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Here is my Low Carb Food Diary for Day 81 of the โGet Lean For Summer!โ 90 Day Low Carb Challenge. Itโs NEVER too late to join if you havenโt already! Note: I havenโt set a start date for the next 90 Day Low Carb Challenge yet, but the group stays open & active year round. Join in and stay tunedโฆ
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It took me a minute to process what my scales said this morning:
โYouโve lost even more weight.โ
143.6 pounds. Wow. I wasnโt expecting that. Itโs rare for my scales to move 3 days in a row, or move down at least. ๐
Iโm tripping over my weight loss this week, and my current weight of only 143.6 poundsโฆ This is a new all-time low for me since going Low Carb more than 5 years ago.
Iโm seriously committed, and seeing GREAT results!! And Iโm really excited about finally getting in AWESOME shape โ thatโs my number one goal and top focus.
Iโm averaging about a pound of weight loss per week, or just over 3 pounds so far for the month of June. My scales will โholdโ or even fluctuate for more than a week at a time, but over the last 82 days โ looking at the more long term trend โ Iโm easily losing a pound a week!
Thatโs encouraging. ๐
Powering through โthe stallsโ has REALLY made a difference!
Hereโs what I ate yesterdayโฆ
Day 81: Thursdayโs Low Carb Meals
My healthy low carb breakfast is 1/2 cup (60 grams) crushed pecans, 1/4 cup Daisy brand cottage cheese, 2 small diced strawberries and 1/8 cup (17 grams) diced blueberries = 6 net carbs and 85% healthy fats.
Yes, I weigh AND measure my food. ๐ I use this Ozeri Kitchen Scale.
For lunch I had my low carb bread with cream cheese & sugar free preservesโฆ
The low carb bread is super easy to make. I used 1/2 cup almond meal/flour + 2 eggs, 2 tbsp melted butter & a 6oz bag of finely shredded parmesan. I usually use a whole cup of almond meal/flour, but I cut that in half to lower the carb count โ and it still worked just fine. ๐ Mix it all together with your hands or a spoon and patty out on parchment paper. Bake at 350 and flip to lightly brown both sides.
The carb count depends on the size & number you make, and the exact ingredients. I made 15 smaller โbiscuitsโ this time and they are less than 1 net carb each.
I had some summer squash that Joe brought me from the local Farmerโs Market, so I decided to use that at dinner.
Yellow squash is about 3 net carbs for 100 grams according to the USDA Nutrient Database: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search Thatโs best place to look up foods without labels, like fresh produce or berries you pick etc.
This is where my little kitchen scale comes in super handy again! ๐
Remember that Seafood Spinach Dip I made recently? I had just under 3 servings left (less than 3/4 cup) so I cubed up the yellow squash and mixed it together, and made a โLow Carb Squash Casseroleโ out of it. ๐
It was fabulous! It was FULL of shrimp, squash & spinach:
YUM ๐ I meant to make two meals out of that, but ate the whole plate -lol.
I had a full day yesterday, and a LONG oneโฆ
I got up at 4am and was up until 1:30am, so I did have a quick snack before I went to bed last night โ just some almonds & mozzarella:
Obviously a much longer day meant more meals, and higher carb count than my usual 20 net carbs/dayโฆ but that seemed to work out just fine given my scales keep moving down. ๐
Hereโs My MyFitnessPal Diary for Thursday:
Net Carbs: 36
Total Carbs: 53
Protein: 70 Grams
79% Fat, 14% Protein
Exercise: Ab Carver Pro (60 Reps)
PLUS: 10 Tricep Dips
FitBit Steps: 3,231
Water: 40 ounces
I did my Ab Carver Pro and Tricep Dips last night, but Iโm also testing out this new (very interesting! lol) core workoutโฆ
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Stay tunedโฆ Iโll share the workout details with you, including video. ๐ ๐
I admit I didnโt watch my carb count yesterday.
I go through these weird โI donโt really careโ phases. Thatโs usually when I eat whatever I want, but this time I find myself only eating low carb foods. Thatโs a first!
It just hits me every now and then, where I get tired of crunching numbers and tracking and such. And weighing, and thinking about food, and thinking about any of it at all. ๐ I need to cut that out, seriously, but Iโm REALLY pleased that Iโm not eating junk food like I usually do when I get in this kind of mood!
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Less than 10 days to go in the current challenge!
I can hardly believe itโฆ This challenge has changed me in SO many ways โ my usual habits, backtracks, etc. Being consistent and powering through for this long (more than 80 full days) has really worked some magic on me. ๐
** Letโs finish this thing STRONG! **
How are things going for you?
I always look forward to your thoughts, questions & comments!
