Day 37 Tue - Sleep in and work day today.

Awoke a bit later than usual but was pleasantly surprised to find last night's disgressions did not push my BS out of the 120's, so probably okay.  The rest of the week should be supportive as I am working all day on WTF so will likely be under control.

Day 36 Mon - Curse the Seahawks and Monday night football!

Had a very on plan day until I decided to watch the football game after work.  Stopped a Claim Jumper, had a beer, then added spinach dip, then a Cobb salad with beef instead of chicken.  All in all, not too bad ingredient wise, but way too much food over an extended period of time and included a beer.  Did feel a little stuffed by the end and decided to skip dessert as I was considering a small sundae.  Will be curious as to the effect on my BS reading in the AM.

Day 35 Sun - Issaquah Salmon Days fair.

Went to the Issaquah Salmon Days festival today.  Took my bike and rode uphill toward Renton and back before going to the fair.  Lots of temptation at the fair but confined myself to a corn on the cob.  Otherwise a normal, on plan day.

Day 34 SAT - Disappointing weigh in

Was disappointed to see my weight same as last week.  But not entirely unexpected due to potatoe chips purchased last week.  Resolve to continue.

Day 30 Tue - Another day on plan.

Today only worked afternoon shift so went for a bike ride in the morning.  Packed my lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner to eat in a park on the way home.  Did so, then stopped at Starbucks in QFC to read for a while, only ordered black coffee, did not eat when I got home.  On plan all day today again.

Day 29 Mon - Excellent day, on plan the entire day.

Worked today, took my lunch, stayed on plan all day.  Starting to notice that I weigh a bit less.

Day 28 Sun - Sure enough, high blood sugar

Yep.  Blood sugar at 156 upon waking.  However, also forgot to take the evening dose of insulin so it may be unusually high.  But this really does show the tie between sweets and blood sugar.

Today was all on plan.  Also went for a bike ride, baked krispy kale, prepared my lunch for tomorrow, generally got things ready for the upcoming week.  Only working 4 shifts in the coming week - Mon 2, Tue 1 and Thu 1.  Works nicely because will have several errands to do next week - see about internet cost reduction, set appointment for dealing with my skin thing, start getting my resume in shape.

Day 27 SAT - Later in the day and not so successful.

In the afternoon, decided to go to Pike Place Market to just walk around a bit.  Then stopped at Whole Foods on way home for salad bar.  All on plan.  But at checkout stand bought small pkg of shortbread cookies which I ate.  Then decided to have a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll (?) and another shortbread cookie at the coffee bar.  Was wondering why I had the cinnamon roll because it was not really that satisfying.  Then later in the evening was really on a "prowl".  Really wanted another piece of the chocolate pie at Honey Bear, but they were all out.  Stopped at Safeway and would likely have purchased a chocolate pie if they had any available, but did not.  Thought seriously about a slice of carrot cake or a piece of "de luche" something cake, finally talked myself into just a rainbow m&m chip cookie, but saw a new item in the donut case - a waffle so added that to my list.

Ate less than half the waffle as it was really quite dense but did finish off the cookies.  Still not satisfied.  What I really wanted was a hamburger from The Hamilton.  So decided that since that is what had been on my mind all along, I was probably going to get one later in the week so decided that I might as well get it now.  Did so, and that was what I was really craving.  The hamburger was very satisfying.  Should have gotten it in the first place and just skipped all the pastries!

This is probably a better strategy for next time.  All the pastry stuff was just disembling for what I really wanted which was the hamburger.  Did not really enjoy the pastries, did not find them satisfying and they just added to my guilt.  Wonder why I have to do things this way.  Note that the hamburger came with fries and I ate only one fry!  Composted the rest.

Suspect I will see the results of all this in the am blood sugar readings tomorrow.

Day 27 SAT - Weigh in and skipped insulin results.

Another good weigh in result!  Down another 2 pounds this week.  Even with the detours a couple days last week, I am down 2 more pounds!  This is very good positive feedback.  So since Sept 1 I have lost 12 pounds!  Very good!

