Determined Dames 2016

wesheets

Sorry dudes, this is a lady thing.

Seeing as how this is the inter webs I'll try to carefully introduce myself and my goals. I'm 43 and have many children. They range in age from 2-23. I work from home. One of my children is autistic whom I homeschool. I was an onsite teaching vet, so I used to walk the campus and classroom throughout the day. I also used to jog 5K's about 3x a week. Now, I have a truly sedentary lifestyle. My neighborhood is hilly so walks or jogging attempts have to be scheduled as not all the kids can go along. I weighed 180 when I met my DH, and was a size 14. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It had been about 15 years since I was below 200. Now I'm 215. I'm 5'7" and have a goal of 150. I believe that I would comfortably wear a 12, and wear a M, and that is my goal. Health and strength, along with longevity, are my true goals. Currently I'm attempting to do Keto. Look it up (Ketogenic). It's not working for me, honestly. So, I'm considering doing something else. Until then, should we friend, remember that my fat and protein counts will be HIGH and my carb counts will be under 50. I recalculated my macros to include 1300 calories, a 35% deficit from my TDEE and I've actually gained a pound. SO....while I won't give up on Keto just yet, I will try to MAKE myself fit in exercise. How and when, I'm not sure. Remember: walk a mile THEN cast aspersions, otherwise don't judge Honestly? Most of us can do well if we can manage our eating, and then lose weight. Working out is awesome and I would love nothing more than to regain the musculature I had with some definition, but I'm not sure I can right now. As I do, I'll definitely post my success! Being this age and wanting to be in a decent bathing suit each summer has really wreaked havoc on my esteem. You know that yearly roller coaster where you count months until summer or spring, and then when those seasons hit you think if you just lose X amount you can still enjoy some of the summer? Yeah, me, too. My husband adores me and I am definitely loved. But, having been a swimmer in a past life I miss that physique. Even if I can't have that back-I'm not trying to-I WOULD like to wear a normal suit and feel comfortable. Other than that, I don't have any other motivations. I don't have time to dig into too many other groups but do lurk here and there. I just thought I'd add my hat into the mix of those seeking support. Posting here is fine I'm content to dialogue about daily struggles, successes, and questions. I'm hoping other ladies can join who are maybe in the same boat: mid-life, busy schedule, and so on. I think with the added joy of a monthly cycle we have other issues to contend with that men don't, which is why I was looking for similar support (no offense to guys, my DH is dieting, too). And to that end: I've been a single working-many-jobs-with-many-children mom, before. So, you are welcome here. I was a mom of one for 8 years...so you are welcome here. I've stayed at home before, so you, too, are welcome here. Basically your story does not need to fit mine precisely Men can support men, and women can support women, and that's okay If you are a dude and really want to post here I don't mind that, either. I want to state at the outset: I'm giving this a year. I've already spent the better part of January working and lost a whopping 6 pounds with last week holding steady and this week gaining a pound...so discouragement aside I'm still here. For me, having that much focus, I'm impressed with myself. I've logged in for 32 days straight (or more?) and hope to continue through this year...how about you?

wesheets

For me it's late in the day. I worked out with my daughter today. That's a success! I decided to get a mc grilled chicken sandy with no bun. Boy was it missing something, and not the bun. They should have included at least the mayo. I can have mayo on Keto just not the bun. Thing is:
I have a calorie deficit that is 35% less than my BMR. So my BMR is 2100 or so and I cut it to 1300. Honestly most days I'm really not hungry. But today I am! I'm trying to decide if I want to add anything into my food intake or not.

wesheets

Check in Feb 4.
So, after working out yesterday I think that helped me get over the hump. Thank God! I was able to move DOWN on the scale. After considering quitting Keto I've decided to just wait. I mean, mostly I've not gained weight. I can't say that last week was the same weight (up 3 lbs) due to my monthly or what, so I'll wait until I get through February. But, down 1/2 a lb. I'm hoping that I can fit in a walk into the evening and see where I sit tomorrow morning. For now, I'm a daily weigher. I also was above my calorie range of 1309. I ate 1586. Previously I was at 15% reduction of TDEE which was to help with weight loss. Maybe that wasn't strict enough while 1300 is too low? I don't know. But, I'll stick with a bit higher than 1300 another day to see if I'm correct or not. I DO know this: Some people lose weight slower if they reduce calories too much. Clearly I'm not going to go hog wild but I'll continue to work on the ratios and calorie deficit until I feel my weight loss is consistent. It doesn't need to be drastic or anything but losing is the goal, after all, so if I spend another entire week with no loss I'll be frustrated for sure

How is your week going? Are you trying to tackle one day at a time? Do you feel you're getting enough water? Do you believe you are eating enough/not enough?

