Weigh In Wednesday #9

 

Hey!  I am excited to announce that when I got on the scales today, I had lost more weight!  According to the scales, my weight this week is 286.6 for a total of around 29 pounds!  That's a little more than 2 pounds since last week!  Eating less has seemed to help this week.  Basically, I am eating, but much less, for breakfast and I am NOT eating before I go to bed. The latter is difficult but doable.  

Nine weeks dry (no diet soda, esp. Diet Mt. Dew) tomorrow!  Water (kind of yuck) is growing on me, especially if it is cold.  But, I still wish it had more of a taste. Non of the flavorings taste really good to me.  

I am excited for how things are going and eating healthier, while hard, has made a difference in my life.  Thanks Dr. Shannon Smith and Turnpaugh Health and Wellness!  I also appreciate everyone who is praying for me in this endeavor.  

Thanks for following.  

Weigh-In Wedsday #8

 I am late with this.  But, Wednesday when I stepped on the scales, my fears came true.  I gained .3 of a pound.  It's not that big of a deal, but it is a bit deflating.  It was bound to happen.  The Keto plateau has hit.  I have been eating more, not bad, but more food lately.  

Since Wednesday, I have cut back on the amount of food and I am seeing better numbers.  

Other than my weight, things seem to be going okay.  I got results back from my blood work from last week and my A1c went from 8.3 to 6.1 in 7 weeks!  My functional doctor was pleased with the results all around.  

More next week.  Thanks for following!  

Some Things I do Eat

 

So a number of people have asked what I eat since I am carb, sugar, and dairy free theses days.  Well. . . most anything that tastes really good would be the answer.  Basically meat and green vegetables.  

The next question is, "Okay, well that doesn't seem like a lot.  What do you eat?" Here are some of the foods I like to eat. . . 

Steak, mostly when I eat out.  I need to be careful with steak sauce that includes sugar.  I like hamburgers (I am learning to eat them without the cheese). Any beef is good.  I would eat ribs but again, I need to be careful of the sugar.  Chicken breast grilled on the gas grill at home and wings - mostly at Buffalo Wild Wings (no boneless due to the breading.  I eat pork (including and especially BACON).  I like and would eat ham, but that hasn't been something I have eaten since the beginning of the diet.  Basically, I eat most any meat.  

Speaking of meat.  I also have an occasional hot dog or two.  I love spam and veinna style sausages, too.  But, I don't eat much of those highly processed meats.  

I also eat most any lunch meats. I especially like the highly processed lebonon Balogna.  I also eat ring balogna (again probably highly processed).  I have been making chicken salad, ham salad and eggs salad a lot.  Salads are always okay to eat as long as you are careful about salad dressings with a log of sugar.  Singce I am not eating dairy, cheese is kept off of the salads at this time.  

We have found CHOMPS Grass Fed Beef Jerky Sticks to be really good and VERY healthy.  We get them from Amazon.  Here is the link:  https://amzn.to/3fwusyb They are a bit expensive, but what isn't when you are eating all natural/organic, etc.  

So, I usually have a couple pieces of Lebonon Balogna, with or without mayo, for breakfast.  Lunch would be a salad with some sort of meat or maybe two hamburgers and lettuce and onions.  Supper really depens on if I am hungary and what Jana is making.  She is really good about making things that I can eat.  In the past we have had grilled/baked/fried ("breaded" with crushed pork rinds) Chicken Ribs, hamburgers/hot Dogs, vegetable soup, beef roast, steak and I am sure other things along with green beans, or brocoli, cauliflower, salads, asparagus and carrots or other low carb vegetable.  If supper is at a restaurant, steak is almost always the option.  The other night I was gifted with some dear loins which we marinated and broiled.  It was soooo good.  

