January Pink Food Thread

[GeCon]

What are psyllium husks?

I think they are a fibre supplement. Do they sway pink?

[HopeandDreamG]

GeCon- oh! I don't think they sway its the act of what fiber does that sways- helping the body rid of excessive fats to keep T levels low. If that makes sense..not a great explanation but I think thats the main jist of it

[Out of the Blue]

What are psyllium husks?


I think they are a fibre supplement. Do they sway pink?

Yep...Fiber. I'm assuming they sway as any fiber supp would. Fiber can help block absorption to fat, vitamins, etc. as well as filling you up so you're not as hungry. It can also help w/constipation as the girl diet can be rough. Some swayers take Chitosan (another fiber supp which is pretty heavy duty) but I couldn't find it in the stores around here and didn't want to be bothered to buy it online. I figure as long as my fiber count is in the 50s or above, I'm probably getting enough to have some effect.

[Out of the Blue]

GeCon- oh! I don't think they sway its the act of what fiber does that sways- helping the body rid of excessive fats to keep T levels low. If that makes sense..not a great explanation but I think thats the main jist of it

I must have been posting the same time you were...:)

[GeCon]

Yep...Fiber. I'm assuming they sway as any fiber supp would. Fiber can help block absorption to fat, vitamins, etc. as well as filling you up so you're not as hungry. It can also help w/constipation as the girl diet can be rough. Some swayers take Chitosan (another fiber supp which is pretty heavy duty) but I couldn't find it in the stores around here and didn't want to be bothered to buy it online. I figure as long as my fiber count is in the 50s or above, I'm probably getting enough to have some effect.

Do you take it every day or just from time to time?

[rainbowflower]

CD5:

Lunch:
Waitrose mushroom risotto: 402 calories, 18.4g protein, 9.6g fat, 570mg sodium
2 jam tarts: 278 calories, 2.6g protein, 9.2g fat, 40mg sodium
Lunch total: 680 calories, 21g protein, 18.8g fat, 610mg sodium


Tea:
stir fry veg: 150 calories, 1g fat
chow mein sauce: 82 calories, 0.4g protein, 1.1g fat, 200mg sodium
prawn crackers: 100 calories, 6.4 protein, 0.1g fat, 200mg sodium
noodles: 240 calories, 7.8g protein, 5g fat, 100mg sodium
Tea total: 700 calories, 14.6g protein, 2.2g fat, 500mg sodium

plus a few bourbon biscuits!

[amari]

Out of the blue-Tell me about these sheritake noodles you're eating???

[HopeandDreamG]

I must have been posting the same time you were...:)


LOL...you explain it much better anyway!!

Can you look at the wasa rye crispbread nutritional info I posted..thanks :)

[GeCon]

Out of the blue-Tell me about these sheritake noodles you're eating???

Just googled these and they seem to be pretty much low in everything. :agree: Now all I have to do is find them in a UK store...

[littlemissnaughty7]

they sell them on amazon hun

[rainbowflower]

NOOOOO I've done so well this last week, and just ate a bourbon and couldn't stop....



I ate 12. That's like 700 calories... :(

[rainbowflower]

just so fed up of being hungry all day, even after I've eaten a meal I'm still hungry!

[littlemissnaughty7]

oh RF hun im sorry your having a hard time, have you seen these miracle noodles hun look on amazon they have litterally nothin in them,

[Out of the Blue]

Are these ok? I really like them with a little hummus:
Wasa light rye crispbread:
serving: 2 slices
Calories: 60
Fat:0
Sodium: 70
Protein: 2
I don't think there's any vitamins in them. Guess I'm concerned because it says 17g of whole grain per serving. Too healthy?
Vitamin A:0%
VitaminC: 0%
Calcium:0%
Iron:2%
Ingredients: whole grain rye flour, water, salt.

Sorry...I'm a bit behind on posts and haven't read the older ones yet...Just started posting today...:oops:

I think they're okay but if you end up eating them everyday, I would try to switch to something which is not whole grain. It's hard to do these days as more and more food is being made w/whole grain (usually a good thing except for us poor girl swayers...). Aside from the whole grain, they look great. Sorry! I really want to give you the green light on these but they just sound too healthy. :(

[Out of the Blue]

Do you take it every day or just from time to time?

I try to take it everyday...I have a green drink (WAAAAAY too healthy but I'm swaying lighter than most) and I put 2 T. in there around 11 a.m. If I have a smoothie, I usually put 2 T. in that as well. Today I had applesauce and dumped a bunch of Benefiber in there (it's a U.S. brand of fiber but it completely dissolves in whatever you put it in...I don't measure it, just dump it which tends to be a lot but I figure it can't hurt and I've been doing it a while).

[GeCon]

:)

[Out of the Blue]

Out of the blue-Tell me about these sheritake noodles you're eating???

There are a bunch of different types out there but I prefer these:
Tofu Shirataki (Low Carb Pasta) by House Foods (http://www.house-foods.com/tofu/tofu_shirataki.aspx)

I was telling GeCon not to make "macaroni and cheese" w/Shirataki noodles as they don't fare so well w/cheese since they taste like nothing and need some type of sauce to give them some flavor. I find them actually more filling than rice and I like to have them simmer a bit w/my mushrooms and leeks. They seem to pick up a bit of flavor from that. The ones made w/Tofu taste a lot better the kind that don't. One caveat w/these is they smell nasty when you pour them from the bag so you will have to rinse them off for a minute or so and then strain them. Hope this helps!

[littlemissnaughty7]

how are you peeps getting your potassium intake ?

[Out of the Blue]

NOOOOO I've done so well this last week, and just ate a bourbon and couldn't stop....



I ate 12. That's like 700 calories... :(

That was me yesterday w/my meringues...I literally could not stop eating them! Your bourbons sound even better! It's okay, Rainbow...one meal at a time! Your trend is fabulous!

[Out of the Blue]

how are you peeps getting your potassium intake ?

Potassium is so difficult to track b/c a lot of foods don't list it...I'm sure I'm getting more than what MyFitnessPal shows but I am trying to use coconut water when I make my smoothies to give my levels a boost. Sometimes I make spaghetti squash and use it like pasta.

[suregena]

:( I was making my husband's dinner (when he is on shift, he isn't home until after 10 and is super sleepy as we both have to get up at 5.30am to get ready for work so I try to make his dinner so he can rush and have a bath, eat, then bed) and the cheese looked sooo good (I had already had my dinner and snack!) so I had two bites (there were four penne in total in the combined two bites)... and then he made himself crumpets (GRRRRR!) after dinner, and I had a small bite of that.

Snacking... :(

I should NOT be doing this right now!

Oh woe is me...

I'm hungry. The start of the diet, you have momentum and you're into it, then a month later it gets harder... and I get hungrier. I seem so hungry every day. I don't know if it is because of the time my cycle is at... sort of post AF and gearing up for O, maybe your body makes you want to eat more during that period? I AM HUNGRY!

[littlemissnaughty7]

have you looked at these miracle noodles suregena hun ?

[suregena]

AM: 1 "Options" mint hot chocolate (low cal/fat/protein w/ aspartame!)
AM 2: 1 coffee with soy milk

Pre lunch (around 12pm): some jelly beans
Lunch (1.40pm): 4 Ryvita crackerbreads (they're like rice paper! crazy things...), 2 light dairylea triangles, iceberg lettuce

Leaving work on the bus to get my son from childminder (5pm): more jelly beans!

Dinner: Extra servings of cauliflower, portion of rice, button mushrooms, creme fraiche, black pepper, and... MORE JELLY BEANS!

Snack: 1 "Options" hot chocolate and a weight watchers lemon slice...

10pm: A couple bites of my husbands penne pasta, which equaled to about 4 penne but had some cheese in it, and a bite of his jam and butter crumpet (so don't know totals for those! But can't really amount to that much...)


Calories: 1,413
Fat: 14
Protein: 31
Sodium: 563

[suregena]

have you looked at these miracle noodles suregena hun ?

Oooh yes, I wanted to do that... I was going to order like 30 packs. But as I was doing this diet around December/January, my most expensive months of the year, I decided not to as it would have been a pricey addition to my diet. :(

[Mochagirl]

suregena - most grocery stores have shirataki noodles, which are pretty much the same thing as Miracle Noodles, but waaaay cheaper. They usually have them in the refrigerated section where you might also find things like Wonton wraps, etc.

[Out of the Blue]

Oh woe is me...

I'm hungry. The start of the diet, you have momentum and you're into it, then a month later it gets harder... and I get hungrier. I seem so hungry every day. I don't know if it is because of the time my cycle is at... sort of post AF and gearing up for O, maybe your body makes you want to eat more during that period? I AM HUNGRY!

:SS:...so challenging sometimes, isn't it? I get super hungry around O-time, coincidentally the time I really need to crack down on the sway! You’re not alone, Suregena! You are sooooooo not alone!

[suregena]

suregena - most grocery stores have shirataki noodles, which are pretty much the same thing as Miracle Noodles, but waaaay cheaper. They usually have them in the refrigerated section where you might also find things like Wonton wraps, etc.

I live in the UK and I HAVE tried looking for them because they sound GENIUS... but no luck. I live in a small town, so they're definitely not here... and I have also checked big towns. I could get them online... but, eh.

If I don't get pregnant this month, I'll order some.

[Out of the Blue]

suregena - most grocery stores have shirataki noodles, which are pretty much the same thing as Miracle Noodles, but waaaay cheaper. They usually have them in the refrigerated section where you might also find things like Wonton wraps, etc.

I think those taste better than the Miracle Noodles too! They have a few more cals but such a paltry amount that it doesn’t matter…

[littlemissnaughty7]

i cant find them in the uk either !, il order mine off the net,

[GeCon]

I try to take it everyday...I have a green drink (WAAAAAY too healthy but I'm swaying lighter than most) and I put 2 T. in there around 11 a.m. If I have a smoothie, I usually put 2 T. in that as well. Today I had applesauce and dumped a bunch of Benefiber in there (it's a U.S. brand of fiber but it completely dissolves in whatever you put it in...I don't measure it, just dump it which tends to be a lot but I figure it can't hurt and I've been doing it a while).

Would these be any good? Psyllium Husks Capsules (500mg) | Colon Cleanse | Holland & Barrett (http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=124)

[amari]

I'll have to look for the noodles, I am so hungry too! I am eating more because I am hungry and am trying not to lose more but I don't want to gain either! I wonder if my whole foods has them...

I agree-I think the Ryvita whole grain crackers are too healthful to eat everyday. Once in a while is ok though. Find something with rice or corn instead!

[Out of the Blue]

Amari, our Whole Foods has them. I've also seen them at Wegman's, Harris Teeter & Giant. I prefer the fettuccine ones FWIW. Sorry you UK swayers can't find them. :(

[Out of the Blue]

Would these be any good? Psyllium Husks Capsules (500mg) | Colon Cleanse | Holland & Barrett (http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=124)

These look okay. :agree: My psyllium is loose but I think this probably has the same effect. You may want to look into chitosan as I think it may be more powerful. Just make sure they've not added anything to it (vitamins, other supps, etc.) as some brands add extra things that girl swayers may not want.

[suregena]

I've been using original ryvita crisp breads for lunches and have recently gone to the cracker breads as they are even lower. Hope it's not negative in my sway, but it's the only option to keep my lunches simple, easy, and stress free. Oh well. *shrug*

[suregena]

I have just eaten a whole 100g bag of jelly beans an hour before lunch, oops. :( to be fair, the time between me waking up and my lunch time at work is about over 7 hours...

[amari]

I'm getting hungrier too Suregena. I ate about 500 cal worth of frozen yogurt last night.

Speaking of sweets...I'm having friends over for dessert and drinks tonight. Any pink-friendly dessert ideas I can make or buy? Thanks!

[suregena]

That's 395 calories in one go. :(

I mean, at least it's not chocolate. My lunch is soon and now
I feel a bit ill... candy belly. I feel like everything I do will ruin my sway... and now friends are visiting tonight/tomorrow and she likely will be wanting to go out for meals. I should O on the 18th. :(

Siiiiiiiigh...