I'm confident that paying attention to my body and this process will help me. I will try not to give up. I will not allow a single setback stop me from pushing forward.

We can do this!

wesheets

Im going to post this response here on my thread as well. I posted it to another topic here but just in case I gain some new friends maybe someone can help. If you don't do Keto or are not familiar or decide you want to be rude please don't. Deal?

I'm not sure if having PCOS is my problem or what. Pipe in if you have ideas.

Hold on to you seats, it's not a pretty picture. So, I began Keto on the first January Monday-like January 6. At first I lost 6 lbs and that saying something since I was having Hershey kisses at night and yes I logged them! Then, I knew that had to stop and a positive side affect of this diet is the cravings subside which are pretty intense for PCOS chicks. So quitting the kisses was a good thing. I added more water as well and am driving a good 72 oz with more when I can plus two cups of coffee per day. Now, after week 2 I really buckled down. I had used a TDEE calculator to determine my ratio. When I started it said 2100 for my starting weight (5'7" and 221) and so I rejiggered and instead of the conservative deficit of 15% which allotted me 1800 calories I took it all the way down to 35% and my new calories is 1309. I adjusted my rations which I'm still struggling with some. I DO strive for under 40 NET carbs each day and that has been a positive. Remember, my barbs were like 70 when I was losing. Now that I'm down this far I'm freaking gaining weight. My lowest weight two Sunday's ago was 212. I was stoked! Next day? Woke up to 214. Next day 215.....and stayed there for a week. Then up to 216, back down to 215....and this morning 217. I must say I want to cry. Others who have started when I did are down 20 lbs. yes I was eating one thing out of turn for a few days and losing but now I'm here. What gives!? I want to quit. I haven't but want to. It's not fair. This is supposed to work. Please help.

wesheets

I wonder if I have Hashimotos? I have been wanting to get to the doctor for some time. I have many symptoms but ignore them most of the time. I just think trying to get one doctor to THINK about a cause over the individual symptoms can sometimes be frustrating. Having PCOS it's not uncommon to have a comorbid DX with thyroid. And.....my dad and his sister had thyroid problems. I guess it's time to see the doctor.

wesheets

Well I'm down into the 215 range again. I guess I should celebrate but as we all know we can bounce around the same 1-4 lbs while dieting. So, I'm cautiously optimistic that this is a trend. Yesterday my Fitbit alerted me that I hit 10k steps. I was excited!

I was talking with another Keto dieter and discussed the possibility of upping my calories. I'm at about 1300 and perhaps it's not enough. Thoughts? My BSM is about 2100 so by cutting that low may be slowing my loss. When I was at 1800 calories I was losing. My brain said "oh, cut down cals more, then!" Nope when I was at 1500...nothing. So I thought "drop more it's not enough." I gained. Ha rump. Okay.....

I suppose I just want to log my ups and downs as I want to log my efforts and progress.

Beyond my dinner last night I felt like I should eat something else though I was not hungry. I didn't but maybe I should have. With Keto dieting you can add fat.

Where are you? What are your successes and failures, concerns?

Norma1468

I'm trying to diet and exercise but I'm not big on exercise plus husband doesn't help since he like me, just the way I'm. However I want to drop some weight for health reasons. I'm am looking for motivation and support.

wesheets

Norma, awesome! Yes, we all need support. And, it's important to be honest. We all have down days or cheats. But we must be accountable so that we are reminded that we CAN do this and we ARE capable of seeing it through to the end. I'm confident you can strive and become healthy and happy in your own skin. I hope you are, too!

mmmpork

Careful with Keto, make sure you're working with a doctor. I did Keto for 3 years and made that mistake, it really messed me up. It actually made me insulin resistant, gave me IBS and nutrient malabsorption which led to a variety of other issues including hypothyroid. Most of the literature out there citing success is not scientifically sound and there are very very few studies of the long term affects of Keto. Many proponents cite the Masai or Inuit as traditional keto diets, but the only records we have of those diets are anecdotal at best (and modern members of those groups absolutely don't follow those diets). Check your vitamin B12 and Magnesium levels, deficiencies in these can lead to other symptoms. While keto is really effective for treating neurological diseases and a few other things, it's really hard on your body and creates its own special set of problems. You absolutely need to be working with a doctor if you're on that diet and getting your hormone levels and nutrition levels checked.

bri170lb

Oh! I'm so glad I read your post(s)!

