April 2016 will mark 5 years since I started eating low carb. It has been a serious roller coaster of a weight loss journey for me…
Some of you have been here with me from the start. You watched me start off strong, only to have a major setback with the hormone medication and emergency hysterectomy.
You saw me bounce back from that and tweak my macros, struggling just to maintain my weight – much less lose any.
You’ve seen me go off track, and totally binge out… and deal with extreme grief, more than once. 🙁 (My heart still aches over both, so hard…)
This weight loss stuff is hard!
I’ve held nothing back from you along the way. I may have whined (and kicked and screamed) a little TOO much at times 😛 lol.
It IS hard. Deciding you want to get healthy, and totally change your life, is a BIG deal. It’s a HUGE challenge, and for most of us… a daunting and unnerving task.
There are days I’ve asked myself, “Who am I to tackle such an undertaking?!”
I’m an emotional eater, a binge eater, I buckle at the sight of carbs. What was I thinking?!
I know what I was thinking: I’m sick of being fat. I’m tired of buying larger sizes every time I shop. I’m sick of being uncomfortable in my own skin, not to mention my own clothes.
I was working at a coffee shop with a friend one day, and after a couple hours I looked around at everyone there and said, “I don’t understand how these women can wear a bra all day every day like it’s nothing – this is the most miserable feeling under the sun!” (not realizing that 20 pounds had sneaked it’s way back onto my body, lol).
I had spent my entire adult life focused on raising my children and “making a difference” in my little world through my work.
As they grew up and started having their own lives, I looked in the mirror and took a long hard look at myself. Who am I? Who do I want to be? Who should I be next, when they leave home and I set out to live my own life for the first time?
I knew I wanted to be happy, have fun, live an active lifestyle, maybe even date! Which would mean looking halfway decent nekkid… 🙂 lol.
There was also the chronic pain, and at such a young age (in my 30’s!). I shared here how going low carb changed my life. I went from being miserable and often unable to move much at all, to an active lifestyle of hiking and water skiing!
(I’ll be 43 this year, by the way…)
That was the first summer I’d been back on a water ski in 23 years, and it felt amazing! 🙂 I bought bathing suits for the first time in forever – four of them I think, including 2 bikinis to sun in. And I wore them!
Friends & Support Have Made ALL The Difference!
It’s tough enough to take on a huge lifestyle change, even harder when people don’t support you in it. Having all of you here, and in our low carb challenge group, has kept me going all these years – through all of my ups and downs.
You’ve been there for me when I was in tears and having a total meltdown, and you’ve celebrated the wins with me too. Thank you for that!
The only friends in my “real life” (meaning in person, offline) are my two girlfriends, one in Canada and the other in another state. Check out these before & after pictures of Tawnya and I by the way. I call her my “Canadian Sister.” 🙂
Then there’s “T” – we spend a lot of holidays together. She’s the one I text saying “I need ice cream” – and she responds with a simple, “NO.” (lol) These two friends have talked me down off the ledge more than once. 😛 True friends are priceless!
Now What?! (Self-Sabotage & Dealing with “Fear of Success”)
Most people don’t gain tons of weight and struggle with a weight loss roller coaster without having some kind of issues, or mental junk to deal with. I’ve talked very openly with you about my self-sabotage problems, for example. Every time I got close to my goal weight over the last few years, I would fall into a quart of ice cream. 😛
I put a lot of thought into that. Am I afraid of reaching my goal? Who am I if I’m not struggling? Will you still love me if I’m “fit & skinny”? What will I do if I’m not measuring, tracking, counting, pushing, working so hard at it?
I don’t know…
I’m not fooling myself though. I’ve been here before – on the scales I mean, at this weight. And bounced right back up. This is not a diet, it’s a lifestyle – a way of life for me. I know firsthand just how fast I can put weight back on. Much faster than it comes off! lol… *sigh*
The journey continues. I’ll always have to eat a healthy ketogenic low carb diet to maintain my weight, and to stay out of chronic pain. Fortunately it’s easy, and all VERY good food! 🙂
My Next Big Goal
I woke up this morning weighing 150.2 pounds. I’m very close to my current goal of being in the 140’s again – for the first time in almost 5 years.
