Today I’m busy organizing my kitchen, and I’m kinda grateful for the “mindless work”. I’m not in the greatest mood.
Not a bad mood really, just a million things on my mind and 117 tasks to do. I find when I feel antsy, stressed or overwhelmed, journaling really helps.
I have a cool new life & goal planner so I may take a break and work in that.
Yes. That sounds good. 🙂
Anyway, here’s my food journal from yesterday. I’m not sure how many of you are actually following along, or even participating in this mini-challenge at this point.
I know a lot of people said they were “IN”, but I haven’t really heard from anyone lately. *ahem* 🙂 So if I go quiet or stop posting here… you’ll know why. lol!
Challenge Details | Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four | Day Five
Day Six Low Carb Food Diary
I threw together some cottage cheese & pecans real quick, stirred it up & called it breakfast. 1/4 cup of each = 3 net carbs. I bet you can’t guess what brand that is. haha – Daisy Brand cottage cheese of course! :+)
This is just TOO easy. No cooking required. I like that!
For lunch I had low carb take-out from the Mexican restaurant. It didn’t come like I ordered it, or anywhere near as great as the last time I ordered it. It had all kinds of “fajita stuff” in it (peppers & onions ‘n stuff).
I just picked at it really. I avoided the guacamole and picked out all the shrimp & chicken, had some lettuce, cheese & sour cream too. Then I tossed out the tomato, peppers & guac. I’m trying to keep it super simple with as few ingredients as possible – and didn’t feel like analyzing the carb count of all the extra junk they threw in!
For dinner I had the left of my “chicken & veggies” leftovers:
I didn’t really eat much yesterday. Or it doesn’t seem like it. And at this point in the day, with those three meals, I was at something like 14 net carbs and 750 calories. So MyFitnessPal agreed that I should have a snack before I went to bed. 🙂
I was hungry, sorta. More tired than anything and just knew I wouldn’t sleep well on an empty stomach. I grabbed an Atkins bar. I regretted it the minute I did it, and got back up and grabbed 1/3 cup of pecans and a bottled water to have with it (I was already into it by then). Somehow adding water and “real food” eased my mind about eating it. To be honest, I was just totally exhausted. And while cleaning my kitchen last night, I found the half a box I had left that I’d stashed in a far dark corner. 😛
Blah. Maybe I *AM* in a crap mood. lol. That’s okay. It happens. Actually, I have a headache too. Between that and the irritability, I must be back in “keto flu”.
Rah. Fun! haha. That’s what I get for making a few (even low carb) allowances before going back to this 3IMAX way of eating. Allowances like overeating the Atkins bars, or eating the low carb chili – which is higher in carbs than I normally eat, and both of those kinds of things tend to induce other cravings. Anyway…
Here are my macros for yesterday:
1270 calories
18 net carbs
73% fat / 21% protein
Water: 56 ounces
Exercise: Ab Carver Pro (beginner’s workout)
Weight: 153 pounds (4.2 pounds lost)
What about you? Are you joining me on this challenge?? How did your day go yesterday, or what are you eating today? Any weight loss yet?
I would love to hear from you! 🙂
Okay, back to organizing my kitchen … *cheers*
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
No Lynn, we are totally following you. My partner in crime Alicia Alarcon and I were even talking about you this morning and we both agreed that you helped us get back on track. Alicia Alarcon even started blogging again on low carb and I started a new instagram to post my food pics. That’s how we keep ourselves accountable. You can follow me on instagram under lowcarbangie. I started my challenge on 7/21 and as of today have lost 9lbs. Yes, 9 lbs that slowly kept creeping into my body that I had previously lost and now started all over again. My goal is to lose 1 pound a week until I reach my goal, hopefully by the end of the year.
My macros have been great staying in the 20 net carbs most of the time and keeping the %’s at the 5/25/70.
I have the same breakfast every morning:
Coffee
2 Fried eggs
Bacon or sausage
Lunch:
Chicken or Beef
Veggies
Dinner:
Chicken or Beef (sometimes shrimp)
Veggies
Snacks:
Cottage cheese, strawberries, and pecans =-)
I found you on instagram, Angie. π I’m @LowCarbTraveler
Congrats on your 9 pounds lost already!! That pecans / berries / cottage cheese combo is GREAT isn’t it?! lol – I have to get some more fresh berries. I’m totally out…
Thanks for following me. I’m following you as well. Also thanks for your blogging. The cottage cheese was not my thing until I started following you and now it’s always on my grocery list along with pecans and strawberries.
