Kim Norgaard's Diary

[pandora]

Hi Kim, i have just read yr diary from start to finish and how exciting it is to read how you felt in yr first few days on the program and now you have lost over 17kg! You seemed so apprehensive to start with, maybe you should go back and read yr first few entries! Seems to me you are doing very well, even with a few slip ups, and you are an inspiration to many. Pandora

[KimN]

Wow Pandora, thanks for popping in to say hi!

I would not have thought myself as an inspiration to anyone, given I have had a few slip ups along the way so far, so I do thank you for your opinion.

I do hope I can see this the whole way through. The May newsletter that my clinic emailed me was a good read and gave me a few hints.

From now on... I don't say I've lost the weight, I now say I have gotten RID of the weight, as when people lose something, they want it back, or go looking for it, and I certainly DON'T want to find my 17-odd kilos again thanks...

I went over to my aunties place today for a visit and I was relieved that she offered me a freindly portion of steak, lettuce and tomato for lunch, and not the casserole and other yummy cook-ups she usually does for lunch. So that was good.

I haven't really budged much weight wise over the last few days, but I really need to check my cm losses, as I haven't measured up for some time. I would guess I am going ok, as all of my clothes are getting quite loose now. I brought a size 14 pair of flannie pj's and 2 x 3/4 sleeve tops from Millers the other day also size 14, so I am totally chuffed about that!

Here's looking forward to fitting back into my size 10 clothing I kept from over 10 year ago... the only time I was ever thin, due to extreme dieting and exercising...that almost killed me. Let's hope I can get there normally and sensibly this time! Quite likely!

Cheers all

Kim

[Shazza/2]

Hi Kim
Thanks so much for dropping by with your encouragement. I really appreciate it.
And lap it up that you are someone's inspiration! You have earned it!
Take care

[KimN]

Hi all

Well. Mothers Day today. I have been surfing on this forum all day, I mean all day. I need to, as I feel like !@#& today. What's new.

I am hungry. I am tired. I am sick of whinging that I am hungry. I can trick myself to not think I am hungry. I wish I knew the secret to that..

Admittedly, I changed around my meal options again today. Had my Meal 2 portion for breakfast and my Meal 1 portion for lunch. Now, I know I said in a previous posting that I would never do that again after last time it made me hungry by dinner time....So why did I????

I read in so many other people's diaries, that shaking up the meal options promotes a weight loss...and I haven't really had any loss to speak of in a while. So again....my husband is copping the rough end of the stick cause I am so cranky and not really wanting to be around anyone. I think that if I had a burger meal I would feel instantly better...but then feel crappy again that I went through with having it, so I haven't.

I have my blood test tomorrow. Hubby wanted to take me out for dinner tonight and I had to decline. I can't afford a deviation, followed by a blood test, that just rubs it in more. Trying to explain to hubby that I just can't do that type of thing on this plan (have the odd special occasion out), is too hard. Sometimes I don't even have the strength to say no...hence the 2 times I have eaten out at restaurants when we have gone away. It took away 5 days of progress each time. So he suggested we go out tomorrow night, after the blood test....NOOOO! Mothers Day was today, the special occasion has passed, therefore, I can not even justify going out for a meal. I would only order a steak and salad, or some grilled fish (haven't had any in a while), but I don't trust myself with the quantity control, given I have been so darn hungry of late!!! I don't even know if I will say no again when the time comes tomorrow, the temptation is too great.

I have almost drank a full 1.25L bottle of plain mineral water today, trying to confuse my stomach and brain that I am content... I even had a decaf instant coffee and 1 sweetener before brekky. Not bad for a change, I am usually a black tea person (no sweetener). Maybe it is the sweetener???

So today was mostly a write-off, spent some quality time with my daughter on the floor playing tea party, but not much else... what a mothers day huh? I wonder what I would have been doing today if my mum was still alive?

