Weigh-In: Week 9

Yes, I skipped posting last week.  I lost one ounce.  That's like a trickle of pee.  I didn't have anything to discuss so... 

Here's where I am currently:

Weight lost this week:  2.9 lbs.  

Weight lost since starting the AIP elimination diet on 3/1:  19.6 lbs.

Weight lost since my all-time high on 1/1: 23 lbs.

Full disclosure... I weighed in when I came home from Florida a few days ago, which is where the screen shot is from.  It was exactly the same yesterday morning.  

I had a few slow weeks in there but I think I've started to gain momentum again.  Nothing really changed in terms of my choices, so I think it was just a plateau.  Who knows.  At least I continued to lose even if it was measly - like last week.

I had been trying to avoid red meat (not part of the AIP diet, but my own choice) but after experiencing some dizziness/light-headedness and a headache that lasted off and on for about a week, I believe that my iron intake is way too low.  I've eaten some grass-fed, organic beef a handful of times and it seems to have helped some.  I know there are other ways to get iron, but that one sure is the tastiest. :)  

As of this week, I've also decided to limit my fruit consumption to breakfast/morning snack only to see if that helps with some of the dizziness as well.  

I think it's time for some fun pics, eh?

For the last several years, I've avoided taking full-body shots - or at least sharing them.  Thank GOD for the ability to crop a pic.

The beaut below is from a dress-shopping excursion about a year ago.  Not one single thing about this dress was remotely flattering.  What's crazy is that this was one of the better ones I looked at! Thankfully, I found a much better dress, but the experience was horrifying.

(And yes, I know that my selfie-in-the-mirror game was WAY off that day! Hahaha.)

The pic below was from a few nights ago.  

Now, I realize that things like lighting and posture and all that can change things, but come on, now.  There's a big difference, I think.  Right? Right???  

Facial side-by-side, now.  The left is from this past December.  I had just gotten my hair cut and felt all cute and shit.  Matt took this while we were at lunch that afternoon. The right is the same pic from a few nights ago.

I follow a woman on Instagram whose lost over 300 lbs by sheer clean eating and exercise.  She frequently mentions "non-scale victories".  I've started to really embrace those things more than the actual number on the scale!  Progress is so very exciting even if it's been slower at times than I'd like.  I have gone down a full size in pants and am close to hitting the size below that.  I've actually worn SHORTS.  At home.  Near people I know.  

Best of all? I feel pretty.  :) My self-esteem has suffered for years and I'm finally becoming more comfortable with me.  Can't beat that.

Until next post.  
xoxo

The "M" Word

It happened.

I got a migraine. The first one in 7 weeks.  I've been dealing with after-effects all week, too.  

What started it?  I truly believe it's because I went too long without eating one night this week.  I've been so regimented in terms of regular meals and snacks that I guess it fucks my system up even more so than before.  

While I ate the right foods that day, I just went too long and my blood sugar didn't like it.  I knew better and should have had some snacks handy.  Argh.  To make matters worse, I decided the next day - of all days - that I'd test the waters and try some pasta.  Again, I knew better.  There were other options available that I did eat, but I still had maaaaybe 1/3 of a cup.  Yep. That's it.  I've been on track otherwise, but I'm off physically.

This is where the autoimmune mess comes in.  It takes me longer to recover from changes, whether they're eating habits or late nights or exercise or whatever.  I also started a new part time summer job (which is very exciting!) but that, too, is a change.  I was in bed by 10:30 last night, so it wasn't a late night.  I woke up completely exhausted with full body fatigue.  

I hoped I could bounce back faster, but nope. I know it's just a minor snag and it's still a good test nonetheless but it's aggravating anyway. I just want to not have these damn flare ups. Thankfully, this is only one down period in nearly 2 months, so I still consider it a success.

I've mentioned in prior posts that I've limited my red meat.  While on this AIP diet, beef is permitted, but it must be lean and grass-fed and all that good stuff.  I got some burgers at Whole Foods and made one tonight.  It was good, but I do feel bloated.  I've felt like that the other times I've had beef, too.  Maybe it's the sodium?  I've been adding seasoning - salt included...  I'll have to check on that.  Cutting it out is no biggie but I just wanted more diversity. 