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
p.s. Make sure youโre subscribed by email, and weโre connected on your favorite social channel. That way you wonโt miss the fun video of Joe and I doing a core workout together, more of the โFun Outdoor Fitnessโ summer series, EASY meal ideas & creative recipes โ and details about the next upcoming Low Carb Challenge! ๐
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
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Hey Lynn,
I just started the keto diet myself, and Iโm on day 5 and already noticing great results. I found your site after searching for blogs about LCHF diets, and really appreciate your updates. I wanted to write quickly and just say that I know the feeling about getting tired of always tracking everything you eat. Iโm definitely the same way, but writing it down keeps you accountable. Itโs cool that your mind has shifted into choosing LC foods even when youโre not โwatchingโ what youโre eating. Iโm still in the initiation stage and have to remind myself to push through and from what Iโve read, the cravings go away and decisions get easier. So, thanks for sharing your perspective and keep it up!! Congrats on all the loss.
Welcome Michelle ๐ And thank you!! Youโll be SO glad you did this for yourself. Itโs the BEST thing Iโve ever done, and I know youโll feel the same way!
I agree that tracking keeps you accountable. My trick is to log EVERY food (even just a bite) BEFORE I eat it. That not only holds me accountable, it makes for more โmindful eatingโ (rather than mindless eating) and gives me an opportunity to change my mind about getting or making it, lol.
The cravings and even your appetite DO go away. Itโs a great thing! ๐
Lynn, I really needed to read this today. I got off track last week from being sick, got back on and then fell back off again and am now in the โI donโt give a crap modeโ. My mind had gone to the โthere is no way you can eat LC the rest of your life so youโll end up losing the weight eating LC but wonโt be able to maintain it so you better figure out how to be a normal eater and just eat things in moderationโ. Iโve tried so hard to be an intuitive eater but it seems like sugar trumps all and sends me into the I donโt give a crap mode. Ugh Iโm so sick of this freaking weight loss roller coaster ride. Why does it have to be so hard? Sorry to vent here but Iโm just really frustrated with myself and those around me would probably send me to the looney house if they knew how my brain functioned! Lol
Glad to see your scale going down! Great job! You deserve it!
Hi Barb,
I know that roller coaster all too well. Iโve been on it myself โ and it sucks. I had moments where I was just โhappy to be fatโโฆ except that I was miserable about it.
I thought the same thing: why does this have to be so hard?! It turns out, itโs not hard at all. Itโs actually EASY โ but I was MAKING it hard. Thatโs what I realized about myself anywayโฆ and what Iโve seen & heard from so many others too.
Powering through, sticking it out, committing to it (regardless of my stubborn scales, lol) has made ALL the difference in my mindset โ and in my resolve.
I feel GOOD, both mentally and physically, the best Iโve ever felt in my life!! Itโs so worth it. Everything changes when you stay on track consistently. And I mean *everything*. It does get easy. ๐
Congrats, Lynn, on your successes! I agree being committed and sticking with this WOE is the way to goโฆfor me at least. I lost 74 lbs. in 18 months and 18 days and have kept it off over a year. It does get easier, but I still have to make conscious decisions every single day. Iโve tracked, weighed and measured foods since the beginning and still do when Iโm home and have my tools. Eating out is harder to judge, but I have a good idea and do my best. I donโt do โcheatโ days but occasionally plan to eat higher carb. I still avoid bread, pasta, high carb veggies for most part, and my personal demonโsugar. Although I have kept the weight off, I have a new challenge and that is loose skin hanging. My waist measurement has actually increased because of the skin thatโs gone south. So frustrating. I walk every day and am wondering if more weight-bearing exercises are the answer. I just turned 69 soโฆI may have to accept itโs there for good unless I opt for surgery. Any non-surgical suggestions? Love your blog. Catching up with you is a highlight of my day. Keep up the great work!
Wow, Cindi โ 74 pounds!! Way to go ๐ ๐ Thatโs amazing!
I agree with you that every day, no every BITE is a conscious decision. This has been very good for me in terms of becoming a mindful eater, whereas before I was definitely a mindless eater. ๐
Iโm not sure what to do about the excess skin. I have a few โproblem spotsโ but Iโm waiting it out to see just how bad they are. I know others have talked about the surgery, but that may be something to Google and research โ as far as natural methods or things to try. I would love to hear what you learn and/or decide!
Hi Lynn,
I am loving your blog and Instagram posts. Youโve become my go to resource for all things keto! Iโm new to this lifestyle, this is only my first week. I completed a round of HCG and transitioned into this per my physicianโs recommendation. So far, so good. However, I keep reading conflicting info regarding counting calories. My MD says not to, but itโs difficult for me to get my head around that. Iโve always counted calories! It is somewhat difficult to reach my 70% fat while eating 1200 calories daily. The scale is slowly moving down. Iโm also walking 2-3 miles a night. Iโm only 5-8 lbs away from my goal. What are your thoughts?
