Category: Diet

Posted by Tony T on in Diet, weight loss

30 Down

30 pounds down. Intermittent fasting seems to be working for me. Several months ago I told you all I had been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. My last series of blood tests showed that my A1C had gone back down to pre-diabetic levels, and trending downward. My doctor was pleased and is onboard with intermittent fasting.

Every once in a while I find fasting difficult, but, most of the time it is easy enough. I have found that my appetite is changing; desiring more healthy choices. I am still, for the most part, doing the ketogenic diet. I think keeping my carb intake low is a good idea.

I am not always losing weight. However, I seem to be feeling better all the time. My only issues are pain related to my past back surgery from 2010. Also, sometimes my neck also hurts. I had surgery on it in 2016. I am doing my best to avoid any more surgeries on my spine. They always seem to cause more pain down the road.

So the next time I do blood tests with my doctor I expect to see more improvement. I plan to totally reverse diabetes, bring down my inflammation levels, and lose weight. I am hopeful that the weight loss will relieve some of the pain I have in my back. However, I think the degenerative disc disease has done a lot of damage to my spine.

Anyway, that is all the good news I have for right now.

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Low Carb Bread
Posted by Tony T on in Diet

Low Carb Bread

This is my breakfast this morning; a one egg omelet with tomato, cheese, and basil; sausage, and toast. The bread used for my toast is from ThinSlimFoods, who makes a zero carb bread. It is not the best tasting bread in the world, but it does serve a psychological purpose. I don’t quite understand why I feel incomplete if I haven’t had toast with breakfast, but this bread does the trick. Each slice contains 7 carbs, 7 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of protein. Here is what the company has to say about their product..

ThinSlim Foods revolutionary Love-The-Taste Low Carb Breads and Buns are only 0g net carbs per slice or 1/2 bun and are suitable for ketogenic diets.
Unlike traditional high carb breads and high calorie breads, made from fast digesting white flour and other unhealthy ingredients, ThinSlim Foods Low Carb Breads and Low Calorie Breads are super low in calories, even lower in carbohydrates, and contain very slowly digesting ingredients that help fuel fat loss by keeping blood sugar levels in check.
We guarantee they will not spike blood sugar levels and we guarantee you will enjoy the taste!
Start your morning off right, make a sandwich fit your plan, or munch on toast all day long! With this outstanding line of bread, you might just be able to, “Have it all.”

You can check out some of their products on their website here: ThinSlimFoods. I haven’t tried all of the products yet. It is a little more expensive. But it is worth it to have my toast in the morning. I have also been using only one egg for breakfast now. I don’t know why, but it is hard to eat more than one in the morning now. I think it is because of the medicine I am on (Trulicity). It causes some nausea and lack of appetite. In the end that could be a good thing I guess.

 

Down 10 Pounds
Posted by Tony T on in Diet, Health

Down 10 Pounds

10-poundsI am down about 10 pounds this week. As I said before, my new medications are suppressing my appetite somewhat. Some of that is nausea but that is slowly subsiding. I am also researching foods and nutrition again to see if I can do better.

I have been working to eat the right stuff. And with the meds helping me it has been easier to stay on track. I even have plenty of the right foods in the house for now. I have said in other posts that it pays to be prepared. I am trying to be more prepared by having in the house what I need. It is much easier to stay on track when everything you need is available at your fingertips.

One of the things I have come across in my readings is lectins, which is a protein in several plant-based foods with the ability to wreck your gut health. I am talking about something called leaky gut syndrome. Some doctors (Dr. Gundry in particular) believe that leaky gut leads to a whole other host of health issues.

Hey, I need all the help I can get.  Dr. Gundry’s research offers some hope that I could get a lot of my health back, eliminate some physical pain, and even get off some of the medications I’m on.

So, I’m 10 pounds. I would like to continue losing weight. That in itself can improve a lot of my issues. It is not even about the looks anymore, or the clothes, or how attractive I may or may not feel. At this point, I would settle for feeling better and being healthier.

I’ve bought a couple of new books: The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in “Healthy” Foods That Cause Disease And Weight Gain, and,

The Plant Paradox Cook Book: 100 Delicious Recipes To Help You Lose Weight, Heal Your Gut, And Live Lectin Free.

I hope to learn much more about the effects of lectins on my health and how to deal with it. I long to feel better, be healthier, and actually feel like I would like to live longer. If aging continues in the way it has gone so far, I am not so sure I would like to live longer. In the grand scheme of things, I would like to be around for my kids, meet my grandkids, and enjoy my life. At the moment, getting there and feeling good at the same time is a challenge.

