Debbie Cousins's Journal, 04 Feb 20

Debbie here’s something I learned recently, I also love Diet Coke, and because of that I use it as a treat only once in a while. I also don’t like to drink water. But I do French water now, you put slices of lemon a slice of lime, slice of apple and a slice of strawberry, and a couple of ice cubes. Let it sit for about an hour and then enjoy all day long. I miss you Sharing recipes, Please come back. 

Debbie- I've been watching you this week as I went through my many VA medical visits. Diet beverages contain aspartame which is considered to cause cancers in lab animals. I would investigate this ingredient and decide if it is good for you. Your choice! Most health conscious professionals have shifted to stevia as a natural sugar substitute. I love an evening cocktail, but I have not had any spirits since Jan. 3rd when I joined this program. I made an unbroken promise I would not have a cocktail until I am under 199. That should be about 2 weeks away. That is a motivation, for me. If I drink that gin (diet coke,) I will have broken a promise to myself and I don't want to do that. Stay focused kiddo and don't let emotional setbacks control your eating. Take refuge in your bible study and self help work to stay focused. I'm a Virgo and therefore very analytical in my thinking. I created a spread sheet to track all 6 parts of the weight loss (Fat, carbs, etc.) My analysis has shown that my high calorie/ high carb meals are my worst weigh in weeks. It sometimes seems to be a losing battle. If I try to meet my 38 g of fiber, I must also intake high carbs. When I keep my carbs low, I sacrifice my fiber... It's a losing proposition. Just a thought: I am on a steady loss ... with a focus on a few ounces of daily protein (meat) and lots of veggies. Sweet potatoes are high in calorie, so I keep that portion small, while broccoli is low calorie and high fiber, so I eat more of that. I cut out all sweets and white bread (and all other related products) I am keeping positive thoughts for you. Be resolved and stay focused. Don't leave that kitchen scale in the drawer... it can be your friend. Ciao and God Bless! 

Goodmorning Debbie, am glad to read you succeed in many areas in your life! You might find this interesting: http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US8731275. "Paradoxical effects of an intense sweetener (aspartame) on appetite [1986]. This might explain why you have a hard time getting on the rails again! Also, if want to research other scientific data you might use Google Scholar for your inquiries. 

I have let go of Diet Coke since aspertain makes me crave food. I still love it from afar. It will happen Debbie. 

Lady, I am glad you are staying true to your spiritual well-being. From that center one can build a healthier life (I know you already know this). Slowly add one goal at a time...or add more if you feel like it...toward your physical goals. Proud that you are taking care of your spiritual/mental health! Prayers!!! XOXO 

♥️♥️♥️💜💚 

readytogetfittoo, I use a psyllium husk supplement daily, and don't count or log the carbs. I keep my food carbs 20 to 30 g daily. 

C'mon Debbie!! Water is Life!! Get with it!! (tough love?). You know I care about you Debbie and pray for you daily. You have a cruise to get ready for too!!  

Debbie, if you are enhancing your spiritual life than you know your higher power wants you to be healthy and happy. Each day I ask mine to please guide my thinking, help me to help somebody else and keep me from all evils. ( All evils for me are alcohol, drugs and anything that sets off my "more" button) I had such a hard time going through my husband's death and then my dad last year. I thought no feared those events would send me back to drinking and self destruction. As it turned out, I ate my way through both. I got back up to 191 and saw pics of myself. I was totally disgusted. I made a promise to God that if he helped me loose the weight, I would keep my ego in check, do as he guided me and stop whining to him. My faith in him has saved me. Yours will to just ask for strength and courage to succeed. my thoughts and prayers are with you hunny. 💐💐💐💐💮🙂 

Awww, such sweet responses from all of you! My heart is touched! May God bless your kindness and encouragement. The common thread among your replies seems to be, "Ditch the Diet Coke," LOL. I KNOW that is what I need to do. I actually got tired of it yesterday and had a glass of sweet tea and a glass of water for some variety. When I finish the glass of Diet Coke I'm drinking now (my 2nd at 8:30 in the morning), I will switch to water to drink all day and "only" drink one can of DC at the time when I want it most later in the day. Y'all are right about taking one step at a time, and I think I'll make that step getting back to drinking my water. (It might be easier to add something IN than to start taking things OUT.) Again, thank you all for the time you took to respond! Y'all ROCK! 

Debbie, maybe try something like La Croix instead - carbonated infused water