Annelies' Diary

[Alies]

I've been avoiding this for some reason, but have come to the conclusion it may be liberating. Here goes...

I honestly believe I was a carbohydrate addict. It was not an unusual day to eat a 250g packet of chips, or two, and a block of chocolate in an afternoon when I was bored or tired. These things did not appear to be having any effect on my weight in the last twelve months so I became quite brazen about eating what I wanted, when I wanted, much to the disgust of my friends on various diets.

My mother and three brothers are diabetics.

My sister and two of my brothers and I have been through nasty colonoscopies in the last two years because our father died of bowel cancer 8 years ago. Three of us, including me, were found to have polyps.

When I was weighed at the hospital for my colonoscopy in June 2002 I was embarrassed to be 95kgs. I am 170cm tall.

I had my bone density checked and tried to justify that I weighed so much because my density was off the chart.

My doctor was not happy with my blood pressure at 140/90 and demanded to see me every three weeks. There was no change over three visits and I came within a hairs' whisker of medication.

I asked my husband to buy me Dr. Atkins book for Christmas. I read through the introduction and induction and so many things rang true that I started the diet two days later. Does anyone else think it spooky that it happened to be my father's birthday? That little realisation hit me about a month ago. Is it also coincidence that my father started his working life in Australia as a greengrocer?

I've been through good and trying times since starting this WOE and they are all worth it.

My blood pressure was 140/80 last friday and my doctor is encouraging me to keep doing what I'm doing.

I had my wisdom teeth taken out today and they weighed me at the hospital at 84kgs! Just for fun I got off the scales and got back on again. The nurse thought it was funny. My blood pressure was 130/86 - I was nervous.

My goal is to lose another 14kgs and get back to my pre-marriage weight and size 14. I've been married for 10 years and am 34 years old. I am mum to two beautiful boys and they are both interested in my new eating habits. My husband doesn't want me to lose my boobs. I doubt that will ever happen!

I have resolved to only shop in those stores that cater to all sized women, even when I've lost the weight, as a matter of justice.:)

[Sherrie]

Welcome Annelies

It took me ages to start a diary too.

11kgs since just after christmas is fantastic you should be very proud of yourself. Great news that your doctor is encouraging you!

Good Luck

[raybeanberry]

Hello and Welcome Annelies.

Does your doctor know what you are doing, or was he just happy that the blood pressure was down and told you to keep doing what your doing? You are very luck if he is supporting you.

You have done incredibly well so far, keep up the great work. You will get lots of support in your diary, so type whatever you are feeling. It took me a verrrry long time to start a diary (;) ), but happy that it is there now, I often go back and re-read bits to see how far I have come.

RBB :D

[Moonie]

Originally posted by Annelies
I've been through good and trying times since starting this WOE and they are all worth it.
Hello Annelies welcome to the forum.
We love hearing about the good times and there will always be someone to help you through the trying.;)

[Alies]

Thank you lovely people. I have been reading your posts for about a month now and feel you genuinely care - about everyone - amazing!
I'm having a painful day today with lots of panadeine forte and a cold pack on one side of the face, but still lo-carbing. It just takes a loooong time to eat anything.:(
I was lucky last night to receive my order of garlic oil, evening primrose and flaxseed oil from the pharmacy I use and am confident they will help in making the healing process go more quickly.:)

[Alies]

:( Oh the pain! I didn't realise it would take this long to get over having my teeth out. It hurts to swallow. It hurts to chew. It hurts to smile. Instead of rinsing with salt like the surgeon says, I'm now using tea tree oil (not swallowing) and putting pure lavender oil on my cheek and back to sucking on ice. Still taking painkillers - alternating panadol and codeine.
I haven't been to the loo for number twos in a few days either. I've been having zero carb choc and lollies and this morning added more bran to my eggs all in an effort to help it along. I feel bloated.:eek:
Does anyone think this is worse because I'm low carbing? I can't imagine why it should make any difference?
My doctor knows I'm doing Atkins, RBB. He asked me how long I did induction for. I had to admit it was only four days before I started eating nuts. Oh nuts, I miss my nuts, too hard to chew.....
My doc tells me another patient of his is diabetic and started Atkins without telling him and he wasn't happy about it, but is now encouraging him to keep going too.;)

[Funky Monkey]

Ahhh! Now I am getting terrified! I have to get all four of my wisdom teeth surgically removed in May! I have to say that you are extra brave to attempt low carbing at the same time. I'll be flying home to my Mum, so she can look after me once they are removed and reckon I will stick to soups for the first few days...

If the pain keeps up though, make sure you see someone. Most of my friends have had the op, and it only took a few days to recover. Perhaps you should look up a low-carb icecream recipe and have that with low-joule jelly. When I was a little kiddie the real version always made me feel better after an operation (or perhaps it was really all the extra attention and get-well pressies I would get...). Take it easy and make sure that someone spoils you.:)

[Sherrie]

Try some physillium and add more water and see if that gets it going.

Are you finding enough LC things you can eat without too much difficulty?

You could make some LC soups. Cauliflower and broccolli soups with maybe some cream, bacon, cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg added would be yummy.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Essie]

Originally posted by Annelies
Still taking painkillers - alternating panadol and codeine.
I haven't been to the loo for number twos in a few days either.

Codeine is extremely constipating, panadol isn't. This is probably the culprit. Perhaps you could talk to your doctor about alternatives to codeine if you still need pain relievers.


Does anyone think this is worse because I'm low carbing? I can't imagine why it should make any difference?


Low carbing probably has nothing to do with it, but the increased fibre in you diet from following the program may have something to do with it. Especially if you haven't been having a lot of water to drink.

Essie

[Alies]

Thanks everyone. I must admit that my family hasn't been really attentive or anything, just leaving me to my own devices, like when I need to have a nap. They also leave me for dead at the dinner table because I've been taking too long to eat.

My 8yo had a friend over to visit today and when his Mum came to pick him up we had a really long talk about Atkins. She's been doing it on and off for 18 months and I didn't know. It helped to take my mind off the pain too.

Ricci's licorice chews (that took a long time to suck) were also a help today, but I had to have three of them.

The soup sounds good Sherrie. I should be able to freeze that without the cream and add it when it's defrosted.

I made a cheesecake yesterday with orange/mango jelly and it's really yummy. My husband doesn't like it, so more for me!

[Alies]

I'll send you a message, Funky, just in case you aren't brave enough to visit my diary ever again. You don't need to panic. I went and saw my surgeon today and he says everything is fine, but just to buy some nurofen. I did and took it just 15 minutes ago and I'm already feeling better. It really does target the pain and reduces the swelling. So make sure you get some before your op.

My niece is having her wisdom teeth out at the end of this month and I am sending her a cold pack because I've really relied on mine.

You know when you are in a situation and it's all you can focus on? This is exactly the same. Like having a baby.

Rossana will probably revoke my bathroom scales licence, but I'm 83 kgs today! ;)

[Alies]

I'm pain free today, yay!:D

It's hard control the urge to get on the scales everyday (almost 82kg). I think my new mantra will be 'Don't obsess, just reassess'. I posted this in a message to Sorsha and am going to stick to it myself.

I've run out of keto-diastix and probably won't buy any more until I need to. (Like when I'm not losing any more and need to do some tweaking.) I was using those little buggers every time I went to the loo!

:o My husband told me this morning my bum is getting soft. I'm trying to work out if it's because my undies don't fit properly anymore or if my skin is sagging with the weight loss?

TOM has been around for two weeks now. I only had one week break after a two week stint. It's probably helping me to lose weight, but I think it's time to visit a gynae.

[Sherrie]

Yes see a gynae, keep us informed on what he says. Maybe he'll have some good info on dieting and our hormones.

It is possible that it may sag but remember that will tighten up in time. I have the same problem with my tummy, it does'nt look saggy or anything and my abs are peeping through but there's a softness to it.
I think that may be half the reason why I can't flatten my lower tummy yet.

PS: Glad to see your feeling better. :)

[SandyJ]

Annelies do not pass go, do not collect 200 get your butt to a quack NOW.

You are losing far too much BLOOD and it needs to be addressed.

Sorry, I'm a bossy nurse and mother.

[Moonie]

Originally posted by Annelies
I've run out of keto-diastix and probably won't buy any more until I need to. (Like when I'm not losing any more and need to do some tweaking.) I was using those little buggers every time I went to the loo!

Yes they can be addictive in that sense, I was doing the same and getting so upset if it didn't turn pink. I find I only seem to be in Ketosis late afternoon and into the evening, so I never ever check in the mornings or early afternoon anymore.
Glad you feel better today;)
p.s go the the doctor...

[Alies]

I'm putting in my model because Funky did. I reckon side-on is a better representation than front-on for me. There's no daylight between the thighs in reality, yet.

Rossana may think this is weird from me because I wouldn't post my FAT bits in her diary, but it's not actually me. I mean, it is a good likeness, but there's no way I would wear something as strappy as that!

Thanks to everyone for your concern. I have an appointment with the doc, then wait to see a gynae. Who wants to rush these things?

The weight loss has stalled (sitting on 83kgs) and I feel bloated. I had a craving for chips today, so I indulged in a few with the kids and don't feel guilty.

Things have been hectic as the new President of the kindergarten, but it's all worth it for the kids. Don't congratulate me - nobody else wanted the job.

[Funky Monkey]

Glad I inspired you to expose your virtual model! I wish I'd maybe put mine on an angle like yours though. Even though there is 20kgs difference on my before and hopefully after, it hard to tell from the front. The backend view was most revealling for me- way to scary at this size to acknowlege I really look like that- or show it too others!

[Alies]

:) I hope your Mum gets the message, Rach. My Mum only has one kidney, so I won't recommend it to her just in case something happens.

The rear view of my model was too scary too, Funky.:eek:

I've loaned my Atkins book to a lady today, so the positives keep happening.

Went to the health food store and bought some more low carb muffin and biscuit mixes. The store keep them in stock for me, but it's a competitor's brand and I won't post the name here.

I went to the doc yesterday. Unfortunately I have a sinus infection for which he has given me strong antibiotics.:( I think having my wisdom teeth out brought it on because one top gap is abscessed(?). He asked me all sorts of questions about my energy levels and what I'm eating and is not concerned about TOM. He reckons we'll check for candida when the antibiotics are finished.

So...

I've taken myself off the pill to give my body a chance to clean itself out, hopefully. I will get back on it before mittelschmerz happens {everyone goes to a search engine to check out mittelschmerz, haha:p }

My daily tablets include acidophilus, epo, flax, horseradish/garlic/C (for sinuses), centrum, NN women's mega, CoQ10 and antibiotics.

Weight loss has stalled at 83kgs, but I've lost another inch off the bust! I'm not too embarrassed to post some rough stats now:

height: 5'7" (170cm)
overbust: 42" (107)
underbust: 32" (82)
waist: 35" (89)
hips: 43" (109)
thighs: 24" (61) - close enough for both

[Sherrie]

Hey Annellies did your TOm problems begin when you started eating flax seeds? (they are in your mixes).
I've been reading up on them and it seems the ligans in the seeds (up to 80% more than vegetables) can have an aestrogen affect.
Usually it balances the hormones for most women but for some it can unbalance and cause TOM to hang around longer.
I don't know how likely that is as I've only just started looking into it but might be worth considering.

[Alies]

It looks like you might be on the right track, Sherrie.:)
After reading your post I found this www.wdxcyber.com/m3bleed.htm and it mentions hormones in foods. Although it doesn't completely apply to me (it says 'not on hormonal contraceptives' which I am) and it is only speculation, it can't be completely discounted. I must be really sensitive or something and maybe it will settle down.

[Alies]

I just had to post that I'm feeling great even though TOM is in full swing. Being off the pill has taken away that feeling of bloating.

My scales registered 81.5kgs this morning for some reason.

I have never felt this good being on antibiotics. I'm drinking heaps more than I usually do and that's saying something.

Even went bowling with my eldest today because there was no school. He helped me make a cheesecake too.

:)

[Moonie]

Originally posted by Annelies
My scales registered 81.5kgs this morning for some reason.:)
That is great news, I reckon thats the best time to weigh, after TOM has started, I never would weigh the leading up week, because there is always a build up of fluid then.

[Alies]

Got down to 80.5kgs during the week, but this morning I was 81kg. Can blame sugar-free lollies on that.

I've had to buy some new clothes because nothing fits. I put on a pair of stretch jeans and a stretch top and couldn't believe my eyes. 8yo says he can really tell I'm skinnier!:D

Still off the pill and TOM is gone (was full on for a week, though). I can't decide whether to go back on or stay off for a month and see how it goes. Will see the doc next week and have some tests and ask him.

Have ordered some chromium and l-glutamine and am planning to stop eating lollies and start exercising more.:cool:

[SandyJ]

Originally posted by Annelies
Have ordered some chromium and l-glutamine and am planning to stop eating lollies and start exercising more.:cool:

good plan Annelies

[Alies]

Thanks Sandy.

Had another think about the pill thing and realise that I'll have to stay off it for now. Doh! Must be another blonde day.:rolleyes:

[ladybird]

Annelies that great about your jeans and top . Well done .

Lady bird

[Alies]

Thanks Ladybird. Having some new pants that fit I went crazy on the sewing machine and ran up the inside legs of all my pants and put more elastic in some. Now I have a drawer full - about 10 pairs! :eek:

[makeely]

How cool is that to have a whole new wardrobe!! Excellent news, can't wait till that happens to me! :D

[Alies]

Have been having cravings like TOM is on his way again. Have a cheesecake in the freezer, but have been craving chocolate.