Aging is not for cowards!

Losing Weight
Posted by Tony T on in Diet, Health

Losing Weight

I’m losing weight but mostly because my new medications make me nauseous. So I don’t feel like eating most of the time. Seems like an awful price to pay, but at the moment, I guess its worth it to be able to keep my blood glucose levels within the normal range.

Normally, I am not eating things I should not be. However, it does happen. And that usually does not go well with the medications I am on. Add bloating and stomach pain to the already present nausea and you have a very unhappy Tony T.

So, because of those issues, it is like I am being trained to stay away from foods I should not eat. In a way, it is like being punished when I eat the wrong thing. In order to continue feeling okay, I try more intentionally to eat the right stuff.

My blood glucose levels have been way better I have to admit. I wish I had had the strength to do it without medications. However, I could not. So, here I am, diagnosed with a disease (diabetes) that contributed to my Mom’s death. It is a little scary. Only a little because of the unknown of what happens after death. I have been blessed in life, but I have had enough of a rough time that my last day in this life will be a welcome beginning to rest.

I know. That sounds rather dark. I am not depressed. I am not suicidal. I am just tired. I have great people in my life. My kids, my family, my friends, my girlfriend. With them, I am always having a good time and learning more about love every day.

So, losing weight can’t be too bad.  I could stand to lose about 70 pounds. If I could do that, it may ease some of my physical pain, which is substantial. I could possibly eliminate some of the medications from my life. Maybe I would have more energy. Wouldn’t that be great!

Anyway, that is what I have to report today. I hope you all are blessed in your own lives.

Alas, Diabetes
Posted by Tony T on in Diet, Health

Alas, Diabetes

So, I had my numbers checked at my last doctor’s visit. Technically, they were so close to the type II diabetes barrier my doctors has gone ahead and taken measures to get things under control. She considers the numbers close enough to diagnose the disease.

So,  the first thing that is different: new medication, a weekly injection of Trulicity. So far, the only side effects are a little bit of nausea and a lack of hunger for most of the day. Oh, and the freaking pain of the needle entering my body.

Already, my blood glucose is lower. I feel about the same. Probably because my main issue is back and neck pain, and that has not changed. I consider those mechanical issues. Other than that I had not felt at all ill before the medication. And I feel no differently now.

My blood pressure had been high. Hopefully, with the new meds (some other stuff specifically for that), the pressure will be coming down.

It’s all about my health at this point. Stand by.

A Week Into Diet
Posted by Tony T on in Diet

A Week Into Diet

Well, it has been a week since my re-start. I managed to stay on my diet with the exception of one meal. I did pretty well overall getting the nutrient percentages required. It was actually pretty easy using myfitnesspal.

What I have found is that I have to make a conscious decision about what I’m gonna eat at every meal. I am constantly tempted to go off-diet. For instance, yesterday, I had a job interview. Woke up in plenty of time to make breakfast at home. However, the thought to just grab something at McDonald’s on the way to the interview surfaced. Without thinking I was headed out the door. I caught myself, returned to the house and made my breakfast, which only took a few minutes.

The mindset and the ability to just grab food on the road which is usually not healthy for you is prevalent in my mind. I have to keep reminding myself that I have food at home. And at this point, I am not busy enough to be grabbing convenient fast food meals. Before I am so busy, I hope to be in the habit of preparing meals for such times. Being prepared is a big part of success.

I think I lost 4 pounds. That always happens at the beginning. The challenge is staying the course when weight-loss isn’t happening. There many benefits to the keto-diet. One of them is how settled and unbloated your stomach feels. Also, my blood pressure is back to near normal (with the help of medications). My blood glucose levels are within normal ranges.

Hopefully, my success will continue beyond just a few weeks. I will try to keep you all informed.

Posted by Tony T on in Diet, Favorite Recipes

Loaded Cauliflower

I found this recipe at Low Carb Maven. It is very close to my own recipe with the addition of a few ingredients. Cauliflower is very low carb and great for the keto diet.  I think you will enjoy it. And be sure to check out Low Carb Maven for more great recipes.

Ingredients

1 pound cauliflower florets
4 ounces sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 slices cooked bacon crumbled
2 tablespoons snipped chives
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1) Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover with cling film. Microwave for 5-8 minutes, depending on your microwave, until completely cooked and tender.

Drain the excess water and let sit uncovered for a minute or two. (Alternately, steam your cauliflower the conventional way. You may need to squeeze a little water out of the cauliflower after cooking.)