For snacks I eat the Jerky sticks, a scoop or two of the ham, chicken, or eggs salad, any lunch meat, peanuts and nuts, pork rinds (but, not a huge fan), bacon that I have fried a head of time, etc.  The doctor said I could have fruit, sparingly so I sometimes eat a small apple or half of a banana.  Fruit gets eaten with peanut butter or protein which helps with sugar consumption.  Hard boiled eggs are always good to have around.  

There is so much more but I need to get this published.  I will be posting specific recipies in the coming weeks.  There are some really good butter/dairy/sugar alternatives I will also tell you about.  In the mean time . . . thanks for following.  

Weigh In Wednesday # 7

 

Well, as I stepped on the scales this morning I was ready to be really disappointed.  I knew by my brief weigh ins throughout the week that I wasn't losing weight.  Each day it as about the same or a little higher than the last Weigh-In Wednesday.  But, to my surprise, the scale said I had lost almost one more pound this week.  I have moved one more number lower.  288.6 lbs!  Making my 7 week total all but 27 total pounds.  

I mentioned in a previous blog that I would be happy to loose a few pounds a week.  I doesn't seem good to loose weight too fast.  At the same time, I would love to be in the 270s to start 2021.  I am not sure if that will happen without doing something more (I hesitate saying something drastic, but that's what I was thinking.)  

The other thing I noticed this week is that while I HAD been having near normal fasting morning glucose levels, this week they have been up around the 130 - 140 again.  Those numbers are still much better than when I had started, but I am really looking forward to lower morning levels.  

Being dairy free has really been a bummer when looking for recipes to eat low carb.  There are so many ways to make what looks like really good alturnatives, but most use some kind of heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, butter or cheese.  Maybe some day I will be able to try them.  I am still working on my blog to tell you what I have been eating.  

Last, today my hip felt as good as it has for a long time.  The more I use it though, it gets sore.  One day at a time.   

Thanks for following.  

Is Healthy Lifestyle Really Expenseive?

Just so you know, eating low carb and dairy free, is definately expensive.  But, I was sitting and thinking about some ways this type of lifestyle is saving me some money as well.  I really is.  

Let's take the whole water thing for instance.  Soon after I started this diet, I ordered a cheeseburger sub (pre having to be dairy free) at our local Original Italian Pizza restaurant.  When the bill came, the waitress, who knows my favorite dishes quite well, commented, "Joel, this is probably the smallest bill amount I have ever made for you."  She was right!  She didn't charge for the bun that I didn't get and, I think the biggest savings was that I got free water.  Normally I would have picked up two Diet Mt. Dew bottles (2 for $3.00 plus tax).  When you subtract that from my bill, the savings begin to add up.  And, if you go most places you will pay $2.50 or more for a soda.  So, if I eat out three times a week (It used to be more.  More on that later.), That's a savings of at least $8.00 a week for 4 weeks or $32.00 a month!  

That doesn't sound like a lot, but, it helps.  And there is more.  I said I used to eat out more, I wasn't kidding.  It's much easier for us as a family to eat from home do to the dietary restrictions on all of us.  So, we have to be careful when we eat out.  Which means we don't eat out as much.  Even if we save on one meal a week, that's at least $30 per meal for the family multiplied by 4 weeks is $120.  Now we are up to $150.00 per month! 

But, it doesn't stop there. . . Pre lifestyle change I would stop at the local convenience store to pick up a breakfast sandwich or two and two Diet Mt. Dews (and that was when I was trying to save some money.  Usually I bought more than that.)  My bill was usually at least $9.00 or more.  Let's say I did this four days a week times 4 weeks, my monthly total was AT LEAST $144.  Now the savings is close to $300 a month.  

I am ashamed to say these things.  But, it is the truth.  There are more savings but this is enough for now.  I'll post again soon about it.  In the end, what is something you could give up if you had to change to a restrictive diet?  I dare you to be honest.  Share in the comments below if you would.  

Looking forward to Weigh-In Wednesday.  Thanks for following.  

