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Row80 Check-In Admitting Defeat and Resetting

So the writing is going okay. No defeat to admit there. Things are moving along with INTO THE DARK (hopefully I will have some news for you in the next week), and after ironing out the plot issues I discovered with THE PROPHET, I wrote about 1500 words of Act 2 this week. Not a lot, but a good start.

The defeat comes with diet and weight. Most of you know I lost 65 pounds on the Ideal Protein diet last year and have been in maintenance phase since May. Keeping the weight off has been a lot harder than losing it. I put on around seven or so during the summer, and then another eight during the holidays. I’ve been trying to lose “the normal way” with exercise, but it doesn’t work for me. After months of fighting it, I’ve finally figured out how to maintain, accepting I can’t eat carbs like other people do, and figuring out what kind of exercise will keep it off. But I can’t lose it. I’ve been stuck with these extra pounds for months.

So on Friday, I finally admitted defeat and went back to my dietician. I felt humiliated I couldn’t keep it off, but she was understanding and gave me a huge boost in getting back on track with the diet. I’ve accepted that for me, going the Ideal Protein way is the best approach. I can moderate it and having someone to check in with every week – a cheerleader of sorts – is a big boost for me. So in the next month, I’ll be following the strict diet, shedding pounds, and getting healthy. I also got a major lecture on pop, so listen up.

The devil on my shoulder...

Diet pop – whatever the kind – contains aspartame, a sweetener. The body can’t tell the difference and processes it like sugar, meaning the liver produces enzymes that make your body gain weight. Aspartame is now being looked at as carcinogenic, a cancer causing trigger. Remember, we ALL have the cancer cells in our bodies, it’s just a matter of triggering them. Finally, my dietician told me about kidney failure. Did you know that our generation is predicted to deal with renal issues – including renal failure – in their fifties and sixties because we drink so much sodapop? As soon as I heard the words “renal failure,” that was it. That’s something my mom is fighting, and I won’t put myself in that position. Haven’t had a pop since then.

For artificial sweeteners, go for anything with Sucralose in it, like Splenda. There are a lot of choices out there, including flavored water that will give you the carbonated “pop” you’re looking for in a much healthier way.

So my goals for next check-in:
Stick to the diet
Drink 72 oz plus of water/day
Write 2000 words on The Prophet

Who’s with me in getting healthy in March? Anyone else willing to give up pop? Remember, there are healthier alternatives – tea and coffee, in MODERATION, to help with the caffeine headache. How’s your Row80 week going?

42 comments on… “Row80 Check-In Admitting Defeat and Resetting”

  1. I went off soda last fall. My doctor only meant for it to be a 3-week thing while my body recovered from other stuff, but it’s so easy to just ask for a cup of water at restaurants, so I haven’t picked it up again since. Except last night when the place messed up our order so we got a second drink free. But it didn’t even taste good anymore, so I dumped half of it.

    Good luck with the diet, Stacy! I can relate to our bodies having their own little quirks and not responding to things the way most people do. It sucks, but once we figure out what does work for us, it gets a little easier because then we at least have a game plan. 🙂

    • Good for you! I went off it while I was on the diet before, so I know I can do it. I just hate I got back on it at all. And you’re right, once you get a way from it, it doesn’t taste good anymore.

      Thanks so much. It just too me a while to understand that I just couldn’t eat what I wanted, even in moderating. And I think a game plan is so important.

  2. Yay for making YOU and your health a priority! Taking care of you is what will help you be a success 🙂 I’ve been on the specific carbohydrate diet for 2 years as of today and it has been the best thing for me. Like you, there are things I can’t eat, even though I want to. They don’t agree with my body. I became super sick, so I didn’t have a choice, but am so glad I made that choice. Don’t think I’d still be here today.

    So yes – fabulous that you’re taking care of you. I need to do more exercise…but at least eating right is a good step.

    Have a great week!

    • Thanks! And I know I’ll feel better. I’ve been struggling the last few months, feeling tired and what not, and getting healthy will help. Good for you for sticking to the restricted diet for so long! It’s been hard for me-on the maintenance phase-to forego carbs all the times I should. That’s something I have to struggle with. So happy you’re doing well and sticking to it. Thanks, and you, too!

  3. Stacy, I can relate! The only way I lose weight now is cut out the carbs (this does NOT include the wine though!:) If I have a protein only breakfast and dinner it works wonders, but then I treat myself on the weekends and it comes back! I too am carrying 15 extra lbs since my mom died a couple years ago and need to get the willpower to get it off…its so hard! I dont drink soda but love water with a splash of lemonade in it for taste. I love Chobani yogurt and try and eat that when I feel the urge to splurge…ughhh…good luck!

