CONTINUING

  I decided I should modify things. Keto works for weight loss but my body gets quite stressed. It's taken me a while to get my head around what I should do. 

I've had a growing awareness that things are not quite right with me. I've wondered a few times if I am experiencing ME/CFS. I was diagnosed about 1980 and had been unwell for 5 years by then. Ten years later I thought I was well again but still had to take reasonable care of myself. Lately a few things came together and I accepted that I was having a relapse after many years of being practically symptom free. I received prayer at church yesterday and am feeling more at peace and hopeful that God will either miraculously heal me or help me live a healthier life.

On the healthier life front I joined Noom about 3 weeks ago. It is a bit frustrating in one sense as eating is based on calories but the Lifestyle help is excellent. I'm not stressed, I'm making small changes and I'm re-introducing things like drinking water first thing, regular exercise and 'PsychTricks' that help change habits. The more I use the app the more excited I become. I like that the program does not give you hard and fast rules but teaches, gives guidelines and support but leaves the choices in your own hands. I am totally in control.

I am fascinated by the way they categorise food into Green, Yellow and Red so you learn to eat a more balanced variety. There's nothing to stop me doing hard-core Keto if I wish. I am eating way more carbs than I would on Keto but they are all vegetables. It's so easy to see where I can make changes that improve my food choices.

I have only lost 1 kg in the first 2.5 weeks but there's I had already lost 5kg since the beginning of October last year. That means I'm down 6 kg in less than 6 months. I hope to be losing quicker as I continue with Noom. I am still getting the heat and eat meals from Muscle Fuel but only 5 each week. I am preparing the rest of my meals unless, of course, I eat out. Wayne and Amanda often share a meal with me too but mostly I prefer my own.

IT'S A HEAD GAME

NOVEMBER 10TH - WEEK 7 - SUGGESTED MENU AND WHAT I DID

 It's been a strange week and I'm not sure why.

 TUESDAY             KETONES 0.5 mmol/l

STARTING WEIGHT: 96.8 

CURRENT WEIGHT: 91kg

Keto Coffee

Gouda Cheese and Bacon Balls

MF Grilled the Mac with extra Cheese and Onion

Tortilla Pizza 

MF  Beef from the meal 

Corn Thin Buttered with Jam

Drinking: Water + Kombucha

WEDNESDAY      Burwood Hospital for plastic surgery. Lt eyebrow lift.

Keto Coffee

2 HB Eggs

MF 

30 gm Nuts Banana, Jelly, Cheese, Crackers

MF 

Corn Thins with Butter

Drinking: Water + Ginger Beer

THURSDAY           KETONES

Keto Coffee

Cheese and Bacon Balls

MF Corn thin, Butter.

2 HB Eggs

MF 

Drinking: Water + Ginger Beer

FRIDAY                  KETONES 0.2mmol/l seems a bit strange when I haven't been eating much.        

Keto Coffee Kombucha

Skip

MF 

2 HB Eggs and Kombucha

MF  Corn thins and Avocado

Drinking: Water + Lime Cordial

SATURDAY    not recorded????        KETONES

Keto Coffee

Cheese Balls

MF

Tortilla Pizza 

MF 

Drinking: Water + Kombucha 

SUNDAY                  KETONES

Keto Coffee

2 HB Eggs

MF  

30 gm Nuts 

MF Corn crackers with butter

Drinking: Water + 

MONDAY                 KETONES 

Dr. Eyebrow Reveal BP normal. Medication stays same.

Keto Coffee

Cheese Balls

MF Chicken Zoodles

30 gm Nuts  Cappuccino and buttered Cafe Muffin

MF 

Drinking: Water + Kombucha

NOVEMBER 3RD - WEEK 6 - SUGGESTED MENU AND WHAT I DID

  TUESDAY             KETONES noon 

STARTING WEIGHT: 96.8 kg

CURRENT WEIGHT: 91.8 kg

Keto Coffee

Gouda Cheese and Bacon Balls

MF. Salad using the Roast Beef from the Beef and Mac meal.

Tortilla Pizza Rice Crackers and Cheese.

MF  Mac , from the Beef and Mac meal), mixed with very small Onion spread in a wide ramekin and topped with extra Cheese, Grilled.