Sitting on 81kgs.:cool:

Have started taking chromium and L-glutamine today. How long do they take to kick in?:confused:

The additional exercise is yet to come.:o

Each morning I take:

1 Centrum
1 EPO 1g
1 Flax oil 1000mg
1 CoQ10 50mg
1 chromium picolinate 400mcg
1 L-glutamine 500mg

Are these doses good? Does anyone recommend anything different?

P.S. Thanks for not laughing about the ab swing guys!:rolleyes:

(edited 6/4 for ease of reading supplements)

[Rebecca]

TOM is coming my way too, so i'm blaming him for slip up up on hot chips and gravy yesterday eek! hes jsut so inconsiderate! hehehe

hey i didn't laugh about the abswing! if it works more power to youheh i was watching the infomercial on it today again and i really want onee but the ppls faces look so strained when using it heh.

keep going well!

[Sherrie]

Hehe I was'nt laughing at the ab swing.
Just having fun with you for saying don't laugh :)
I do that to everyone that says it to me hehe

[Alies]

Welcome back old friend ketosis.:D

I have had to swear off sugar free lollies.:mad: Wrapped everything I had left in a bag with a really tight knot and swore not to touch them.

Can still have chocolate, though. Tried Cadbury lite (ate the whole block in two days because they don't make one serve easy to calculate!) and can confirm I prefer Darrell Lea.

So, using the air walker lots and I've discovered it has a calorie counter on the timer. Yesterday burnt 50 calories - believe me, that's good for me.

I'm doing lots of leg lifts whenever I sit in a chair too, except when there's other people around!

Had a busy day today. I worked out I made 12 car trips - mostly getting kids to school, kinder, music and one had an accident at school and I had to check he was OK.

I wonder how many more calories that burned?;)

[Alies]

The scales haven't moved and TOM is now here.:(

The son who had an accident at school on Monday has been throwing up last night and most of today. I think he's over the worst of it now.

Kinder meeting last night and a school meeting tonight.:rolleyes:

I'd like this rollercoaster ride to slow down a bit.

[raybeanberry]

The leg lifts at your desk sounds interesting. What do you do? Do you do other exercises as well? I am always waiting for things to finish running at work and this would kill some time ;).

Yeah! like everyone says don't weigh whilst tommy boy is around, wait a few days after he has left ;).

[Moonie]

HaHa!! I though I was the only one to exercise while waiting for a slow computer. One of the things I do is bum clenches, just sit with back straight and clench bum as many times as you can, or I grab the sides of my chair and try to push myself up.
If you have dumbells, do side lift and curls, or put it on the floor and roll it with the bottom of your foot, gives a nice foot massage.
If it is megga slow, you can hop off your chair and do some squats or lunges. (Of course I don't do this with anyone watching;)
Now I don't know what good it does, but it fills in time, and stops me throwing something at the screen:D
The son who had an accident at school on Monday has been throwing up last night and most of today. I think he's over the worst of it now.
Hope your son is better today, and about the the rollercoaster ride, it stops for a while when they all leave home, then they pair up, multiply and then it starts again.

[raybeanberry]

Might give some of them a go ;), haven't got any dumbells I could probably substitute with a phone book or something else around the office. I think doing the lunges in the office may be going a bit too far :rolleyes:, but the butt clenches I can do :) .

[Funky Monkey]

Waiting for the computer or just waiting anywhere is also the ideal time to do those all important pelvic floor exercises! they had better make a difference when I get older!

[Sherrie]

Not just for when your older, by the last week of pregnancy you are constantly in the toilet!

[Essie]

Originally posted by Funky Monkey
Waiting for the computer or just waiting anywhere is also the ideal time to do those all important pelvic floor exercises! they had better make a difference when I get older!

Bugger, you beat me to it. The pelvic floor exercises can make a difference right now! Don't want be rude, but your partner will be impressed. That's all I will say on the matter.

Essie

[Alies]

I do all those exercises!

The pelvic floor is a bit shot, though. I'm probably a candidate for one of those artificial slings.;)

For the leg lifts I just hold onto the chair with both hands, push down while pulling up both knees together. You should be able to feel it in the tummy muscles RBB.:eek:

Aaahh, the thought of giving grandkids back to their parents gives me daily drive Moony.:D

8yo is better today. He went to school eventually, then had a friend over after school and tomorrow night has a sleepover. I can just see this getting worse next year when 4yo starts school.:rolleyes:

[Alies]

Weight hasn't moved but some measurements have slightly

overbust: 41 1/2" (105.5)
underbust: 31 1/2" (81)
waist: 34" (86)
hips: 43" (109)
thighs: 24" (61)

I actually bought a couple of bras from Big W.:D That's one of my goals - to stop buying imported bras (well, actually, to stop paying over $80 for a bra)

I reckon I could get away with a bikini and sarong now. Too bad the weather has turned cold.;)

[Funky Monkey]

Ummm ahhh Essie! You are corrupting my innocent and impressionable young mind!!!

Annelies, I hate paying $40 for a bra! You must dread the days when they die! It drives me crazy that for those above a C cup who actually really need to wear bras that they are so expensive- not to mention generally very unattractive. I'm a 12D- which most brands make (I've called companied up) but stores just don't stock them. And if I go 'free' it is not pretty! I say ban those bandeau boob top things they pass off as bras and give that space to those of use who actually need support! Seriously, what is the point of the bandeau bra- if you are small enough to wear one, you can go without. They should only be allowed for pre-pubescent girls, and they are going to have to experience the discomfort of having metal under their breasts soon enough, so let them enjoy their freedom while they can! I have now decided that these pathetic little pieces of cloth should be banned!

Big-busted women of the world unite and maybe one day we will have stores stock affordable and attractive bras in our size and designers making shirts with buttons in the right places!

[Essie]

Originally posted by Funky Monkey
It drives me crazy that for those above a C cup who actually really need to wear bras that they are so expensive- not to mention generally very unattractive. I'm a 12D- which most brands make (I've called companied up) but stores just don't stock them. And if I go 'free' it is not pretty! I say ban those bandeau boob top things they pass off as bras and give that space to those of use who actually need support! [B]


[B]Big-busted women of the world unite and maybe one day we will have stores stock affordable and attractive bras in our size and designers making shirts with buttons in the right places!

I found one that's made by Triumph that is for the 'fuller figure' and it's not too ugly at all, at least it doesn't look like it's made out of your Nana's panty girdle! BUT still only comes in beige and black - and no matching undies! I liked them so much I bought 5! It's so hard to get comfortable support these days! (I'm a 16D but I'm hoping to be less when I next have to purchase).

Yeah, that's right about the shirt buttons! And it would be nice to have a colour other than beige/cream or black & matching undies. I love it when I was a 12 C, I had so many nice undie sets.

Essie

[Alies]

Scales said 80.5kg again this morning, but of course that's not official until Saturday.;)

It was easy to low carb over Easter because we stayed home, visitors came to us and I cooked! Boiled eggs, roast lamb and beef all 'round.

Of course they had to have hot x buns, but I didn't want any. I'm upset that no-one bothered with a hot x bun fundraiser at school because this little black duck didn't volunteer to run it. :mad:

I should watch my karma because with that sort of attitude it's no wonder both the TV and washing machine decided to go on the blink this weekend.

Have been taking L-glutamine and chromium and have discovered that anything that says it will cause a laxative effect certainly does. (10 times over!).:eek: All the more reason not to have it, but I wonder if they are linked?

Are Australia Post having a bank holiday today? I've been waiting for two parcels all morning.:rolleyes:

[raybeanberry]

Originally posted by Annelies
have discovered that anything that says it will cause a laxative effect certainly does. (10 times over!).:eek: All the more reason not to have it Oh Yes and don't I know it. I got sugar free chocolate for Easter :eek:. It was easy to low carb over Easter because we stayed home, visitors came to us and I cooked! Boiled eggs, roast lamb and beef all 'round. That's the Easter spirit :confused: . At least you didn't cave in to the hot cross bun. Very Good :D

[Alies]

I simplified that a bit too much perhaps.

My relatives invited themselves here for Easter, but I still put in a lot of effort.

The kids had an egg hunt in the morning then we all sat down to breakfast with coloured eggs and bacon and hot cross buns (but not me).

I roasted lamb, beef (because one person doesn't like lamb), spuds and pumpkin and we had that for lunch with steamed cauli and broc with cheese sauce, carrots and beans and mushroom gravy. Everyone stuffed themselves, including me.

For tea we had homemade chicken soup (with chicken noodle and meatballs added to keep everyone happy) with crusty rolls and blueberry danish with cream or icecream for dessert. I had my usual cherries with cream and diet choc topping.

My mother and brother enjoyed snacking on pork krackles with me and then got stuck into the chips that were put out as well. I stress about that because they are both diabetics.

Anyway, we all got on really well and we are looking forward to getting together for Mother's Day in Melbourne.

[Alies]

Hi everyone. I try to visit every day, but am limiting my time on the internet because we pay by the hour. It was great when I would only get on occasionally, but not anymore. I love reading about how everyone is doing.

Anyway, weight is down to 79kgs.:) Have gone back to basics with food because tastes keep changing. Have no desire for sweeteners or pork krackles. Chipped a tooth on something in a protein bar so it's back to the dentist again.:mad: Taking Udo's Choice oil in a vanilla shake each morning now and it's really yummy. Still can't stomach apple cider vinegar.:rolleyes:

I tried to keep TOM at bay for another week but he had other ideas. Have an appointment with the doc in a couple of weeks. Need to look at another form of contraception.

Asked my hairdresser for a body wave. Have ended up with lots of curls. I hated it when I left the salon because I looked like a wet poodle.:o Went straight home and shook it all up. My kids and husband aren't very happy, but I love having so much hair.:D

Had another bone density test and am down 5% points. Some of that could be contributed to the different machine, but the rest indicates I should be getting out in the sun and walking. If I can only get over my fear of meeting someone's dog.:( I'm still so dense (thick?) that I'm off the chart.

[Sherrie]

I tried to shoot down 20ml of double strength apple cider vinegar straight once. Felt like it burnt my throat and easphogus (sp?) out. Took atleast a week to go away, was horrible. Never touching that stuff again!

Mind you as soon as my mum started taking it she started loosing weight!

Still not touching it...

Grats on 79!

Hope you get TOM sorted it out soon, Good Luck!

[Moonie]

I have a bottle of apple cider vinegar that I bought to try around the time Sherrie burnt the back of her throat with it. Needless to say it is still in the cupboard. I quite like the taste when I just pour some out and dip my finger in it, but haven't been game to have a swig.
How much is a serve anyway, I could probable manage to sip a teaspoon, I have had champagnes that taste worse:D

Congratulations on the weight still going down:)

[Sherrie]

I was taking it by the teaspoon without any problems untill I got ambitious and tried to take 20ml straight :D

My mum did it too later and burnt her throat but has since started again by taking one dose of 40ml with some diet lemonade and shes having no probs with it.

Also the stuff we we're taking was double strength :D

[Delia]

Make sure you wash your mouth out after taking the vinager as it eats the enamel off your teeth.

[Alies]

Hi everyone.:) Just a quick update to let you know how it's all going. My weight is hovering between 75 to 76 kgs this week.

I've been to a gynae and booked in to have Essure inserted into my fallopian tubes. If it doesn't work I won't be having the laporoscopic procedure because I don't like to risk of perforation of other organs. The gynae said my ovaries are active which is not good considering I'm on the pill. He wants me to go on a higher dose, but I want to keep shedding weight. I also have a couple of small fibroids which explains all the bleeding, but nothing needs to be done about them yet. I am mindful that my mother had a hysterectomy at 37 years of age and my sister who is ten years older than me also has fibroids.

Otherwise, it's keeping me busy (and stressed) being on committees. I even looked to do something basic in my quiet times so I knitted a blanket!

The school is having a chocolate drive at the moment and the president volunteered me to keep some extra boxes at home to be a contact if anyone ran out. How unfair is that?

We've had a couple of birthdays recently and I had cake at each without any ill effects. Just lucky I guess.

Keep smiling:D

[Moonie]

Good to see the weight is coming down Annelies...

Those chocolate drives are so bad, I feel mean if I don't buy some when the kids come to the door, but when I do I have to find someone to give them to quick before I get tempted.;)

[Sherrie]

Great news on the losses Annellies! :)

The gynae said my ovaries are active which is not good considering I'm on the pill

I am so not suprised by that, I felt like my pill was'nt working either when I started this diet as you know.
Good Luck with the stronger pill.

That was nice of the president, I would volunteer him/her instead :)

[Delia]

Congratulations on the weight loss

[Alies]

Quick update - should be cooking tea atm.

Got hold of Fred Pescatore's book. As usual will adopt what I deem to be good advice and ignore the rest.

Have been having 1minute oats for breakfast occasionally and plain yoghurt occasionally instead of cream. Thought these might cause weight gain, but have actually started shedding again.

Hovering between 74 & 75kgs. Measurements still going down.
overbust: 41
underbust: 31
waist: 32"
hips: 41"
thighs: 23"

Saw my GP when one of the kids was sick and he said I should slow down the weight loss now. Had to tell him our bodies do that naturally.