I’m think I’m officially just pounds away from being “skinny fat”. 😐
My next big goal is fitness and exercise, to TONE my body. Now that I’m down to a size 10 (very comfortably, I might add!) I am not at all happy to look in the mirror and see what was under those layers of fat.
Ugh. I’m seriously out of shape. 😛
I don’t want to be skinny. In fact, I like my curves – especially in my 40’s. I want to be “lean and strong” though. And HEALTHY.
My current goal is to work out every single day. Some days that will be cardio like my T25 work out, other days it will be strength training like my Ab Carver Pro. I’m aiming to work my way up to doing weights.
The Struggle (And Test of Character) Continues…
Not a good combination for an emotional eater. 😛
I powered through though, and my strength and resolve impressed even me! lol. But then on the trip home… I decided to eat off plan.
WHY? I just wanted to see what it would feel like to travel back leisurely like “normal people” for the day, and see what it felt like to eat whatever/whenever without thinking about it. 😛 And so I did.
After my struggle in Vegas I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I just needed a break.
I managed the day without it being an all-out binge though, which is new for me (lol).
I kept it at 100 carbs for the entire day. I just strolled through the airports and ate what was convenient. I didn’t eat anything ridiculous, no pasta or candy bars or anything – and I didn’t overeat (also new for me, lol).
The fact that I’m at a point of being able to CONTROL myself to that degree – amazes me. I am a binge eater, and an emotional eater, so achieving this level of self control gives me a sense of inner strength over my former life that I’ve never felt before.
It was an interesting “experiment” to say the least – especially in my vulnerable and emotional state that day.
My Weight Loss Journey
At my highest weight I didn’t own scales, and there are no photos. I would guess I was close to 200 pounds. I am only 5’5″ by the way. I was pushing a size 18 jeans (HARD! lol) and wearing XXL tops. I am currently 150.2 pounds and in a Size 10.
Those 40-50 pounds lost have made a BIG difference in my life!
The last 4-5 years have been a real struggle. I’ve gained and lost the same 20’ish pounds over and over and over. It’s been a serious roller coaster.
I’ve reached a point now though where I’m ready to hop off that ride, and become the healthiest happiest version of myself I can possibly be.
I look forward to meeting that version of me. 🙂
Here are just a few before and after weight loss pictures from my low carb journey. I wish had better before pictures. Actually, I just remembered – I do (at close to 180 pounds). I’ll save those for when I have better “after pictures” to share with you. 😉
Some days are harder than others but I finally feel like I’m over the hump! I know, I know, famous last words right? 😛 lol. But right now I’m feeling STRONG, motivated and determined. This is going to be the year I get in amazing shape.
Watch and see – and hold me to it. 😉 *cheers*
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
You did an amazing job. i worried about you in Vegas! When you wanted to come home i thought that was best. But you didn’t! And you handled it. Kudos to you!
On a side note, I started T25 again 2 weeks ago. Honestly one of my favorite work outs!
We CAN do this! Hugs!
Thank you, Ronda. 🙂 That was a tough trip. I can’t believe I didn’t hop on a plane home, lol. Geez!
I love T25 too. It’s like working out with Will Smith -lol. I love that there are men my age (40’s) on the workouts, for some reason that’s encouraging.
Thanks for the hug too – I needed that today. 🙂 *cheers*
Lynn, I started my weight loss story Nov. of 2012 at the age of 55. I had gotten up to 234 lbs and my self esteem was virtually noon existent. I did the vegan diet for about 9 months but missed having a steak so I just started eating better. Jan of 2015 I decided to get serious so I went the low carb route. I found your blog and it has been very helpful. The peanut butter fudge is my favorite snack. I love the sausage balls in the morning for breakfast too. As of today I am down to 169 lbs. 65 lbs with another 15 to go. Thank you for your inspiration and good luck hitting your goal this year. I know you can do it.