I have a lot to do tomorrow, so tonight will be an early bedtime for me.  Of course, that doesn't mean I'll fall asleep early. :)

I leave you with this quote. It's from a daily Instagram lettering challenge that I participate in and it felt pretty appropriate today.  Yes, I know I'm a nerd.  All part of the undeniable charm, baby.

I've decided that life sure is better when I don't feel like shit.  The inconvenience of this diet is minor compared to the overall rewards so far.  I just have to keep remembering that. 

Thanks for listening. :)

Peace.

xoxo

Weigh-In: Week 7

Damn, Monday came fast!  Of course, all of my days sort of run together now, so every day is a Monday.  Or a Friday.  Or a Thursday.  

Okay - today's deets:

Weight lost this week:  1.0 lbs.  

Weight lost since starting the AIP elimination diet on 3/1:  18.3 lbs.

Weight lost since my all-time high on 1/1:  20 lbs.

I've lost 20 lbs so far!!!!  But this week?  One pound.  That bums me out.  I hit my second goal and a loss is still a loss and all that but damn...  While I didn't cheat, I could have made different choices.  No biggie - just an adjustment for this week.  Onward...

Things I've learned in the last 7 weeks:

• All progress is good even if I get my panties in a bunch when it's not as much as I hoped for.
• As much as I've tried to deny it, my migraines are impacted far more by my diet than I realized.  Yes, hormones were a huge factor (especially pre-cancer) but I've gone nearly 2 full months without one, so far.  
• Progress = motivation.  Seeing and feeling results has kept me going.  
• I don't feel starved at all.  If I'm hungry, I eat a snack.  It's that simple.
• I need to exercise still.
• My butt is super flat. Omg.  See bullet above.
• I'm starting to feel a little cute and shit again.  :) 

The large pic is from this morning.  The top right is from a month ago. The bottom right is the Big Bloat from 2/24.  I'm not quite ready for a full body shot yet.  As open as I am verbally, showing that will take more courage.  Patience... 

The balance of fat vs protein is tricky for me sometimes.  Avocados are a prime example... They're high in both.  They're good fats, but perhaps I should eat less, still?  My fat % was very high yesterday. The top 3 were beef patty (only the 3rd time I've had red meat in the last 7 weeks), carnitas and avocado.  All three were also the highest in protein.  I know where I can make changes, like I said earlier, but it's just a matter of mixing things up, I guess.  

Goals for this week are to drink more water, re-evaluate my protein choices based on fat % and exercise for real.  Not just dancing in the shower or around the house. :) 

Today is a good day.  The sun is shining and it's gorgeous outside.  No complaints here.

Peace out... 

xo

Weigh-In - Week 6

Happy Monday! 

Today's tally:

Weight lost this week:  2.1 lbs.  

Weight lost since starting the AIP elimination diet on 3/1:  17.3 lbs.

Weight lost since my all-time high on 1/1:  19 lbs.

WOO HOO!  It's pretty fucking awesome, if I do say so myself!

I have an appointment with my doctor on Wednesday to recheck my thyroid levels.  I last saw her about 7 weeks ago.  I'm hopeful that they'll be back in check and that we can revisit some of my dosages.  Fingers crossed...

My concern now is whether I'm eating ENOUGH.  I'm definitely under 1200 calories most days and not because I'm trying to starve myself.  The limitations make it tough but the fact of the matter is that I do genuinely feel satiated after eating meals.  I'm trying to eat more avocado and bananas (not together - ew) and coconut oil, etc. to add some healthy fats but even that's not always enough.  I'll ask my doc about it and see what she recommends.

I'll post again after my appointment.

Progress is exciting and incentive to keep on truckin'!  

Peace, love and clean eating. :)

xoxo

Weigh-In: Week 5

Howdy, friends!

This week's weigh-in is on Wednesday rather than Monday because I just got back into town late yesterday afternoon.  

I was nervous about this visit because I wouldn't have quite as much control over how my food was prepared, but I stuck with it for 99% of the visit.  Yay, me!

Weight lost this week:  1.4 lbs.  

Weight lost since starting the AIP elimination diet on 3/1:  13.5 lbs.

