Testing Blood Ketones

There has been a trend lately  - Fat Fasts & Blood Ketones.  Being a trendy gal, I am following this protocol because I still have that stubborn "Last 10" to wrestle to the ground. (and perhaps an extra 5 lbs lingering in the wings.. HAHAHA... the wings!  Get it? (the dreaded bat wings) sigh... anway...

1.  Here is the book that started Low Carbers looking at Blood Ketones - The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance by  Jeff Volek and Stephen Phinney.

2.  Dr. Robert Atkins, the originator of the Fat Fast would certainly endorse my good friends at CarbSmart - Dana Carpender, Amy Dungan, and Andrew Dimino - Here is the $4.99 book -- LINK TO BOOK  Has a LOT of good information about the Fat Fast and measuring Blood Ketones.  The recipes are fantastic!

3.  My dear friend Jimmy Moore, always blunt and always honest - he has shown us the way.  Here is a link to JIMMY'S BLOG  Having started this phase of my diet it is very understandable why Jimmy was hesitant to post his food logs.  It is very strange to most people to eat a diet of 85-90% fat - butter, coconut oil, mct oil, avocados, etc.  I'm just thankful he made the public aware of this adjustment to our low carb lifestyle.

Recently I strenuously dieted for 2 weeks and dropped 4 pounds of what I had gained over Christmas.  Yay me!  THEN for Valentines I baked 2 dozen sugar-free, low carb cookies and ate 1 dozen.  Gained all 4 back in ONE day (and NOT  temporary gain.  It stayed for 4 days, until I started the Fat Fast).

So I ordered the meter.  I chose the Precision Max - Amazon Link to Meter

AND I ordered the pricey Blood Ketone Test Strips - Link to Amazon - Blood Ketone Test Strips

I searched high and low for the best prices on Blood Ketone strips (NOT the same as Blood Glucose strips).  They can run anywhere from $2 to $5 PER STRIP.

I bought one box of 10.  I figured that at least gives me 10 days to monitor my eating and see what tweaks might be needed.  For example, following Jimmy Moore's lead when he discovered that he was eating TOO much protein (not optimal for being "keto adapted").  

I have NEVER professed to being a perfect "low carber".  I have my moments just like regular folks with food addictions.  However, I am closer than I have EVER been to reaching my goal.  EVER!  So, the day before I tested my blood ketones I had a Girl Scout cookie - yep, just one - but sugar none the less.  (In case you didn't know it, I am a SEVERE sugar addict - even so far as having my own bakery for 3 years.)

I test in the mornings when I first get up, before I have my Bulletproof Coffee.

Day 1 - 0.1

Day 2 - 0.3

Day 3 - 0.6

(According to the book, optimal levels are 1.0 to 3.0 - expecting 1.0 in a day or two)

Ooooooooo.... this is exciting.  Even better than the stupid scale! hahaha  AND yes, 3 pounds gone in 3 days.  

So WHY do this?

High Blood Ketones (caused from a "High Fat / Moderate Protein / VERY low carb" diet) can put you in a state of being "keto adapted".  I am not scientific in thought, and always prefer the "Cliff Notes"! lol.  ONE thing I DO know about being "keto adapted" is that a person is NOT hungry, NOT craving, AND losing weight.  :D  There ya go - the Cliff Notes, or "Ketones for Dummies".

Upside Down and Back Again

The last two months have been a whirlwind for me.  I’ve been exhilarated and I have been broken.  I have been to the mountain top and then through the wringer.  I have gotten to do some things that I thought I would never do again, but I have also seen some things that broke my heart.  I was accepted then dumped.  I was praised and then trashed.

So what happened?  (I honestly have NO idea because those involved chose to NOT communicate at all. Too bad.)

However, it is too much and too personal to go into here, but perhaps it is still all just a part of trying on this new body and trying to wrap my brain around it. When someone called me “tiny” it actually made me feel scared.  Why?  I do not exactly know, but being this size has brought a lot of new feelings, thoughts, and emotions, ESPECIALLY in how I handle things. 

Just so odd.

So I am trying to turn my thoughts around.  I am actively, purposefully cleaning my "house" – I am sweeping out those things that plague my mind.  I am giving away those things that no longer fit in my life (no matter how hard I tried to alter them, pin them, and repurpose them - and I am not talking about clothes).  I am making the choices daily to keep my thoughts focused on what is constructive.  If I feel like I am being sucked into a pit, I crank up a song that I like that will make me want to dance.  If I feel sadness begin to pour over me, I text my friends – AND thank you very much Kim Eidson, Ailsa Washington, Debbie Hubbs, and dear Carb Tripper.  If I start to feel lonely, I go see my sisters – thank you, Marilyn Little and Sandy Dunn.  But most of all, I remember the man that has stayed with me for almost 20 years and never kicked me to the curb – thank you, Ron Gandy.

