After Christmas

I made it through the season but not without the extra snacks and over eating. It was really hard not to sample and enjoy the food endlessly. I tried not to two fist and stop at the food every time I walked by. However, I would say that I ate more then my share for a couple of days. I found it hard to just be sitting around without doing anything. The more we sat the more sampling I did. I certainly did not throw it all away, but I definitely carbed up. The results will show in the next weigh in.

I started back to the program regime this morning. I could really feel the difference while I was rewarding myself over the holidays. I was sluggish and bloated, and pretty much miserable! I am looking forward to getting back to work as well.  Less idle time I have the least likely I will be looking for snacks.  We removed all of the temptations that were in the house and we have reloaded with the right stuff. 

We got a chance to see my family for a few days.  It was really nice to have a visit and give them all a chance to see our changes.  It was pretty cool, to hear their accolades to us for the job we have done so far.  The person I really wanted to see was our dietitian niece Tiffany.  She was the one I wanted to show the most, that some programs cam work, even if they are not based on the Canada Food Guide.  However, her and her hubby Ryan were not around for a visit.  We will have to venture to Humboldt one day soon. 

It's Christmas time!!

The Forster Tree!



Well, it's here.  After waiting 364 days, Christmas has arrived.  I am sitting in our living room, with every one else tucked away into their beds, and looking at the Christmas tree lit up.  It's very peaceful.  It's nice to sit back and just take in the past year, our accomplishments and our thoughts of what has happened in our lives.  I would say it's been quite a year since the last Christmas for our house.  A lot has changed for the better and I know that next year a this time it will all have been worth it.  Laurel's family is here celebrating with us, and it was quite a day of finalizing purchases, getting food ready and enjoying our time together.  It appears some of them REALLY ENJOYED THE TIME.............thank god there was a case of wine!

I have come up from my down day on Wednesday.  I had some posts and emails from my azz kickers, really kicking my azz, about the comments I made.  I spent some time thinking and planning the next couple of weeks.  I am not throwing this away.  I am simply not going to let it get to me.  I will enjoy the time of the season, and I will make sure that there are rewards.  I will not allow myself to lose all self control though.  I will get back on the path well taken once again, and the weight loss will continue.  I have 45 lbs to goal, well actually 48 after this last weigh in, and I will get there.  The process will continue, and it will be because I am motivated and willing to get the job done.  I am going to treat the next couple of days as a break from the program, but Sunday morning it's back to the soy protein.  I deserve this time, and I am going to enjoy it, with no reservations.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I am disgusted with myself.......

So.....after 2 weeks of no movement, my weight loss has turned into huge gain.  3 lbs upwards after the last week.  I am totally disgusted with myself, and embarrassed by the outcome. For almost 4 months, I have worked my ass off to get my weight to a point that I am happy with the results.  It has gone so well, until the month of December.  Granted, things have changed since December 3rd, and my activity level has changed, n]my water intake is down, and I am drinking way more caffeine than I should.  However, how was it that I allowed this to happen.  I thought I was stronger, I thought I understood the program better.  But as with everything with me, I allow myself to stray and make changes to the process that is there for a reason.  Now I have to face the music and the embarrassment of screwing up.  Right now I am feeling very depressed and upset, and am pretty much willing to throw in the towel for the rest of December.  But that's what my will power is telling me,  but it's not what I want.  As I look at this post and see that photo my feelings are running down my face.  I knew it could happen, and it has happened, but right now it hurts alot. 

Where do I go from here??  What am going to do to get this on the right path once again?  Pretty simple.  Get on with the program as it is laid out, and forget about the gain.  I recognize where the last weeks mistakes are and need to make sure they don't happen again.  I have to get my water in my system and try and reduce the caffeine.  There is no easy answer, but there are solutions.  I will make those solutions work, and I will lose the weight.  It's really 2 disappointments.  I never reached my Christmas goal of 285 either.  So, my focus will just have to be stronger now. 

