MetalMama
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MetalMama's Mosh PitI'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 )
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
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!
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Dean
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to Journaland, MetalMama!
Glad you started a journal. It will surely help keep you on track.
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jeff
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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
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MetalMama
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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
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?
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jeff
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| Quote: | | Jeff - I gotta ask, is that YOU in your avatar? |
That pic was taken middle of last summer.
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Heather
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Welcome to journal land.
I love ranch dressing on the side of my steak, chicken, etc. as well.
Sorry to hear about your husband.
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MetalMama
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| jeff wrote: | That pic was taken middle of last summer. |
Umm...WOW!
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Heather L
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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.
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jeff
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| MetalMama wrote: | | jeff wrote: | That pic was taken middle of last summer. |
Umm...WOW! |
I'll assume that's a complement. Thanks.
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MetalMama
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Thanks Heather (both of you) - yeah, it's really hard with my hubby around but I've decided to keep him for now
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! ). '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.
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jeff
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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.
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MetalMama
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| jeff wrote: | 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.  |
Only if you promise it will be sweet
Apparently caffeine withdrawal really sucks! Wicked headaches and general crankiness all day yesterday - headache here again today - yay!
Woke up VERY hungry this morning - not sure what that's about.
Onward and forward!
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jeff
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| Quote: | Only if you promise it will be sweet |
Ummmm........no comment.
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MetalMama
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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
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Dean
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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.
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jeff
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| MetalMama wrote: | 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  |
It would not surprise me. It's been said that McDonalds adds sugar to their french fries.
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y0u
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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.
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MetalMama
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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.
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jeff
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| Quote: | | How do you really know that you're hungry? |
Wait 30 minutes. If you still feel "hungry", then imagine eating some nice fatty meat. If it seems appetizing, then you're probably really hungry. Go ahead and eat some meat. If it doesn't sound good, then it's just a craving. Either ignore it, or eat some meat.
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Heather L
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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!
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MetalMama
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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
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Dean
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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 ice water! It has been the only drink I've had for a month!
I know what you mean about the cramps during sex thing. Nothing will spoil an orgasm more than a leg cramp!
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jeff
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| Quote: | | I'm trying now to drink more water in hopes that will help, this is difficult though because I am rarely thirsty. |
You may be drinking too much water. I am a firm believer in only drinking water to thirst. I think too much water will dilute electrolytes. I use to get cramps. I have cut way back on my water. No more cramps. Some days I drink almost no water at all. I seem to rarely get thirsty. Remember, meat has alot of water in it. Most people are getting more water than they realize.
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MetalMama
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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.
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Lynne
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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!
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Nicola
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| jeff wrote: | | Quote: | | I'm trying now to drink more water in hopes that will help, this is difficult though because I am rarely thirsty. |
You may be drinking too much water. I am a firm believer in only drinking water to thirst. I think too much water will dilute electrolytes. I use to get cramps. I have cut way back on my water. No more cramps. Some days I drink almost no water at all. I seem to rarely get thirsty. Remember, meat has alot of water in it. Most people are getting more water than they realize. |
Jeff, what about the coffee; are you drinking that to thirst? What if you didn't drink coffee?
Nicola
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jeff
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You're right, Nicola, I do drink quite a bit of coffee. How could I forget?
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y0u
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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.
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MetalMama
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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.
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jeff
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| Quote: | | 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. |
Congratulations. Well done. Yes, if that is the extent of your cheats, you'll be fine.
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Dean
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Great job on sticking to your guns, MetalMama!
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y0u
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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.
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MetalMama
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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.
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Lynne
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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.
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Manaloa
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I'm right there with you. Sounds like you're married to my DH.
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.
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Heather
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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?
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Heather L
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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. Ultimately we learn to do what we must in spite of it all, but it is NOT for wimps!!
