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.