Weigh In Wednesday #6

 I realized today, Thanksgiving Day, that I hadn't posted on Weigh-In Wednesday.  So, as I take time today to be thankful today, I am also taking time to update you on my weight.  

So, as I expected, the weight loss has slowed down.  But, at least I haven't gained weight.  AND . . . I am under 290!!  My weight yesterday morning was 289.4 - not quite one pound less.  In all, I have lost almost 26 pound so far.  I need to just keep doing what I am doing and let the weight loss come as it may.  

My fasting glucose has continues to be lower.  Many days there is room for improvement, but I am well plased with the numbers this past week. 

I needed to meet with my doctor this week about getting medication refills.  We did it vertually.  This is the first time I had met her.  To my surprise she welcomed me seeing a functional doctor!!  So, not only is my chiropractor on board, now my medical doctor is as well - which is kind of unusual.  Very thankful for this good news this week.  

37 days low carb and NO Diet soda, just water (Yuck).  30 days dairy free.  

Thanks for following.  I appreciate the encouragement.  

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Here is a quick update for you.  I don't like long posts anyway. . . The Good - my fasting sugar levels have begun to come down into the normal range.  It's not every day, but most days now I am under 120.  Saturday it was 90 and Sunday was 87! (Today it was 121).   I am not going to celebrate too much yet.  I would like to give it a few more weeks of "normal" first.  

The Bad - my weight loss has slowed considerably.  I am hoping to have lost a pound this week when I weigh in on Wednesday.  This is typical.  I need to eat more veggies and maybe less altogether.  I continue to eat like before, but maybe just too much of what I am eating.  I have started a post about what I eat but it isn't near completion yet.  I will get it out soon enough. 

The Ugly - Water.  Well, not really.  But, this week I did crave something other to drink than water.  I think the real ugly would be preparing to eat Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, etc.   As I type I can taste the filling/stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes.  Sigh . . .  I need to remember to look at the big picture.  I can do this! 

Thanks for following. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #5

 Week #5 is finished today and it's hard to believe that I have lost all but 25 pounds since I started.  Today's weight is 290.2!  I was really hoping to be under 290, but I'll take what I get.  From now on, it will be more of a one or two pound loss per week I am afraid.  But, even so, IF I COULD lose two pounds per week until the end of the year, I could be in the 270's starting 2021!

Now I must remind you AND me, that the goal of eating the way I do is NOT to loose weight.  It is to heal my body and to be healthier.  The weight loss is just a residual of what I eat.  

I ran out of test strips which should be here soon.  So, I will update sugar levels in a future post. 

Also, a number of people ask me what I do eat.  I am working on a post on my meals and what I eat.  I think it is kind of boring, but I do know some people want to know.  So, look for that post coming up.  

Thanks for following.  

Week Five Update

 Just to keep you updated . . . Things continue to move along with my new diet.  Today I am 33 days without any beverages other than water (yuck).  Oh, there has been a few tries of some sugarless options, but nothing to my liking.  So, I just "suffer" through the water.  

This is week 5 of the diet without carbs and week 3 of no dairy.  This has been my issue lately.  I have found a plethora of what looks to be good recipies for low carb eating.  But, most use cheese as a binder or as a big part of the main dish or heavy cream or cream cheese.  I don't know if this will become a way of life for me or not, but I hope not.  I do want to be healthy, but, for an extrovert like me, food is huge and it isn't just to sustain but to enjoy.  I do wish I could enjoy some more dairy.  

I continue to see a little weight loss here and there but this week might be a little less than in the beginning.  This is normal and I really don't want to loose too much too fast.  But, it is fun and encouraging to see the pounds come off.  We will officially know on Wednesday what my weight loss this week will be.  

My blood sugar levels seem to be quite constant.  I still would like more "normal" numbers in the morning.  They are much lower than when I started, for which I am grateful.  

My joints don't hurt quite as much for the most part.  Yesterday was the first Sunday in a long time that I didn't take any ibuprofen.  The extra walking does take it's toll eventually, but I can definately see some improvements.  