[rainbowflower]

I have just eaten a whole 100g bag of jelly beans an hour before lunch, oops. :( to be fair, the time between me waking up and my lunch time at work is about over 7 hours...
aww, sounds like me yesterday...

[Out of the Blue]

I've been using original ryvita crisp breads for lunches and have recently gone to the cracker breads as they are even lower. Hope it's not negative in my sway, but it's the only option to keep my lunches simple, easy, and stress free. Oh well. *shrug*

Are those whole grain as well? Here's the thing...Even if they're whole grain and you eat them every day, it by no means is guaranteeing you've ruined your sway. I only say don't eat whole grain every day b/c the most extreme/best way to sway that we know of is steering clear of whole grains and opting for lower nutrients. Will that work for everyone, everyday? Nope! Even though others say there is only one way to sway and you have to "do these 7 things otherwise your sway won't work", that it not true at all. There are different degrees of swaying and you and the others on this thread are already doing so much to tip the balances. Is what we're doing enough???...Who knows! I guess we'll find out (hopefully soon!). One thing for sure is that we're definitely swaying and we're doing the best we can. I am completely guilty of a few blue-swaying additions to my diet (green drink, seaweed, stevia, lots of veggies...etc. :oops:) but for me, I cannot go "all the way" and give some of these things up and I've made peace w/that. Giving up the whole grains (and healthy nutrients I'm eating) would be in a girl swayer's best interest for sure, but is by no means a must for everyone. Sorry for the rant...just didn't want everyone feeling like they're a failure b/c they are including a certain thing in their diet. :HH:

[Out of the Blue]

That's 395 calories in one go. :(

I mean, at least it's not chocolate. My lunch is soon and now
I feel a bit ill... candy belly. I feel like everything I do will ruin my sway... and now friends are visiting tonight/tomorrow and she likely will be wanting to go out for meals. I should O on the 18th. :(

Siiiiiiiigh...

At least it's ALL empty cals and lots of sugar...I see a nice sugar-crash in your future! Hang in there! Do what you can!

[Out of the Blue]

Speaking of sweets...I'm having friends over for dessert and drinks tonight. Any pink-friendly dessert ideas I can make or buy? Thanks!

I answered you on the Pink Swayer's thread. You've probably seen that already but just wanted to make sure. Sounds like a great night!

[Out of the Blue]

Thursday:

A.M.:
• Black tea w/splash of low-cal rice milk
1st Meal:
• Green Drink w/100% cran juice
2nd Meal:
• Sauteed leeks, mushrooms, & shirataki noodles w/quark
• Applesauce w/lots of Benefiber and cinnamon
• meringue cookies…again
3rd Meal:
• “Girl Sway Smoothie” (coconut water/frozen raspberries/psyllium husks)
• Iceberg salad w/raspberry vinaigrette & chevrai
• More meringue cookies…:oops:
Drinks throughout the day:
• 4 C. Peppermint tea
• 2 C. RRL tea
• water
Totals:
• Cal – 1,357
• Fat – 20
• Protein – 34
• Fiber – 66 (not including Benefiber)
• Sodium – 633

[amari]

ootb-Thanks! Love your meals, btw! I am going to check out wf's today for the noodles to add some bulk to my meals, I am so hungry. I agree with having to add some things to your diet that others may not. I have a lot more calcium than most I think, I don't know how else to get fat in there and I need some! And like you, I eat a lot of salad! I"m going to check out what you posted on the other thread..

[rainbowflower]

having a very stingy day myself... I'm having a meal out tomorrow for lunch and know it'll be bad in every way, so especially given as I overate by 700 calories last night I'm adding those onto todays totals

CD6:
Lunch:
2 hot cross buns: 300 calories, 10g protein, 3g fat, 200mg sodium

Tea:
2 slices of bread: 192 calories, 7g protein, 1.8g fat, 320mg sodium
30g cheddar: 117 calories, 7.7g protein, 9.6g fat, 220mg sodium
20g branston pickle: 22 calories, 0.15g protein, 0.04g fat, 320mg sodium
1 apple: 50 calories
total tea: 381 calories, 14.85g protein, 11.44g fat, 860mg sodium

total: 681 calories, 24.85g protein, 14.44g fat, 1060mg sodium



that cheese+pickle sandwich was SO good... :)

[suregena]

At least it's ALL empty cals and lots of sugar...I see a nice sugar-crash in your future! Hang in there! Do what you can!



I definitely crashed, let's just say! Eating dinner right now and enjoying every tiny second of it. I opted to eat with a teaspoon to make it last longer. Pathetic. :D

[suregena]

Are those whole grain as well? Here's the thing...Even if they're whole grain and you eat them every day, it by no means is guaranteeing you've ruined your sway. I only say don't eat whole grain every day b/c the most extreme/best way to sway that we know of is steering clear of whole grains and opting for lower nutrients. Will that work for everyone, everyday? Nope! Even though others say there is only one way to sway and you have to "do these 7 things otherwise your sway won't work", that it not true at all. There are different degrees of swaying and you and the others on this thread are already doing so much to tip the balances. Is what we're doing enough???...Who knows! I guess we'll find out (hopefully soon!). One thing for sure is that we're definitely swaying and we're doing the best we can. I am completely guilty of a few blue-swaying additions to my diet (green drink, seaweed, stevia, lots of veggies...etc. :oops:) but for me, I cannot go "all the way" and give some of these things up and I've made peace w/that. Giving up the whole grains (and healthy nutrients I'm eating) would be in a girl swayer's best interest for sure, but is by no means a must for everyone. Sorry for the rant...just didn't want everyone feeling like they're a failure b/c they are including a certain thing in their diet. :HH:

I can say, if anything, the way I am eating right now is SO foreign to my body that it's got to count for something! AND I'm vegetarian on top of everything, to begin with! And even this is still foreign!

I'm sure the Ryvita crispbreads I was eating for a couple weeks did have some sort of wholegrain in them, but I checked all over the box of the Ryvita crackerbreads I've switched to and see no mention. I see mention of them using British grains to make it, but that is all. :D
They seriously are thin, brittle and flakey as if they were made from rice. They're crazy, but they work!

I can say, overall, my diet right now is probably only marginally healthy at dinner (and even then I stick to colorless vegetables/fungi, i.e. the current combo of cauliflower and mushrooms) but my lunch is the same thing... those Ryvita crackerbreads, some light dairylea cheese spread (so, heavily processed and super low in everything, especially for "cheese") spread very thinly, and iceberg lettuce. That's it.

Sooo, I don't feel TOO bad. Especially considering I ate 100grams worth of jelly beans today...

That's not very nutritious... heeh.

[suregena]

having a very stingy day myself... I'm having a meal out tomorrow for lunch and know it'll be bad in every way, so especially given as I overate by 700 calories last night I'm adding those onto todays totals

CD6:
Lunch:
2 hot cross buns: 300 calories, 10g protein, 3g fat, 200mg sodium

Tea:
2 slices of bread: 192 calories, 7g protein, 1.8g fat, 320mg sodium
30g cheddar: 117 calories, 7.7g protein, 9.6g fat, 220mg sodium
20g branston pickle: 22 calories, 0.15g protein, 0.04g fat, 320mg sodium
1 apple: 50 calories
total tea: 381 calories, 14.85g protein, 11.44g fat, 860mg sodium

total: 681 calories, 24.85g protein, 14.44g fat, 1060mg sodium



that cheese+pickle sandwich was SO good... :)


I bought my husband a big packet of Hovis crumpets. What was I THINKING?!? I want one SO BAD. I'm toying with the idea of having one or two for lunch tomorrow if I work out the number, but at the same time I've been eating the same thing every day for a couple weeks now and worry that will make my body think things are getting better or something. Maybe not. You know, variety... worried if that'd be negative.

5 days until O day! Maybe!

[GeCon]

I opted to eat with a teaspoon to make it last longer. Pathetic. :D

I do this too with most of my meals. :oops:

I wanted to recommend a treat, which I have just tried today and it is rather yummy. Weight Watchers Toffee and Honeycomb Sundae: cals 119, fat 1.7g, protein 1.7g, sodium 40mg. :)

[littlemissnaughty7]

ooh love the sound of that sundae hun, im gona look for that lol, so are we supposed to do alot of variety in our sway or eat basically the same thing every day ??

[GeCon]

ooh love the sound of that sundae hun, im gona look for that lol, so are we supposed to do alot of variety in our sway or eat basically the same thing every day ??

I didn't really think it mattered as long as we stay within our limits for calories, fat, protein and sodium.

[amari]

ootb-I found the noodles at wf's and made the recipe on the back and added it to regular noodles. I then couldn't eat it! I couldn't handle the texture! Haha! Oh well, glad you enjoy them!

[littlemissnaughty7]

thanks gecon hun, hey do you know if we can eat quorn the meant alternative ??

[littlemissnaughty7]

sorry meat lol,

[rainbowflower]

today:

11am: 3 jaffa cakes
lunch: chicken+mushroom pasta in a white wine and mushroom sauce topped with cheese with a small side salad... and followed by a hot choc sponge pudding with choc sauce and icecream. It was a meal out, so knew I'd not be getting a perfect day!

probably overdone it on calories, fat, protein and sodium already today... but that's all I'll be eating. No tea for me today! going to go without until tomorrow lunchtime to give my body some time to burn off all the cals

[HopeandDreamG]

Oooh yes, I wanted to do that... I was going to order like 30 packs. But as I was doing this diet around December/January, my most expensive months of the year, I decided not to as it would have been a pricey addition to my diet. :(

Just want you to know before spending all the money for them, I was doing weight watchers and tried these. I could NOT get past the smell of them. It does rinse away, but I lost my appetite for them. You can always have DH prepare them !!! ;)

[HopeandDreamG]

Can we drink diet hot chocolate? I'm cold and it sounds good with a carmel rice cake! Pathetic

[GeCon]

I had a Weight Watchers one the other with half milk and half water.

[amari]

I am feeling guilty not b/c of what I am eating but I feel like I am eating too often. My blood sugar just feels like it gets soooo low that I have to or I can't take care of my kids. I just hope I'm not ruining my sway. I know I have low blood sugar to begin with, so I don't want to pass out, I just think I may be getting close to o so I have been wanting to skip meals but it just isn't happening. So upset.

[HopeandDreamG]

Amari~ I think you are doing great. you still need to function. From everything I've read you do not need to be in starvation mode and have your blood sugar so low you cannot even function. Just making the changes you have made will be enough. It is not ruining your sway. I think its more important that you are eating within the bounds of cals/protein/fat overall then when and how often you are eating. THe sway has to fit your life not the other way around. (atomic said that to me, I'm stealing her words!)

[amari]

Amari~ I think you are doing great. you still need to function. From everything I've read you do not need to be in starvation mode and have your blood sugar so low you cannot even function. Just making the changes you have made will be enough. It is not ruining your sway. I think its more important that you are eating within the bounds of cals/protein/fat overall then when and how often you are eating. THe sway has to fit your life not the other way around. (atomic said that to me, I'm stealing her words!)

Thanks, that made me feel better. Still hungry ; ) but better!

[suregena]

Can we drink diet hot chocolate? I'm cold and it sounds good with a carmel rice cake! Pathetic

With lots to choose from, you could be on this page a while! When it comes to hot chocolate, you've got plenty of Options. (http://www.optionstreats.co.uk/product_range)

This is UK, unfortunately... but I've been drinking these (the mint one... seems the lowest of all of them... and has aspartame in it!)

[suregena]

With lots to choose from, you could be on this page a while! When it comes to hot chocolate, you've got plenty of Options. (http://www.optionstreats.co.uk/product_range)

This is UK, unfortunately... but I've been drinking these (the mint one... seems the lowest of all of them... and has aspartame in it!)



Haha! Weird! I only pasted the link and it automatically changed it to that sentence? Wow, product advertisement via link form...

[HopeandDreamG]

Thanks suregena. I think what was throwing my off is I think we are supposed to avoid chocolate. Guess its different.