Had Essure implanted and have been having flutters in the abdomen ever since. Not exactly pleasant. TOM still does whatever he wants. Have a checkup in a couple of weeks.

[Sherrie]

Hey Annelies :)

What is Essure?

Grats on the fatloss!

[Moonie]

Good to hear things are still happening for you Annelies!!
Saw my GP when one of the kids was sick and he said I should slow down the weight loss now
Your weight loss must really be noticable for him to say that...

[Alies]

Wow! I thought it was time to post in my diary and it took a bit of finding.:eek:

I've bitten the bullet and have started taking an extra calcium supplement and cut out dairy because I've been having sinus headaches. This seems to have helped quite a bit. Have also stopped using Splenda powder in my baking. Hermesetas are doing the trick.

I've also effectively gone back to induction, but according to Fred Pescatore's recommendations, and have noticed the scales going down ever so gradually. Now just under 74kgs. Measurements still shrinking. My pants are starting to look like sacks again.:(

Have an appointment with a naturopath because I want to get back on femme essentials which I took years ago and they regulated my period to a 28 day cycle. I'll let you know how I get on because TOM makes an appearance every three weeks.

I'm going to order that PGFO fish oil supplement I've been reading about here because I was going to take cod liver but then read Sherrie's post. Mum used to make us have a spoon of cod liver oil when we were kids. Blah!?!

Must have missed your question about Essure Sherrie. Its permanent birth control. The gynae inserts a little spring into each fallopian tube and scar tissue grows over them to stop ova getting into the uterus. I still get my periods though but at least I'm not pumping more hormones into this hormonally screwed up body.

[Sherrie]

Whats the Hermesetas? is it healthier then splenda?

Excellent news on the weight and measurement loss!

Good Luck with the femme essentials. I think my main problem was doing this whilst on the pill as it's four months now since I went off and so far so good.

Yeah I've read somewhere the cod oil does not have the same benefits as the fish oil. I like the one I'm on now as I can 'feel it', so it must be doing something. With the flax I didn't notice anything.

With the Essure can that cause problems later if you want to have children? My best friend who is 30yrs old has to go through IVF to have a child because her tubes are blocked and needed to be removed.

Yes hormones suck, I hate them...

[Funky Monkey]

Sheree, hermestas tablets are probably a little sweeter than spenda and really tiny. You have to make sure you get normal Hermestas and not Hermestas Gold, coz the gold version is aspartame. I've only seen the gold in a granular version though.

Annelies- good to se you back! Hope the TOM stuff settles.

[Sherrie]

Okay I checked on their website. The non aspartme one (original) is saccharin.

[Alies]

Thanks Sherrie and Funky.

The Essure certainly does cause problems if you want more kids, which I don't, so it is perfect for me - short of having a hysterectomy.

Has anyone tried a 'Cremosa' chuppa chup? I had one a couple of weeks ago (strawberry and cream) and it was really sweet. Apparently newly imported they still have the laxative warnings on the label.:mad: I wish they would use sweeteners that don't do this.

[Alies]

Went and saw the naturopath this morning. It was very enlightening. He is apparently following the Zone and is quite knowledgeable about it all, except he didn't know what sucralose was. He just avoids all sweeteners! It was nice to pass on my almond cookie recipe, though.

I've ordered the Femme Essentials and am holding out hope. He has positive thoughts that it will do the trick.

Have bought 2 keto bars to try at $5 each.:eek:

A quick iridology check found problems in my gut (stress) and lymphatic system so I'm to exercise for 1/2 hour each day - yeah right - and take vitamin C with bioflavanoids and keep drinking 3 litres of water each day - no problem.

Apparently the US food pyramid has been found to have been funded by the wheat and dairy producers oh-so-many-years-ago and it isn't a problem that I've cut out dairy because we get calcium from many of the vegies we eat.

The keto system book has lots of good information such as a sliding scale of protein allowed each day depending on your weight, sex and amount of exercise. Did anyone else realise that one egg only has 10g of protein? I've been undercutting mine.

We learn something new every day.:)

Guess what? My corner shop now sells those cremose things. It's gonna take lots of willpower to avoid them!

[lauren]

Hi Annelies,

You are doing really really well with your weight loss. Just think about all the shopping you'll be able to do because your old clothes are swimming on you, yippee!!

I've noticed that you have cut out your dairy products, I have also done the same as I am allergic to dairy, do you take any extra supplements (or is that what the calcium supplement is for?)

I saw those chuppa chups advertised in a magazine, but haven't been able to find any over here in NZ, I think they're a bit slow over (hehe!!) They sound mighty yummy though!

Well hope everyhthing is going peachy for you! Lauren

[Moonie]

I saw those cremosa chuppa chups in coles, but haven't succombed yet...I did notice that although there is o.g of sugar they seem to have 9g of carbs, or at least that's what it looked like to me..

[Alies]

My scales showed 73kgs this morning. Yippee! Must be doing something right - and am very aware of what I'm doing wrong. Had a cremosa today - 9.3g of polyols (isomalt and maltitol):o

Have hot-washed and tumbled dried my pants:eek:

Started taking kelp and astragalix(a mix of different things but mostly for the shiitake mushroom) to get some essential sugars and have noticed my sinuses clearing. Last night I even had some whipped cream and I didn't wake up this morning feeling like a bear with a sore head! Am still waiting on shark cartilage to get the full effect but am hopeful these are the answer to a lot of problems for everyone.

Yes Lauren I started taking the calcium supplement before cutting out the dairy, but I'm only experimenting. Something that really bugs me is that ever since my last pregnancy (six years ago) I can't stand the smell of cows milk. I can only explain it by saying I can smell that they eat grass! My mum thinks I'm mad:rolleyes:

[Sherrie]

Might have to try that too, some more pills to add to my concoction hehe

PS: Grats on the loss!

[penlee]

Thanks for the welcome aboard, now to catch up on your journal.Is there anyway to know the date when things were posted?
Pen

[Alies]

Hi Pen, dates and times are posted on the bottom left of each post.

Tom must be nearing because I've had the urge to make some cheesecake. So much for no dairy!

My newest favourite saying is from Hippocrates:

'Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food'

[Moonie]

Had a cremosa today - 9.3g of polyols (isomalt and maltitol)
Mmmm I didn't see that bit, might have to give them a try...'Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food'
As long as it's low carb food;)

[Sherrie]

Tom must be nearing because I've had the urge to make some cheesecake. So much for no dairy!

If it makes you feel any better some candida diets allow fresh cheeses. You could use some real fresh cream cheese ;)

[Alies]

Hi all,

Still sitting on 73kgs, but don't expect to shed any kgs when I've been eating cheesecake like there's no tomorrow and also musashi bars. Had 3 the other day and another 2 today. I'm expecting TOM (it's been 3 weeks) but my new supplement may be kicking in and perhaps there's still a week to go.

Went to the gynae this morning and he says my essure springs are in place and will give me the contraceptive protection I need. He wasn't happy that I had already come off the pill. Too bad.:p

I asked him about those fibroids and he seemed to have trouble finding them! I mentioned the essential monosaccharides and he said that whatever I was doing seemed to be working:rolleyes:

I've emailed the CSIRO about the essential sugars and will let you know if their feedback is worth it.

My sister-in-law popped in for a visit for the first time in ages and she was visibly taken aback by my weight loss. She said she couldn't remember me ever looking this thin. I had to remind her I was a size 14 when I got married and am a size 16 at the moment. It was pretty embarrassing:o

Cheers:)

(with water that is....)

[Alies]

It's my Mum's birthday today. We did a quick trip to Melbourne on the weekend to see her. Bought her some irises and when I rang her today she told me they haven't opened up and the flowers are actually dried up in the buds.:mad:

Have pulled the reigns in on a lot of stuff due to finances. No cheesecake or protein bars or pork krackles.

Put aside a lot of my supplements and have decided to just take Femme Essentials, vit C, calcium and cell salts (when I buy them). All the other stuff can sit in the cupboard for a rainy day if I need them if I get a sick. Putting it all away made me realise a lot of this month's money has gone towards supplements and has left only enough for lettuce instead of those little bags of baby spinach I love.:(

Remembered late today that I had some muffin mix in the crisper in a tupperware container. It's probably been there a few months but I checked and it smelled fine so now I have some yummy muffins.:)

Being lean on the extraneous foods has had a positive effect on my weight and the cms are down some more.

Regular eating pattern includes two eggs for breakfast with celery or lettuce and I take all my supplements.
Mid morning snack of almonds or cheese.
Lunch consists of salmon with mayonnaise and lettuce and cucumber.
Afternoon tea has been an egg or some celery.
For dinner it's meat and steamed vegies.
Supper is always a decaf coffee (habit with hubby) and maybe some almonds.

Three litres of water everyday tops it all off.:)

[Sherrie]

Oh I know what you mean on all the supplements, they can get expensive real quick.

Grats on the lost cms!

[Cazza]

Sounds good Annelies. My shopping bill is a bit lower due to sticking with one kind of lettuce and a few types of veges and not buying all my favourite cheeses .... although I bought eggplant today for a change which i can't remember ever having!

Bummer about your mums flowers ... how annoying is that! :(

[Alies]

Thanks ladies. 72.5kgs today!:D

[lauren]

Cool Annelies...way to go!!!

[lauren]

Hi Annelies...just wondering how everything is going for you?

[Alies]

Hi Lauren, I'm well. Thank you for asking.:)

The scales haven't moved but I wrote down my measurements:
bust 102cm, underbust 78cm, can't figure out where to measure my waist (across my navel?), hips 102cm and thighs 59cm.

My husband got paid so I've been indulging in cheesecake and yoghurt and I think TOM is about to rear his ugly head.

I've also received some pork krackles and protein bars from the poh store (Thanks to Rossana for helping me out whenever I have a problem):)

I've written a mission statement to myself about this woe and I'll share it with you if it really helps me in the next few weeks.

Had my hair cut shorter so it doesn't look so thin up top and it doesn't seem to be falling out quite so much.

My nails are longer than they've been in a while, but they still get those catchy bits along the side. I've been using an Avon protein product on them, but whenever I wear any kind of polish I tend to pick it all off - bad habit I know:eek:

Did I tell everyone that I'm no longer Treasurer at school. Yippee! After three years it was time for a change, although I didn't think I was going to get rid of the job.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

:)

[Sherrie]

Good for you Annelies, enjoy your cheesecake :)

[Alies]

Time for a little update.

The scales have shown 72kgs for a couple of days now.:)

Things have been in turmoil lately. 5yo had the flu, then a bad fall on his face, had orientation for school next year and currently has school sores.:(

In an effort to make my computer run faster I've been following instructions in netguide magazine and totally stuffed up:eek: (After finding my feet at the Yahoo site when POH was down I thought I was invincible:D) I was nearly in tears today when I still couldn't fix it but Microsoft help pages came to the rescue.

"Low Carb Made Easy" arrived today but haven't had a chance to read it - been too busy absorbing "Fat or Fiction" by Donna Aston. Pistachio posted about it and I placed a reserve on it at the library.

While it's a good book, with all the basics right, I question her advocating people just eating egg whites. The yolks have important lecithin!

She also recommends Equal and Nutrasweet which my naturopath says cause symptoms of MS in some people.

Had a giggle at the people who posted in Sam's diary about not standing soy milk:D I can taste the grass the cows eat in cows milk!

[Sherrie]

Ah but grass sure tastes alot better the soy beans :)

[Alies]

I actually got on the air walker today.:D

Had to ask my husband to tell me how many miles are in a km. He said .67 of a mile is one km. (Have since found out this was overestimated) He wanted to know why, so I gave him selective information about L2BS’s travel diary and how inspiring it is. He also asked why I took the handles off the air walker. I’m convinced the need to balance is gotta be worth more calories. He raised his eyebrows and did all he could not to laugh.

It took me 21 minutes to do 1 km. That’s 41.3 calories and 1412 steps for those who are interested. I did have to stop and put some shoes on – started getting imprints on the soles of my feet from the non-slip tread – wouldn’t make a good nomad.:rolleyes:

It wasn’t the best day to decide to do it because it’s pretty warm here today and our air cooler is on the blink, but perserverance is the key. A little sweat later and I’m still alive to tell the story. Even the arthritic hip and smashed knee didn’t complain.

In L2BS’s terms I’ve travelled into town and back to finish off my Christmas shopping, which is something I still have to do. Quite fitting considering I had a plastic santa smiling at me the whole way.


:)

[Alies]

Been reading a book on hormones in an effort to self-help and instead of critiquing it I'll just post some links:

http://www.bcbsnm.com/haw/news/haw_news_hormoanal03.htm

http://www.ivillage.com/diet/print/0,,444739,00.html

It's good in that it promotes eating more protein.

My eldest son's team won his final indoor soccer game to finish third this season. Very exciting and stressful at the same time. The game finished on a tie, so they had five minutes extra time and nobody scored so they did like the world cup finals and did one-on-one kick offs. They started with three to decide, which went to four, then five. Anyway, my champion was beating himself up over letting the other team's goals through, but ended up kicking the deciding goal. Phew!

Still 72kgs. At least it's not going up:)

[Alies]

71.5kgs today.:)

Feeling a bit woozy because I've got a new pair of glasses. Everything will be a bit hazy for a while:(

With that and tom and a sinus infection, next week has got to be better than this because it's christmas:eek:

Hope everyone manages to spend happy times with those they love - otherwise be kind to those you have to spend time with.;)

[Sherrie]

Excellent results Annelies!