Hey there! I had been researching the LCHF WOE for a few days when I found your page. I’m so appreciative that you are sharing your experience! Some of your info really swayed me to start LCHF. This is day 4 for me and I’m down 5.4 pounds!! Such a huge victory! I had tried for a couple months to just use MFP and watch calories. That would work for a few days and I would have a small loss but then I shot right back up to where I started. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2009 and after researching I decided this WOE would be better for my body due to insulin resistance. Your information helped me not feel so overwhelmed about making the change in life style. My husband hasn’t jumped on board yet but I’m just waiting on him to see my results ;-). Sorry you’re having a hard time! Hopefully it gets better! And thank you again for sharing!
Thank you, Keshia! And congrats on losing 5.4 pounds in 4 days. π The tracking & calorie watching was probably a great exercise as it puts you in a state of more “mindful eating”. But yes, LCHF will definitely be better for your health… AND your weight loss. *cheers*
Thanks for sharing….I love to read your stuff and I like to see your workouts, meal pics, etc. I’m not really doing this 17 day challenge…but definitely doing the 90 challenge. Work just sucks the life out of me sometimes…My goals are to meet my work deadlines, log in MyFitnessPal, get some sort of exercise in, and try to get to bed at a reasonable hour….If it were not for work, I’d be able to do a whole lot more π
I hear you, Joni – my work has been a source of stress lately too. I have entirely too much on my plate. Er, my “work plate” that is. lol. π I’m feeling a little exhausted today…
Don’t quit! I love following your posts.
Thank you for always posting what you ate. All your ideas have really helped me. I have over 100lbs to lose and am finally trying again, thanks to your simple IMAX plan. Thank you, thank you!
That makes my day, Becky. π It’s people like you, and so many others that shared a note here, that make my work SO worth it!!
I’m here! I just don’t know that I know where I should be posting but was active in the FB Group and found an Egg Fast Group – which works well for me right now in conjunction with the 3 max rule…I’m losing weight every day! Finding your FB Group REALLY helped me get back on track. I was eating AWFUL and gained A LOT and now I’m less than 9 lbs from my first mini goal! I TRULY appreciate your posts! I have been struggling BIG time with mood the last few days and agreed had to be keto flu related…it’s been rough but trying to keep my mini goal at the front of my brain to help π I hope you’re feeling/doing better! Thank YOU!!
That keto flu is a b*tch π lol. It can really throw you for a loop! I am SO glad to be feeling better today. Congrats on being so close to your goal – that’s awesome. π You’re doing great! *cheers*
Good to see you :), I missed you yesterday so yes I am following along even if I don’t post, (I’m so boring) but I love to see what you’re eating, it helps me so much to make my own choices. And woohoo I found the Daisy Brand cottage cheese (The Fresh Market) and I LOVE it, it’s really good, so my breakfasts everyday have been your fav, cottage cheese, pecans, strawberries, coconut oil and sugar free maple syrup. It seems like a huge task to post everything I eat every day so I don’t, plus I’m still not actually counting carbs so I don’t know how much I’m eating. Maybe that’s why I’m not losing any weight :(. I remember last time I went “Keto”, Low-Carb” I was dropping a lb or even 2lbs a day. Now I’ve lost 2lbs in two weeks! So discouraging. And getting up and down just letting the dogs in and out all day is all the exercise I get LOL. Keep up the good work, we’re peeking in even if we’re not posting, disappointing I know.
Hi Roye,
Tracking really will make a huge difference. I bet you’ll start losing consistently again if you start tracking. π It’s really easy to do. See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/7006/macronutrients/ I only have two goals: 20 net carbs a day or less, 70% fat or higher. That’s it! Once you start adding your meals/foods, they stay in your own list – so it makes it easy to just add your usual foods each time you eat.
Thank you Lynn, I know I need to track what I’m eating, I’m curious to actually see how many carbs I am eating. It just gets tedious when I eat a little of this and a little of that, a few nuts, some veggies & dip, etc., etc. :). But I will try it.
I do the same thing, Roye – eat a lot of smaller meals more frequently. The great thing is that those usual things stay in your own list, so it’s easy to add in as you go. I use the mobile app for that – adding in on the go. Often while I’m munching. π
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what all you learn when you do start tracking. I was!
I thought avacodos were excellent for us…all the fat. But, you were throwing yours out.
damn have I been screwing myself?