Anyway, no-one likes a moper, and misery loves company, so I will end my post for today, and go get my dinner, fruit portion and cracker portion happening. I need to save the fruit and 2 crackers for after tea sometimes, it keeps me from hovering around the kitchen..lol.

Tomorrow will be better day, except for the uni study and assignment load. Blerrrrk.

See ya.
Kim

[Kohinoor]

Hi Kim,

Had my Meal 2 portion for breakfast and my Meal 1 portion for lunch. Now, I know I said in a previous posting that I would never do that again after last time it made me hungry by dinner time....

I've heard many on here get hungry in mid to late afternoon. So, assuming all the usual vitamins, etc. are in place, then maybe a meal mix-up that has you eating Meal 1 in the evening could work.

Meals 2 and 3 for breakfast/lunch should keep you singing through the day. And Meal 1 at night is closely followed by "bedtime" where the body/mind stops disturbing you as you settle for the night.

Note that I don't know - I just read and retain a lot

I have almost drank a full 1.25L bottle of plain mineral water today

Kim, if that is all the water you are drinking, that may provide a clue. Doesn't your Plan say something like "2 to 3 litres daily" ? And I believe that tea, etc. don't count - I think I'm right.... I hope others will step in here, as I am going by what I read on here, NOT from a plan !!

Hope I'm right... and hope it helps,

Koh

[Shanara]

Hi Kim,

Aw honey - sorry you are having a hungry day. Unfortunately there are some days like that. Good news is it can often mean a big shift the scales in the following days. Hope that is so for you.

Yes, changing your meals around can help weight loss however I never have meal 1 for lunch as it leaves me really vulnerable around late afternoon - just too hungry. I will have meal 2 and 3 for breakfast and lunch then use a fruit and 2 crackers around 5. Then meal 1 with crackers for dinner. I will usually leave a piece of fruit for after dinner as well.

I was also concerned when I saw your post about water. Koh is right - 2 to 3 litres of water everyday. Will help with the hunger as well. Perhaps the water is why you have been experiencing little movement on the scales. Another reason can be lack of sleep - particularly early sleep before midnight.

Another I do on my hungry days is use a can of diet sprite. I rarely have soft drink but if I am having a hungry day I will use a can to fill up - but not before I have drunk my water.

Hope these strategies help you. Hang in there.
Shanara

[KimN]

Hi Koh and Shanara

Thanks for your feedback. I do drink plain water, but I think if I add it up these days... drinking about a 700ml pump bottle in the morning when I have my vitamins, then another bottle during the day, plus a bit more.....oh.

I would be only just scraping 2 litres a day in now. It is soooo cold here in Dalby, (not even winter yet) so I guess I have been holding back on the cool water a little and drinking more black tea in place of the water. The softdrink was to try and curb the hunger as you both said, but maybe I should have used water instead, you are right there. Sometimes I have a can of CF diet coke, but don't really like to shove diet softdrinks in the gob too much, they make me burb something shocking, although the soda water and mineral water are fine for me.

As for the meal portions, maybe tomorrow I should try the Meal 2 and 3, then Meal 1, like you both suggested. I guess I haven't tried that yet as it makes it harder for me to eat such a small portion at the dinner table with bub and hubby when they are eating their yummy dinners...I wouldn't feel full - both physically nor psychologically I don't think... but I will give it a go and see what happens.

My sleep has been buggered up somewhat, so I am trying to work on that. I think after my uni exam all will be better, until next term.

For the last 6 days I have plateaued (Yes I know - weighing every day is not a goer..) Oh well. I will keep on keeping on and see what happens. Just about to go and have my blood test this morning, so I am downing the water. Just not allowed to go before Playschool on TV finishes, LOL!!

I had quite a yummy dinner last night. Small meatballs laying on pieces of raw cabbage leaf with a slice of zuchini and mushroom underneath and a tiny drop of mayo and balsamic on each one. Quite yummy, just not enough to quite fill the hole... But whats new with me?!! Hubby has frequently commented I used to eat just as much as him if not more...That hurt a little, but it was probably the truth.

I need to get sorted out to the point where this hunger on most days, stops. Afterall, I should not really be feeling hungry on this program like my consultant has mentioned in the past, so I think I need to pay close attention to what is happening daily with my intake and life factors. Easier said than done. Otherwise I wouldn't be struggling now!

Maybe a phone call to the clinic is in order, to get my thinking straight again. Yes, shall do.

Tootles all, thanks for the input, very much appreciated. Keep it coming.

Kim

[FlaMie]

Hi Kim, sorry about the hunger issue. I don't know if this will help you as it does help me.

Drink 500ml of water before meal and 500ml of water after that. That will quite fill up your stomach for quite a while. Also, ensure that you take your multi vit in the morning once after breakfast. The next should be after dinner. Eat your crackers during the meal time rather than in between. Cos once you are entirely filled up, you won't think of food for a long long while. So you are teaching your brain to think of other things rather than leaving the stomach half empty, the brains will start wandering for food. Hope this helps

[moe]

Hello Super-Mum! Popping in for a visit...thanks for dropping into my diary - love it when you visit!

Got one word to say to you - WATER!

Drink more water chick; cold or as I have started doing - I have hot water and lemon first thing in the morning (good for the bowel) then I drink atleast 4ltrs water during the course of the day. I highly recommend getting a 1.5ltr bottle of water, drink two of these and your well and truly meeting your required daily h2o intake. I have a big tip here.....I have a cup of hot water (half cup of boiled water topped up with cold or room temp water) before and after I eat my meals; it is really soothing for your organs too. It has really helped to make me feel fuller especially after my evening meal. If ya try it and it helps - all good. I also mixed up my meal's and made sure I had the biggest meal for my very last meal; and where I could, I had my last meal as late as I could. Dont know what it achieved but having yogurt for dinner was a novelty! I also went back to eating my fruit portions and crackers again cause I had a patch too when I was so damn hungry - then I lost a heap.

Good idea to check in with the clinic...try having more red meat portions during the day...mushrooms helped me feel fuller too. Just suggestions from my perspective...

You are a big inspiration to me as I always say to you - studying and a bubby....your fantastic! I reckon your hunger could be indicating a big shift coming. It also means to me that you are hanging tough and not going for a big maddy break out like I did! I don't have a lil one but can you feasibly go to be when she goes down at night or if she has day time sleep can you have a nanna nap? Easier said than done...I really hope you get some good rest / sleep soon.

Keep going mighty-mouse! Moe xo

[KimN]

Hi all

Not much to report. I do have a cold which I am battling. I have had the approval to take the sugarless vitamin C each day until I feel on top of it. I skipped the dinner meal yesterday and my fruits, and 3 crispbreads, as I just didn't have the oompf to eat. I know, a really bad thing to do again (geez, I can't get this thing right can I!!?) but those who have been ill on the program may be able to relate a little.

Water intake is a lot better now than what it was, so that is a plus for me. I just hate going to the lav so many times in a day. Good thing I don't hold an office job now....boy oh boy... just as bad as a smoker having multiple smoke breaks in the work day I think

Anyway, off to review for the exam...

Tootles

[KimN]

Well Diary, it has been some time since my last entry, hasn't it?

After some time (weeks) of battling my way through this program, I have finally got myself back in the zone to punch through the last 10kgs.

By rights, I should have been finished by now if I had not of been so weak. But there you have it, what is done is done, and am learning by it every day.

Although, I did not really gain any weight back, but moreso stayed around the same weight that I was. But thankfully the stress of uni exams are over now for another few weeks until term starts again, so am looking forward to some stress free weight loss and quality sleep.

Last couple of days were really good weight-rid wise. Dropping 1/2 kilo each day, which is really good for my motivation.

Better keep putting in my diary entries more regularly, took ages to find mine on page 5...ooops.

Anywayz, better go to bed, I am hosting my first garage sale in the morning to sell all of my fat clothes. Wish me luck! If I don't sell them they will be going to vinnies anyway. I refuse to hang onto them now.

Cheers all

Kim

[Shazza/2]

Go Kim
Great to see you back on track. You might notice there are a few crises happening in diaries at present. I think lots of people are struggling at a critical stage, so you are definitely not alone in your struggles.

I find it helps to share it on this forum! So don't be a stranger

[FlaMie]

Hello Kim,

You must have been very careful and watchful over what you consumed when you were away from the forum! Interesting that you maintained your weight pretty much at the last point you lost. I hope I can learn a thing or 2 from you how you managed that.

Anyway, welcome back gal...and let's rock on together for the last 10kg!

[Shanara]

Welcome back Kim,

You have done well to get through two thirds of the journey - just one third left to complete. Great work!

Keep it up
Shanara

[moe]

Hey chick - how are ya? thanks for visiting me.....

Good on ya for hanging in there...dont get freaked out on it - this is a lifestyle change and it doesnt happen perfectly for everyone. So you on uni break soon? Never seems to end does it? When do you get your exam results? hows the bubba? you getting better / more sleep now?

All these questions! Its been a while!

I agree with what shazz wrote - a few of us must all be within weeks of each other and this just must be that part of the deal on Cohens at this point - too simlar to dismiss the similar experiances at this stage of the programme.

Hey how'd the garage sale go? Ker-ching !$$ did ya sell your old clothes?

Keep smiling Kimbo! Moe

[KimN]

Hi again Moe, Flamie, Shazza, and Shanara. Thank you guys for dropping by and posting what you have posted.

Wow, it is weird isn't it, how a few people are finding it difficult at present. I have scanned a few diaries and got those vibes from the postings, so I guess I am not alone in how I am battling with this.

Moe - a tragedy in the garage sale department. No-one turned up so I sold nothing... First and last attempt I think. Although I did not advertise, I should have placed the signs in better spots. $35 to place the advertisement would have not allowed me to make a profit for what I had.
So, I have heaps of size 18 clothing just sitting in the spare room and I don't know what to do with them. Apart from giving them to vinnies.

Uni break is nearly over already! Term starts again 6th of July. 3 days before my daughters 2nd birthday. BUGGER! To make it even more challenging for the first week of study, my uni books have been posted to my Bundaberg address, and I am in Dalby (over 4 hours away). I am not due home again until the week after, so I suppose I will play catch up big time in the 2nd week! I don't find out my results til first week of July, so I am praying for a pass.

Bubs is doing really well and keeping me busy. The long night sleeps haven't been happening as I would have hoped as I have started scrapbooking again, so all my spare time goes on that, staying up late, etc. But, it is the only me-time I get.

Shanara, yes one third left! Why is it so darn hard though!!
Some days I doubt myself and if I am actually going to finish this program! My husband gives a cruel reminder of the money spent, so that gives me a painful prod to keep trying. I had such a bad day yesterday I was so cranky with everyone, and the whole thing. I just want to be normal, and not have to be so anal with food. On the days I really try, I lose no weight and seem to get frustrated so easily.

My daughter is not helping lately. I have had a struggle getting her to eat healthy dinners (veges and meats) and have tried so many things. The only thing that seems to work for her is eating my foods off my plate when I am eating. So, she will suck on my beef and cauliflower soup, and chomp on my turkey mince stir fry's. This may be contributing as to why I am getting cranky and hungry, by not getting my proper portion and the desire to look elsewhere as the day goes on. But, I am willing to do it just to get her to eat something other than biscuits and butter sandwiches. Little beggar she is. I have thought about cooking a larger portion to allow for what she is eating, but she is too unpredictable each meal time and I would just end up eating more eventually.