Weight lost since my all-time high on 1/1:  16.9 lbs.

While I still lost weight, I'm a little bit bummed.  I'm bummed that I missed my monthly goal of 20 lbs., even though I knew it was pretty aggressive.  


So, my original idea during my trip to Ohio was to stick to the AIP plan and if I was good the end of the week, I'd reward myself with Skyway. If you don't know what that is, they have THE BEST greasy burgers I've ever had.  


Check them out here:

Skyway

As the week progressed, I was worried about "falling off the wagon", so to speak and decided that I'd just skip Skyway this visit.  If you know me, that's a major sacrifice!  

Finally, on the second-to-last day, I felt that a reward was still warranted and had a double cheeseburger with ketchup.  Weird, but it's what I've gotten for over 40 years.  I bypassed the fried mushrooms or fries and went with sweet potato fries, so I wasn't AS bad as I could have been.  It was still as delicious as ever.  

I did feel a little bit bloated afterwards, but not too bad otherwise, which is good.  It was totally worth it but I did still feel a pang of guilt.  So stupid...

I did eat a lot of chicken, fish and turkey burger patties.  Lots of veggies.  Lots of fruit.  I think the worst part is that I didn't do any cooking since we were in a hotel, so I didn't always know if there were seasonings added that I can't have, etc.  I did my best and am happy that I still lost, even if it wasn't much.  

Tonight's dinner was oven-baked salmon with lemon and string green beans.  Tasty and filling.  I do have more of a craving for the good stuff now.  After 34 days of this, I think I crave the idea of the "fun" stuff more than the actual food itself, if that makes sense.  

I seasoned it with my standard - kosher salt, black pepper, onion salt and garlic salt and baked it for about 25 minutes at 400.  I put lemon slices under and on top of the salmon as well.  Incredibly easy!

I have an app called "Everyday" where you take a picture of yourself daily and they're all stringed together into one video clip.  I used it when my hair started growing back after cancer and have been using it again to see how my face has changed.  

Admittedly, I looked for the most bloated pic I've had so far this year and decided that this "before" pic was the best of the worst. The date it was taken was 2/24. The "after" pic was taken earlier today.  I think the difference is obvious now!  My nose even looks smaller but I'm sure that's just lighting. :)

I have a follow up appointment with my doctor next Wednesday, 4/11, to have my thyroid levels rechecked.  I'm hopeful that they're more stabilized and I'm sure that my doctor will be pleased with my success so far.  I know I am!

Just a reminder - there are zero gimmicks here.  It's not a long-term diet.  I'm eliminating foods that typically cause leaky gut or inflammation-type issues.  Once I feel normal again (using that term loosely, of course), I'll reintroduce things on the naughty list one at a time.  I'll continue to eat lots of fruits and veggies, lean, grass-fed meats and fish.  If I can do it - anyone can.  TRUST ME!  I'd truly prefer to feel good and eat like this than feel as shitty as I have for such a long time and eat whatever. 

By the way - still no migraines!  Woo-fucking-hoo!!!

Thanks to those who've encouraged me! I really appreciate it!  If you want to know more or have questions about any of it, let me know!  

Until next time...
xoxo

Weigh-In: Week 4

It's weigh-in day!  

Here's the skinny... (See what I did there?)

Weight lost this week:  2.4 lbs.  

Weight lost since starting the AIP elimination diet on 3/1:  12.1 lbs.

Weight lost since my all-time high on 1/1:  15.5 lbs.


HOT DAMN!


My goal for this month is a lofty 20 lbs. I wanted to hit 15 by the time that I left for Ohio - which is tomorrow. Goal #1 MET! I'm excited and proud of myself!

I've been doing some homework to see what I can eat at specific restaurants. I've got several 'go-to' items that I should be able to get anywhere, so I'm sure I'll be fine.  

I had a dream last night that I was invited to a buffet.  There really wasn't anything healthy, so I settled on baked beans and Cheez-its.  I was panicked because I didn't want to gain back all the weight I had lost.  Seriously, though. Baked beans and Cheez-its??  Gross combo.

You know that shit has gotten real when you dream about food AND freak out about it.  

