Day 32
Today I met my walking partners for a gorgeous but hilly walk at a tree farm. This included climbing the fire lookout tower. It was a good workout for the heart and lungs and leg muscles. Despite the long, hot workout the day before, I felt very energetic and really enjoyed the hills. I fueled up for it with yogurt mixed with some of the Flax Plus cereal. After the walk, I went to an Indian buffet and had lots of spinach, a half piece of flatbread, and some other items. For dinner I had a Greek salad.Days 33 - 35
I have noticed a pattern - my weight goes up slightly after my hard workout days. I have heard this is due to the muscles retaining water while they repair and build. After my weekend workouts, I see the weight drop again by Tuesday morning, and a new low on Wednesday morning. And so by the end of my fifth week, I am down a full 9 pounds since beginning the diet.New Complex Carb Treat: The last two days, I made myself some oatmeal with the whole-oat, slow cooking kind. I cooked the oatmeal in nonfat milk and added a few raisins (not really allowed, but heck!) and a few nuts. I served it with some Atkins zero carb maple syrup. Delicious!
Body Effects: But more than just being down 9 pounds, I am frankly astonished at the loss of belly fat in particular. My belly is simply deflating like a balloon. On the morning of Day 35, I had to select a purple ensemble to wear to our Red Hat Society dinner. At first I put aside the size Small Weekenders turtleneck dress. But after I wasn't satisfied with the other selections, I put it on. It fit! And once I added control top pantyhose, it was amazing. For the first time in a couple of years I feel good about my body.
Cravings: I think that now I am having some carbs I am beginning to want more. I failed to resist having a pastry at a meeting the last couple of days. But I am also low on resistance because with the marathon approaching, I know I need my carbs. I am enjoying the Flax Plus cereal and yogurt and fruit.
Good Habits: I have built up some very good habits, such as eating huge salads with minimum dressing for lunch and dinner. I really love the Baja Fresh Ensalada, and I love Greek or Mediterranean salads. These are good things to have converted myself to eating each day. I also have been enjoying a V8 juice as opposed to some other snack.
Energy: Experts warn that low carb diets can sap you of energy. I suppose that might be true if you fail to give yourself carbs right before, during, and after endurance exercise. I am careful to do so. I have felt plenty energetic on my walks. Meanwhile, I think I have a bit more energy the rest of the time because I do not have those spikes from eating a lot of carbs alone. When I have carbs, I am careful to also have protein.
As I head towards my walking marathon, I am happy to have dropped some excess pounds, to know I will look a bit better in my spandex shorts, and I will make sure to have good complex carbs the next three days before the event so my muscles will start on "full" for fuel.
Ask the Dietitian
I had dinner with Susan, a registered dietitian, and we discussed the South Beach Diet. Her opinion was that the diet sounded healthy and safe, especially in its emphasis on vegetables and converting to whole grains. Another registered dietitian told me last week that most of us eat far more servings of carbohydrate than recommended on the Food Pyramid anyway, and I know that to be true for me. While sweets are not a big problem, I would often snack on crackers, chips and breads containing trans-fats or topped with fatty toppings. This diet is a good lifestyle change for me.Next: South Beach Diet Diary - Weeks 6 and 7
Past Weeks:
South Beach Diet Diary - Week 1
South Beach Diet Diary - Week 2
South Beach Diet Diary - Week 3 - Starting Phase 2
South Beach Diet Diary - Week 4 with Half-Marathons