Avocados are great! I eat them all the time. See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/6980/low-carb-chicken-salad-recipe/ This was guacamole though, and I have no idea what all they put in it – or what the carb count would be. Plus it didn’t appeal to me, lol. I asked for JUST avocado. I’m doing a “minimal ingredients” challenge at the moment. π
B-3 eggs, sausage, cheese
L-chickfila grilled chicken salad
D-2 hamburgers with avocado on top and oven fried Parmesan mushrooms
I have a couple questions, how long does it take to get over the keto-flu? I was chugging away for 5 days and then it hit me hard! Also have you ever used shakeology? The net carbs aren’t too bad if I use almond milk but I wasn’t sure if it would stall me out? I have lost 5 lbs in my first week so far and I am keeping carbs to 15-20 a day. Thanks for all the pics and I love that fitness app it really helps!! Liz
Hi Liz,
The keto flu is different for everyone as far as when it hits and how long it lasts. For me it hits on Day 3 and only lasts (the worst of it anyway) about 48 hours. Here’s the link for anyone that wants to learn more about it: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4689/ketosis-symptoms-and-low-carb-flu/
I wouldn’t mix two diets – or do shakeology. You’ll do best to just eat real food. 1/3 cup pecan halves is very high fat but super low carb, easy to “grab on the go”, so a great “real food” replacement for any shake or bar.
Your 3IMAX plan has been fantastic for helping me keep an accurate carb count and log my food into MFP. It’s only been two weeks now, and I’m just praying I don’t get bored with it! Because it totally works! I’ve read on the Atkins site (and so many others) that fajitas were a “safe” food choice in Mexican restaurants, but when I look up the carb count, it comes close to my 20 net carb max! π Would love to know how you order in a Mexican restaurant?
Hi Stephanie,
Usually when you look up a restaurant item, it shows the nutrition facts as it’s served – and fajitas may include the tortillas. That’s why I enter my ingredients individually, since I usually either special order or skip certain things that come with the meal.
You can see how I entered my dinner from Applebee’s last night here: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/7458/day-7-low-carb-diary/
I’m not much for posting, but did wanna let you know that at least one person (me) reads your blog everyday. I always get ideas from your food diary. And, you have motivated me to start to exercise as often as I can. My parents are in poor health and are quite feeble. I go into town everyday to check on them, run their errands, get groceries, clean, and fix them something to eat if they want me to. Most days, I just don’t feel like going to the mall to walk (I can’t walk in the heat, so I go indoors and do it). But, I believe if I just force myself to do something. And, I believe it just may be dancin’. π I’ve done it before and it did help me. I am on this journey with you and everyone else. Five more pounds will put me at the goal I set for myself 11 years ago. When I hit that mark, I’m gonna go for another 25 pounds. Good luck to us all!!!! π
I get that, Kathy – I bet we all have super busy lifestyles. I know I do! It feels like I’m going nonstop, lol. I love dancing too, btw – right here at home even! – and it’s great exercise. π
Congrats on being so close to your first goal!!!
I’m not sure I joined this mini challenge, but I am following the 90-day challenge on Facebook. Today, I’ve had:
breakfast 3 cream cheese pancakes, BPC (5 net carbs)
snack – half Atkins bar (1 net carb)
lunch – 2 burgers with mayo and cheese on low carb torilla (4 net carbs)
I wanted to try a new drink, so I got some of those ICE drinks people have been talking about, but I don’t like the sparkling water. Oh well.
Thanks for all your posts. This has motivated me to finally do what I should have done years ago.
I wish I had started years earlier too, Lori. On the ICE drinks – add Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and ice. π It’s the ONLY way to drink those, lol. *cheers*
Lynn: Thanks so much for your inspiration and oh-so-valuable information and tips! I had begun the journey (this WOE), but have recently had a slight detour due to a move back from overseas and vacation…I say slight because I am still working at following the program, but am not as stringent as I was prior. I have been a bit mentally down as I don’t believe that I am losing like so many others…although forced to stay away from the morning weigh-ins…feel that there are some improvements gained such as lower blood sugar and less ankle swelling. I am finding difficulties practicing this WOE on vacation–the mind games just won’t quit! But, due to your helpful information, I can log on and GAIN a bit of perspective…and hopefully LOSE a bit more weight.
Hi Deborah Lynne,
Those mind games can really get to you. That’s something I’m really working on lately: examining my thought processes, my reasons, what I rationalize and why, why I do the things I do, etc. SO much of this is mental. π
Everyone loses at a different rate. I lose slower because I’m in my 40’s, because I had a hysterectomy, because I’m closer to my goal weight (currently 153 pounds), and because I’ve been eating low carb for more than 4 years – or the better part of that time.
Someone who is just starting will lose faster. Someone who has over 100 pounds to lose will lose faster. Someone who is making a bigger lifestyle change (like giving up soda or sweet tea) will lose faster. And there are other factors like age, gender, health, medications, etc.