[Moonie]

Going well, Congrats!!Hope everyone manages to spend happy times with those they love
You to;)

P.S hope you get used to your glasses soon, that is an awful feeling..

[Alies]

71 kgs today. Was 72.5 yesterday because over christmas I ate a lot of rissoles and marinaded chicken wings and just a little bit of chocolate along with as much low-carb as possible. It was obviously all fluid.

Received some lovely christmas presents. Delta Goodrem CD is a great listen. Pilates DVD will probably be useful when youngest goes to school. Some presents were a bit ordinary - hubby wanted some bug-off for the car and wrapped it up for me:mad: I hate to think that made an impression on my boys.

Managed to kick the sinus infection without medical help. It actually went into my throat so i started dosing up on lots of garlic, horseradish and astragalus.

Broke my new glasses:o They were driving me nuts! Adjusted them once too many and now the right temple can spin 360degrees.

Have been visiting sizematters quite a bit and even watched that female bodybuilding show on the ABC. Have been wondering about my body fat. Is this the next phase?.:confused: I know we always want what we don't have, but are these questions normal?

Angus posted in sizematters:
Training is going well. Strongest I have ever been. Unfortunately getting close to being fattest I have ever been as well

Have declared 2004 to be the "Year of the Gut". ie its going sooner or later.

Does this mean he will low-carb? Why do I have this insatiable urge to stir him up? Sherrie?

[Sherrie]

Anneliese it is perfectly normal to want to trim up for a nice figure.

Re Angus: Yeah stir him up, I'm sure he loves the attention hehe

[luv2bslim]

Annelies. the way you are going you will be 69 in no time. Get rid of the plastic santa and walk towards something much more exciting:D

[Alies]

lol l2bs. I think Moonie getting a walker has put the wind up you:D

[luv2bslim]

:D You are right Annelies, I liked being in front, and I got a shock when she overtook me :-)

I have to go more often now to keep in front:(

[Sherrie]

Plastic Santa... L2B you do realize what that sounds like don't you? :p

[luv2bslim]

it sounds like plastic santa....hehe

[Alies]

At least he was smiling:D

70.5kg today:)

[Sherrie]

ROFL I'm having so much trouble keeping my mouth shut but I will :)

[Alies]

Sherrie, you're slipping...

l2bs said:
I liked being in front

You didn't pick up on that!?

[Sherrie]

hehe

[Alies]

This will be a world record visit because I've just put the dinner on. Things are hectic around here with two lots of visitors today and the kinder is having new vinyl laid and I've dragged my kids there four times a day every day since monday. This is when volunteering has whiskers.:mad:

Anyway, just wanted to share with everyone that today I reached my first goal after 12 months and LOTS of straying.

Doing a happy dance

[Sherrie]

Congratulations Annelies! :)

[luv2bslim]

Congrats Annelies...I still dont get the santa joke:D ...lol..at least you 2 are having fun anyway..:p

Annelies, I like being behind too..hehe..now *that* sounds weird, even to me...

[luv2bslim]

Hows things Allelies? You have been a bit quiet lately:(

[Alies]

Hi Hi,

I'm back from a week's holiday (if you can call it that). Went to Bairnsdale to see hubby's family. It's kind of nice because we always stay in a fabulous caravan park which has minigolf, tennis, animals and tractor rides, bike hire etc. It gets easier as the kids get older.

Have been catching up with all the goss. Wow L2BS(perky), I've been saying for a long time that I need a breast reduction. You're a braver woman than I am! They look sore, but great.

Update:

After hitting my goal weight, TOM reared his ugly head and I promptly put on 2kgs. After this week away though, I'm back to goal. Have been really good food wise although I had birthday cake last weekend. My vices at the moment tend to be pork krackles and P40 bars, so that's not too bad. Have been enjoying the tennis. Todd Reid has stolen my heart:cool:

[BloatedBelly]

No way! I went to the Aus Open on Wednesday with work and nearly drowned in my own drool watching Andre Agassi. Now THERE'S a fine specimen of manhood!

[Alies]

I didn't say I wanted to sleep with him.:eek: I'm twice his age!

My 9yo now wants to be a tennis champion (he wanted to be a rock singer last year:rolleyes: ) and if any old girls have a go at him when he's 17 I'll go ape:mad:

Just watching Todd play against Sargsian made me feel for him - a bit like a new puppy.:)

You can have Agassi, BB. The pic you posted of SB reminds me of him. The world would be a boring place if we were all looking for the same thing.

[BloatedBelly]

Nah, SB looks more like a younger version of Gary Sweet :) You make sure you keep those old ladies away from that boy of yours!!!

By the way..........WELCOME BACK!!!!!

[Alies]

My baby started school full-time today and I felt really unwanted, un-needed, unloved:(

I kept really busy to avoid any tears. First I went shopping then changed the fish's water (fish looked really scared - worried it might get all my attention everyday!), then cleaned all the mirrors and did all the washing and ironing while doing a general tidy up around the house. Is it any wonder I'm exhausted?

Anyway when I picked the kids up 5yo said he didn't mind being at school, just not for so long. Poor bugger will get Wednesdays off, but I don't have the heart to tell him that's how long he'll have to go every day.

Wish me luck for tomorrow now I've done most of my jobs.:)

[sambalam]

5yo said he didn't mind being at school, just not for so long god and for so many years too!!fish looked really scared - worried it might get all my attention everyday hee hee hee.

[Moonie]

My baby started school full-time today and I felt really unwanted, un-needed, unloved
You are a good candidate for the empty nest syndrome...It's awful at first when then kids all leave, but they suddenly start coming back and they have multiplied;)

I kept really busy to avoid any tears. First I went shopping then changed the fish's water (fish looked really scared - worried it might get all my attention everyday!), then cleaned all the mirrors and did all the washing and ironing while doing a general tidy up around the house. Is it any wonder I'm exhausted?
I did the same as you, but in later years when they go back after the holidays you breathe a sigh of relief and make a cuppa:) Wish me luck for tomorrow now I've done most of my jobs.
Go shopping!!

[Jill]

Annelies. Dont worry, although its hard at first, you will start doing things for yourself and will get so busy, you may even dread the 3.30 bell.

My 2nd went off to boarding school yesterday in Ballarat for the 1st time, and I've got the eldest going to uni in a few weeks, leaving just 1 at home. Hey I better take some of my own advise and start doing a few things for myself.

Jill

[luv2bslim]

Annelies, how are things going now? are the fishies still alive?? lol
You will cherish Wednesdays now:D

[Alies]

Thanks everyone:)

There were a lot of tears here on Tuesday. Actually it started Monday night at bedtime when 5yo told us he didn't want his big brother chasing him around the school playground to force him to play with someone!

Anyway on Tuesday I got a speeding fine in the mail - from our holiday - which we couldn't afford so I'm only allocating myself 1/2 hour internet time each day, so things will be a bit quiet from Ballarat for a while:(

9yo had his first tennis lesson and due to it's timing we decided on fish and chips for tea. Well, after the lesson my sporty young man decided to get the grumps and complained that he sucked at his lesson and wished we weren't having fish and chips. He cried because I wasn't in the mood to console him and just gave him the "get over it" pep talk. Then 5yo started with "I don't want fish and chips either!"

We must have all been really tired, but we're over it now, thank god. All I need now is a win in tattslotto tonite;)

On a happier note I'm thinking of going for a part-time library assistant job at the university. Not something I've done before and not exactly studying - like I would really like to do - but it's a foot into the real world.:)

Hope everyone is doing well. I do pop in and will respond occasionally.

[luv2bslim]

At least they have settled down now:D My kids can get like that when they have had too many late nights... and they are older than yours:(
PS did they eat the fish and chips??? yum..better still, did YOU eat the fish and chips?;)

[Alies]

:) Yes to both:o Fish and chips again tonight. Still maintaining my goal;)

Posting today is as painful as pulling hairs so I'm not hanging around.

This morning 9yo asked me to buy some bisc&brusselsprouts because he swore he saw an ad for them. He even showed me the ad.

Needless to say there weren't any in the supermarket and when I came home I had a PROPER look at the ad and it's actually a joke! You're supposed to cut out the brusselsprouts bit and stick it onto your bisc& packet to stop anyone else pinching it!

I felt like someone who had just started a new job and got sent to the post office to pick up a box of licked stamps:o

[Sherrie]

ROFL

[molywhite]

dont think about it anna - go for it! that way, if you get it, you have the choice of taking it on. no regrets then wishing that you had of applied for it! best of luck - my test is at the uni - maybe we might bump into each other!

[molywhite]

oops - i meant anne - its not the first time i've done it either! sorry:o

[Alies]

It's OK moly, don't stress about it. I've been called LOTS of things in my lifetime and your versions are not a problem in the least:)

[Alies]

I've been quite busy since the shock of having both my children at school has subsided. I was without a computer for a week when it decided to start making noises, but it's fixed now.:)

Am looking into better value internet service. Dodo looks good at $259 for a year. Does anyone have any horror stories?:eek:

I'm maintaining my weight at 70kgs give or take those excess kilos around TOM time. Not counting carbs or anything, just making mental notes of what I've had during the day and whether that piece of cake at someone's birthday will tip me over the edge.:rolleyes:

I'm helping out in the kids classrooms one day each week. It sure beats doing treasurer and president. I almost forgot what it was like to help out in a room full of eager beavers.:D

I've been reading heaps of books from the library, including ones about vitamins and minerals (rosemary stanton wrote one:eek: ) The Scarsdale diet is VERY similar to Atkins in terminology, but includes lots of fruit and very little meat (I wonder who got in first?) I don't know why you would think Demis Roussos eats meat because his book says to eat fish and chicken in place of meat. :confused:

There's a You Can Bake It store near here and I bought some Low Carb mix and yeast and made the most dense loaf of bread I have ever tasted but I'm still eating it - just a slice every few days - just for something different. Probably won't buy it again.:(

[Alies]

I've had a wake-up call this week.

Since I got away with having birthday cake a few weekends ago I figured I could get away with a little bag of chips here and maybe a mini chocolate there. WELLLLLL.....I didn't!:mad: It's not TOM time and I put on a couple of extra kilos above the two I normally allow. So, it's back to clean eating.

My philosophy is: I wouldn't steal money from my boss (if I was working) so I've gotta stop cheating myself! This job's not done and I've gotta look at maintaining my weight as a lifelong dedication.

My friend who is selling those glyconutrients from Mannatech is really getting into the business so she can finance the supplements for her in-laws who are both quite ill. I found this info on the net and don't know what to say to her

“Mannatech's President Caster has a checkered history. In 1991, his Eagle Shield Inc. claimed its Electracat device would repel insects and other pests by emitting high-frequency vibrations. The Texas Attorney General disagreed. "The device is a hoax and stands on the same scientific footing as a perpetual motion machine," said Assistant Attorney General William Goodman, who won a permanent injunction against Caster and Eagle Shield in Travis County District Court. Caster agreed to stop selling the Electracat, to not make unsupported scientific claims about any other product, and to pay $125,000 in investigative costs. Two years earlier, Caster and Eagle Shield were accused of deceiving consumers by claiming their Eagle Shield Radiant Barrier was a scientific breakthrough in home insulation and would provide significant savings in energy costs. The Texas Attorney General got a court order banning such claims after arguing the product had been available for more than 40 years and that the energy-saving claims were false. Caster and the company agreed not to make more false statements, and Eagle Shield filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Caster co-founded Mannatech in 1993.”

Her 9yo son came over on the weekend and asked if our family knew about the company and take the products. I can't tell if that's a strategy or just a kid who doesn't know any better? I actually ordered something to try and she won't let me pay for it and has asked me to come and see her this week in her new "office" at her house:(

Any tactful ideas on how to keep the friendship?

[sambalam]

god i really sympathise with this one annelies. a person i used to nanny for rang me up out of the blue (haven't heard of or seen her for over 4 years) and chatted for a while. her segue into bringing up her new job (tiered marketing for a nutrient company not the same as your friend's) was amazing. the next thing i knew i was around there checking out the stuff and wondering how the hell i was going to afford any of it, did i want any of it, etc etc. eventually i had to tell her that it just wasn't something that i could afford to do and i was quite happy with the products that i buy (that are cheaper!) i haven't heard from her for a while, i don't htink i offended her, i think i was a person on a list to try and see what happens. if friends have to rely on you to make ends meet, then they need to question what they are doing. i think the first rule of business is don't involve your friends if you want to keep the friendship. it sort of sounds like she is trying you out. i'd stay away and if she questions you, show hher the thing you found about the company!?!

[Sherrie]

I would be honest with her Annelies and I would also let her know about what you found out incase she doesn't know about this.

Just approach her like a friend and not someone whos judging her, let her know about it and leave it to her to make a judgement on it rather then feel your pushing an opinion on her.

[luv2bslim]

Any tactful ideas on how to keep the friendship did you decide on what to say to her yet Annelies?

[Alies]

Thanks for the advice Sam and Sherrie:)

Yes l2bs, while we were having a cuppa I asked if she knew the history and she said she didn't.:rolleyes:

I also explained why I was returning a product she gave us to try (because my son won't take it) and asked if I could order something else to try. She told me that I could only order a super-expensive pack of products and she would need my details, etc and I agreed to purchase them just as a one-off although she tried in vain to sign me up on a four week automatic order.