    • It seems any carbs kill me, even the “good” ones. I have to watch them very closely, which just irks me. But I’ve had to accept it. You should really check out the Ideal Protein diet. You can (and will) lose those 15 pounds in a month, and it will be totally healthy. Love Chobani – I eat a lot of that.

      Thanks!

  4. Yeah aspartame kind of scares me. I have a diet pop maybe once a month or every two months. Good to know Splenda doesn’t count though, because I tend to use it in my morning coffee. Sounds like you’re doing great in terms of “getting back on the horse” and on the writing front.

    P.S. I like the new pic. I usually read your blog in my reader, so I haven’t seen the new photo yet.

    • I just didn’t realize how bad it was until the other day. And that was it. Not going to kill myself. Splenda is safe, because it’s Sucralose. It doesn’t have the same effect, for whatever reason.

      Thanks so much! I guess I’ll have to use the new pic for everything, lol.


  5. Ryan King


    I’ve actually reduced my diet coke intake considerably and have taken to drinking lots of ice water. I’ve been really apathetic towards my weight these last few weeks even though it’s something I needed to work on. I put plotting first instead of me. That’s a bad habit. I put everything before me. I’m fixing that this week. Good luck!

    • Good for you! Sometimes it’s hard (for me) to drink just water, but it’s so much better for you. And the flavored waters are a nice treat. Plotting is important, but not much to plot if you’re sick, right? Thanks, and good luck on thinking of yourself first!

  6. Congrats on the writing progress you’re making.

    As for the diet thing. When doing something similar to your program I came to understand how my body processed grains and similar carbs. I’ve really reduced the amount I take in, which has helped with bloat and digestion. As for the soda, my system doesn’t do well with artificial sweeteners. I’m trying to cut back on sugar all around because I become lethargic when I have it. I’m getting back to WW (last week not good) because I like the taste of real food I cooked myself. Not in the sense of the food as comfort, but in the way that I like good food in the same way I like good writing. I’m finally learning to back off of the comfort and boredom eating as I get back on the healthy eating wagon.

    And eating healthy food gives me more energy and a clearer brain for writing. Amazing!

    • Thanks, Julie. I think I’ve come to that point as well. One of my issues was that I really started to enjoy cooking, and while I was eating much healthier than before, I still got way too many carbs, for me at least. Glad you’re getting back on the healthy eating wagon. It’s so hard to stick to, which is frustrating, since I agree, eating healthy makes us feel so much better. Good luck!

  7. Great goals…and a good reminder to get off the soda! I’m also going to try to drink more water. Currently I’d say that I barely choke down a glass a day. Don’t know why I don’t like the stuff…but I suffer through even a small amount. Good luck to you, Stacy. I’m going to try to make March a healthy month too.

    • Thanks! I knew it was bad, but not that bad. Definitely try to drink more water, even if you get some of the flavored stuff. It’s so important and you’ll see wonders in your skin, too. Good luck!

  8. Giving up pop is somewhat easy for me so long as I am not standing in a 7/11 or anywhere I can have a fountain drink. I love fountain drinks. Since I am never anywhere I can have one….I am off to a writer’s conference in May and have pondered my look ( as we do). I am very much into walking but am trying to figure out how I can add an extra mile or two into my day so help with my look. I’ll join you in March fitness. I hope you don’t beat yourself up too much.. as long as you keep starting and don’t give up you’re moving forward. Hang in there..

    • Fountain has been my killer, too, and I won’t even tell you how much I was drinking. Apparently it’s addictive to me. Thanks for joining, and good luck in the fitness. The most important thing is to do what we can, stay off the carbs, and drink lots of water. Thank you!

  9. Stacy, big kudos to you for not giving up! Diet is so important. And you are a trooper for sticking with it. Did you know that Aspartame is responsible for brain tumors? It turns into a poison when there is a change of temperature. Like that’s not going to happen. And have you ever noticed that it is the people who do have a weight problem that are the ones drinking the diet pop? We are better off drinking the regular soda if we think we just have to have one. My husband and I are juicing and we are feeling so much better. You are doing great with your goals Stacy!!!!
    Have a great week! 🙂

    • Thank you. I’ve really been upset with myself at gaining any at all, but I’m glad I’m finally addressing it. Fifteen pounds is a lot easier to loose than fifty. No! I didn’t know that about Aspartame! That’s unreal, and yes, I have noticed that. I will say that when I was on the diet before and off pop, I felt so much better. Glad you are as well, and thanks!