Today at the office we had our officialbaking swap. 7 of us brave souls got together and traded our wares.  Above is the haul we got.  Shortbread, cranberry cookies, brownies, mixed dainties and nanimo bars.  I gave the world famous fudge as my baking item. 

As well, my staff gave me an exceptional and totally unexpected gift for Christmas. They pooled their money and bought me a gift certificate for a new winter coat.  Apparently they are tired of seeing me in the coat I wear, as it is too big for me.  They went to the local store, picked out a couple and told the owner which ones to show me.  I had to order in my size, so the coats for review will be here just after Christmas.  I can hardly wait.  I did find a wonderful Columbia coat on Saturday in Melfort, but wasn't prepared to buy one yet.  Now, I have no choice!   Thank you to all my staff................I am so happy to have you all work with me.

Wednesday is weigh in........just hold the line, is all I am hoping for.  I can hardly wait for the holidays to pass. This is driving me crazy!!!!!

Final Countdown

Christmas is creeping up on us, and it seems to come a lot quicker now as an almost 50 year old, versus when I was 5.  Most of our preparations are done now, with the exception of that final grocery list.  We have got all the important stuff out of the way, so now it's get the house ready for the family to arrive.

We went to the kids Christmas party from Laurel's office last night.  It was pretty cool to see all the young kids flock around "Santa" as he gave them presents.  They were pretty excited.  One of the staff has 2 little boys that were just drawn to Santa, and with no hesitation.  They were on his lap almost right away, and wanted a present.  They didn't care what they got, they simply wanted something to open.  It was to cool.  The supper was pot luck and there was so much food.  Thank god for a tray of veggies and a shrimp ring.  At this time of the year, your lucky to find anything healthy at a gathering.  So much food, so many carbs and so good..........................I did my best to make sure there wasn't a lot of grazing.  You know, standing around the food and moving from dish to dish, without really knowing how much you had.  I find it easier to simply take what I want, and move to the other end of the town to get away from the rest.  I sampled nothing out of the ordinary lat night.  I will do my sweet sampling over the next couple of days. 

Poppycock

Laurel is busy making poppycock for the 1st time ever

. She usually makes other things at Christmas, but wanted to mix it up a bit this year.  Geez, just when the diet was starting to come back around, my temptations are in the open again.  I will sample a bit, yes, but that's all.  No handfuls!

We went to Melfort this afternoon. Stop in at  Mundt's Fashions. I was able to walk out of there with a pair of Docker's, size 44.  This is the 1st time that I purchased a general size piece of clothing from a normal store, like normal people do.  For some of you, you are most likely scratching your head wondering why this was a good thing.  For a fat kid, this is a great accomplishment for me.  It wasn't a big and tall store or a speciality fat guys store.  It was a normal everyday fashion store that normal, not fat people, shop at.  It made me smile................................and I was proud of being able to walk out of the store with a bag, with my pants in it!

I am done...............

Christmas shopping is over.  I have finished everything as of yesterday afternoon including my baking I had planned.  I now will help Laurel get over her hump, so that we are ready for company next Thursday night.  My fudge recipe has circulated out and about, and I hear it's a hit everywhere. Our baking exchange at the office happens on Monday.  Looking forward to see what's getting swapped..............

My wrist is coming along very nicely I think. The wound is healing well, and my pain has been reduced mainly to direct touch.  I still get some shocks every now and then, and that is expected.  I hope it just gets better so we can golf on our holiday.

I feel good but am starting to get a bit frustrated over the no weight loss think.  Tom has now passed me in weight loss by 5 lbs, and he has been doing the program about 3 weeks less then me.  The difference is he is more focused right now then I am, and I think he is closer to his goal, so he is more determined.  I think had  I stayed working and not had the surgery, it would change too.  My water consumption is down, and I have been drinking to much coffee.  That is not an excuse, it's simply reality. I want to get back on track but I know that I will have  my holiday difficulties.  I will do whatever I can to make sure that there is no gain.  If it means walking away from the cravings, I will do it.  I have spent to much money to watch it go downhill at Christmas. 