Somehow on my journey I lost sight of those who have remained beside me and supported me.  I confess that I was ready to turn my world upside down and take off, leaving everything behind.  I was making preparation for that. 

But suddenly … I was given a wake-up call. 

I made a conscience decision to look at what I have and NOT what I do not have.

I have a wonderful gift right in my hands – LOVE and LIFE – and I cherish them.

Merry Christmas! ... and now back to business.

TODAY I AM A "TEN"

TEN

Today I am 10 pounds down since getting home from the cruise.

I call these "sweat" pounds (as opposed to sweet pounds) because of moving and not having groceries in the house. hahahaha I should write a book on that and label it my new diet plan -- "The Moving Empty Fridge Diet". lol.

What is funnier is that when I did buy groceries I ended up spending almost $200 -- and there are only 2 of us at home now! I haven't spent that since I had all the kiddos at home. One thing about it, we shall not run out of butter any time soon. I bought the FOURTH pound of organic, unsalted butter and placed it on the shelf with the other 3 pounds. lol. I really need to make a bernaise sauce and use some of that up!

OH! Oh! OH! I bought some really cheap "soup meat" that had the bone in it. You know what that means?!?? Bone Marrow! I have not had that since I was a child! I used to love love love that part of the meat. Granted it was only about 1/2 a teaspoons worth, but it tasted so awesome. I steamed the rest of the meat and it was nice and tender. Yum. Yum.

Jimmy Moore always says, "Find what works for you and then DO IT!" Well, I love Jimmy and I've finally listened to him. What works for me is HIGHER fat combined with LOWER calories. It is NOT just a matter of eating fat, cutting carbs. I like VOLUME... and it has finally dawned on me after years of slowly creeping back up with my weight, all the while eating low carb, that there was a missing element. I CANNOT eat as much as my 6-4, 240 lb husband. Besides he is VERY active as PE Coach. He keeps the lawn mowed, the sidewalks swept, the ceiling fans dusted, and manages to also put in 2 to 5 miles a day on the treadmill. He does all of that just to wear himself out enough to sleep at night. He has an incredible amount of energy.

SO, back to the calorie thing -- NO, I'm not being strict with it. I've just set a range. I want to make SURE I'm getting at least 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day, but not MORE THAN 1,500 to 1,700. I use fitday. (Note: I am only 5 ft tall and actually small boned). AND it is all protein & fat, with occasionally a cup of greek yogurt when I feel the need for sweet, creamy comfort. :D

This works for me... and I'm DOING IT!!

(Thanks, Your Royal Jimmyness!)

LESSONS FROM THE CRUISE and FAMILY SUPPORT

The cruise was great. The guests and the speakers were wonderful. I'm not so crazy about the Bahamas -- overcast, cold water, very little free access to the beach, no steel drums, etc. But our days at sea with the conferences were awesome! Words cannot express how enouraging and enlightening they are. I couldn't pick a favorite because each person brought something different to the table.

So ... came back from the cruise vowing to not let myself go on another cruise EVER again if I did not take control and lose weight. I've been sort of fluctuating with 15 pounds for over a year now. It is time to kick it over the hump and move on down the road. I am dedicating the rest of the year (until the NEXT cruise in 2011) to getting myself together. No weight "goal", but rather a "health" goal -- and the weight should follow!! lol (yeah... right... you KNOW I've got that perfect number in my head... lol..)

What has been really fun is that my sweet family has taken up the torch and we are all working on this together! My youngest son, on his own, lost over 30 pounds eating low carb and exercising 2x a day. He encouraged us all of us to join him. He is part of the "Pound for Pound" challenge through Biggest Loser, but I have to admit, I'm not exactly sure how that works.

We started out in mid March 2010 at a total weight of 1,234 pounds. We have a "secret" facebook group page and we post our recipes, menus, & challenges. As of today (4/19/10) we are at 1,157 pounds -- WE HAVE LOST A TOTAL OF 76.5 POUNDS! That is so cool. There is six of us -- my husband, my 2 sons, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, and of course, moi.

An interesting observation is that even when one of us doesn't lose one week, or even has a slight gain, the total weight keeps us motivated. It's the "team work" concept I suppose. It is almost as if we are working hard just in case we need to "be the pound" for someone else. lol.