I think you think too much, sister!

I feel like I know you, so I'm just going to pretend you are one of my good friends and tell it like it is.

You do a great job taking care of your "many" children, (I have many too, so I know how hard that job is!) your house is in decent order, your husband is happy...just do the same for yourself that you do for all of them!

You have to get just a little bit selfish and carve out the time you need to do what you know you need to do. When you are happy with yourself, your family will forgive you for the little bit that you have to neglect them!

Get organized! I know you do it for your kids, so do it for yourself, too. Your health and happiness should be a high priority. It's like when you are on an airplane, "Put on your own oxygen mask first, then help the people around you."

Write down your motivations for losing weight and POST them where you can see them constantly. When motivation starts to wane, determination has to kick in. When you know why you are doing something, it is easier to be persevere.

Write down your goals. Set up a calendar. Make yourself a "chore chart". Give yourself stickers for meeting your goals. When you know where you are going it is easier to not get lost. Make a map to your goals.

Make time for exercise. Even 15 minutes. You don't have time to exercise like you used to at this stage of your life, so exercise the way you can now. Take the kids to the park and then walk around the park while they are playing. I have done many, many miles this way! Go to a rec center or gym that has child care. Put the little ones in the nursery and then play basketball or swim with the older ones. Or load them all in a giant stroller and do laps at the mall.

Don't just think of the big picture, think about what you need to do to lose 2 pounds this week. Break down your week, your days, your meals.

Pre-plan. Grocery shop. Prep in advance so that when life goes crazy (or normal!) you won't have any excuse to not eat what you had planned.

And...diets are fine. My experience has been that you can lose lots of weight on Keto, Weight watchers, Nuti-system, or whatever will work, but the question is...did you change the way you eat. If you are only "doing a diet", when you stop doing it, you will gain the weight back. If you are not eating the foods you like, it will be very difficult to keep up.

You have to figure out what to eat, as you are losing weight, so that you will have a diet in place for the rest of your life that will allow you to maintain your weight. If you are having trouble sticking to what you are doing now, then even if you do get to your goal, you will gain the weight back.

My advice. Eat what you like. Count calories. Do as much exercise as you can find time for. When you mess up and go off the plan, look at the problem, figure a plan to avoid it in the future and keep on moving. Then, trust the process and you will lose weight.

You can do this. I know you can. Add me as a friend. My diary is open. I don't do Keto, but I do keep my carbs below about 100.

PS. I'm 52. My kids are 28-14 years old. I have been homeschooling them and running family businesses for 20 years. Its a little easier for me to find time for myself now that my youngest 2 are teenagers, but I REALLY wish I had lost the weight a long time ago. I regret not being able to physically do what I wanted to do. And there is a huge difference between 40 and 50. I never had any health problems, then BAM, I had high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low thyroid and I could not take care of my family because I could barely move. Suddenly, I weighed 300 pounds and felt like I was going to die.

I have lost 126 pounds and I am 24 from my goal weight. I know I can maintain my weight for the first time in my life, because when I get done losing I am going to still eat the same stuff I eat now, just a little more of it. I feel like a million bucks and my family does, too!

Bri

wesheets

Mmmpork good caution there. I'll definitely speak to my doctor about this plan and get his feedback

wesheets

Ha! I don't know what happened to the second part of my post so I'll try again.

Mmpork: finished my post with

wesheets

Okay I'm on my computer so I hope I can get my post...posted LOL.

Bri: I wanted to say thank you for providing your words of wisdom. Yes, it's very important to include balance in our lives. It's so encouraging to hear of another person's success AND weight loss. Congratulations!

So, today I was able to work out with my daughter. I'm so glad I was able to fit that in. Each time I am able to do another thing it motivates me to continue pushing through. It's definitely worth each opportunity

bri170lb

I really have a feeling that you can do this. Just don't over think it!

I made it to the gym for 30 minutes today with my friend. We were proud of ourselves for going when we could have just gone straight home without stopping.

