Day 33-34: Weightloss: Men vs. Females :D

Im back in the game folks. I have totally cleared that deviation out of my system and all the havoc that TOM brought with it. Its quite fascinating actually, how are bodies change during our cycle.

 

I had a an argument about this with my bf. Well, he started it!!

 

He said that women always claim that guys lose weight faster than women and he argues that its not because of the gender, its because women succumb more to our cravings easier than they do. We cant also say that its because of the level of activity because there are men who are also sedentary. Its just the will of the person and that we (women), always blame it on hormones!

 

And I lost it :D jeezus. I explained to him that because there is a certain time of the month when our cravings are more/higher to the point of unreasonable. For the rest of the months we are good, we can beat the cravings, but there is that 1 week wherein it is much more tougher for us to resist our cravings. Its like our body needs it, right?

 

I cant explain to him that our bodies undergo stress during that PMS period or TOM, Im not a doctor, but I think our strong cravings or hunger then is a result of this stress. The body wants comfort through food. Still he kept on arguing and then I said:

 

"NO PERIOD. NO OPINION. SO YOU SHUSH!" "You cannot understand because you don't have to endure that every single month!"

 

Then he shut up. hahaha.. Its like being kicked in the nuts, we don't know how painful it is because we don't have them.. same as giving birth, they don't know, and they never will.

 

In other news, I recorded my weight loss on my online CD account and Im going to do my blood test tomorrow. Yikes.. lets see what they will say about that.

 

Day 33-34: deviation free.

Mood = tired and sleepy, but Im ok

Hunger = only when I watch Chopped! :D

Day 32: Sleep, Food for the Soul, and a Bad Day

Make that sleepy and tired!

I need more sleep! Woke up yesterday and today feeling as if I could sleep more even though I went to bed the same time. I don't feel foggy headed per se but I have a feeling that I would feel much better if I had an extra hour or 2 of sleep. My sleep tracker has been showing me better sleep quality but today I was just feeling super tired!

My official start date was 1 Aug, so Im expecting the official weigh in on the morning of 1st and will get a recommendation for another blood test. Hmmm.. wonder what Wilma (my online consultant) will say about that.

Felt pretty bored today too. Didn't have much to do and I want to read a book instead of eating. There's an absence of hunger too (ref back to my Not Hungry post). Given that, I did a lot of mistakes at work that can make my temp boss explode with anger due to her short temper. But what can she do? Nothing but understand. She at least asked me if everything was ok.

Also, since I was bored, tired, and feeling crap for doing mistakes at work, I immediately craved for something sweet to eat or something good, like bread or chips or ice cream! But of course I did not give in as I recognize this behavior as something that has nothing to do with hunger or the need to feed. Its just what I call 'food for the soul' which I don't need to give in right now. Its not worth it.

My clothes are definitely looser and no longer snug on me. I like :) But thinking that I have at least 14kgs to lose makes me feel like the end is sooo very far away. And I don't know how re-invent my meals, since I only salt and pepper as condiments.

Reached home at 9 so ate my dinner at 9:30. I had to go buy some proteins as I realized I was out. After dinner, watched an episode of Chopped then sat outside to read a bit but I couldn't keep my eyes open and went to bed at 11.

Day 32: deviation free. All allowances taken.

Mood = not so good

Hunger = none. Craving, yes.

Day 31: After 30 days

Lost 5.5kg in 30 days! I will do my Chandler dance later.

I haven't really measured myself. I have my official 30 days with the online program at the end of the month. So I will measure on the 1st Sept and start things off there.

Im still glad for my weight loss in spite of the difficulties within that 30 days and I just cant wait for the losses that I will incur. I hope this round will not be as frustrating as the last.

Couldn't eat on time (again!) late breakfast, late lunch and late dinner. Maybe I should set this as my normal meal times. Its been like this for almost a month.

Nothing much to report. I think Im over that phase of frustration.

Day 31: deviation free. 1 fruit under allowance.
Mood = good, energized, jumpy like I had too much coffee
Hunger = none. 0.

Day 28-30: All in a roll weekend

I had a really good weekend with friends. We did nothing as planned but we still ended up having fun anyway. I am amazed on how good I was in the face of all the temptations that I could have succumbed to during our time together. Slept late on all nights. Hmmm... but TOM is almost done and Im hoping for the normal state of things.. please!

 

I need my peace of mind.