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jeff
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| Heather L wrote: | 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. Ultimately we learn to do what we must in spite of it all, but it is NOT for wimps!! |
Oh yeah, I am surrounded by that crap at every turn. At home, at work, everywhere. I have learned to view carbage as not even being foodl
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Heather
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| jeff wrote: | | Heather L wrote: | 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. Ultimately we learn to do what we must in spite of it all, but it is NOT for wimps!! |
Oh yeah, I am surrounded by that crap at every turn. At home, at work, everywhere. I have learned to view carbage as not even being foodl |
Hmmm, interesting. I need to get to that point, not that I consider carbs food but maybe not dangerous enough to stop putting them in my mouth.
ZC in the mouth.....
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Miriam
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| MetalMama wrote: | | 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. |
I guess I don't understand. Why do you think you are overeating? If you can eat more then eat. It's just meat and fat and damn it's good.
I try to eat until one more bite is going to gag me. And that means that the cravings, if I get them, will not cause me to fall face down into carbage.
In fact it is a great way to lose cravings.
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MetalMama
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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
2 Ribeyes
1lb bacon
Lots of butter
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jeff
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| Quote: | 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! |
That's the spirit! Yes, you can do this. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we finally find the strength to make a change. And that goes for alot of things in life.
Maybe you've reached that point.
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MetalMama
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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.
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jeff
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Your food sounds great. Keep it up!
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MetalMama
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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.
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Heather
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That's awesome.
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.
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MetalMama
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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.
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y0u
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Your doing great..keep up the good work!!!
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MetalMama
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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.
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MetalMama
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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!
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.
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y0u
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Hey look!!! Your shrinking!!!!
Good job at the buffet too!
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MetalMama
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Day 6:
I think I've made a big mistake...by inviting the hubby to eat in the kitchen with the family.
I used to have my home office in the kitchen occupying most of the space as well as the table. Evening mealtimes in our house consisted of me preparing my husbands meal and handing it to him in the living room and then putting my son in the highchair in the kitchen and feeding him while I cooked my meal and ate it (usually standing up in the kitchen).
Recently we finished an addition on our house and I have an actual office now - so I've cleared off the kitchen table and we have a real dining area again. I thought it would be nice if we all ate together as a family. I'm regretting that decision a little now. I've been eating my steaks very rare lately and really like them that way. In fact I really prefer a nice sear on both sides with it cold/raw in the middle.
Here's the problem I failed to think about before I opened my mouth and asked hubby to come eat with us. Hubby not only gets nauseous at the site of rare meat and or blood but thinks it also equals instant death. Whenever we eat out I have to order Medium Rare to placate him and he still insists I'll get sick, plus I move all the condiments/table cards etc. in front of my plate so he doesn't have to look at any of my gross 'pink' meat. Yes...I'm serious.
I don't mind sacrificing a little flavor when we're out (which isn't often) but when I'm home cooking my 2 minute Ribeye I want to enjoy it! I've put a strategically placed picture frame between our chairs (which looks ridiculous - haha) in hopes that will guard him from seeing any of my meat. I've also taken to cutting my steak into pieces and eating out of a bowl so as to mask it as well (plus it keeps all my meat soaking in the butter - mmmm).
Ah....the things we do - haha.
Last night was good, we went to a cheaper buffet/steak house combo and I saw they had a selection of 'premium choices' - I got a 1lb Ribeye for $15 which I thought was pretty good for a restaurant. (I'm also still really ravenous). Hubby went to get something while I was ordering so I took advantage of the situation and ordered rare. When they came out with our steaks I just shrugged and acted like they didn't cook mine enough. I used a menu to shield him from view and demolished that steak. You should have seen his face when I pulled the menu away and there was nothing on my plate. He also gets completely freaked out about fat - and always trims half his meat away because he sees a smidgen of fat. Oh well - I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Side note on restaurants - I always get a big kick out of steakhouses because inevitably the waiter will hand me the well done petite filet or lean sirloin and him the medium rare HUGE ribeye/prime rib etc. Cracks me up - they always think he must be the knuckle dragging neanderthal.
