How many of us are there?

[lisaf]

I was wondering how many on this forum are following Schwarzbein? How many of you are doing the diet as per the book? How many have modified the plan and how?

Personally, I follow a modified version with fewer carbs and I've begun to space out my meals to 6 small meals per day.

Lisa

[surlymel]

I'm doing something similar :D

I tweaked the carbs down from the suggested 130 to about 80 or so (having several small meals too!), because it just feels better. Might up that number a little later on to see what happens. Doing great with most of the plan, though I do have some trace amounts of sugar now and then.

I've also knocked out all true grain foods (though home-ground quinoa and corn are still in). The immune reaction is so strong that I can't consume even a trace of the stuff. Since most manufactured goods are tainted with grain in some way (food starch, flavoring, spices, conveyer belt dusting... etc.), I was almost Schwarzbeining before ever having read her excellent book. Funny how things work out ;)

[Sharon]

Hi, I've been reading this book (every morning before work starts), and hope to get into this plan as well. I'm really enjoying the reading in it. I find it's very easy to understand.

I'm very interested in any of your personal experiences/comments.

[Sher]

Hi Everyone
My name is Sher and I am starting this woe again.......I tried Dr. S's plan a month before Thanksgiving and lost about 10 lbs (which I have carelessly gained back over the holidays.) I have read almost all the lo-carb books but I felt that Dr. Schwarzbein's plan was the most liveable and healthy choice for me. I have also tried Suzanne Somer's diet but there were too many restrictions (funky foods) and I just can't do lo-carb without nuts, avocados and a few others. I do love her recipes. Has anyone else dabbled with Somersizing? I was amazed that I could eat the nuts and chocolate and still lose so I am going to follow the same routine I did before the holidays. My hubby likes to eat this way so it's just juggling carb meals and snacks to my kids that is hard. I am also home w/ my kids all week (homeschooling) and cooking -- that is real challenge. I do feel great eating this way so I really want to stick to it get down to my goal weight this time and maintain. Any support would be greatly appreciated! Anyone with similar challenges or a similar situation?
:wave: Sher 165/165/135

[lisaf]

so it's just juggling carb meals and snacks to my kids that is hard. I am also home w/ my kids all week (homeschooling) and cooking -- that is real challenge. I do feel great eating this way so I really want to stick to it get down to my goal weight this time and maintain. Any support would be greatly appreciated! Anyone with similar challenges or a similar situation?

Wow Sher! That does sound challenging. I did try to stick to the plan once before when I was home with my kids, but it was much harder...particularly when they have a strong preference for pasta etc. I did find meal planning a week in advance made it much easier. I was walking into the kitchen starving and ready to reach for the most convenient thing...usually carby of course! The meal planning also really helped with keeping my grocery bills under control.

surlymel - are you allergic to grains? I am apparently allergic to wheat and corn. I must say that many of my allergies are much improved since starting this WOE this June. I only rarely used antihistamines this summer...a big change from before.

Lisa

[surlymel]

Originally posted by lisaf
surlymel - are you allergic to grains? I am apparently allergic to wheat and corn. I must say that many of my allergies are much improved since starting this WOE this June. I only rarely used antihistamines this summer...a big change from before.

I have an autoimmune reaction (called Celiac) to all cereal grains. Antibodies try to latch on to the proteins in those foods, but get a little screwy and tend to attack anything in the body that those grains come in contact with. The first part to show damage is the duodenum (just below the stomach) - it's full of tiny little villi that pull nutrients from the food you eat, but they get clipped off by those rampant antibodies. The small intestine normally has an surface area about the size of a football field, but Celiacs can end up with as little room as a tabletop. Malnutrition, hormone/adrenal/thyroid problems and grouchiness are some of the top symptoms... and a recent study has shown that about 5% of diabetics could have it as well (but keep eating those carbs, huh?).

Guess one of the best things about Schwarzbein is just how adjustable the plan is for anyone with unusual needs... oh, and anti-grain maniacs like me :)

[alto]

I'm a Schwarzbein dabbler :) I've read the book twice and think it sound. I tried to follow it for about a week, but it was too great a change from my old bad habits. I'm definitely looking on moving toward it for maintenance. Her system of adding carbs back in makes sense to me -- but I have a LONG way to go.

I hope you get a Schwarzbein group going -- I'll love to eavesdrop :)

[Sharon]

Count me in to Alto. I got the book before Christmas. I like to have a coffee and relax for a bit before work at the office, so every morning I can I read some of it. (I'm working on a difficult knitting project at home and can't seem to make time here for it, as every chance I get I knit!)

I really like the "principals" of the plan. For me I'm finding it more interesting reading than the Atkins Revolution.

[YogaBuff]

Hi. Also found the book a better read than atkins. Have the same trouble trying to cook for my pasta- lovers.

However, I like that MOST nights, I can cook pretty much a 'normal' meal, and we can all take from it what we want. I like her idea of balancing. And how she talks about healing the metabolism. That wsas just what I needed.

YB

[Sher]

Hi everyone
Well I'm down 2 lbs ( from last week's start) but yesterday my family was invited to a sledriding party at my good friends's house. She and I usually share our diet books but she is firmly against low carb. She says she is like a monster without carbs.....well I usually feel that way too for the first few days but she hates it and hates low fat too ???? She is still searching for diet that suits her. She is a great cook and made homemade veggie soup and lots of carb muchies but I only indulged in a few pretzels and hot tea w/ **sugar** I have a severe weakness for hot or cold ice tea w/ sugar. This friend and I used to even go to a local "tea house" to have our favorite tea (Republic of tea). We both love tea so I feel compelled to have tea at her house. I just can't bring myself to ingest more than one cup w/ splenda (It's the closest taste to sugar but it's still not the same). I guess I am just weak when it comes to going to other people's houses to eat. I do fine if I am dining out but I hate to make the hostess feel bad and not eat what she makes. I did take a relish tray and I nibbled mostly on that most of the night. I guess it won't totally derail me but I wish I had more will power - Last fall I did do Dr. S's plan 90% of the time and still lost weight .....not at lightening speed but it was still ok. I will just have to perservere. Anyone else struggling already? Thanks for sharing.
:daze: bye Sher

[lisaf]

Hi Sher - I feel like I'm always struggling on some level. I fly through some days, others...well let's just say its me vs. the carb demons and sometimes they win. Its gotten easier over time. I don't completely follow her plan. I occasionally bake lowcarb stuff with sweetener, and have been known to indulge in deep fried foods, or cheese on her taboo list. Given my weight loss, I'mnot too worried. Not to mention that I feel great most of the time now.

Lisa

[amieK]

Hope I didn't just say something nasty! I heard somewhere that JFK actually said "I'm a doughnut" or something in his famous speech. Definitly a LC boo-boo!

Happy to find some fellow Schwarzbeiners. I've been feeling a little guilty about being allowed to have a bit of fruit when the Atkins people can't. But then again they can have some pretty yummy sounding desserts with their artificial sweeteners. I've never been much one to go for AS anyway but I sure used to like dessert.

I'm allergic to all grains except rice so Schwarzbein is a natural fit. Corn is also a big no-no for me.

I should be more diligent about carb counts, I'm pretty loose in that regard. I just try to adhere to the general principle of sticking with meat, eggs and veggies as much as possible. Don't really care for potatoes and I'm happy with a small helping of rice (1/4 c) so the starches aren't much of an issue for me anymore.

My biggest downfall in the past has been succumbing to sugar cravings. Once I've eliminated it and it's cleared my system, I still find that sometimes my head wants it even when my body says Blecch!

[lisaf]

Hi amieK --

Its nice to see someone else with rampant grain allergies...wheat and corn are big no nos for me too. I can tolerate the small amounts that the Plan allows for so long as I don't indulge very regularly (maybe a serving a day, if that!). I also do not follow her "no chemicals" approach to the letter and do occasionally indulge in AS desserts (particularly if its Karen's No Bake Vancouver Cheesecake or the Tiramisu)!

Lisa

[Jilly]

Hello

I have been on the Schwarzbein healing programme for just weeks, but the effect has been dramatic. All this time it would appear CARB has been messing me up. With huge trepidation I ate the eggs and bacon - expecting my gallbladder to blow up - but no such thing. All the symptoms have gone. It is too weird for words. I have come off a host of prescription medicines!

Good luck everyone. We are all in for the long haul.

Jilly

[YogaBuff]

Jilly, isn't it wonderful? did you ever think you could feel so good? Welcome aboard!!

yb :daze:

[DebPenny]

I'm new and I'm on the Schwarzbien Principle Program. I've been on it just short of 2 weeks and I'm loving it. It's so easy. For more information about me, I've posted in the introductions section and I've started a journal.

I'm glad there's somewhere I can find out how others are doing on the SP Program.

;-Deb

[lisaf]

Hi Deb!

We're not a very active group...being completely overwhelmed by Atkins-ites...but we're here! Welcome aboard and feel free to post questions anytime!

Lisa

[Jilly]

Hi Deb

I have been on this for about six weeks now, and the effect on my health has been amazing. (I mean with even chronic conditions apparently cured).

The weight loss is slow but steady. What I am keen to know is how long everyone has been at this. Did you do anything to further help weight drop off?

I have been following the diet religiously, but am wondering whether to cut down a bit to increase weight loss. What would you suggest?

Should I just be patient? I know I have been indoctrinated by a lifetime's no fat nonsense. It is going to take so much to heal us all from the brainwashing.

All views welcomed!

Best wishes

Jilly

[DebPenny]

Hi, Jilly. :wave: I think we have to expect and appreciate the slow weight loss we get with the SP Program. In her book, Dr. Schwarzbein says that 1 pound a week is appropriate. Her plan is not really about weight loss, but about becoming healthy. That's why I'm doing her plan rather than the excessive/scary (to me) Atkins diet.