Birthday Cake

Drinking: Water + Kombucha

WEDNESDAY       KETONES

Keto Coffee

2 HB Eggs

MF 

30 gm Nuts  Kombucha

MF 

Allan's Birthday Cake

Drinking: Water +

THURSDAY           KETONES

Keto Coffee

Cheese and Bacon Balls

MF

2 HB Eggs

MF 

Drinking: Water + Brew

FRIDAY                  KETONES

Keto Coffee

Skip

MF 

2 HB Eggs and Kombucha

MF 

Drinking: Water +

SATURDAY            KETONES 1.0 mmol/l

Keto Coffee

Cheese Balls

MF

Tortilla Pizza Buttered Rice Crackers

MF 

Drinking: Water + Kombucha 

SUNDAY                  KETONES

Keto Coffee

2 HB Eggs

MF  Cappuccino

30 gm Nuts 

MF Mug Bread Cucumber and Lettuce Sandwich

Amanda's Banana Muffin

Drinking: Water + Ginger Beer

MONDAY                 KETONES 

Keto Coffee

Cheese Balls

MF

30 gm Nuts 

MF 

Drinking: Water + Kombucha

ALL OVER THE PLACE

 I have no idea what I've been dealing with but I have been off and on my Muscle Fuel prgramme. It's been quite frustrating at times. I've had ongoing abdominal pain which has gradually subsided. I spent a large part of last weekend mostly in bed because that was the easiest way to relieve the pain. I suspect a thrush infection or out of whack 'inner health', Just another indication that I've got some kind of autoimmune thing going on. I still haven't unpacked my bags nor done my laundry and I've been home a week. 

Yesterday I did clear my kitchen bench and pick up stuff to give the cleaners a clear path to do their work. It was also the first day in ages that I have been able to eat and drink close to the plan for the day. I was pleased to see that my blood ketone test this morning was at 1.00 mmol/L. I'm still losing weight but not as quickly as if I'd stayed on the plan right through. Today I weighed 91.4 kg. I'd hoped to be closer to 90 kg at this stage. 

The good news is that I am still following the plan to the best of my ability. I am generally feeling more energy come back into my body. I seem to be looking after myself and my environment better than previously. I know that I am doing the best thing I can for me. I am on the way to being independent of outside help such as Heat and Eat Meals. I am missing my own cooking. I am capable of doing my own cleaning and gardening although I must pace myself carefully. I am looking forward to getting into an exercise routine. I don't have a plan yet but it's time to write down a suitable regime.

I have a package of begonia tubers arriving early next week. I know what I want to do with them and I will probably do a little preparation for them today.

I'm totally sucked into the USA presidential election. I am a Christian with a strong belief that Jesus is Lord and nothing surprises God. My faith and trust in God remains firm and I can accept whatever the result may be. It seems a little odd to be hung up on this. Strangely I seem to be leaning away from where many of my fellow Christians stand. I don't think I've ever been hooked on American politics to this degree previously. My personal opinion is that President Trump could be one of the most dangerous leaders in the world at this time. For him to be re-elected generates great fear deep within my gut, It makes me wonder if my spirit grieves because of the confusion President Trump seems to generate. I keep thinking that even the elite can be fooled. That is such a scary thing for me. I am out of step with people I respect for their walk with God, people I know to be much more faithful than myself. I think I am out of step with the most respected prophets in the USA. Not my happiest place. 

I'm thinking politics should not be part of this blog but It's where I am right now. Proof that I'm all over the place.

HOME SWEET HOME

 I miss being at the beach. 

It's good to be home.

I feel quite frustrated as I have some kind of stomach upset which has set me back quite a lot. My weight loss is still going on but it's all the other things I want to do. I started feeling a bit off nearly a week ago but took no notice. The travelling days aggravated it until by Saturday I felt unwell and wanted to stay in bed and close to the toilet. I'm not sure what went wrong but I've had stomach cramps and general abdominal pain along with aches and pains everywhere. 

 Jane and I left home just before mid-day on Thursday and had lunch at Turua. I ate most of a chicken and salad sandwich. We stopped to visit my sister and spent a couple of hours with her. I only drank water. I was pretty tired when we booked into the Holiday Inn in Rotorua. We didn't want to pay $50 each for the Buffet Dinner so went to Eat Street to look for a restaurant. The Thursday Street Market was a surprise. We finally settled on meat skewers, the salad was somewhat coarse and too bitter for me. We followed up with some very tastey and perfectly cooked and served French style apple pancakes. I had another night of broken sleep because it was too warm and sticky for me. 

The Motel breakfast was delicious and so well laid out and included in our room-rate special. I had yummy prunes with yoghurt, and a couple of small croissants with water.... NO coffee so obviously not quite myself. Jane and I did some shopping and I didn't feel all that great. I bought a book and wrapping paper so we could wrap up a gift for Ava. It's expected when I arrive home. The book is popular. There's Hole In My Bucket including a CD by the Top Twins. 

We went to Capers for lunch. I had a cappuccino and less than half my salad. I had the remainder boxed for Jane. There was plenty of time to visit Greg before heading to the airport at 3.30. I was a bit concerned about Greg because he wasn't feeling the best and was due to go into hospital for tests on Monday. I wish I'd let our prayer group know because he was too ill to get to hospital so Jane has made sure he is rescheduled.

Ava was very disappointed when I said I didn't feel well enough to go out. I managed to pull myself together to get dressed for the Light Party with Ava and Amanda on Saturday night. I spent Sunday mostly in bed although I began to feel hungry later in the day but NO suitable food handy so ate a few rice crackers with cheese. For various reasons I everyone was out so I couldn't ask for help. What I really wanted was a little cooked apple and yoghurt neither of which I had.