We also had to go shopping afterward because my husband just bought a mini-fridge for our bedroom so that he doesn't have to go all the way downstairs for his late night ice cream and coke fixes. (included in our addition is a new very large master bedroom which we are still furnishing). In the ice cream isle he's stocking our cart full of novelty items that make me drool on site. He's also picking out things for me - I keep reminding him that I can't eat that stuff but he's insisting that I can because it's 1/2 the fat or low carb. He just doesn't get it and it makes me crazy sometimes...maybe divorce would be easier
Anyway, I finally convince him I don't want anything and he lets it go with a comment about how I'll just end up sharing his in a few weeks anyway. Normally something like that would be insulting or hurtful to me but I really can't blame him - he's just going by past experiences and that's been the routine. I do great for a while and then I'll be sitting next to him watching a movie surrounded by his ice cream, chips and cookies and in a moment of weakness it's all over - I'm elbow deep in a bag of bbq chips and letting him feed my spoonfuls of ice cream. I really want it to be different this time.
I don't think that stuff will ever look bad to me, but I want to just be able to not even think about it. I bought some meat I'm going to try to turn into jerky. I think that if I can snack on something myself while he's having his nightly carb fest it will get me through it - at least for now.
Eats: Had a big ol' Ribeye in butter for breakfast - thinking wings for tonight.
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y0u
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I don't live with your DH, but it would be nice if he was a bit more supportive.
I hope you can find ways to enjoy your meals without having to hide your bloody meat from him..it just doesn't sound very healthy.
Maybe you should tell him that his ice cream and carbs makes you want to vomit...nah..just kidding..
Good luck..I say send him back to the living room to eat.
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MetalMama
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Yeah, he's not the most supportive but he doesn't agree with my approach either and is worried I'm doomed for a heart attack. I'm sure if I joined Weight Watchers or something he'd be on board and trying to help.
Last night while he was having his nightly snack fest I sat far away from him in a separate chair (we were watching a movie). He asked why I wasn't sitting with him and I told him I just didn't want to have to see and smell that crap. He finished up quickly because he wanted my company (glad to know I rate - haha). I may have to use y0ur vomit line though (Oh how I wish it were true!).
He's got some really weird food aversions that have taken some getting used to since being with him. How I ate my steak was never that important to me but now it is so he'll just have to deal with it however he can I guess.
Bought some more Ribeye tonight (going to go broke - but sooo worth it) along with some pork and shrimp that looked good. Also got some pork rinds to placate my snack cravings if need be.
Tonight was burgers and bacon.
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jeff
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Congrats on the weight loss. You're doing great. You seem to be in the proper frame of mind.
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MetalMama
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Day 7:
I've got two trays of Top Sirloin in the oven at 170 (with the door open about an inch) for jerky. My first attempt. No marinades, no seasoning at all - just plain ol' beef, we'll see how it turns out. My cats were sure interested in the process - about 1/2 way through the cutting I had quite an audience (hoping I'd drop a piece I'm sure).
I had about 1/2 a bag of pork rinds last night. Jumped on the scale this morning just to see if the salt had any affect - showed a 4lb gain. That was a shocker, seems kind of high for salt also but I'm going to let it go and weigh again in a few days.
My stomach was literally growling this morning so I cooked up a chuck steak with butter - just had the fat and scraps from the top sirloin for lunch and tonight will be the rest of the chuck and some shrimp with butter to mix it up a little.
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Heather
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That's an interesting situation. Is your husband overweight? How's the marriage otherwise? I have no clue, wow.... Now I'm confused.
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MetalMama
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Day 8:
Ate as planned yesterday with the exception of jerky - ate a LOT of jerky It came out pretty good, kind of hard to eat - almost like meat gum sometimes because it took a lot to chew it up but tasty and a perfect food to take somewhere. I tasted it at various stages of the drying process and couldn't decide just how dry I wanted it - in the end I let it go for about 8 hours I think. I had left a few pieces with fat on it so that I could experience what y0u called 'meat candy' and man was she right - it was fantastic. Crunchy bits of fat that burst in your mouth with yummy goodness - next time I'll definitely leave the fat on.
I've decided the weight gain is hormonal and will be temporary - I'm not going to stress over it and will weigh again next week sometime.