More than anything else, I expect my fasting sugar test to be normal in 3 months when I retest (two months ago it tested at 138, 125 is the top of normal, 200 is full-blown diabetes according to my doctor).

I know my initial weight loss is the usual "water weight" loss associated with any plan that causes you to lose weight. It's not really true weight loss. I am expecting to drop no more than 1 pound a week once my system has adjusted.

Also, the closer you get to your optimum weight/configuration, the slower it will go, and you will appear to plateau, because you are consuming nutrients at a level that more closely matches your optimum level.

Think of it this way, when you weigh a lot, you require more "calories" just to maintain that weight, so if you eat the food that would sustain you at your optimum weight, you will lose weight. As the amount of calories required to keep you at your current weight drops with your weight to more closely match that required for your optimum weight, your weight loss will slow.

That tends to be the reason most people get discouraged with diet plans. They expect to keep up the same rate of weight loss all through their diet.

I expect it to take me 2 or 3 years to get to my optimum configuration, whatever that turns out to be. But I am going to feel healthy and satisfied as I do it, and I will not have to relearn to eat when I get there, because I will have been eating for my optimum configuration all along.

Finally to answer your question: I think you should go slow and easy. I had a day when I didn't eat the carbs I should have and I felt awful. I had some cantaloupe and felt much better. Since then I have made sure I got the carbs I need to keep feeling great. To me it's better to take it slow and not stress my body than to see a quick drop on the scale.

Hope this helps, ;)
;-Deb

[tammay]

My sister is on S. and she's loving it. She's a vegetarian so S. seemed the most veggie-friendly. I'm doing Atkins at the moment but I'm seriously considering moving to S. I'm reading her book at the moment and I like it so far. I know she's a purist in a lot of ways, like no sweetners (which I've cut out completely because of the temptation) and no coffee (all right, this one's going to be tough!) but also she doesn't count carbs in things like veggies, cheeses, and eggs which Atkins does.

I'm definately looking at this one!

Tam

[lisaf]

How to "do" any program is a tough question.

The first time I did Dr. S's plan (strictly followed) I definitely lost weight at a rate faster than a pound a week in the beginning.

The second time, my weight loss was slower and I plateau'd a lot sooner.

This time, I've been onthe plan since June 5th, added a lot of exercise, and modified the plan by reducing carbs because I was still having a lot of hard-to-handle cravings...particularly with carbs in the morning. I tend to avoid fruit, but work at making sure I get some veggies into every meal. I've surpassed my original goal (even though she says you'll stop at your ideal weight, I wanted some kind of number in my head). Part of the reason I set a goal weight was also to encourage the fitness side of things. The last two times I did the program I hit 165-170 and just couldn't sustain it. I know in my heart that the exercise accounts for over 25 lbs of the weight loss and continues to help me go down. I've revised my goals and 140 is probably wishful thinking. But Ifeel great and my lean body mass is increasing ever so slowly with weight training.

Lisa

[Shellstuff]

Hi, I'm new to the site and I am so glad to find other people who are out there following Dr. Schwarzbein's advice! I've been doing it for about a month now and I have had a few slip-ups but I definitely know that I feel better than I have in a while. I've been consciously trying to lose weight for about a year now and I managed to lose about 40 pounds... but not in a very healthy way. I realized that I was being extremely unhealthy in the amount of calories I was taking in (about 500 a day) and the amount of exercise I was doing (about an hour and a half of cardio), combined with taking Metabolife. Once I started to feel really sick, a friend of mine gave me his Schwarzbein book and I felt so much better to think about being healthy... the plan is amazing and makes so much more sense than Atkins or any other plan. Just wanted to share that story!

[Jilly]

It was really interesting to hear your stories. Thanks for replying.

I am going to up the cycling but not mess about with the diet.

One interesting thing is that I feel so well and my mood is so much better that I care so much less about what I weigh. I no longer obsess about food and dieting and failed dieting all the time.

My God. I have become a normal person, whatever that is!

Good wishes to all

Jilly

[judy130]

Count me in too. Thanks for all the info and inspiration. I am looking forward to starting this weekend and will follow the good advice of planning my meals in advance. I have yet to find the journals to keep track of my progress but will do so soon.

Judy
159/159/130

[DebPenny]

Good for you Judy. IMHO, Schwarzbein is the way to go.

The Journals are under the heading of Journals/Bootcamp. Then you select the heading that your ID falls into (in your case Journals H to J).

Hope this helps.
;-Deb

[judyuk]

Thanks, DebPenny. I've just been shopping so I'm all set to start. I also ordered the Schwarzbein Cookbook which arrived today. There are some great recipes in it. I'll let you know how I get on. Unfortunately, I thought I would buy a few sweets and chocolates before I have to give them up!! Maybe my starting weight will be higher tomorrow!

Judy

[martham]

Hi, I have been reading your posts on Dr. S. Is it similar to Atkins? I havent read the book, but have Protein Power and Atkins. I am a diabetic and really need to watch my carbs and was interested , it sounds interesting.


Thanks,
Martha

[Maplesugar]

Hi All
I'm new to the site and am just finishing Schwarzbein. Will be starting Monday.I've tried other plans and found this to be liveable.The book is just great! hope to be talking to all of you soon! :)

[Heeligan2]

Originally posted by martham
Hi, I have been reading your posts on Dr. S. Is it similar to Atkins? ...Martha
Hey Martha!
You can find a summary and comparisons of the plans here:
http://www.lowcarb.ca/atkins-diet-and-low-carb-plans/index.html
Good luck! :)
H2

[caverjen]

Hi, I just read Dr. Schwarzbein's book, and I really liked what she had to say and how she explained the physiology behind her diet. I have been on the Zone diet to lost my pregnancy weight. I'm almost there, and most of my jeans fit :p . However, I'm getting tired of weighing and measuring all my food, and I've been hungry so much of the time and looking for a way to keep the weight off without being so hungry. My baby is 6 months old, and I am breastfeeding her plus pumping and extra 8oz/day, and I exercise a lot.

Here's a crazy question: does it make anyone else anxious not to measure your food? I don't even know how I will know if I'm eating the right amount of protein. I eat mainly vegetarian, which often means one-dish meals, which makes it even harder for me. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Jen

[DebPenny]

Hi, Jen. I've been on the SP program now for 4 weeks and not having to measure every last little ounce of food makes me feel free! I love it.

Dr. S. says that you will know what is too much when you eat protein because your body has better feedback for it than it does for carbs. And I think she's right. I definitly cannot pack away meat the way I could carbs such as pasta and rice.

I would not try it, though, as a vegetarian. Typically, I have two eggs and hamburger for breakfast, about 1 chicken breast for lunch and an equivalent amount of chicken, beef, pork or fish for dinner. And I eat lots of fresh non-starchy vegetables with each meal.

I also cook most of my dinners as "one pot" meals. Last night I had Asparagus Chicken with Black Bean Sauce. Now this has been one of my favorite Chinese dishes in restaraunts. So I decided to try it at home. I bought a black bean sauce that has no sugar in it and used that with my chicken, onion, and asparagus. It was wonderful. The one thing I didn't have was rice with my meal. That's what made it low carb. And I didn't miss a thing. The dish was great, if I do say so myself, and I was fully satisfied. It had about 10 carbs in it.

I have not been hungry on this plan at all and so far I am 14 pounds lighter than when I started (the first two weeks were augmented by "water weight" loss). I expect to continue at about 1 to 2 pounds reduction a week until I am at my proper body configuration. I am also emotionally prepared for plateaus. I've been there before and, after reading The Book, I understand them better and know what to do to move ahead.

I have also been very strict with myself and don't eat any sugars, bread products, or pasta. I will, however, occassionally have rice or potatoes to augment my carbs -- Dr. S. does not advocate a total reduction of carbs, which I fully agree with.

When I achieve my goal, I will reintroduce more rice and potatoes, but I intend to stay away from grain products (other than rice) and sugars -- all sugars including honey, fructose, etc.

I may be the most vocal fan of Schwarzbein here, but I think you can't go wrong with the program. It's easy! It's satisfying!

;-Deb

:daizy:

[judy130]

Hi Deb
A 14 pound loss in 4 weeks is very good considering you haven't cut out all carbs. Your meals sound good too.
With TOM and crazy cravings I didn't get very far after Day 1 so am starting again! This time I hope to cut out the cravings and get used to eating properly before TOM strikes again. Judy

[DebPenny]

One thing to keep in mind about the Schwarzbein Principle program is that you are achieving your ideal body configuration.

I have a friend who has been on the program for about 10 months. When she started, she wanted to lose about 10 pounds. According to her scale, she hasn't lost an ounce.

However, her health problems (BP, Cholesterol, etc.) have all improved and she feels great! Luckily she is not really concerned about what the scale says. She feels stronger, more alert, and happier than she felt before she started the program. So for her, she has basically been on maintenance the whole time. And she looks GREAT!

I am taking a lot of my inspiration from her. It's not about losing weight. Even though it's nice to see the scale going down, and of course I have much more of a weight problem than she doesn't, I'm on my road to health.

:-Deb

:daizy:

[jazzermom]

Hey everybody!
I've been on SP for about a week now. Her book made lots of sense and I really like how she explained things physiologically. It's not a gimmick! I would like to lose about 50 lbs. but the health benefits are great too. It's not hard to stick with and I'm never hungry! Thanks for all your input and encouragement! :wave:

[judy130]

Yes, Deb, I agree that the scales can start ruling you. I would like to feel more energetic and healthier and I think that has to be my main objective. I have recently had my mother to stay and had to inject her with her insulin as she is a Type II diabetic and all her female side of the family have been from their fifties onward. So that made me think that I would like to avoid diabetes and stay healthy. If I can focus on that then I think I should be OK.

[DebPenny]

Have you talked with your mother about following a low-carb WOE? More and more, doctors are finding that a low-carb diet will help diabetics, including allowing them to go off their medications. Dr. Schwarzbein's book talks alot about that, especially in the introduction.

;-Deb

[judy130]

Thanks Deb. The problem is that she is very nearly completely blind so cannot cook for herself now. However, when she has come to stay with me, and I have been able to give her a few meals with low carbs, she has said how much better she feels. This has reinforced my decision to keep to this WOE.

I couldn't believe the diet sheet given to her by her nutritionist - tinned fruit salad in syrup for breakfast was one of the items on it!!

[meg1999]

I'm new to this forum. I've been low carbing on the Atkins plan for about 6 weeks now. I feel GREAT physically MOST of the time, but I'm really discouraged because I haven't lost any weight. PLUS, I'm SICK of eating protein. I want veggies!!

Someone on one of my low carb lists suggested I might do better on the Schwarzbein Principle, so I am here to learn more about it. I just ordered the book tonight and I am doing online research, also.

I hope that y'all can help me and hopefully this will answer my prayers, to not only feel better, but to lose weight and to enjoy the WOE that I've chosen.

Thanks for being here!
:wave: :bhug:

Meg
http:home.talkcity.com/EmoticonBlvd/emilymeg.html

[DebPenny]

Hi, Meg. You do need to read her book. But to let you know sort of how it works: You eat lots of vegetables and meat.

The meat, of course, is treated like most programs except Dr. S. doesn't like processed meats that much. If you have to eat processed meats, she wants you to eat those processed without nitrates and little or no sugar.

Veges are now my favorite thing. I eat spinach, onions and mushrooms at breakfast and tomatoes and cucumber with lunch. And for dinner I have all kinds of veges. Last night I had a recipe I created for Asparagus Chicken in Black Bean Sauce. It was so nice.

Dr. S. separates veges into two groups: Starchy and Non-Starchy. I stick mostly to non-starchy veges. But one of my favorites is artichokes and they are a starchy vegetable according to Dr. S. So I have them occassionally. In fact, my lunch on Saturday was a large artichoke cooked in the pressure cooker eaten with mayonaise (my favorite way) and baked chicken thighs. Yum!

If I couldn't eat veges, I wouldn't be able to do this. My weight loss has been slow, but I'm happy with it and feel great. I have been on the program for 6 weeks and in the last 4 weeks I have reduced about 5 pounds. My first 2 weeks I reduced 11 pounds, but that was mostly "water weight."

I haven't even looked at the Atkins diet because I have heard enough to scare me off. However, there is a book by Dana Carpender called "How I Gave Up My Low-Fat Diet and Lost 40 Pounds" that discusses most of the plans out there. Unfortunately, it was written just before Dr. S. came out with her book, so she is not reviewed in it. I have ordered this book and it should be delivered today.

Good luck!
;-Deb

:daizy:

[Panni]

I have been reading the posts in this group for a couple of weeks and finally I decided to post. I have been doing the Schwarzbein diet for almost 4 weeks now and I love it! I am never hungry and can eat all the butter and cream I want, who can complain? I don't have very much weight to lose, probably about 15-20 lbs, but so far, nothing helped me do that. And here is what's odd about this diet; according to the scale, I GAINED almost 3 lbs, but according to my clothes, I am losing inches steadily. Getting on the scale is an almost harder addiction to break than eating high sugar carbs...I decided to just trust my clothes and not fret about the scale.
I did follow the Zone a few years ago and it was very helpful and I did lose a lot of weight. Since then I had a baby and it all came back. I also had Gestational Diabetes, and I take that as a warning sign for the future.
What I really take vary seriously from Dr. Schwarzbein is her insistance that the food we eat should be "pure" and unprocessed as much as possible. I do pay a lot of attention to that and I think that makes a difference in how I feel.
Anyway, enough for a first post!
Nice to meet you all,
Panni from Seattle

[DebPenny]

Hi, Panni. Welcome to what I consider the best of all the plans. I have been on it 6 weeks and lost 16 pounds. But like you, I have lost more size. Even on the weeks (there have been 2) that I did not show a loss on the scale, I felt thinner. And I am feeling stronger.

Personally, I think that this plan makes you build muscle whether you like it or not ;) .

;-Deb

:daizy:

[Carrot]

Hi-
My doctor encouraged me to read Dr.S's book along with "Tired of Being Tired" by Hanley. I felt like the scales had been removed from my eyes and I could see the world in a different light! It was and has been great! I wanted more info and was looking for a support group, so I began to cruise the internet and found this place. Thanks.

I've never been involved with a chat room, so will do my best to quickly learn the protocol. Please bear with me.

[JudyAH]

Welcome aboard. The more the merrier. SP is a good thing and the more I try the better I feel and the better I feel the more I try. What a great day.

[Carrot]

JudyHa

Thanks for your reply. Looking forward to the sharing and support a group can give.

Which carb. count to you use from the SP book? Some other sites recommend 40 per day, but that is far less the what Dr.S suggests.

[Carrot]

Oops....not good way to make a good first impression. Judyah, not JudyHa!!

[JudyAH]

What's the saying I don't care what you call me, just don't call me late to dinner! :roll:
I have been keeping my carb count to 15 a meal and 6 for snacks. I usually have one snack a day. It is usually almonds 23 to be precise. This week I have not looked as closely as other weeks. I need to look at the count for horseradish a little closer.
Has any one tried the salad dressing recipes for SP? I have made the ranch and the blue cheese. They have a trace of carb in 1 tblsp. My weakness over the years has been salad dressing. I like the creammy ones. For years I had to give up what I liked about eating "healthy". No More! These 2 recipes are better than any bottle dressing I have ever had. Especially the Blue cheese.

Do you subtract the fiber from your Count?

[Carrot]

You're right about ..."don't call me late for dinner".. I was raised in the South and my Dad's motto was "Get what ya want, but eat what ya get". I'm afraid that is still a haunting motto that I try hard to overcome.

I have not tried any of the SP salad dressing recipes. I have found Paul Newman's Olive Oil and Vinegar dressing (1carb) to be quite good. I'm slowly learning hoq to analyze the ingredients, but they seem to be o.k..

I, too, enjoy an almond snack in the afternoon. Gets me easily through till supper. We did try the recipe for Pecan Chicken and it was great. Took a bit to perfect the cooking temp of oil so it wouldn't burn the pecans. I think we'll try same recipe, but cook it in the oven.

I have been keeping my carb count to 20 or under and the snacks at 15(I believe the almond count would be the 15). So far, so good.

I was on a low-fat life style for so long that I feel a bit quilty
when I started eating butter, eggs and cheese. The first results I noticed were no more indigestion and reduction in gas(I know Southern Ladies aren't to speak of such things, but heck...we've been set free!!)

How did you get intrioduced to SP?

[JudyAH]

My sister gave me a copy of her book to read. I don't think she is following it, but I really love it.

You know it is funny, but I feel guilty and have to stop myself and say hey, Enjoy It! I just did my first FITDAY entry. It amazes me that I am not eating enough, still. Today I ate steak and chicken and veges with butter and bacon & eggs, but still ate less than 2000 calories. I have to get my water consumption up. I had 50 grams of carb today, but 23 were fiber so I guess I did OK. I still get confused.

I am feeling so good it is scary most of the time. My period started yesterday so I'm feeling a little off today, (I believe drained might be the appropriate word here) but you are right, no gas, no indigestion, almost no PMS, I can't believe the difference no sugar has made. Istill get headaches, but I think that is my dairy allergy. It is too hard to do this program with out cheese. They are mild and infrequent. I'm trying not to take any medications at all and it is a test, because I used to live on ADVIL for every little ache and pain.

Time for bed. Good luck with the next recipe try. I want to try some of them, but I am rarely home to cook. Maybe Sunday.

[Carrot]

Judy,

What is a FITDAY entry? I haven't been subtracting fiber from carbs, but other books do mention doing it.

I, too, suffer with headaches. They have decreased substantially, so I don't mind an occassional Excedrin.

I have had hypothyroidism for many years. My doctor just switched me over to Armour. I was concerned about Dr.S's mention of such and spoke to my doctor. She doesn't want me off my meds. Any problems with your thyroid?

Have a great weekend and remember to add some play-time with your work-time.

Carrot

[JudyAH]

Hi Carrot,
No thyroid problems. I am actually pretty healthy. A few aches and pains, but as I love to say I AM OLD. I'm almost 48. SP says the medications we take can interfere with with our insulin, and that causes further problems down the road. I'm trying not to automaticly reach for the tylenol or advil. The thyroid is a different can of worms. Follow you doctors advice,but have her monitor your progress and adjust the dosage if neccesary. Listen to your body and make the doctor listen to you.

Fitday is a website that calculates and analyzes your food intake for the day. Fitday.com I think. There are links to there from different places on this site. i found one by chance and clicked over.

Duty calls I'll check in later. Good Luck

[Carrot]

Judy,

Thanks for the web site. I'll check it out.

And by the way......you're not old! I'm right there with ya. Of course, when I go to the other room and forget why I went.....I must agree with your analysis!

My doctor is wonderful and works with me. I've been on natural hormones for years and it took me awhile to find a doctor who would listen to my "natural approach to healing" desire(or as natural as possible).

I noticed you live in Northern Ca...you lucky lady! I suffer the heat of Florida, but I do love the oceans. Watch the sunrise on one side and drive over to watch the sunset on the other!

Thanks again for the web site info.

P.S. Tonight, I'm trying the Cole Slaw recipe from SP cookbook.
Will let you know how it tastes.

Carrot

[JudyAH]

Oh I know I'm not old, but my favorite line is to tell everyone to "leave me alone I'm old." I usually get a laugh because I am not old, nor do I think old. Mature maybe but not old. On many occasions I must rewind so I can rember why I am in a particular place.

Florida huh! You must get some great seafood to munch on. I am 30 minutes from the ocean and I hardly ever get there. My work schedule is pretty grueling.

How was the cole slaw? I love cole slaw I hope it was good. What are you doing about exercise? I haven't really started a routine yet. I just ordered a treadmill and I can't wait to get it. I don't like to walk alone and my shedule doesn't permit a regular routine so I can walk with a partner, so I decided this was the way for me. Walking while reading a cheap and tawdry novel is in my future.
Take care

[Carrot]

Judy.

Make the 30 minute trip!! Yes, I do enjoy and get wonderful seafood. Headed to the Keys soon and will really be enjoying it!

I am limited with my choices for exercise due physical limitations, but I have a treadmill and enjoy using it.

I just posted a new thread concerning blood pressure. Let me ask you, too. I have never had bp problems, but my readings as of late have been rising (145/90). My cholesterol dropped 65 points (256 to 191) , blood sugar dropped (110 to 93) and weight dropped 6 pounds, but alas......my bp is up for the first time.

I am a bit concerned and do not what to change my new WOE or go on meds. Any thoughts?

Carrot :

[JudyAH]

I have not had BP problems before. It could an anomolie. I went to the doctor about 6 months ago having the worst day of my life emotionally. I don'r even remeber what was wrong now. My BP was 135 over 95. Foe me really high. It was the first and only time. The doctor must have thought I was insane. He loaded me up that day with BP med samples, zoloft sample, alergy samples, anti-biotics and nasal spray. Never touched most of the samples. My BP was fine the next day. I cried all that day and heave felt great ever since.(Nothing like a good cry to clear the mothballs) No anti- depressens for me. My point is : take your BP at home several times before you hit the panic button. Sometimes we spike just cause we're at the doctors office.

It's cold and rainy today. We are off to the new design center in town. It's my field trip for the day.

TTFN

[Carrot]

Judy,

Oh....to have a bit of your cold and wet weather right now! Summer has hit us with much too much force and way too early...eeck....I didn't want to have to crank up the air, but it is HOT.

Hope the Keys have a nice breeze. I won't be able to cool off with margaritas as in the past...boo...hoo.

Called my doctor this morning as my bp readings were rising. She suggested I try calcium/magnesium supplements and record my readings for the next few weeks. She may need to lower my thyroid meds, which would be hunky-dory with me.

I've been trying not to read any other lc methods as they seem to have some conflicting info with one another. Have you tried and/or read any others? What are your thoughts about using any of their recipes?

I noticed by your bio that you are surrounded by coffee...Has it been hard to limit your caffiene intake?

Don't work too hard and don't forget to play a little. If possible....
please e-mail some cold weather. Will be eagerly awaiting a cool breeze as I check my mail :roll:

Happy Monday....Carrot

[DebPenny]

Hi, Carrot. Your doctor told you to take calcium/magnesium pills for your blood pressure? Did s/he say why?

I have recently started taking calcium magnesium for muscle cramps that I suddenly started suffering from. And I have recently (prior to starting LCing) started to have a problem with high blood pressure (borderline). And LCing hasn't seemed to help the way I thought it would.

So if the calcium/magnesium will help, more's the better.

;-Deb

:daizy:

[Carrot]

Hi Deb,

She told me to start taking 1000mg of calcium and 500 mg of mag.
I found that dosage at my local health food store. 2 pills per day equal said dosage. I take one in the morning and one at dinner.

I may not be quoting her exactly, but she said it would relax the blood vessels which in turn should help fight the rise in my bp. I am to record my readings for 3-4 weeks. If my readings start to elevate more, I am to call her and we'll start lowering my thyroid meds. I started the cal/mag yesterday and I go today to check my bp. Will be glad to keep you up on what further things she
may say and do.

Did you have bp problems before going on the LC or SP WOE?
How much cal/mag are you taking, now?

I notice you are in California( one of my favorite states!) I love your wonderful fruits and veggies and weather! It's gonna be another HOT :( day here in Florida.

How did you get started on the SP?

Carrot

[DebPenny]

she said it would relax the blood vessels which in turn should help fight the rise in my bp

Well that seems logical since it is supposed to help with muscle cramps also.

To answer your questions:

1. I started having problems with my BP about 6 months ago, 4 months before starting LCing.

2. I'm taking the same dosage you are. And I have a personal BP reader that I am using to monitor mine.

3. The weather here in Sacramento has been a little nippy lately, but it's forcast to start warming up soon. We get hot (90's mostly with occassional 100s), but dry, summers and what I consider mild winters (seldom below 30 at night). I love living in northern California. It's beautiful and the "out of doors" is only a stone's throw away.

;-Deb

:daizy:

[JudyAH]

Hi Carrot and Debbie,

Make sure you have some vitimin C when you take your Magneeseum and calcium. When you combine the three they help each other absorb into your system. I hope the Thyroid meds dissappear for you Carrot.

I am surrounded by coffee which is no problem for me, I can actually have decaf if I want. My drink of choice is Plain bubbly water, or reg water. The problem is the brownies and cookies we make fresh every day. (UKGIUTYE*^%%(*&O^YP(IUH) I have not succombed and I am finding it EASIER NOT TO EVERY DAY.

It has been cold here to I Live in San Jose annd we had snow on the hilltops this week. BRRRR!

I have read other LC methods. I am reading Atkins now! I figured it was time I went to the horses mouth so to speak. It is amazing the stuff that you are told about something. His ideas are very similar to SP as far as I can see. His start is severe, but after 2 weeks you seem to follow the same plan with a very few variations. The artificial sweetners being the biggest variant. I have not finnished the book yet. Don't be afraid to find out what other people think. The more info you have the easier it is to make an informed decision. We are responsible for ourselves and we know our bodies better than anyone. What works for one may not work for another. It seems to me with all I have read SP focus on health and is austere in her program. Some people need this kind of discipline to work for them. No deviations. Depending on your health when you start it may be a good answer. Atkins is just as strict with carbs and he sites all of the health bebefits that SP does.

It seems to me each one of the authers of these books on lo-carbing have the same basic philosophy. Each has a gimmick or hook to sell you a book or an idea. This is not bad, just business. I do not doubt the sincerety of any of them. It just is an example of how we make it work for ourselves. The trick is to find the plan you can live with. If you have severe health problems SP may be the answer. If you are an addict. Sugar Busters may be the answer. If you can't quit sugar or the sweet , Atkins is a kind of methadone for sugarholics I think. There seems to be no harm as long as you don't use real sugar. There are many paths and many anwers. Good Luck. I know I am always trying to figure it out for myself. It may be a combination of plans that will work for you in the long run. Me too.

Enough of my soap box.

Have a great day. Absorb some heat for me I'm cold.

[DebPenny]

I just finished reading "How I Gave Up My Low Fat Diet and Lost Forty Pounds" by Dana Carpender. She gives a good synopsis of some of the major programs, but not Schwarzbein because she wrote her book before Dr. S. did.

It's a good book to help you decide what you want to do. She talks about either following or devising the plan that works best for you and that, if the plan you're on doesn't work after a few weeks, try another one.

Myself, I really like the Schwarzbein Principle because it is austere without being boring. I am not adicted to sugar, I have always been able to take or leave it. In fact, I ate high carb because I believed the hype that it was healthy. So for me, giving up sweets and rice and potatoes and breads and pastries was actually rather easy.

What I did miss was gravies and sauces. And over rice was nice, but again, that was only for bulk. So I am slowly building a new recipe book of saucy, low-carb recipes. And so far, so good.

I have even been able to get recipes out of cookbooks I thought I would never be able to use again, like this weekend I got a recipe from my Cafe Beaujolais cookbook called Chicken Nut Stew. I modified it a little bit for my own taste, but it started out as basically low-carb anyway. It was soooooooo fun!

Dana actually recommends that you shop used bookstores and garage sales for the old non-low-fat cookbooks that you can't find anymore. My Cafe Beaujolais cookbook was written in 1978.

Well, enough rambling...

;-Deb

:daizy:

[Panni]

I love the SP program exactly because I don't have to worry about the fats any more. The other night a friend and my husband and I put together a French dinner that was mostly made of cream... :D We had a goat cheese tart for appetizers, poached sole in cream and swiss cheese for entree and creme brulle for dessert. It was not exactly low-low carb, but it wasn't terribly out of the ball park. I loved eating all this good stuff without feeling guilty!
So far I have been following the SP for almost 5 weeks. I still haven't lost any weight, but at least 4 inches off my belly and it just keeps going down, so I am very happy.
I don't find it austere at all, I love aeting meats and vegetables and some fruit. I use Splenda occasionally to sweeten cottage cheese for snack. I found the Stevia was actually tasting bitter to me.
Well, I am just rambeling now, so I will stop.
Take care everyone,
Panni

[JudyAH]

By austere I didn't mean we were deprived of any thing in the fat area. I guess I used the wrong word. But on SP you must use cold pressed oils and no artificial sweetners. I find that one a little tough. I don't need a lot of sweetners in my food. Bu t for example, I want to make a cheesecake for my birthday this week. This is not allowed on SP unless you can get stevia to work right. i havn't had much luck. In the world of making the best choice for the situation I belive I can do my cheesecake by using Splenda. Not kosher with SP but perfectly ok and even encouraged on Atkins. Your dinner sounds positively yummy. Creme Brulee is great and can easily be made legal. Tarts are great too. Just don't eat the crust. Your meal was a perfect example of being able to make the lifestyle workable. 29 days out of the month i can live with no sweetners and 99% of SP rules. but once in a while a splurge is in order. It is part of what makes life good.

Bon Appetite.

[Panni]

Actually, for me the "austere" rules of SP come in very handy. I didn't even know I needed to watch out for those things until I read her book. But, it so happens that I have Hepatitis C and I am pretty sure that following SP really strictly will be very nice to my liver. I am also just going to start treatment in April and I hope very much that eating the SP way will somehow help me through it and support the process. So now I buy only hormone free meats and eggs, found all the organic dairy products that contain nothing else but the dairy ingredients etc. I am sure if I didn't have this condition I also wouldn't worry about these things too much...
Panni

[vancouvergirl]

HI Everybody,
I haven't posted here in a very long time. I got busy working and ..... well, you know.
I have read many posts just to get caught up and it seems that compared to lots of you I have been doing this a long time. I started on Schwarzbein almost 2 years ago!!!!
I started with Somersizing and read DS intro to Somers' book and switched over. I was losing rapidly with Somersizing but felt weak and was constantly hungry. My exercise which had been almost daily walking for about a year dropped to almost nothing due to weakness and I was too busy planning meals. Then when I switched to SP my loss slowed down but my energy level went right back up. I have continued to watch my carbs and hardly go over 15 per meal but the sugar snacks at work have crept in and I have had some really bad months. In total I gained back about 9 pounds from my lowest weight and that has gone up and down the same 4 or 5 pounds a million times. I feel best eating this way except I need to lose the sugar so I can lose the guilt about eating it. I still cook no carb meals for breakfast and dinner most days of the week :roll: but lunch always has carbs as does my night time snack.
Anyway, it's good to be back and I will try to post from time to time.

[rosarugosa]

:wave:

Hi all, I just thought I would introduce myself. I just found this bd. via a poster on the Somersizing bd. I discovered "TSP" thru Suzanne Somer's books, of which I am very grateful!

I started last year about February trying to shed my extra 30 lbs.(wanted to reach goal before my 50th birthday ~ last Sept.) and made good use of the net. First I tried calorie counting, then Atkins, and then Somersizing level 1, which worked for the first 3 months then I plateaued but stuck with it and started noticing hair loss so decided to not be so strict. I then followed more of a Sugar Busters approach and decided to read "TSP"(The Schwarzbein Principle) again and have been trying to follow that. It is working for both my hair regrowth, energy, and I am beginning to lose again very slowly but losing! I have heard that slow loss is the most likely to stay that way.

I am looking forward to reading all the posts and sharing support of this plan with all, I have found support boards to be very helpful in sticking with a plan and so glad to find fellow Schwarzbeiners(?)"TSP ers" (?) are thereany abbreviations for this ? :q: :)

[judy130]

My story is similar except I have not tried Somersizing. I too tried losing for my 50th in September but unlike you, I didn't lose much and what I lost I gained back in the birthday celebrations and beyond!!

My hair loss is still with me, but I have learnt not to worry about it. It seems to improve in summer and now I am back on this WOE I hope that like yours, it starts returning.

I have lost 1.5 lbs since starting 10 days ago but like DebPenny, I now think the improvement in health is worth more than the weight loss.

Good luck
Judy

[rosarugosa]

On the hair loss,pulled out all stops so to speak along with what I feel is the healthiest diet I could find ~"TSP" ~ I started taking all the supplements that are supposed to help in addition to the 'Dr. Art Ulene's pkt. for women(which has borage oil and chronium)', I added evening primrose/saw palmetto/soy lecithin/Kwai garlic tablets(2 daily)/ and a supplement for hair health (making sure that my total vitamin A wasn't more than 15,000 daily) If you take any medications you want to make sure none of these supplements or herbs would interfere those(ask a Dr. or pharmacist) of course.

I also bought the gentlest shampoos (Jason brand with biotin is real good) I could find and started using a low amonia type of hair color. I am also looking into Silica (sp?) as a supplement ~ it is supposed to help and be good in hair care products. The net is wonderful for finding info on these things, of course then one has to make personal decisions as to what is best for them. Something of all that I tried seemed to help.

I am losing very slowly but have been losing. I am going to start averaging my daily weight like suggested in the Heller's bks., 'Carbo Addicts'. Weighing at the same time every morning then averaging it once a week or so ,that way you see even small loses. I think I have been losing about 1/2 lb. every cpl. weeks or so ~that isn't much by some standards ~ but I would rather go down than up at that rate.

Like you said Judy the improvement in health is very important. In the past I tried crazy diets that zap your energy and health, which eventually takes it toll on looks, etc. With Dr S's plan you build health along with gaining control on cravings.

[kimberlina]

Hi ladies!
Glad to have found this site. i too found it from the Somersizing forum. i originally started with Atkins last summer and lost 18 pounds. then of course, gained some back over the holidays. started somersizing in the fall, enjoyed the addition of carbs and fruit, but only lost what i had gained. SO.....all that to say, i am ready to begin TSP. yesterday was my first day, and i was amazed at how long i was satisfied after my meal. on SS i was hungry again in 2-3 hours. yesterday it 5 1/2 hours TWICE! yeah!!!!!

question: is it ok to start my day with a snack, and then have breakfast late? i work 2nd shift and need to eat bigger meals later. what about an extra snack/ and no dinner? thanks for any input. looking forward to feeling WAY more energy!!!!!

keep on keeping in!

[rosarugosa]

I am certainly not an expert, but my 2 cents worth on your question would be that any WOE/WOL (way of eating/life) has to be made *just that* ~ *your* WOL. One has to adjust meals and snacks to you own schedule to work.

I was surprised also at how my satisfaction level lasted longer between meals when I stopped 'food combining' and started TSP meals! I do not mind portion control either as whole/real foods are so filling anyway. Also eating fruit regularly helps keep me from having desserts call my name as much. I think the food combining of Somersizing may help a lot of people who have digestive problems (produce too much acid or?) but I never had that.

[DewTal]

Hello to Everyone:

Glad to see this thread was revived, gives me a chance to introduce myself!

I've been doing TSP since January. I'm a vegetarian so it seemed the most vegetarian-friendly program I could find. Pre-low-carb, I started out at 195 and lost about 70 lbs altogether from low-fat diets (read: starvation and food obsession!). Then of course came the inevitable gain. I knew I wasn't doing healthy things to my body, and I was looking for a program that made sense and would give me more energy.

As others have mentioned, I don't think I've lost a whole lot of weight (I keep away from the scale), but I've definitely noticed a difference in inches. It was really hard in the beginning, but now it's gotten much easier. Although I have plenty of weight to lose, I'm more interested in the health benefits and especially, the lift in energy and the improvement with PMS symptoms.

Kimberlina: I do what you do in the morning. Because I wake up so early and have to rush off to work, I have a snack (usually cottage cheese and vegetables) and have my breakfast later at work. It works out well for me.

Hope other lurkers will post to this thread! ;)

Tal

[Wren]

Hi everyone, I am new here and new to the SP approach. I read the book last weekend and have been following it most of the past week.
I have a strong family history of diabetes and 4X the normal amount of insulin for my age, so it's pretty obvious that I'm well along the way towards that condition. I also am recovering from CFIDS, which made me very inactive for several years (could not walk 1/2 block without resting) so I am very unfit. My doctor has prescribed Glucophage to reduce insulin but I'd rather try this approach for awhile. She doesn't object to Atkins (but I do - no way I could follow it!) so I'm going to try this for awhile and get another insulin reading to see if it's any lower as a result.
What I've noticed so far is that I get FULL on this food! And I stay feeling full for much longer. I love carbs of every kind, with a weakness for good breads and bakery items, so that's a bit hard but I hope the cravings will diminish. I tried the Zone diet a few years ago, lost 15 lbs but found it boring and hated calculating the contents of every meal. Gained the weight back instantly. Lost 15 lbs last summer counting calories and walking, kept it off until I quit smoking in December when I gained back 8 lbs. I'm not calculating my carb intake now, just strictly avoiding any grain products and almost all starchy vegetables, as well as being very careful not to eat bad fats. It's weird to eat things like nuts and full-fat cottage cheese again!
I would love to exchange recipes or recipe resources with folks here. Also I have yet to check out all the features available on this site... I'd welcome any direction from more experienced folks on how to make full use of SP or this site. Thanks!
Wren

[JudyAH]

Welcome aboard, the waters fine and drink plenty of it. This site has a ton of great recipes, but be careful because SP has a lot of rules that I know you are becoming aware of. SP cook book is wonderful. Check it out. I find keeping it simple has been the best aproach for me. The less time spent with food the better. But you do need to be prepared. I sometimes cook a lot at once and just have to reheat when hungry.

[DebPenny]

One more example of how different things work for different people: Another method is to keep standard ingredients available and ready to use. I use a lot of chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. So I keep them cut up in plastic containers in my refrigerator. When I run out, I just chop up a bunch more. I also keep cut up broccoli and zucchini in the refrigerator.

I also keep single-serving portions of chicken, steak and pork in the freezer, so all I have to do is pull out the number of servings I want to cook.

I finally realized when I started this program that one of my problems is leftovers, I don't like them. So if I cook more than I need, I either eat all the portions at once (or used to with high carb ;) ) or throw them away.

I have been developing for myself a lot of single serving one-pot dishes (I'm single and live alone). This has helped me a lot.

;-Deb

:daizy:

[JudyAH]

It is so true that different things work for different people. Don't be afraid to experiment and question so you can find your own way to success.

[Carrot]

Hi Everyone..

Back from a great vacation. Enjoyed catching up on the recent postings. Some of the posts happened to touch on a subject I'm finding a bit confusing. I read Suzanne Somers' book and found that it was very close to the SP(understandably). It appears from many posts that people have tried both WOE styles with mixed results.

Is there any compromise to both of these methods? Does a person follow one over the other? How long do you follow one till you decide to switch over? Whole milk or non-fat milk? Nuts or no nuts???

Eckkk......my head is swimming!

Please...can someone get me back on track??????

Carrot

[JudyAH]

Hi Carrot,
Nice to have you back. Glad you enjoyed your vacation. Sommersizing is one of the few plans I have not read, but they all seem to have the same message with variations on a theme. Investigate, and see what works best for you and your body. Do you like whole milk? Are you happy with non fat? Lately I have been trying some new approaches to LCarbing myself. Some have been good some have not. I have not shied far from the path. I'm afraid to take some steps because I fear falling off the wagon. Some of this stuff is up to you. Hows the blood pressure?
It is very confusing to know what is right. I know I like the way I feel. I'm sleeping better now than I did as a child. My moods and energy are improving all the time. I like things simple and my variety is not to good but my meals are great. I'm kind of a picky eater, so my main veges are spinach, broccoli and asparagus. Breakfast lunch or dinner. it's all good. I rambling, sorry!

Talk to you soon :wave:

[Carrot]

JudyAh,

Thanks for your reply. Had a great time in the Keys and was able to stay away from the Margaritas, cookies, brownies and popcorn that everyone else was having. It wasn't too hard, but I sure would have liked a few of them!! Of course, my husband indulged in all of it and came back 2 pounds lighter :confused: Me....I came back without a budge on the scale. I know I shouldn't look and I'm trying to think of how much better my insides are. I am fitting into some slacks I couldn't do before and my vital numbers are much improved.

My blood pressure is well back to normal. It turned out to be my thyroid meds. They needed to be lowered......yahoo :D . I attribute this, too, as a sign of "inside" improvement. I am still taking my calcium/mag and C.

If you get a chance to read SS book "...Eat,Cheat and Melt the Fat Away", please do as I would enjoy hearing your thoughts about it. I do like that SS allows for good carbs(I.e. fiber cereals, whole grains, etc.) as long as you don't combine them with any fat, hence the need for non-fat milk +/or non-fat plain yogurt. I think this would help with my "regularity" problem. Since I don't see any changes on the scales, it is hard for me to really judge which way or combo of ways are working for me. Getting a blood cholesterol test every few weeks isn't quite feasible.

One eating item that I don't seem to be able to figure out is my morning drink. Any thoughts on how to improve it?

Ingredients for Drink:
1 cup water
1 scoop whey protein powder( trace carbs)
3/4 cup frozen fruit
1-2 Tbs. Udo's Oil
1 Tbs. Udo's Green Food
1 packet Splenda( I noticed it has 22 grams carbs listed, so I
changed to a non-insulin raising real sweetner)

According to SS, this would be a no-no because I am mixing a protein with a fruit. According to SP, I think this would be fine. I don't know how else to get my Udo's Oil and Greens and still be able to drink it!


Thanks again......Carrot

[Perk]

Carrot, I am having the same problem: the scales are not budging! At least they haven't budged for the last two weeks.

I've been on the SP diet for 5 weeks now, and I have been *almost* perfect. I know Dr. S says not to do this sort of thing, but I'm a bit of an obsessive-compulsive, so I'm measuring everything and logging all of my food and exercise in at fitday.com. I know I'm getting about 1,000 calories less a day than I'm burning, so I should be losing about 2 pounds a week. But for the past two weeks, I'm up 1 pound!

I started a running program 2 weeks before the diet, and I lost 4 lbs. with just that. Then, for the first 3 weeks of the diet, I lost another 5.5 lbs. So I was pretty excited -- ready to hit the big 10 lb. mark. And then ---- nada.

I wish I could say the inches are disappearing, but I don't see any evidence of that, either. I haven't dropped a size or anything. I just got my period, so I'm hoping that some of this plateau may just be time-of-the-month water retention.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? I hope someone says, "Oh, yes, it's the 3-5 week plateau -- you'll drop 5 lbs. next week to catch up!"

[Carrot]

Perk,

I've been on SP since March 1 and have only seen a minor drop in weight. From what I understand, switching fat for muscle can give you a false assumption of no weight loss or a gain. I figure I'll just hang in there and eventually the weight has to start coming off...I hope?!? I am very happy with the other health improvements, but like most people......I would like to shop in the Ladies department, not the Big Women's department

How have any of your health readings been? Cholesterol, etc.?
Any improvements in your sleep, skin or moods? I no longer have a period, but have to deal with hormones(estrogen, progestrone and thyroid). Any time hormones fluctuate, insulins reaction do occur or so I read. Keep on your track.

As you have read in my previous posts, I just read Suzanne Somers' book. It had some clearly explained thoughts on some of your questions. I'm trying to figure out how best to incorporate her ways and Dr.S's principles.

I'm looking foward to reading Dr.S' new book next week. Maybe she has some clarifications on the questions we newbies all have.

Hang in there......and enjoy some of your nice cool weather for me.


Carrot

[JudyAH]

Hi Carrot,

I read some of the priciples abot SS on the SS forum here and I think it is probally fine. I myself have enough trouble with trying to keep up with what I am doing now. It is acomplex idea to plan and prep for. You have to remeber when you ate, what you ate, I'm lucky I remember to eat at all these days. You might want to read the Hellers book on carboholics. They have something called a reward meal at the end of the day. I did that program for a while and lost more weight there than here. Alas with out the support I find here I fell off the wagon. The end of the Atkins book I am reading talks about different plans and their value and consequence. It made me think I need to reread their stuff.

I don't have a breakfast drink, unless you count 32 oz. of water. I usually eat what would be dinner for most people for breakfast.

I am going to take a close look at the nutrients suggested by SP and the differences and or similarities to Atkins. I need a boost I think. Acoording to Atkins some of the weight stall can be helped with certain nutrients.
I have to feed lots of people now. I 'm at work. I'll be back later

[chewie1012]

This has worked for me so far. Count me in.

[Perk]

Hi Carrot,

No new readings yet. I haven't noticed any changes, except one -- bad menstrual cramps. I think that's because I started eating meat again after 7 years as a vegetarian (during which time I had no cramps at all). I think I'm going back to a meatless diet. I tried meat because I felt like I was drowning in tofu to get all the protein!

Still no movement on the scales.

[Carrot]

Hi Everyone!

I haven't re-studied much on what supplements SP suggests, but I will. I've read more and more on the benefits of CLA.

Looking forward to the new SP book. It should be out today. Has anyone else found it , yet??

Perk, don't give up. One thing mentioned in SS book is the importance of hormonal balance. Have you talked with your doctor about amy other problems you may have (i.e. thyroid)?
I use to have severe menstrual cramping/bleeding, so can appreciate what you are going through. I don't know your age, but it would be a good idea for you to have a thorough hormone test via a saliva test.

Does anyone know about using Splenda ? Ok or not???? I noticed it lists on the package as 22 carbs...eeckl!!! I've resorted back to using a product called Sweet Balance . It is low glcemic and a natural sweetener. I thought about ordering SS sweetener, but it may be the same as Sweet Balance . Don't know.

Hey .....it's April Fool's day.....maybe the scales are just foolin' us!
:roll:

[JudyAH]

I thought Splenda was not absorbed by thhe body. Therefore the carbs don't count. Any one have a different understanding?

[rosarugosa]

I do not use Splenda very often. I always thought that splenda would fall into the artificial sweetener catagory and not be a part of the Schwarzbein program for the health aspect.

I have the cup for cup kind and the little packets and the cup for cup kind says ~serving size 1 tsp. = less than 1 carb & the packet = the same/ingredients=dextrose,maltodextrin,& sucralose. Carrot, where does your box say 22 carbs, maybe mine is old?

I like Stevia ,sometimes use agave nectar, and use Splenda and fructose occasionally (I always figured these last 2 are forbidden on "TSP" from the health aspect ~ but I am only human) I still have lost using these, but try to make it a rarity.

I have used Sweet Balance and liked it, although I can only find it on the net and it is pricey and bothersome to me to order it and pay sh&handling charges. I believe it contains fructose which the Dr. seems to be against. I have seen a similar sweetener at my hf store called 'Slim Sweet' but it is pretty expensive too.

I hope her new bk. (Dr. S.) addresses sweeteners a bit more. I love her plan but would have to die and come back as another person to not *ever* desire another dessert for the rest of my life.

[jazzermom]

Do any of you guys out there have a problem with (oh I hate to say it!) constipation? I can usually keep it "flowing smoothly" if I eat high fiber cereal for breakfast. So that definitely takes up my carbs for breakfast. I've been eating Kashi (I've not been so good about adding a non-starchy veggie to my breakfast, however!) which has worked great in the past. But the last two weeks nothing seems to help! I was diagnosed hypothyroid about 2 months ago and one of the symptoms was constipation. I have been on medication since then but I have to go back in about a week to see if the strength of the meds is working for me. Maybe it's not strong enough. Anyone with a similar problem?
I'm also probably eating too much meat and not enough of the non-starchy veggies. But I have lost about 5 lbs. since the end of February. And energy level is up and I'm in a better mood! So my husband says! So, something's working! I've also been a faithful Jazzerciser for over a year now. But I didn't lose any weight with it until I started SP.

[Carrot]

Hello Everyone...

Splenda....I must have had a nightmare about the 22 carb count. I can't seem to locate where I saw it, but I re-read the box, their web site and the LC web site on sweetners. They all said the same as you. 1 carb per packet. There is a lot of info within the pages of this LC site(Tips). I'm mostly confused, so I try not to use anything. I can't believe it's come to this........I'm actually craving a glass of iced tea with sweetner!! I broke down and made myself a decaf with 1 packet of Splenda....ahh...hmmm..the beast is calm for now!

The "C" word was mentioned. I, too, have similar problems and deal with hypothyroidism. I read many posts from the main LC page under TIPS concerning "C". They were very helpful and I went to the drugstore last night and purchased Benefiber. It's new on our market. I want to call the company and make sure it is not a habit forming product such as ExLax.

Called the bookstore, today. They suggested I call back the middle of April. Seems to be a delay in the publishing...drats!! :mad:

Talk later....Carrot

[Carrot]

Just found this on the LC web site:

"Sucralose (Splenda) is spun from regular sucrose sugar in such away that the body doesn't recognise it, so it is not absorbed. Thus it contributes no calories or carbohydrates in its pure form. It remains stable in heat, so is ideal for cooking and baking. Splenda is available for home use as a bulk sweetener, which measures spoon for spoon exactly the same as sugar. It is also available in a more concentrated form in convenient packets. However, these Splenda products also contain maltodextrin, which gives it the necessary bulk. Thus, it does contribute a small amount of calories and carbohydrate. Either form of Splenda, whether it's the bulk form in the box, or the little packets, will yield 0.5 carb grams per amount equivalent to 1 tsp (5 ml) of sucrose sugar. Just remember that the powder in the little packets is much more concentrated, so a smaller volume is needed to give the desired sweetness.

More and more commercial products made with Splenda are becoming available - especially beverages, soft drinks and iced teas, desserts, condiments and candies. Keep an eye on your grocer's shelves. Also visit our Shopping Page for some popular products available in Canada."

Interesting??

[DebPenny]

I'm not hypothyroid, but I was having a problem with constipation, especially around my period. I found that a 3-tablespoon serving of flaxseed is doing the trick for me. It's easy to fix, I found a recipe for it here:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6638&highlight=flaxseed

DoreenT gets the credit for the recipe.

I found that I like about 1/2 cup water, and I eat it with just butter. It makes just a little bit and at only 2 carbs, I can have my regular breakfast with no adjustment.

:-Deb

[Carrot]

DebPenny,

Thanks for your suggestion. I think I'll try that or maybe order some of the FlaxMeal. Have you ever tried it?

I'm a bit low, today. I'm not going to jump off the wagon, but I'm discouraged. Today was my weigh in day.....no budging. I try and give myself the "pep talk", but right now...it ain't workin'. I'll be better tomorrow.

Thanks, again.

Carrot

[DebPenny]

Carrot, I'm happy to help. I've been stalled for a few weeks now. I think part of it may be my menstrual problems and the pill I'm on, which I'm still irregular on. But I'm looking for a way to jumpstart my weight loss also.

However, I'm not stressing over it because I have dropped 2 dress sizes and I feel great. And I seem to be still shrinking (my measurements are still going down). Don't let the scale rule you. Check other things. How do you feel?

My boss actually complimented my about-face in attitude. She is very happy with my "suddenly" being able to work with our computer users (I pinch hit on the helpdesk when I'm not working on PC imaging, software install packages and special projects). Before I started this program, I could barely talk with our users without hitting the roof over simple things like forgotten passwords. Now I seem to have the patience of Job, sometimes ;) .

I always try to look at the positive: What have I gained (health, mental stability, energy). What I have lost (weight, bad attitude, tiredness, ...) is not something I want to dwell on or get back.

The only problem I saw with flaxmeal was storage/spoilage. If you read the whole thread, you will have seen that you have to be careful that you purchase one that comes in a vacuum pack. After you open it, you have to store it in the refrigerator.

I like the actual seeds because I don't have to worry about storage and I always know it's fresh. And grinding it in a coffee mill is great and easy. And since I don't drink coffee, I don't need my coffee mill to grind coffee ;) .

;-Deb

:daizy:

[JudyAH]

I am finding this very discorauging today as well. I weighed in at 2 pounds more. the scales are budging, but they are going the wrong way. I have had no sugar and only non starchy carbs, except for an occasional rykrisp with a meal. Constipation has been a problem for me all of my life. I have found that the Magnesium,calcuim and C supplement help, but I don't think they are the whole answer. I am gong to add a fiber supplement to my life.

I was so proud of myself yesterday. I stuck with the plan despite having to bake Biscotti for my customers. I spent 3 hours in the kitchen surrounded by my former life style patterns and did not put one iota in my mouth. You would think there would a reward for such dedication. Maybe its punishment for making other people fat. Maybe its true that just smelling it adds pounds. I am very discouraged. I am not going anywhere, but this has got to stop. I think maybe my hormones should get checked. I am at the age of fun and frolic. (48).

Bye for now :wave:

[Carrot]

Deb and Judy...

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Taking my measurements is one thing I haven't done and I will, today. I am fitting into clothes better and can wear those special red slacks that I couldn't before!

I'm still battling the big "C" . I'm taking the Benefiber and will try the flax recipe you sent.

I think I'll re-read TSP. As time passes and I read other things, I tend to blur some of the principles. Looking forward to her new book. Maybe it will clear up some of my questions.

Thanks :wave: Carrot

[JudyAH]

Yeah for the red slacks!! :Party: That is good news indeed. I think I will spend some time in the different sections of the forum today, just to kick start my mood. I need some water too!

[Carrot]

Happy Friday to Everyone,

Seems like everyone else's life runs in the fast lane, too. What kind of quicky eats have you been using. I've been having cheese or nuts. Need some new ideas.

Thanks....Carrot

[lisaf]

I have to say my quick snack stuff isn't quick, but it does work for me.

I make a huge amount of baked chicken (the Greek Chicken recipe in the SP cookbook is really wonderful) and then dice up the leftovers and freeze them in snack size amounts in sandwich bags. I just throw into my bag in the morning and its usually defrosted by lunch or mid-afternoon.

I also invested in a lot of small plastic containers and always have yogurt, ricotta and cottage cheese in the fridge - that's breakfast for me, but also good for snacking.

Finally - and this absolutely SAVED me when I first started this WOE - I spent 1/2 an hour each weekend after shopping cutting up all my veggies into veggie-platter sized amounts. That way, in the morning, I would just grab a bit of this or that and throw it in a plastic bag and go. Put some cream cheese in a container and use it as dip. Even better - add some spices to some sour cream (I like curry myself). Great snack and full of fibre too!

Snacks can be tough! I also eat a lot of genoa salami and some other lunch meats that aren't part of SP (nitrates) but I don't seem to be sensitive to them at all.

It gets easier once you've developed strategies to deal with different situations. I've also learned what works for me and what doesn't.

Lisa

[jazzermom]

Got this idea from my kids (when they were in daycare!) - Celery with peanut butter or cream cheese. I'm sure you could jazz up the cream cheese with some onion powder or garlic salt or whatever.

Jazzermom

[JudyAH]

Hi guys,

I love to cook bacon up ahead real crisp and cut into bite size pieces, just a few does the job. I ditto celery and cream cheese or peanut butter. Yum :p Yum :p I too eat nuts for a snack.

Try some ham or turkey rolled up with a cream cheese filling. You have to cook your own turkey and slice thin deli style. put a little cream cheese in the miidle and roll up jelly roll style, Genoa salami is yummy that way too. So is roast beef. It takes some prep time but we can do a lot. It seems like a take one big block of time and prep for the week. Than I just kick back and enjoy the rest of the week knowing I 'm prepared for anything. I will often cook a lot of food ahead of time; meat for instance(Chicken, pork, lamb, tri-tip) and 30 secomds in the nuke and I'm fed and on my way.
The frozen shrinp you can get at Trader Joes for a decent price are a great snack. I don't use any sauce, maybe a little lemon.
The great thing about some of these snacks it that it feels so festive when you eat them. Any time I use a toothpick to serve food It must be a party. :yay:

Have fun :wave:

[Carrot]

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas! I hadn't thought about celery and PB. I just bought some all natural PB the other day.
Headed to the veggie stand tomorrow and will spend some time doing as you suggested.

I like the idea of the meat rolls. I'm going to a fish fry and wanted to take something I could enjoy eating. This sounds like just the ticket!


Has anyone had a reaction to whey protein powder. (i.e. a headache)??

Thanks, again.....Carrot :wave:

[chewie1012]

Has anyone figured out the original reason for this thread. How manhy sp'ers are there?

[DebPenny]

Lots and lots of us.

And congratulations Chewie on coming up with your picture. It's cool!

;-Deb
:daizy:

[alto]

I guess we could go back through and count :)

I'd like to join you all -- after thinking about Schwarzbein for several months, I think I've given up, or could give up, all caffeine, processed meats, etc.

I've been inspired by Deb's journal (thank you, Deb Penny :) ) I reread the book this weekend, and a lot of it made more sense to me than it had before, because I've lived through some of the problems she addresses. I'm one, I think, who needs more than 20-30 carbs a day; closer to 60 seems to work for me. I get very shaky, tired, etc. on Atkins levels.

[lisaf]

Yayy Alto!!!!

Lisa

[chewie1012]

Of course I am no expert just getting started really but it seems that SP is more balanced. She is not an extremist like some of the others. I eat between 60 and 80 a day. I try to keep it at 15 grams a meal and a couple of snacks with half a fruit and a protein and its worked for me so far. I have just started getting more exercise ( just walking or biking) and we shall see what that does. My job is somewhat physical as well and it all counts.

[DebPenny]

I think the thing about Schwarzbein that I like the most is that I have the freedom to cook interesting meals. I get the sense that on Atkins, you don't have a lot to choose from, especially during induction. But with Schwarzbein, I am always finding new and fun recipes I can make. It keeps me from getting bored with this way of life. And because I can do so much with the basic plan, I don't feel the need to branch out to substitute sweets and carbs (I am not going to "try" mashed cauliflower, thank you). ;)

Some of my favorites: Beef Stroganoff, Lazy Chicken, Pizza Chicken, Pork Chops in Mustard Cream Sauce, Chicken Nut Stew, Sopa Azteca. If these sound interesting, you should see my cookbook. I now have over 40 recipes I have devised/modified for single-serving, one-pot low-carbing.

I even make my own basil pesto! It's great on broiled/grilled fish.

So I guess that's enough boasting for now. Let's all give a big cheer for The Schwarzbein Principle!

;-Deb
:daizy:

[alto]

Thanks, Lisa :)

Deb, have you posted any of your recipes in the recipes forum so we can steal them :)

[DebPenny]

Not yet, but I will. I just have to export them to text so I can take them off my laptop and sneakernet them to my PC. I don't have a PCMCIA NIC yet so I can't network the two computers. I will soon, though (post and get a NIC).

;-Deb

[chewie1012]

Hooray!

[DebPenny]

I have posted some recipes in the recipes section. I still have a bunch to go. Most of my recipes are single-serving, cooking-style adaptations of recipes from The Schwarzbein Principle and a few of my favorite cookbooks.

I hope you like some of them.