Amari~ I'm waiting for Dh to eat my dinner- a lovely matzah with a touch of sauce and a drop of cheese and I was thinking- maybe in between when you are really hungry you can eat things like cucumber and green beans/string beans even with a little hummus. Something to hold you over but not enough to raise sugar too much. Just a thought. While I gave kids dinner I cut up some cucumbers because I'm starving and I'm sure thats not ruining anything!

[suregena]

I keep hearing mixed things about chocolate, so I don't know what the verdict is on it, but I was craving it!

My guess is actual chocolate can add fat/protein quickly and easily for very little, so I figured that hot chocolate I found would help my cravings but has far less in fat/cal/protein than actual chocolate. So, hey, whatever helps!

[GeCon]

Someone mentioned Mikado the other day. Again there is very little chocolate on them, so hopefully not too bad, but maybe enough for some to get over the craving. These are the values per biscuit: cals 11, fat 0.5, protein 0.2, sodium 6mg. They also do them in white, both are quite yummy.

[suregena]

I'm not even putting my numbers in here. It's shameful... I didn't go CRAZY, to be fair. But I was being cooked for/fed and couldn't get out of it.

I weighed myself tonight, made sure to take fibre all day... I think I'll be okay... *breathes*

[rainbowflower]

My theory on chocolate is that overall it probably doesn't sway either way but that the glucose aspects of it sway pink (many girl mums say they ate chocolate to excess) although nutrient-wise it probably sways blue. so for that reason I will keep eating it but only in the 2ww

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

[littlemissnaughty7]

yeah i asked AS about the chocolate thing as i thought i couldnt eat it because of the casffiene thing, but AS says that there is hardly any caffiene in it anyway,

[HopeandDreamG]

Yesterday:
1pm: 4 egg whites, strawberries, carmel corn rice cake, serving hint of salt wheat thins
6pm: 2 matzos, sauce 1/4 cup, 1oz. mozzerella, piece of a gingerbread house, rice cake, 6 sour patch kids
After dinner snack: 3 licorice, 2 rice cakes

Totals:
Cal: 1200
Fat: 15g
Sodium: 949
Protein: 31g

I'm eating a lot of processed stuff: rice cakes, wheat thins, triscuits, candy. My totals are where they should be, just checking I'm on the right track here.

The HUGE change for me is the lowered protein and Huge carb intake and NO meat at all. My carb and protein in take are usually reversed. AND I always ate breakfast before. Trying really hard to get the diet right because I believe this sways the hardest!
thoughts?

[ttcadaughter2012]

I have fallen off this diet like 3 days this month. It is hard cooking food for myself and then for the kids. I resorted giving them those frozen meals because making steak made me want to cry. I WANT FOOD!!!
I found some low sodium cookies. They are by Stella D'oro Cookies Breakfast Treats Original. They have 90 calories per cookie and they are decent sized. 3g fat and 0 protein with 70mg sodium.
I had orange chicken with rice yesterday because well I made so much of it for hubby and kids and well I really don't want it to go to waste. Shouldn't have done that though it was heaven..

My question is what exactly do we have to avoid? I know there is no gender foods. But this whole thing is confusing me some days. Is it no meat? Also we want low sugars right? What exactly is low? I am so new to this lol. I have been using livestrong.com as my counter for protein, fat, sodium and calories, etc. And my protein has been steadily at 25-30 and my sugar yesterday it said 79 and it has been steady at that. fat has been between 25-30 and sodium varies everyday however except my 3 days i failed it has been under 1000 and under 700.. Mostly around 600s. :) What stinks is I have a red velvet cheese cake in my fridge that I made for hubby and the kids, it has white chocolate on top and everytime I open my fridge it like talks to me. "Hey, hey Sonja! Yeah you.." I in return point to myself like me? Then it tells me to have a sliver, just 1 bite.. I have tried to close the fridge but I find myself throughout the day checking up on it to make sure it is still there.. God I can't wait to have real food with garlic, salt, cake!!! ::Le sigh:: lol

[littlemissnaughty7]

as far as i know hun sugar is ok ???? am i right thinkin this ????

[rainbowflower]

sugar is fine to my knowledge, might even sway pink more by causing glucose spikes
as long as fat and calories are within the right range, I wouldn't worry about the sugar

[Mochagirl]

Yes, sugar is fine on this diet - it can be a very handy way to get your calories high enough without going over on protein and sodium.

The low blood sugar thing refers to how many times a day you eat. On the LE diet, you should keep all your eating to 2-3 small meals a day, with no snacking in between. Most people choose to wait to eat their first meal until 12pm (i.e. skip breakfast), which means they've been fasting since the night before and their blood sugar can get nice and low.

[littlemissnaughty7]

talking of low blood sugar is it better to eat 3 normal sized meals or 2 big meals to get all the calories in ???

[suregena]

Another scary-ish day! But our friends have left now. I was able to skip breakfast but they wanted to go out to lunch. I got a mushroom stroganoff (they had no salads!)... which was mushrooms, some carrots/broccoli/peas, rice, and the stroganoff sauce. The sauce is probably where they problem was, but it wasn't gobs and heaps of it. So hopefully not to bad. I'l going to fill up on empty calories the rest of the night and see how I feel around dinner time and maybe attempt to skip dinner to make up for the last two days... :(

[HopeandDreamG]

talking of low blood sugar is it better to eat 3 normal sized meals or 2 big meals to get all the calories in ???

In the dream member section Atomic breaks down several options depending on how many cals you have a day. Either way is fine. One example was 1600 cal: 2 800 cal meals, or breking it up in 3.

[Mochagirl]

I found it easier to eat 3 meals. My last 'meal' was actually an evening snack, and usually involved empty calories like candy.

[littlemissnaughty7]

ok guys thanks,may sound stupid but what is empty calories ??

[Mochagirl]

That just means foods that have calories but no nutritional value. Candy's a good example, as is full sugar soda. Most of those things have very little protein or sodium, so it can be a great way to make sure you get enough calories in your day (remember that the minimum you should eat on the diet is 1500 calories) without going over on other things.

[littlemissnaughty7]

oh ok great il scoff on candy then in the evening as i find it hard to get above 1400 cals,

[amari]

hopeanddream-The food choices look good! Are you sure they are adding up to those cal totals though? Seems a little low? Also, you can eat more cals, 1500.

ttc-you can eat sugary things, the idea is to keep your blood sugar levels low overall. When you eat things with sugar your blood sugar spikes and then drops really low afterwards, so as long as you aren't snacking all day, and eating your 2-3 meals a day and staying within the cal, fat, protein guidelines sugar is fine on a girl sway. Lots of my food has been candy, cake or ice cream!

[HopeandDreamG]

Amari~ I am trying to keep it at 1200 cals somedays more when I need it. I can afford to lose weight so I am aiming a little lower. Here and there I may up the intake to 1500 so my body doesn't get used to 1200. I am tracking everything I eat using myfitnesspal so its as accurate as can be I guess. Also keeping it to 2 meals 1 snack after the kids go to bed (which I guess we can call a meal)!

[amari]

Amari~ I am trying to keep it at 1200 cals somedays more when I need it. I can afford to lose weight so I am aiming a little lower. Here and there I may up the intake to 1500 so my body doesn't get used to 1200. I am tracking everything I eat using myfitnesspal so its as accurate as can be I guess. Also keeping it to 2 meals 1 snack after the kids go to bed (which I guess we can call a meal)!

I think you are doing great then!!

[ttcadaughter2012]

Yes, sugar is fine on this diet - it can be a very handy way to get your calories high enough without going over on protein and sodium.

The low blood sugar thing refers to how many times a day you eat. On the LE diet, you should keep all your eating to 2-3 small meals a day, with no snacking in between. Most people choose to wait to eat their first meal until 12pm (i.e. skip breakfast), which means they've been fasting since the night before and their blood sugar can get nice and low.

Thank you!! I have been eating 2-3 small meals and skipping breakfast. I don't eat until 11/12 during the day..

[ttcadaughter2012]

I have been doing that 2. I try to make sure I don't snack as much.. It is hard for me though with cooking separately for myself and the kids and hubby.. But staying at 1300-1400 right now and before I didn't count calories so I have been loosing weight. I have lost 25lbs so far.

[littlemissnaughty7]

wow ttc thats fantastic about the weight loss you go girl !

[rainbowflower]

today (CD9)

Lunch: jam roly poly + custard, 3 jammy dodgers

Tea: 1 bowl of tomato pasta (WW sauce), 1 low-fat hot cross bun, small packet of chocolate buttons

[GeCon]

today (CD9)

Lunch: jam roly poly + custard, 3 jammy dodgers

Tea: 1 bowl of tomato pasta (WW sauce), 1 low-fat hot cross bun, small packet of chocolate buttons

Is that all you are having today? How many cals, protein and fat does that amount to? Also, where are the low fat hot cross buns from? They sound yummy.

[suregena]

Morning (10.30am) - 2 mugs Options low cal mint hot chocolate

Lunch: 4 Ryvita crackerbreads, 2 dairylea light triangles, iceberg lettuce, half of bottle of Dr Pepper, 1 weight watchers lemon slice, jelly beans!

Dinner: Basmati rice, 170g worth of mushrooms, 200g worth of cauliflower, weight watchers creme fraiche, other half of Dr Pepper, jelly beans

Calories: 1,396
Fat: 13
Protein: 34
Sodium: 663

As someone who is still breastfeeding, etcetera, I feel like my weight is sort of stopping to drop (I'm about 105.8 in the mornings, give or take), and getting so close to O, should I decrease further or just continue as I am?

[GeCon]

Suregena, I am also still breastfeeding and I think you are doing fine. I personally wouldn't decrease any further as you need some extra calories for the BF.

How old is your LO and how often do you still BF if you don't mind me asking? How long did it take you to ovulate for the first time while still BF?

[suregena]

Suregena, I am also still breastfeeding and I think you are doing fine. I personally wouldn't decrease any further as you need some extra calories for the BF.

How old is your LO and how often do you still BF if you don't mind me asking? How long did it take you to ovulate for the first time while still BF?


My son turns 2 next weekend. When I'm off work, he has milk when he asks for it, as long as he's already eaten... usually in the morning, before a nap, and once or twice max at night or not at all at night (like last night, when he slept without waking until morning, then had some in the morning.)

I didn't get my period back until September. I'm not sure if it was a period I ovulated for or not, though.

[HopeandDreamG]

I found it easier to eat 3 meals. My last 'meal' was actually an evening snack, and usually involved empty calories like candy.

This is exactly what I have been doing. It works realy well on the days I can push my first meal till 1pm or even a little later.

[HopeandDreamG]

Yesterday:
1pm: corn tortilla, 4 egg whites, l slice low sodium cheese, 2 rice cakes
6pm: 2 unsalted matzos, 1/9c. sauce, 1/4 c.low sodium mozzerella, 2tbsp. hummus, 2 serving unsalted pretzels, 1 rice cake
8pm: 3 twizzlers, 2 rice cakes, 2 servings of hint of salt triscuits

Totals:
calories: 1219
fat: 28
Sodium: 966
Protein:39

[suregena]

My dinner tonight makes me feel like I'm cheating? The cauliflower was of mammoth sized florets, and I did some extra mushrooms because I did so good today in not eating from when I got up (5.30am) until 1.40pm!! All I had was 1 coffee and 1 low cal hot chocolate in the a.m. I managed to restrain myself of munching on jelly beans until my actual lunchtime.

But I did a grocery shop after work and had to haul home so many heavy bags, and I was shaking by the time I got in so naturally wanted extra servings of cauliflower and mushrooms. Then I added chopped tomatoes, too (plain.)

I ended up giving my son about 1/3rd of my rice, though.

But it felt/looked big, but hopefully it doesn't total big. I tried to put it into myfitnesspal and it all looks okay but my dinner felt big!

Oh well.

I'm SUPPOSED to O tomorrow... we'll see.