As far as hubby goes - he's not overweight. He seems to gain and lose the same 10lbs often. I mean he doesn't look like Jeff but he's not in bad shape either. He just has a great metabolism I guess. His sister is drop dead gorgeous and very slender and the mainstay of her diet is donuts and candy - just good genes I guess.
We've been living in a house under construction for a year with incompetent contractors, a recession, and a budget that went WAY WAY over - it's put a tremendous strain on our marriage and we're just starting to mend that now.
The thing is...I don't want him to change his eating habits (I don't think that's fair when it's me that has the problem) I just want to have mine accepted.
I've thought about it and I think the answer in this case is simple - the proof is in the pudding. He hugged me last night and said that I felt a little smaller around. This is key I'm sure - and I know that when he sees me shrinking he'll be excited about my progress (because the end result is something he wants as well) and things will be much easier.
No breakfast this morning but looking forward to a big Ribeye for lunch and then some pork ribs tonight.
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y0u
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MmmMmM...meat candy.. Make sure you refrigerate your jerky if you leave the fat on it.
Just keep reminding your DH how much sexier you will look in all the nasty lingerie you will be buying when you lose more weight....that might get him to be more supportive.. Not that you aren't sexy now..
I have to say..my rack is lookin fine these days with all the weights and push-ups I've been doing..
Enjoy your day..
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MetalMama
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Day 9:
I'm definitely not sexy y0u but I do plan on being so soon
I need to start using weights myself - I have some and a great training book as well. A few years ago I lost over a hundred pounds on a very strict no fat - moderate carb - low calorie diet. I didn't use any weights during this time and I think it really showed. In some ways I thought I looked better with the weight on because at least the fat kept my skin tight - everything got so loose and flabby. This time around I want to try to tone everything as I'm going. I eventually had some nasty side effects from the lack of fat (even started losing my hair ), I was carrying around a lot less weight but felt awful. My doctor told me I couldn't survive without fat and I needed to add some 'good' fat back into my diet. As soon as I did, it all went downhill - I got a taste of what I was missing and went right back to eating whatever I wanted. Oh well - this time it's so much better.
Grats on y0ur rack! I'm thinking I'm gonna need a lift for sure when this is all over.
I had gotten a wii for my birthday a while ago but finally set it up last night and played a few of the sports games. It's pretty cool and for someone as out of shape as me seems to really get the heart pumping. It'll be a fun way to get some extra movement in my life.
Finished off the Pork Rinds last night and had some more jerky - one thing I've noticed about snacking is that if something is there I'm going to eat it. I'm ok with that for now (because it's just meat snacking) but I'm sure I'm eating just to eat not because I'm hungry - will have to work on eliminating that later on.
The muscle cramps are back with a vengeance again - hate them so much. I've been getting especially bad ones in my ribs and back. I've added a multi-vitamin, more potassium and I'm going to up my water as well (this seemed to do the trick last time).
Today's eats will be:
Ribeye in butter
Pork Ribs
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MetalMama
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Day 10:
I've got a wicked sore throat today - hope it doesn't turn into a full fledged illness.
Ate an ENTIRE rack of pork ribs last night - this was a sizable one too!
Today's eats will be:
Ribeye in butter
Chicken wings
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MetalMama
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Day 11:
Not much to report - feel like crap today. Just want to curl up in bed and sleep for about 12 hours - unfortunately not an option
Wings were great last night - so good I ate beyond full and completely stuffed myself.
Today will be:
Ribeye in butter
bacon
Pork ribs
I really like having my food planned out for the day - it makes it so much easier to stick to.
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jeff
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Hope you feel better soon.
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y0u
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| MetalMama wrote: |
I really like having my food planned out for the day - it makes it so much easier to stick to. |
I plan my food out every morning and stick to it...I find it very helpful..Living alone I tend to cook batches of stuff and eat on for days at a time..It does get boring but it also is quite handy...
Hope you feel better.