  10. I love Diet Coke, but I’m trying to wean myself off of drinking so many and switching to tea. That way, I can control what kind of sweetener to use, and I never use aspertame in tea. They made Diet Coke with sucralose (Splenda) for awhile, but I haven’t seen it lately, so they must have stopped. There are other brands that use sucralose, but you have to check the labels. I think either Diet Rite or RC has it.

    I’m trying really hard to get back to eating right and exercising. My weekend trip with Susan Bischoff and Kait Nolan helped get me back in the getting fit mood. I find that I don’t need to cut out any food group. I can lose weight by just cutting back on calories in general. I just need to DO IT. So I’m with you in getting healthy in March.

    • Good for you. I know there is a diet cola with splenda in a our gas station, but it’s generic. It’s pretty good tho. Actually, it might be RC. I’m glad your weekend with Susan and Kait helped – having a support system is crucial in losing and maintaining. Like you, I just need to do it, and that’s always my struggle. Thanks for joining me:)

  11. I’m always on the health road, not to say I’m perfect there, I doubt anyone is, but it is an eternal goal. Attitude has much to do with it and I can see that you have a great positive view in this area that will see you through, Stacy. By the way, I had to cut out soda years ago and after reading your comments on diet soda I’m glad I never liked it. Sad the way our food gets messed with at times – profit over health and all.

    Great job on the writing front. All the best for the coming week 🙂

    • Your dedication and focus always amazes me, Gene. And you’re right, attitude does have a lot to do with it. For a while now, I’ve been almost bitter that I still have to deal with this at all, and that’s been really bad. I think I’m on the right track now. Thanks so much for the support!

  12. Woot woot! I wouldn’t think of it as “admitting defeat” but more grabbing the bull by the horns and taking control of you and what you want for yourself. That rocks girl! We all struggle with putting weight on, getting it off, and maintaining it. It’s not about falling off the wagon, it’s about how you get back on, time and time again! I’ve come to recognize this as an ongoing battle and it’s a win as long as I continue to strive towards my goal again and again! So…rock it out girl!!! You are my hero and inspiration!!!
    I hear you on pop and diet pop. I try to stay clear of all of it (even fruit juices – they can be packed full of sugar) and just stick to water. Occasional, I’ll enjoy a pop but I try my best to keep it very minimal. And aspartame…scary stuff!
    Great job on the word count…
    Here’s to a GREAT week ahead….we are cheering for you Stacy!
    P.S. LOVE the new pic – hot hot hot!!!

    • Thank you. I simply refuse to feel chubby and uncomfortable this summer, and I was getting so tired. I think the hardest part for me was that I thought maintaining would be a lot easier, and that’s something I’ve just had to accept. It is definitely an ongoing battle.

      Yes, fruit juices can be really bad. Fortunately I’m not a big fan of that. Thanks so much for the support, and good for you on sticking through! LOL, and thanks on the pic:)

  13. Stacy, I’m completely impressed that you reached out for help! That is so hard for most of us to do. I’m proud of you, girl!

    With being gluten-free, I’m down from a screaming headache to a balpeen hammer tapping on the back of my head. I’ve heard the withdrawal are icky, then everything settles down. *crossing fingers*

    Have a fabulous week!!

    • Thanks so much. Having the support of my dietician is a big help to me, as is having someone to be accountable to every week. Kudos to you on the gluten free. That’s part of this diet, too, and something I plan to stick with. I hope you feel better soon, because I know those headaches are terrible. Hang in there, and thanks!

  14. Good for you! And getting (and staying) healthy is a process, and like housework–it’s ALWAYS THERE. I’ve done the yo-you thing for ages and have gotten to a healthy weight twice before–this is the third time. The struggle is to maintain. You are not alone–WANA. *s*

    • Thank you. Realizing that it is a process and accepting I’ll always have to work on it was tough, but I think I’m finally there. Thanks so much for letting me know I’m not alone. That in itself is a big help.

  15. I’m a coffee and tea addict!

    Last week was crazy so I didn’t write anywhere near what I usually do in a week’s time. I’ll be getting back into it tomorrow though. 🙂

    • I know you had a busy week last week but sounds like it was successful. Coffee and tea are far healthier than pop:)

      Good luck for this week!