I learnt that people who are driven by money will do almost anything to get it. She signed me up over the internet after I left and I received the pack of super-expensive products with so much business propaganda and disclaimers about the products that I couldn't contain my anger!

In all that business propaganda were the exact details of how to let people order products without committing to the company - which is what I wanted to do. Now I leave my answering machine on so I don't have to talk to her because I know I'm going to blast her! It'll probably be something else she'll say she didn't know.

I have also learnt that the Femme Essentials I take from the naturopath has almost seven times the amount of the sugars the Mannatech product contains. Go figure:(

This experience has really driven me to find out what I need to do to become a practitioner like a nutritionist or naturopath...

There's plenty of info on the net about these eight essential sugars and because they are listed in Harper's Biochemistry I believe in them, but the method to get them need not be super expensive.

www.lis.net.au/~dbird/glyconutrients.htm

[Alies]

Update.. I asked my friend yesterday if she knew about how to refer people to order exactly what they want and she said yes. I told her how cross my husband and I are and suggested it was a good way to alienate her friends. Today she asked me further about what I had discovered and she realised that she didn't really understand all the possibilities. How silly is that!?:rolleyes:

So you don’t all think I’m a raving lunatic, have a look in your New Diet Revolution books at page 39/40. Even Dr Atkins references glysation (glycosylation) where too much glucose in our bodies can lead to excess glucose attaching itself to proteins and causing negative health effects.

Glucose is just one of the ‘essential’ sugars scientists have identified which attach to proteins in our bodies as part of normal, healthy functioning. I suppose if we can get too much glucose, then we can get too much of the other sugars, too.:confused:

I do believe that we need these sugars as much as amino acids, essential fatty acids, etc but the correct concentration is apparently anyone’s guess at the moment. While the source of these sugars should be from natural foods, I personally take a multivitamin/mineral because I know our foods and soils are deficient in these.

It’s interesting to note that salespeople are giving samples to people to try while saying it can take months for the products to have any profound effect but also have a disclaimer that they will have any effect at all!

Enquiries I made about studying nutrition have put a bit of a dampener on the need to jump straight into it. At $18,000.00 for three years who can afford it?:(

[luv2bslim]

At $18,000.00 for three years who can afford it crikey $18,000!!
Is your friend going to continue trying to sell these products?

[Alies]

Yes, she's really sold on it and even thinks it would be more expensive to go to a health food store! I don't though.

[Sherrie]

Can you get your money back? I know shes a friend but that still doesn't give her a right to rip you off intentially or not.

If it isn't intentional and it costs her to return it, maybe you could make some deal where you get your money back minus the cost for her to return it.

Yeah all the half decent courses are expensive. When I was doing a course a few years back the lecturer wanted me to do a fulltime IT course with them for a year that involved microsoft, novel certificates etc...
Would have loved to have done it but it was going to cost more then half of what you quoted for just a year :rolleyes:

Noway I could afford that or even pay it off over the year. :(

[luv2bslim]

Sherrie, are you still studying at the moment?

[Alies]

I signed up with Dodo for a year yesterday while logged into my old service provider and had a bit of a play around. I checked my bank statement and found they took the money out straight away. Then I logged off and tried to connect to Dodo and found my modem wouldn't even dial in.:mad:

Sooo...I rang customer service and this guy says I'd have to wait for an hour and 45 minutes for a techo to call back.:eek:

I told him that wasn't acceptable and he organised for a guy to call back straight away. The techo took me into an obscure part of my computer that runs the modem and got me to type a couple of characters in and then told me to hang up and try to dial in. I was very happy when it worked and 9yo is very happy that he'll now get an hour on neopets every day.:)

Speaking of 9yo, he's gone on school camp overnight and I miss him already.:( I keep making mental notes to remember to pick up 5yo from school at 3pm. I've ordered some memory boost to start taking.:rolleyes:

Last night 9yo was complaining about having meat and veg for tea every night. The night before I made his favourite: vegeroni. How quickly they forget! Anyway I asked him what he thought cavemen ate and he said meat and veg. Then I asked him why we might be alive today. He said meat and veg. I suggested it was because cavemen survived on meat and veg. My husband piped up that cavemen were really hairy. 9yo said girls are definitely related to cavemen because of all their hair. I can't win!;)

[Alies]

Good news...

I'm going to be a great aunty for the first time. eta: December:)

Oh, and I remembered to pick 5yo up. He must have sensed my sense of loss about 9yo being at camp because he held my hand all the way from his class to the car - he usually runs ahead - and he asked me to read him a couple of books as soon as we got home - he does love me, even if he outrightly denies it!:rolleyes:

[Cazza]

of course he wuvs you .. your his mummy :)

Congrats on becoming a great aunty xx

[Alies]

Thanks Cazza:)

I've been reading heaps lately about nutrition. Most of the books still hound on about eating bread, cereals, etc. Have discovered that grains have antinutrients, like apple seeds to prevent digestion, that may be toxic to humans so that's why we process them before we eat them. I reckon that's why they have a laxative effect (aka fibre);)

Have a look at the attached picture. What does it look like?

I was searching for a simple chocolate mousse because I don't really like the new empower dessert - we can't all like everything - but somehow don't think I'll make this either...sorry linda sue
:(

[Sherrie]

You could try converting a simple one like this into low carb:

Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
125 g cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
250 g Cadbury Dark or Milk Cooking Chocolate
600 ml thickened cream, lightly whipped

1. Beat the cream cheese, sugar and egg together until smooth.

2. Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt over a double boiler or in the microwave.

3. Add the melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and stir through until well combined. Stir in the cream, again stirring until well combined. Chill until required.

4. Pipe or spoon into glass bowls, chocolate cups or use as a filling for desserts.

[Alies]

Thanks Sherrie:)

I'm not sure about uncooked egg though. I tried whipping up some cream, splenda and cocoa but it was just chocolate cream.:( Maybe it needed the cream cheese and egg...

If there's two things in life I really can't apply myself with, they're cooking and exercise.

[Sherrie]

Thats what I thought too but every mousse recipe I see has egg in it. Heres another one in a booklet I have here:

Rich and Creamy Chocolate Mousse

150g Dark Chocolate, chopped
2 Eggs Seperated
1tbl boiling water
300ml thickened cream
1 tsp vanilla essence
grated chocolate to decorate

Place chocolate in heat proof bowl. Stand bowl over pan of simmering water; stir until smooth and melted. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Gradually beat in egg yolks with wooden spoon - mixture will be very thick. Add water, continue stirring briskly untill mixture has thinned slightly and is smooth. Cool to room temperature.

Beat cream and essence with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Transfer about 1/4 whipped cream to another bowl; cover and refrigerate. Fold remaining cream into chocolate mixture.

Beat egg whites in clean bowl with electric mixer until peaks form. Fold into chocolate mixture. Spoon into 4 dessert glasses; refrigerate until set. Before serving, decorate with reserved cream and grated chocolate.

Recipe must be prepared serveral hours ahead to allow for adequate chilling time.

Serves 4

One good thing about chocolate mousse is it is very easy to convert to LC.

[Jackie]

how can chocolate mousse be low carb????

that is my favourite but I like the one with brandy in it, but sadly lost the receipe for it many years ago, would love to get hold of it again though. It was a family favourite but during one of my moves lost it and no one has forgiven me since.

[vanman]

Here is a mousse that should never fail.

450 ml Thickened cream
150g Dark Chocolate
24 medium strawberries


Double boil the chocolate until a smooth mixture, add 150 of thickened cream slowly while stirring the chocolate. Take off the heat add cool for 10 minutes

Whip the rest of the cream to soft peaks.

Gently fold the chocolate into the whipped cream, put into the fridge to cool.

Serve 50g chilled on a large plate with two sliced strawberry.

Serves 12

10.7 g carb per serve

[Sherrie]

Maybe like one of these Jackie?

http://www.nestle.com.au/baking/chocolate-mousse-recipe.htm

http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~hotmetal/recipes/ch_msse.htm

http://anusf.anu.edu.au/~jhj900/recipes/choc_mousse.html

[luv2bslim]

I was searching for a simple chocolate mousse because I don't really like the new empower dessert - we can't all like everything - but somehow don't think I'll make this either...sorry linda sue It look funny :D Nothing a splash of cream and choc toping wouldn't hide..I still haven't seen the new empower pudding over here

[Alies]

Gave myself an electric shock this morning.:eek: Was trying to fix the fridge light and highly recommend to anyone to turn the fridge off at the wall first. No burn marks or fuzzy hair.

Went to inter-school sports where 9yo came fourth and third in respective events.

5yo was off on an excursion today, too, and I had volunteered to go, but they didn't need me. That was for the best as it worked out.

Weight wise I've climbed just a kilo, but considering all the high carbs I've been sneaking lately I should be more. Eating things that don't agree with me definitely has a negative effect on my choices.

Have been reading HEAPS of books about diets and immunity from the library.

Maria Deveson Crabbe from Aussie Bodies has some great ideas, but she's a bit over my head with Ayurvedic body types.

Dr Clark totally confused me with what you can and can't have on their High Protein Diet. Eat an orange a day, but no fruit during weight loss. Don't eat more than 60g carbs per day, preferably less than 40, but don't restrict to 20 like Atkins does.

No wonder the government wants to set some guidelines!

[Alies]

I'm running late to watch Dr Phil, so this'll be quick.

I bought some green tea and actually enjoyed my first cup today. Couldn't find decaffeinated, though, but it's naturally 97% caffeine free.

Am premenstrual and have started taking extra B vitamins and evening primrose. Really sore boobs and bloated tummy this time. Wish metagenics would hurry up with femme control.

Bought some defiance multigrain bread flour. What do you think would be the result of sifting out the hard bits? Why do they have to put maize grits in it anyway?

It's hubby's birthday next week and we're getting visitors on the long weekend. I'm starting to panic already....

Hope everyone is doing well.:)

[Sherrie]

I imagine it's those hard bits that lower the GI?

Hehe I can guarantee your not in as big a panic as I am right now :)

[Alies]

Everything OK Sherrie?

[Sherrie]

Yes nothing like that. First job interview this afternoon in I don't know how many years and I'm scared shitless hehe

[Alies]

Oooh, how exciting! Good Luck. Stay positive. You've got your head screwed on the right way, so if they don't want you then there's something wrong with them.:)

I've put in a few applications and haven't even had an interview. I've probably shot myself in the foot saying I want to work when the kids are at school. They're my first priority and businesses don't want to know that.

[Sherrie]

Ryan's school began after hours care this year so I plan to use that.

Lets hope childcare isn't so expensive it negates the point in working!

[luv2bslim]

Sherrie, sorry to butt in, but all the best for your interview:D :D

[Sherrie]

Thanks girls, I hope the lady agrees with you Annelies, she seemed quite nice plus it's only down the road from me.

They also seem to like the idea of putting their staff in courses for any additional needs and I love learning stuff :)

[mutza]

ur so right about the courses sherrie, ive been with this company nearly 10 years and i keep dropping hints about doing some course, any course, im not fussy as long as they pay for it, but its like one ear out the other, so now im thinking of doing a course in adobe photoshop, i've always loved photography and computers so its a natural course of events. Good luck with the interview

[Alies]

:) The extra kilos I started putting on by eating the wrong foods are starting to come off - slowly. I'm trying to eat only induction foods, but there are things in the house for the rest of the family and I allow myself the odd 'treat'.

Have been doing a tapestry on behalf of my Mum which belongs to my brother. I can fully understand why Mum gave up. How the heck am I supposed to pick one colour for one stitch when there's three colours painted across it? Give me cross-stitch any time!:D

A friend has gone to Queensland for a week and I'm feeding her cat. Before she left I told her not to think of us at all:rolleyes: It was so cold this morning that I didn't realise I'd cut myself on the tin until I saw the blood!

Just in case you missed my post in Pixie's diary about Belgium Blues chocolate, the true carb count is supposed to be 7.6g in 100g. Stay away from it if you want to shed those kilos.;)

[luv2bslim]

Just in case you missed my post in Pixie's diary about Belgium Blues chocolate, the true carb count is supposed to be 7.6g in 100g. Stay away from it if you want to shed those kilos. aww..now you have burst my bubble :( I was looking foward to trying it:D It's not too much more then cadbury lite..I can fully understand why Mum gave up. How the heck am I supposed to pick one colour for one stitch when there's three colours painted across it? LOL, I don't have the patience for either, but I do sell them in my shop :p

[Alies]

This is just a quick post because 9yo has a soccer game.

I bought a couple of keto bars the other day. After eating one I was shocked to find it had 12.4g sugars!:eek: They used to be 2g or something.:confused:

I posted this info on another forum, but they told me to get my carbs in other ways.:rolleyes: Sorry, but after 18 months I'll eat what I bloody well like thanks. Those keto bars are a staple on the keto diet!

My point is to keep reading those labels everyone, especially after learning from Mr Sugarlessco that laws are constantly changing.

All the best:)

[Sherrie]

They should change the label to StopKeto bars hehe

[Snez]

Why did they up the sugar in the keto bars?