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MetalMama
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Day 12:
Feeling a little better today - aside from the fact that I think I may have broken a little toe yesterday. It was just one of THOSE days!
Weight this morning was 318.0 - I'm glad to see the 4lb gain gone but was pretty disappointed I didn't get to see a loss. Oh well - hopefully next week.
Eats today were:
Bacon
Chinese beef spare ribs - so far so good on those, but I'm still waiting for some repercussions. Chinese is HARD to eat from, I think I made an ok choice...but probably some kind of sugar in the marinade - not sure. I also know they fry them in oil to warm them.
I'm noticing a little looseness in my clothes - hubby mentioned a difference when he hugged me too so that's always encouraging.
I've got a closet full of awesome t-shirts I can't wait to to wear!
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MetalMama
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Day 13:
Eats:
Bacon
Pork Ribs
Ribeye
Shrimp
bite of lobster
Butter
Pork Rinds
Still waiting for increased energy - hope it shows up soon.
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MetalMama
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Day 14:
Bought some Pork cracklins yesterday - don't care for those at all. The cats seem to like them though :-)
Still feeling really run down and lethargic but not really sick.
Today's eats so far has been bacon and a not fatty enough strip steak in butter (I'm going to go eat at Jeff's from now on).
Tonight will be chicken wings
Still need to start picking up some weights - must motivate myself!
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MetalMama
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Day 15:
Almost made it halfway without a slip-up. Last night I had a minor screw-up but reigned it in before it got out of hand.
Did some exercising to make up for it.
Back on track now and determined to make the next 15 days mistake free.
Today's plans are:
Strip steak in butter
Pork Ribs
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jeff
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You're doing great. Hang in there.
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Heather
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It takes me a long time to lose my water weight gain when I mess up with sugar. On May 17, I ate a piece of birthday **** and a scoop of *** ***** and gained 10 lbs in 2 days and yesterday, May 25 I was finally back to my pre birthday party weight. 7 days for one plate of sin and still no loss, just back to where I started.
That time of the month water weight gain is different but just as annoying. I always gain 2-3 pounds the day it starts and it takes about 3 days to lose that. Then the 4th and 5th days are my best/easiest time to lose more weight than during the entire previous month.
Hang in there, it will pass and you will lose so much weight, you will amaze them as they watch you melt into the hot, sexy Mama that you are.
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MetalMama
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Day 16:
Thanks Jeff and Heather.
I'm so tired all the time...I can't wait for the energy burst everyone talks about. I don't sleep well at all and am hoping that will also improve soon.
Today I've already had 1/2lb of bacon. The rest of the day will be as follows:
Strip steak in butter
Chicken wings
Been playing with the wii at night - not really exercise per say but it's getting me off my butt at little - so that's something. I'm going to dig out the weight lifting books I have and start myself on a program as well. I really have to push myself to get going - I just want to collapse at night (my only time to exercise). I know that once I start though I'll feel so much better - just need to get there.
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Heather L
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MetalMama- Exercise really helps me to feel better. Even a short workout has benefits. Here is one of my tricks. When I don't feel like doing it, I just make a deal with myself that I will do at least 20 minutes. By the time I get to 20 minutes, I feel good and want to keep going.
I know some people struggle with good sleep on VLC... something about ketosis. I hope this gets better for you with time.
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MetalMama
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Happy to report that I finally got off my butt this evening.
Did several sets of introductory body weight exercises and then 12 minutes of intervals on the treadmill (goal was 20 minutes). This was my first time doing intervals and it really wiped me out.
It's very clear just how out of shape I am but I'm proud to have finally started a program. The introductory portion of this training calls for 2 days of training per week with 2 days off between. After 2 weeks, I'll move to the beginner phase.
I've decided that on the off/rest days I'll do some simple wii exercises so as to keep physical every evening.
I'm excited about getting this going and building some muscle. My hope is that by this fall I will be able to take some substantial hikes and bike rides. We'll see how that goes.
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Dean
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Keep up the good work. You're doing so great!
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jeff
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That's great to hear, MM. I bet you'll be feeling better very soon.