On another note, not taking any insulin yesterday raised my blood sugar this morning by a bit more than 20 points, although still below 130.  Still need to do a better job of taking it regularly as well as the metformin.

Results since September 1:

• Lost 12 pounds - I am starting to feel lighter, notice this when getting out of my car, getting up from a chair, getting up from a toilet.  Can see the difference in my face and neck, although not much yet in the area of my body.
• Significantly reduced blood sugar levels, even with reduced insulin intake.  Pre Abascal a good morning result was in the mid 130s with sometimes up to 150 range.  Since Abascal, typical is below 110, sometimes below 100.  My doctor will be very happy with these numbers.  Note that this is also with a 1/3 REDUCTION in the dose of insulin I take.  I am really happy about this.
• Left foot swelling has disappeared.  I was getting concerned about this, but it has just gone away completely.
• Right foot pain after bicycling - Still have an area in my foot where there is no feeling but I think it may have actually shrunk.  The neuropathy pain I get after bicycling for about 30 minutes is significantly reduced and I can ride longer before it starts to occur.  
• For some reason I believe I am breathing easier.  Seems my sinus passages are more open and free than before.  
• Sugar craving is completely gone!  I am missing oatmeal, pasta and sometimes bread, especially after a workout.  I think they pack a higher energy density than other foods so my body likes the quick energy induction, but I don't really crave them and do not at all feel deprived.
• Much more aware of my "grazing" behaviours and have a strategy to defeat them that seems to be working!

There is one however:

• I think the joint pain in my shoulder and wrist is getting worse, not better.  This may be because of my thinner self or because I am not getting the same load of ginger, cinnamon, sesame and tumeric I was getting before.  Have to figure how to include these in my current diet.

In total I am still very happy with the Abascal Way, the TQI diet and will continue execute the plan. Next milestone for me is the weight I was at when I went into the Marines in 1967.

More to come!!

Day 26 Fri - Early to rise, early to work, blah, blah, blah

Alarm set early this am so I can pack lunch.  Blood sugar was a little higher than it has been in the last few day, but still under 130 which is great for me.  Thus the pie did not cause significant disruption, but was noticable.  Noted.  Also noted that last evening my sinuses were more congested than they have been so it may have been the sugar or dairy in the pie.  Need to purchase my own copy of the Abascal way to keep around as a reference.  Did get to work on time, with lunch box packed, ate on plan all day, was very good because weigh in is tomorrow.  This evening I am sort of "searching" for something to eat.  Very dangerous time because in this mood I am likely to eat anything and in quantity.  My mood is a bit irritated about the mom situation, a bit irritated about my lack of discipline in working on programming, irritated about not having a computer related job, irritated about not having a circle of friends, and boredom - a dangerous combination.  Did finally eat several mouthfuls of cashews without any veggies or fruit.  Hope that doesn't mess with my weigh in tomorrow.

Realized late in the evening I forgot to take my insulin or metformin and it is late so decided to see what effect this might have on my blood sugar in the am if I went an entire day without insulin.

Day 25 Thu - Bad sleep last night, really sleepy today.

Had a really weird dream last night that woke me and then I could not get back to sleep for an hour or so.  Today I am really sleep deprived and tend toward almost dozing off if not busy at work.  Really tired after work, but did do a little exercise, then decided to stop by Lake Forest Park and read the Stranger.  Had a veggie, tofu, brown rice dinner at Kitto, very on plan, but then decided to have a sweet.  Had the Chocolate Silk pie and a coffee from Honey Bear.  Very not on plan.  Was good but was not a "crave" not did I have anything else, even when I got home.  

At home, I was so sleepy I just went to bed.  Woke around 11:30, decided to just sleep and get up a bit early to pack lunch.  Curious to see what the pie does to my blood sugar reading in the morning.

Day 24 Wed - Things going well.

