My weight loss journey has NOT been an easy one. It’s been five long years of struggling. And the last 2-3 years of me losing and gaining the same 20+ pounds over and over (and over!), and constantly dealing with the mental battles and self-sabotage and such that make up the usual weight loss roller coaster.
This low carb challenge has changed me though. I’m finally seeing AMAZING results! 🙂 Why, or what has changed? I got seriously committed.
I hopped off the roller coaster. I stopped having cheat meals and cheat days. I stopped sabotaging myself, and started addressing the issues head-on. Issues like emotional eating, stress eating, goal sabotage (fear of success) – and yes: even laziness.
If I can do this, anyone can!
It has been HARD. Mostly because I MADE it hard on myself. Interestingly, getting committed and consistent… made it EASY. The cravings have gone away completely. My constant “head talk” that always talks me out of my goals… has been replaced by excitement and motivation. It’s an awesome thing!! 🙂
I hope this inspires you. It inspires ME! I hit an even lower weight, my lowest in over 13 years, and I took some pictures. It’s shocking for me to look at them, and realize that’s ME I’m looking at. I am FINALLY reaching my goals. 🙂
My wish… is for you to experience the same success, and how GREAT that feels!
Here is my Low Carb Food Diary for Day 57 of the “Get Lean For Summer!” 90 Day Low Carb Challenge. It’s NEVER too late to join if you haven’t already!
Day 57: Monday’s Low Carb Meals
I was just having my second coffee when I got a last minute invite for a morning walk, so I grabbed a block of colby jack cheese (.88oz) real quick to hold me over until I got back. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get in a fun workout!
When I finally had breakfast it was closer to an early lunch. I had my usual “low carb cereal” with 1/2 cup pecan pieces, 1/4 cup Daisy brand cottage cheese and 4 small diced strawberries. It’s 5 net carbs and 85% healthy fats.
For dinner I got a big sloppy Low Carb Grilled Chicken Club from Hardee’s. They’re on the menu, and they’re 7 net carbs – because it’s BBQ Chicken.
Confession: I was freaking out about my “new low weight” and ALMOST ordered my favorite cheat meal for dinner instead. I waited a bit and thought it over, then went for the Club – and I was glad I did. 🙂 It hit the spot!
I actually bought two, because that’s what I call “low carb grocery shopping” 🙂 lol. I ate the 2nd one when I got hungry late last night, and turned it into a “hot salad”. I chopped up the lettuce wrap & warmed up the rest – it was delicious!!
I wasn’t sure if that lettuce wrap club would be good leftover, but it was great! So now I have another easy option when I don’t feel like cooking and want to make sure I have something easy on hand. 🙂
Here’s My MyFitnessPal Diary for Monday:
Tracking Macronutrients
(Simple Explanation of Macros)
How To Get Net Carbs in MyFitnessPal
Calories: 1342
Net Carbs: 25
Total Carbs: 34
Protein: 84 Grams
68% Fat, 24% Protein
Exercise: Two Fast-Paced Walks (5 Miles)
FitBit Steps: 10,778
Water: 56 ounces
My two walks yesterday were a lot of fun! I broke a good sweat both times, and did some fun exploring too.
My Latest Low Carb Weight Loss Photos
I hit 145.4 pounds today. My lowest weight in 13 years!! 🙂
My recent hardcore adventures are really helping me tone up too!!
Here are pictures from my two walks yesterday – a fun trek downtown exploring historic sites in the morning, and a late walk last night that included crossing the railroad tracks in pitch dark! 🙂
I have looked at those pictures several times. I stop and look at myself in the mirror long and hard. It’s almost surreal. I haven’t felt this great since my late 20’s, and I’m turning 43 next week! Still, it feels odd. I feel like I’m having to get used to a whole new me. Not to mention having to find new clothes to wear. 😛
Don’t envy. I still look gross in a bikini, lol. 🙂 I have A LOT of toning to do yet. This picture was taken last week, only a few pounds heavier than I am now.