Until Wednesday . . . thanks for following.   

Weigh-In Wednesday #4

This will be a quick post as I am going with my wife and daughter today to see the show Esther at Sight and Sound theater. I will post a picture later as I am traveling as I write this but my weight is down almost 4 pounds since last Weigh-In Wednesday - 292.8. Again I was kind of surprised at the amount but happy at the same time, obviously. So far I have lost almost 23 pounds.

My fasting sugar this morning was 136 which is continually getting better and better each day.

For some reason last night was a very difficult night in my eating regime. I was not hungry at all but really had desire to eat certain things.- maybe a chip or pasta or something? I was able to resist, thankfully. I just have to remember why I do these things.

Thanks again for following along.

No More Standing

Oh my, it has been almost a weOek since I posted here.  And, I don't have a lot of time to post today either.  But, I need to chronicle this, if for no other person but me.  

So, last Thursday was the first time I truely sat down for any length of time.  I had been at least a week.  Every time I sat down, my back would tense up.  It would keep me from moving for long periods of time. 

The only relief I got was standing and laying down.  The church even bought a stand for me so I didn't have to sit to work on the computer!  But, my back had been feeling better and I decided to keep my Doctor's appointment.  It's an hour drive to the office.  Thankfully my Chiropractor wanted to learn more about my treatment with Turnpaugh Health and Wellness and offered to drive me there and back!  

The trip went well.  No issues getting out of the vehicle and then I sat for an hour with in the doctor's office and then another 45 minutes with a nutritionist.  Long story short, I have been able to sit down since.  

Something was different on Friday morning.  I even commented to Jana and the ladies in the Chiropractors office that when I woke up, something had changed.  I couldn't pinpoint it, but it was a different feeling.  And beginning Saturday, I have been able to get around better.  Not good, yet.  But, better.  It is amazing how that also makes my emotional side feel better as well!  

The Doctor told me to continue to stay away from carbs, gluten and dairy.  I can have eggs.  So, it is like a Whole 30 diet I am told. All I know is that the dairy part has been missed the most.  

With the execption of this morning, my morning sugar has been 140 or below since Friday.  This isn't where I want it, but it is much better than the 190 - 220's I was getting a month ago.  

I am still only drinking water (yuck) but is growing on me.  All of this seems to be working.  My hip still hurts at times, but I almost didn't bring the cane with me today.  

Okay, I have to go.  Tomorrow is Weigh-In Wednesday.  I think we will all be smiling when you see the results (unless my scales are like the pollsters in the presidential campaigns and off by a lot.)  We will be leaving early for the day (Jana has off and we are taking Ella for the day).  I will try to update on my phone.  So, be on the lookout.  

Thanks for following.  

Weigh-In Wednesday #3

 

It’s Weight-In Wednesday! I must say I was pleasantly surprised at the number when I stepped on the scale this morning. While I didn’t know it was going to be a good week I didn’t know how good. As you can see from the picture below I am now down below 300! I have now lost 18 1/2 pounds in three weeks. I Didn’t think that I would’ve lost 5 1/2 pounds this week but it is what it is. :-) I am not as hungry lately and I really don't eat as much.  Not eating dairy is frustrating, but I guess it is necessary for the best interest of my health.  

For the first time on Monday I had somebody asked me if I was losing weight. That’s also a good sign as usually the first 10 or 15 pounds are a lot of water, etc.

Speaking of water(yuck), today is the 21st day I I have been without any diet soda of any kind!  I do feel like it’s becoming a way of life and even though I desire to drink some thing other than water, it’s beginning to grow on me. Still don’t like it but, I got to do what I Gotta do.

My sugar numbers continue to stay low however, this morning my glucose number was a little higher than I wanted it to be. I’m sure that will come in time.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll have more information to share then.

Thanks for following. I’ll post to get on Friday.