I am gradually feeling better but still frustrated. It's been all I could manage to get myself something to eat and drink to try and get my gut back into health. My lovely tidy, clean home is a shambles. Stuff is falling out of my case all over the floor because I've had no energy to pick anything up and bending hurts like hang. My bench is a mess. My efforts at feeding myself have left me limp. Tidying and cleaning up hasn't happened yet. I see so many things I want to do and no energy to do anything yet. In fact it seems as though rather than improving my surroundings all I do is make things worse. by dropping or breaking or adding to the mess. The jug I make my keto coffee in is cracked beyond use because I filled it with boiling water. I know whatever I've got is temporary but if I'm honest I'm angry that I feel unable to cope because I'm unwell. 

My house and my plants need attention and will feel better when I've had a shower.

The best things is we have rain. I'm watching out for my Muscle Fuel order.

OCTOBER 27TH, WEEK 5 - SUGGESTED MENU AND WHAT I DID

 TUESDAY             KETONES noon 0.4 mmol/l  - Can't hide the extra carbs!

STARTING WEIGHT: 96.8 kg

CURRENT WEIGHT: 92.5 kg

Keto Coffee

Gouda Cheese and Bacon Balls

MF Chicken and Zoodles

Tortilla Pizza Nuts, ,Paleo Bread, Butter.

MF  Fresh Schnapper pan fried in Butter, Lemon, Salad, Mayo

Drinking: Water + Brew. 

WEDNESDAY       KETONES

Keto Coffee

2 HB Eggs

MF 

30 gm Nuts and Kombucha

MF 

Drinking: Water +

THURSDAY           KETONES

Keto Coffee

Cheese and Bacon Balls

MF Chicken Salad on Brown Bread. Capuccinno

2 HB Eggs  

MF  Street Market Food. Meat Skewers, French apple pancake.

Drinking: Water + Brew

FRIDAY                  KETONES

Keto Coffee  Hotel breakfast. Fruit, Yoghurt, 2 mini Croissants, Butter.

Skip

MF   Capers Lunch. Cappuccino, Mixed Salad with HB Egg.

2 HB Eggs and Kombucha

MF  Not hungry. Cheese and Rice Crackers. Kombucha

Drinking: Water +

SATURDAY            KETONES 

Keto Coffee  Coffee Sachet

Cheese Balls

MF  2 Egg Banana Pancake

Tortilla Pizza

MF  Rice Crackers, Cheese, Kombucha

MF

Drinking: Water +

SUNDAY                  KETONES

NOT WELL!

Keto Coffee

2 HB Eggs

MF 

30 gm Nuts

MF  Rice Crackers, Butter, Cheese

Drinking: Water + Brew Kombucha

MONDAY                 KETONES 

Continue to be unwell with abdominal pain but feeling like eating a little.

Keto Coffee

Cheese Balls

MF Asparagus, Egg, sprinkle Cheese

30 gm Nuts 

MF  Mug Bread with Butter, Jam, Cheese.

Drinking: Water +Brew

QUILTING

 After a quiet start to the week it became quite busy. Jane took me to Quizz at the Club on Wednesday night. I had a naked burger and cappuccino. We didn't do so well at Quizz as the previous week, when I stayed home with 'Keto Flu,' when the team won and so paid for my burger.

Thursday Judy and I went shopping and had lunch at Espy. I was pretty tired when we got home. The tiredness lasted into Friday so I didn't get anything productive done.

Saturday Judy and I spent all day at quilting.... 9.30am-3.30pm. Again I was a bit tired and was alone for dinner I didn't feel like eating.

Sunday was a slow day and unfortunately I was hungry all day. Not funny.

Monday worked away on the pincushion for Judy until all I need to do is stitch on the sole for the slipper and stuff it. I want to finish it in time to give her sometime on today. Jane made some paleo bread from a mix she'd bought at New World. I managed to be reasonably controlled in spite of it being very yummy. I must get the mix for Amanda and I to make in her fancy mixer. I will need to be careful as it must be high in carbs but safer for me than wheat bread.

Jen and Neill bought fish and chips to share dinner with us. We picnicked at Simpsons Beach. It was a bit windy but still lovely to be there with family. I ate one piece of battered fish and  a few chips. It was OK but not really a big fan so easy to stay moderate.

I ate quite a few higher carb foods than normal during the week. It's not always easy when socialising and there's been plenty of that this week. It means I've not lost any weight in spite of being in ketosis each time I measured.

I'm sad to be going home in a few days. It's hard to leave when I haven't caught up with most people I wanted to see. On the other hand it's much simpler to get into a good routine at home. I'm half way through the Keto Challenge which is really intended to be a re-boot for me. I think I hoped to lose somewhere between 8-10 kg. So far I've lost about 4 kg so the next weeks at home will be interesting on that front.

 I'm going to set up next week's menu page then finish the pincushion while watching When The Heart Calls.