Mom and Dad

I drove into Yorkton today to drop off Christmas gifts for our Esterhazy and Yorkton families.  I had a chance to see my mom and dad for the 1st time since I started Ideal Protein.  I think that they were both extremely surprised to see the amount of weight and inch's I dropped,  My dad commented that he can not remember ever seeing me this size.  I originally thought he was joking, but I soon realized he wasn't.  He had a hard time not telling me how slim I looked.  I think he was very happy for me.  My mom, as always, acknowledged that I lost weight and left it at that.  I know she is happy for me, though.  I could tell.

2 days in a row, I graced Chinese buffet for lunch.  This time I was smarter, and stayed with the fresh veggies and some stir fry.  It was a much better choice then yesterday.  I never struggled this afternoon with the blood sugar spike.  Thank god for the salad bar/veggies at the Asian Buffet in Yorkton.  Or else I might have not made it home without a road side nap!!

I made another pan of fudge last night.  I took out the pan at supper to cut it up, and placed the pan on the stove.  I apparently didn't realize the stove had been on.  Needless to say, the fudge had to be reset up, before I could carve it out.  Lesson to be learnt here................don't use the stove while making Christmas fudge.

Weigh in Day

So...............look familiar??  It should.  That is the same weight that I was at 2 weeks ago.  For the last 14 days I have nothing to show for weight loss.  However, I am now taking up 2.5 less inches in the world today.  Am I disappointed??  Absolutely not.  After the last 2 weeks of Christmas parties, sampling and baking I would say that maintaining this weight is a big relief.  It wasn't that I was so out of control and not watched, I simply had more opportunity to not be married to the program all of the time.  As well, with being home from work for two week,s there were ample opportunities for me to decide that the boredom should be fed with food.  I never turned that way, which I am thankful for.  I can only imagine what the results could have been. 

I think that anyone who is struggling with weight understands that there is always that thought that I cheated and now I have to work that much harder.  I have always had that idea in my head.  However, Ideal Protein teach's you differently.  I tells you that you will fall and you will have the rewards or situations that you will enjoy yourself in.  That is not wrong.  The program invites you top enjoy that situation in moderation, and then simply get back on the program and not allow those carbs to be stored in your system.  Staying strict to the program for a couple of days after, will allow your body to eliminate the rewards with out sending it to your weight gain.  Enjoying the season is not a sin nor a cheat, it is reality, and we all have to deal with it.  Reward yourself, don't over do it, and the results will be noticeable in the end. 

Just as a note, from today.  I went out for lunch today with a friend.  We went to the Chinese buffet.  I stayed with the veggies and sampled a bit of the sweet and sour.  By the time 3pm rolled around, I was so tried and felt I had been hit by a truck.  Without question, that is the most carbs in one sitting I have had in 3 months, and now I know why I flt the way I did when I ate that bad stuff.  Man, I was bummed for 2-3 hours.  It was not a great feeling at all.  Thank god I wasn't operating any heavy machinery...........................

http://insidethepantry.ca/

For the people that are always fighting the saboteur's, my niece Tiffany has some advice to prepare us for the holidays..................

Improvement

The wrist is getting better as long as I don't over do it.  We had to head into Saskatoon today, and I lifted  bag that hardly weighed much, but because of the angle I picked the bag up at, there was some sharp pains that went through my hand.  I just have to remember to stop using it.  It has healed pretty good, but I can see where using it steady would cause me some grief.  I guess that's why I am supposed to wait for a few weeks to use it regularly.

