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Making Changes


PipsMom

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Well it's day 1 for a healthier me..... Journey to lower my cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lose pounds and stop smoking. That's a lot isnt it....hope to look back in the coming months and say it was all worth it.

Started last night sipping cinnamon tea instead of coffee..Good for arthritis inflammation ....... I'm a die hard all day long coffee-holic and this isn't going to be easy so let's see how bad the withdrawal is going to be this time around .....I've done this before and the first three days are the worst with headaches from hell and crankiness. :noway: 

Started the morning off and replaced coffee with Chaomine Tea and a tsp of honey...very soothing. Cooked breakfast for the hounds and hubby...I didn't even miss the toast and eggs I usually have. Last night I made the oatmeal yogurt recipe everyone is talking about..Now that isnt half bad if you have never made it......Layered oatmeal, Greek no fat yogurt, blueberrys, 2 tsp applesauce, one sliced banana, drizzle of honey, flax seeds and soy no fat milk..covered and refrigerated over night. Breakfast felt like I was cheating.......yummy surprises of cool fruit and a hint of sweetness from the honey. I actually enjoyed it very much and will play around with the fruit combo so I don't get bored with it.

Mid morning I was getting antsy from sugar and caffeine withdrawal. So off the kitchen armed with new recipes I've found on Pinderest. I baked 9 oatmeal, banana and applesauce muffins...I don't know who loved them better...me or Pip....Abby refused. 

I wasn't hungry at 4 but the pups were gathering for their 3:30 stare telling me it was time for supper....wasnt as hard as I imagined cooking theirs, hubby's  and mine so it all come up at the same time...Baby steps I kept it simple. Paws has boiled chicken breasts and veg, hubby had  chicken tikka and a baked potato. I had vegetarian...sweet potato, Brussel sprouts and 1 oat cake. Best thing is I don't feel bloated like I usually do after a meal.

End of day one and I haven't snapped nobody's head off yet ...not nervous but a little anxious ...hoping for a good nights sleep and start my day 2.

Must remember to weigh and log down weight tomarrow morning...slipped up and forgot ,

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Crinkly

Posted

That is a LOT of changes!  Good luck with every one of them.  I agree about the first 3 days off coffee.  Mr C cuts down gradually, or he gets horrible headaches.

hug

will be thinking of you.

  • Like 4
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Marlene

Posted

That's a LOT to take on!  Stay busy, try not to spend too much time thinking, planning and preparing food.  I lost 50 lbs years ago when I was still raising a family.  I mostly did it by eating "boring" for myself.  Grapenuts for breakfast, some cheese (or PB) and fruit for lunch.  Dinner was a chicken breast I cooked in the "liquid" of whatever I was fixing for the family.......stew, spaghetti, chili.  If it didn't have a sauce then I cooked my chix in a little water, salt and lemon juice.  I DID eat the chicken skin as doing completely without fat sent me off to raid the fridge.  Always had veggies and salad for the family so I ate those.  I stopped baking and mostly told everyone they'd have to get their "fix" away from home.  One was working in an ice cream store....the other in a donut shop.

Don't think I could have done it without morning STRONG coffee w/sugar and cream though.

GOOD LUCK!!

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One step at a time and dont beat yourself up if you slip here and there...

Fiber, protein and low sugar low fat for diet.

Fiber makes you feel fuller

Protein does as well. Sugar is used in many low fat iyems and if you don't burn it up...guess what it becomes.

Remember fruit in moderation....

For the smoking its important to change your habits so your not fidgeting when you're in your regular paytern of doing whatever it is when you light up.

Best of luck!

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Good luck Crystal, I admire your courage to do this..best are babysteps..and patience..its like a shih tzu getting potty trained :D that useally takes a longggg time also..found this interesting..

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/hbp_low.pdf

and maybe keeping a diary helps also..things that your body can`t have right now you can try later on again perhaps..if you can read back it could be helpfull..for me that worked out. 

 

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PipsMom

Posted

20 minutes ago, Jo-Anne said:

Good luck Crystal, I admire your courage to do this..best are babysteps..and patience..its like a shih tzu getting potty trained :D that useally takes a longggg time also..found this interesting..

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/hbp_low.pdf

and maybe keeping a diary helps also..things that your body can`t have right now you can try later on again perhaps..if you can read back it could be helpfull..for me that worked out. 

 

:pash:Thank you so much for that link Joanne! That's a very good web site and got it saved so I can refer back to it.

One paragraph in particular to pay attention to is:

Quote:

The DASH eating plan has more daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and grains than
you may be used to eating. Those foods are high in fiber, and eating more of them may temporarily cause bloating and diarrhea. To get used to the DASH eating plan, gradually increase your servings of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Box 7 offers some tips on how to adopt the DASH eating plan. 