Worked today, had a very good plan day.  Took food to work, ate snacks and lunch, stopped after work at the ballpark in NE Bellevue, ate, went for a 25 min walk, but had an additional salad around 8pm.  Still on plan because I go to bed around 11.

Day 23 Tue - A day off and need for caution

Blood sugar not significantly higher than normal this morning so the Zone bars did not seem to have a strongly negative effect.  Nice to know.

I decided about a month ago I would do this Meadowdale Park hike at least once a week, rain or shine, just for exercise and also to see if losing weight would have any effect on my level of condition.  Today was the only day I have off this week so decided to go today.  I also usually stop at High Way Teriyaki for lunch afterwards as this is my favorite Teriyaki resturant and it is on the way home.  Today had the chicken garlic teriyaki, lettuce salad, and about half the rice.  This is pretty close to plan, but maybe for a couple weeks I will not stop and instead stay completely on plan.  In any event, the white rice does not seem to have much effect, so may just not worry about it.  On plan for the rest of the day so all is still going well.

Day 22 Mon - Another day at work and on plan

I am getting good at working the plan into work.  Take my lunch in containers, eat at 6,9,12,3 then have a snack after work in a park and walk a little.  This lets the traffic situation quiet a little so that the commute is not as long, I stay on plan, and get a little exercise in the bargain.  Since I am not working on Tuesday this week, decided to do the Meadowdale hike tomorrow.  So used this as a rational for eating a bit more.  Had another on plan meal at about 2100 but then also ate a couple Zone bars to see if they would have any effect on my blood sugar readings in the morning.  This is the first time I was in a "grazing" mood in a while.  Probably stresses about the mom and family situation.

Day 21 Sun - Another nice day for a bike ride.

The weather is so nice today I decided to go for a longish bike ride.  Then do laundry at Michael's in the afternoon and also fix my bicycle odometer problem.  Did all of this and stayed on plan all day.  Even read the ingredient list on the Starbucks Protein Box and decided I couldn't have the nut butter after all since it has added sugar.  Also skipped the cheese and the little roll.  Very good day today.

Day 20 SAT - Nice! I have a weekend again.

Weigh in was a pleasant surprise!  Down 3 more pounds from last week.  Thus far in 20 days I have lost 9 pounds!  Plus all the other benefits!  Stayed on plan all day although I really did not do anything today, watched a little TV, worked on my computer, didn't even get out except to shop a little.

Day 19 Fri - On track all day but had popcorn at the movies.

Regular work day, brought my snacks and lunch and ate them on time.  Had dinner at home a little late and then went to a movie.  Couldn't pass up some popcorn, although I wished I had purchased a small rather than a medium.  Again a little off plan but not that much.  I hope.  Tomorrow is weigh in day.

Day 18 Thur - Keep on trucking

Today was a pretty busy day.  Did my Meadowdale hike, followed by High Way Teriyaki lunch where I had chicken and prawn teriyaki with salad and rice.  This is mildly off plan (mostly the white rice) but after my hike my energy is pretty depleted.  I think the rice just helps restore my glycogen levels.  Have to try skipping High Way next week and bringing my own lunch.  Then went to Trader Joe's to get the butternut squash for dinner.  Shannon on facebook linked me to this recipie for mushroom and quinoa stuffed squash which I am going to make for dinner tonight.  Michael and Shizuka are coming over for dinner.  Then to the dermatologist, then back home to start the squash, then to the farmer's market to review the class on preserving vegetables, then home to clean and finish the squash.  The whole day fit together nicely and Michael, Shiz and I had a very good dinner with an added salad.  Very Abascal with some melon and 85% chocolate for dessert.

Day 17 - New diet choices

Today I only had an afternoon shift so I was able to stay very close to plan.  Ate at 0800, 1100 and 1400.  But getting home from Microsoft is a traffic nightmare.  Was planning to stop by the 24 hour fitness in Redmond and work out a bit but that was a mess too.  Ended up stopping at a Safeway and found the olive bar!  Olives, roasted garlic, beans, mushrooms --- all on plan!  Had a quarter pound of turkey breast from the deli and that all worked fine!