 

 

Day 28:

 

Nothing to report about work, same old grind. Didn't really feel hungry during the day but lower tummy was so bloated. Met my friends in the evening and  felt like we went around the world in just one night:

 

Irish pub - after work, we headed down to the pub beside our workplace (theirs and mine which falls in between our buildings :D). they had a few beers, chips and cheesy bread! nyum! chatted the night away and I had my dinner at 8:30. Ordered 2 DC's throughout.

 

Lush - then when we were done eating and drinking we went to Lush to try on some of their stuff and I ended up buying items for me which I think were really good. Let's see over the next weeks.

 

Waitrose - was so thirsty but so stingy that we wanted to buy water from the grocery and not from anywhere else :D so we went and I bought me some spinach and mushrooms.

 

Mexican restaurant - its almost 12 mn and they wanted to try the guacamole that was made in front of you. The restaurant prepares your guacamole fresh and they ordered nachos with it. I sat there looking and chatting with them! I would have loved to try it, but I figured the restaurant will still be there by the time I finish with Refeed and maybe I will try it then.

 

Reached home at almost 2am! They placed their beers in the freezer and we sat outside still chatting.. We wrapped up at 4am!! :D

 

Day 28: deviation free, yet slept so late. 1 fruit under allowance

Mood = good but body is heavy

Hunger = none

 

Day 29:

 

Due to the very late night, well we woke up at 10:30am! I had to rush to make my veggies so I can still maintain the last meal at 9am. We didn't know what to do so I told them about coffee scrubs. I keep my used coffee grounds for such scrubs and since I don't have the patience to do it regularly, I have more than enough to scrub all of us. I heard its good for your cellulite and all. Just mix used coffee grounds + VCO + honey. So that's what we did, we took turns, like a spa day at home :D And of course we tried our Lush products and testers too. I liked everything I got so far.

 

Spent some time lounging around watching Chopped or Hotel Impossible. Lunch at 4, then we went to the mall where you can find everything! Cheap shopping.. Dropped them around past 7 and I went for a spit braai.

 

The braai was for my bf and his colleagues and I was invited too. I didn't have anything but my food. I ate at 9 at home and went back to the braai and had shisha, chat and good laughs. Went home at 12:30am. Slept around 1am.

 

Day 29: deviation free, slept late again. 1 fruit under allowance

Mood = good, TOM had started to flow.

Hunger = nah. its all good.

 

Day 30:

 

Lazy day. I missed my appointment at the pilates place. :/ We started late and went to collect the last 2 kitchen chairs that I had re-upholstered and looked at cars (Dodge, GMC, Chevrolet) Bf had to check some cars for work. I miss my dodge... hmmm.. Ate lunch around 4:30 in the car. Home at 8 and I read a book outside, weather was nice. But at 10, boom! humidity! just like that.. don't know what's wrong, but I guess weather is changing soon.

 

Day 30: deviation free, 1 fruit under allowance.

Mood = good but tired

Hunger = none. Only when I watch Chopped :D

 

 

Day 27: This is getting ridiculous!

Hold on, this is really getting into my nerves. I woke up today and boom up 600gms?!??! what the fuck?! If its my freaking period, holy mother of whatnot why this torture>!>!!?!?!??!?!?!?

 

I woke up with the resolve that Im going to get to the bottom of this today. What the hell am I doing wrong!?!? Im just not breaking past 73kgs and its almost 2 weeks since my cheat day! 

Been going over it and maybe these are the reasons (?) aside from the cheat day on day 15:

 

1. Meal timings: 5 hour gaps kept but eating late (past 9)

 

2. Food scale: could it be? Seems like its working fine to me. How can I check it?

 

3. Weighing scale: I thought something was wrong with my scale, but I've proven that it is perfectly working (discussed below - taking proper measurements)

 

4. Coffee grounds: I got mine from Spain in May from a coffee shop (per the gram) in Las Rambla. could it?

 

5. Fruits: I'm eating one fruit under allowance, could it be? but fruits are optional right?

 

6. Water: am I drinking enough water? I don't really notice anymore

 

7. TOM: or my period is just putting everything out of whack?!?!?

 

7. Stress: at work, really? I have been under worse stress before. Maybe my body is undergoing stress during the PMS and TOM plus changes at work. I haven't been sleeping well the past few days.

 

So now.. RINSE and REPEAT!

 

1. Pre-cook a few day's meals - this time around, I cook my meals per day in the morning. Maybe the rush cooking stresses me out? Or makes me overlook some things in food measurements?

 

2. Having my crackers one at a time - maximum allowed at one go is 2 crackers which I do now per meal. It satisfies me, but maybe it doesn't work?