[Alies]

I think all those sugars were there all the time, Snez. They just didn't have to disclose them on the nutrition panel until now.:eek:

In trying to find out how the laws have changed I came across this http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/flapa/notice.htm
I can't believe what some companies do to our food (that document is at least five years old). Do they think we're stupid or something? Hydrogen peroxide in thickened cream!:mad:

Anyway, I haven't found any answers to the changes to sugars yet. I believe the government has altered the kilojoule count for the sugars that must be stated on labels and will be changing it again.:rolleyes:

[Moonie]

Hidden carbs have always been a problem for people on low carb diets...that is why it is always a good idea to do the littlesum that shows how many calories are accounted for in a product...the difference between what is on the nutritional panel and the answer you get is the hidden carbs..This link explains it very well..
http://stores.yahoo.com/carbsmart/readlabels.htmlHydrogen peroxide in thickened cream!
Yuuuck!!!!

[luv2bslim]

My Goodness, it is sooo bloody complicated...Hidden carbs have always been a problem for people on low carb diets... I never realized there were "hidden" carbs...sigh..ignorance is bliss..:D :D
The shop near me sells keto bars, magnetrics or something..caramel and cherry, I have actually got used the the caramel one now;)

[Sherrie]

Yep I've been very funny on additives in the creams lately, only way to avoid them totally is the pure cream which costs an arm and a leg :rolleyes:

If you ever notice trouble when consuming cream it could be one of the additives in a particular brand.

[Alies]

Thanks for the link Moonie:)

You learn something new every day and I've apparently been neglecting this until now.

Until I understand it fully, the P40 bars from the supermarket will be a better alternative to the keto bars - and cheaper!;)

[Alies]

Oh dear, I've become the Carb Police. I'm using the calculator more than ever to check out anything packaged for hidden carbs now that I know how to do it properly.:rolleyes: Am really trying to stick to clean food though.

Went to my GP today for a pap test. BP is good on 120/80 and I've got an order for a fasting blood test to check cholesterol and blood sugars. That'll have to wait until after the school holidays now, but I hope to use the results to stick it up every naysayer that comes my way:D

Might end up having a breast ultrasound to check if there might be an underlying problem causing extreme pain in the week prior to TOM. Evening primrose isn't really helping.

I'm actually going to 'fess up to sitting on 74kgs for the past month or so. Maybe this will keep me honest and help me to achieve my next (secret) goal of 65kgs by the end of the year.;)

Can anyone give me serious motivation to start that pilates, please?

[luv2bslim]

Oh dear, I've become the Carb Police. I'm using the calculator more than ever to check out anything packaged for hidden carbs now that I know how to do it properly. Am really trying to stick to clean food though. LOL, can you exaplain in a basic way, how you do it?
I only look at carbs and if they are over 2 or 3 I just dont buy it

[Snez]

Originally posted by Annelies
I'm actually going to 'fess up to sitting on 74kgs for the past month or so. Maybe this will keep me honest and help me to achieve my next (secret) goal of 65kgs by the end of the year.;)


So you were sitting on 74kgs for the past month or so, its no big deal at least you didn't gain any weight. When your body is ready it will start losing again. Good luck with your 65kg goal.:)

[Alies]

can you exaplain in a basic way, how you do it?
I remember Sherrie chastising someone a while ago for explaining something like this...but I'll do it anyway.

Companies have to declare all the energy, protein and fat, but not all the carbs.:mad:

I highly recommend a calculator. You need the energy value in calories. Divide kilojoules by 4.1868 to get calories. Multiply total fat by 9. Multiply protein by 4. Add these two up and subtract from total calories. Divide this answer by 4 and this is the real total carbs.
So you were sitting on 74kgs for the past month or so, its no big deal at least you didn't gain any weight.Thanks Snez:)

[Sherrie]

Hey? I've never said anything about hidden carbs...

[Alies]

No, I meant explaining something to l2bs. She's seriously funny, especially when she's tired.:D I can't find the last time someone tried to explain something.

[Moonie]

http://www.pictureofhealth.com.au/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=459
Rossana posted this some time back, it explains how the sugar alcohols never had to be listed but because they contain calories they now have to be taken into account, and are shown as carbohydrates becaus they aren't fat or protein......I believe that Australian labelling laws are being changed to include sugar alcohols also...

[coruba]

ummmmm...so does that mean they are hidden or not?:confused:

[Moonie]

I reckon there are are a lot of labelling that still has them hidden, but usually say somewhere on the label how much polyols or malitol is in the product if not in the nutritional panel..you have to read the label thoroughly.. Glycerine never had to be included because it will not raise blood sugar levels. I'm not sure if that is being accounted for now...

As Annelies say's we are better to stick to natural products , if we have any of these other products we do take the risk they will stall us ..Some people find that sugar alcohols have no effect on them, but others have a problem with them..If we have bars etc., it should be in moderation...

[Sherrie]

Ah yes because L2BS is too slack to look outside the diary section ;)

Phew I thought I had done something wrong lol *wipes forehead*

Yeah with the alchohols I just try to keep my consumption of these down to a minimum. I don't believe that these as a rule don't have an effect on blood sugar, for example the goliath bars, they always take me out of K for an hour or two but they are good emergency meals and much better then cheating.

Ack getting itchy this morning *scratch*

[luv2bslim]

No, I meant explaining something to l2bs. She's seriously funny, especially when she's tired. :D Ah yes because L2BS is too slack to look outside the diary section doh! my secret is out:p
I have printed off Annelies theory and will study it ;) Thanks Annelies

[luv2bslim]

Ok, I tried the theory on the keto bars and they seem to have a total of 22grams per 60..I think I willl stick to the low carb products I know instead of shopping with a calculator..hehehe..now I vaguely remember someone saying reduce the sugars or something, as I was surprised to see 20gms on them. I have eaten them and stayed in K :confused:

[Sherrie]

L2B if you lose wieght on them and don't notice any bloating or going out of K etc... then I wouldn't worry about them. Different sugar alchohols affect different people in different ways...

With these kind of things you just need to listen to your body.

[Alies]

I'm in a state of shock - close to tears actually:(

I dropped my 6yo at a McDonalds party he was invited to at 4pm today. He gave the birthday boy a present and joined the others in the playground. I asked the hosting mother what time to return and waved goodbye to 6yo.

An hour later I returned and could see 6yo crying in the playground. On my way to him I passed the hosting mother and asked if he wasn't joining in. She had this blank look on her face and said "Yes, why?"

I pointed him out in the playground while her horde were in the party room tucking into their meals. She then said "I wondered why there were only 12 at the party when there was supposed to be 13."

I raced to 6yo and he said between sobs "You left me here too long." OMG! He thought I had abandoned him!

He had missed everything. The hosting mother organised a meal for him and he joined the other kids and sang happy birthday and ate some cake, then it was time to go.

I'm angry at myself for leaving him there and angry at the other mum (and the mcdonalds girl) for not double checking.:mad:

When 6yo had his own party a couple of weeks ago I had every parent's phone number written down in my handbag and I kept such a close eye on every child that when one went to the toilet I waited between the toilet and the party room until the little one was back in the fold!

[luv2bslim]

"I wondered why there were only 12 at the party when there was supposed to be 13." stupid stupid woman:mad:
I hope you are OK, I hate it when you see kids upset like that!!

[sambalam]

that is so irresponsible annelies, she would be furious with you if that was her child. what is wrong with people? my niece had a similar thing happen to her. her mum doesn't want to let her go to parties with more than 5 kids but how hard is that in this day when parents feel obliged to invite the whole class? poor little fellow and poor you too.

[mutza]

that poor little thing.... how angry u must have been...i wouldve been furious.... why is it that some mothers must have parties for their children when they wont take the responsibility of looking after the kids they have invited????.. why not just invite 4 or five? at least that way u can properly supervise them all

did u say anything to her?

[Alies]

I'm OK today thanks girls.:)

Didn't sleep much last night thinking of all the horrible things that COULD have happened, but have come to the happy conclusion that thank god nothing bad did happen and he is safe and happy enough, although a bit teary today. I'm being extra caring without letting him get away with too much.

I was so shocked that I didn't actually express my anger to the mother at the time and I'm sort of glad I didn't because I'd probably have said something stupid or untrue and the kids don't really realise what happened and I don't want to negatively affect them.

By the time school goes back next week I reckon I'll be calmer.:rolleyes:

[Snez]

Annelies I'm glad you are feeling better now.

[Alies]

Thank you Snez.

OK, time for an update.

75kgs today:o Going in the wrong direction for 65. TOM is due within the next week and the boobs are REALLY sore. Think I'll ask the doc about that ultrasound.

Some tests I just had came back with fabulous news. My glucose is normal and cholesterol is perfect. My doc even underlined PERFECT. For those who want to know: Chol 4.8, triglyc 0.4, HDL 2.0, LDL 2.6 so Chol/HDL 2.4 PERFECT:)

Sent off another two job applications yesterday and went and bought a new outfit in case I get an interview. That makes two new outfits now.:rolleyes:

[Snez]

Originally posted by Annelies
Some tests I just had came back with fabulous news. My glucose is normal and cholesterol is perfect. My doc even underlined PERFECT. For those who want to know: Chol 4.8, triglyc 0.4, HDL 2.0, LDL 2.6 so Chol/HDL 2.4 PERFECT:)


Excellent results. So, lowcarb does work!!!

[luv2bslim]

The last time I saw the DR he gave me the paperwork for the same tests. I will go in the morning and get it done, and see the difference from pre-low carb to now:D
Congrats on being PERFECT!!!:D :D

[coruba]

I had my cholestrol and blood sugars done about three weeks or so ago. I have been meaning to go in and get the results...NOW Annelies has designated Ms PERFECT...I'm under pressure!! LOL

[luv2bslim]

I had the test done on my way to work today:p I will let you know the results in a week or so..It is going to be interesting to see what changes there may be after a year on Atkins:)

[Alies]

NOW Annelies has designated Ms PERFECT...I'm under pressure!! LOL And don't forget that I'm also dense - bone density - so I guess that makes me PERFECTLY DENSE:D

Still 75kgs. I've seriously gotta stop eating prohibited foods and start moving this body. Have been looking for tubing - stall, stall, stall:rolleyes:

Had a terrible weekend. 9yo had a friend over to sleep who thought it was funny to do things we were telling 6yo to stop doing:mad: and 9yo lost his internet priviledges for typing in inappropriate words in a search engine:eek: Not to mention TOM is two days early:(

[Sherrie]

Haha what was he typing?

[luv2bslim]

Haha what was he typing LOL.. James typed in "holly valance boobs" once :D

[Alies]

Yes, there was genitalia, amongst other things.:rolleyes:

He tried to deny it until I proved to him that we could check everything he did! He went around saying he was going to pack his bags and leave and I just kept at him to know that we love him and don't want him to get into trouble.

In the end I had to tell him I've already secured a present for his birthday (October) which he has been asking for for two years.:rolleyes: That's such bad mothering and so material, but the turnaround in his demeanour was nothing short of miraculous!

I had a job interview this morning. Actually it was a preliminary interview because it was with a job agency instead of the employer. Now I'm doing the mental checklist of everything I did wrong.:o I'll get over it once the nervous energy has subsided.

[luv2bslim]

He tried to deny it until I proved to him that we could check everything he did! so did James :D That's such bad mothering and so material, but the turnaround in his demeanour was nothing short of miraculous! LOL..anything to save your sanity..good luck looking for a job:p

[Alies]

Thanks for the encouragement L2BS:)

I was going to post this in Ladybird's diary, but thought it might tip her over to the dark side - the chocolate side! She's doing better than me.

I am sooo sick of chocolate. I've got chocolate muffins, chocolate coconut rough, chocolate protein bars, creme chocolate and diet chocolate topping to put on my yoghurt. So much for trying to eat good wholesome stuff.:rolleyes:

I bought some diet caramel topping to have instead, but it's nowhere near as nice as my caramel protein shake and I tried to make a lemon coconut mix instead of the coconut rough, but it was too tart:(

76kgs this morning and TOM should be gone in a few days - here's hoping - but who knows because he came early, he might hang around longer.

[Sherrie]

Your missing one thing....

Chocolate cheesecake!

[Alies]

Chocolate cheesecake!Thanks Sherrie ;)

75kgs today. I'd love to kick the habit of getting on the scales every morning, but it'll take me a while. Doesn't it take 21 days to break a habit? Hey, that's probably my worst habit, so I've really got nothing to complain about. TOM is gone now too:)

9yo is home today with Pityriasis Rosea. Went to the doc first thing and had it confirmed. It's a rash that lasts for many weeks and they think is caused by a virus, but it doesn't do anything bad so they say it's not contagious and he can go to school.

I had it when I was 11 and was covered from neck to wrist and ankle and it was so itchy that my Mum bathed me in pinetarsol. YUCK! That smell still makes me feel ill.:(

These days they reckon just put some cortisone cream on the itchy patches, but 9yo isn't itchy:confused: 6yo was NOT happy about going to school!:rolleyes:

[luv2bslim]

9yo is home today with Pityriasis Rosea. Went to the doc first thing and had it confirmed. It's a rash that lasts for many weeks and they think is caused by a virus, but it doesn't do anything bad so they say it's not contagious and he can go to school. I bet he would get teased if he went to school :( I can still smell pinetarsol...ewww..we used to use it on the babies when they had nappy rash:p
I hope he's better soon

[Alies]

9yo has gone to school happily enough. He reckons I make a big deal out of everything.:rolleyes:

His favourite song at the moment is "Don't turn off the lights". He kept playing it over and over in the car yesterday when I dragged him to the post office and library.

I remember singing inappropriate songs when I was his age and asked if he had any idea what the words of the song meant. When I explained it has to do with sex he said he didn't care and that he's going to pretend it's not.