I have to do a better job of taking my meds though.  Need to start carrying my metformin with me so I can have it when I eat my evening meal, where ever I am at.  And taking my insulin at reasonably around the time I should.  Have been very sloppy about this.  So far no big problems though.

Work is fairly busy but I sit for almost the entire time, which is not good.  Need to start getting up about every 45 minutes and at least walking or stretching.

Other than that, everything is good.  Going to do my usual Thursday Meadowdale walk tomorrow which may be in the rain, so will be interesting.

Day 16 - All according to plan today.

A little concerned about my blood sugar in the morning, but did not take reading until after breakfast so don't know.  This new schedule has played havoc with my insulin intake schedule so have bumped it back up to 15 units again.  Still think I am doing okay in general as my left foot has not swollen any.

Today got my lunch on time but not the snacks, which I ate on the way home.  Then had a very Abascal dinner at 8, then found that my morning shift for tomorrow has been reassigned.  Will probably get up early just to kind of stay on schedule, just not quite as early.  Will work in a workout before I have to go to work tomorrow at 12:30.  I am not feeling as trim again, but certainly have not had any pig out sessions, so don't know if I have gained any weight or am just getting slimmer.

Day 15 - Back to work and some serious challenges

Went back to work this Monday.  Have to get up at 5:30 to be there by 7.  Ate in the morning and packed an Abascal lunch with snacks.  But the work environment does not have any scheduled breaks or lunches, so got off track on timing although did just eat my packed lunch.  Most of it on the way home.  Stopped in Kirkland and tried to find my lost odometer, couldn't, still a little bummed from Saturday and in an eating mood, so did stop for a fully loaded hot dog in Kirkland.  But nothing else and stayed on plan when I got home.  Really tired from early rise, long day so packed lunch for Tuesday and went to bed early.

Day 14 - Getting better

Still down this morning but decided I really should get prepared for this work situation and that it might not really be as bad as I was thinking.  Went to Old Navy of all places and found the perfect white polo shirts for a reasonable price, then walked over to Best Buy and had the sales staff demonstrate the Surface interface for me.  I walked out feeling a lot more confident that I will be able to work the tablet tomorrow without much instruction.

Sort of stayed on my eating plan today although I was way off schedule and did eat my evening meal early.  Had a tostado salad at Taco Time which with salsa.  It actually is not that much off plan except for the tostado shell itself, which I did eat.

Packed my lunch for tomorrow so should stay on plan all day tomorrow until I get off work at least.

I was talking to Michael on Friday about the benefits of the plan and need to keep focused on these.
- fasting blood sugar in the morning is WAY down and in normal ranges.
- have reduced my insulin injections to 10 units from 15 because my blood sugar is so far down that I am experiencing hypoglycemia on occasion, which has never occurred in the past.
- swelling in my left foot is gone
- pain in my right heal is lessened, does not start up as soon when riding my bike.
- still down 6 pounds (slightly disappointed that I did not lose any weight last week)
- breathing seems clearer.  When I eat off plan I do notice my sinuses feel more constricted.  ??
- biggest is that my sugar craving is GONE.  Not even tempted by the chocolate bars I bought at Trader Joe's even though they are on the plan.

Will try to make it through a whole week this time.

Day 13 SAT - Complete meltdown

Saturday is my weigh in day.  A little disappointed to find that I am at the same weight as last Saturday.  But I knew the 6 pounds a week thing was unrealistic, so let's see what the next week brings.

Went to training, bicycled around Marymoor park, went to dinner with Chris.  Then had a complete meltdown.  Really feeling down, really wanted to eat just to assuage my really bummed out mood.  Down about a lot of things, not the least of being my car, my having to go to work at this really menial job, working with some folks that leave me kind of cold, many failures I can think of.  Very much glass half empty.

So, bought a pint of ice cream and some cashews, went to the park in Kirkland, watched the sunset and ate the entire pint plus the nuts.