 

3. Eat all my allowances - hmmmm...

 

4. Eat my dinner at 9pm max - which means I have to eat my lunch and breakfast on time as well to keep the 5hour gap

 

5. Reduce stress, improve sleep - make time for YOGA (again). 

 

6. Take proper measurements - since I was doubtful of my weighing scale this morning, I decided to go for a Body Composition Analysis test this morning. So I woke up, didn't take any water or any food so I can do this right. I went there at 9am and I got my results.. WAAAAAHHHHH! My scale is right, I was hoping that it was giving me a wrong figure hahahaha..

 

7. Coffee - stick with the brand I know

 

8. Mix up portions - I just stick to the same servings and same proteins and carbs.. Maybe my body needs a change

 

So now that I have that report, I know where I stand now. I've really let my fitness go. How do I know that based on a piece of paper? I will discuss in a separate post, I'm going to take my body measurements again tomorrow (as detailed as I have been, if you want to have an idea, check my post here). This is still not as detailed as I have it, will do it on my next post.

 

Whew, so there, I've let my obsessive whatever run through.

 

Today was just ok, I am on time and on plan. A bit rushing through the day, but I'm good.

 

Maybe I should stop stressing about this.. :D

 

Day 27: deviation free, all allowances taken, vitamins too, more water today

Mood = ok. a bit stressed out with this scale thing

Hunger = none

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 26: The Role of Food in Our Lives: Catch 22

So here's the thing, I've been racking my brains on what to do on a scorching weekend in this country and it is so difficult to find anything that does not involve food!

a) Activities (outdoor) - forget about it! not in this weather

b) Staycations - yes, there are a lot of summer offers and yet you still have to eat or you would want to eat. Somehow it just doesn't feel right if you don't enjoy the buffet breakfast. Mind you, the hotels in this country are far more superior in service, food offering and rooms than in Europe as per my experience. We are just spoiled here.

c) Staying at home - and doing what?? We cant even have like a special dish for the day that we both can share. I will have my CD food and he will have his Banting food.

Food is and has not been for nourishment only. It is also a social thing. It brings people together, creates experiences that eventually create memories. It is a good thing (most of the time). You want to try a new cuisine, its so easy, just go there - sit - order - eat - have nice conversations - pay and go! You have spent your time with the people you want to spend it with and enjoyed. You go to a friend's house to hang-out, you eat, chat and be merry. You go for a movie - popcorn and nachos.

We have a lot of options here, Dubai is mix of nationalities and authentic cultures that trickles down to food. You want Indian food (from Kerala, Goa, Mumbai etc)? You got it cooked fresh for you. Arabic food? No problem -, Lebanese, Egyptian, local food right along Sheikh Zayed. Japanese food? yes and can get it delivered too. Persian? Afghani? Thai? Russian? Tunisian (oh my brik.. I love brik!)? Sri Lankan? Mexican? Catalan???

So many food options!!

Im seriously boggled about this and somehow I feel deprived. BUT I also feel like really? There's nothing else that can occupy my time aside from eating?! Sad reality eh?

If you are on this course of eating healthy, you have to be extremely cautious, aware and resilient. It is a task being healthy!

However, when I see old people back at home, those who really didn't care much for the food that they ate nor have they been conscious about their fitness, well, they are experiencing aches and pains that could have only been because of old age, which could have been prevented or lessened if they have done the investment at an early stage.

When I used to workout a lot, I was thinking of how my muscles (maintaining them) will not only help me now but also as I age. I will not look as physically fit then but I'm sure I will feel the benefits of the muscle support to my bones, my posture, as long as I don't overdo it.

Same thing with food. I've heard/read that the cancers that we have are partly caused by our diet. We don't really anything natural anymore. The speed that our lives are going made us susceptible to convenient(fast) eating, and the healthy stuff, well they cost more!! Poverty alleviation is an ongoing cause which I don't see any end to.

In other news, feeling so bloated today. Phew! Felt so bored too even though I've got work. I just want the weekend to come!

I don't really feel anything odd nor significant to say about the diet at the moment. Its still the same old thing, the scale is not being cooperative. Its so easy to give up like 'chuck it! Im gonna eat whatnot!' But Im just holding on. Im looking forward to the end result that I desire. Talk about relentless.

Day 26: deviation free. All meals taken on time, all allowances consumed. Vits too.
Mood = heavy. Discouraged.
Hunger = none. craving still.