Horriable tummy cramps last night and bloating. I blamed it on Brussel sprouts......Hubby said all the fiber I ate yesterday...He was right of course.

This morning well ummm......let say  don't leave the house under any circumstances and have truck loads of toilet roll on hand.... It's going to take time for the fiber and fruit to settle with my system.....today it's in full detox and I feel better already plus first thing I noticed was my back. Now what does diet have to do with my hip and lower back I ask??? I don't know but my pain is significantly better...or maybe it's just being off the Statin's.....8 days  since I stopped taking them.

Still wasn't hungry this morning but I forced down 1/2 cup of the oatmeal/ fruit mixture. But I could have easily skipped it....thought no use lowering my blood sugar too low by skipping meals. I've had low blood sugar since a teenager and know the importance of maintaining that.

Started my weight journal today and using the blog as my log of progress or regression. 

 

  • Like 6
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Missysmom

Posted

Wow congrats for taking all this on at once Crystal! I can only imagine all the improvements you're going to feel and can't wait to hear, sounds like you're already feeling some of them and that's Great!

We too took on a massive weight loss program years ago while we were still working and it was amazing the results! We also kept a food log, mostly helped us for portion control until we got used to the smaller portions and for the foods we could eat. One thing I did was let us have a treat one day a week, so we didn't feel like we were cheated! I started making pudding with cool whip, was incredibly low calorie yet very good, tasted like a mousse- it's still our favorite dessert! 

Wishing you all of the best and know we're always here for you! Hugs

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Sophie's Haven

Posted

Once you get thru the first week it will be clear sailing.......with Bill having food issues I cook completely different then I did years ago. Eat smaller meals.......I removed all our dinner plates and found 7 inch plates work perfect.....(never go back for seconds no matter how good it taste). Eat smaller meals and add 2 snacks.....to keep your blood sugar balanced. Look at the palm of your hand and use that as a guide when it comes to portions.......there is a formula on food portions by using your hand and fingers as a measure but it escapes me at the moment...... Because of Bills issues with food we no longer can go out to eat so I have to get pretty creative so it does not feel like we eat the same thing all the time........so between the crock pots and air fryers that has helped me out a lot......On your overnight oatmeal you can find some variations on Pinterest.......along with lots of recipes that are simple, easy and healthy. I worked with a lady that suffered from back pain and was on medication for years and her doctor retired that she was going to and so she when she went to the new doctor she found to get her prescription refilled he refused to refill it and told her to loose 25 pounds......long story short she did and never had a problem with her back again........it states for every pound you loose it takes 4 pounds of pressure off your joints.........good luck in your new healthier lifestyle........mind over matter here but if you don't call it a diet but a lifestyle change you will see that you will stick with it longer........you get better results with a lifestyle change then a diet............we are your support team here so rant when ever you need too...........I never smoked but have seen people that have gone cold turkey and it seem to work better then those that cut back on the amount that they smoked......habits are not easy to break sometimes. Hugs to you!!

  • Like 4
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PipsMom

Posted

Thanks for all the support and tips everyone. :) Making mistakes already but sticking with the plan.

I backed down on the amount of oatmeal fiber last night for supper as a bulker.....I wasn't hungry so I ate only a little bit...big mistake....right at bed time it left me hungry  :bop:. But I didn't cave in to temptation...:devil: Devil get behind me cause I got this I told myself..your not going to die from hunger. :punch: Even though I could have eaten a cow last night lol

This morning, guess what :sad?:  I really didn't want breakfast and just the thought of it made me nauseated. So I fed the babies first, cooked the old man his breakfast and cleaned up...by that time I was ready for something small.. Oatmeal yogart with blueberrys suited me fine.

I've coming crashing down from the no refined sugar...only what's in fruit and artificial natural sweetner do I get my sweet fix but I reconize the craving for what it's worth and ignor it. Real cinnamon tea has been a treat also...it curbs the urge for any sweet after a cuppa.

A feeling of depression has settled but I'm ignoring that too..I have begun to take a two hour nap in the evening also to recharge ...I feel tired, so a nap helps......:clap:.detox is hell but like Jeannine said...give it a week and I'll snap back.  :unsure:

Statin overload is continuing to leave my body also...I can feel it. My bones don't ache and cramp in my legs, even the back pain lightened up. The doctor will have a cow Tuseday when I tell him No More Statin's but he'll just have to trust me and let do this naturally...I've been thinking to ask him to do regular blood testing to monitor my cholesterol though and like Jo, buy a home blood pressure kit.

I had something different tonight for my supper as a once a week treat for being good....My own make it is as you go along recipe...lol...... Boiled chicken breasts (4 oz) shredded fine, mixed in no fat Greek yogart, chipped raw onion, 1 clove of garlic minced,  1/4 raw red bell pepper,, pepper to taste. Now that was good! 