Got a knock-back on that job, although I was short-listed by the agency, the employer had already filled the position. That's OK, because I reckon it would have taken me about a month to feel I was missing out on the kids soccer and tennis on the weekends.

Bought another couple of those (stop)keto bars from the naturopath. I pop in occasionally in case my femme control is there. The keto bars have come down in price and I asked the lady if that was because the carbs went up so much. She didn't know, but was going to ask.

[luv2bslim]

I got the blood results when I took daughter 2 to the Dr's yesterday..not quite as good as Annelies, but nearly:D :D Total Chol 4.2 Triglyceride 0.8 HDL 1.70 LDL 2.13 T.chol/HDL rat 2.5:p
So, the Atkins diet won't kill me this year!!
Pat on the back to L2BS and Annelies
He didn't say PERFECT but he did say EXCELLENT!!!!

[Alies]

And you went and celebrated by having your tongue pierced?:eek:

Had a shocking shopping day today. My kids' school is having a day on friday where parents/grandparents are coming in to show them how to do something they haven't tried yet. I'm going to show cross-stitch - easy peasy lemon squeezy.:)

Anyway, I volunteered to do the craft necessities shopping for the principal and she asked me to get 42 pairs of size 4 knitting needles for around $1 a pair. Jump right in L2BS and tell me what luck I had - NONE and BUCKLEY'S!

I did a lot of footwork (that was today's exercise:D) and came up empty. Even the charity stores didn't have nearly enough and Spotlight here in Ballarat are moving store soon and aren't ordering anything in:mad:

So now we're going to be asking families for donations. Should I be embarrassed to admit that I could possibly donate 10 pairs and still have 8 pairs in my cupboard?

[amarlyn]

LOL Annelies its called murphy's law

I think i would be saying you collected all those sets of needles from family and friends

[Alies]

You're right Sharon.:)

Now I think about it, most of them came from my Mum and grandmother. Some were even given to me as presents in my teenage years when I was hooked on knitting.

Had more luck today at a junk store. They had four pairs and I pretended I didn't really want them and the lady said I could have them for 50c a pair. What a bargain!

I'm worried about this cross-stitch now because another lady is going to teach the kids to do it on gingham which is nice and cheap. I've actually bought some plastic canvas and my plan is to cut out bookmark-sized pieces and give them a chart to choose from of simple things I've designed - heart, star, dog, fish, duck - all under 40 stitches.

Wish me luck:)

[luv2bslim]

Annelies, any size will do to learn on, why do they have to be 4mm? Up to a 5mm or down to a 3.5 will all work for kids using 8ply yarn..
Have you tried Textile traders if you have them stores..he was selling his needles last year for 3 pairs for $1..needless to say I bought every pair I could get my hands on in WA!!
It's funny how he couldn't sell them for 50c yet I can flog them for $4.50 no problems at all!!

Jump right in L2BS and tell me what luck I had - NONE and BUCKLEY'S! LOL :D

[Alies]

I wish we had Textile traders! Never heard of them:(

One place even rang Birch for me and found out they don't have any stock for 2 weeks.:rolleyes:

It's funny how he couldn't sell them for 50c yet I can flog them for $4.50 no problems at all!! Bit like the story of a fridge being put on the nature strip with a FREE sign on it sitting there for a week and then suddenly disappearing when the sign was changed to $50...

[Sherrie]

LOL

[Alies]

Feeling blah today. TOM is here of course:(

Am trying to buy a game off ebay for 6yo but can never win at the price I want to pay. I did buy it a few weeks ago, but it didn't work properly so I was very lucky to get my money back (with postage!) after sending it back.

Watched an interesting dvd about South America in which animals in the amazon rainforest were eating clay.:eek: Apparently it neutralizes the toxins in the leaves and seeds they eat. They were all doing it - monkeys, birds, deers, tapirs, etc.

And the native people were hunting the animals. I wonder if it's another reason people should be only eating proteins because the animals have already taken care of the toxins?

I got a chemist brochure last week that had omega 3-6-9 flaxseed oil tablets. How the heck do they make tablets?:confused: What use would they be other than another lurk to get people's hard earned money?

Enough complaining. Does everyone here know about Good Medicine printing an article supporting Atkins? Kat on Empower found it first.:)

[Sherrie]

Just did a search in google and found it, good find for Kat :): http://health.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=14143

Funny how they go back and forth, my guess is whatever way the $ swings they go and right now atkins are prepping to start up here so they'd be really trying for good publicity right now :)

[luv2bslim]

good article.. Hope you feel better soon Annelies

[Alies]

Trying to stick to basic foods I had on induction oh so long ago and finding it really hard.:(

I successfully made yoghurt yesterday with my Mum's old yoghurt maker and had some this morning. Not exactly low carb, but I'm going to have a little each day.

Bought Good Medicine for the Atkins article and found an interesting piece on phytoestrogens that states oestrogen regulates the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver. I wonder if my oestrogen is elevated because my LDL is low and how that affects TOM because he's still here, only just, but still hanging around like the little pest that he is. I'll investigate that more in the days to come.

Did I mention here that my husband has a David Attenborough dvd about the life of plants and he says something REALLY interesting about grasses. He says a few types of grass have succeeded in interrupting the ecological cycles that have operated for millions of years and have managed to take over for their exclusive use well fertilized areas that once supported rich communities of animals and plants. He goes on to say that 10,000 years ago wheat only grew around the mediterranean and a small group of humans accepted it as food and carried it with them and planted it wherever they settled. This is information we already know, but the way he turned it around to say it was the plants exploiting us was poignant.

I've put in another couple of job applications and I've been asked by the school principal to fill in for the administration officer while she attends a three-day conference soon. It's a huge responsibility and I hope I don't stuff anything up! :)

[Sherrie]

Do it Annelies you will make a good administrator and it will be good recent resume material.

Will help you a ton!

[luv2bslim]

yohoo Annelies, you have been a bit quiet lately..how's things going?:p

[Alies]

Hi!:)

I did my stint in the school office and, other than getting the newsletter out on time, I was twiddling my thumbs between answering the phone/greeting people.

I must have been more stressed about it than I realised because TOM has come again after only 16 days. NOT HAPPY!

Lucky I popped into the naturopath last week because my wonder drug is no longer available (the one that made TOM stick around for only three days instead of seven) so they got something else in on Friday for me and I'm taking that to see if it is any good.

I'm going to donate blood for the first time tomorrow.:cool:

[luv2bslim]

yohoo Annelies, are you still recovering from giving blood or what?? where are you??:p

[Alies]

I've been visiting l2bs, but not exactly posting in here. Because I post all over the forum, I forget you hardly venture out of here. Thanks for the reminder.:)

I'm assuming you missed the awsome picture I posted yesterday, so it'll be at the bottom of this post.:D

Giving blood was a bit of a saga. I finally got there on a third-time-lucky appointment. I decided not to donate when TOM was visiting, then 6yo got sick. When I did get there, I nearly passed out after only 5 minutes. They told me not to be put off donating again. Wait and see I guess.:rolleyes:

Weight-wise I'm still trying to shed 10kg before December 12. Seesawing between 75&76kgs. TOM came earlier this month and is here again.:mad:

I'm currently taking Vitex (chaste berry) tablets 3 times a day. It reduced the breast tenderness and has curbed the blood flow (still a trickle after two days, but I'm waiting for the floodgates to open). Has anyone tried it? The other tablets from the naturopath did not work.:(

Here's the pic of the new sizematters shaker:

[missmoo]

WHO GIVES A SH*T ABOUT THE DAMN SHAKER!

HELLO CHRISTMAS!!!!!

lololololol

Bel

[luv2bslim]

I've been visiting l2bs, but not exactly posting in here. Because I post all over the forum, I forget you hardly venture out of here. Thanks for the reminder. I know, I am always popping in this section but hardly ever anywhere else..glad you are still around:D

[Alies]

Quick update - hovering between 74&75kgs.

Not shedding kilos, but concentrating more on the menstrual problems. The floodgates did open on the vitex, so that wasn't worth it.:(

I went back to the naturopath and have allowed him to put me on the herbs he wanted to give me instead of the tablets (which didn't work, but I insisted on, and he warned they probably wouldn't work).

He explained that my frequent and heavy TOMs are probably due to an overproduction of progesterone as well as poor tone in my uterus. An eye opener for me was that I was calculating my cycle from day one of TOM to day one of TOM, putting it at 25 days. Apparently most women count from end of TOM to day one of TOM which is normally 28, so mine are actually 18!!!!:eek:

I'm struggling with tonsilitis atm. I think it's the first time I've been sick since starting low-carb. Must have something to do with being sucked in to be Treasurer at school again.:rolleyes:

I've been invited to give blood again, too. Any words of wisdom?:)

[luv2bslim]

An eye opener for me was that I was calculating my cycle from day one of TOM to day one of TOM, putting it at 25 days. Apparently most women count from end of TOM to day one of TOM which is normally 28, so mine are actually 18!!!! Did that come from a bloke?? everyone I know counts from day one of TOM to next TOM:confused:
I wondered where you were, good to hear from you again:D

[Sherrie]

Yeah I think you were right too Annelies, when they first estimate your babies due date they work it out from the start of your last cycle which is day one of TOM.

[Alies]

Yeah, the maths don't add up. I mustn't have been listening properly (too worried about the nasty taste of the herbs). Will have to clarify when I go back.:rolleyes:

[Alies]

Went back to the naturopath today. Clarified the misunderstanding about calculating my cycle. He was just asking if I counted from end of TOM to start of next TOM because you would be surprised how many women do. I've been doing it right.:)

There have been some positives with the herbs regarding TOM - not as heavy as usual, but still long so we're tweaking it a bit.

My throat/sinus problems and antibiotics have me on acidophilus long term although the tummy has settled down. I just did the maths on the cost of the acidophilus from the chemist versus the naturopath. Naturopath 60 caps $34 versus chemist 30 caps $20:mad: I know where I'll be getting these from in future!

I'm also zinc deficient.:eek: I've read about the liquid zinc test where you take this stuff and if it tastes disgusting you're not deficient...well the naturopath did it today and it tasted like water to me for the first five seconds - so another supplement to take.:rolleyes:

[Alies]

Not much of significance to report. Still maintaining 74-75kgs and TOM time. This one is to be the real test of the herbs I'm taking.

Have you guys heard of Nectar? It's fruit flavoured protein powder with no carbs (also no fat unfortunately). Rossana sent me a sample of Fuzzy Navel with an order a while back and the colour made me laugh, but the flavour was awesome. I bought a tub of the lemon one and love it.:)

Time to blow off some steam - I took over again as Treasurer last month at school and have been on a paper (and people) chase ever since. :mad:

The principal took over a week to write a note for the bank for the new signatories and the new chairperson had to be asked several times over a couple of weeks to go to the bank to register her signature.

There have been missing invoices from the uniform shop for several months - phone calls to Melbourne and Sydney for copies of accounts - and I had to sort out an account that wasn't paid when I handed over the position last year because the cheque never arrived. You would think that if the same cheque number kept coming up every month, someone would ask why?!?!

Not to mention that petty cash hadn't been balanced all year so nobody really knows that it was topped up from canteen and uniform shop money as well as a mysterious $350 cheque when petty cash is only supposed to be $300

All that and then the books wouldn't balance because there were just a couple of figures mismatched between the bank deposit book and the ledger!

I obviously take this too seriously.:( I wonder if I'll be brave enough to speak my mind at tonight's meeting?

[luv2bslim]

Yep, be brave, then sort out the mess, then quit :D :D

[Sherrie]

You have to say something Annelies or they will give you more mess to clean up and unbalanced books are a huge headache!

[Alies]

Simply gave my report last night. Who am I to spoil their xmas breakup? :rolleyes:

We handed over a sh*t load of money to the school and I said in all seriousness that we can call it a year now, but I think the alcohol helped them to think I was joking.:D

Today I've written up a letter to each team member reiterating that all money spent has to be accounted for with a receipt or invoice or it won't get paid. TOM really bites on paper!:mad:

sort out the mess, then quitAs much as I think they deserve it, I think I'd beat myself up over it. I'll just do the best job I know how to do and not regret anything.

I felt a bit wasted when I handed it over last year after doing it for three years, as well as being president at kinder and secretary of a major fundraising event. My thoughts were that 'no news is good news'. It appears I got it wrong and it was a case of 'near enough is good enough'.

[Alies]

Really stressed atm.

I'm glad the kids finish school today, because it will be good not to have to be anywhere, although 6yo has been home since the weekend for several reasons.

Had to drive 2 hours to the Royal Children's Hospital yesterday for a gastroenterology appointment for 10yo. The whole story really riles me up.

I've been taking him to the dentist every year since he started growing teeth. In the beginning it was just a quick inspection while he sat on my lap. Anyway, for a couple of years he's complained of sore teeth. It was explained away as grinding and they took a mould of his teeth with the intention of putting on caps and then didn't go ahead with it. That process was stressful enough and made him throw up.

Finally this year he was referred to a paediatric dentist who has identified he has no enamel left on his baby teeth and the adult teeth are starting to wear as well. They suspect silent reflux because he has never had decay, although he has no other symptoms.

They want to put a ph probe down his nose into his oesophagus(sp?) and then do a gastroscopy 24hrs later. When the doc was explaining the risks to me, 10yo started crying. I wanted to cry too.