Weigh in tomorrow.  I am confident that I never gained any weight......................even with the fudge sampling and Christmas party treats.  My hope is that I am even at the very least. I have monitored my eating more so, so I will have an idea of what I can add/change to maintain at the very least.  I have 5 lbs to go to get to my Christmas goal.  Here is working towards victory.................

It's started

I started my Christmas fudge tonight.  I have to make my 1st exchange baking.  Received short bread and now have to reciprocate with the fudge.  I made two batch's, one regular and 1 mint.  They both turned out pretty good.  And yes, I know they did cause I licked the spoon.  Once it sets I will have to hide it in the snow banks out back, so Laurel doesn't get tempted.  She loves the fudge.............

I am off all of this week once again, recuperating from  my carpal tunnel.  I am planning to head into Saskatoon for Tuesday.  Maybe some house cleaning and a nap or two.  Outside of that, I guess I will just hang out.  I haven't had any over the top temptations, because I have been keeping pretty busy.  My 2 week weigh in is Wednesday.  2 pounds is what I am looking for for a loss.  285 is the next goal, and I was hoping for that by Christmas.  After that, I will be seeking the 265 mark...................

Gus Rocks!!!

Well our crazy poker playing Greek, out did himself once again.  He catered the town Christmas party last night and it was awesome!  Appetizers of dry ribs, spanakopeida ( frick if I can spell it) and dip.  Then the main course was chicken breast and roast beef.  Greek potatoes, salads and cheesecake for dessert.  It was a great time, and a nice way to spend the evening.  Played some pool, some Wii and young Matt Lamb entertained for us for about 30 minutes.  He is a about 17 years old and is an incredible guitarist.  His dad and mom were very proud last night!!

So, the end of 1 week of recovery from my major surgery.  Healing well, but pretty sore.  It`s actually better this morning then it has been all week.  I think there may be progress.  I hope so, `caused retirement sucks!!!  One more week for sure of being at home, so I better get the recipes out.  I have baking exchange going on with some at my office and outside the office.  I am making extremely low fat, low carb and high fibre fudge.............................yeah, like there is such a thing.  I will be making my fudge, and have to hide it from Laurel.  So it`s baking and then it will be hidden in a snow bank somewhere in the back yard.  Laurel and chocolate or sweet is her weakness.  And I won`t let her step backwards in her program.  She may get a small piece, but that will be it. 

Okay, ready to head to the big city of Melfort for a look around.  We have a rain check at the Canadian Tire for a blow up bed.  We are getting some company at Christmas, and we need the beds.  Lots of space, just need to fill the space up.

Weekend is here.........

Tonight id the town Christmas party, and Gus's Greek Ribs is supplying the food. Excellent restaurant to eat at, and Gus promises a real selection of eats for everyone.  He has catered in the past, and it's been excellent. We are staying around after to play some Wii, pool and such.  Should be fun.

Wrist is still aching today.  Had an insurance exam to write this AM, and leaned on the wrist a bit to much.  Hopefully a few Tylenol will help take the sting away for tonight.  My incision is looking good, but the throbbing still exists.  I am completely bored.  Damn, what is there to bake now?? 

Looking forward to the weekend.  I hope we can get out for a bit.  It's really cold here today, and supposed to be for the next 2-3 days.  May be a walk on the treadmill is in order a couple times. 

Here is my recipe that I used for the low carb muffins.  Let me know if you try these, and how it worked out for you:

8 tablespoons melted butter
3 eggs
¼ cup Vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup sugar substitute (Splenda is recommended)
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup ground flax seed
¼ cup soy flour
½ cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans - Rolled oats works as well

Place two tablespoons of butter in a skillet, reserving the other six tablespoons of butter for the muffin batter. Heat the butter until melted, then toast the pecans in the butter. Divide pecan into two half cups (one set for the batter and one set to sprinkle on top).
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
Melt remaining six tablespoons of butter and combine with eggs and cream. Beat well. Add in sugar substitute, vanilla, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda, ground flax seed and soy flour and mix. Add to wet ingredients, mixing with electric beater on low until all ingredients are incorporated. Stir in a half cup of toasted pecans and the half cup of coconut and mix just until ingredients bind together.
Fill muffin liners ¾ of the way full. Top with remaining pecans. Bake in oven until a toothpick inserted in center of muffins comes clean, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Serve muffins warm with a pat of butter.