Our goal is to lose 100 pounds by June. We will do it. And then, next cruise, I will be back in my "comfort" level weight wise.

ABOUT THE PEOPLE -- wonderful & amazing

I just didn't think I would meet a nicer bunch of people from the 2007 group! 2007 cruise was VERY special. I was a little bit nervous because we had mostly ALL NEW people on the 2008 cruise and most of them I had never had any contact with online. They were strangers to me.

They were GREAT!

So now my goal is to get both groups together! hahaha

YOU READY FOR THIS?

MARCH 6 - 12, 2010 -- out of JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA --
to NASSAU & BAHAMAS !!!

Start saving your money now!

2009 Low Carb Community Cruise

IF you have not heard about it already, we are planning another cruise. With the help of some LC friends, we are making plans to make next years cruise a very special event. If you need more information you can look at the Question and Answer section at HERE ON THIS SITE. IF you KNOW that you would like to go then you can go directly HERE TO SIGN UP.

THE FIRST DEPOSIT IS ONLY $50 if you sign up before May 21st. After that date the deposit will be $250.

In addition to Dr. Jonny Bowden coming on the cruise, we've also secured two more BIG low-carb experts: low-carb researcher and clinician Dr. Eric Westman from Duke University and Jackie Eberstein who worked with Dr. Atkins for three decades. This is HUGE to have these giants in the low-carb world coming with us, so SIGN UP TODAY!!!

It is my hope that this turns in to a type of Low Carb Convention for all of us internet diet fanatics! ;) There should be a LOT of good, solid information and hopefully some literature, freebies, and just a lot of fun.

I REALLY HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!!

What do you do when someone hurts a friend?

Anyone? What can you do?

There are some people "just posting questions" on their own personal blogs ... They say that they are just innocently being curious. In their questions they have deeply hurt a friend of mine. Questions have been worded that could be easily misconstrued as accusations and inuendos. The Questions have been rearranged and reworded and submitted over and over again. Anyone who attempts to answer is accused of "worship" of my friend. Anyone who attempts to offer ANY kind of reply that isn't in line to being "accusatory" is promptly bashed or questioned in a negative way also. And there are comments that make NO sense at all.

It's not right. It's just flat mean. It's hate-filled.

BECAUSE I've seen person after person try to reply to no avail. I've seen person after person post and it just gets more hurtful. Why would someone want to hurt others so much? I have heard that "hurting people" are the ones who hurt people. Well this hurting person has RIPPED another to pieces with "questions".

It was the idea and desire for the 2009 Low Carb Community Cruise to pull the Low Carb Community together for support for each other. The people on the last cruise just really felt a strong connection and we want to share that feeling. Several people have agreed to help me work hard towards that end. We have been trying to get the word out for those that might be able to do it. We've talked about being able to move it around to the different coasts; we've discussed what special surprises and guests. We get a discount on our ticket for making the arrangements - and that is NO secret. We get a discount for working on it in many different ways that include answering questions, hauling supplies & equipment, and keeping up with some of the reservations problems. It appears that there are those who want to rip it up. It appears that there are those who want to take the joy out of it. It appears that there are those who can't stand for someone to have hope and to be blessed. It was SUPPOSED to bring people together, but some people are using it to crush other people.

I just HATE that one of the nicest people I know was slammed for helping me out. I just HATE it that a young woman with big ideas was slashed for trying to push ahead through some pretty tough trials. I just HATE knowing that she is in tears because of people she considered friends.

BUT most of all, I HATE that the source of this is from people we considered to be "one of our own" in the battle against Heidi Diaz.

Who's the next target?

KIMKINS IS "MALNUTRITION"

My hip joints have been aching. Both of them. Sometimes the pain is so intense that I cannot sit or lay down but must walk around for a while. I take ibuprophen to try and ease it a little. I've NEVER had this before.

So... I did a little research and the following excerpts are what I found. I have marked the symptoms that I have or have experienced.

http://www.healthtouch.com/bin/EContent_HT/cnoteShowLfts.asp?fname=02055&title=MALNUTRITION+&cid=HTHLTH

(excerpts from above link)

What is malnutrition? Malnutrition (mal-noo-TRISH-un) occurs when you do not get enough calories or nutrients to keep you healthy. Nutrients are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition may make your body weak. It may cause health problems such as trouble fighting infections and healing.

