We have completed our second round of the 7-Day Kickstart Plan. In the Kickstart plan we are allowed 1200 calories a day with one snack, which can be consumed whenever you would like to have it. We both chose to do our snack in the afternoon, around 3 o'clock, because its about halfway between lunch and dinner. Snacks are key in this diet because it prevents between meal binging.
In the second phase of the diet (Immersion Phase) we are allowed to have 1600 calories a day and two snacks. The second snack is usually a "dessert", however; if you have more then ten to fifteen pounds to lose it is recommended that you stay with one snack. We have chosen to stay with one snack, unless we are very under calories (Carrie was today) for the day.
After this weekend both Ashley and Carrie have come to the conclusion that Saturday and Sunday's are the hardest days to stick to a diet. Our schedules are off and we are sitting at home watching the clock and getting up to see whats in the kitchen. We know that we are not hungry, but we are both bored eaters and we just need to "munch". Having the meal plan written out in journals helps, because we know what we can eat. When we have a night that we don't know what we are doing, it makes it really hard to stick to the plan, and very tempting to just run through the drive through and pick up something fast.
The menu for today was a little different for each of us. Breakfast for Ashley was Kashi Crunch with Frozen (fresh) Blueberries and a Banana. Carrie had Banana Walnut Oatmeal. Lunch for Ashley was a Broccoli and Cheese Baked Potato (Wendy's) and Carrie had a Lean Pocket, also broccoli and cheese.......... sorry for the pause but Ashley just saw a Breaking Dawn commercial and started freaking out...kinda funny...... Dinner was a Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Barley Pilaf. Both of us were a little concerned about the pork, Ashley doesn't do well with pork, and Carrie just doesn't eat it. We all really enjoyed it. (Rick and Amanda too)
Tuesday January 31, 2012
Ashley is weighing in at 277 - total lost is 17 pounds
Carrie is weighing in at 170 - total lost 14 pounds
Note: Amanda T thought of our title, we give credit where credit is due
(Ashley got a new camera and we are currently trying to figure out how to get the pictures into a .jpeg format so we can upload them. So...pics to come soon!)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Taking a Starring Role is....Resistant Starch!
So we mentioned before about Resistant Starch (RS). Well, that's what we are going to talk about tonight and why it's a big deal. RS is a type of carb that resists digestion. It doesn't get absorbed in the bloodstream in the small intestines like other foods. "It creates a chain reaction in your body, literally shrinking fat cells, preserving muscle, stoking your metabolism, and making you feel fuller, longer."
"Resistant Starch might sound exotic, but the foods that have it are probably in your kitchen right now! As a bonus, they're affordable, tasty, and easy to prepare." Some of the top RS Foods are: Bananas, Oatmeal, White Beans, Potatoes, Whole-Wheat Pasta, Brown Rice, and much more. On the CarbLovers diet, you are suppose to consume 10-15 grams of RS daily. Most people only consume about 4.8 grams. So, the more RS you eat, the more weight you're going to lose. We try to eat a banana everyday. Green bananas are actually the highest RS food on the list. Ashley isn't a huge fan of green bananas, but she's getting used to eating "crunchy" bananas. Carrie was stoked about the green bananas, because that's the way she has always preferred them. We love our Breakfast Shakes, which we've mentioned before, and we also really like Banana and Almond Butter Toast, and something called the Banana Nut Elvis Wrap.
All-in-all, Resistant Starches are your secret weapon to successfully loose weight on this diet, without feeling hungry or having cravings. They're only found in carbohydrate foods! So many people are freaked out about eating carbs, but in reality, if you don't eat carbs, you won't lose weight.
Please note that some information given was paraphrased or taken straight from our copy of "The CarbLovers Diet" By Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D
"Resistant Starch might sound exotic, but the foods that have it are probably in your kitchen right now! As a bonus, they're affordable, tasty, and easy to prepare." Some of the top RS Foods are: Bananas, Oatmeal, White Beans, Potatoes, Whole-Wheat Pasta, Brown Rice, and much more. On the CarbLovers diet, you are suppose to consume 10-15 grams of RS daily. Most people only consume about 4.8 grams. So, the more RS you eat, the more weight you're going to lose. We try to eat a banana everyday. Green bananas are actually the highest RS food on the list. Ashley isn't a huge fan of green bananas, but she's getting used to eating "crunchy" bananas. Carrie was stoked about the green bananas, because that's the way she has always preferred them. We love our Breakfast Shakes, which we've mentioned before, and we also really like Banana and Almond Butter Toast, and something called the Banana Nut Elvis Wrap.