Day 25: Still suffering

Im writing this so that everyone who ever reads this blog would know:

DEVIATIONS FOR WHATEVER REASON,

WILL COST YOU.

 

DELAY. FRUSTRATION. DISBELIEF.

 

 

I hope its just my upcoming TOM that's causing the freak that's happening every morning as I step on the scale and the combined restless nights (cant sleep properly). This is getting really annoying. Its like, you work hard, be good, and don't see the effect that you expect. Just 1 major slip...

 

So to all the Cohenites out there, be warned. No, really. Its not like the "I know someone who knows someone who experienced this.." that the actual story gets misconstrued. This is for REAL. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. When Dr. Cohen said that a deviation will cost you a week, that is not an empty threat.

 

Consider this my gift to you.

 

I may say that I have accepted the consequence but it is a bitter pill to swallow, and yet Im still not sorry. I just wish my body will cooperate soon!!!!!

 

Day 25: deviation free, meals taken on time, 1 fruit under allowace. vitamins too

Mood = tame (tamer than yesterday! :D)

Hunger = none. Cravings, yes

 



Day 24: Hormones..

Hormones. Flying hormones. Hormones everywhere!

Jeez. Woke up today feeling like meh. I didn't sleep well, kept tossing and turning. The scale moved up big time (I looked even though I said I wouldn't, so bite me.). Woke up with mild lower tummy pain that did not go throughout the day. I look like I haven't lost anything. Just... argh!

 

Im snappy, i cannot eat my sweets or anything else thats not on the plan.

#beastmode

Arrrghhh and thats all i can say about that.

Day 24: deviation free. All fruits taken. Vits too

Mood= dont mess with me today

Hunger=none. But cravings..yes!

Day 22 -23: Successfully on the Bus

I survived post deviation! Its been a week now that Im on plan (just that my meal timings are off and not ideal) but I was able to successfully manage getting back on the bus (straight) after my deviation.

 

I've been asked if it was worth it. In no way deviations are ok nor worth it, but we also have to live for the moment(s), and its a judgment call I made, which I am still paying for with almost no losses (scale-wise) as of this day.

 

But that's the end goal right? Being able to exert control? Once the diet is done, we should all be able to control ourselves, give in to tiny pleasures but make sure not to spiral out of control.

 

To celebrate my mini-victory, I had a mango on Day 23. Had 1 cheek for breakfast and the rest for lunch. I have been putting arugula on my greens and it is bitter! But with the addition of sliced mangoes on it counteracted the bitterness.

 

Day 22- > visited a friend at the hospital and had a good chat. Her pregnancy is not going well, like really not well that it had to be naturally aborted. They weren't expecting it and it is causing her a lot of pain.

 

Afterwards, bf and I went to check a place where he/we can play squash and swim. We are thinking about it. Headed out to watch a late night movie, bf had a popcorn. Its ok.

 

Day 22: deviation free. Meals taken on time, vitamins too

Mood = good, coz I saw my friend, but I am pms-ing

Hunger = not really

 

Day 23 -> went to watch a movie with friends. bf had a popcorn, its alright. smelled really nice though. Afterwards we went to get my kitchen chairs re-upholstered (finally!!!), I cant wait.

 

My friend is still in the hospital.  Boo.

 

Nothing much today, just got hungry while watching chopped :D

 

Day 23: deviation free. Meals taken on time, vitamins too

Mood = was alright

Hunger = none.

Day 21: The scale is not your friend!

Agh! I hate looking at the scales everyday but I cant help myself! Barely lost anything. I know I brought this upon myself, but still! *pout* What's keeping me sane is that my clothes are starting to fit better and I really feel better than I did 20 days ago.

 

- My allergic rhinitis had gone down significantly and I don't use my nasal spray that often anymore

- Headspace and mood-wise Im in a better position, in a good mood most of the time

- Im happy that Im doing this again

 

Going to try not to look at it over the next few days and weigh myself at the end of this month specially now that my period is just a few days away. I don't want to frustrate myself any further.

 

The experience with my second plan is totally different from the first. Oh well, my circumstances are also definitely different too. It is difficult not to compare the experience. Then I was 2 years younger, fresh out of gym-ing (is that a word?), and single. 

Came home at 9 to a braai. Had a piece of steak with veggies.. nyummmm...

Day 21: deviation free, 1 fruit under allowance, vits taken

Mood= a bit irritable

Hunger= not so much. Wanted to have bread though.

Day 20: Intuition

Before I start with this topic, I just want to add that yesterday, somebody gave me a miniature tart. As you can see its so pretty (but not as tasty according to my bf :D) and I really really wanted to eat it in the office yesterday but I did not give in and brought it home.