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MetalMama
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Day 17:
Completely ravenous today - already consumed:
1/2lb bacon
big plate of wings
pork ribs
Finally I'm stuffed and can go on with my day
Tonight will be Strip Steak in butter.
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Heather L
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MM- Interval training can be very tough, but you will see the improvements in performance quickly.
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MetalMama
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Day 18:
Yeah Heather - those intervals really whipped my butt!! The good thing though is it certainly made the time go by a lot faster. I'm hoping I can do at least 15 minutes tomorrow.
I finally made a big score on meat! I've been searching endlessly for a local butcher (I live out in the middle of nowhere) and I finally found one about 40 minutes from me. So I made the trek out there this afternoon and found a big 13lb Ribeye - untrimmed. It was also $6.99 a pound which is $4 a pound cheaper than my grocery store. They cut it up into 1 inch steaks for me and boy was I excited - so much beautiful fat!! Came home and ate one for lunch!
The thing I've noticed about eating my steaks super rare as I have been lately is I don't like the fat that way. It's slimy and too raw. Today, I cut off a big hunk of fat from my steak as I was eating it and put it back in the pan and seared it some more - was so much better that way. I may have to trim my fat before cooking and fry it up separately so it gets nice and brown and crispy around the edges. Anyone else run into that?
Tomorrow is weigh in day again and I'll be honest here - I've been peeking at the scale this week and it hasn't moved. So disappointing, but I'm hoping something will show up first thing tomorrow morning. It just seems with as much as I have to lose that it should be falling off me.
I'm going to try to wean myself off salt - I add a little to wings and my butter that I eat with every steak is salted - maybe that's making a difference? Anyway - starting today I've switched to unsalted butter and I'm quitting the salt on the chicken wings. I don't like unsalted butter nearly as much but hopefully it'll grow on me. I'm desperate to get this weight off!!
Todays eats:
1/2lb bacon
Big fatty Ribeye with butter
Pork Chops tonight
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y0u
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I trim the fat off my steaks and fry in first to get it crispy.
On the salt issue..I limit my bacon because of that and use NoSalt..it helps a lot. I also make a compound butter out of unsalted butter, fresh garluc, rosemary, NoSalt, thyme, chives or parsley..whatever is growing in the garden and pepper.Blend it up in the food processor and it stores for a month...Don't miss the salt at all with all that flavor!!
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jeff
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I like my lean raw, but the fat warm and juicy.
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MetalMama
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Day 19:
The scale was finally kind to me this morning - 316.0
Perhaps it was just water from cutting out salt yesterday? Regardless - I'll take it!
Just completed my body weight exercises and 13 minutes of treadmill intervals - not as much as I wanted to do but still progress.
Todays eats:
Bacon, Bologna (Buffet again)
Pork Rinds (Probably WAY too much salt in these as well)
Wings tonight
At the buffet today I saw a very large man (upwards of 500 lbs?) load up his plate with biscuits (4) and then cover them all with gravy - he threw some bacon on there too. I felt just sick looking at him and what he was doing to himself. Of course...the irony is, I get those same kind of looks from people who watch me go up there and fill my plate with bacon - haha.
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y0u
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Yeah on the scale cooperating!!! You are doing great!!
Do you have any way to make your own pork rinds..or beef cracklings with NoSalt? Packaged pork rinds are obscenely high in sodium...I save them for a once every few months sort of treat and use them for a coating for oven fried chicken.
Processed foods in general seem to stall me...but I understand the importance of quick grab n go snacks. I make up a bunch of finger foods 1 or 2 days a week and keep them in the frig. This week I made sausage stuffed mushrooms..and jalapeno poppers. But skewers of meat would be good too and cold shrimp always hits the spot. And beef cracklings really are tasty. Just a thought.
Keep up being a loser..!!!
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MetalMama
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Day 20:
Y0u, I bought some NoSalt last night so I'm going to start using that.