  16. I’ve had a bit of the opposite problem these past two months … a bit of a slump in the writing but a kick-start with the gym and eating well. I have to admit that part of that, though, has been thanks to stress – when I’m stressed I crave exercise and have no appetite, so the weight loss is almost a side effect. The minute I feel myself wanting to devour a big old cheeseburger, I know my stress is ebbing. You are so right about soda, though. My only weakness there these days is diet gingerale, because I genuinely love the taste of it. But for the most part, I really try to stick with water and unsweetened tea. Congrats to you for getting back on track and I’m with you on the health quest in March!

    • That’s okay! Our health is so important and the hardest thing to do, so great job! I’m just the opposite when I’m stressed – I’m always weighed down and don’t want to do anything. Sounds like you’re doing great, and thank you. Hope your stress level goes down:)

  17. Good job with the writing, Stacy! As to the diet, I’m impressed with your perseverence and dedication to health. I struggle with the soda. It’s my one major vice. You could remove just about anything else bad for me — including chocolate — from the world, if I could only have my Coca-Cola. I felt better about drinking Coke Zero, but I don’t know what sweetener is in it. You’d better believe I’m going to check now! Thanks. Best wishes with your progress!

    • Thanks. I’m hoping to get a fair amount done this week. And thank you. I feel like I’ve failed, but at least I’m getting back on track. I completely understand with the soda – it’s a daily fight and it is addictive. Definitely check the sweetener. Thanks!

  18. Stacy, I need to kick my Diet Coke habit as well. I did really well for a long time after giving up caffeine due to it being a possible headache trigger. But when I was unemployed for about two months at the end of 2011, I got into the habit of drinking many a day again. I’m slowly weaning myself off so I can enjoy one every now and again. Naturally flavored sparkling mineral water is my trick…I like the carbonation better than anything in soda, I think, and I feel like I’m having a much less sweet soda that way. 🙂

    Good luck this week…I don’t think asking for help is admitting defeat, it’s just being smart. You can do this!

    • Caffeine can definitely cause headaches. Isn’t it frustrating when we give up something like pop and then allow ourselves to get back into the habit. I hope I can enjoy one occasionally, but it’s very addictive to me. I’m the same way with the flavored water – it’s the pop of carbonation, and I don’t like it nearly as well when it looses that, lol.

      Glad to hear it’s working for you, and thank you so much!

  19. I am turning up the music and cheering you to go into your living room and dance! It is fun, it is silly, and it burns calories. Moving to music is one of my favorite ways to keep the weight off. I too have an issue with soda pop. I can go without it for awhile then I start drinking it again. I am determined to drop it completely because it is so bad for me. Our body is our temple, if we aren’t treating it with love and respect, we are not honoring the sacred within.

    Peace,
    Morgan

    • That’s something I need to try once I’m off the Ideal Protein diet (they don’t want you sweating on it). I’ve tried Insanity and P90x, and they’re just too much for me. Plus I hate them, lol. I need exercise to be fun, which is why I enjoy walking and yoga. I totally understand the soda thing – that’s exactly what I did recently. Good luck on dropping it. If I can do it, so can you!

      Thanks!

  20. I love your positive tone here, Stacy. I know you’ll be successful because I can hear it! Reading this made me grin, because I’m going through the same thing…stuck pounds. But it’s just a matter of figuring out how to get our bodies to let them go.
    Aspartame has scared me for years. It tastes like poison, so it’s not really surprising it turns out to be. I love sugar, but just limit it. Honey is nice too, and I think it’s metabolized better then processed sugar. Have you ever tried agave nectare? It tastes great, can be used in all sorts of things, and doesn’t cause a spike in the blood sugars.
    I know it’s cliche’, but, you go girl!

    • Thanks. The biggest hurdle was accepting that I screwed up by putting on the 15 lbs. Now I can do something about it. For me, it’s much more about eating right and battling carbs than it is exercise. I can exercise hard and lose very little, so that’s why I’m resetting back with the diet.

      I love diet mountain dew, so aspartame doesn’t bother me, taste-wise, but I’m scared now and wonder what kind of damage I did to my body. No, I’ve not tried agave nectare, not heard of it, but I’ll look for it.

      Thanks so much. You, too!

  21. Just saw a tweet about this and realized I never commented when I read your post. I think it’s great you are going back to the dietician. I just joined a neighborhood wellness challenge last night. Looking forward to the extra motivation. I randomly drink Sprite. I quit drinking Coke in ’95. Good luck.

    • Thanks. It took a lot of pride swallowing, but I’m glad I did it. I’ve already lost 3 pounds and I’m feeling better. Awesome that you joined the challenge – having a support group makes such a huge difference!

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