Early days....still taking baby steps

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Marlene

Posted

That was and IS the worst time of day for me.......I cannot sleep if I'm hungry.  Being hungry AND sleep deprived is a killer.

Grapenuts was always my go to snack.  Lots of fibrer, puffs up in your stomach and satisfies.  No  -  it's not that yummy going down but I sort of think of it like medicine.  It takes away the symptoms.  IMO you can do better if you DO eat a bit of fat and sugar.......you have to deal with your brain too and if you're miserable, very likely to run for the kitchen.

Are you exercising?  I was much younger when I lost the 50 lbs but I was going to a gym regularly.  At one point I was just "stuck" - couldn't lose those last 10 pounds doing what I was doing.  I started running (couldn't even do 1/4 mile lap in the beginning) and it worked SO much faster than exercise and I could eat more and still lose.  Of course I ruined my feet and can barely take the dog for a walk now.....:-(  But anything cardio vascular you can do will really boost your metabolism.

Slinking back to my recliner now to have a cookie and watch TV.

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PipsMom

Posted

No exercise except normal house work and climbing stairs...... and then very carefully in short bursts because of my back and hip..I'm still youngish (58) but my body feels like I'm 80. Hell growing old 

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Marlene

Posted

17 minutes ago, PipsMom said:

Hell growing old 

Tell me about it.......it ain't for sissies, that's fer sure!

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PipsMom

Posted

Complete fail on the cig's, even though I have cut down.

Appt made to see the nurse again for help...... I stopped once before on Champax but the side affect is deep depression....can't handle that in my current situation... Like a fool I started back on the notion...just one won't hurt nothing...Well THAT don't work......it's so easy to get right back on the cig wagon.

Asking for patches this time and see how that helps.....Either way it won't be way since hubby smokes like a freight train, won't stop and won't go outside. 

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Crinkly

Posted

I am sooo pleased the statin pain is easing.  To think you had it so badly, and for so long.  It verges on medical negligence!

- meant to tell you - I got my bp monitor from Amazon, it was only £35 and is an OMRON, which is the same brand used in my local doctor's surgery, so they are happy to compare their readings with mine.

Oh, and I know absolutely NOTHING about giving up smoking, except to say that I know it is even worse that trying to give up choc (which I have never achieved for more than a week in nearly 50 years!).  But I have a friend to who tried to stop smoking for years, with no success.  Then he read this book

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking-ebook/dp/B012YRMG76/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1469959566&sr=1-1&keywords=carr+smoking

- and gave up easily and immediately.  But I don't know if it works for everyone like that.

:)

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PipsMom

Posted

Hope you feel this Jo, cause I just gave you a big Hug :pash:.......Your advise is helping me greatly....Thank You!

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PipsMom

Posted

Note:

iTunes has the book and plus one for women £6.99 also a free app from the App Store...Got it!

  • Like 4
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1 hour ago, PipsMom said:

Complete fail on the cig's, even though I have cut down.

Appt made to see the nurse again for help...... I stopped once before on Champax but the side affect is deep depression....can't handle that in my current situation... Like a fool I started back on the notion...just one won't hurt nothing...Well THAT don't work......it's so easy to get right back on the cig wagon.

.....Either way it won't be way since hubby smokes like a freight train, won't stop and won't go outside. 

You didn`t fail on the cig`s Crystal! And you are also not a fool to think I can take one..it is a addiction! and like all addictions it is very hard to change it. So don`t be so hard on yourself ..and it is (almost!) a mission impossible when the hubby smokes also... Glad Jo gave you that link of Alan Carrs book..a friend a couple of years ago bought it and also went to the meetings..she never smoked again! To bad you are in the uk cause I helped several  people to give up smoking, it is possible :D..you know when you finally reach that point you`re not smoking anymore, you will look back and say..was I nuts or what? Here is the uk link to the Alan Carr program..in case you don`t have it yet..

https://www.allencarr.com/easyway-stop-smoking/

You`ll get there!

 

 

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Missysmom

Posted

You're doing Great Crystal, there will always be small setbacks. The most important thing is your attitude, yours is Great and you're very determined to do this- so you will! :thumb:

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Missysmom

Posted

Yes thanks, I was actually getting ready to update my blog! Biggest thing was going off all the Lyme meds the end of this week, after a month me and my tummy were most excited to not have those anymore! Will go post my update on there and not clog your post! :) 

But am with you on that nap! Think a mid afternoon nap would be my best friend, i too seem to have a mid day crash-- think I need to put my pride aside and recognize I have joined the older 'nap' generation! ;) 

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PipsMom

Posted

Plenty of room here in the Old People Lounge....draw up a chair and sit a spell with us

:chat:

hahahahaha

  • Like 6
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