The Pork rinds I bought this time, I got at a flea market - homemade. They are still pretty salty though, but SOOO much better tasting than store bought. I'm thinking about trying my own. I've seen packages of Pork Fatback at the store which looks like large strips of fat with the skin still attached. I've searched recipes for making rinds and they usually say to just bake the skin - so I don't know how I'd do it with the fat still attached, unless it was easy to cut it off? Any suggestions?
I've also never made beef cracklins - I'll have to look that up as well.
I cooked my Ribeye fat first today - got it nice and brown and then added my steak - YUM! So good - thanks for the tip Y0u.
Eats today:
Ribeye (with unsalted butter and NoSalt
Tonight I'm thinking wings again.
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y0u
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I have not made my own pork rinds so I cannot make any suggestions.
Beef cracklings..just fry the fat until it's crispy and save the liquid gold which is tallow. I do it on really low heat to render most of the fat out so I can have a bunch of tallow..But if that's not what your after..you can fry them at a higher heat..it just might damage the nutrients in the tallow.
Good job on the NoSalt!
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MetalMama
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Day 21:
I've got a Boston Butt roasting in the oven and the smell is making me crazy I don't know how I'll survive several more hours of this - haha.
It's getting so hot here already and it's depressing. I take my son outside to play everyday it's not raining and it's getting to be torture - it was over 90 yesterday and it's only going to get worse from here...blech. Guess it's time to get some kind of water toy or sprinkler
Today's eats will be:
Boston Butt (hopefully)
Ribeye
Possibly a few chicken wings
Finished up the homemade pork rinds last night and really want to try making my own now. Will have to talk to the butcher about seeing if I can get some skin.
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MetalMama
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Just had to pop back on to say that Boston Butt is fantastic stuff. It's so tender and juicy and fatty!! It's also dirt cheap so I encourage everyone to try one for themselves.
Mmmmm...pork goodness.
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MetalMama
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Day 22:
I never ate my Ribeye yesterday - the Boston Butt filled me up and there just wasn't room for another meal later - that is some fatty stuff!
I had a dream last night that I was at a business conference and all they had for food was donuts. I reasoned with myself that I had to eat something so it'd be ok as long as I got back to ZC when I got home. The man in front of me got his donuts and took a big bite. I watched him do this in slow motion and there was sugary syrup pouring down his chin and chest and I felt like I was going to throw up. haha - I didn't even cheat in my dream!
In reality... this morning I was bagging some of my favorite BBQ chips for DH to take to work and the smell was getting to me. I kept telling myself that I could just have one taste, just one chip and then move on with my life. Luckily I managed to shut that voice up. That's how it always starts with me...just one taste, one meal, one cheat and then 3 months later I'm discouraged and bloated again. It would have been nice if they made me nauseous but I'm very glad I didn't cave in and have a little more resolve now to boot.
Today's eats will be:
Bacon
Boston Butt
Ribeye
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jeff
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MM, great job resisting the temptations!!!!
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MetalMama
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Day 23:
I'm already thinking about having cheese back again - I LOVE cheese. We'll see how it goes. I'm definitely going to add things back in very slow to see how it affects me. Still have another week straight meat.
I was completely zapped of energy last night but trudged myself upstairs to do my exercising anyway. I barely made it through the bodyweight exercises and the first 5 minutes on the treadmill was really rough but once I started the intervals I got a second wind and actually made it a full 20 minutes.
I look forward to the day when I actually WANT to exercise and it's not such a chore.
Today's eats will be:
Bacon
Boston Butt
Ribeye
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y0u
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You will love exercise soon..trust me..especially when you start to see and feel the results.
I just worked a long shift at work..and lifted weights right afterwards..took all my frustrations out on those weights..I feel great!!
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MetalMama
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Day 24:
Y0ur progress is amazing - y0u're definitely an inspiration!
I'm so ready for this week to be over (work not zc) there's lots of changes going on at my company that's already just barely surviving. I've survived the layoffs, the terminations, the pay cuts and the hour cuts but there's only so much you can cut before you throw in the towel. This economy sucks so bad. Just keep hoping they can hang on.
