After Thanksgiving, in an effort to get "Wedding Day Ready" I decided to give up carbs. I talked about it here, back in November on my Day 3 mark, and I thought it was due time to catch you up on how it's going.
- My entire life I complained about stomach aches. After eating, no matter how much, I always felt uncomfortable full - like a brick had just exploded in my stomach. I would whine and complain after every meal, and especially after restaurants. Since giving up carbs, I cannot remember the last time I had a stomach ache. I did not give up carbs for this reason, but it's probably been the best side effect of the lifestyle.
- When I say "Carb Free" take it with a grain of salt. I'm still eating fruit, alcohol, peanut butter, etc., I'm just not eating obvious carbs. No pasta, bread, bagels, rice, croutons, flour*, crackers, chips, or cookies.
- To start with the successes - since November 25th (about 3.5 months) I've lost 11 pounds and haven't changed my exercise all that much. I'm mixing in more weights and SoulCycle but the weight loss is a direct result of no carbs.
- I feel like I have a way flatter stomach and I'm down one pants size
- To live this "lifestyle" - and it actually has turned into one - it takes a little bit more meal planning and cooking time but that's about it. On Monday 's I meal plan for the week and usually turn to Pintrest for our dinner ideas. We have always tried to really reduce the amount of times we eat at restaurants which helps me stick to my plan and weekly caloric intake.
- My favorite dinners have been Eggplant Parmesan, Steak, Soups, Spaghetti Squash dinners, Turkey burgers, and lettuce cup tacos. Thank God for SkinnyTaste.com.
- Lunch is typically leftovers or a salad, and for breakfast I have yogurt with fruit and pecans.
- Restaurants and special occasions obviously pose the biggest problems, but I've gotten pretty comfortable asking for burgers without the bun, ordering seafood, and staying away from pizza and sushi spots. Being a bride is a really easy excuse, and I always get a very sympathetic yet acknowledging nod from the waiters.
- I don't count calories or write my food down in a food journal, although I've had success doing both.
- The reason I really enjoy living carb free is because I don't feel like I am missing anything. I'm really not depriving myself of much. I'm health focused and want to live a long life, and Wheat Thins are little squares of processed chemicals that don't deserve a place in my body anyways, so it's been easy to make them disappear and not miss them in my diet. Being carb free, which is keeping my calories low, helps me keep fruits and veggies and homemade food high - so it's been very win-win.
- Even though it's a slow process, I hope the scale will keep trending downwards. I have another 3 months until my wedding, so if I lost another 11.5 pounds I would just about die.
Have you ever tried to go Carb Free? Did it work?
I have debated back and forth on going carb free and this just may have been what I needed to read! My biggest fear has been depriving myself but as a reader of your blog, I know you are still able to go out, have fun, cook great meals, all while not eating carbs. Congrats on the weight loss, I am sure it feels really rewarding to feel healthy and not feel like you are depriving yourself!
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome!! I am so terrible with restricting my foods, even though I know my gut would appreciate the break from carbs.
ReplyDeleteGah, my doctor has even suggested I give up gluten for a month and I just find it SO difficult. Dang. You go girl!!
That is awesome! I am a carb/sugar addict, so my body would go into shock (in a good way) if I did this. I am proud of you for turning this into a lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI'm still doing WW but I decided to go carb free on Mondays and Wednesdays. I've found that those two days inspire me to cut out a lot of processed foods on the other days. If I really want something sweet, I just remind myself I can have it the next day.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is posting healthy recipes today and I am loving it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so great that you've stuck with it. Over the last few months I've been paying more attention to my carb intake at night. I have to admit I definitely notice a difference. Instead of having taco shells + beans on the side. I just have the taco shells. It's the little tweaks that really seem to help. I'm so happy to hear it's been successful for you. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, this is amazing. You are going to look so fabulous on June 22nd!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I do love my carbs but wouldn't be surprised if they gave me stomach aches. Here's a good carb free recipe: http://www.cheekykitchen.com/2011/03/warm-asparagus-gorgonzola-steak-salad.html
ReplyDeleteI made it a few weeks ago and my husband and I both loved it!
I love this!!! Carbs are just so hard to cut! PROUD of you!
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me to cut back on carbs! I am planning my wedding and am looking for ways to get healthier for the big day :)
ReplyDeleteI have a stomach ache issue too. I've pondered cutting out carbs, but i crave them. I have no will power, but after reading this may give it a try. 8 months till I say I do!
ReplyDeleteNever tried it and probably won't, but congratulations on finding a healthy lifestyle that works for your body.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your success! I went grain/sugar free in October and have lost 38lbs so far. Initially I did it just for the weight loss, but have been amazed that I feel so much better.....no more tummy troubles or general aches and pains that I just thought were a part of nearing 40. And like you, I truly don't feel deprived!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the work!
Can you tell us some things you eat carb free for breakfast? That meal seems difficult for me and I can't eat yogurt. I guess you don't eat oatmeal?
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome!! I always see results when I go carb free:) I try to as much as possible!
ReplyDeleteThe most successful program I've ever used worked for me because it included very few carbs. I'm also a big fan of SkinnyTaste!
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