What are the signs and symptoms of malnutrition? Malnutrition usually develops in stages over a long period of time. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the later stages of malnutrition.
Some early signs and symptoms of malnutrition may include:
Irritable (bad mood) and tired.
Slower growth than normal, or no growth (in children).
Weight loss.
Later signs and symptoms of malnutrition may include:
Bone or joint pain, and weak muscles.
Bloated abdomen and swelling in other parts of the body.
Changes in the skin and hair.
Brittle and spooned nails.
Dry, scaly skin.
Hair loss.
Skin and hair change color.
Loss of appetite (not hungry).
Slow wound healing and easily get infections.
Sunken temples (sides of the head).

AND THIS ONE: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/malnutrition-2.html

Signs and Symptoms: General malnutrition often develops slowly, over months or years. As the body’s store of nutrients is depleted, changes begin to happen at the cellular level, affecting biochemical processes and decreasing the body’s ability to fight infections. Over time, a variety of symptoms may begin to emerge, including:
Anemia
Weight loss, decreased muscle mass, and weakness
Dry scaly skin
Edema (swelling, due to lack of protein)
Hair that has lost its pigment
Brittle and malformed (spooned) nails
Chronic diarrhea
Slow wound healing
Bone and joint pain
Growth retardation (in children)
Mental changes such as confusion and irritability
Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
Specific nutrient deficiencies may cause characteristic symptoms. For instance, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to tingling, numbness, and burning in the hands and feet (due to nerve damage), a lack of vitamin A may cause night blindness and increased sensitivity to light, and a lack of vitamin D can cause bone pain and malformation. The severity of symptoms depends on the intensity and duration of the deficiency. Some changes, such as to bone and nerves, may be irreversible.

IRREVERSIBLE??

THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS. THIS IS WHAT MANY OF US ALLOWED HEIDI DIAZ TO SHOW US HOW TO DO.... because after all "she lost 200 pounds and kept it off for 5 years with NO problems".

..... it's getting close, Heidi. You still think that you have done NOTHING wrong? hmmm...

KIMKINS HURT MY FRIENDS.

One had surgery on her gall bladder.

One got dizzy and passed out and broke her foot.

One has to wear wigs ALL OF THE TIME.

One is majorly depressed.

One is having to constantly defend herself to others.

One was accused of immoral conduct.

One is secretly still doing KK because they are scared and have now developed "anorexia" as a result.

One has shed many tears from the loss of friends.

One is bitter and angry over the lies.

One has developed joint problems from malnutrition.

.... the list goes on.

ARE YOU GETTING IT YET? ARE YOU STILL IN DENIAL? DO YOU STILL BELIEVE?

Put a silk scarf on a cow... it's still a cow.
Put a new cover on a book ... it's still the same content.
Try a new PR tactic... it's still just a tactic and NOT the truth.

Once again, Heidi Diaz, it is inevitable ... You chose the path so don't wonder WHY you will be prosecuted.

KIMKINS HURT MY METABOLISM

I am on day #24 of NO SUGAR. I have been eating low carb and keeping a very close eye on my ratio's. I've been trying to keep my calories over 1,000; my carbs under 20 grams; my protein over 65 grams; and my fat over 45 grams. I am only 5 feet tall and I am over 50, so from everything that I have researched and read, my diet is pretty good for "losing".

I have not lost anything.

Well, let me take that back... I have gained and lost the same 5 pounds every other day. AND I cannot say that I am consistently losing inches, because one day the shirts are tight, the next day they are slightly looser than before. And on it goes.

I am exercising at least MINIMUM 3 days a week (combination of walking, bicycling, and light weight training -- some times more than 3 days). I am drinking a normal, moderate amount of water. I am taking a multivitamin daily. I AM DOING EVERYTHING THAT I KNOW TO DO. I have motivation because I am going on the Low Carb Cruise.

STILL.... nothing.

The ONLY thing that I know is that my metabolism is messed up. With no medical explanation the only conclusion that I can draw is that it is from doing kimkins. I wonder how long it will take... what will it take? ... to get it back to normal?

Here is what one expert has to say:

One of the biggest factors in metabolism is actually what we eat. If you’re fasting or on a very low-calorie diet, (kimkins? oh yeah) odds are you have slowed down your metabolism to the point that you still aren’t losing a lot of weight even though you’re miserable from not eating.
The body needs nutrients and calories in order to work properly, and a lot of research seems to indicate that eating more often is better than eating only a couple of meals a day. That’s because it takes energy (calories) to digest and process food, and it keeps blood sugar levels more even when you eat regularly, which also keeps you feeling full. (http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cause_of_Low_Metabolism )

And another one says:

Metabolism and Weight LossWhen a person suddenly stops taking in the amount of calories to which they are accustomed their body responds by slowing their metabolism. The body will act as if it is starving, which sometimes it is. Metabolism is the rate at which a person's body burns the calories needed to function normally. It is for this reason that rapid weight loss programs don't work in the long run. The body responds to the plunge in calorie intake by slowing the metabolism so that it can continue to operate on fewer calories. The dieter will hit a plateau in weight loss, which for some people stimulates a frustrating pattern of weight loss and gain, known as yo-yo dieting. Repeated attempts at rapid weight loss can permanently slow a person's metabolism, making weight loss harder with each diet. Generally, diet plans that are well balanced and do not fall below 1200 calories a day are manageable. (www.womenshealth.org)

How many times did we hear "Starvation Mode is a myth!"? How many times did we lower and lower our intake to UNREAL levels? Can you say eating disorder? BUT EATING DISORDER was explained away like this --

We are over weight because we have been eating out of order -- in excess. SO in order to reverse the process we must go in the opposite direction -- in deprivation -- in order to affect a change.

OH how logical that sounds. BUT IT ISN'T! Nutritionists, researchers, and even Dr. Atkins have said that we don't have to starve to lose. BUT we all dismissed that. After all, Kimmer had lost 200 pounds and kept if off for over 5 years. AND according to Kimmer she suffered NO repercussions from this way of eating. And oh the euphoria of practicing anorexia... there is a high from it. Being "in control", losing weight, denying urges, and the support of other "lost sheep" was very powerful.

Back to my metabolism... it looks like it might take a long time to undo 8 or 9 months that I was on kimkins. Thanks Heidi. Your day in court is coming and trust me lady, you WILL reap what you have sown.

Kimkins Ugliness Continues

I am a Mom of 4; wife of 1; grandmother to 3; sister to 2, an aunt, a leader, a friend, a counselor, a missionary, a musician, and many more labels and hats.

I had such a wonderful weekend. My sister, who is still dealing with the loss of our mother, rode with me on a little road trip. It was good for both of us. We hadn't got to spend much time together lately and she really needed to just smile for a while. We went to a couple's home who were so gracious. They made a great dinner for us and we spent the evening watching a fantastic DVD from a church meeting they had attended. The title of the sermon was "About this same time tomorrow, things are gonna change" ... it was good. The next morning we got up, had our coffee, and the husband read part of a book about Ruth (from the Bible) to us. We met up with some other friends at the mall ... NOTHING like friends, the mall, and great coffee! hahaha

So guess what?

"Kimkins" reared it's ugly head. Someone posted some really nasty comments, lies, and hateful things on the web. They were things about the sweet people with whom I was chatting and shopping and about me. I didn't read the posts .... only heard about them. Ugly, hateful, evil things were said. So sad. We tried to just laugh it off. I think I made a few jokes about it. No truth at all in the comments so they weren't worth the waste of energy to even bother to read them.

I got home this evening .. and I started thinking about it. And wondering why someone would say such ugly lies. So that sermon "ABOUT THIS SAME TIME TOMORROW, THINGS ARE GONNA CHANGE" came true. I had been distancing myself from the whole "kimmer" experience to just leave it behind me ... and there it was again. HEY... GIVING NOTICE! I'm back in the fight... but in a smarter way.. my attitude has changed. I'm not afraid of you anymore Heidi Diaz.

... THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD FOR THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS ...

The battle has shifted to a new arena. I'm in.

I have a fitday journal to prove that I attempted to follow kimkins. I was not a "good" kimkinite because I could never keep my fat ratio's as low as I was encouraged to. I tried.. and failed... I stalled... etc. What did it take to finally begin to lose? Chicken broth, egg whites, diet sodas, and Phillips Caplets. (WHICH other kimkins members suggested and then applauded my results! I was finally able to be a losing kimkins member! Kimmer herself congratulated me in my journal.)

THE OTHER RESULTS?
-- hair got thinner, but it wasn't so noticable because I HAD really thick hair
-- dizzy spells, but I actually enjoyed them because it meant that I was "losing"
-- SNATT, OH YEAH... it was a "badge" of honor!
-- heart palpitations, but I thought perhaps that was just because I didn't exercise and was just out of shape
-- DRY skin... my heels would actually peel, my nails were very brittle and would break often into the quick
-- ringing in the ears
-- jaw & neck cramps

AND NOW?
-- still have thinner hair
-- still have occasional heart racing
-- hip joints ache .. alot
-- anxiety attacks

TRUTH is -- My husband does not want me to join the lawsuit. This is something that I will not argue with him about and I must respect his wishes. BUT this will not stop me from helping get the word out there that Kimkins needs to be shut down so that maybe people will look elsewhere and find.... THE HIGH ROAD.