[littlemissnaughty7]

suregena my dinner looks huge sometimes but i always stay within my limits, im glad it looks huge as it gives me somethin to look forward to all day lol,

[rainbowflower]

lunch: 7 cream crackers+butter, 1 apple, 4 bourbon biscuits, 1 shortbread biscuit

tea: 1 vegetable pie, green beans, 1 hot cross bun, 1 Wispa

[suregena]

AM: coffee with soy milk, 1 Options low cal hot chocolate

Lunch: 4 ryvita crackerbreads, laughing cow extra light cheese spread, iceberg lettuce, tesco lighter choices carrot slice, jelly beans, 1 can of Diet Cherry Coke

Dinner: extra portions of cauliflower and mushrooms, tinned tomatoes plain (I feel guilty about adding the tomatoes and extra portions of cauliflower and mushrooms! :(), low fat creme fraiche, basmati rice (slightly smaller serving portion as I gave 1/3rd to my son as he was jealous!)

Snack after: 1 lemon weight watchers slice, 1 low cal hot chocolate.

Why do I feel guilty about today's food?!

Calories: 1,262
Fat: 13
Protein: 40(! All that extra veg...)
Sodium: 630

[GeCon]

Rainbow, you might have missed my post below, but I was just wondering where the hot cross buns you keep mentioning are from as they sound yummy? ;)

[suregena]

Rainbow, you might have missed my post below, but I was just wondering where the hot cross buns you keep mentioning are from as they sound yummy? ;)

I've never had a hot cross bun, myself! (American in the UK here.)

[rainbowflower]

Rainbow, you might have missed my post below, but I was just wondering where the hot cross buns you keep mentioning are from as they sound yummy? ;)
oh, sorry I didn't see your other post. I like the half-fat ones from Co-Op! although the one I had tonight was just a regular one from Waitrose

[GeCon]

oh, sorry I didn't see your other post. I like the half-fat ones from Co-Op! although the one I had tonight was just a regular one from Waitrose

Any chance you could post the nutritional info of the Co-Op ones?

[rainbowflower]

um I think I binned the packaging, if I get some more I'll let you know

[GeCon]

um I think I binned the packaging, if I get some more I'll let you know

Thanks. :)

[littlemissnaughty7]

gecon hun just look on the co op website,

[GeCon]

gecon hun just look on the co op website,

Had a look, but can't see them. Their website is not like Asda or Tesco, where you can look at nutritional info on their groceries...unless I am missing something? Not to worry, I'll have a look next time in Co-op in town, but I am doubtful if they'll have them as it is quite a small store.

[littlemissnaughty7]

il have a look in mine when i pop to town next

[suregena]

Yeah, I looked in my small Co-Op and they did not have them.

I REALLY want bread. A fried egg sandwich with hot sauce.... and a positive OPK. GRRRRRRR!!!!!

[rainbowflower]

I think Co-Op don't list it because they don't do online delivery

but honestly most supermarkets do healthier-choice hot cross buns, although even a normal one isn't too bad as part of a meal

here's a healthier Tesco hot cross bun: Tesco 6 Light Choices Hot Cross Buns - Groceries - Tesco Groceries (http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=263344000)

[rainbowflower]

today (CD11)

lunch:
1 WW mediterranean pasta meal (literally just 240 calories or something!), 1 choc mousse (also 250ish cals)

midafternoon:
a few small biscuits in a meeting

tea:
2 hot cross buns, 3 bourbon biscuits

[purple sky]

You girls eat so little! How do you survive on crackers for a meal? I feel like i am over eating compared to you and I am always starving. Each meal I have either rice or pasta , no breakfast and spearmint tea with low cal cookies or something of the sort when the kids are in bed.

[rainbowflower]

You girls eat so little! How do you survive on crackers for a meal? I feel like i am over eating compared to you and I am always starving. Each meal I have either rice or pasta , no breakfast and spearmint tea with low cal cookies or something of the sort when the kids are in bed.

I eat more in the 2ww, but I'm not a big person myself so don't think I need as much

[purple sky]

Today so far

A.M - Nescafe decaf coffee with pumpkin spice creamer 70 cal, 3g fat, 12g sugar

Lunch (noon) Angel hair pasta w/ tblsp pesto, tortilla chips w/2 tblsp salsa 390 cal, 9g fat, 10g protein, 2g sugar

[purple sky]

I eat more in the 2ww, but I'm not a big person myself so don't think I need as much
I am about 5'3 and 115lbs. I can do without food but I LOVE to snack and I was a sugaraholic lol

[amari]

purplesky-I eat way more than everyone else seems to. I eat about 1500-1800 cal but quantity wise I squeeze in way more. I also am in the 2ww now and I am absolutely starving b/c I lost too much weight and I am allowing myself to eat a lot extra right now. Also my dh wants me to gain weight b/c he thinks I am unhealthy. I am still not doing meat but allowing extra calories.

[GeCon]

purplesky-I eat way more than everyone else seems to. I eat about 1500-1800 cal but quantity wise I squeeze in way more.

Same here. I average about 1500 calories a day, but my meals look quite a bit more than most on here.

[rainbowflower]

I am about 5'3 and 115lbs. I can do without food but I LOVE to snack and I was a sugaraholic lol
I'm 4'11, and still a sugaroholic ;)

[purple sky]

I think 1500 is a good intake. I'm sure I was eating waaay more than that pre-diet. I literally ate crap all the time and always ate meat. I am eating only chicken breast (very tiny piece usually shredded) 2x a week now. Should I cut that out? It seems like everyone has cut out all meat.

[purple sky]

I'm 4'11, and still a sugaroholic ;)

Haha ya me too, I just try to stay away.

[amari]

Oh, yeah! Major sugar going on here too! Eating loads of frozen yogurt, 100 calorie pack coffee cakes and cookies. At least that's the good thing about the diet.

[suregena]

I want burritos.

Okay.

On with the day's meals...

AM: Options low cal hot chocolate

12pm: some jelly beans (I got realllly hungry)

1.40pm: 4 Ryvita crackerbreads, Laughing Cow extra light 'cheese' spread (2 servings/triangles), iceberg lettuce, Tesco Lighter choices tesco carrot/orange slice, more jelly beans! Diet cherry coke

7:00pm: Long grain rice, button mushrooms, a little bit of plain tinned tomatoes, low fat creme fraiche

9pm: 1 lighter choices carrot/orange cake slice, 1 options low cal hot chocolate.

Calories: 1,340
Fat: 8 (Whoa...)
Protein: 29
Sodium: 627

[XXdreaming]

I know some do coke zero I believe coke makes you more acidic right? But I absolutely hate coke lol I tried drinking it with my nose pinched lol I just can't do it,, it leaves a mettalic taste in my mouth, so I was wondering if dr pepper 10 or any other diet drink is good, and the only reason why everyone is doing coke zero is because it makes you acidic right?

[suregena]

I thought it was any diet soda?

The diet Dr Pepper tastes the best of all of them, in my opinion. I hate aspartame/diet drinks...

[purple sky]

[QUOTE=suregena;130334]I thought it was any diet soda?

I was wondering this too. I also don't like coke or pepsi

[Wishing4Princess]

Oh, yeah! Major sugar going on here too! Eating loads of frozen yogurt, 100 calorie pack coffee cakes and cookies. At least that's the good thing about the diet.

I am, too a sugaroholic:( I swear, I think I have mentioned this before, I could just live on cheese and pastries and, cake, and ice cream. I know that's not real healthy.

Amari, which frozen yoghurt and coffee cake are you eating? coffee cake sounds yummmy!

[HopeandDreamG]

Oh, yeah! Major sugar going on here too! Eating loads of frozen yogurt, 100 calorie pack coffee cakes and cookies. At least that's the good thing about the diet.

That is def a good thing about this. I like how you can basically have whatever (except meat) as long as you are in the ranges.
Amari I think its fine to have more in your two week wait. I think you may still want to keep sugar low so you give the bean the best chance of implanting. after my attempt maybe like 9dpo or a bit more I went out and had a burger and fries...yummm. I felt it would be far away from my next attempt, and would get me to the next attempt without feeling tortured.

[purple sky]

A burger and fries sounds so yummy right now! Since we didn't ttc this cycle I may cave and have one this weekend :bigsmile:

[dramabird]

That is def a good thing about this. I like how you can basically have whatever (except meat) as long as you are in the ranges.

Hear, hear! Yesterday I was able to have some jalapeno Cheetos because I was still low for my day's sodium. And today I had just enough room under my levels that I was able to have a 1/2 cup of my kids' Stouffers macaroni and cheese. You can bet I ate that thing noodle by single noodle, savoring each one! And I still managed to keep my calories below 1200, which is good ...

... because I'm finding that I'm having to cut back my calories more and more though, because I am just not experiencing the weight loss that others are. :( I've been on the LE diet for three weeks now and haven't even managed two pounds lost yet. For the first week I averaged about 1600 calories a day and when I didn't lose ANYTHING I started staying under 1400, but I'm thinking I may have to cut back still further to see any changes. I started at 107 lbs. (BMI of 19.3) and the lowest I've seen on the scale is 105.2 (but have seen higher numbers since then, too).

I'd like to get down to at least 104 (maybe 103, which would put my BMI at 18.5) by the time I'm ready to TTC, which should be in four weeks or so. I'm hoping a loss of three or four pounds will have some swaying power ...?

[rainbowflower]

I thought it was any diet soda?

The diet Dr Pepper tastes the best of all of them, in my opinion. I hate aspartame/diet drinks...

not any, any that contain aspartame. Some of the own brand ones don't!

[rainbowflower]

Hear, hear! Yesterday I was able to have some jalapeno Cheetos because I was still low for my day's sodium. And today I had just enough room under my levels that I was able to have a 1/2 cup of my kids' Stouffers macaroni and cheese. You can bet I ate that thing noodle by single noodle, savoring each one! And I still managed to keep my calories below 1200, which is good ...

... because I'm finding that I'm having to cut back my calories more and more though, because I am just not experiencing the weight loss that others are. :( I've been on the LE diet for three weeks now and haven't even managed two pounds lost yet. For the first week I averaged about 1600 calories a day and when I didn't lose ANYTHING I started staying under 1400, but I'm thinking I may have to cut back still further to see any changes. I started at 107 lbs. (BMI of 19.3) and the lowest I've seen on the scale is 105.2 (but have seen higher numbers since then, too).

I'd like to get down to at least 104 (maybe 103, which would put my BMI at 18.5) by the time I'm ready to TTC, which should be in four weeks or so. I'm hoping a loss of three or four pounds will have some swaying power ...?
even 1lb loss is a loss!

how much were you when you conceived before?

[dramabird]

how much were you when you conceived before?

Probably around 102 or 103 -- but those would have been steady weight for me, not coming down from a loss. And I know that just prior to getting pregnant with each of my boys, I was consistently eating breakfast (oatmeal with DS1, banana/blueberry/yogurt smoothies with DS2) and I was doing moderate cardio. So I have definitely dropped breakfast as part of my sway and I'm not exercising at all.

I'd like to get to at least 103/104 for my first TTC attempt and then drop about a pound a month afterward, until I get my BFP (or until I get to a weight where I feel I have to just hold steady to stay safely ovulatory, maybe somewhere in the 94-98 range ... although those numbers sound like fairy tales right now, since the current pounds I'm dealing with seem a bit stubborn! :)).

[littlemissnaughty7]

british lbs arnt the same as us lbs are they ?

[littlemissnaughty7]

can we eat chips on this diet (fries)

[GeCon]

can we eat chips on this diet (fries)

I probably wouldn't as most times they are full of fat and salt.

[rainbowflower]

I wouldn't either - the fat, the salt, and the potato, saying that I don't think a few would do any harm

[Mochagirl]

I ate a few fries on occasion if I could fit them into my daily totals. Quite honestly, at many fast food restaurants a size small fries have less sodium and fat than their salads!

[littlemissnaughty7]

ok thanks just want some sooooooooo much lol, whats the deal with potatoes on this diet then ?

[GeCon]

ok thanks just want some sooooooooo much lol, whats the deal with potatoes on this diet then ?

Which diet are you referring to as people are on different diets on here?