Wow, Ronni – congrats! 🙂 That’s amazing weight loss success. Way to go!! I’m so glad you enjoy the peanut butter fudge recipe, and the sausage balls. Those are two of my favorites too – and so easy. 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement. Here’s to a great year!! *cheers*
Hi Lynn
You look amazing and you are such an inspiration to me. I have started my lchf journey on the 3rd of November 2015. It is still a far way for me to go. I need knee replacement surgery but must get rid of all the extra weight. Quite a sword over my head. I have been dieting for the biggest part of 45 years with not much achieved. After reading extensively since last year I am sure I am very carb resistant.
I have given this journey over to being a prayer journey. The Lord is with me in this. I so appreciate your honesty of all the ups and downs. I average in the region of 700 to 800 calories per day else the scale wont budge.
I am very motivated to succeed but please think of me as my knees are really up to.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my “life” story with you.
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
I often eat at least double that amount of calories. How are you tracking? I ask to get an idea of your fat/protein ratios – as you might lose weight faster, depending on what they are. 🙂
Hi Lynn
A typical day is more or less as follows:
Breakfast Calories Net Carbs Carbs Fiber Protein Fat Sugar
Avocado – Haas, 0.5 medium fruit (100g) 84 1 4 3 1 11 0
Egg – Fried In Butter or Oil, 1 egg 110 1 1 0 6 7 0
Add Food Quick Tools
194
2
4%
5
3
7
14%
18
82%
0
Lunch
Ocean Basket – Side Salad (for One Person), 0.25 Side Plate 61 2 3 1 3 4 0
Ocean Basket – Kingklip (No Rice or Chips), 60 g 96 1 1 0 12 5 0
Wegman’s – Lemon Butter Sauce, 2 tbsp 25 1 2 1 0 2 0
Add Food Quick Tools
182
4
9%
6
2
15
34%
11
57%
0
Dinner
Add Food Quick Tools
Snacks
Fresh – Blueberries, 1 fluid ounce 10 2 3 1 0 0 2
Biltong Generic – Chilli Bites, 10 g 31 2 2 0 8 0 0
Woolworths – Double Thick Cream, 3 tablespoon 240 1 1 0 1 27 1
Add Food Quick Tools
281
4
5%
5
1
8
11%
27
84%
3
Totals
657
10
6%
16
6
30
18%
56
76%
3
Your Daily Goal
1,200
15
5%
15
21
75
25%
93
70%
45
Remaining 543 5 -1 15 44 37 42
Calories Net Carbs Carbs Fiber Protein Fat Sugar
This does not paste good, I hope you will be able to see.
Thanks for all the help.
Brenda
Brenda – is that 657 calories for the day?
What is your fat/protein ratio most days? Percentages?
I found I had to eat more – and get no less than 70% fat – to lose.
Hi Lynn
Yes it is for the whole day.
Percentages for fat approximately 75 – 82 %
Protein 15 – 18%
Thanks
Brenda – as long as you’re losing weight, feeling good, and not going hungry… sounds good!
Lynn,
Thank you for taking the time to create this blog,share your journey and be an inspiration to so many of us! I began low carb towards the end of 2015 but caved with the holidays ugh. So I started fresh 1-1-16 and have lost 4 pounds. I know some people lose more faster but as long as the scale is going in the right direction I’m cool with it,slow and steady as they say. I’m 5’6″ 156 pounds with goals similar to your own 140 would be great and increased fitness and health the icing on the cake. I am trying to be truly intentional about activity and joined a weekly yoga group, dusted off my snow shoes and purchased a paddle board for spring. I also have tipped the scales at 200 and yo- yo my entire life.
Thank you for generously sharing your heart with us all! You are beautiful inside and out!
Patty
Thank you, Patty! 🙂 Those last 10-20 pounds are the hardest, so you actually have MORE of a challenge than someone who has more to lose. 😉 I’ve probably lost about the same since the beginning of the year. Nope, I just checked: a whopping 2.6 pounds lol. I lose super slow and it bounces around a lot. 😛
Like you I am really pushing myself to live a more active lifestyle. I loved your “snow shoes” – I bought rain boots this year, as a “no excuses” means of keeping up my daily walks! 🙂
Thanks for your honesty & your willingness to share….. I look for your posts (and the 90 day challenge posts) when I wake up and before bed at night. It helps me set my frame of mind, be encouraged and envision what is possible. You are fabulous & so appreciated!