Today's eats will be:
Bacon
Boston Butt
Wings
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MetalMama
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Day 25:
I think next time I make the Boston Butt I'll freeze half - it's still very tasty but frankly I'm getting a bit sick of it. For some reason I never get sick of my Ribeye.
Today's eats will be:
Boston Butt
Ribeye
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jeff
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I could eat ribeye every day and never get bored with it.
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MetalMama
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I think I have finally mastered my perfect steak
Cast Iron Pan on stove - High heat
Trim all fat from edges of steak and cut into small pieces
Throw fat in pan
Turn exhaust fan on high
Stir fat pieces and push to one side
Place steak in pan (cook for approx 45 to 60 seconds)
Continue turning fat pieces
Flip steak (cook for approx 30 to 45 seconds)
Turn off heat
Add 1TB unsalted butter to pan
Swish butter and fat pieces around (should melt on contact)
Remove everything from pan
Rest for 1 minute
OMG...absolutely incredible. Wonderful little crunchy pieces of fat and an almost raw inside steak with a dark brown sear...all swimming in melted butter.
It smokes up the whole kitchen but SO worth it!
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y0u
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That is pretty much what I do..except I cook it medium rare. Love love love my crispy fat!!!..and compound butter..
Keep up the great work Metalmama!!!
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Julia
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Great job MM! Your posts about Ribeyes are making my mouth water.
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jeff
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Yum, MM. Very similar to what I usually do.
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MetalMama
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Day 26:
Super aggravated today. *Warning - TMI Below*
REALLY long story short - took a sleep study - got diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. Hate the CPAP machine and it's not helping - doc gave me a 7 day free trial of a drug to help me feel more awake during the day. Works great - love it. Went to get the prescription filled today and the pharmacist pulls me aside to let me know that the drug renders birth control pills (which I'm on) ineffective. WHAT??
What aggravates me is that this is something my doctor should have made me aware of! Those birth control pills are like gold to me - I take them religiously without fail at the same time every day because I don't want to get pregnant. And here I've apparently been flying without a net for a week.
I'm not that concerned about being pregnant because I have other fertility issues so it's pretty unlikely but just pissed that I wasn't informed. It also means that I have to use another method of birth control which is a major pain in the ass in my opinion.
*rant over
It will be interesting to see how my body reacts to the drop in hormones - I'm scared, but I don't see the point in continuing them if they will no longer prevent pregnancy.
My hubby is seriously hoping he got lucky and scored this week (he is desperate for another child). Meanwhile I'm just going to stress out for the next two weeks and hope for the best.
Getting pregnant is NOT in my plans to lose weight and get healthy - ugh.
ANYWAY...today's weigh in was 315 - only 1lb this week but better than nothing.
Did my bodyweight exercises and treadmill intervals last night. Next week I'm going to add some very light weights to some of the exercises and bump my workouts to three days per week - wish me luck
Eats today:
Bacon and Fried Bologna
I'm guessing wings tonight (will be out)
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jeff
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I'd be pissed at the doc, too.
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MetalMama
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Day 27:
Bought some cheese last night in anticipation only 3 more days - yay! Last time I eliminated cheese and then added it back in it didn't seem to affect me negatively so I'm anxious to have cheese back in my life.
Ended up going to a little home cooking southern style restaurant last night so I scoured the menu and the only thing that wasn't battered and deep fried was called ham shanks. I quizzed the waitress about marinades, seasonings, sauces etc. and learned it was just ham with a little salt so I went for it. I vetoed the fries, veggies and cornbread it comes with - and received a tiny little saucer of shredded ham...very very salty shredded ham.
The more I have to do this type of thing in restaurants the more I've noticed just how small the meat portion of a meal really is. They fill the plate with loads of fries and some veggies and put a big basket of bread on the table and everyone thinks the portions are really great. In reality your getting a boatload of cheap carbs for your money - nice and cost effective for the restaurant, not so good for your health.
When we got home I cooked up a big bowl of garlic butter shrimp and had some pork rinds - much better.
Today's eats will be:
Bacon
Ribeye
Chicken Wings
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