[littlemissnaughty7]

the LE diet sorry hun,

[GeCon]

LMN, as far as I know on the LE you are allowed potatoes as long as they fit within your limits as atomic does not believe in any "magic" foods. I think the reason why some of us prefer to keep away from them is that on the IG diet they are not allowed at all due to the high potassium content. However, I have seen atomic suggesting a few times now that people eat potatoes or bananas to ensure they get their daily minimum potassium intake.

[suregena]

I made a test batch of chocolate and butterscotch cookies late last night to make sure the dough was right as I am making up loads more for my son's 2nd birthday on Sunday.

I ate two. :(. Didn't go over my limits as I was quite low yesterday, but still naughty.

Then I had two today as well! Grrrr. I hope I O today or tomorrow because
Sunday will be too hard to not cheat. :(

[rainbowflower]

LMN - here's a quote from the LE diet details:

SPECIAL NOTE FOR TOMATO AND POTATO (AND SWEET POTATO/YAMS) – YES you can eat tomato and potato of either variety on this diet. In other diets, they are considered to be strongly “boy” foods due to having a lot of potassium and not much calcium, but if you are eating less calories, lower protein, and lower fat (and eating potato and tomato can totally help you reach that goal) then they are perfectly fine to include in your diet.

Potato/sweet potato are high in calories and are often served with high-cal additions like butter, so you’ll have to forgo some of those toppings and make sure you’re not eating too many cals. Tomato products tend to be very very salty, so it’s best to make your own sauces and/or to choose low-sodium varieties.

[littlemissnaughty7]

thanks very much gecon and RF hun thats fab,

[HopeandDreamG]

Yesterday:
1pm: 3 egg whites, 1 slice low sodium cheese, 3 slices very thin white bread, grape jelly, strawberries, cucmbers
6pm: unsalted pretzels, hint of salt triscuits, hummus 1tbs, 1 pita, sedish fish (7 pieces)
9pm: sour patch kids, 3 rice cakes

Totals:
Calories: 1205
Fat:15
sodium: 1057 (little high)
Protein: 36

[HopeandDreamG]

Hear, hear! Yesterday I was able to have some jalapeno Cheetos because I was still low for my day's sodium. And today I had just enough room under my levels that I was able to have a 1/2 cup of my kids' Stouffers macaroni and cheese. You can bet I ate that thing noodle by single noodle, savoring each one! And I still managed to keep my calories below 1200, which is good ...

... because I'm finding that I'm having to cut back my calories more and more though, because I am just not experiencing the weight loss that others are. :( I've been on the LE diet for three weeks now and haven't even managed two pounds lost yet. For the first week I averaged about 1600 calories a day and when I didn't lose ANYTHING I started staying under 1400, but I'm thinking I may have to cut back still further to see any changes. I started at 107 lbs. (BMI of 19.3) and the lowest I've seen on the scale is 105.2 (but have seen higher numbers since then, too).

I'd like to get down to at least 104 (maybe 103, which would put my BMI at 18.5) by the time I'm ready to TTC, which should be in four weeks or so. I'm hoping a loss of three or four pounds will have some swaying power ...?

I'm by no means an expert, but I think because of how little you weigh you are not losing weight eating 1600 cal +. I weigh ALOT more then you (I am 5'9"), but anyway when I was on Jenny Craig I was started at 1500 cal and then dropped to 1200 in order to lose weight. I don't feel like I'm being articulate, do you know what I am saying??!! Maybe you can eat at the 1600 cal level so you don't stop O, but when O gets closer drop the cals to loss a little. I might start a thread and get some feedback too, I'd be curious the responses.

[HopeandDreamG]

Just tried Trader Joe's unsalted tortilla chips. cal: 140, sodium: 0, protein: 2. They were GREAT!!!!

[purple sky]

OOh I will have to try those hopeanddream.

It's only 10:00 a.m here and I am starving already!

[Out of the Blue]

Just tried Trader Joe's unsalted tortilla chips. cal: 140, sodium: 0, protein: 2. They were GREAT!!!!

Are they the blue kind?

[Out of the Blue]

Has anyone tried Trader Joe's Non-Fat Fro-Yo...It's tart and tangy and really yummy! I'm an addict :oops:

[purple sky]

Definitely going to trader joe's this weekend!

[suregena]

I miss Trader Joe's SO MUCH!!!

[suregena]

I test baked chocolate chip and butterscotch cookies last night. This weekend is going to be difficult with the amount of baking I'm doing for my son's 2nd birthday. HOW do you resist freshly baked treats? Oh, man. :(

AM: Hot chocolate
AM: again... 2 chocolate chip/butterscotch chip cookies... :(

Lunch: 2 Laughing Cow extra light cheese triangles, 3 Ryvita crackerbreads, lettuce, 1 lighter choices carrot and orange slice, Diet Cherry Coke, JELLY BEANS!

Suddenly on my way home from work and picking up my son from his childminder, I got REALLY hot (it's cold and raining!!), started sweating, got weak/shakey/wobbly, and I got a little freaked out. Maybe my blood sugar plummeted from the jelly beans? But it was bad... I had one cookie leftover that I brought from work and I ate it, :(, to try to feel better. And, about 20 minutes later, I felt normal again.

Dinner: Long grain rice, sliced peppers, mushrooms, low fat creme fraiche. 1 Dr Pepper

Snack: Jelly beans

A high calorie day. :(

Everything, give or take...

Calories: 1,660
Fat: 23
Protein: 30
Sodium: 640

Cals from fat: 12%

[Mochagirl]

I test baked chocolate chip and butterscotch cookies last night. This weekend is going to be difficult with the amount of baking I'm doing for my son's 2nd birthday. HOW do you resist freshly baked treats? Oh, man. :(



It's almost impossible, I agree. When I was doing my Christmas baking I discovered quickly that it's physically impossible to resist a fresh baked cookies straight out of the oven :bigsmile:. Since I knew I'd eat one anyway, I tried to do all my baking close to a mealtime so at least it didn't count as a 'snack'. Then, I just made sure it fit into my daily totals. It's really not a diet disaster to eat some sweet treats like that as long as you don't eat too many.

I found this site useful for things like that. You can type in all your ingredients, put in the number of servings the recipe makes, and voila, full nutritional info:

Calorie Count :: New Recipe (http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php)

[amari]

Are they the blue kind?

Not the quote I intended, tried to do the one about the corn chips!

I almost bought those yesterday! I bought some other ones instead b/c they had less calories for more chips and I'm a hungry girl!

Did you see the corn pasta they have? 1/2 a cup is 190 calories so 1 cup is just under 400 and it has less protein and nutirents than reg pasta.

[dramabird]

... it's physically impossible to resist a fresh baked cookies straight out of the oven :bigsmile:. Since I knew I'd eat one anyway, I tried to do all my baking close to a mealtime so at least it didn't count as a 'snack'. Then, I just made sure it fit into my daily totals. It's really not a diet disaster to eat some sweet treats like that as long as you don't eat too many.

I made some chocolate chip cookies about a week and a half ago, knowing I wouldn't be able to resist. So what I did was make sure I kept my levels quite reasonable at lunch and then, well, had a supper of cookies! :) There were a few days where about half of my calories were cookies ... but it was worth it (and I stayed under all my levels)! And I figure the amount of chocolate chips in the cookies can't add up to too many antioxidants or healthy goodness (as opposed to, say, eating a dark chocolate bar).

I've gone darn low-calorie the past few days (1100 or so) because we're going out for my brother's birthday on Sunday, probably to Texas Roadhouse. I'll be able to stay vegetarian (salad, sweet potato, etc.) but I know I'll end up over on things like sodium and probably fat. Since I've stuck to my levels almost without fail for three weeks and am still four weeks away from TTC, I figure one cheat-y lunch won't be so bad ... hopefully.

And I'll second (or third or whatnot) the shout-out for the Trader Joe's unsalted tortilla chips. Combined with Paul Newman salsa (sodium for one serving is only 65) and it makes for a pretty nice savory addition to a meal without doing big damage to sodium levels. TJ also has low-sodium vegetable broth (around 140 for a cup, I think) ... much much much lower than most storebrought broths. Now, I've purchased it but haven't eaten it because I take in so much liquid on this diet anyway (Diet Coke, Crystal Light, peppermint tea) that I want to eat any calories I have, not drink 'em! (Well, with exceptions made for wine and marshmallow vodka, of course! :))

[GeCon]

I managed to get the co-op Healthier Choice Hot Cross Buns in my local today. Yay! And they are really yummy. Here is the nutritional information for anyone who is interested: Per Bun 150kcal, Protein 5.0g, Fat 1.5g, Sodium 100mg.

[suregena]

I managed to get the co-op Healthier Choice Hot Cross Buns in my local today. Yay! And they are really yummy. Here is the nutritional information for anyone who is interested: Per Bun 150kcal, Protein 5.0g, Fat 1.5g, Sodium 100mg.

Hahahaha! I did the same thing today! 75p! Whoop!

[littlemissnaughty7]

lol me too roll on the buns lol

[HopeandDreamG]

Are they the blue kind?

No. They say unsalted organic white corn tortilla chips on the bag. Soooo good!

[HopeandDreamG]

Has anyone tried Trader Joe's Non-Fat Fro-Yo...It's tart and tangy and really yummy! I'm an addict :oops:

Nice! Gonna pick this up to try :), thanks!!

[HopeandDreamG]

Dramabird~ thanks for the salsa tip. Def gonna get that for the chips, and/or egg whites I eat. Was looking at regular salsa before I saw your post it was like 150mg sodium for 2 tablespoons. I don't actually believe sodium really sways that much, but I'm watching it anyway. No harm in cutting it out..just have to be creative!

[rainbowflower]

yesterday (CD13)

lunch:
1 jam doughnut
couple of small shortbread biscuits
1 pot of "Shape" chocolate mousse

tea:
2/3 steak Cornish pasty + salad


today (CD14)
lunch:
4 small shortbread biscuits
2 small cupcakes
1 chocolate truffle

tea:
veggie lasagne
2 slices of garlic baguette
green beans
couple more cupcakes

[HopeandDreamG]

Not the quote I intended, tried to do the one about the corn chips!

I almost bought those yesterday! I bought some other ones instead b/c they had less calories for more chips and I'm a hungry girl!

Did you see the corn pasta they have? 1/2 a cup is 190 calories so 1 cup is just under 400 and it has less protein and nutirents than reg pasta.

Which ones did you get? The ones I got , the serving size was 14 chips/1 oz. They also had no sodium potatoe chips! I didn't get those because I want to avoid potatoes.

[littlemissnaughty7]

why do you want to try and avoid potatoes H&D hun ?

[GeCon]

LMN, as far as I know on the LE you are allowed potatoes as long as they fit within your limits as atomic does not believe in any "magic" foods. I think the reason why some of us prefer to keep away from them is that on the IG diet they are not allowed at all due to the high potassium content. However, I have seen atomic suggesting a few times now that people eat potatoes or bananas to ensure they get their daily minimum potassium intake.

LMN, I could be wrong, but I am thinking that H&D might be avoiding potatoes due to the above.

[HopeandDreamG]

why do you want to try and avoid potatoes H&D hun ?

I just can't get it out of my head that there's too much potassium in them! Trying to keep very very low nutrients all around. I know LE doesn't mean no nutrients, just can't get past this. I can have potatoes later!

[suregena]

I've purposely had very plain rice tonight for dinner (just creme fraiche and lemon juice) because I baked cinnamon rolls in cupcake liners and I ended up eating one of the small ones with some of the mascarpone frosting. Dohhhhh!

[HopeandDreamG]

Dramabird~ Dh just came home with the Paul Newman's salsa i requested! The sodium on this one says 105mg for 2 tablespoons. Which one do you have thats 65mg? Or maybe its a different serving size?

So I just had a white bread pita warmed a little with hummus (got the single servings so I don't go overboard) with cucumbers on top. It was seriously GREAT. Tastes WAY better then that sounds. I promise :)

[HopeandDreamG]

I've purposely had very plain rice tonight for dinner (just creme fraiche and lemon juice) because I baked cinnamon rolls in cupcake liners and I ended up eating one of the small ones with some of the mascarpone frosting. Dohhhhh!