I just hungry all day yesterday. I think my PMS has started coz I felt lower tummy pain just by sitting. Woke up this morning with the heaviest body ever! My joints hurt and I just feel like being pulled to the ground. I didn't want to get up, but I did, I still had to cook my meals. Since I was feeling so lazy, I sat outside, got some sunshine and decided to cook my lunch and have a yogurt and fruit for breakfast. I just couldn't be bothered.

Before leaving, I said I cant feel so down today, I don't want this feeling! Im doing so good at work and this really wouldn't help me. On the way to office, I listened to a discussion about Living an Intuitive Life by Sonia Choquette. It was insightful.

Some key takeaways:

1. Intuition is not mystical - its not your oohh e.s.p.-looking-into-the-future thing. Its listening to your gut, your heart.

2. To apply this at work, keep yourself informed  -learn, be on the look out on what's going on, do not work just merely to get by, understand the people around you without judging - because in the end, based on what you know or gather, you will tell yourself the answers you need based on the collective data that you have stored.

3. I really liked the part that said -> when you set goals, make sure your goals will benefit at least 2 people, as this opens yourself up to your intuition. That you are just not self-serving.

4. We all are vibrating with energy, and whatever you vibrate you attract - Ive been reading and hearing about this a lot, which I find to be true.

It was a lot of information on single drive, maybe I will write more in detail the next time. But I've resonated with most of the discussion. I feel like I have been out of touch with my intuition for so long. 

I wish I could have written about it in a way that is good but I guess is one of those days when you just feel "blah". I tried everything, I had my coffee, listen to some inspirational discussion, and listened to upbeat music.

Im still hungry, but not like the previous days.

Day 20: deviation free, 1 fruit under allowance, vits taken
Mood = meh
Hunger = manageable; but craving!

Day 19: Good news

I want a dog!!! :(

The fit of the work slacks I wore today was comfortable! Wooo-hoo!!! I wore this one 2 weeks ago and it was very snug, but today, it fit me very nicely :) Plus, these pants were from circa 2009!

Happy day.. I cant wait for more positive physical changes.. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

In Cohen news, the scales moved in my favor this morning, to which I am glad. I hope this continues over the next 2 days so I can report an acceptable 10 day weight loss in spite of the deviation. I'm not expecting a 3kg loss, but maybe 2?

Got hungry before my next meal today. Hmm.. I was craving for pappa roti buns. I still stuck to my diet, I really cant wait to enter the 60's, because per experience, that's my happy weight :D

I was so hungry today!!!! :'(

Day 19: All meals taken on time, vitamins too. 1 fruit under allowance. Deviation free.
Mood = good
Hunger = yes, very much! :(

Day 18: The 7pm lunch break

I think Im becoming a bore. I have nothing to talk about that I haven't written about already! Not to mention Im swamped with work today.. Sheesh.

 

Had my breakfast at 11 on the dot, not because I wasn't hungry, but because I couldn't squeeze it in! In the hunger department, not that much which is not what I expected. But all the better for me.

 

Met a friend for coffee again (Im bringing new customers to this coffee place :D) and she was interested with the CD because I told her about the concept of the programme and she has problem with acne and gaining weight. So I mentioned maybe its the food she eats that's affecting her hormones. She's looking into it..

 

Got to eat my lunch at 7! Can you believe that?! I really couldnt squeeze it in! :( I thought I could right after the coffee break but I had too much to do!

 

Given that, my dinner timing is compromised. I dont know if the 8 hour food gap from breakfast to "lunch" is considered a deviation. I still decided to stick to the 5 hour rule. I ate my dinner close to 12 midnight. To make it to 12 and not sleep, I weighed my vegetables for tomorrow's meals. I like cooking in the morning so I left the cooking for the next day. I hung the overdue laundry, ironed my work pants for tomorrow, watched an episode of Chopped and wrote this post. I dont know how the scale will react tomorrow though...

 

Day 18: late dinner, slept late too. 1 fruit under allowance. Vitamins taken.
Mood=good
Hunger= didnt notice if there was any.

Day 17: Getting on the bus

After my senna tea yesterday evening and several trips to the bathroom this morning (I think I have no intestines left), I weighed myself and I gained 900 gms. Guess that's fine.

Im still giddy about my weekend :)

And another week continues with this woman. I find it a little bit funny and annoying at the same time on how she gets worked up on things so early in the morning. I just don't really let it get to me.