That’s why I’m pushing myself so hard with the exercise lately. The walks are great (and fun!) but the hikes are even better workouts – along with my Ab Carver Pro.
Today I’m going kayaking, specifically to work my arms & core. I love getting outside for exercise that’s FUN. It’s so much better than the gym. 🙂
I’m really proud of myself for powering through the cravings and the bad days – and for pushing myself to exercise, even when I don’t feel like it.
The results are SO worth it…
How are things going on your end?
Are you challenging yourself as hard as I am??
I always look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
Barb says
You are looking great Lynn and YES you are really inspiring me! We are the same age and started this journey off at 200# here also! I want your curves so that’s what I’m working toward!
Your work at home email also has me curious too! I’m a SAHM so an income would be awesome! There are so many scams out there it’s hard to weed thru them.
Lynn Terry says
Hi Barb π Thank you!! It’s the best thing you can do for yourself – to have goals, and to do whatever it takes to create the life you want. And that goes for everything in life…
I’ve gone through phases of being really driven and working hard toward my goals, and phases of just resting or not really caring (lol) – and I am definitely happiest when I am making things happen! π
Steven Ritnour says
Nice job! I went low carb high fat and lost 80 lbs in 20 months……..50 of the 80 was lost before I started working our regularly at the YMCA……At 57 I feel better and look better than I have in 30 years with a 33 inch waist, resting heart rate is at 60 bpm and blood pressure at 115/72
Lynn Terry says
Way to go, Steven! π
I only recently started working out too, once I got really close to my goal weight. I wish I had started much sooner. But I’m so happy to be doing it now!
Angie Buckner says
You are such an inspiration. Thank you for your willingness to share your journey.
Lynn Terry says
Thank you, Angie!! π
I’m excited about this leg of my journey – continuing to lose fat and also gain muscle, really tone up and FINALLY get in amazing shape. I can’t wait to see what that FEELS like. π π
Sarah says
Thank you!!! Thank you for your posts. I too need to take time and face my problems and not hide behind food. I like how you have meals through out the day and not graze. I can now make it three hours without food and not fall apart. You have inspired me to go hiking, journal, and take a look at my body. You are awesome.
Lynn Terry says
That really makes my day, Sara. π I feel tons better now that I’m moving more – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It’s much better than sitting around, which is what I used to do. π It definitely brightens my mood AND my motivation!
I’ve had a real problem with food for years now. Tackling those issues has been the best thing I’ve ever done. Realizing food didn’t make me happy, just more “blah” – or disgusted / discouraged at myself, which is even worse.
I used to say I deserve a treat, or I deserve something enjoyable in my life. Then I realized I was really saying: I deserve to feel even more miserable, or I deserve to be fat. π Now getting out in the sunshine, or getting in a good sweat feels like a TREAT! π
It hasn’t been easy for me, but it was SO worth it to power through those things. Every single time I did (baby steps), my resolve got that much stronger. I realized I even HAD resolve, lol.
Diana says
Wow….you look awesome Lynn!!!! I look forward to your post everyday, you inspire me!!! I can do this!!! Thank youβ₯
Diana says
I also cant wait to see your vaca pics…have a great trip this week :))
Lynn Terry says
Thank you Diana!! π I am taking my daughter and her friend on this trip, which will be LOTS of fun. We don’t get to spend nearly enough time together since she grew up and left home, lol. I look forward to sharing the fun meals & fun TIMES along the way. π And YES, you can do this!!! *cheers*
Debbie Moran says
Lynn you are awesome. I love reading your entries daily it really works for me. Thanks for all you do. I do want to start pushing myself daily and get out n walk ride sweat
Lynn Terry says
Thank you so much, Debbie. π It feels GOOD to sweat! I never thought I would enjoy it so much, lol. Pushing yourself will be the best feeling, and the best thing you can ever do for yourself. π
Jodi Sabul says
Hi Lynn. You are so inspiring. As I have mentioned before I have fallen off the wagon big time. This week … following you….I have purchased the ab carver pro and am getting ready to take it out of the box lol. I have to reset my mindset now and get started. Every morning I look forward to seeing your post. Your energy determination and actions are saying to me I can do this too. I’m 59 years old and I know from your ab video to start out slow and I will. Thank you for sharing your journey and commitment. You really are very inspiring. Wish me luck on restarting my journey β€
Lynn Terry says
Good luck, Jodi!! You can do this. I promise. If I can… ANYone can, lol. π You’ll really love the Ab Carver Pro. I am up to 100 reps now, and it’s so much easier than I thought it would be – it’s easy to get the hang of it, and feels GREAT. What I love is that it also works your triceps. π
I have fallen off track more times than I care to count. I stopped counting them. I’ve stopped feeling bad about them. I’m just happy I am on track NOW and staying focused on the future. That helps me a lot. π
Chrissy Jindrak Smith says
Jodi!!! Please follow the recommendation of starting slow. I promise you will have much better results. Please learn from my mistakes. Less is more.