That sounds good!

[suregena]

That sounds good!

Oh, yeaaaah. It is, very, very yummyyummygood. Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes | fruippé (http://candied.net/fruippe/2010/08/gooey-cinnamon-roll-cupcakes/)

Tomorrow is going to be DOOM for me. I am going to try to hold back but it's going to be hard. I'm destined to have nothing but boys, AND I'm vegetarian as it is! :x :(

On the menu.... tortilla chips and dips (could be okay if I stuck to those)
Homemade pizzas (made by me as well...)
Apple Spice Buttermilk cake with soy custard to serve it with
Cinnamon roll 'cupcakes'
Chocolate chip and butterscotch chip and hazelnut cookies

And that's just what I'm supplying. Other people are bringing other stuff. Sigh!

I'm feeling crampy-period like tonight... very mildly. Still negative OPK, though. Yarrrrrrgh!

[HopeandDreamG]

suregena~ Can you make some food on the side for yourself thats girl friendly? noone will notice. I make myself a pizza on pita bread. Your right, the chips will work. Maybe you can have hummus, cucumber, green beans & carrots available. Its your son's party so you'll be busy too! Have fun :)

[suregena]

I'm making so many things, the last thing I want to do is make myself something. I might try to make one of the pizzas girl friendly. Er, somehow...

I don't know. I don't plan to eat anything all day except at the 'party'... but, ehhhh... I've just finished baking my cookies and I ATE a few. SEE? No will power... not with baked goods.

Luckily it shouldn't have put me over my numbers, but yeesh. I suck.

[HopeandDreamG]

I'm making so many things, the last thing I want to do is make myself something. I might try to make one of the pizzas girl friendly. Er, somehow...

I don't know. I don't plan to eat anything all day except at the 'party'... but, ehhhh... I've just finished baking my cookies and I ATE a few. SEE? No will power... not with baked goods.

Luckily it shouldn't have put me over my numbers, but yeesh. I suck.

Actually, I think that is willpower. I CAN'T eat a FEW! Thats my problem. You do not suck..you rule!

[suregena]

I could have eaten 10+. And the cinnamon rolls. Droooooooool...drooooool.... the icing made with mascarpone and vanilla.... *faints*

The cake tomorrow morning I am making is going to be amazing. WISH I COULD EAT IT. I will probably have a bite... or a skinny slice... or, oh I don't know!

[littlemissnaughty7]

oh suregena hun you can do it just picture your little girls face,

[suregena]

Hubby was in a bad mood today and was bitching at me while I was in the kitchen trying to bake. Then I was stressed because my cake burnt as soon as 5ish minutes in the oven! My oven gets too hot! I ate a piece of cheese and a bite of my son's toast. I am still going to hold on today but it was a rough start this morning...

[HopeandDreamG]

Before you know it this day will be over...you can do it hang in there!!

[littlemissnaughty7]

so suregena how did you get on ?

[dramabird]

Dramabird~ Dh just came home with the Paul Newman's salsa i requested! The sodium on this one says 105mg for 2 tablespoons. Which one do you have thats 65mg? Or maybe its a different serving size?

Okay, I have the jar in front of me. It is Newman's Own, mild chunky. Serving size is 2 tablespoons -- 10 calories, zero fat, 65mg sodium, zero protein, zero calcium. I am on my Nook Tablet right now so I cannot post a link, but I will look for one when I am on my regular computer and post it here. I know the store had at least 4 different Newman salsas when I got this one, so others may have more sodium.

[suregena]

so suregena how did you get on ?

TERRIBLY!!!
I ate SO many cookies. Okay, maybe 8-10 (Godddddddd... they were so good, how do you stop?!) Hardly anyone showed up, so that probably did it, as I was feeling depressed and missing my wonderful, wild, crazy American family and Otis (my son) is stuck with this strange, disjointed English world where only his english Grandma comes up and our local friends and their son. THAT WAS IT. I had so many more people saying they were attending, and they didn't. It's 8pm now... so, safe to say that's it. I'm pretty bummed out...
So, I had all these delicious baked goods and no one to eat them. So I ate a lot of cookies, a cinnamon roll, a slice of pizza, and some tortilla chips and hummus/salsa.

The cookies probably brought me well over my fat limit, though. *shrug*
I was so bummed out this morning that I told my husband that was it... I'm done this month. My cycle is frustrating me and I knew today was going to be bad, so...

My son enjoyed playing with our local friend's son... but I was, once again, feeling empty because I have no family over here.

It's things like these sort of celebrations or times where you want a big family coming together. I miss that feeling....

[Mochagirl]

I'm sorry the party didn't turn out as you hoped, suregena. It must be really tough to be so far from your family. I think you deserved a nice cheat day after doing all that baking!

[suregena]

I suppose so. :/

[HopeandDreamG]

Okay, I have the jar in front of me. It is Newman's Own, mild chunky. Serving size is 2 tablespoons -- 10 calories, zero fat, 65mg sodium, zero protein, zero calcium. I am on my Nook Tablet right now so I cannot post a link, but I will look for one when I am on my regular computer and post it here. I know the store had at least 4 different Newman salsas when I got this one, so others may have more sodium.

Thank you. Dh went to the store for me, I'm sure he didn't read every jar! He did compare to another brand that had twice as much sodium (that actually impressed me). I'll look for that one. Mine is Medium wonder if that makes the difference? I'll check it out next time I'm in the store.

[HopeandDreamG]

Suregena~ I am so sorry your feeling down. Where are you from? It must be really hard not to have family around. Honestly, one cheat day is not ruining a sway. Think about it before you give up on the month. You can be really really strict the next couple of days and now that the stress is done maybe O will Show.

[suregena]

Suregena~ I am so sorry your feeling down. Where are you from? It must be really hard not to have family around. Honestly, one cheat day is not ruining a sway. Think about it before you give up on the month. You can be really really strict the next couple of days and now that the stress is done maybe O will Show.


True. The stress wasn't the party so much but that O was supposed to happen BEFORE his party but it hasn't (as far as I know, unless the tests are just crap...), so, I don't know. I've really push the limit on stuff today because I got so down. Granted, I didn't eat breakfast (except a piece of cheese and bite of my son's toast around 12pm) and then I ate a bit at 2pm and then ate a load of crap following that, but I'm sure, fat-wise, it was off the map, even if it was all totally unhealthy (and delicious...)


I'm from Arizona. But I live in the UK. I'm used to my big, loud American family and I've been in the UK since the beginning of 2007 and it's NEVER gotten any easier. My husband's family is small, awkward, disjointed, and NOT close OR affectionate at all. His mother is from the pre-war era of Britain so tends to be very reserved, very unemotional, and very unmotherly (which I only REALLY took notice of when I became a mother myself. She doesn't and never outwardly said or showed my husband or his brothers any sort of verbal or affectionate sort of parental love, ever... and that's just strange to me... like saying, "I love you" or cuddling them when they're sick. She never did that with them at all. I remember when my father in law passed away in 2010, and my husband tried to coax her feelings out and she dropped us off at home after we helped her plan the funeral, and my husband said to her, "Love ya" and she very awkwardly was silent then said, "... okay!")

My family is VERY tight-knit and close and my husband has grown close to them and how affectionate they are and how they are not afraid of showing their fragile/emotional sides, as my husband tends to be an emotive sort of person so it's really clicked with him. But being over 5,000 miles away and all special holidays or birthdays, I REALLY feel the lonesomeness of not having one's family around. It just feels very... well, the only way I can describe it is I feel 'half" of myself here. I do not feel whole, despite my son and husband being completely loved, adored, and wonderful in every imaginable way. It's weird.

Anyway, ramble over...

[Mochagirl]

I'm from Arizona. But I live in the UK. I'm used to my big, loud American family and I've been in the UK since the beginning of 2007 and it's NEVER gotten any easier. My husband's family is small, awkward, disjointed, and NOT close OR affectionate at all. His mother is from the pre-war era of Britain so tends to be very reserved, very unemotional, and very unmotherly (which I only REALLY took notice of when I became a mother myself. She doesn't and never outwardly said or showed my husband or his brothers any sort of verbal or affectionate sort of parental love, ever... and that's just strange to me... like saying, "I love you" or cuddling them when they're sick. She never did that with them at all. I remember when my father in law passed away in 2010, and my husband tried to coax her feelings out and she dropped us off at home after we helped her plan the funeral, and my husband said to her, "Love ya" and she very awkwardly was silent then said, "... okay!")


Sounds JUST like my in-laws!!! I come from a close-knit, loving family too, so I've always found it VERY strange that dh's family to hug each other or say I love you...EVER! His parents NEVER call us - not even on dh's birthday or my boys' birthdays - and they're their ONLY grandchildren! I REALLY feel for you - I think I'd go crazy if they were the only family I had close by! :HH:

[littlemissnaughty7]

oh suregena hun i wish i was there to give you a big cuddle, please dont feel lonely huni, it must feel so awful not being with your family when you need them, and for not many people to show up to your sons bday just sucks, but you have your husband and son who will get you through the bad times, and even though your family are far away there always with you, be positive and do your diet starting again from tomorrow as your still not out this month hun, you could very well O tomorrow or the next i def think the stress has put it off, just have a think and do what you are happy with, we are always here when you need a chat xx

[suregena]

Thanks darlin'!

[suregena]

Sounds JUST like my in-laws!!! I come from a close-knit, loving family too, so I've always found it VERY strange that dh's family to hug each other or say I love you...EVER! His parents NEVER call us - not even on dh's birthday or my boys' birthdays - and they're their ONLY grandchildren! I REALLY feel for you - I think I'd go crazy if they were the only family I had close by! :HH:

Let me tell you... it gets really trying at times. :(

[HopeandDreamG]

Suregena~ being away from family is so hard. It makes it even harder that DH's family is cold :( Hope you start feeling better soon..maybe a skype with the fam in Arizona is called for!

[suregena]

Yeah, did a lot of skyping... but often it just brings me down more!

[HopeandDreamG]

You know I almost said that too, that the flip side is it can make you feel more down. Well, your internet family is here for you :) :bighug: !!

[rainbowflower]

Aww suregena, you sound so sad. Where in the UK are you? Have you made friends here?

Is your cm still fertile?

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

[suregena]

I'm in West Yorkshire. I know people but am hesitant to call anyone friends like I have back home. Last I checked (haven't checked this morning yet) my cm is hard to decipher but my cervix now, last night, seemed lower and feeling of the cervix itself feels different, more firm. So I hope I did ovulate but the cheap OPKs just didn't pick it up. Maybe all the swaying stuff made my LH harder to detect, maybe just with the cheap tests?

[rainbowflower]

cheap OPKs really are bad sometimes... even though I got my peak on my CBFM and a good pos on a clearblue OPK yesterday morning, the internet cheapies were still negative (albeit a lot darker than the rest of the cycle, but only about 2/3 intensity of the control line)

[suregena]

The most I have seen with them is a sliver of a line that is similar in color as the control line. You know where maybe 1/3rd or less shows a nonfaint color? That's the "strongest" I've ever gotten.
So... I don't know. Maybe I started paying attention to cervical position and CM at the right time and maybe I DID ovulate but those tests just couldn't pick it up, for a variety of reasons. Well, one can hope...

This morning I decided to join the rest of my little family for an eggy breakfast (cheese scambled egg, crumpet, and mushrooms) but I'll skip lunch. I'm sure the cheese sent me over, but it's my last day off before a new work week so I'm just going to stay mellow.

[rainbowflower]

what time of day do you test with using the ICs? I find FMU gives me best results with them but that#s normally the time of day you're told NOT to test with them!
I think CM and cervix position is often the best way to tell really

don't feel guilty about the breakfast, it's no harm now and again

[suregena]

I was following the 1-2pm and night-time rule (usually 6-9pm) I also did some morning, too (three tests a day!)

