Thursday, January 16, 2014

My Resolution Journey

It has been three full weeks with not one processed carb eaten with the exception of lemons in my water, black beans for lunch and fruit in the morning, but that's it. Also, three full weeks without wine.

A couple things I've noticed

I am officially in ketosis, and it is AWESOME! Ketosis is a condition characterized by raised levels of ketone bodies in the body, associated with abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mellitus. It increases the body's ability to utilize fats for fuel, which gets very lazy on a high carbohydrate diet. The body switches from being a carbohydrate-burning organism into a fat-burning one. Pretty cool! I feel less hungry, and eat less. If any of you know me, you know I eat like a horse, so it is impressive I have shrunk my stomach in three weeks.



I love not drinking. I am not an alcoholic by any means, but I do enjoy a glass of wine at night. The cool thing is I am learning to "get turnt up" without any liquid courage. Also, I am dropping more weight without drinking any alcohol, and besides I am not suppose to drink while in ketosis. Our bodies treat alcohol like carbohydrates in that it is sent to the front of the line to be used as energy. While our body burns the calories from the alcohol, ketosis will be paused. So, it is pointless to drink while in ketosis, because it will ruin the process. Below is a chart if you're interested. It shows low carb, low calorie drinks to choose from. Side note: Coconut water is disgusting to me, but I found some that I actually like to keep me hydrated.

Drinking Alcohol on the Ketogenic Diet

My workouts have changed a little. I can not exert as much energy, because my body is finding other sources for energy, so I am pretty weak right now. I have to divide cardio and weight lifting four times a week when I use to combine cardio and weights at least five times a week. I use to sit in the sauna to get the salt and toxins out of my body. However, seeing that my body is losing water weight, it is not smart to sit in the sauna or I might pass out. I have gotten creative with workouts at home. I jump rope or do step ups for my cardio if I am not running around the block. The link below are some of the workouts I am doing in my living room, while I postpone renewing my REC membership, because that is a strong $150. As a former athlete, I can get creative with free weights. 


8 indoor workouts to get fit from home


I can not give you measurements on my progress yet, because I am weighing and measuring myself at the end of the month. But I can tell you I feel great, my stomach is flat, I am learning to get my energy from protein and natural sugars, my face is clear, my clothes are loose already, and I am saving money! According to my friends, I have lost weight in my face while losing my water weight....I don't see it, but you can decide.

I feel slim and not stuffed and bloated. I don't eat much sodium, because my body will hold water weight, but I have to drink tons of water to stay hydrated. It usually takes three weeks to develop a habit, and now this resolution is a lifestyle. It is not a chore or a task. I cook all the time, and save money grocery shopping every week for fresh produce. I don't crave carbs or wine as much as I use to, because my pallet is soaking in the flavors from fish, salad, eggs, fruit and hot tea like never before. Weird, I know. Side note: thanks to Kylie for getting me two tea cups from anthropology to use that I absolutely adore. Also, tea has great motivational sayings. 


If any of you are interested in joining me on this journey, here is a link with all the information. It is very simple - no carbs. It is not the adkins or paleo diet, because I am not doubling up on protein, and I'm not good at following specific diets. Also, this is like a scientific experiment not a diet, which makes this experience much more interesting. If I end up passing out from low blood sugar, I'll let you know. So far, it has been peachy.

Ketosis


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