Thank you !
Hi Jessica ๐ Thank you!!
Do not count calories. Thereโs a science to the way eating low carb / high fat works, and it has nothing to do with calories. Look how high mine are!! lol โ Read this: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4606/lchf-diet-explained/ That should help. ๐
The last 10 pounds are the most challenging. And then you want to maintain your weight loss. Donโt waste all your effort. ๐ Fortunately eating low carb is so good and so easy so you can do it long term. Iโm in my 6th year. ๐
Ok, that was so helpful. Thank you, thank you!
I just started this challenge today, but I have been doing this seriously for the last 2 months. Iโm 51 and have had gastric bypass surgery 14 years ago, 240 was my presurgery weight, lost 100 lbs and over 10 years have managed to gain 30 lbs back, 8 weeks ago at Drโs office I weighed in at 196! My Dr was not happy and told me it was time to do something. He told me to start something like walking 30 min a day. I bought an exercise glider that day, Oklahoma this time of year makes it too hot to get out and walk, anyway long story short, Iโve been gliding and walking in the evening and low carbing. Today I stepped on the scale and Iโm at 180! I have about 30 lbs to go but itโs a start! Needed a challenge and saw this, so here I am! Happy to be amongst support!
Welcome Adrienne ๐ Way to go getting yourself back on track, and taking control of your health โ kudos!! Iโm so glad you joined us. ๐
Lynn you are a blessing in my life. I have had so many ups and downs. Since this past Sunday, I have lost 10 pounds and back on track thanks to your motivating daily reports. Just wanted to thank you and pray you continue with your guidance.
Thank you so much,
Kathy
Thank you so much for your note, Kathy. Itโs comments like yours that motivate me to keep this goingโฆ on the days when I need it most. ๐ Iโm so glad youโre on an โupโ swing right now! Iโve had a lot of ups & downs too, so I know how that isโฆ
I know I always feel best in UP mode. Happy, motivated, strong, confidentโฆ I donโt know why I ever let myself slip out of that. ๐ Hardly ever anymore, which feels really awesome โ better than Iโve ever felt in my life. ๐
WOW Lynn! That is great! You should be so proud! I find summer to be easy for dieting and yet challengingโฆ Easier because I do not crave mac & cheese or potatoy stuff, BUT harder as well because I really, REALLY like my summertime alcoholic cocktails! In particular Margaritas or Cosmos! And those both have so many carbs & sugar! And of course the BBQโs and all types of summer foodsโฆ
So my question to you, HOW do you keep on doing it? I go a few days and then I lose all control and listen to those voices in the cabinet and let it all lose! Is there hope for me? I do love your fav low carb cereal with Daisy brand cottage cheese and pecans!
Thanks!
Hi Pat ๐
โHOW do you keep on doing it?โ โ for a long time, I gave in, gave up, got back at it, gave in, got back to it, gave up, started again, etc etc etc. I finally got tired of feeling miserable with myself. I wanted to get lean and in shape REALLY BAD โ more than I wanted another quart (or two) of ice cream (in one sitting, lol).
Some days itโs a struggle. I talk about that here a lot. Iโve been very open with how hard it is sometimes, and how much easier itโs gotten since I STOPPED giving in. The longer I stay consistent, the more itโs just coming EASY. ๐
Plus I finally just got MOTIVATED by having a tough talk with myself about what I REALLY wanted out of life. And it wasnโt french fries and ice cream. ๐
Just wanted to agree with everyone else and say I look forward to your posts everyday. They are very helpful and so motivating!
Also, to everyone who is struggling (weโve all been there), I want to confirm what Lynn said about it getting easier as the days go by. I made up my mind January 1st, 2016 that I would lose those stubborn 30 pounds Iโve carried for to long. I lose very slowly and honestly, the first two months were he**! But then an amazing thing happened as my appetite disappeared and my cravings are GONE! This way of eating has become a habit and Iโve lost 24 pounds!! My advice is keep it simple and the weight will come off. Just keep going!!!!
Thank you, Marti ๐
Congrats on losing 24 pounds and getting SO close to your goal!! Thatโs so inspiring, and such good words of wisdom. ๐ I love the โkeep it simpleโ concept!
Can you tell me what the nutrition info is for the LC Parmesan Biscuits? I am making them today and I wanted to put the information in myfitnesspal. I have looked, but I only see the carb count. Or do I only need to be concerned with the carbs? Thank you!
Hi Penny ๐
The carb count depends on the size & number and exact ingredients you use. I count the bag of Shredded Parmesan as 6 carbs, and some people donโt โ or you may use a different cheese or brand. Youโll want to use the MyFitnessPal Recipe Calculator to get accurate carb count & macros: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator