egdw's Journal, 19 Mar 14

Egdw - When I started this journey last May 29th, I cut out all of the things that you mentioned. No bread, rice, pasta, tortillas, added sugar, etc. Not on any particular system or plan, just to cut calories. I found that I was losing 5 lbs per week, and wasn't hungry. So I stayed the course and my weight loss didn't slow down until I had lost over 135 lbs. I've been in maintenance mode since the first of the year and have kept my weight in check very successfully (which is something that I've never been able to do before). I still don't eat much of the things you mentioned. Once in a while I eat a slice of gluten free bread or Ezekiel sprouted bread, I've had whole wheat pasta once, and I eat potatoes fairly regularly (in the form of micro-wave chips), and popcorn when we go to the movies. All things in moderation has to be the mantra to follow. However, one caveat: I exercised like a madman. I walked or worked out every day. I started by walking 2 miles a day and within a short period of time was up to 8 or 10 miles per day. After I lost 80 lbs, I started wearing weights while walking and started weight lifting and core exercises. So, to answer your question... IMHO its perfectly OK to lose the weight as fast as you can, as long as you are exercising enough to keep your muscle mass up. I highly recommend getting a scale that measures your body fat, since the goal is really to lose fat, not just weight. By tracking your body fat percentage, you will know if you're losing weight too quickly (ie losing muscle instead of fat). Just my opinion. Congratulations on your success so far and I'm sure that you'll hit your goals in no time! 

I think TX is right on the money. The scale I have is Tanita BC533 - the same one that Draglist has and it measures body fat, muscle mass, etc. $89 from Amazon.ca. Even though I have been bouncing around on the scale (totally my fault) when I behave and don't drink wine and I typically don't have any of the white stuff, plus concentrate on low carbs and high protein, the weight comes off. It's the protein that keeps me full and I think helps keep the muscle mass. I say - keep going - and just be as mindful as you are now when it comes to maintenance and you will be just fine. WTG and GFY! 

Thanks guys. I'm going to order a Tanita scale for my husband (the athlete) for his birthday in April. He sounded interested in the concept so I think we would all benefit, including my kids. I've gotten a bit lazy over the last week about exercise...not my favourite thing to do, but I totally understand the importance of it. I guess I need to go back to the gym. Thanks TX and Lynn for your suggestions. I've never had much luck with maintenance, but maybe if I can beat my carb addiction (which is what I'm really working on with "no white") my cravings will eventually go away. It truly becomes a lifestyle choice..."eh"? 

Edgw - from my journal - ATE = All things exercise or for Fullabella - All things emotional ATF = All things Food We just keep coming up with new ones LOL  

Gotcha.