Back to Basics

Hello everyone. I’m recently back from a trip to Nevada, and it’s time to check in again. I’m happy to report that I have lost 6 pounds over the last 10 days. In the beginning, I was trying to follow a lower calorie diet with exercise, but I’ve struggled with it. I’m sure many of you know what I mean. You do well for a few weeks, and then you give in to temptation. I was resistant to the one way that I knew I could lose weight because I would have to give up carbs. I finally took a real assessment of my situation and realized I was getting nowhere fast. So I made up my mind (after praying for God’s support) to go back to basics – meaning I gave up sugar and restricted my carbohydrate intake to 40-45 grams per day. That’s how I lost the 6 pounds. I’m sure my body is in shock. I know I am, now that I’m finally seeing significant weight loss.

I won’t say it’s been easy, but it hasn’t been as hard as I thought. I checked out some low-carb food sites online and found one that has really helped me. It’s Lindadietdelites.com. I found some zero-net-carb bagels, which taste good! They delivered the product quickly. Per the site’s instructions, you put the bagels in the freezer until you are ready to slice and defrost one. Once defrosted, you can place it in the toaster. I toasted it and then put 2 tbsp of peanut butter on it for a snack. I just ordered another batch (cinnamon), and I’m going to give them a try. The bagel has 7 grams of carbohydrate and 7 grams of fiber (which totals out to a net of zero carbs). It’s not quite as chewy as a regular bagel, but I’m thrilled to have bread at all on a low-carb diet.

I also ordered their fettuccini pasta. I cooked it for 14 minutes (I like mine soft and not al dente), then I placed a previously cooked and sliced-up chicken breast in a Tbs of olive oil and heated it. I mixed it with the pasta and presto! What a great dinner! In the past, I really missed bread and pasta on a low-carb diet. Now that I have found these products, I can have it a couple of times a week.

The bagel and pasta become a bit pricey once you add tax and shipping/handling. I’m going to check out Everman’s this weekend to see if they have something comparable.

I have been exercising in my pool, as well as following a lower-carb diet. Sometimes I really miss the crackers and chips, but I’m not going to cave when I’ve found things to help me on my journey. Looking back, I realize that this is how we tell our patients to eat after they have had their weight-loss surgery. Looks like the tried-and-true method is the best method after all. So wish me well, and I’ll continue to share any new finds that help me along the way. Until next time, blessings to all J

Open Your Heart and Mind

Well, hello everyone :). It’s been a while since I last wrote. Things have been really busy for me.  I have not lost more weight since I last wrote. I’m still holding steady at 7.5 lbs lost. I know it should have been more by now. My daughter started at the same time as me and she has lost 38 lbs. That shows me that it can be done!  I’m very proud of her. :) 

I heard on comment on K-Love, our local radio station, yesterday morning. The DJ asked if we had ever seen a fly caught in a spider’s web and, of course, we have all seen this. He said that every time the fly tried to break free, there was another sticky situation that caught it in the trap. The DJ reminded me that our problems in life are like that. We can’t always find the right path to break free, but God can. 

My struggles with weight regain may not be your struggles, but it doesn’t matter. The answer is the same: God. I’m relying on myself to lose weight, with an occasional  prayer thrown in, when it should be just the opposite. I should pray, rely on God and then do the practical work to help me achieve my goal. God won’t do that part for me (sigh!), but He will be there to support me through my struggles. Being constant and following the path He has laid out for me is the answer to my problems and, along the way, I’ll learn the lessons He wants to teach.

Just last week I had proof of how quickly God can turn things around when you’re on the right path. The miracle happened to a patient I had been emailing. She needed a door to open and God did just that – in a very big way. She wondered whether having surgery was the right thing – especially since she would be paying for it without insurance. Within minutes of e-mailing me this concern, she received a cash offer for a vehicle she was selling. Both she and I were astounded, to say the least! We both believe God was directing her and making a way for her to make the right decision.

So, until I write again, if you are mired down in troubles and can’t see the way, close your eyes and open your heart and mind to God’s voice. He gives perfect directions every time. The only questions is, will you follow them?