That really makes my day, Donna – and makes all of this worth it. 🙂 Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy your blogs. They often sound so much like me. This one especially. I started filling you about a year ago. And soon after I started eating low carb. This is not my first time but this time I have embraced it. I had lost about 17 lbs and then December came along. I was going to try to push through but then I binges on topsys popcorn that a supplier sent to our office as a gift. After that I decided that I take the month of December “off”. I still ate low carb but if there was something in the office or a party or Christmas dinner I allowed myself to enjoy the food available. I didn’t weigh in December because I was not going to get mad because I gained. At the beginning of the latest challenge I finally weighed. I had only gained about 5 lbs. But I still had one more holiday dinner. I still ate on plan that week but ate what was available at the dinner. Now I an back to eating all lchf and I Hanne lost almost every lb I gained and will continue. Thank you for your blog and for your challenge group. It helps me alot.
Good for you for getting right back on track, Sondra! That’s the key. 😉 It’s so easy for me to let one off plan meal or day derail me for weeks, if not months! I’m impressed that you kept it manageable, then got right back into it and lost the weight you gained. Way to go! 🙂
Thank you. I am fighting it a little but losing helps keep me on track.
Another great post filled with great info. Thanks for doing what you do Lynn!
Thank you, Joni! 🙂 🙂 *cheers*
Thank you for sharing this. I have always been overweight and since having two children was at 240 at Christmas. My jeans are 20w and 2x tops to be comfy. I decided to change my ways for good this time. I want more energy and more confidence to show my children how to be a confident adult. I also want to be able to buy clothes without having to only go to certain brands because I know how those ones for in my size. I started on 1/4/16 and am down 8 pounds so far. I have only been starving one day and that was my fault because I skipped lunch and was trying to catch up. I also ordered a ab roller but it’s not here yet. That seemed like something I could actually do without having to go to a gym. I have struggled a little with snacks…any good ideas for snacks? I tried pecans and cheese for awhile but I have a sweet tooth. I have eyed the Oreos more than once, never grabbed them though.
I love my ab carver pro, Trisha. 🙂 It’s definitely something you’ll enjoy more at home – or I do. Because at first I wasn’t that coordinated with it, lol.
Like you, I started this before my children left home – as a means of inspiring them to be the best version of themselves they could possibly be. That’s such a STRONG motivator!
As for snacks, there are sugar free candy options – I like the Atkins candies that I shared in this post: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/9244/atkins-photo-contest/ for example. And sugar free york peppermint patties!
I don’t snack very much, but then I eat a lot of smaller meals instead of 2 or 3 big ones. Berries in moderation are a nice sweet treat: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries. Oh, and check out this fudge: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/6247/low-carb-peanut-butter-fudge/ It’s fabulous!!
Thanks for doing what you do Lynn. Your blog really motivates me to do better. I am over 255 lbs and have no self esteem right now. I read your posts and it makes me want to continue my journey. I appreciate everything you do and I am sure you have helped many people through your journey. You look great! Looking forward to reading more posts from you soon.
Thank you, Patti! This is the BEST thing I’ve ever done for myself. My self esteem was tanked too – I totally get that. I feel GREAT lately though. It’s so worth it. 😉
Lynn.. you are an encouragement and a blessing to me. T.hank you for your open and honest sharing.
Thank you, Susie! 🙂 🙂 *cheers*
I love, love reading your blog. I can so relate to you and your diet issue because I do the same . Just as soon as my goal is reachable,( Im 5’2 and need to weigh 120-115 and just turned 50 ) I crash and burn and eat CARBS! I almost reward myself for hard work by undoing all my hard work. WHY? I did the same as you, stayed home and raised babies for 23 years and they were and are my life . But I decided to put myself first now because they are grown. I have joined a fitbit challenge and have walked 10,000 steps since Jan 1 and I am very excited that I have stuck to it so far. Everyday is a challenge !!!! Thanks so much for opening up your life so others can see we are not alone !! 🙂 Stay strong
Congrats, Edie – that’s awesome that you’re keeping up the 10k challenge!! I really love my FitBit. 🙂 It motivates me more than anything else ever has, lol. I don’t know why… it just makes me WANT to move!