Hooray for all of us who got in some exercise today!

wesheets

Woke up this morning to the infamous "woosh" that Keto dieters speak of. This weekend I've lost 3 lbs. I have to be careful of placing too high a value on it though since last time I was amazed by gaining back a few. But.....when I look at my weight loss trend it is downward and isn't that the most important goal?

Working toward tomorrow which is my weekly weigh in day. Thankful that I'm sticking with it.

Everyone hang in there. It's one day-today.

wesheets

Yesterday I made Keto waffles for breakfast. Had two plus one boiled egg. Butter and sugar free syrup. I then ate two hamburger patties with mayo, mustard, pickle, lettuce, seasonings. I had coffee with cream. And, I drank water with my flavor enhancer (no sugar) all day. I also had a serving of these cheese crisps called whips. I ate 1770 calories, and gained a lb.

Let me tell you that restricting my intake is very specific. And, still, I gained a lb. That part is so frustrating. Why? Why did I gain a pound? Perhaps it was too much protein. Keto waffles are half eggs anyway. After spending time discussing it with my husband his take is that I may have a metabolic issue. Ha ha. I have PCOS. That is an understatement. He knows, of course. He's simply trying to help soften the blow of all the frustration I've been having with this diet.

When I did this diet in my late 30's, I had already lost some weight but gained a few back. We were dating. He had lost 80 lbs on the diet, so I thought I'd check it out. I lost 10 lbs in the first week and a half. I was hooked! Well...I was hooked in that I thought it was a terrific idea, but not that I would stick with it. I was happy with where I was, honestly. I had spent all of my 30's in the 200's, and weighing in at 180, wearing a size 14 and inching toward a 12, I was content. I looked fine. I carry my weight well. It wasn't worth it to me to push it.

Today I have a different perspective. So, this is why after being on this diet since January 4 I am extremely frustrated. I have had another baby since the last time, sure. And, I am in my mid 40's which also may contribute to changes on the inside. Even still, I'm seriously working this WOE. I'm thinking through my macros. I'm looking at recipes. I make decisions every day not to eat something simply because the carb count is too high. Since beginning Keto again I have dropped from 221 to 212, then back up to 217 for no apparent reason, then back down to 213 yesterday, then up to 214. Essentially the same 4-5 lbs. It's getting old. I'm including more exercise. I'm maybe going over calories by 200, but if you read above, its all Keto friendly fare, and not high carbs.....

Still, my mood is stable, even though I still get up at night with a tot. He has acid reflux and does not sleep through the night. PCOS chicks can get acne more frequently; mine is very minimal today. Cravings are honestly noticeably nil! That is a shock. There are benefits.

This week my goals include: staying within my calories. Trying a include a new recipe in the coming two weeks (my meal plan cycle). And, attempting to include a little more movement i.e. exercise. I've been liking what my daughter and I are doing, but I think I may include a walk around the neighborhood with all the kiddos as well.

What are your feelings about your progress? Are you feeling challenged? Encouraged? Discouraged? Successful?

Please share. Let's support one another.

wesheets

Didn't want to post today but accountability and thoughtfulness in this journey...

So, I gained all three pounds back now. That's super.

I think that my loss occurred when my carbs were their lowest. My gain happened when my carbs were too high, even after deducting for net.

So, to maintain, for now, carbs cannot be over 30. To lose, carbs need to be under 20...

Let me say this: I can't stand this format. I find maintaining below 20 carbs to be difficult....like extremely so....

I use mixed creamer so: HWC (which is no carb) with a splash of flavored creamer and I'm already at 9 carbs in the morning. After that....who knows!? If I eat cheese, some have carbs, even if one or two. If I have taco salad and decide to add tomatoes=carbs. If I have an avocado, net carbs are like 5......

and so on, and so on....

Maybe don't this "forever" is not my thing. I said I'd give it a year.....but each day I gain I feel like slicing off an entire month from the goal because it seems so daunting and not working out the way I wished at all....

wesheets

I feel I'm fighting an invisible foe. I gain lose lose gain the same 3 lbs either way on the scale.

Yesterday I kept my net carbs under 20. Lost a lb. never mind the three I lost
Over the weekend I gained back over Monday-Tuesday. So.....perhaps carbs are super important.

