A New Mindset (Long)

Carol said:

A couple of weeks ago, Crash and I had food poisoning (I'll never eat food
from KFC again - it's now a psychological aversion). During that time, I
was supposed to be on the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet. The
only things we had on hand were rice and bread, and we were both too sick
to drive to the store.

It's good to hear from you again and I am glad both of you survived the
nasty experience.

Quoted message said:

I have removed two labels that I've had on myself. Low-Carber and
Diabetic. The guilt that I suffered whenever I broke the very strict rules
with both of them (probably only at OWL levels), was devastating. I
decided that my mental health was more important at this stage.

the only thing that matters is that it works for you and you feel content
or happy about it - congrats to your healthy choices and insights. You'll
do what is best for you, I'm so proud of you! *hug*

Quoted message said:

My new mindset is that I'm treating my body with the respect that it
deserves.

Seems like the right approach to me 🙂 You go girl!

Quoted message said:

I think I've taken up enough of your valuable time.

Never ever. Your posts inspire me, as always.

Thanks,

Petra in Hamburg, Germany

Carol,

I was wondering how you were doing. Sorry to hear about your stomach
troubles. But it also sounds like you've adopted the right attitude and
that you won't beat yourself up anymore when you 'fall off the wagon.'

I kind of know how you feel, as I've recently adopted a new, healthier (I
think) attitude toward eating.

Keep posting.

--
Linda
296/192/160
LC since Oct. 13, 2003
Now a happy member of the '100lbs. Gone Club'!
http://home.att.net/~lewis_linda/index.html
http://community.webshots.com/user/mslewtoo

"Are you telling me there are dead people in my living room watching
videos?"--Nina (Truly, Madly, Deeply)

"Carol" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

A couple of weeks ago, Crash and I had food poisoning (I'll never eat food
from KFC again - it's now a psychological aversion). During that time, I
was supposed to be on the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet.

The

Quoted message said:

only things we had on hand were rice and bread, and we were both too sick
to drive to the store.

I had some rice for a couple of "meals," then I added toast. Toast became
bread, bread became hours of misery. After low-carbing so long, I can't
tolerate wheat (or gluten?) at all. Fortunately, I got so sick from

eating

Quoted message said:

bread and hamburger buns, that I no longer want anything to do with bread
or anything else made with flour.

I had already learned my lesson with potatoes, even before I completely
eliminated them from my diet when going low-carb. Potatoes have been a
problem for years, but I ate them anyway. After having no potatoes in the
house for nearly two years because of low-carbing, Crash has also begun to
suffer when he eats them. He's still at the point where he will eat them
anyway, suffer horribly, then do it again. He'll catch on ...

I have removed two labels that I've had on myself. Low-Carber and
Diabetic. The guilt that I suffered whenever I broke the very strict

rules

Quoted message said:

with both of them (probably only at OWL levels), was devastating. I
decided that my mental health was more important at this stage.

I'm no longer following anyone else's rules, so there's no guilt. I'm
finding that, overall, I'm eating lower carb this way than I did when I

was

Quoted message said:

a "Low-Carber." So much of the diet has become a part of my life that I
can't imagine myself ever going back to the way I was.

My new mindset is that I'm treating my body with the respect that it
deserves. When I get carb cravings, I tell myself to remember what flour
does to me, and then ride it out. It's difficult because the cravings can
last for hours. But I'm so proud of myself when I hold my ground.

Before,

Quoted message said:

I felt weak and worthless.

Some revelations along the way:
* If I eat 1000 Island dressing instead of ranch on my salad, I won't die
* If I eat black olives instead of the lower-carb green, I won't die.
* If I have the occasional oatmeal pancake or bowl of oatmeal, I won't die
* If I eat chili with tomato sauce and black beans, I won't die
* If I occasionally eat homemade fried rice, I won't die
* If I eat a can of soup from time to time (no potatoes), I'll likely live
* If I munch on baby carrots, I won't die (I still avoid corn and peas)

Some permanent additions:
* Sue's Chocolate Omelette
* Jenny's Barbecue Sauce and Hot Cocoa
* Yogurt with SF DaVinci's syrups
* Salads
* Copious volumes of broccoli

A nice, low blood sugar is good. But it doesn't have to be 5.0 to be
healthy. I run at about 6.0 when left to my own devices. I believe that
I'll be lower than that the next time I'm tested.

I think I've taken up enough of your valuable time.

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 21:44:02 GMT, "Lady o' the house" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Carol,

I was wondering how you were doing. Sorry to hear about your stomach
troubles. But it also sounds like you've adopted the right attitude and
that you won't beat yourself up anymore when you 'fall off the wagon.'

I kind of know how you feel, as I've recently adopted a new, healthier (I
think) attitude toward eating.

Keep posting.

Thanks Linda. I looked at your weight loss page, and you are a completely
new woman. Congratulations on that. I'll try to be around a little more
steadily, but I've been very busy with other things, and can't make any
promises. In the meantime, it's good to be back!