[dramabird]

Thank you. Dh went to the store for me, I'm sure he didn't read every jar! He did compare to another brand that had twice as much sodium (that actually impressed me). I'll look for that one. Mine is Medium wonder if that makes the difference? I'll check it out next time I'm in the store.

I was at the store yesterday, HnG, and I looked at the medium jar -- yep, that one is 105 mg of sodium. I don't know why there would be such a difference between the mild and medium flavors, but there you have it. :)

And you're right, 105 is still quite good compared to other ones. I think the kind DH usually gets has well over 200.

[dramabird]

I'm really sorry, suregena. Being homesick feels just rotten. I was never more than three hours away from my family and even that was really tough. :bighug:

[Out of the Blue]

The most I have seen with them is a sliver of a line that is similar in color as the control line. You know where maybe 1/3rd or less shows a nonfaint color? That's the "strongest" I've ever gotten.
So... I don't know. Maybe I started paying attention to cervical position and CM at the right time and maybe I DID ovulate but those tests just couldn't pick it up, for a variety of reasons. Well, one can hope...


Suregena, last spring I bought a BUNCH of ICs and never could get a + off of them...not once. It just sucks that things are so confusing for you. I know it's compounded by the fact that you've been on this diet awhile and just want to go back to normal life and not be so strict about things. Also, BIG HUGS from me b/c I know things are so rough w/out family around. :HH:

[Out of the Blue]

Well, your internet family is here for you :) :bighug: !!

YES! That goes for everyone on this thread!!!

[HopeandDreamG]

I was at the store yesterday, HnG, and I looked at the medium jar -- yep, that one is 105 mg of sodium. I don't know why there would be such a difference between the mild and medium flavors, but there you have it. :)

And you're right, 105 is still quite good compared to other ones. I think the kind DH usually gets has well over 200.

Thank you! Guess I will be buying the mild! Glad you mentioned the salsa. I had looked at the other brands before I saw your post about the newmans and there was no way I was using over 200mg sodium in 2 just tablespoons.

We had some last night with the trader joes no salt tortilla chips while we watched the Giants game!!!

[purple sky]

Oh Surgena I'm sorry about your dh's family. Being that far from your own family has got to be tough :HH: I agree, I think maybe your IC didn't pick up O and you already O'd.

I went to trader Joe's this weekend and couldn't find anything really good :( No salt free tortilla chips, no low sodium salsa and the worst is they didn't have any frozen yogurt. Ugh the search continues...

On a last note - I CANT BELIEVE THE NINERS LOST!!!!!

[HopeandDreamG]

Purple sky~ did you ask at trader joes for the chips? How did they not have them? The aisle is huge here filled with tortilla chips, don't think I would have had the patience to find them myself. And BTW: Go GIANTS!! LOL

[suregena]

I have a LOT of potatoes I need to get eaten up in the next few days. I'm in the 2ww... if I skinned them and only ate mine, say... with no butter and only creme fraiche, think that would be okay? Also, how much should I stick to without eating potato overload? My past two days with my son's birthday and meeting up with friends not knowing we were out to eat (thought we were getting drinks!) and having already cheated a bit yesterday anyway, I am trying to revert back to how I ought to be on the 2ww...

[HopeandDreamG]

Suregena~ I think the important thing about diet in the 2WW is to keep your sugar low- skip brekkie and don't snack in between. This gives the egg the best chance of implanting.
I'm not sure about this- maybe someone else can chime in: my thought is as long as you do above you should be fine (to ensure implantation of the bean) but if you eat potatoes in the 2 ww (or anything else) it cannot really effect you because the egg has already been fertilized and can't switch genders. It is already what it IS!!

[suregena]

So is low sugars true for implantation regardless of the gender then or something specifically tied to girls?

I did bad the past couple days but I would hate to throw away potatoes! My husband is lazy with cooking and hasn't used them up. I hope I haven't messed up things over the last couple of days...

[HopeandDreamG]

Pink beans prefer low glucose enviornments. something to do with the efficiency of how the suck up blood glucose. lower blood sugar = more likely for pink bean to implant. There's a thread on here somewhere about it. I'll look for it.

[Out of the Blue]

I went to trader Joe's this weekend and couldn't find anything really good :( No salt free tortilla chips, no low sodium salsa and the worst is they didn't have any frozen yogurt. Ugh the search continues...

Sometimes shopping at TJ's really foils my plans b/c they seem to be out of a certain thing every now and then and sometimes, it's not just a week but even a month or more on certain things...:) This is the 2nd week that they've been out of my organic frozen raspberries and they didn't have the fro-yo this week at mine either.

[Out of the Blue]

I would not be worried about a few extra nutrients in the 2ww but H&D is right...Try to keep skipping breakkie and not snacking b/c BS is key. Upping your cals/fat/protein/etc. a bit is sort of risky b/c even w/skipping breakfast and not snacking, it still may alter your blood sugar levels depending on what you eat. In this 2ww, I admit that I have eaten more cals/protein/fat/sodium but just a little bit more. That's just my take on things...

Here's something BIG and LONG I had saved about diet in the 2ww. This is Atomic's response to someone's question about diet in the 2ww:

It's not because they need less nutrients, it's because they suck up glucose more effectively and if there's too much in the environment they may suck up too much. The males do not suck it up effectively and probably prefer more in their environment. You're right that we don't know which gender has been conceived but it's about giving the gender you've swayed so hard for the best possible chance of thriving after conception.

It's likely that big and strong beans of either gender can withstand a wide variety of environments. My thinking is simply that it makes no sense for us to desperately TTC a baby girl, and then not do everything we can to ensure that she has an optimal environment to develop in. This may be esp. true for those of us with 3-4-5-more boys already because the odds are good we prob. already HAVE a good environment for boys to develop in and so we may need to be extra diligent in providing an XX with the best environment we can.

http://genderdreaming.com/forum/trying-conceive-girl/6922-how-many-calories-around-ovulation.html#post110857 - XY NEED more glucose than XX do because they can't suck up as much (and this is the one aspect of swaying that is 100% proven beyond a shadow of a doubt because researchers have seen it happen in a lab and can even use it as a test to tell apart XX and XY.)

Some people are worried that if they cut back too far and do conceive a boy, they will lose him and I do admit this is a possibility. But, in the same study that proved XX and XY need diff amounts of glucose, they also showed that the healthy and best-developing beans of either gender were the best at sucking up glucose (and those are the ones who are most likely to produce viable pg anyway). So a healthy boy who was going to go onto successfully stick, will STILL be able to suck up enough glucose to survive anyway even if it is less than optimal environment, and a boy bean that couldn't make it due to environment, very well may have not been destined to make it anyway.. A healthy girl will be GREAT at sucking up glucose so there is no "too low" for girls (your body does everything it can to make sure a baby has a shot of survival so it's going to keep pumping glucose into the CM). In fact, it may even be the case that too-high glucose is worse than too low, for BOTH genders.

My thinking has always been, A) it's silly to do everything we can to try to conceive a baby girl and then not do everything we can to ensure she has the best shot at survival and B) it's almost certain to me that if this mechanism exists (as it definitely appears to), then there is another, as yet undiscovered mechanism at play PRIOR to conception that takes note of glucose and works to ensure that you conceive a baby of the gender that your body is most likely to successfuly carry to term. Eggs are "biologically expensive" for your body to make and it doesn't "like" to just send them out willy nilly and risk miscarriage (even more "biologically expensive") - that is why swaying works to begin with, because your body only wants to chance a pregnancy/birth/child raising that has the best odds of survival. Obviously this mechanism, like all our body's mechanisms, are not foolproof, which is why swaying can never be 100% and people do have miscarriages sometimes unfortunately.

One of the first gals I helped with swaying info was one of those who tended to take things further than I would like - she stuck with the blood glucose stuff religiously and did it even AFTER her BFP (against my advice BTW) and her baby was a boy who is now 1 and perfectly normal in every way. So I have evidence that blood glucose does not cause healthy baby boys to be miscarried.

[Out of the Blue]

Purple sky~ did you ask at trader joes for the chips? How did they not have them? The aisle is huge here filled with tortilla chips, don't think I would have had the patience to find them myself. And BTW: Go GIANTS!! LOL

H&D, that's why I can't send DH to TJ's, lol...b/c he can never find what I want him to buy. Their store is small but they have so much stuff that sometimes it's hiding.

[suregena]

Well, the past few days were total fails (I caved this morning and had a cookie with coffee, gah! Leftover cookies = evil...) so hopefully I haven't ruined my help towards a healthy pink bean! I did have mashed potato with creme fraiche and a couple small yorkshire puddings (I didn't realize how low in everything those were!) tonight but I'm going to be religious from tomorrow. I had a hard day during my son's birthday so fell off the wagon only SLIGHTLY, i.e. I ate a late breakfast about 11pm with my husband and son yesterday, had leftover hummus and tortilla chips, and had a slice and a half of pizza... and a lot of cookies. :x

[Out of the Blue]

Suregena, don't even give it a 2nd thought at this point...what's done is done and I don't think you did that badly. Just try to eat how you were eating while on the sway and stick to it. I'm right there with you...I reaaaaaaally want to eat something with lots and lots of cheese right now...:oops:

[purplepoet20]

I haven't really been dieting... I was trying to start eating normal meals again but I can't. Dieting for so long has affected me. I can barely eat a non-fat yogurt at 10 without feeling full or sick. I have a few small snacks during the day, then a normal dinner, and fruit before bed. Last we ate Lettuce Wraps (cole slaw mix with pork) I didn't add anything salty or fattening because of hubbies diet.

Atleast if I do get preg I will be used to my morning sickness diet!

[Out of the Blue]

PP, I was the same way when I got preg last summer...All the sudden I could eat breakfast and anything I wanted but it was such a chore to eat before 11 - 12 and I ended up eating a lot of the same sway meals b/c that's just what I felt like. Food just wasn't as fun as I had thought it would be. I'm hoping you get a BFP before Valentines Day...what a wonderful V-Day prezzie. Your very own little cupid in your belly :awe:

[suregena]

Suregena, don't even give it a 2nd thought at this point...what's done is done and I don't think you did that badly. Just try to eat how you were eating while on the sway and stick to it. I'm right there with you...I reaaaaaaally want to eat something with lots and lots of cheese right now...:oops:


I have eaten a loooooot of homemade cookies. The whole time, "I shouldn't do this... but I WANT ONE SO BAD." Then the domino effect where you walk by them and have to have another.
I really have no willpower. It's been horrible.

Hopefully all is well that ends well.

[suregena]

I still, because of all my failings (not daily, mind you) in terms of chocolates during December and cookies around/after ovulation, think I'll probably end up with a boy. That is... if I have a BFP this month!

[HopeandDreamG]

Thanks out of the blue! That's what I was looking for :)

[purplepoet20]

PP, I was the same way when I got preg last summer...All the sudden I could eat breakfast and anything I wanted but it was such a chore to eat before 11 - 12 and I ended up eating a lot of the same sway meals b/c that's just what I felt like. Food just wasn't as fun as I had thought it would be. I'm hoping you get a BFP before Valentines Day...what a wonderful V-Day prezzie. Your very own little cupid in your belly :awe:

It will still be hard with hubby dieting... but every year I make a prime rib dinner for valentines day. Our 1st offical date was velentines, corny I know but we met shortly before that time. Wow just realized we met 5 years ago in just a few days. We decided to be a couple on 2/10. I need a new younger man :)

[Out of the Blue]

How's everyone doing today?

I really think I need to change up my meal choices b/c I am absolutely sick of sauteed leeks/mushrooms/noodles or rice...I can't believe I've been eating this (and loving it!) for so long. Not too keen on salads anymore either...

Can you guys post some of your favorite sway meals? I'm so bored and unsatisfied the last two day. :(

[Out of the Blue]

I still, because of all my failings (not daily, mind you) in terms of chocolates during December and cookies around/after ovulation, think I'll probably end up with a boy. That is... if I have a BFP this month!