My husband and I are hoping to go out on a date on the 19th and I intend on eating whatever within reason. So....I guess I'm planning my cheat meal. You know a glass of wine and a piece of sourdough bread would be nice, with a salad and if I want to eat a crouton I will. Small steps. Not every day.

ShrinkingScientist

It's really hard to keep a carb count below 20. I would also say it's not great for your brain (I'm a doctoral candidate of neuroscience, so I always worry about people's brains). How are you feeling? Tired? Foggy? Energetic? Reading your posts I worry that Keto isn't really working for you, and maybe a different plan (mediteranian?) would be better. I just don't want to see you get so discouraged that you give up.

wesheets

Shrinking scientist I feel good-especially considering I get up with a tot every night at least once. I'm not in a fog. In fact I'm super tired today yet clear headed.

Keto dieting is a great way to focus on how my body reacts. Having PCOS is an unfortunate attribute that hinders my progress. I am theorizing that I also have at least hypothyroid if not Hashimotos based off of symptoms and family history. So I may actually be fighting against nature at the moment. Having said that I can attest that my efforts are strong. My husband is concerned for all my effort is not producing
Fruit. I, too, wonder what is going on.

I have relapsed out of my level of
Keto before and know what I'm facing. I can only hope that I can realize progress so my efforts are not for naught.

ShrinkingScientist

If you think you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, I encourage you to get tested or see an endocrinologist. Both are treatable.

I'm glad you're feeling well! I was just asking based on some of your posts because they read as very down or frustrated, but tone is often lost on the internet.

wesheets

Shrinking indeed! I think I have a penchant for over-sharing and using this as my journal as sorts. I appreciate the feedback! In fact I'm super annoyed but not depressed. Caution to the wise to do a better job of infusing my posts with positivity.

I do have on the docket to see a new PC. I haven't in quite some time but at least I know the right questions to ask. To be clear: I had seen a reproductive endocrinologist for the PCOS diagnosis. Though I may need to see one again I'm not convinced they are the best choice. Specialists even more than PC's are prone to throwing drugs are medical problems. Hence my theory that most of the medical community buys into mainstream education even when those sources are supported by groups who, shock,
Produce said pharmaceuticals. If you read conspiracy theorist you would not be wrong.

I'd rather look to a naturopath as well as a PC and work with both. My view, my 2 cents. I'm too old and too educated to buy into each popular theory in order to placate the medical community. And I also don't research to support my own view; that would be disingenuous. I am a professor of research, after all.

wesheets

All: so today I felt
Encouraged by my loss and discouraged by my lack of food choices. Nevertheless I tried to stick with my plan. It has worked okay. I'll look to tomorrow for an encouragement via the scale!
My two vices: water enhancers such as crystal light flavored water enhancers. They have aspertame. Also I still splash creamer into my coffee with HWC. I Need the flavor.

wesheets

PCOS is like nothing others experience. It's not medicinally induced. It has a slurry of complicated affects-heart disease, acne, endocrine, gastro-intestinal, saying nothing of the weight issues and insulin resistance and so on. It's horrible for women. It makes me angry!

So I've lost a lb a day for the last two days. I call that "on a roll".....lol. I'm guessing my singular focus on carbs has helped. I won't be confined until I've seen a loss beyond the next 2. Goals.

wesheets

. So, I was doing 30-50 net carbs. It basically ensured NO loss after the first week, and gain beyond that! It was so frustrating. Now if I keep my carbs around 20-25 (less if I can) then I DO lose weight. The higher number was tried for a solid month plus so I'm CERTAIN it's not what my body prefers. All that to say: if I end up with hypo I may be an anomaly to your experience!! We'll see....

Lost another 1.5 lbs overnight but I also wake up famished. That is not my typical and I get a twinge of "I'm starving" comes in.....and we all know how that can sabotage PURPOSED dieting.

Doctor visit: I have spoken of seeing a doctor but have not simply because we are changing insurance. I want to (need to) wait so that I begin with the new insurance-if I call for an appointment I don't have the new insurance info yet. When I do go I will be sure to ask about a few things. If I do end up with a thyroid issue (my theory based on symptoms and family history) then that won't necessarily be a game changer but at least I'll know what's what.

Worked out just 25 minutes yesterday with a new app. When I simply can't workout it's nice to have a tough, quick workout. The app is Sworkit recommended by one of my MFP pals. I like it so far and it's free

wesheets

Have a great weekend friends. We are planning on making rib eyes tonight! WOOP!!