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 21:40:22 +0200, Petra Hildebrandt <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Carol said:

I have removed two labels that I've had on myself. Low-Carber and
Diabetic. The guilt that I suffered whenever I broke the very strict rules
with both of them (probably only at OWL levels), was devastating. I
decided that my mental health was more important at this stage.

the only thing that matters is that it works for you and you feel content
or happy about it - congrats to your healthy choices and insights. You'll
do what is best for you, I'm so proud of you! *hug*

Hugs right back atcha! Yes, I feel much better about myself. I'm very
happy.

Quoted message said:

Your posts inspire me, as always.

Thank you, Petra. It's amazing how much just a tiny shift of the way you
perceive things can have such a large impact. I'm not worrying about
weight loss at this point, but when I get around to weighing myself, if
I've lost, I'll post new pics.

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

Thanks for the compliments, Carol! I FEEL like a new woman. Now, if only I
could get rid of this blasted laryngitis! LOL!

--
Linda
296/192/160
LC since Oct. 13, 2003
Now a happy member of the '100lbs. Gone Club'!
http://home.att.net/~lewis_linda/index.html
http://community.webshots.com/user/mslewtoo

"Are you telling me there are dead people in my living room watching
videos?"--Nina (Truly, Madly, Deeply)

"Carol" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 21:44:02 GMT, "Lady o' the house"

<[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Carol,

I was wondering how you were doing. Sorry to hear about your stomach
troubles. But it also sounds like you've adopted the right attitude and
that you won't beat yourself up anymore when you 'fall off the wagon.'

I kind of know how you feel, as I've recently adopted a new, healthier (I
think) attitude toward eating.

Keep posting.

Thanks Linda. I looked at your weight loss page, and you are a

completely

Quoted message said:

new woman. Congratulations on that. I'll try to be around a little more
steadily, but I've been very busy with other things, and can't make any
promises. In the meantime, it's good to be back!

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

Same old story, same old song and dance.

--
You take stupid to a new level. -- MFW

"Carol" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

A couple of weeks ago, Crash and I had food poisoning (I'll never eat food
from KFC again - it's now a psychological aversion). During that time, I
was supposed to be on the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet.
The
only things we had on hand were rice and bread, and we were both too sick
to drive to the store.

I had some rice for a couple of "meals," then I added toast. Toast became
bread, bread became hours of misery. After low-carbing so long, I can't
tolerate wheat (or gluten?) at all. Fortunately, I got so sick from
eating
bread and hamburger buns, that I no longer want anything to do with bread
or anything else made with flour.

I had already learned my lesson with potatoes, even before I completely
eliminated them from my diet when going low-carb. Potatoes have been a
problem for years, but I ate them anyway. After having no potatoes in the
house for nearly two years because of low-carbing, Crash has also begun to
suffer when he eats them. He's still at the point where he will eat them
anyway, suffer horribly, then do it again. He'll catch on ...

I have removed two labels that I've had on myself. Low-Carber and
Diabetic. The guilt that I suffered whenever I broke the very strict
rules
with both of them (probably only at OWL levels), was devastating. I
decided that my mental health was more important at this stage.

I'm no longer following anyone else's rules, so there's no guilt. I'm
finding that, overall, I'm eating lower carb this way than I did when I
was
a "Low-Carber." So much of the diet has become a part of my life that I
can't imagine myself ever going back to the way I was.

My new mindset is that I'm treating my body with the respect that it
deserves. When I get carb cravings, I tell myself to remember what flour
does to me, and then ride it out. It's difficult because the cravings can
last for hours. But I'm so proud of myself when I hold my ground.
Before,
I felt weak and worthless.

Some revelations along the way:
* If I eat 1000 Island dressing instead of ranch on my salad, I won't die
* If I eat black olives instead of the lower-carb green, I won't die.
* If I have the occasional oatmeal pancake or bowl of oatmeal, I won't die
* If I eat chili with tomato sauce and black beans, I won't die
* If I occasionally eat homemade fried rice, I won't die
* If I eat a can of soup from time to time (no potatoes), I'll likely live
* If I munch on baby carrots, I won't die (I still avoid corn and peas)

Some permanent additions:
* Sue's Chocolate Omelette
* Jenny's Barbecue Sauce and Hot Cocoa
* Yogurt with SF DaVinci's syrups
* Salads
* Copious volumes of broccoli

A nice, low blood sugar is good. But it doesn't have to be 5.0 to be
healthy. I run at about 6.0 when left to my own devices. I believe that
I'll be lower than that the next time I'm tested.

I think I've taken up enough of your valuable time.

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

In article <[email hidden]>, damsel-
[email hidden] says...

Hi Carol, welcome back!

Quoted message said:

A couple of weeks ago, Crash and I had food poisoning (I'll never eat food

Oh, BARF! What a bummer!

Quoted message said:

My new mindset is that I'm treating my body with the respect that it
deserves.

Good for you. You have to what WORKS for both body AND mind.