No Dairy and Stay Off the Scales

 

The weekend went well. At least as far as my eating is concerned. My back actually held up the entire weekend with the exception of one short issue Sunday morning. I have a chiropractor appointment again today and I’m hoping that it continues to feel better. It’s not good, mind you. And, I can’t even say that it’s OK. But, it’s better than it was when we started over a week ago. And, I can’t even say that it’s OK. But, it’s better than it was when we started over a week ago.

My blood sugar has been consistently lower the last three days for which I am grateful. It is still not till the normal level, but, it is to a place right now that it’s at least not going to get me in trouble.It is still not till the normal level, but, it is to a place right now that it’s at least not going to get me in trouble.

One of the hardest things not to do for me other than not eating carbs and not drinking diet soda is not getting on the scales in the morning. I haven’t been good in that department but I’m also encouraged at times when I do. I’m looking forward to wWeigh in Wednesday again this week.I am a bit surprised at the numbers so far but we will see you officially in two days when I weigh in.

Last week I told you about the fact that my functional doctor told me that I shouldn’t eat dairy products at this point. That’s been one of the hardest things over the last three days. Salads just aren’t the same without some kind of cheese on top.

I again want to thank those people who have followed along in this blog. Especially those who walk up to me and/or comment on here or on Facebook with an encouraging word. It does mean a lot. It’s fun to go to church and bump fish with people who are following and who are of encourage me for a long time not to drink diet soda etc  I also enjoy talking to those people who have been encouraged to start a new lifestyle after reading this blog. It is really really encouraging to me.

End of the Week Report

 It's Friday and with the exception of my back, things are going pretty well.  My sugar levels continue to down and my eating has been good as well.  I don't expect to loose more than a few pounds this week because of the nature of the beast.  But, we will see.  

Today is day 16 without Diet anything.  I did have some cream and some half and half just to get some variety and becuase they have low amounts of carbs/sugars.  However . . . Jana had a video conference call for she and Ella yesterday with the Doctor.  At the end of the call, I did get to say hello and while my  appointment with him is next Thursday, he did give me some bad news . . . NO dairy - at least for now.  My dairy number was 8 times higher than is should have been.  This may be part of my pain? ? ?  

I bought and made two steaks and a filet last night for supper!  That made up for the yucky water I have to drink.  This morning for breakfast I finished the chickken salad I made a few days ago.  Still tastey.  

Overall I am pleased with the first two weeks so far.  

Weigh-In Wednesday #2

Welcome to Weigh-In Wednesday!  Let’s get right to it. When I stepped on the scales today, I had lost another 4 pounds!  I am down to 302!  I was hoping to be another pound or do lower, but I am obviously happy. Unfortunately I can’t do much exercise with my back the way it is.  

Today is 14 days “dry” and only drinking water(yuck). 

This is kind of skimpy today but it’s kind of a busy morning. More tomorrow. Thanks for following up.

Positive Things with Back Pain

 It is so much easier to stay on a new way of eating when you see results.  Other than my back giving me fits, I really do feel better.  My sugar numbers continue to go in the right direction and tomorrow we will find out how my weight loss is coming as well.  (A little secret, I think I/You will be pleasantly surprised.)  

This back thing is getting frustrating.  I can't stand long without hurting and I can't sit long without hurting.  The only real relief is laying down (or is it lying down?).  

Today is the 13th straight day with no diet drinks!  I continue to drink water (yuck).  Now I just need to drink more of it.  

I made myself chicken salad yesterday.  My wife bought a loaf a break with only 4 net carbs and I had myself a sandwich.  It's a dark bread with seeds, etc.  It was good.  She also bought some venison sticks with no presevitives/additives as well.  So this morning I had half of a stick and two table spoon full of my chicken salad.  

See you tomorrow for Weigh In Wednesday.  

Two Steps Forward, On Step "Back"

 

I had a pretty good weekend. . . however, Sunday was difficult.  My hip and my knees, etc. really do seem to be feeling somewhat better.  That, or the tightening in my lower back is just overpowering the pain in my joints.  This lower back "pain" in no fun at all.  I can really only get relief when I lay down.  