Don't sell your sway short, Suregena! I think you've been doing better than you realize. :HH:

[Out of the Blue]

I have eaten a loooooot of homemade cookies. The whole time, "I shouldn't do this... but I WANT ONE SO BAD." Then the domino effect where you walk by them and have to have another.
I really have no willpower. It's been horrible.

Hopefully all is well that ends well.

I know the "domino effect" all too well...:) Cookies are one of my weaknesses...and CHEESE!!!

[littlemissnaughty7]

ooth do you not eat cheese then on this diet, i do i have some soft chilli cheese that i put in my pasta sauce, oh and another thing is tomatoes a no no on this diet ?

[littlemissnaughty7]

and whoever it was that was asking about potatoes AS said to me recently that they are fab for a girl sway as they up your calories,

[rainbowflower]

ooth do you not eat cheese then on this diet, i do i have some soft chilli cheese that i put in my pasta sauce, oh and another thing is tomatoes a no no on this diet ?

you can eat cheese as long as you stay within limits - fat, sodium, etc. because it's high in both of those

you can eat most things in moderation on the LE diet. Cooked tomatoes are thought to be fine, though.

have you read the food list? it's quite comprehensive: http://genderdreaming.com/forum/ttc-girl/3316-introducing-low-everything-diet-ttc-pink.html#post34039

[Out of the Blue]

ooth do you not eat cheese then on this diet, i do i have some soft chilli cheese that i put in my pasta sauce, oh and another thing is tomatoes a no no on this diet ?

Cheese is fine on the diet as long as you can fit it into your daily cals/fat/protein/sodium but I am seriously addicted to it so I don't have much (b/c I'll want MORE) and I find it's usually too high in fat/protein/sodium to have much anyway. Tomatoes are okay on the diet but I think they're not something you'd want to eat everyday/all the time due to the higher nutrients.

Edited to say...I was posting the same time as Rainbow :)

[HopeandDreamG]

and whoever it was that was asking about potatoes AS said to me recently that they are fab for a girl sway as they up your calories,

Why would we want to up our calories? Or do you mean get calories without going over the limits of protein, fat etc.?

[Out of the Blue]

Why would we want to up our calories? Or do you mean get calories without going over the limits of protein, fat etc.?

Yes...exactly! I find that once I've reached about 1000 cals, my fat/protein budgets are blown and I just need cals in. Sugar is great for this but potatoes can be too, especially if you can spluge a bit on sodium to make them more palatable.

[HopeandDreamG]

H&D, that's why I can't send DH to TJ's, lol...b/c he can never find what I want him to buy. Their store is small but they have so much stuff that sometimes it's hiding.

Dh always comes home with the wrong stuff. I appreciate him going but sometimes its just not worth it! Especially right now bc of mny SWAY, if its not the exact product I dont want a substitute. I sound so unappreciative- LOL I often send him a pic of the product!

[rainbowflower]

some of us find it hard to eat enough calories to reach the limits some days, cheese can help us get up to a safer range

[HopeandDreamG]

I ate like nothing yesterday, and Im STARVING right now. I was trying to break a number on the scale and I did! I know I didn't eat enough. I'm weighing myself each Wednesday morning. Working for a few hrs, I will be done at 1 and can eat. YAY!! Can't wait.

Here's what I had:

12pm:
4 egg whites, 1 slice low sodium cheese, 1tbsp salsa, TJ unsalted tortilla chips, strawberries, 2 rice cakes
4pm:
White pita, hummus, serving hint of salt triscuits, green beans

Totals:
Calories:868 (I know its not enough)
Fat: 30
Sodium: 844
Protein: 28
I know I didn't eat enough and I don't want to slow my metabolism, will up it. I think O week (26 days) I may eat more like this for several days. Thoughts?

[littlemissnaughty7]

sorry yes up them without going over your limits on fat/protein for the day,

[dramabird]

I really think I need to change up my meal choices b/c I am absolutely sick of sauteed leeks/mushrooms/noodles or rice...I can't believe I've been eating this (and loving it!) for so long. Not too keen on salads anymore either...

Can you guys post some of your favorite sway meals? I'm so bored and unsatisfied the last two day. :(

Oh, Out of the Blue, I hear you. I want a big cheeseburger with avocados, I want pepperoni pizza, I want chicken wings dipped in ranch dressing, I want some "Better than Sex" cake (y'know, chocolate cake filled with sweetened condensed milk and caramel, topped with whipped cream and crushed candy bars) ... I want to eat again!!! :)

I, too, have been swinging back and forth between rice (always with mushrooms, sometimes with zucchini added, sometimes with leeks added) and Atomic's fake stroganoff (pasta with mushrooms, red bell peppers and sour cream). My other main staple that actually makes me feel like I'm eating something is a piece of white bread, smeared with 1/2 T. of mayo (although I'm afraid my "half tablespoons" keep getting bigger, since I'm so darned hungry!) and topped with two cooked egg whites. Egg whites by themselves don't feel very substantial, but the mayo and bread make it feel bulkier.

I'm only eating twice a day (with no snacking) and I try to "save up" as many of my calories for my evening meal as I can, so I can actually feel full for once. For example, yesterday for lunch I had some green beans, applesauce, a rice cake and a portion of stroganoff, which added up to about 350 calories. I'm not letting myself go above 1300 calories in a day (because I wasn't losing any weight at higher numbers), but that still left me with up to 900 calories to "spend" -- which I used on the egg/mayo/bread combo (145 cal), another rice cake (50), iceburg lettuce dipped one leaf at a time (LOL) into a half serving of Paula Deen's Vidalia Onion Honey Mustard Dressing (1 T. has 30 cal., 50 mg sodium -- def. the lowest sodium salad dressing I've been able to find) ... aaaaaaand 600 calories' worth of chocolate chip cookies. :) Def. not healthy, but I stayed below all my values and my tummy actually felt full. And the cookies made me feel rewarded for pushing through the rest of the day on so little.

I've been thinking about trying to track down some sort of premade veggie burger that's not too excessive in sodium (Morning Star brand has 350mg) ... I thought maybe that on a bun with a glop of mayo, a slice of Swiss cheese, the smallest little dollops of ketchup and mustard and, if I have the sodium to spare, maybe a few slices of pickle, could be a really nice change. Again, it would need to be for dinner on a day where my lunch values were super low, including protein since a burger like this would have about 10 g. ... and there would be no cookies that night, of course!

I will echo OotB ... if anyone has other suggestions of things that feel substantial, that would be awesome!!

[rainbowflower]

ohh I've had an awful 2 days diet-wise! now I'm in the 2ww I feel I can relax the rules a lot more (seeing as I then might regain a little to lose again next cycle if I have to).. and because I had so few cheat days and really stuck to it before OV

yesterday I ate:
tomato soup, a large slice of white baguette, a Wispa Gold, and then some other choc/biscuit bar
and for tea Chinese!! including sweet+sour chicken balls, chicken curry, rice, some spring roll, and a few prawn crackers

today I've eaten:
200g fruit + nut choc: couldn't stop once I started as I've been going without right up until OV! and 2 small iced fingers
and for tea pasta with a WW tomato sauce and 1 half-fat pork sausage

so from tomorrow I'm going to eat better again and no more meat for me!

[Mochagirl]

One of my favourite LE diet meals was my veggie tacos - they're so good that when I found some leftovers in the freezer I happily ate them for a meal even though I'm not on the diet anymore.

I just sauteed leeks, mushrooms, zucchini and a bit of yellow pepper until soft, then added some plain tinned tomatoes, a bit of cumin and chili powder and lots of fresh cilantro, then simmered until all the flavours were blended. I ate about 2 TBSP of the mixture on a salt-free corn tortilla and topped it with a teeny bit of cheese, fat free plain yogurt (instead of sour cream) and a bit of low sodium salsa. Soooooo yummy and filling. I sometimes also made them with black beans, but found I could eat more without going over my protein budget (and so be more full) if I left the beans out.

I know some are leary to use the chili powder on the diet, but I don't think eating this once or twice a week is going to hurt anything, and it's a nice taste change from pasta and rice.

[suregena]

Truth be told, I've used chili powder pretty often. Only a little, but it really helps everything taste nice without going over on anything!

:x I'm a terrible dieter!

[littlemissnaughty7]

is chilli powder not recommended then on this diet ?

[littlemissnaughty7]

ootb hun i am having 1/4 of a tin of chopped tomatoes a day as a rice/pasta sauce should i cut this down ? what nutrients are in them ?

[rainbowflower]

ootb hun i am having 1/4 of a tin of chopped tomatoes a day as a rice/pasta sauce should i cut this down ? what nutrients are in them ?
there's no need to, why would you? I ate more than that of chopped tomatoes most days (in soup or with pasta!)

[Mochagirl]

I ate tomatoes almost daily on the LE diet.

[HopeandDreamG]

Favorites right now:
1) Pita toasted lightly, hummus and cucumbers, raw string beans also dipped in the hummus. Bought the individual servings so I don't go overboard with the hummus serving size.
2)Pita with a little sauce and low sodium shredded mozzerella and hummus on the side with cucumbers and/or stringbeans
3) 4 egg whites sometimes with a slice of low sodium cheese, serving of Tj's unsalted tortilla chips, newmans salsa on the egg whites and tortilla, side of strawberries
Basically this is what I've been eating everyday. Have 3 "meals" a day, its really 2 and the last is a small snack when kids go to bed., 12pm/1pm, 5pm/6pm, 8/9pm

[amari]

ootb-Wish I could help, I am still doing salad and pasta. I do like tj's plain mini bagels with either whipped cream cheese and polaner sugar free jelly with added fiber or this and quark on them. Also I eat 100 cal pack hostess cinnamon coffee cakes. These are obviously meal additions, not meals themselves.

[purple sky]

I am loving the hummus, cucumber and pita too! Yum sometimes I'll add a little lettuce..

How is everyone eating rice? Just low sodium Butter?

[Mochagirl]

I always liked my rice with a little fat free plain yogurt and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar mixed in. Surprisingly tasty! Sometimes I even added cumin in for some extra flavour.

[littlemissnaughty7]

RF hun it was just because OOTB mentione they have extra nutrients in them and maybe not to eat them every day, i have nt heard of her since so i hope she reads my other post to see what nutrients are in them and if i should cut them down,

[nks798]

:wave: everyone! I'm new to this and a little shy. I've been lurking mostly.. but I'm in need of some meal ideas as I am starting the LE diet Monday. I really only need ideas for lunches ..I don't want my coworkers thinking I am crazy! really.. lunch will probably be my biggest meal. my DH is totally on board with this as far as my part goes.. so he understands my diet will be so different starting Monday. we are hoping to start TTCing end of March/April. TIA!

[Out of the Blue]

RF hun it was just because OOTB mentione they have extra nutrients in them and maybe not to eat them every day, i have nt heard of her since so i hope she reads my other post to see what nutrients are in them and if i should cut them down,

LMN7, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you...it's probably okay, especially if you're doing the other things (Low cal/fat/protein/sodium) as nutrients sway a lot less than those. I was just trying to give you the "cautious approach". You're probably just fine! I still eat seaweed frequently...I'm sure that's swaying WAAAAAAAAY more than your tomatoes everyday!

[Out of the Blue]

:wave: Welcome, nks798...glad to have another one in the trenches w/us!

[Out of the Blue]

Thx for all the food ideas guys...Keep 'em coming if you think of more!

Yesterday, I wasn't hungry AT ALL and eating was like a complete chore. I had some left-over sauteed leeks/mushrooms but couldn't eat it so I ended up eating rice crisps, snappea crisps and TJ's "Cats Cookies". I put lite coolwhip in between them and made little sandwich cookies. For dinner, I ate 2 pieces of lowfat string cheese and some hot Pero (coffee substitute) w/eggnog flavored rice milk. That's all I could eat and just felt blah. I think I'm coming down w/a cold since nothing tastes good and I feel really yucky/off. I don't even feel like cheating on my sway at all!

[littlemissnaughty7]

thanks OOTB hun i may take it down to every other day lol, just to be sure, your chart looks ace, i hope your symptoms are ones from a pink bean being in your tummy !!!