That wasn't really enough though, so went to my favorite Mexican resturant and had the chili relleno and a half plate of nachos supreme.  Yes, not on the plan at all.  Did not actually eat all of the mexican food but did achieve a little bit of the overeaten feeling.

I am really going to learn a different strategy when I am down.

Day 12 - Some additional info that may be relevant to yesterday

Blood sugar was again in the high 80s this morning so yesterday probably did not really affect me too much although I noticed my nose was not breathing as freely.  Stayed on plan all day, felt good all day.  Did some more reading in the Abascal Way book where she mentioned that you should restock your body shortly after working out with a ratio of 4:1 carbs to protein because your body is trying to resupply it's glycogen stores.  I did not do that yesterday which where my problem may have been.  Good to know for the next time I hike.

Going to have to get up early tomorrow to go to the Wellness Corp training.  Will skew my schedule a little so we'll just see what happens.

Day 11 - Got a little off plan

Did my Thursday Meadowdale hike and was really drained at the end.  Went to Highway Teriyaki and had a big protein load and white rice.  Katsu chicken was not really on plan and the white rice certainly was not.  Then had a couple tacos at Jack in the Box.  But this was a bit unsatisfying and got back on plan prior to the last meal of the day.

Day 10 - Big changes coming

Got a call today to start work next Monday, shifts from 7:00am to 5:00pm - not my favorite hours but I really am needing the money right now.  Will really have to rearrange my sleep patterns as I am normally a night owl kind of person.

Today was a somewhat difficult day although I did stay on plan.  I am finding some new stuff to eat like salsa and a kidney and green bean mix of veggies which I stumbled upon at Grocery Outlet.  Did feel a bit of the grazing urge this evening and used nuts to satisfy.  Stayed on plan but ate a bit more than usual for dinner.

Day 9 - Some added physical exercise

Today went to 24 hr fitness in the am and did my rowing machine group, then in the afternoon took the bus to the Bellevue TC and rode back over Finn Hill.  I felt good, although a little drained by the time I got to the top of Finn hill.  Ate according to the plan all day.

Some things are changing.  My blood sugar is coming down, my left foot, which had been a bit swollen for the last couple months is back to normal.  Have reduced my insulin to 10 units from 15 because I am starting to be hypoglycemic in the mornings.  All in all, feeling pretty good!

Day 8 - Most difficult eating day so far.

This day started out of whack.  Had a terrible time getting to sleep last night so finally got up and tested my blood sugar.  It was 74, about the lowest I have ever seen it and also below recommended 80.  Ate an apple even though it was early morning, then was able to sleep.  I think this happened because I went on a long bike ride yesterday.  Am going to back off a little on the insulin at night.

Ate on plan most of the day but after my last meal got a real craving for cashews to which I succumbed followed by some crisp kale.  But for dinner I had carrots, potatoes and a couple eggs without a salad.  The excess of cashews seemed to do the trick and I will test my BS level before I take my night insulin dose.  However, did not do any exercising today, just did not feel like getting sweaty today.

This feels a bit like what I have been expecting - an uncontrollable eating binge, although I feel I contained it with the cashews and kale.  My theory is that when the fat cells start feeling skinny they send out their own signals (enzymes?) to let me know they need to be fed!  I am feeling slimmer which I do like, so am focusing my attention there.

Still am liking this plan.  It is sort of interesting to see what foods I can combine.  Don't feel like I have enough veggie options although I do include greens, canned green beans, corn, cucumbers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts (especially like these!) carrots, squash (roasted with olive oil, sprinkle of smoked paprika, NO SWEETNER).  Smoked paprika is becoming my go to favorite spice!

That's it for today.

Day 7 - Just staying on plan

Went on a 25 mile bike ride today.  I think I see what is starting to happen.  When I rode across the US in 1993 I rode 2 sessions per day - 4 hours in the morning, take a long break for lunch and 4 hours in the afternoon.  I noticed that at the start of each session, I would go for about an hour and then feel out of energy for a while, then catch a second wind and be fine for the rest of the session.