I have had this before so I am really hoping it will be short lived.  But, when it is here, it can be debilitating.  I notice it mostly after I sit down for a period of time.  Until yesterday, I could usually sit without any pain.  It was just when I stood up and tried to walk that there was any discomfort.  But, yesteday while sitting down for lunch, the pain wouldn't leave.  I spent most of the rest of the day in bed (I did manage to do the dishes before my wife got home from her speaking engagement.).  And this morning I couldn't stand long until the pain returned.  

I am thankful to Watto Chiropractic who saw me late this morning.  I felt better when I left!  However, I am sitting down right now and . . . who knows. . . prayers appreciated.  

I do have some really good news . . . as you can see from the picture, my blood sugar at 4:38 on Saturday afternoon was in the normal range.  I just wish it would be at that point when I wake up.  It's coming . . . I hope!  Morning numbers are better than a week ago but I want instant satisfaction!  I have done well with my diet.  I did sneak two french fries from my daughters meal on Saturday and then two more on Sunday.  Last night my wife brought some "Keto" home.  I am going to wait to eat a lot of those until my check-up on November 5.  I did, however, taste the ice cream.  It was really good.  

I am looking forward to Weigh-In Wednesday.  It won't be another 9 pound week, but looking for some good results.  

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. - Proverbs 14:29

Boring Foods, Water, Apple Pie and Whoopie Pies

I don't have a lot to say this morning.  Kind of the same old same old.  Eating this way is kind of boring.  Eating different vegtables can be different, but you have to like them to really enjoy your meal.  I ate because it tasted good, not to sustain.  

My sugar was about the same, just a little lower, maybe.  I've been hoping for a little lower result by now, but it is much better than a week ago.  I briefly steped on the scales, but honestly, I didn't wait for it to get a steady reading.  

My back continues to be an issue.  But, this is the first week in a long time I didn't use iBuprofen beginning Thursday.  If it wouldn't be for my back, I think I would say my hip is a little better.  

While I don't drink enough, I don't think, I am still only drinking water. Yuck!  I have been tempted to have other things, but I have refrained.  

And talking about temptation.  One of the ladies in the church brought in a WARM apple pie (my favorite) and a whoopie pie (if you aren't from Central PA, it's a PA Dutch thing.  Or, if you are from western PA, you call it a Gob.)  It is still sitting here.  I am going to freeze it and share it in the coming weeks.  But, it is SOOOOO Tempting but bad for me in so many ways.  

 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 1 Peter 1:13 - 14

Starting Day 8

 Today I don't have a lot to report. . . I haven't had a diet Mt. Dew (or any other diet drinks, for that matter) for seven full days - today is starting the eighth. I still don't like water. . . I ate very little yesterday - some tuna salad and some chicken salad.  That's it.  I know that isn't good.  But, honestly I wasn't that hungry.  I do take supplements (Juice+) that give me a daily amount of fruits and vegtables plus I take a vitamin B, D, and C among other things including zinc, elderberry, tumeric, and magnesium.  And while this isn't an exahustive list, you can see why I might not be hungry.  J/K :).  

I know I shouldn't do this, but I did hop on the scales again this morning.  I would have thought it would have been lower with the small amount of food from yesterday, but I could be wrong, but I think when you don't eat much your body tries to store fat or something like that.  I could be all wet about that.  In any case, my weight was down a little.  I am hoping to be below 300 next Weigh In Wednesday.  

I do think my joints feel some better, especially the last two days.  My lower back is the bigger issue right now.  I am working to get this relieved.  