Every bone in my body wants to know why nobody picked this up before. I'm also angry because I took him to the school dental service for a second opinion at the beginning of this year and they suggested a visit to an orthodontist for his crooked teeth. Are they stupid or something?!?:mad:

It's not like we haven't been through this kind of stuff before. 10yo had to have tubes in his ears at 3yo. then adenoids taken out at 4yo and then tonsils out at 5yo. He's also asthmatic and I'm wondering if it's all related somehow?

I just want to wrap him up in cotton wool and take him somewhere safe.

[Amanda Walsh]

The school dentists in my area when growing up were equally as pathetic!! Mum had heaps of trouble with them and my teeth it is SO frusterating (sp?).

I sure hope it all sorts out and your poor little 10yo is not too traumatized by all the poking and prodding!

Big hug for you and the stress too!

[Sherrie]

Geez poor boy :(

[sambalam]

oh annelies, that is stressful. When the doc was explaining the risks to me, 10yo started crying. I wanted to cry too. poor both of you, i want to give you both a hug.

the problem is it's important to find out isn't it? i remember learning about this in child care, it can may damage the oesophagus and digestive tract if left unchecked. i just did a quick look on the net and there was a study done that suggests slient reflux can be more common in asthmatic kids. in the study they showed the asthma was reduced when the reflux was treated. does he have the signs of it at all?

this is a link to the study
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/162/1/34

it sucks that you end up getting the run around and never a straight answer. i hope you guys get a breather over the weekend and things will look a little brighter.

[Alies]

Thanks guys. :) I guess it's more prevalent than I thought. It all sounded like medical jargon to me, like they wanted to use 10yo as a guinea pig.

The hospital rang to book in for the tests in February. That's ages away for us to either worry about it for that long, but I choose to ignore it until we get closer. We'll probably have to make a promise to visit Luna Park or something.:rolleyes:

As you might expect, TOM is up the putt. Been here for 10 days now - although light. :( I don't think even the naturopath's herbs can compete with my stress hormones.

Had a plumber here this morning cleaning our storm water drains because our garage started flooding during last Saturday's downpour. Well, he wasn't bad looking for a young man so I was as helpful as can be. My kids were helping too.:D

Oh, now I have to tell you about the new teacher at school. He's all of 23yrs and is very nice looking, and all the mothers are calling him eye candy, etc, but I just don't find him attractive. I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me when it dawned on me one morning that he looks exactly like my 19yo nephew! Now that would be incest.:eek:

I can't believe how close Christmas is and it's just one month until my birthday. Hubby asked last night what I wanted for Christmas. I was dumbfounded because we're buying ourselves that digital camera and he was pretty specific that it was to be our anniversary/christmas present.

It has now dawned on me that I should always be prepared with an answer for these such occasions, because I think I blew it.:rolleyes:

[Alies]

PS The Atkins bars have a laxative effect!:eek: Something I wasn't expecting. I don't get the same result from the Optimum bars and I think they have the same ingredients.:confused:

[luv2bslim]

I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me when it dawned on me one morning that he looks exactly like my 19yo nephew! . LOL..:p ..now you are a worry too..hehe, perving on the young blokes. *I* would never ever do that:D :D (maybe not)

[Sweetgirl]

I often wonder whether the asthma medication causes damage to teeth. My friends daughter is an asthmatic, my 2nd daughter has had to use asthma medication and I use it as well and all of us have very weak teeth and have more problems than my other children and the same with my friends other children. Hmmm. They also tell you now..... to rinse your mouth??

With your TOM, I found I had a lot of problems when using Soya products. I haven't read your whole diary, so don't know whether you use it or not.

Just my thoughts. Children - great when they are healthy but very worrisome when they are sick.

[Sherrie]

Annelies I think its the amounts they use of particular ingredients. It's like the Darryll Lea and Empower chocolate, just one line of the empower has worse effects on me then a whole darryl lea bar and whilst tasting very similar I found the empower ALOT sweeter so my guess is they use more maltitol.

So its probably just something simple like that.

Sweetgirl my mother was told her inhalers would wreck her teeth and sure enough she was on falsies by her mid forties, maybe earlier.

[Moonie]

PS The Atkins bars have a laxative effect! Something I wasn't expecting.
Yes I noticed the same thing...the morning start bars are ok if you have one, but if you have two it isn't good:(

[Sherrie]

Boo!

How are you going?

[Alies]

You must be earning your keep asking all the stragglers how they're going Sherrie.:D

I've been visiting fleetingly and catching up with a bit of news. Hope you and Amanda are doing well with your pregnancies and that l2bs has a better time of it with this op. Was going to send a card, but couldn't find one that was funny enough to be worth sending. Hope Jim's kidney stones aren't too painful.

Just hanging in at the moment. I shed the 2kgs I put on over xmas and then had a birthday and have been eating high carb stuff ever since. So I've gained a few more kilos.:(

10yo has been riding his bike to school (which is very stressful for me). He has to cross the Glenelg Highway. There's no lights and sometimes no crossing supervisor, then it's a few blocks to school.

He's a determined little bugger. He didn't tell me he was stopping at a couple of friends places on the way there until one day he came home with a grazed knee and was telling me how he did it and disclosed who he was with!

Have to take him to the Royal Children's Hospital tomorrow for his 24hr ph monitor (via a tube down his nose) and then a gastroscopy the next day. All this on top of him having an eye infection that won't clear up.

Oh, and 6yo still maintains every morning that he's not going to school!:rolleyes:

Otherwise, things are peachy.:D I read Dr Phil's Life Strategies and have to constantly tell myself to say what I mean, express what I want and to stay positive when things don't go my way because life's too short to be negative.

Cheers.:)

[Sherrie]

You must be earning your keep asking all the stragglers how they're going Sherrie.

Hehe what keep am I suppossed to be earning? LOL

Just hanging in at the moment. I shed the 2kgs I put on over xmas and then had a birthday and have been eating high carb stuff ever since. So I've gained a few more kilos.

Annelies you know what to do and we all know you can do it! :)


10yo has been riding his bike to school (which is very stressful for me). He has to cross the Glenelg Highway. There's no lights and sometimes no crossing supervisor, then it's a few blocks to school.

I have no idea what ballarat is like nowadays (its been something like 13 years since I was last there) but I'd be shitting myself just at the thought of Ryan crossing a highway as it was back then (in which I loved ballarat) let alone now....

If hes going to school with friends that might be a good idea as long as you know them, safety in numbers etc...

There's no lights and sometimes no crossing supervisor, then it's a few blocks to school.

Sounds like someone needs to rally for a school crossing!

Have to take him to the Royal Children's Hospital tomorrow for his 24hr ph monitor (via a tube down his nose) and then a gastroscopy the next day. All this on top of him having an eye infection that won't clear up.

All the best for your son Annelies

Oh, and 6yo still maintains every morning that he's not going to school!

Make sure hes not getting picked on, I had this problem with Ryan whenever he was getting picked on or knew he was having a really bad relief teacher that day. Otherwise I have trouble with him wanting to go to school too early he is that keen...

[sambalam]

It's like the Darryll Lea and Empower chocolate, just one line of the empower has worse effects on me then a whole darryl lea bar and whilst tasting very similar I found the empower ALOT sweeter so my guess is they use more maltitol. interestingly empowers choc doesn't affect me at all, ihave to eat about half of the block to even get windy. but the other low carbs chocs give me the runs after a couple of pieces.

nice to see you pop in annelies, hope things pick up for you, sounds liek you are having a tuff time.

[Sherrie]

Yup I think the larger quantities of maltitol must not agree with me, others like DL that use splenda wouldn't need to use as much maltitol which I assume is why I get away with more of that.
Although theres another one which just uses maltitol that doesn't do it to me either, can't remember the brand name but its the one that comes in white chocolate aswell.

[Alies]

Hi everyone.:) Thanks for popping in.:D

Quick update.

10yo has been diagnosed with mild reflux which may be the cause of his tooth enamel disappearing. We're getting round to finding out what treatment program they want to start.

Took 6yo to a psychologist and she shed some light on why he's so uncooperative all the time. Apparently he feels ignored, yet he's in trouble all the time.:eek: We've started a sticker reward program that seems to be working.

I bought some digital scales last week. What an error in judgement! They instantly added 2 kgs to my already increasing size because I've been indulgeing in really naughty carbs like chips, biscuits and icecream.:rolleyes: Anyway, I've been sticking to a diet of eggs and salad for breakfast, fish and salad for lunch and meat and vegies for tea this week and am back down to 78kgs. 3kgs in a week feels fantastic. :D

[luv2bslim]

I was wondering where you dissapeared to:p Anyway, I've been sticking to a diet of eggs and salad for breakfast, fish and salad for lunch and meat and vegies for tea this week and am back down to 78kgs. 3kgs in a week feels fantastic. excellent, you must have been really bloated:( 10yo has been diagnosed with mild reflux which may be the cause of his tooth enamel disappearing. We're getting round to finding out what treatment program they want to start is it his 2nd teeth??Took 6yo to a psychologist and she shed some light on why he's so uncooperative all the time. Apparently he feels ignored, yet he's in trouble all the time. We've started a sticker reward program that seems to be working kids, don't you just love them:p

[Sherrie]

3kgs in a week feels fantastic.

Cool hows that for motivation!!

[Alies]

Hi all:) Just got back from a week away in Warrnambool. Pigged out on carbs all week and am 79.9kgs today after getting back down to 76 last week. I really should be better prepared when we go away and TOM didn't help.:(

Went to the health food store and bought some empower stuff to get back into it. My little experiment to avoid flax/linseed to regulate TOM just didn't work. I'm getting ever so much closer to having a hysterectomy.:rolleyes:

Does anyone remember that I had to go to the Royal Children's with 10yo? I discovered that the surgeon sees patients in Ballarat once a month! How mad do you think I was?

On top of that, his reflux isn't bad enough for treatment and the paediatric dentist in Melbourne wanted us to come back to his rooms for more tests that our dentist in Ballarat doesn't do. We've found a new dentist!:D

The Prom being on fire is on my mind atm. I think it's mother nature doing what should come naturally occassionally that the back-burn got out of hand. It just hasn't happened for as long as I can remember. We haven't been there since 10yo was one and it just won't be the same for another 30 years.

[sambalam]

hi annelies, noticed you've been a little quiet lately. glad you had a break, warrnanbool's lovely.

The Prom being on fire is on my mind atm. I think it's mother nature doing what should come naturally occassionally that the back-burn got out of hand. It just hasn't happened for as long as I can remember. We haven't been there since 10yo was one and it just won't be the same for another 30 years. they had fires a few years ago but not this bad, i can't remember exactly when it was but it was when they had to set up their evacuation plan as they never had one before that. we can't wait to go down in springtime as it will be wildfowers as far as you can see. to be honest, i've hiked a lot of the prom and it did need a clean out, but it's sad that so much of it was burned at one time (10,000 hectares) and it does leave less habitat for the animals. but it has the highest rainfall in victoria so i am sure it will grow back quickly.

[Alies]

Well, haven't I been a lazy one?!?!

Quick update (for the second time because I managed to delete my first attempt:rolleyes: ) Had an anaesthetic this morning and the brain is a bit foggy.:rolleyes:

I just HAD to post that I had my 3-year-follow-up colonoscopy this morning and the result is "ALL CLEAR". That means no more nasty little polyps in my bowel.:)

Now I go to 5-year-follow-ups.:( Not looking forward to that.

Anyway, if I'm smart I'll stick with strict low-carb because I've been a very naughty girl and weighed in at 80.5kgs today. I'm challenging myself to get down to 70kgs on my new scales. Wish me luck, because when I got down to that on my old scales I was really 75kgs.;)

[sambalam]

that's great news annelies, i am so glad for you. and even more reason to stay with low carb, better health in the long run!

[luv2bslim]

I was wondering where you were:p good luck with the weight loss...:D

[Sherrie]

Good stuff Annelies and nice to hear from you again :)

[Alies]

Thanks guys:)

It's 2 steps forward, 2 steps back atm. KFC on the first night didn't help.:rolleyes:

10yo has been the subject of some bullying lately and he is desperate to put on some weight. I found him exercising at 7:30 this morning with a couple of cans of ravioli bolognese! He is really active and doesn't need to exercise more. eg bicycle, tennis and soccer and can't sit still.

He's having trouble with the concept that exercising builds muscle, yet also helps people to lose weight. I've explained about eating protein, fat and carbs, but I think it's all over his head. Anyway, I got him eating bacon and eggs on toast this morning, so that's better than just vegemite toast.

All of my family and hubby's family were skinny kids and I've tried to explain that too, but this is the biggest thing in the world to him atm. Anyone got any tips?

[Sherrie]

Does he like computers? ;)

[Alies]

Is the Pope catholic?!:D My brain mustn't be working properly. :confused: I'm not worried about him finding that post.

Is there a muscle site suitable for a 10yo?

[Sherrie]

Meaning: computer = inactivity = weight gain :p

Annelies do you remember the controversy over that boy that was doing martial arts and bodybuilding?
He was on tv and everything around the age of ten or so but it started earlier and there was a lot of critism about how bodybuilding whilst he was still growing would effect him physically later in life, I think even some claiming it would stunt his growth.

Then later there was even more controversy as he got bigger and bigger when it came bleedingly obvious that his father was giving him steriods aswell and I think the father was locked up and this was all over the TV.

I am just going by memory but that should be the general gist of it.