Weight Loss Journey Update March 2016

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I remember starting this journey in 2011. I wanted to feel good and be healthy. I tried various weight loss techniques that included watching what I ate and exercise. I was diligently training for a 5k at the time. It took me a whole year to lose 25lbs. I could not understand why I wasn't closer to where I wanted to be considering all the time and effort I was putting in. I was diagnosed with PCOS later that year, which explained a lot. My body was working against me, not for me.

My weight loss came to a halt when we became pregnant in 2012. After struggling with infertility, this was a welcomed surprise. I jumped on the "get healthy" wagon again soon after G was born. Once again, the progress was SO SLOW! It took me about a year to lose and maintain the loss of 20lbs. We faced our infertility issues once again and we were hopeful that the weight loss would help. It didn't but we at least knew where to start and I became pregnant in the fall of 2014.

All of that brings me to this. It's time to really get healthy and to find a lifestyle change that truly works for me. With my PCOS diagnosis, it's no surprise that weight loss is even more of a challenge. I've never known how to really work my diet outside of exercise, calorie counting and portion control...until now. I've read multiple articles and various medical findings that suggest a low carb way of eating. A few weeks ago a friend of mine suggested that I give it a go. She has lost substantial weight with this type of eating. I was slightly skeptical so I looked into it.

Some people tend to go a little overboard in my opinion and I'm in awe of the ability to eat so few carbs that some people have. My friend currently allows herself 20 carbs a day, along with no sweets. Whoa. I'm still amazed. I've also learned that by only focusing on carbs, you can quickly become over saturated with sodium. I for one have to watch my sodium intake, so while bacon has little to no carbs, I can't eat it repeatedly for the sake of my sodium levels. It's all about finding a happy medium.

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I have decided to learn how to eat low carb. I chose to lower my carb intake to 100g or less a day. I feel comfortable with this level and it is often the level used in clinical studies (like this one) for PCOS patients participating in a low carb/high fat way of eating. The exciting news is that a lot of women with PCOS discover that their symptoms lessen or even go away completely...including infertility issues. For me, this is a win-win all the way around, even if it does not result in fewer infertility issues.

So, here I am. I began this new way of eating on February 29th. One month later I have seen some exciting changes.

I have lost 10.2 pounds.

My wedding rings are looser.

I moved one notch on my belt.

I was told that my face looked thinner by someone who is unaware of my attempts at weight loss.

I've met my first two mini goals!
I'm still trying to decide on a reward for hitting 10lbs but I got this beautiful bead for my pandora bracelet. The color represents PCOS Awareness and it is a reminder that I can overcome the challenges of my diagnosis.

This type of change in diet is not for the faint of heart. To those who said I would not miss pasta or bread...I'm calling your bluff. I do miss those things but I'm working on ways to substitute them. For the record, I am not the 'no carb police'. I allow myself a cookie now and then or a taco shell. However, I do include those things in my count. Those types of things have truly become treats.

Needless to say, the first two weeks were certainly the hardest. Things have become easier as I go along. I consider this a life style change and I refuse to live my life hungry. It's been a lot of trial and error as I try to discover what will meet my dietary needs as well as make and keep me full. I am determined to do this. I'm actually looking forward to meeting with my doctor this summer. I hope she's pleased with my progress.

If you have been doing LCWOE, I'd love to hear any suggestions in the way of snacks and recipes that you love for Low Carb eating. I believe I'm in this for the long haul.

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