I later read about how energy is stored in the body and this then made sense.  Our bodies recharge by storing glucogen in our muscles where it is available for quick energy.  We can store about an hour's worth of glucogen in our muscles but when that runs out, the body switches to burning fat.  Burning fat is a different process (I thing called ketosis).  Ketosis is characterized by having a large store of energy but it cannot be adjusted rapidly, say for bursts of energy.  I think bicycling is the ideal form of exercise for ketosis because the bicycling objective is to maintain a constant energy output, using the gears to adjust the energy demand by changing speed.

So the "out of energy" feeling was just my body switching from burning glycogen, which was all used up, to burning fat.  I was "out of energy" - out of glycogen.  But I had (and still have!) plenty of fat reserves so once my body switched to ketosis, I could go for several more hours without strain.

I think that explains in part the big weight loss this week - this eating plan does not have enough dense calories to completely restore my glycogen supply during a meal or snack.  Which means my body is spending more time in ketosis, burning my fat supply.

IMHO this is just a side effect of the elimination phase of the plan.  I greet it with joy in my heart and less weight on my soles.

Stayed on plan all day even though I spent 2+ hours riding.  No cravings, no hungers, finding that whatever I eat is enough to satisfy me.

The skeptic in me is still waiting for the other shoe to drop - this is just too easy!

Morning 7 - The Sleep Effect

Back on Day 3 I awoke in the morning but it was early and I decided to nap for another few minutes. My subconcious woke me with a start because I had gone into such a deep sleep!  It was like being really really out.  But in an excellent way.  Hard to describe.

But since then when I go to sleep I have tried to have a mind set that I would like to experience that level of sleep again.  Well, last night I did.  Usually I go to sleep for about one to two hours and then wake up for a bit, then go back to sleep.  That occurred although I was only awake for a few minutes.  But the rest of the night I was in that very deep sleep that occurred on Day 3!  I was so refreshed when I woke this morning.

I think what is going on is that my body is getting conditioned to the regular eating schedule.  Not eating before bedtime allows my digestive system to really take a rest while I am sleeping, which allows my mind and body to relax and let go of paying attention to more things than usual.

This reminds me of my time in the hospital when I had my hip replaced.  They installed a catheter which was a sort of revelation.  I could really feel the little tiny part of my brain that has never shut off since I learned to control my bladder as a toddler.  This was the first time it had nothing to do, in fact couldn't do what it was intended to do.  It happily went on vacation until the catheter was removed.  Wierd experience.

This sleep thing is along the same line.  Something is happening that is allowing my mind to really get back to basics and it really feels good!

Day 6 SAT - First weigh in since starting the plan.

6 pounds!  Yes, I lost 6 pounds this week while feeling better about my eating than I have for a long time.  This plan is working for me!  In review it doesn't seem like I am eating too much differently than I have for about the past year, but somehow eliminating wheat and oats entirely seems to be doing something very positive.  My sugar crave is gone, timing the meals really works for me and I have not had a binge eating session (nor even desired one! - my body seems satisfied for now!) since I started the plan.

I am pretty sure this 6 pounds per week is not sustainable, but now am looking forward to next week to see what might be possible!  This is just great!

Day 5 - pinochle and a long bike ride

Blood sugar reading under 100 this morning!  Very good!

Today I played pinochle and then went for a long bicycle ride.  Stayed on plan but this afternoon/evening I really wanted to eat something with more calorie density.  Did have salmon, corn on the cob and cantaloupe.  This was not enough to make me feel like my energy reserves were restored after my ride.  Did add an apple and almond butter, and the rest of a smoothie I had made earlier.  Later had a small serving of Quinoa which I think did the trick.  However, I think something like potatoes might work also.  Have to try roasted potatoes next time or something with grains in it next time.  Saturday, tomorrow, is weigh in day.  Curious to see what the results are for my first week.  I feel lighter, wonder if I am.