All-in-all, Resistant Starches are your secret weapon to successfully loose weight on this diet, without feeling hungry or having cravings. They're only found in carbohydrate foods! So many people are freaked out about eating carbs, but in reality, if you don't eat carbs, you won't lose weight.
Please note that some information given was paraphrased or taken straight from our copy of "The CarbLovers Diet" By Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Busy, Busy, Busy...
We haven't posted anything since last Wednesday, and we feel really bad. We both have been busy since then and haven't had time to sit down and write anything. But we promise that we'll be back tomorrow with a couple of posts...so keep checking back! Thanks for all of your support! :o)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit...
What was on tonight's menu? Black Bean Tacos! These have become one of Ashley & Carrie's favorite meals. They're super easy and are ready in like 10 minutes. All they are are 6" white corn tortillas, black beans, carrots, salsa, cheese, and lettuce...and we're allowed to have 3 of them! Very filling and oh so yummy!
The CarbLovers Diet suggests getting creative with beans of all kinds. Beans are a "true star of the carb world." They pack a lot of both types of fiber and are a weight loss secret weapon! "Soluble fiber helps you feel full by absorbing water, and it prevents some of the calories you take in from getting absorbed into your blood stream. It also slows the absorption of glucose, helping your blood sugar levels stable." (It's no wonder since Carrie can't eat a full serving, LOL) "Insoluble fiber is bulky and fills you up, triggering the feeling of satiety. It also keeps things moving, which prevents bloating. A Brigham Young University study of 252 woman found that one gram increase in the amount of fiber consumed correlated with half a pound of weight loss." So the song is true... "Beans, beans, the musical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot. The more you toot, the better you feel. So eat your beans at every meal!"
Today for lunch we ate Chicken Pita Sandwiches. "This easy sandwich will fill you up on lean protein with a hearty 5 grams of fiber from the whole grain pita and vegetables inside." Again, one of our favorite meals and super easy! Chicken, baby spinach, red pepper, low fat Italian dressing, and a whole grain pita. It's a salad in a sandwich!
Breakfast was just as easy, a Banana Shake Plus. We make them the night before so it's a breakfast-on-the-go as we're leaving for work in the mornings! All it is is a banana, low fat milk, honey, ice, and ground flax seed.
Now tell us, all of the things we mentioned are just as easy to get at a restaurant, in some variation right? But we can make them at home, in our pjs, know what's going in all of our meals, and save a boat load of cash. Our entire meal plan for the day maybe totals $30, if that, for the both of us. (We do buy in bulk.) You can go out to dinner for one night, have food that's similar, but less filling, and pay the same amount or more, on 1 meal. For us, that's about $10 a person. (Rick included) Not to say we don't like going out to eat, but whatever happened to the time when going to a restaurant was a treat...not a daily occurrence??? We will admit, that going to a restaurant is so much simpler then cooking at home. They do all the work for you; however, we have found that we have more energy to do these things since we've changed our eating habits. None of it seems like a chore. And when you have your best friend to help you, it makes working in the kitchen that much more enjoyable!
We've mentioned before that working together on this has made it so much more enjoyable! Yes, you could do this diet by yourself, but when you have someone right there alongside you, doing and eating the exact same things, you have that huge support system to back you up. We have both had bad days when all we want to do is go grab an Oreo (ok a box), a cup of coffee (we'll explain about coffee later), a Diet Coke. When we have those moments, we text each other right away. Carrie texts ALL. DAY. LONG. Ashley's phone explodes when she turns it on at the end of the day! However, Carrie says, "Texting your support system helps release pent up frustrations with not getting what you 'think' you need."