It’s best to just focus on our own journey and not compare ourselves to others. Easier said than done, I know. π *cheers*
i love that you post what you eat everyday!!! It helps so much! Thanks!
Lynn:
Don’t you dare quit! Ok pretty please π
Like the other ladies here have said, your menus and pictures keep us inspired. You probably influence us more than you think. I have actually started to eat Cottage Cheese, Pecans and Strawberries. I don’t like my food to touch so they stay separate on my plate but still … I also bought the 3 ingredient cook book and the Ozeri scale. The Ab Carver is in my Amazon Shopping cart and I am still trying to convince myself that I will use it diligently π
I lost 10 pounds on the last 3IMax challenge. Once it was over, I gained a pound a day so on day 6 I hopped back on the challenge. I now have a 12 pound loss so far. I think I can probably do 3IMax for a long, long time.
3IMAX ROCKS AND SO DO YOU MY FRIEND!
Thank you PJ ::)
It’s so funny how many people LOVE pecans, cottage cheese & berries now. π That makes me smile, lol.
I’m going to share my Ab Carver Pro video today. Watch for that – I think you’ll like it (lol). It’s a “real woman” unboxing it, putting it together, and figuring out how to use it – vs a “fitness expert” haha.
I think the video will help you make a decision. One way or the other… π
Me thinks my buddy Slim has the right idea. Sorry Lynn but you are on your own here π Ok ok I’ll think about it!
When are you coming back to Atlanta anyway?
LOL PJ! π He didn’t like it at all, haha. Hopefully SOON. It would be great to get together again! π
Love following your days! THANKS
Love what your posting Lynn!!! It holds me more accountable!!! If Lynn can do it… So can I! Keep doing what you’re doing cause we’re all watching carefully!
I’m not in the challenge but read your blog daily. Ive lost 67 pounds since April with LCHF woe. Your blog gives me the motivation to keep plugging along. So, keep it coming! Plus, I’m doing my best to keep it simple lol.
Congrats on losing 67 pounds in such short time, Jeff! That’s AWESOME. π *cheers*
Hi Lynn
Please don’t quit! I’m following I also didn’t know where to post. Now I do. You’ve been a great inspiration and helpful.
B- eggs bacon avocado
L chicken Caesar salad
D steak shrimp broccoli
S sugar free jello
Thank you – all of you – for helping me get through such a rough day. I’m so grateful to have friends in this community – which can be a tough group sometimes (food bullies, etc).
I’m really glad my shares help, encourage & inspire. I know all too well what it’s like trying to do this alone, or without support & ideas. Plus friendship and community. I think those two things are so important when you’re working so hard on a goal!
I appreciate all the thoughts & feedback here. A lot. π
It’s quite a bit of work to share my meals & macros every single morning (I have a business to run too) and I wasn’t sure if I lost everyone somewhere, or what happened exactly. π Tons of people were excited about doing the mini-challenge, but response totally dropped off.
That goes for ALL of the mini challenges I’ve done for the 90 Day Low Carb Challenge group this go round actually, even though there was tons of interest in weekly challenges when we kicked off this challenge…
So I’m just sort of scratching my head and thinking maybe I can slack off and not work so hard. LOL. That plus dealing with negative messages/emails and people being rude in the group, people “cheating” and “bragging about it” (which is really hard on me right now while I’m busting my a** getting back on track and staying there.
Between pushing myself HARD with my food / weight & exercise and just to reach my goals – and working hard to help others do the same – it’s downright disheartening and exhausting some days. That’s just me being honest.
I appreciate you all. I want to help as many people get healthy as I possibly can.
*cheers* & *hugs* π
I’m doing the mini challenge with you. I am a newbie and the 3 ingredients on the plate is a nice simple way to start. I got a fit bit today and hopefully that will help me to stay motivated with moving around and getting more exercise. the scales are moving down. I’m pumped!!!!!
That’s awesome, Michelle – it sounds like you’re really taking CONTROL of your health! π I’ve been eyeballing the FitBit, and may just get one before my trip to Vancouver. That would be fun – to track my steps in airports (lol), and of course nice walks at White Rock Beach…
Thanks, I LOVE the fit bit already since 2 O clock I have walked 11,000 steps It’s very motivating to see your progress.. I was recently in New York City with my niece and it was cool to see how much we actually walked there 23,000 steps in one day.
Keep on Keeping on………..
Thanks, I LOVE the fit bit already since 2 ‘ clock I have walked 11,000 steps It’s very motivating to see your progress.
I was recently in New York City with my niece and it was cool to see how much we actually walked there 23,000 steps in one day.
Keep on Keeping on………..