#dontbelikechrissy
Marti says
Thanks so much for your posts and all the pictures. Yesterday I had a cheat day and it was so not worth it! The thing is I wasn’t even craving anything but some new friends we invited to our picnic were excited for me to try the treats they brought. I just ate it to be polite but felt sick as it was so sweet! So, today it is back on the wagon big time and your post this morning was just what I needed! Lynn, do you have a goal weight? Our stats are almost identical but I still say I’m “skinny fat”. I guess toning up is the only thing left to take care of that…and to lose a few more pounds. Have a great day!
Lynn Terry says
Hi Marti,
Well meaning friends. π I have come up with sayings like, “that looks so delicious, but I’m eating really strict right now – I’ll pass today, but thank you!” or “I’m already full but thank you!” or “I already have more than I can eat, but that does look good!” It helps to have your phrases ready in advance, lol.
I don’t have a goal weight anymore. I originally wanted to be in the 140’s – and here I am! And very “skinny fat” lol. π Ack! So right now my goal is to lose the rest of my body fat and to gain muscle mass. I have no idea how that will play out as a number on the scale… but I’m just going to keep going and find out! π
Vickie says
You look great Lynn! Thank you for your daily posts and pictures. I too look forward to reading them every day. Lynn…I highly doubt your look gross in a bikini! Don’t be so hard on your self! I can’t wait until I look as gross as you ;-D
Lynn Terry says
Thank you so much, Vickie. π But you may have missed this picture, taken just a week ago lol. I was “plumped up” that day, but only by a couple pounds (at most) from where I am now. I do still have A LOT of toning to do. π
Kathy Williams says
I’m struggling this week. Not being in pain from numerous medical issues is what has kept me on the plan even though I am no longer losing. This weekend some of my pain came back, I’m back to hobbling around with a pained expression on my face. So frustrating.
I did get off plan a little early in last week. My sister brought over some fresh blue berries. Instead of the few at a time like I had been doing, I ate a bowl full with HWC and later a small slice of rum cake (with coconut and pineapple). Next day pain was back. So I went back to basic, egg fast 2 days and again with the journaling everything I eat. Pain came back on Tuesday, been staying on program since.
Lynn Terry says
Hi Kathy,
I get in pain when I eat off plan too. Carbs promote inflammation in the body, so that’s why. Just stay back on track and get back in ketosis and you’ll feel MUCH better. π
How do you track? Are you able to track your fat/protein ratios like I do in my diaries I publish here? I ask because you said you hadn’t been losing. Check these 4 points: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/5093/not-losing-weight-eating-low-carb/ and see if one of those (or more) helps. π
Nicki Harms says
Lynn
I just noticed in your second pic that you were in flip-flops. Do you walk in them often?
Thanks for all the inspiration π
Lynn Terry says
Hi Nicki π
No, normally I walk/hike/etc in my Northside Burke II shoes: http://amzn.to/1XHE4YB They are FABULOUS! But on that evening walk I didn’t have my dane and was doing more of a leisurely walk. Still plenty of steps and broke a good sweat, but not my usual hardcore walk. π
Nicki Harms says
Oh my gosh those are CUTE! You may have just sold me on a pair….. π