We invite you to comment here or send us a message on Facebook if you choose to join us in the CarbLovers Diet; especially if you don't have a support system like the 2 of us have with each other. We'll be more than happy to encourage you along on your journey!
"Good friends are like stars. You don't always have to see them, but you know they're always there."
*~*Ashley & Carrie*~*
Black Bean Tacos...YUM!
We're making the Banana Shake with Strawberries for tomorrow morning
Please note that some information given was paraphrased or taken straight from our copy of "The CarbLovers Diet" By Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D
The CarbLovers Diet suggests getting creative with beans of all kinds. Beans are a "true star of the carb world." They pack a lot of both types of fiber and are a weight loss secret weapon! "Soluble fiber helps you feel full by absorbing water, and it prevents some of the calories you take in from getting absorbed into your blood stream. It also slows the absorption of glucose, helping your blood sugar levels stable." (It's no wonder since Carrie can't eat a full serving, LOL) "Insoluble fiber is bulky and fills you up, triggering the feeling of satiety. It also keeps things moving, which prevents bloating. A Brigham Young University study of 252 woman found that one gram increase in the amount of fiber consumed correlated with half a pound of weight loss." So the song is true... "Beans, beans, the musical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot. The more you toot, the better you feel. So eat your beans at every meal!"
Today for lunch we ate Chicken Pita Sandwiches. "This easy sandwich will fill you up on lean protein with a hearty 5 grams of fiber from the whole grain pita and vegetables inside." Again, one of our favorite meals and super easy! Chicken, baby spinach, red pepper, low fat Italian dressing, and a whole grain pita. It's a salad in a sandwich!
Breakfast was just as easy, a Banana Shake Plus. We make them the night before so it's a breakfast-on-the-go as we're leaving for work in the mornings! All it is is a banana, low fat milk, honey, ice, and ground flax seed.
Now tell us, all of the things we mentioned are just as easy to get at a restaurant, in some variation right? But we can make them at home, in our pjs, know what's going in all of our meals, and save a boat load of cash. Our entire meal plan for the day maybe totals $30, if that, for the both of us. (We do buy in bulk.) You can go out to dinner for one night, have food that's similar, but less filling, and pay the same amount or more, on 1 meal. For us, that's about $10 a person. (Rick included) Not to say we don't like going out to eat, but whatever happened to the time when going to a restaurant was a treat...not a daily occurrence??? We will admit, that going to a restaurant is so much simpler then cooking at home. They do all the work for you; however, we have found that we have more energy to do these things since we've changed our eating habits. None of it seems like a chore. And when you have your best friend to help you, it makes working in the kitchen that much more enjoyable!
We've mentioned before that working together on this has made it so much more enjoyable! Yes, you could do this diet by yourself, but when you have someone right there alongside you, doing and eating the exact same things, you have that huge support system to back you up. We have both had bad days when all we want to do is go grab an Oreo (ok a box), a cup of coffee (we'll explain about coffee later), a Diet Coke. When we have those moments, we text each other right away. Carrie texts ALL. DAY. LONG. Ashley's phone explodes when she turns it on at the end of the day! However, Carrie says, "Texting your support system helps release pent up frustrations with not getting what you 'think' you need."
We invite you to comment here or send us a message on Facebook if you choose to join us in the CarbLovers Diet; especially if you don't have a support system like the 2 of us have with each other. We'll be more than happy to encourage you along on your journey!
"Good friends are like stars. You don't always have to see them, but you know they're always there."
*~*Ashley & Carrie*~*
Black Bean Tacos...YUM!
Please note that some information given was paraphrased or taken straight from our copy of "The CarbLovers Diet" By Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Diet Nearly Capsized as Foul Fish Sinks Dinner Hopes...