As for the self-sabotage… what a monster that is, lol. 😛 I had to fight it hard this last month or so, teetering so close to my goal of getting under 150.
I first tried Atkins back in the 70’s. It worked, but I liked to party too much on weekends. Once after my divorce, I was in my mid 30’s, I lost 100 lbs in 90 days on low carb & lots of exercise. I was finally diagnosed with type II diabetes. About 5 yrs ago I went to Dr. & was told if I didn’t lose wt to get my sugar down, I’d have to go on insulin instead of pills. I was 340 lbs that day, my highest ever. That scared me, so I quit drinking, went back on low carb & as much exercise as I could do. Today I’m at 209. It’s taken 5yrs to lose 131 lbs. My goal is 195. My wife likes the LC lifestyle & is a big help. We’ve been married 33 yrs. My blood glucose is normal, I still take a small dose of metformin daily. I have arthritis bad, but still exercise daily & walk a mile or more. I’m 68 yrs old, & like you, LC is a lifestyle, not a diet. I get much enjoyment & encouragement from reading your blogs.
Thank you, Ray! 🙂 Congrats on the 131 pounds lost!! That’s a huge achievement, kudos. And good on you for taking your health into your own hands, instead of just giving up and going on whatever meds they gave you. 😉
Do you eat a ketogenic low carb diet – 20 net carbs max, 70% fat minimum? I ask because that can really help with arthritis and inflammation…
Lynn, To be honest I’m not really sure whether I’m on the ketogenic low carb diet. I do know I never eat above 20 net carbs a day. Mainly stay less than 15. I eat the Daisy Cottage Cheese, Pecans, Strawberries meal you posted most everyday. Love it. Eat bacon and eggs, salmon fillet, butter, avocado’s, Bulletproof Coffee, Hardee’s Low Carb Cheeseburger, without the bun, etc. I’m not much for research, like to find a diet plan menu, like yours & follow it. I did do a 21 day Ketogenic diet plan I found online. I think I am doing Keto & like it. Just seems like I don’t get enough vegetables. I just got a book called Macronutrient Miracle. Any advice is appreciated.
Hi Ray,
You want to eat 20 net carbs max, and 70% fat minimum. That really helps me with the chronic pain & inflammation! I keep it REALLY simple, as usual 🙂 See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/7006/macronutrients/ for what I do and how I do it. 🙂
Lynn you are so awesome! You make me laugh and cry all in the same breath! It is always easy to give up when things may not be so perfect. But staying strong through the most difficult times really makes me feel like I have accomplished more. Thanks for being there and sharing your journey. You give us the strength to continue on! 🙂
Thank you, Brigitte! 🙂 🙂 I agree – and I do love a sense of accomplishment. That’s the best feeling in the world! Here’s a year of staying strong and FEELING strong! 🙂 *cheers*
You are an inspiration! Your wight loss journey is much like my own, so I can relate! Thank you for you motivational words! Today I is my 69th birthday and my goal is to be the fittest and healthiest weight by my big 70! We can do this together! Thanks again, Lynn.
Happy Birthday, Mary Ann! 🙂
What a fun goal. Here’s to an AWESOME year together!! *cheers*
You rock girlfriend. Believe me I know about all you talk about. And I am exactly the same height as you. And over a period of 5 years I reduced 50 lbs and maintained at 150-157. For another 3 years than last April I started the no sugar no flour no rice no pasta no tortillas no no no no and finally after 10 years I was no hungry anymore and my cravings were gone. Then I came across your blog and finally got down to 139. The 140’s have been the great difference in my life. Loose size 8. Small top and everyone at Rancho Casa Blanca notice my 15 lbs weight loss from last year. As I walk 6 miles a day around our resort. And guess who notice it the most…….men! I am 71 years old. I feel great as when you feel this good it rings thru your look………and you my dear ring that beautiful look of beauty,grace and thinness. Congratulations and cudos to you as the 140 level is totally worth it. I wish I would have done it 5 years ago
Way to go, Bonnie! 🙂 And you are SO right – the inner confidence, happiness, self achievement, etc really shows on the outside… and people NOTICE. How you feel about yourself makes such a big difference in how you look – and in how you carry yourself. 🙂
I completely understand the struggle. Just about everytime someone started to tell me that I looked good is when I started to gain weight again. I’ve never felt that I deserved praise or adoration. I’ve never felt that I deserved to be loved, because I never learned to love myself. That’s the constant struggle. Slowly but surely I’m moving forward. Just remember if you ever need a shoulder or an ear just DM me.
