Back on the wagon

For a few months I haven't been that good about staying on plan. Busy-ness didn't allow for cooking, which in turn doesn't allow for careful planning of what I eat. Thanksgiving was bad, and last week I was just getting used to a new job. Today I am back on the wagon for several reasons - I feel better when I am following the slow-carb diet, and it's time to get in better shape for my birthday vacation at the end of January. I am pretty surprised that after all this time, I have only gained five pounds. It's still five pounds too many.

So here goes, the relaunch of the slow carb diet:
Weight: 205
Chest: 44"
Waist (at navel): 41.5"
Hips: 38.75"
Biceps:
    Right: 13.5"
    Left: 13.4"
Thighs:
    Right: 22.5"
    Left: 22.75"

Here we go!

Week 8 - Finally

Finally, after 2 weeks of a complete stop, I followed the advice from the 4-hour People Forum and saw some changes this week. I took out beans from breakfast and second lunch (now calling it snack) and that seems to have kicked things into motion. I was a big hungrier, realized I was going on 1,200-1,400 calories a day, so added 2 TBSP of organic peanut butter before bed.

Good things that came out of this plateau: I stuck to it, even though I didn't want to, and I also gave up sugar in my coffee. I still put cream, after searching found Smith Brother's Farms to be the only one that does not add anything to it.

Work-out wise, I've hurt my back somehow so took it easy this week. The pain is still there, hoping to see my acupuncturist this week.

On to the numbers:
Weight: 206
Waist: 41!!!
Hips: 38 1/2
Chest: 44 1/4"
Arms:

• Left 14 1/4
• Right: 14

Legs:

• Left: 22 1/2"
• Right: 22 3/8"

Now to enjoy cheat day.

Week 3.

Computer was down earlier, so was unable to post at the top of cheat day. Let's get to it:

Weight: 215

Waist: 42"

Hips: 39 1/2"

Arms:
Left: 13 3/4
Right: 13 3/4

Legs
Left: 23 1/2
Right: 23 1/2

10 pounds in three weeks. Not too shabby. I started working out in earnest, followed the diet quite closely, and do allow myself 3 sugars and 2 tsp of cream daily in my coffee. So I'm good with this. The bottom line is that I feel 100% better, have more energy, and have little to no cravings for sugar, sweets, or just food.

Even today, for cheat day, I am just not that hungry. I did indulge in cheese in the morning omelete, Starbucks orange, mango, banana smoothie, and strawberry malt. And sushi. Hm ... sushi ...

Sunday

Taking Sunday as a transition day. Had brunch with friends, was good in what I ordered (omelette with tomato, spinach, bacon) but I did keep the cheese. Again—not gonna do this if it makes me feel deprived.

Afterwards went on an almost 27-mile bicycle ride. First long ride on my new bike, shooting for a 100-mile ride by end if summer. The last 5 or 6 miles were tough, very little energy. Had A Starbucks orange/mango/banana smoothie with matcha (they also add protein). I figured a power ride like this counts as strenuous exercise to allow the carbs.

Dinner was my favorite of this diet: herb-crusted salmon over braised kale and black beans.

Also prepared several meals for the week, including the super tasty bean and tuna salad and 3-bean salad.