Thursday

Just thinking of the ways to keep busy.  I am bored out of my mind!!  If retirement will be like this, I think I will stay working for a LONG TIME!  I am looking for house work to do, just to stay busy.  Mind you my hand/wrist is restricting me from to much.  It is really sore today, and it is a bit swollen still.  The throbbing is starting to get me a bit agitated.  I am not taking to many pain killers, but need them every now and then.  I can only hope it starts to get better soon.

No cheating yet.  Being bored and keeping busy has helped curb my appetite.  I just need to be focused and make sure that there is no crazy binging.  I have lots of veggies and some cheese strings to have if I need a snack.  I am making sure that any extra food I consume, is balanced by my supper and lunch's.  Big thing is making sure that the carbs and protein don't increase more then they should.  I am not craving sweets either, but boy, I could use a good snack of crackers or chips.  That's my biggest craving.  They have always been my issue.  Laurel likes the sweets, I like the salty.  Hard to believe that the salty has contributed to my size.  I think people are surprised to hear that.

Had coffee with a person this AM who told me they lost 125 lbs a few years back.  One thing that made them stick to process was the fact they had little rewards or extra's once a week.  If they lost weight they got a reward.  If they didn't, then they worked harder to make sure they got one the next week.  I believe, that is what Tiffany meant when she said 5/2 is the best process to avoid the yo yo effect of dieting.  5 days of program and 2 days of enjoyment.  However, don't go over board on the 2 days, as it simply could take you backwards from what you had achieved in the 5 days.  She is a smart lady, must be a Forster!!!!!!

Muffins

I found this recipe on the Net for low carb muffins. It uses soy flour, flax meal, Splenda and spices. There is about 5 grams of carbs in each muffin. Not bad at all. Protein runs around 8 to 10 grams. I think they will be a good snack when need.

I missed weigh in to day. A bit on purpose and a bit as I forgot. I went into the office and visited and realized I missed the time about 20 mins later. So, next Wednesday will be another 2 week weigh in. After the last week I think I am down a lb at most.

My wrist is sore and tingly. I think its just post op symptoms. Stitch's removed next Thursday. Sight is clean and no inflammation at the incision. Thumb and palm are a bit puffy.
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Sorry!!

Been so busy doing nothing, that I haven't been able to blog on my site.  Go figure.........time to play no time to work.  Don't tell my boss.

I am still one finger typing with my left hand.  There really is no pain, but it's uncomfortable still. Feels like pressure in the palm and my 4th and 5th fingers.  My incision is a bit sore as well, but it is healing fine.  I think I over did the use of it yesterday, and now the arm hurts a bit.  I did notice though, that my pain int he fore arm is almost all gone, and that there is almost 0 tingling when I wake up.  These were all signs of carpal tunnel prior to the surgery.  So I am thinking that this was successful.

I have had a couple of pretty good days at the food and being bored.  Actually, I have kept myself busy enough not to snack on anything other then that damn Candy Cane ice cream.  We have got to stop now, it's not good for me......but wholly crap it's good!  I think that the treat train is over now.  I got to lose 5 more lbs before Christmas to meet the goal I had set.  If being at home means eating, I am going to gain the weight not lose it.  Today I am going to walk the treadmill, and then take the dogs for a dig as well.  That will help a bit.  I am also going to try out some low carb baking as well.  I found some recipes with Almond and Soy flour.  Muffins and a protein bar are my 1st attempts.