Since we've started the "CarbLovers Diet" we have eaten out, maybe, a handful of times (mostly Subway!). We prefer to stay in and make as many of the recipes that CarbLovers offers. So far, we have enjoyed everything we've made, with the exception of plain Greek yogurt and Gnocchi with Arugula-Walnut Pesto! LOL Tonight was one of those "really, we have to eat that???" moments. What was on the menu you ask? Pan fried salmon. Ashley has avoided salmon like the plague because "it's too fishy." Carrie has not touched a sliver of fish in, oh, 15 years after her uncle made her go through the horrifying experience of de-boning and scaling her own dinner! (exception: tuna) So you can see our hesitation when the menu called for salmon. We gave each other a "look" and knew that we had to get over it and try it. We trekked to Target last night and bought ourselves a 7 oz. fillet of Alaskan Salmon. (Rick, Ashley's husband...got porkchops!) We sprayed the fillet with some olive oil and "fried" it up along side a medium parmesan potato and small tossed salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Surprisingly enough, both of us really enjoyed tonight's dinner! The salmon wasn't "too fishy" for Ashley and Carrie got over her fish phobia...she's even agreed to try shrimp! LOL
Tonight's nutritional information: Serving size - 3 oz. salmon, 2 potato halves, 1 1/2 cups salad | Calories 410, Fat 12g, Cholesterol 50mg, Protein 30g, Carbs 49, Sugars 7, Fiber 7, Resistant Starch (RS) 2.1g, Sodium 660mg. (Please note that with the exception of sodium, Carbs are the highest count :o) )
To help make this process easier, we have both purchased journals and downloaded the CarbLovers app onto our phone/iPod to help us keep track of our calorie and RS intake. We sit down together and plan our entire week of meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, then head to the grocery store to get what we need. We also make sure to prepare lunches and some breakfasts the night before to make our mornings easier. The CarbLovers book has an outlined menu plan for the first month of the diet; however, we have found it easier to pick and choose different meals for our lunches. Example: one day calls for a grilled cheese at lunch and since neither of us can really do that at work, we swap another meal for that one. We just make sure we count our calorie intake for the change so that we don't go over.
Potatoes: "In addition to fiber and resistant starch (more about those in a future post), potatoes are a natural source of proteinase inhibitor, a natural chemical that boosts satiety hormones and curves appetite. Potatoes are incredibly filling - at 300 calories, for a large baked spud - great for weight loss!"
Tonight's Dinner
Carrie...Yeah, not so sure about this fish...
First bite of fish in 15 years...not too bad!!
Ashley...it's too fishy!!
"YUM!!!"
Ashley cleaned her plate...well mostly ;o)
Did Carrie clean hers?
Why yes, yes she did!!
Please note that some information was paraphrased or taken directly from "The CarbLovers Diet" by Ellen Kunes & Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D.
Tonight's nutritional information: Serving size - 3 oz. salmon, 2 potato halves, 1 1/2 cups salad | Calories 410, Fat 12g, Cholesterol 50mg, Protein 30g, Carbs 49, Sugars 7, Fiber 7, Resistant Starch (RS) 2.1g, Sodium 660mg. (Please note that with the exception of sodium, Carbs are the highest count :o) )
To help make this process easier, we have both purchased journals and downloaded the CarbLovers app onto our phone/iPod to help us keep track of our calorie and RS intake. We sit down together and plan our entire week of meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, then head to the grocery store to get what we need. We also make sure to prepare lunches and some breakfasts the night before to make our mornings easier. The CarbLovers book has an outlined menu plan for the first month of the diet; however, we have found it easier to pick and choose different meals for our lunches. Example: one day calls for a grilled cheese at lunch and since neither of us can really do that at work, we swap another meal for that one. We just make sure we count our calorie intake for the change so that we don't go over.
Potatoes: "In addition to fiber and resistant starch (more about those in a future post), potatoes are a natural source of proteinase inhibitor, a natural chemical that boosts satiety hormones and curves appetite. Potatoes are incredibly filling - at 300 calories, for a large baked spud - great for weight loss!"
Did Carrie clean hers?
Please note that some information was paraphrased or taken directly from "The CarbLovers Diet" by Ellen Kunes & Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D.
Yes...Potato Chips!!!
When you think about a diet what comes to your mind?