2) Add the cauliflower to a food processor or powerful enough blender and process until fluffy. Add the butter, garlic powder, and sour cream and process until it resembles the consistency of mashed potatoes.

3) Remove the mashed cauliflower to a bowl and add most of the chives, saving some to add to the top later.

4) Add half of the cheddar cheese and mix by hand. Season with salt and pepper.

Top the loaded cauliflower with the remaining cheese, remaining chives and bacon.

5) Put back into the microwave to melt the cheese or place the cauliflower under the broiler for a few minutes.

I visually divide the cauliflower into sixths. Serving size is approximately 1/3-1/2 cup.

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Starting Once Again
Posted by Tony T on in Diet

Starting Once Again

Yesterday I woke up with health on my mind. I was determined to be better. I’m tired of being over weight. I’m tired of being un-disciplined. So, it’s time to get to work. I stayed the course yesterday and I intend to do so today. I know I will mess up sometimes, but I hope I will have the will to get right back up.

Again, my diet of choice is Keto. It is easy enough. There is plenty of yummy stuff to be had on the diet. And it works quickly. And one of the best things about this diet is that once you get used to being on it, hunger cravings are kept at bay for a really long time.

I still have to try to work in some exercise. That is the hardest part for me right now. I have a new bicycle. I have a total gym. I have free access to the Naval Weapons Station gym. But all these require another level of discipline. I’m not there yet. Not to mention I am usually in pain.

I have some hurdles to over come. But what is important right now is that I have started. My birthday was on March 1. So let’s get this thing started.

Blood Pressure
Posted by Tony T on in Diet, Health

Blood Pressure

It has been high but I don’t know why. And I mean stroke and heart attack high! My doctor had increased my med dosage an few months back but did not help.

I saw her last week and it was still high:142/100. So, she added another medication and in only 6 days it has come down to near normal numbers. This morning it was 127/83. I was very pleased,and, I feel better.

I am also feeling better because I am not driving a school bus any longer. I do have to find another job though. You know how when you’re working, and the money is good, and you start spending more and making new bills? Yeah, I did that. I am not completely sunk yet. I can conceivably pay off the debts I’ve created very slowly, or I can get a job and pay them off like I was doing before.

However, I am not worried about it. I will find a job eventually, even if I have to deliver pizzas in my car. And that’s not really a bad gig. I only need so much to get by. Being retired military helped immensely.

The only thing that really disappoints me is that I will not be able to buy that new motorcycle I have been wanting for the last 11 months. I wanted to buy a Harley Davidson. After test riding a few I can’t stop thinking about them. One day I will though.

Anyway, that is about all I have to say on this post. I feel like my health is improving. I am getting better and better reacquainted with my diet. And I am slowly but surly taking measures to improve.

Journey Back
Posted by Tony T on in Diet, Health

Journey Back

I am trying my best to get back on my diet of choice, the Ketogenic Diet. It is a diet that has worked well for me in the recent past. It seems hard to get started though. And if you haven’t heard or saw on my other blog, I am no longer a school bus driver. I decided to give the job up.

The job itself was not causing my failure on my diet. I just haven’t been disciplined or cared enough. The job was causing a great deal of stress though. All I could do when I got home every day was sleep. I was sore, near physically ill from the stress, and dreading the next day. On weekends, I would go through several bottles of wine. This, I believe, was a result of job stress.

I haven’t worked there now for about 3 weeks. I feel like I’m becoming uncoiled finally. I was wound pretty tightly; tight muscles, joint pain, neck pain, and back pain. I’m starting to feel better. Before I took the job, I had begun to practice the saxophone again and learn some tunes. All that ended slowly when I started driving. Eventually, I could not find the energy to continue. Just this week, I remembered what my musical goals were. I had planned to be in a group by this time, or, at least doing some solo work.

I feel I became really unhealthy while driving the school bus. I don’t think I will ever go back to it. So now, since I’ve started feeling better, I intend to try to go all the way. Not even a weight loss goal, just a goal of eating better. I need to decrease some of the inflammation in my body. I need to send my triglycerides in a downward trend, and, I need to lower my blood pressure. The keto diet was doing all of that.

I am a little scared though. I don’t want to fail. And I know I shouldn’t think about it in those terms, but, its hard not to.

Also, I need to get engaged again in some sort of exercise. I guess I will approach all of this one step at a time. And of course, it was helping to post here on my blog. It sort of kept me honest. Anyway, that’s what it is right now. Wish me luck.