Day 4 - With maximum exercise

Thrursday is my day for doing a hike at Meadowdale Park.  This is a mile and a quarter hike down from the parking lot to the beach.  I have decided to do this every Thursday, then stop by my favorite Teri Yaki place on the way home and read the Stranger.  Today was a great day for the hike, I made it down and back in what is becoming my usual time.  Having the hiking poles really does help because my fine motor skill for balancing is not what it was before my hip replacement.

I made some different food choices at Highway TeriYaki today.  I got the curry instead of the teriyaki because it had more veggies.  And I ate less than half of the rice.  Was completely satisfied.

Things I am noticing -
my morning blood sugar readings are coming down,
my sugar craving seems to have disappeared,
the three hour windows for eating has me noticing how often I wander into the kitchen out of habit or boredom,
I am able to talk myself into waiting for the next eating time instead of snacking.

I am really liking this plan!

Day 3 - my best day so far!

Today stuck to the plan for the entire day.  Also was pleased that although I ate the stuff last night my morning blood sugar was back in the 130 range.  This is not at all unusual for me.  Did not exercise today and spent more time than usual doing a little planning before meals.  Did cook up a big batch of Quinoa for supper which will supply 3 more meals.  Still have some questions about whether grains like Quinoa count as part of the 2/3 or are the 1/3 which must be balanced by 2/3 veggies.  In any event, decided to have a bowl of Quinoa with mushrooms cooked in mushroom broth and added an apple.  Added some diced and sauteed shallots and garlic to the helping with a little soy sauce.  Very tasty!  Added an apple as the balance part and was very satisfied.  ALSO, went to a movie and was not at all tempted to purchase something to eat.

Just for grins, decided to take a peek at my weight.  Normally I weigh myself once a week on Saturday morning.  As of tonight(! I always weigh a couple pounds heavier in the evening versus the morning!) am down at least 3 pounds and have not felt at all starved, deprived or out of control cravings!  I am starting to think this thing really works!

Tomorrow will be my weekly hike at Meadowdale park which is usually my most vigorous work out of the week.  Anxious to see if I will again experience cravings because of depleted energy reserves.

Day 2 present some challenges.

In total, day 2 went well.  However, today was the first day that I also exercised while on this new eating plan. After bicycling for an hour or so in the afternoon I had cravings that evening.  Nothing real specific although I think I was undergoing a bit of sugar withdrawal.  Made a trip to Grocery Outlet and ended up with some needed supplies plus a bag of potato chips (actually not that far off plan) and a dark chocolate Ritter Bar with hazelnuts (a ways off plan).  Did eat them but well before the 3 hour limit before bedtime and my craving did go away.  So I am pretty sure this was a bit of sugar withdrawal.  Over all I feel fine.

Getting Started - Day 1 which coincides with September 1, 2014.

Today was my first full day of eating the Abascal Way.  The reasons I chose this method are several.  I agree with the idea of eating at regular times.  I already eat many of the allowed foods - mostly I have to delete some foods like beef, dairy (ice cream, yeoch!) and sugar.  I like the lack of measurements other than 1/3 protein to 2/3 other.  I will miss my morning Nutribullet smoothie, but do understand the reasons why and am willing to forego for at least 5 weeks.

So, today I programmed my phone to alarm every three hours from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and started the program.  My goal for the day was to make it through one whole day without eating something off plan.  Just for reference I have started every previous day with good intentions which usually last until around 4:00 pm.

Results and observations from day 1.

I made it!  I followed the plan all day.  Some observations.  Was surprised to note I wanted to head to the kitchen about 1.5 hours after the breakfast meal.  Noted that this was not from hunger but more from habit! The alarm thing is proving useful already!  Noted that I was not always hungry most of the time when it was time to eat.  Even took my evening meal and divided the portion in half because there just seemed to be too much to eat.

One disappointment was this evening just before my last snack, I measured my blood sugar and found it rather higher than I expected.  I will have to wait for tomorrow morning to see any real result as that is when I usually measure blood sugar.

Overall, thus far I am pleased with the new eating plan.