They say stress can really affect your sugar.  Today, possibly, I can see how that might be true.  I woke up at 4:30 to use the restroom and decided to check my sugar level.  I was pleased at the number.  However, the morning took a rocky turn as my daughter and I had an episode before school which raised by blood pressure, to say the least.  Everything had calmed down by bus time, but it can be stressful.  When I checked my sugar again, it was 30 points higher than the 4:30 am reading.  There could be other reasons for it to have gone up.  But, you never know.  In the end the second number was somewhat lower than yesterday - which is still positive.  

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. - Psalm 94:19

Weigh-In Wednesday

 

First, let me thank all of you who are following my progress and for the encouragement from so many.  It really does help!

Now to the matter at hand. . . I weighed in this morning and took a picture of the number but I couldn't get it to see the number clearly.  You will have to believe me when I say that today I weigh 306 lbs.  Not a number to be proud of unless you consider last week I weighed in a 315 lbs!!  I know 9 lbs in a week seems like a lot, but in my past experience, it really is about the norm for me.  In the past, will have lost about 4 - 5 more the second week and then 2 - 3 for a while after that?  We shall see.  

My sugar was a bit elevated this morning?  I am not sure why.  I have heard there are a number of factors that is goes up and down.  I have to admit is was a bit disheartening after my weigh in.  But, it is still down from when I started.  

As far as food consumption is concerned.  I did well yesterday.  Pretty much the normal stuff.  I did get a 6 oz. steak from Longhorne Steakhouse with my daughter last night.  I also had a salad and brocoli.  Ella had a steak and mashed potatoes (which was very tempting).  Usually she doesn't eat all of her meat and I was looking forward to finishing her steak.  But, alas, my little girl really enjoyed the steak and left some of the mashed potatoes.  I have to admit that I had a half of a spoon of those potatoes and a spoon full of the whipped cream on top of her ice cream.  (I hope that's not why my sugar was up.  That would be bad.)  

Again, thanks for following.  Check back tomorrow.  

Seeing Progress

So, I am beginning to see some differences after five days.  Not to get to personal, but every time I eat low carb, my bowels loosen for a period of time.  It goes away, but it can be a bit frustrating.  Yesterday was the first.  That's all I will say about that.  

The positive is that I am beginning to have a little more energy each day.  Yesterday was the first day I didn't want to go home and sleep in the afternoon, or fall asleep at my desk.  My sleep pattern hasn't change, though.   I have basically been awake since about 3:30 am.  I could rest, but not sleep.  Most times I can fall back to sleep and sometimes I don't.  

The other positive is that my sugar level was down another 20 points this morning.  It usually isn't something I get excited about until it is down for two or more days.  So, we will see tomorrow where it is.  

As far as food goes, I have to admit I had ONE Pringles Chip.  It was just an automatic thing at my mom and dad's.  I thankfully I caught myself.  I also ate an entire apple with peanut butter.  I had checked my sugar before and then waited about an hour.  I wanted to see if the apple spiked my sugar.  I wouldn't say "spiked" but I won't do that again.  I ate some ham salad (spread), lebonon balogna, ham lunch meat and a piece of cheese.  Still drinking water, yuck.  

I think you will be interested in my weight loss but that will have to wait until Wednesday Weigh In.  

Thanks for following.  

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body, but jealousy is like a cancer in the bones. Proverbs 14:30. 

Weekend Woes

 So far, so good.  But, the weekend wasn't without its frustrations (small but still there).  Saturday I was home without the girls which is not a possitive in many ways.  But, being home with "goodies" all around is tempting.  The Bible says to flee temptation, so I did.  I got out of the house.  Saturday night we did find some good grilled wings at Sal's OIP.  Jana did bring home two homemade Keto cookies which were really good!  

Sunday I had my, now becomming normal, slice or two of uncured ham for breakfast and then Jana made steak for lunch.  But, we were also invited for lunch and camp fire soon after we came home.  We decided to eat at home and then go to the campfire.  Unfortunately, I was offered corn break, a favorite of mine.  I politely declined but I didn't want to.  There were other temptations there too, but I stuck to my guns.  