I got hungry quite easily after each meal, close to craving but I stuck to my diet. It did help that I was really busy today.

Day 17: deviation free, 1 fruit under allowance, vits taken

Mood= ok

Hunger= yes, want more food!

Day 15 - 16: Anniversary

I wanted to headline my blog post as Cheat Day, but that is such a red flag. I am writing this not to encourage deviations but as part of my tracking by blogging.

I did deviate big time for my own reasons. Trust me I didn't want to, but my bf had planned a very nice weekend getaway for us that I have accepted the fact that I will deviate and enjoy my time.

Overall, I am not sorry about it. I was happy. Inspite of knowing that it will delay my progress, or that the deviation will probably reflect on my next blood test.

Its ok. I am here to stay. As they say, cross the bridge when you get there. I will have to suck it all up again over the next few days, but I have accepted that by now. It wont be so easy and will be frustrating (scale wise).

Day 15: The beautiful Al Maha
 
Woke up late today being that it was the weekend, my fitbit gave me a star for meeting my sleep goals for today. BF gave me a nice Pandora heart necklace where you can place in tiny pictures in it. He still didn't tell me what exactly his plans were but he just said I needed to pack for an overnight somewhere (all I thought is that we were having dinner outside).
 

I was really excited, had my breakfast and we went early to a mall to get a new frame for his prescription glasse (my gift). We shopped for veggies, reached back home, cooked my lunch and packed. On the way to the location, I realized we were going to Al Maha Luxury Resort and Spa (wowzer!). It was sooo beautiful, exclusive and nice. He told me me we were going to have a dinner picnic, so then I decided not to have my lunch and save my calories for later (deviation 1).
 
I had a few nuts and the welcome drink and an hour later, I was really hungry! And here I was talking about not being hungry at all yesterday! sheesh... I had coffee and a cracker.
 

We swam, went for a sunset spot and then to the dinner in the middle of the desert. It was so nice but a tad humid. Delicious food too, but I really couldn't eat so much. I enjoyed it and ate to my fill (deviation 2.. and Im off the bus) It was lovely. Went back, chilled, watched tv, slept. What is it with 5 star hotels? Their beds and beddings are so, so, so comfortable. I want to have the same at home!! I slept like a baby..
 
Day 15: off the bus
Mood = happy
Hunger = didn't have time to be hungry except at the beginnin 


Day 16:  The merriment continues
 
Woke up really early to enjoy a dune drive. Ah the vast desert, it was beautiful to look at. There were only 4 of us in the SUV and everything felt relaxed and unique. Went back for breakfast and had eggs benedict and pancakes (deviation ftw!), couldn't finish 2 pancakes, struggled with 1. Went back to the room and watched the Olympics. We just basically chilled, my god that bed and those beddings. I think I hugged the pillow more than my bf, and kept saying I want this pillow..... zzzz.. kept dozing off :D I had the most comfortable sleep!!

Had lunch at 2, had a pumpkin soup and steak and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream (deviation ftw again!). Right then we both decided --"NO DINNER!" :D we ate enough for days.. hehe.. Reached home, watched rugby and had my senna tea.

Day 16: still off the bus
Mood = happy and sleepy
Hunger = in the evening, like really, had 5 provitas to calm the hunger and quarter of a protein bar

Day 14: Not hungry

Its a good thing right?

In terms of fruit allowance, Im eating under what is recommended, but the scales are not really being that friendly.. Slowwww losses. Thing is Im not really hungry, I didn't feel like having breakfast this morning and had it as late as I could-- 11. Just not hungry.

This plan is really not forgiving every time you don't follow it. You eat out of the plan, you suffer. You would think eating less will help you, you are mistaken.

But what to do?

In other news, bf planned something for anniversary tomorrow. I told him I will not eat out of plan and if he can ask wherever he has booked us to cook a Cohen friendly dinner for me, he said its totally not possible. I don't know what he has planned, but the effort of planning something secretive like this is well worth deviating for me. However, I still cant bring myself to accept that I will deviate. I do not want to. I worry about not being able to reign it in plus the delay on weight loss that it will come with it. Im actually ok to bring my packed dinner and eat there, but I guess that's out of the question. Let's see what happens tomorrow.

Came home late today. Went to a farewell get-together at an Irish pub. Didn't touch anything from there except diet Coke. It was so much fun. I would miss that ex-colleague of mine. I hope he does well back home in Ethiopia.