"Don't eat this!",
"Don't eat that!",
"NO CARBS"
The first thing that "CarbLovers" teaches us is that you have to eat carbs to lose weight and keep it off. The "No (low) Carb" diets often cut out the things that we crave the most, thus making it incredibly hard to stick to your diet. When we found out that we can actually eat carbs and lose weight at the same time, we were completely on board with being able to continue eating our favorite foods, such as: BREAD, PASTA, PIZZA, and yes...POTATO CHIPS!!!!
Five Truths About Low Carb Diets:
1. Low carb diets make you feel sad and stressed
4. Low carb diets bloat your belly!
Please note that all information given was paraphrased or take straight from our copy of "The CarbLovers Diet" By Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D
"Don't eat this!",
"Don't eat that!",
"NO CARBS"
The first thing that "CarbLovers" teaches us is that you have to eat carbs to lose weight and keep it off. The "No (low) Carb" diets often cut out the things that we crave the most, thus making it incredibly hard to stick to your diet. When we found out that we can actually eat carbs and lose weight at the same time, we were completely on board with being able to continue eating our favorite foods, such as: BREAD, PASTA, PIZZA, and yes...POTATO CHIPS!!!!
Five Truths About Low Carb Diets:
1. Low carb diets make you feel sad and stressed
- From an outsider looking in, we have seen first hand the effects a "no carb" diet can cause. Major mood swings, irritability and stress by obsession over not eating carbs. If you chose to do a "no carb" diet and feel that is right for you, that is your choice; however, please seek out your doctor's opinion.
- Yes, you will lose a good amount of weight, but the moment that you start putting those carbs back into your body... say hello to your weight again, because it will come back
4. Low carb diets bloat your belly!
- According to a study a "low carb" diet cause constipation. A bloated belly is one of the main symptoms of constipation
Please note that all information given was paraphrased or take straight from our copy of "The CarbLovers Diet" By Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hello, My Name Is...
Hi. My name is Ashley. And I'm a Carb Lover. I'm 28 years old, married, and teach 5th grade. Being a teacher, my stress level is incredibly high; especially since I teach in an inner-city school corporation with low poverty levels. Because of a high stress job, I usually come home and pig out on whatever I can find in the fridge/cupboard. A lot of times, I get home late and I'm too tired to cook. Which results in calling my husband and saying, "Hey, grab whatever is on your way home."
I've always struggled with my weight. As a kid I was always the "big girl." Luckily I grew up in a small rural community and was never really teased about it. When I was 20 years old, I had to go to my first "woman doctor" because I was not regular. Come to find out, I have PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrom). This is another huge factor in my weight problem. My hormones aren't regulated so it's very difficult for me to lose weight.
5 years ago I managed to lose 30 pounds on my own. I watched what I ate and exercised daily. 5 years ago, I was getting ready to become a bride, so I had something to work for. Well, I got married and stopped caring about how I looked. I had my husband, I didn't need to try to look good for other men. I have a very loving and accepting husband. We want to start a family and because of PCOS and my weight, I'm not regular and at this point I'm unable to conceive. Getting healthy is my top priority now so that I can become a better wife and ultimately a mom.
Hi. My name is Carrie. And I'm a Carb Lover. I'm 25 years old, I've found the love of my life, and work as a financial planning assistant full time and at Victoria's Secret part time on the weekends. A year ago I moved back in with my parents to save money and pay off some debts. Since then I have gained about 30 pounds. I'm an emotional eater. When I'm angry, stressed, depressed I eat. I've dealt with depression while in college and have struggled with it since then. My sophomore year of college I lost 20 pounds for my sister's wedding and promptly stopped working out afterwards!
Up until recently I have been very happy with my body. I'm a curvy woman and always have been. I have accepted that and know that I will never be super skinny (like my 110 pound sister). I love my curves, but recently the curves are becoming more of a bulge. As my boyfriend and I work towards marriage, I would love to look good in a wedding dress! Not only that, I want to be healthy at the same time.
I'm the kind of person that can sit down and eat a loaf of bread, a stick of butter, or a bowl of popcorn. I LOVE carbs! As much as I love these foods, I have to have portion control and eat the "right" kinds of carbs.