Keto365days
Wow Charles – you are so beautiful (for a man!) and have such a beautiful family. 🙂 I met you first on Instagram and you really impressed me. Then I saw more photos of you at your site, and you’re just plain handsome at any size! You DO deserve that praise. You are smart, hard working, kind, a great father and husband, and you’re taking control of your health. KUDOS! Own it, love it, live it – get used to it. 😉
Thank you for the offer too, and ditto. We’re all in this together! 🙂 *cheers*
The hardest part of the journey is staying the course…. you have stuck with it through a lot. I started doing 21 day fix, just finished my 4th cycle and I have to say it does make a difference in how I look. I was thinking of trying T25…
Thank you, Cynthia! I really love T25. Once I get all the way through it a few times, I may try something new. Did you enjoy the 21DF a lot?
I am so excited to find this blog! You provide so much information and share so much that it makes me feel like I know you! I look forward to following along as you get to your goal.
I have just restarted the low carb lifestyle in earnest and am determined to make this the time that it “sticks”. I’ll be 56 next month and am retiring at the end of October, so it’s time to get to the best me I can be. I do a strenuous boot camp workout 3-4 days a week(have done it for 3 years, 460+ sessions) so I have the exercise component down. Just need to get the last 30 lbs or so off. I lost 30 in 2013, but have been stuck ever since. Thank you for providing this wonderful place for support & information! Hugs!
Thank you, Lori! 🙂 And welcome! That last 20-30 pounds is the hardest, but LCHF is definitely the easiest way to lose it. 😉 How are you tracking, and are you getting at least 70% of your daily calories in healthy fats?
I’m so happy for you Lynn! Hoping for you this is the real turning point and you never have to worry about the struggle again.
Over the last five years you’ve been a huge inspiration to me. Even when I’m not doing low carb myself I really enjoy reading what you’re eating and what you’re up to over here.
I so understand the struggle and the self-sabotage, the emotional and binge eating, too. I don’t really understand why I do it but I seem to absolutely stop myself whenever I start to see success no matter how hard I really want it.
I have NOT reached my turning point yet but I have at least gained the motivation to keep trying HARD, which is better than where I was at early last year (totally gave in).
That was me a little over a year ago – I totally gave in, gave up, and gained 20+ pounds of physical misery – to match my emotional misery. It doesn’t make any sense, does it?! I feel SO much better when everything feels so out of control… but I have this ONE thing (me, my health & weight) that I CAN control! 🙂
Thanks for being here, for being a friend. I so enjoyed seeing you in Toronto. That seems like forever ago now! I can’t wait till we get a chance to hang out in person again – and hopefully spend more time together. 🙂 *cheers*
I have been following your blog, but talk of perventages and net carbs confuse me .. added to the fact I really hate to cook. Working 2 to 3 jobs (DC is expensive!) I’m a grab-n-go girl, which equals take out salads, burgers (no bun) and whatever is quick which often means takeout and defeats all the good I may have done all day. I may plan on eating in, but then I get called into work so I’ll grab something on the go.
Is there a basic how-to low carb101 for someone like me? Doctor wants to see some positive changes before I see him in May so I really have to get this weight off.
Where does one start?
Thanks in advance!
That’s pretty much how I eat every day, Sharon. 🙂 My meals here in my food diaries are a lot of take-out and super easy meals – not much cooking. 🙂 You’re in the right place!
I keep it super simple: 20 net carbs max, 70% fat minimum. Read this: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/7006/macronutrients/ It makes it super easy.
You are a beautiful woman no matter what size you are but I can definitely relate to enjoying “feeling” amazing. Thank you for your honesty! It was a huge encouragement to me 🙂
Thank you, Arah! I’m so glad to hear that. 🙂 🙂 *cheers*