Day 14: Deviation free, 1 fruit and 1 cracker under, vitamins taken
Mood =  great and stress free
Hunger = 0.0

Day 13: Popcorn with Cheetos Jalapeno on My Mind

Hungry for taste that is. Im just missing my papa roti buns.

Went for coffee during mid day with a friend. I just had coffee and her something else. We chatted about the things we used to talk about in my previous job, somehow I miss the industry.

Im in a good place right now, just missing the taste of junk that I used to eat. I wasn't hungry per se, but I want to eat those food. Popcorn with Cheetos Jalapeno.. aggghh my mind is still on this one. Salivating.. hahahhaha but not gonna cave in because....

Im zoning baby! yebo!

So busy today. Ate lunch ar 4:30 and the dinner at 10!! :/

Day 13: dinner at 10, 2 fruits under allowance, vits taken
Mood = really good
Hunger = craving taste of other food, but not hungry

Day 12: Trying to Keep a Positive Attitude

She brings in the same terror as this
woman minus the looks & style and
composed voice. Everyone in the
office avoids her.. :/

Hay this lady, the boss of the person Im temporarily handling the job for is just really a very toxic person! It is warranted that she has a lot on her plate and she will not have patience for errors or delays, I definitely understand that, but still all that negative emotion - raised voice, annoyed look, making everyone hurry, just trickles down to the team. I feel it but I try not to let it get to me, I know Im good (and zoning) so I try not to let her kill my buzz.

In other news, the meat spice yesterday evening didnt seem to have an effect on me this morning (the scale moved down). However, it may still harm me over the next few days.

Day went by, was so busy I got to eat lunch at 4 and reached home 10mins to 9. So I was able to eat my dinner on time.

Day 12: deviation free, 1 fruit under allowance, vits taken

Mood = good

Hunger = none

Day 11: 10 Day Results

Ah-wooh-hoooh!

After 10 days, I lost exactly 3kgs!! And together with this are the following changes:

- no more bloating (except when I eat asparagus)
- allergies almost gone
- I feel good, could it be that Im in the Zone?
- Sleep is much better -> I have a fit bit HR so it shows me how many times restless and awake I was during the night.. Shows me that I restlessness is less.

So Im good. Yipeee!!

Anyhoo, I overslept today, so I rushed preparing my breakfast and lunch. I was a bit torn between not preparing it and just buying salad at work, but no, I really cant stop this now. So I was 10mins late for work but all is gooood..

I just made sure I reach home on time to make my CD dinner. But I really had to work late so I asked my BF to prepare my dinner, he got it all right, he just added meat spice to my beef! No wonder it was very tasty.. Deviation right there.

Anyhoo.. all is well.. and I do a mini- Chandler dance :D

Day 11: Not deviation free, 1 fruit under allowance, everything taken on time and properly spaced.

Mood = good
Hunger = only while watching Chopped (which we do every night) :D

Day 10: Work .. work.. work..

Useful tip :D

Or shall I say werk..werk..werk..werk..? :D Was so busy that I couldn't even eat! Whew! First day on covering up for a colleague, her boss is really tough, but Im not ruffled (yet :D)

Looks like I did swap my meal allowances yesterday as the scales got back at me today.. Hay.. this daily weighing, its outright frustrating!

In other news, today is a good day, Im feeling close to the zone plus my allergies are almost going (I hope!!) without taking the prescribed meds.. So even if my temp boss had been mean to me in the morning, eh... its ok, I don't really take it to heart. Im good. Just that I got to have my breakfast at 10 and then lunch at 4! no snacking in between. Hmm. Maybe I will eat breakfast at home tomorrow and just snack on the fruit on my desk. Im just afraid I will be way too hungry before lunch break.

Went to look for an anniversary present for my bf. We turned two last Friday, but celebrating this coming Friday.. he had to work.. boooo

Day 10: dinner at 10. 2 fruits under allowance, vits taken
Mood =  feeling fine
Hunger = none
Body = Yup, some parts sore from yesterday, got a bruise on my right shin. But Im functioning alright.

Day 9: Intro to Pole

Hmm I think I did a mistake today, I mixed up my protein and veggie allowances. Meal 2 meat is meal 3 veggies and Meal 3 meat is with Meal 2 veggies.. Yikes! :(( Will see about that tomorrow.

Now about the subject and before you laugh as I am grinning right now, I went for an into to pole dancing today with a friend! :D I have these entertainer buy 1 get 1 vouchers and decided to give it a go.

I have always been curious about this... skill? sport? talent? I just admire them, they are very strong ladies. I have always wanted to do because it looks so challenging. How can it not be?