Comparison photos...  The pic on the left is from 2/26 and the one on the right is from today, 3/26.  I think my face looks a wee less bloated today.  My chin seems to be getting pointier, which is weird, but I'll take it!

So, there's one component missing that I haven't dived into just yet...

EX-ER-CIZE.  

I have lots of great ideas, but I've been sorely lacking there.  I have no excuse.  Well, one. I'm lazy.  Even though I'm up and moving around more often than I had been previously, I certainly wouldn't call it exercising.  I'll get there.  Stay tuned for that one...

While I'm not a picky eater by any means, when I'm eating at home, I tend to stick with what I love and don't get too creative. I also never really loved to cook, either.  I made roasted Brussels sprouts last night.  I tossed them with some avocado oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper and oh my goodness...  They were delicious.  They didn't mess my tummy up, either.  Victory!  I didn't get a great pic of the finished product but this is what they looked like going in the oven.  

I baked them at 425 for about 25 minutes with just a quick shake of the pan about halfway through.  Super easy.  

I really appreciate the support I've gotten so far!  I'm normally terrible about sticking to stuff like this.  Right now, my plan is to continue the AIP elimination diet for at least another month - or maybe two - before I start to reintroduce.  That's not uncommon, from what I've read, too.  As long as I continue to feel better and lose this weight, it's doing its job!

Cheers to a disappearing double chin!  :)

Ciao...

xo

Happy Hump Day!

Happy Hump Day, my friends!

I got some feedback from my last post, so I wanted to clarify a few things.

As I've mentioned before, AIP is an elimination diet that my doctor STRONGLY recommended based on my autoimmune issues and chronic migraines.  I am on medications for both and yet my body wasn't having it.  The initial phase is for 30 days and then I can consider adding foods back into my diet.  I'll have to do so slowly so that I can determine what food(s) cause flare ups and headaches.  This isn't a quick-fix diet or anything.  It's trying to find what makes me sick so I can get some much-needed quality of life back.  

While this is based on the paleo diet, the bottom line is that it's just uber clean and mean.  I'm not eating weird foods - just normal fruits and veggies and lean meats with some restrictions that I've pointed out in prior posts.

What this ISN'T is a paid program.  I totally respect those who participate in such programs and love that they can work, but I'm not there at this point.  I'm not trying to sell anyone on anything (or buy into anything, honestly). Like my cancer blog, this is just a chronicle of my continued health saga.  Writing about it is therapeutic for me.  It's also great to read old posts to see how far I've come.

This is a totally new realm for me.  I've never loved to cook and am actually excited to do so - and it's only been a few weeks. SO many people have autoimmune issues and don't even know it.  If this resonates with anyone - well, that's an added bonus! 

My day today...

For breakfast, I had a smoothie that included a banana, strawberries, spinach, coconut milk and ice.  Thank God for the NutriBullet!  

Lunch was my standby Chick-Fil-A since I was out and about.  It sure seems like I have that all the time, but I really don't!  No, really!

I tend to have to go to the grocery store several times a week since I'm eating more fresh food.  I rotate among a few stores mostly so I don't seem like a weirdo.  (Yes, I'm aware that no one truly gives a shit if I'm at the same store 2583 times a week.  It's just one of many Nancy quirks.)  

Today, it was Whole Foods, mostly because it's a gorgeous sunny 70-degree day here and I was down for a scenic route.  I'm only here for a week before I head up to Ohio, so I don't need much.  

I got:

• summer squash
• zucchini
• corn
• sweet potato
• mahi mahi

All of which is organic.  

I'll make enough tonight so that I don't have to hit Chick-Fil-A tomorrow. I know you were concerned.  I have other frozen lean meats here that can last me the rest of the week.  I'll have to shop for veggies at least once more.

So - another accomplishment for me this week is that I can wear my wedding ring again.  It was super tight and uncomfortable so I really haven't worn it for a few months.  Yesterday, it slid right on and even spun around.  Woo hoo!  My hands do swell often, so they're a little sausage-y today, but you can tell that it fits!  

Oooh - one more thing!  I realize that 13 lbs isn't earth-shattering at this point, but it's also the lowest I've weighed in over a year.  It's warranted a happy dance or two (or 47) for sure!  

Okay - I'm out.  

Have a great day!  

xoxo