--
Saffire
205/147/125 - 5'1.5"
Atkins since 6/14/03
Progress photo: http://photos.yahoo.com/saffire333

"Carol" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

A couple of weeks ago, Crash and I had food poisoning (I'll never eat food
from KFC again - it's now a psychological aversion).

Yuk! I've gotten so I eat out less and less. When I do, it's so common to
have minor digestive system problems the next day. I used to think it's
coincidence, but it's so frequent I wonder what's up? Not sure if it's the
food, pathogens, or weird chemical stuff they put in it. And then there's
full on food poisoning like you guys got. Condolences, and glad you're
better.

Quoted message said:

I have removed two labels that I've had on myself. Low-Carber and
Diabetic. The guilt that I suffered whenever I broke the very strict

rules

Quoted message said:

with both of them (probably only at OWL levels), was devastating. I
decided that my mental health was more important at this stage.

Well, both are important and I know you know that. But it's very easy to get
caught up in an obsessive mindset with LC. Most of us have probably BTDT.
I'm goad you're working on the mindset stuff. In the end, sometimes it's the
most important thing of all for both physical and emotional health, isn't
it?

HG

Hannah Gruen said:

"Carol" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I have removed two labels that I've had on myself. Low-Carber and
Diabetic. The guilt that I suffered whenever I broke the very strict
rules with both of them (probably only at OWL levels), was devastating. I
decided that my mental health was more important at this stage.

Well, both are important and I know you know that. But it's very easy to get
caught up in an obsessive mindset with LC. Most of us have probably BTDT.
I'm goad you're working on the mindset stuff. In the end, sometimes it's the
most important thing of all for both physical and emotional health, isn't
it?

Exactly. I have OCD, and when I when I labeled myself a low-carber, I
wound up obsessing about food all the time. Now that I'm finally eating
moderate-carb, with no hard and fast rules, I'm no longer obsessed. I can
eat a meal and not think about food until it's time for the next meal.
It's been very liberating.

Well, I take that back about the hard and fast rules. Low-carb has become
such an integral part of my life that I naturally lean toward foods with
fewer carbs. My only self-imposed rules are: nothing made with flour,
nothing made with sugar, and nothing involving potatoes.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here last night or not. But I would like to
try a chicken soup with spaghetti squash as noodles, added right at the
end, or even at the table, so the squash doesn't disintegrate.

Until yesterday, I was a squash virgin.

Thanks Hannah,
Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

Saffire said:

In article <[email hidden]>, damsel-
[email hidden] says...

Hi Carol, welcome back!

Good to be back! 🙂

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

A couple of weeks ago, Crash and I had food poisoning (I'll never eat food

Oh, BARF! What a bummer!

It sure wasn't fun.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My new mindset is that I'm treating my body with the respect that it
deserves.

Good for you. You have to do what WORKS for both body AND mind.

It took nearly two years, but I finally figured that out. <G>

Carol
--
"Years ago my mother used to say to me... She'd say,
'In this world Elwood, you must be oh-so smart or oh-so pleasant.'
Well, for years I was smart.... I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

*James Stewart* in the 1950 movie, _Harvey_

In article <[email hidden]>, damsel-
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here last night or not. But I would like to
try a chicken soup with spaghetti squash as noodles, added right at the
end, or even at the table, so the squash doesn't disintegrate.

Spaghetti squash will stay tender-crisp for a long time -- I had some that stayed
that way -- IN SPAGHETTI SAUCE -- for 2-3 days.

--
Saffire
205/147/125 - 5'1.5"
Atkins since 6/14/03
Progress photo: http://photos.yahoo.com/saffire333

Saffire said:

Spaghetti squash will stay tender-crisp for a long time -- I had some that stayed
that way -- IN SPAGHETTI SAUCE -- for 2-3 days.

Thanks for letting me know. I want to keep this stuff in the house at all
times. Just had some for lunch with my grilled fish and bran cracker.

Carol

"Carol" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Exactly. I have OCD, and when I when I labeled myself a low-carber, I
wound up obsessing about food all the time.

There's something about obsessive behavior and ADD, in tandem, that always
ends up in some kind of chaos. Mentally or situationally, usually both to
some degree. It's like there's some kind of fundamental conflict there...
lol.

Quoted message said:

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here last night or not. But I would like

to

Quoted message said:

try a chicken soup with spaghetti squash as noodles, added right at the
end, or even at the table, so the squash doesn't disintegrate.

Until yesterday, I was a squash virgin.

And I still am, well just spaghetti squash. I've tried and liked most of the
others. I sounds as if it might be good. I'm into soup mode again - very
temperature driven for me. I'm eating some lovely chicken soup with kale and
sweet red pepper, with a poached egg adn topped with melted cheese...
heaven. I was thinking that a little bit of dreamfields pasta would be nice
in soups. Not too much. Maybe the elbows or some broken spaghetti. That's
kind of a new option, I've never cared for any of the LC pastas until now.

HG