

I don't care how many times I have to repeat these statements I'm going to get it through my thick skull once and for all. I'm so tired of losing ground and restarting. I don't want to do it anymore.

I just want to feel well, and I know this is the way to do it.

Today....I start again. I know I can do this, and I WANT to do this.

No more crap, no more excuses - just do it!

Day 1 - 327.8 Cry

2 Ribeyes
1lb bacon
Lots of butter

jeff · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Thanks Jeff - I really hope I have.

Day 2: 324.6 (I don't plan on weighing myself every day but I knew there would be a big dip after my recent carb binge so I wanted a better base point.

Eats so far:

Ribeye swimming in butter
Few slices of bacon

Tonight will be Baby Back ribs without my usual two tablespoons of barbecue sauce. Hopefully I'll still enjoy them.

Last night I was having some serious cravings so I had some cold (cooked) chicken breast dipped in melted butter. Seemed to take the edge off.

jeff · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 5:24 pm Post subject:

Your food sounds great. Keep it up!
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

In my zeal to eliminate carb cravings I overdid the fat yesterday and paid the price for it last night. Felt ok when I woke up this morning though, and plenty hungry so I've already eaten a 1/2 pound of bacon (normally don't eat till lunch).

Day 3:

Bacon
Leftover pork ribs for lunch
Ribeye in butter tonight

The ribs were pretty good but I really missed the wetness that bbq sauce gives. Another sad discovery last night was when I realized that the awesome Rib Rub seasoning blend I use (that is 0 carb) has sugar listed as the second ingredient. Guess it's just another of the loopholes in labeling that allows it to be listed as 0 carb. Probably has .9 carbs per tiny serving or something. Sucks.

I've decided I want to make it a full 30 days before adding back in any cheese or olives, nuts etc - things I normally allow myself to eat (when not cheating). I need to remain serious and dedicated and for now I think that means just meat, butter and seasoning.

I'm also going to make every effort to post daily and log my menu's just to keep myself on track. Coming here everyday will remind me to stay on course.

Heather · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 7:20 pm Post subject:

That's awesome. Yup

I wouldn't add back much until you're confident and comfortable with this way of eating, which usually means at least 2-3 weeks. Maybe set a date on the calendar where you will allow yourself to eat the olives, nuts, cheese in 4 weeks and make that "the date" to celebrate your recent success.

The first time I did zero carb I was ravenous for 14 full days then all of a sudden I felt normal and way better than I ever felt before.

And yes I highly recommend posting everyday, everything, the good, the bad and the ugly. Nobody will judge or criticize, we've all been there and usually more than once or twice or three times.... It definitely helps me keep focused.
Big Hug

_________________

Heather

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Thanks Heather!

Well - my eating wasn't exactly as I had planned. I ate a lot more! I ate an additional 1/2lb of bacon, some Steak-Umms and a big pork steak. I just couldn't seem to quench my hunger yesterday.

Woke up hungry again this morning, don't see any point in fighting it so I had a big Pork Steak for breakfast.

The plan is for a nice Ribeye in butter for both lunch and supper. I'll supplement with Steak-Umms if I get ravenous again (I'm out of bacon).

I bought those on a whim while in the freezer section of the grocery store - I was just completely shocked that the only ingredient was Beef. I figured high fat beef that cooks in seconds - why not. The texture is little odd but definitely would do in a pinch.

I think I need to make some jerky to have around for those times that I'm starving and have nothing defrosted. Maybe I'll attempt that this weekend.

Today is Day 4 and I'm still feeling motivated.

y0u · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 4:53 pm Post subject:

Your doing great..keep up the good work!!! Big Hug

_________________
Flap-a-doodle-kick-a-poodle-kitty-kitty-cow-cow ~ Fat Freddy's Cat

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Hubby decided we had to go out t.v. shopping last night and I was seriously mourning the nice thick Ribeye sitting in the fridge. I managed to talk him into eating at a place where I knew they had non-breaded, naked wings. I was so hungry that I cost us a small fortune in wing purchases.

I felt kind of ill last night (maybe I did overdo it on the wings) but better this morning.

Saturday's are always tough days for me, we go to a breakfast buffet full of carb laden crap and then are usually out running errands the rest of the day until we travel to my inlaws which means eating out at a fast food place that doesn't serve burgers (my husband doesn't eat ground meat). So I'm always scrambling to find something I can eat. I'll probably just stop at a burger place and get a couple burgers on the way or something.

Today is day 5 - I think I'll weigh in this morning, will post results later.

MetalMama · Location: GA Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 564 Gender: Female

Did ok at the buffet this morning - ate bacon, fried bologna and a few sausage links - not the best food but certainly better than any other options. You should see people looking at the fat girl loading up her plate with bacon, I'm sure they are all shaking their heads at me. Meanwhile they're putting gravy on their biscuits and syrup on their pancakes! Shock

Weighed in this morning: 318.0 - this makes me very happy! That is the lowest weight I reached while doing ZC this year before I fell off the bus, so I feel like I'm really back on track now.

My next mini-goal is 298, that is my pre-pregnancy weight (my son just turned two).

Speaking of which - I'm going to go romp with him outside before we have to head out to the in-laws. I lucked out on the meal as hubby just said he's craving steak tonight. Too bad my wallet doesn't luck out, I can make far better steaks at home for half the price these days but at least I know I'll be able to eat something.