After the camp fire we went to the Cruise In at Cruisers.  Jana worked inside while I was out side.  This time the temptation was French Fries and Dt. Mt. Dew!  Again I refrained, but my will power was waxing thin.  I made it through the night and did good.  

Today is another day.  I started with a ham lunch meat slice, three deviled egg halfs, and some lebanon balogna and water, yuck.  

So far I am happy with pretty much everyting.  I do miss the diet soda but know it isn't good for me.  I do need to be drinking more, but just don't really crave water, so . . . 

Again I did jump on the scales today but will be sharing that info on Wednesday morning.  Also, my sugar yesterday and this mornning were both 30 points less than Friday and Saturday.  So, that's a good deal.  I have some more work to do on that but, I feel I am off to a good start.  

1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

First Cravings

 So, last night right after supper I found myself craving carbs/sugar.  This was the first time this has happend since I started.  I am obviously just getting started so it was relatively easy for me to put it off and find some high protein/fat substitue - lebonon balogna and a little mayo.  I hope this will power continues into the next two and a half weeks and beyond. 

This morning I ate some uncured ham lunch meat for breakfast and . . . water. Yuck.  I haven't had a Diet Mt. Dew since Wednesday sometime.  I really don't feel any cravings for it at this point.  So, that's a positive.  Also, it's 11:15 am when I am typing this and I haven't had any ibuprofen or felt the need to.  I will probably have to take some soon enough, but I am trying not to have to take it.  I will update my food later tonight or tomorrow.  

I did weigh myself this morning but I am not going to post any results until the middle of next week.  I do expect to be down quite a few pounds, as long as I don't cheat.  It's the way it goes when I get rid of the carbs and sugars.   

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own - 1 Corinthians 6:19

Low Carb NO Sugar

This morning I woke up feeling as good as I have felt for a little while.  This is probably mostly due to the Ibuprofen I started yesterday (4 days on and 3 days off).  

My weight this morning at 3:30 AM was 314.  My sugar elevated as usual at 210.  

I had three deviled eggs, some cheese and bolagna for breakfast.  I did buy a Propel water but after looking at it, that won't be on the list anymore.  It was good, though.  I ate an Angela's Sicilian Salad from the Richfield OIP.  Romain lettuce, tomatos, onions, peppers, ham, salami, provalone cheese and balsamic dressing.  And . . . water - yuck.  Tonight I ate two fried eggs and some sort of bacon for supper.  I also had some (about three table spoons) sunflower seeds, which I think may not be really good as they have more carbs than I thought.  I also had half of an apple with some peanut butter.  

No extra excercise.  Still sleepy while I work.  See how is goes from here.  

I am feeling full and so far the carbs/sugar aren't calling me too bad.  It helps that my wife and daughter are on restrictive diets some as well.  

My Functional Journey

 I haven't posted in soooo long.  I forgot how to get to this page.  In any case, please follow my journey if you like.  

So, today I visited a Functional Doctor, Dr. Shannon Smith.  He was recommended by my wife (when your wife makes a suggestion, you should probably follow it).  Click here to see/hear her story.  

I am not going to bore you with the details as to what and why at this point.  I don't like long blogs, but I will say this:  I NEED to do this.  

All I am going to do today, and maybe most days is log my journey and results. . . Let's hope this goes well.  

Today I stopped eating sugar and carbs for at least 3 weeks.  That's what I was asked to do.  I also got and took some extra suppliments.  This is what I ate.  

A Chickn cob salad and chickn bites from Chic-fil-a.  Two Big Dogs from Cruiser's Cafe.  Some uncured ham lunch meat.  I did have a diet lemonade which I diluted some and drank water - yuck.  This evening I ate two big dogs without the bun with American Cheese and onions and Ketchup.  Before I went to bed I had a half of an apple with some organic peanut butter.  

I really want to say more but, again, I hate long blogs and I really don't want to take the time to write a lot.  I will post a lot of other things but you will have to follow along for the extra tidbits.