We came across the "CarbLover's Diet" (by Ellen Kunes & Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D.) purely by accident. Carrie's mom announced after Christmas that the entire house was going on a diet! She went and bought several different diet books and the "CarbLover's Pocket Guide" caught Carrie's eye. While skimming through it, she noticed there were no "don'ts/no's." It seemed like something she could do. This lead Carrie to mention it to Ashley and thus begins our CarbLover's Adventure!
We officially started January 9, 2012. After a week, Ashley lost 10 pounds and Carrie lost 8 pounds. After 2 weeks, Carrie and Ashley lost 2 more pounds each. We decided to have a "cheat day" at the end of our 2nd week and realized "Yeah, that was premature!" We have decided to the "7 Day Kick Start" over to help us get back on track. (We also went and bought the full version of the CarbLover's Diet book and the cookbook.)
Over the next few months, help us stay accountable to our weight loss goals. Visit often, leave us encouraging comments, and feel free to ask us questions! We'll be learning together.
Ashley...being forced by Carrie to put this...is weighing in at 284. (This is after the 12 pounds I've already lost.)
Carrie...who is doing this because it's a good accountability...is weighing in at 172. (This is after the 12 pounds I've already lost.)
I've always struggled with my weight. As a kid I was always the "big girl." Luckily I grew up in a small rural community and was never really teased about it. When I was 20 years old, I had to go to my first "woman doctor" because I was not regular. Come to find out, I have PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrom). This is another huge factor in my weight problem. My hormones aren't regulated so it's very difficult for me to lose weight.
5 years ago I managed to lose 30 pounds on my own. I watched what I ate and exercised daily. 5 years ago, I was getting ready to become a bride, so I had something to work for. Well, I got married and stopped caring about how I looked. I had my husband, I didn't need to try to look good for other men. I have a very loving and accepting husband. We want to start a family and because of PCOS and my weight, I'm not regular and at this point I'm unable to conceive. Getting healthy is my top priority now so that I can become a better wife and ultimately a mom.
Hi. My name is Carrie. And I'm a Carb Lover. I'm 25 years old, I've found the love of my life, and work as a financial planning assistant full time and at Victoria's Secret part time on the weekends. A year ago I moved back in with my parents to save money and pay off some debts. Since then I have gained about 30 pounds. I'm an emotional eater. When I'm angry, stressed, depressed I eat. I've dealt with depression while in college and have struggled with it since then. My sophomore year of college I lost 20 pounds for my sister's wedding and promptly stopped working out afterwards!
Up until recently I have been very happy with my body. I'm a curvy woman and always have been. I have accepted that and know that I will never be super skinny (like my 110 pound sister). I love my curves, but recently the curves are becoming more of a bulge. As my boyfriend and I work towards marriage, I would love to look good in a wedding dress! Not only that, I want to be healthy at the same time.
I'm the kind of person that can sit down and eat a loaf of bread, a stick of butter, or a bowl of popcorn. I LOVE carbs! As much as I love these foods, I have to have portion control and eat the "right" kinds of carbs.
We came across the "CarbLover's Diet" (by Ellen Kunes & Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D.) purely by accident. Carrie's mom announced after Christmas that the entire house was going on a diet! She went and bought several different diet books and the "CarbLover's Pocket Guide" caught Carrie's eye. While skimming through it, she noticed there were no "don'ts/no's." It seemed like something she could do. This lead Carrie to mention it to Ashley and thus begins our CarbLover's Adventure!
We officially started January 9, 2012. After a week, Ashley lost 10 pounds and Carrie lost 8 pounds. After 2 weeks, Carrie and Ashley lost 2 more pounds each. We decided to have a "cheat day" at the end of our 2nd week and realized "Yeah, that was premature!" We have decided to the "7 Day Kick Start" over to help us get back on track. (We also went and bought the full version of the CarbLover's Diet book and the cookbook.)
Over the next few months, help us stay accountable to our weight loss goals. Visit often, leave us encouraging comments, and feel free to ask us questions! We'll be learning together.
Ashley...being forced by Carrie to put this...is weighing in at 284. (This is after the 12 pounds I've already lost.)
Carrie...who is doing this because it's a good accountability...is weighing in at 172. (This is after the 12 pounds I've already lost.)
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