Post Op Day 2

Yesterday was a painful/sore/uncomfortable day.  Lots of throbbing and just plain soreness.  I had been feeling pain in m y index finger, so I finally moved around my bandage.  They had placed the bandage so tight that it had cut into my finger.  They area was purple, and the throbbing was pretty intense.  It had a huge indent where the bandage lie.  This morning the site is red and a bit waxy feeling.  I hope it gets back t normal.  That's my lead booger tool!!!!

Party last night was excellent.  Food was phenomenal.  Gene and Ronnie do such a wonderful event when they cater.  The prime rib was heavenly, and so many salads and desserts.  I had a healthy slice of prime rib,and ceasar and broccoli salad.  No potatoes and no desserts.  I never even thought about dessert.  I knew I had over did the main course, so dessert was not an option.  We went over to a house party after, and I snacked on a few crackers.  Actually, it wasn't a real bad day for food.  So for the next couple days, it is follow the program as it is laid out, and make sure the body does not store the bad stuff.  The storing starts now, so I need to block it.

It's very uncomfortable

I didn't get lots of sleep last night.  I wasn't in pain, but it was very uncomfortable.  Throbbing and just annoying twinges.  This morning it`s very stiff and sore.  Outside my injured back 2o years ago, I am not sure if I have ever been this uncomfortable.

So yesterday, we picked up a candy cane ice cream from Shop Easy.  What a great treat, I was in love!!!  No wonder I am fat, lol, I love food.  Aren`t I supposed to love my wife,my dogs, my family....well, it was a reward for being a brave little soldier yesterday......................

Tonight is both Laurel`s and my Christmas parties.  We are going to the Tisdale Hotel for their formal supper.  Gene and Ronnie are excellent caterers, so the meal will be fantastic.

My youngest brother Doug called Thursday night and was telling me how proud he was of me for the weight loss.  He hasn`t seen me since July.  We plan an unveiling with him and his family after Christmas.  We will see all my family then.  It was pretty special to hear that he was proud of me.  Our family was never really close, as we grew up.  Things have changed allot since we all have moved on.  It`s just nice to hear that your family is supporting you once again, in another attempt to get healthy.

Well, it`s meds time.  This one handed typing really sucks..........

Sophie

Here is Sophie enjoying a nap
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Post Op

Surgery was a success apparently. Really hard to say right now. The pain is tolerable but it is painful. I guess it wasn't as simple as he hoped either. There was a bit more digging then expected. I am really glad I only did one. It is hard not to use the damn thing.

Well pain is stopping any hunger right now. With any luck it will stay like that till I return to work.
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The day before......................

Tomorrow morning I have the carpal tunnel surgery on my left wrist.  I have gotten everything done that needed to be completed before surgery.  Snow shoveled, poop picked and garbage to the alley.  For the next 7 -10 days I am thinking I am going to have some trouble trying to use a totally bandaged wrist./  Looks like hen pecking on the keyboard.  Oh well, I will be at home, so what else is there to do.  I am hoping the surgeon will let me take a photo to post.

I am a bit concerned about being bored and at home.  The food cupboard has nothing in there that I should have to worry about, but boredom and food goes hand in hand.  I am going to do my best to not so anything that I will be sorry for.  No special needs, drink my water, eat regular and watch the soaps!!!!

If the doctor doesn`t slip up, I should be back tomorrow.

Weigh in Wednesday

I was unable to get a photo of my new weight, as I had forgot to take my BB with me. But, I am officially at 55 lbs lost. My current weight is 290.2. I also lost 5.5 inches for a total of 52 inches lost.

It is a pretty remarkable amount as I see it, considering the last 2 weeks. Not that I was so willy nilly with the food, but it was all over the map. I realize as well that when I have the issues on food, if I lean back on the program but not using any of restricted foods and just stick to basics, then the gain is almost nil. That is the beauty of this program.

So 24 days to Christmas and 5 lbs to my next goal. Look out Candy Cane ice cream, I am heading ur way!!
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