First, you have to carry your body weight all up and down that pole
Second, you have to be mindful of your form
Third, you have to match this with balance, precision and art
Fourth, you surely require some strong and seasoned muscles in order to perform 1 piece
Not to mention the friction burns!!

Its just amazing.

Anyway, my friend and I are neither of those, we were dying at the end of it :D Scared the hell of hitting our heads or breaking something. But it was surely fun! We are going to be sore tomorrow!!

Today was a perfect day date despite me not eating out. had my fish meals packed. After the pole dancing we went for a massage, and then a movie. Awesome day. Not to mention some unplanned shopping too. I spent way too much.. I was planning on spending nothing :D

In the cinemas, my word, the smell of popcorn was intoxicating. That's not all, they started serving popcorn with Cheetos Jalapeno!! wwaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 'sob'.. I almost gave in to that one. Tarzan was nice. Wee another swinging person!:D

Reached home super tired but happy.

Ah I forgot, good progress on the scale this morning!! whoopee!

Day 9: Deviation free (I hope! I will find out on the scales tomorrow). All allowances taken, vits too
Mood = weeeeee!
Hunger = was ok but that popcorn tested my sanity.

Day 8: Fishy Weekend

This is not my plate but it sure does look cute :)

Im experiencing some really slow losses these past few days. Woke up and weighed today and only lost 100gms. Its frustrating, which is why it was advised not to weigh daily. Im comparing my losses now to the previous time, which is like a call for disappointment. I was thinking since its a brand new plan, it would work like the first time around. My cravings are controlled and I dont feel bloated anymore (except when I eat asparagus!)  but looks like its not as fast. 

I've been going through the things in my head as to why Im experiencing these slow losses:

-I know I am within my allowances

- I dont really take the stuff that could be left unnoticed like balsamic, mayo 

- max 2 crackers per meal

- Im always under the recommended fruit allowances. 

- Meal and snack times are spaced accordingly, some days even more

There are just 2 things that I suspect that could be the culprit:

1) Sleep- uneven
2) I drink too much water- 3L is normal for me and I've been extremely thirsty on Day 6 and 7

I decided to take the matters into my own hands and decided to have a fish weekend, only fish meals and watch the water intake. While some people have difficulty getting in 3L, I have to watch it that I dont go overboard.

Woke up early today and went for a jog with the bf (while he works). Did 3kms, 1km of jogging. This time I made sure I had my breakfast with me and vitamins. I was prepared :) The went by the same but in the afternoon while watching the television I felt the cravings come in. I wanted to have something good to munch.

Its a funny thing sometimes. Like, an image of a pappa rotti bun comes into my head, I crave, and I think maybbbbee... then I cut the thought off.... :D The thought process has been like this:

Desire - Thought - Justification - Immediate Rejection

The tilapia meals I prepared for today were enough and delicious so I was good.

Day 8: Deviation free. .5 under fruit allowance. Vits taken
Mood = emotional! :(
Hunger = craving. more than the past days

Day 7: Feeling low

Weighed myself first thing in the morning and weight is up by 200 gms?!? WTH?! This will affect my target week 1 loss. I don't think I will lose as much as I did (at the same period) like the last time..

I've been good for the past few days. The only thing that's not ideal is my sleep. I don't get uninterrupted sleep due to this stupid allergy. I sleep on time but I wake up early morning because I cant breathe through my nose, and sleep is elusive after that.

Otherwise, woke up today like the usual.  Prepared my meals and had my first warm lemon drink in the morning. I hope that will help me. As I drove to office I started feeling tired and heavy. I wasn't hungry, but my joints felt tired. Hmm.. I guess Im far from being in the Zone.


I read my old entries to keep my motivation up, and to check what I was doing on the same day# to get insights to how I was feeling on X day of the program.

I came across my entry about my results on the 4th week.

I like that entry, so detailed and informative. If I do have readers who are on the program now, I suggest to read that entry. This time though, I don't have access to that body composition report as Im not a member of the gym anymore.

Work was full on today and Im pretty ok, was not sluggish or foggy-brained. Im taking on the office mgr job for 5 weeks starting Sunday. So whatever detox symptoms that are still bound to come must come and go before Sunday!! :D

Went to the doc to get prescription for my asthma so decided to get my allergies checked and I got some medicines to take.. will check those out with my consultant before starting.

Other than that, all is good.

Day 7: Deviation free. 1.5 fruit less than allowance
Mood = meh
Hunger= not really hungry at any point during the day.