;-Deb
:daizy:

[alto]

Thank you for posting those, Deb. It's difficult to find single serving recipes -- so I'm especially grateful :)

[LazyDaisy]

Following Schwarzbein plan as in the book.. Maybe later will modify it. Some things like my Thyroid meds, Premarin, I am staying on until I can find a doctor that will change it to a more natural approach. :) Have a great day everyone!! Sas

[chewie1012]

Welcome LD!

[TheBetty]

Hello all of you SPers!

I have been lurking here for sometime now, and I have decided to join up and keep a journal.

I'm on my way out right now, but I wanted to say hello and let you know I look forward to sharing SP ideas with you all and learning a lot from you, too.

I started SP in February and have lost about 22 or so pounds and about 10 inches. Follow it pretty strictly and love it!

Well, thanks for letting me into your club. Talk to you later this week.

Your friend, TheBetty

[chewie1012]

Congratulations on your weight loss and welcome. :D

[TheBetty]

It was very nice of you to welcome me, made me feel, well, welcome. :)

I'm hoping to have some time to make another entry in my journal here this week. My goal is to try and make entry at least every other day, and to include my meals.

Also, I need to update my weight loss. I suppose I will figure out how to do that, probably some where in the profile button area, huh?

Looking forward to getting to know you all a bit and getting that much needed support. Have a great week, all!

--TheBetty

[Wren]

Hi everyone,
I'm back after a weekend vacation from SPing that's turned into a monthlong absence... any thoughts on how to get re-motivated? I've been managing to do better in the past week except for the candy my assistant keeps on her desk - every day I say I won't have a piece (or 6) and every day I break down and have some! Then I kick myself and feel bad, which doesn't help. I have always had a sweet tooth and it's been really bad lately.
Part of it is that I've tried so many diets over the years and have never stayed on any of them for any length of time (which maybe wasn't a bad thing in terms of damaging my metabolism)... my past experience tells me that changing my eating habits isn't something I succeed at, but I really want to change that.
I'd welcome your thoughts and suggestions on what has worked best for any of you - journal? diet buddy? hitting yourself over the head with some crisp vegetables? (just kidding about that last one).
Wren

[chewie1012]

Just from my own experience. I have had pretty good success following the plan closely. Once a week not everyweek I have a cup of ice cream. Ice cream and strawberries cookies and cream etc. I always use breyers pure fresh ingrediants. I follow sp pretty closely with a few exceptions. I use nutra sweet and sometimes bottled salad dressings. I am picky on which ones though. I have lost 30lbs in 9 weeks. I try to exercise every day. Dr. Schwarzbein said the cravings would go away and they have for me. I used to eat a ton of pizza. Last Sunday my official cheat day I had a half a slice of square and one cheese stick. I don't recommend this but carbs have no hold on me anymore. I was extremely careful for the first four weeks. I drink a ton of water everyday and only drink pop (diet) on Sundays. Another area I deviate is coffee. It is a sweet treat for me. Nat posted a story about a woman doing bfl who lost a ton of weight and is now competitively lifting weights. Her name is rosemary. She ate six times a day and whatever she wanted one day a week. I think that is a good plan. I try to never let myself get hungry. Peanut butter and celery. Raw almonds and a half an apple. These work really good for me if I am starting to get hungry and am in between meals. I hope this helps.
Jerry

[JudyAH]

Hi Wren,

It is one day at a time. Sometimes one hour at a time. Try putting a jar of nuts next to the candy jar and reach for that instead of the sweet. This is a hard thing to do. You have to break the addiction again. You can do this. We can all do this. it is hard the first few days. Keep your self busy and have plenty of good substitutes at the ready for the temptation phase. Good Luck

[DewTal]

Welcome back Wren!

Chewie: As always, you gave wonderful advice. I think it's important to be just a little bit lenient with yourself every now and then. Otherwise you really do feel restricted and too many restrictions make you feel small. Declaring an official cheat day doesn't sound bad to me at all. In fact, I was reading on another post that this may help weight loss! It sort of shakes your body up! :roll: But it's also important psychologically: You prove to yourself that you are in control and can go back to the right way of eating the next day. Very very important! It's so hard to stay in control with carbs. I used to polish off half of a 20 oz bag of pretzels like it was nothing! Since I was doing WW, I would figure out that 24=2 pts, and I'd count them out, except I'd count out 24 of them 5 times! My sister and I were just discussing this the other day: We used to have a parade of snacks at night in front of the TV on weekends. What a horrible habit! I still like that little sweet on weekends but it's my desert from dinner, and that's it! I can stop because I'm not starving for more food!

Wren: About the sweet tooth: Man, that sounds familiar!!! ;) We just got some new tenants in our office, or rather, they're sharing our offices with us, and as a welcome gift someone bought them a box of chocolates and of course they passed it around. It was tempting, especially since I haven't had chocolate in months! But I took a deep breath and said, "No thanks, I'm trying to stay away from the sugar." I have two reasons for this, one because of the insulin effect, the other for the good of my teeth! According to my dentist I am super-sensitive to cavities. I won't go into how much sugar I would eat before switching to SP, but I expect my next checkup to be much improved from my last!!!

After all that rambling, my suggestion is, have you tried fruit? My theory is if you need that sweetness, how about getting it from the lesser of all evils? :D Even if you go over your carbs a bit for the day, it's worth it to stay away from the candy. Berries are cool because they give you that "pieces" effect. If you whip up some cream the night before (add cream cheese and a little bit of vanilla if you like, like I do), then it'll be a real treat. You can pop your co-workers' eyes out with all that real cream! ;)

HTH,
Tal

[chewie1012]

Tal,
Tnanks for the compliment. I really do want to help and certainly don't want to hurt. The only experience I have is mine. I did lose 70 pounds my senior year of high school but I ate once a day, smoked, and ran and worked out. I also drank about 15 cups of coffee. I have never had the success I am having right now before. Proper sentence? I work with a guy who weighs close to 400 and he thinks I am suffering. Boy is he wrong. I don't think I have ever ate so well before in my life and continued to lose weight. I lost 4 lbs this week alone. I have no idea where they went. I really was shocked when I got on the scale. I was hoping for 2lbs and I was down 4. I am really still in a state of disbelief. I wonder when I will feel comfortable about saying I am going to weigh 198 in the near future. Your way ahead of me percentage wise. Do you feel like yea its really happening this time? Talk with you soon.
Jerry aka the mighty Chewbacca.

[DewTal]

You must be doing something right!!! ;)

I know how you feel about other people thinking you're suffering. How about those weird looks at the coffee stand when you dump plenty of half-and-half into your coffee and the (skinny) girl next to you is dribbling nonfat milk into hers. Ooo, I love that one!!! :roll:

About my weight loss, I wouldn't want to give you the wrong impression. It took me four years to lose those 40+ pounds and I did it the low-fat way (as I had not heard about low-carbing). The lowest I've ever been was 128. I am only 5 ft, which is why I've got the 115 goal. Personally, I'm not sure I was meant to be 115, but I figure I can tweak this when I get to where I once was, i.e., 125 or so. I sort of did Weight Watchers, only I'd skip a lot of meals. I didn't weigh myself regularly but could feel the weight loss on my clothes. When my mother came for a visit and we went shopping, I realized I'd gone down from an 18 to a 12! It was a good feeling and hard to believe that it was happening. HOWEVER, I knew I was doing unhealthy things to my body. My main reason for starting low-carb (and particularly Schwarzbein) was for health reasons, and I'm pleased as punch with the results. ;) I am reminded of what I went through when I talk to the girl who works with me. She's a petite 22, a cute little thing, but with horrible eating habits. She has no breakfast and only fruit for lunch (something like an apple and a banana), and then she wonders why she feels sick/has headaches/has joint pain/is tired all the time. And it makes me SO GLAD I stopped all of that and am eating right!

Sorry, Chewie, if I went on and on. Even if the weight loss slows down, have faith that it will continue. I'd lost faith for a while, but I'm slowly making my way back to doing the plan RIGHT and I feel much better!

:wave:

Tal

[chewie1012]

When you say she's a petit 22 do you mean her size is a 22? My wife is 5 8 and a size 4 and 6 depending on the clothes. Must be nice huh? Are you ready for this really disgusting fact. At her most pregnant she weighed 140. She doesn't watch what she eats at all. She doesn't eat a lot though. She takes a normal restuarant dinner and eats half usually. I know I probably could get kicked out of here for posting the above ;)

[rosarugosa]

Chewie, with the size of most resturant dinners (all price ranges) anymore (more than one person servings) your wife has a good idea. Carry home containers/'doggy bags' are a great way to go!

And Dew Tal I know what you are talking about I have heard capable, adult, organized women deal with thier 'diets' like that. I heard one women say "I have just eaten one orange all day long--I am *so* proud of myself!" I thought don't you know that humans are supposed to eat and what are you proud of? But that is so like some of the patient examples in Sp.'s book on yo-yo dieting. It so much is not building the body correctly.

[TheBetty]

Jerry, CONGRATULATIONS! 4 pounds, WOW! :hyper: You are doing so well. --TheBetty

[chewie1012]

Thanks Betty

[spirit]

Hi, I'm new and this is my first time posting! I hope it goes through ok.

I am so thrilled to finally find a Schwarzbein forum.

I started on her diet plan but found it too restrictive, so now I combine her eating plan with an eating plan called the Insulin Resistance Diet. The Insulin Resistance diet follows the same basic principles as the Schwarzbein Diet, but it's much more liveable. It's the same in that you link proteins with carbs, which Schwarzein prefers, but it's also different in many ways. However, combining the two works for me.

I once read that the most sucessful people who have made major, permanent changes in their eating are the ones who take an eating plan and tweak it to fit their needs, lifestyles. I couldn't agree more, so that's what I've been doing.

Glad to meet you all! Spirit

[chewie1012]

Welcome my friend. Good to have you join us! Your doing great already and you just joined us WAY TO GO!