Flamie, I am not sure what I can teach you about how I maintained through the bad times and not gained too much. I am certainly no mentor! I did weigh myself everyday to keep myself in line and to see what damage I had cost myself, then got back on track again, and so on. I was prepared to pay for what I had done and return to the strict eating again, but just could not stick to it. I have learnt personally that even the smallest amounts of potato, rice and bread-type foods cause me to gain weight, as high-carb foods do to most people. So nothing new there. I am still struggling every day. If anything, I have swallowed a bitter pill in realising that the more often I deviate, the more unlikely it is to be able to continue the program 100%, to get the last kgs off. But that still doesn't make me stop desiring the pre-cohen food options. So how can I get around this mental battle? Who knows. It may be a battle for the rest of my life. I just try to distract myself which works, sometimes.

Anyway, don't want to send you all to sleep! Will chat again soon hopefully.

Cheers
Kim

[Shanara]

Hi Kim,

I really admire your courage doing this when you have a small bub. It must make it that much harder. Each has it's challenges in it's own right. To combine them is amazing.

Don't be too hard on yourself yet if you can stay 100% you will keep 'in the zone.' Thus making it easier for you to loose and keep happy.

Of course you will be able to finish - that part is not in doubt. You really must eat all your weigh. Eating less is not good - you can throw your body into fat storage mode as well as really affect your energy levels.

Maybe try cooking something for toddler and put on your plate so that you can eat all your food. So glad my kids are past toddler stage - it can be so challenging.

You will find the solution - you can do this!!
Shanara

[yeti]

Hi Kim,
Thanks for stopping by my diary!
It's hard when you're cooking separate meals for a little bub - I have a two and a half year old and he's a fussy eater too. I try and stay relaxed though, and just try and hide vegies where I can ( like in a tomato sauce, pureed for a pizza etc). I've also got him on a multi-vitamin every day, until he becomes less fussy and eats more of a variety. That helps me relax a bit, so I don't have to worry about him getting the nutrients he needs for the time being. Cohen's does require us to focus on ourselves first, or it's just too hard. Try and put your needs at the top of your priority list as much as possible. Your bub will benefit from a happy healthy mum.

Stick with it honey. The payoff when you reach the end is huge - emotionally and physically, and will make these harder times all the more worth it.

[Kohinoor]

Hi Kim,

Aww, hon, it sounds like you could do with some GOOD news - maybe this will add a bit of a fillip......

It seems this journey is made up of three "trimesters" - the first, it's all new, you experience GREAT weightloss, and the first "third" goes quickly.

Then, it seems you hit "drag mode" (I DON'T mean a super-quick quarter-mile when I say "drag" - it's the OTHER kind.... ) and that second "trimester" just seems to go on, and on, and on, and .......

Fortunately, if you stick it out, the "third trimester" kicks in - the last third. Where every Kg lost seems to make SO much more difference than it did before, and the excitement builds as you glide toward that Finish Line. You're in the period where 6Kgs means another dress size (depending WHERE you started, this may not have been the case....)

And the good news? You, my girl have begun that "third trimester" !!! So, hang on tight, we don't want you being bucked off the ride in this last exciting part.

THIS is where the rubber meets the road, Kim - and you will be blown away with how much difference each Kg (and cm) makes.

Hang in there, girl - the good times are cranking up - for YOU - right now !!

Koh

[KimN]

Hi Koh, thanks so much for your visit in to my diary and posting what you did. It helped me immensly to try and focus on this last stretch. Not too far to go, but have been staying the same weight for a while, to only move 100grams last night. At least I am not gaining any weight, hey!

Hi to Shanara and Yeti also, thank you both for stopping by too. As soon as my daughter eats pizza, I am surely trying the pizza sauce/hiding veges tip! And Shanara, I am still trying to fins a way for her to eat her own things. Her little fingers keep making their way to my portions! Cheeky sausage she is. Gotta laugh though.

I finally got a bit of sleep last night. My daughter currently has croup, and I must admit - she has been sick in the past, but this croup surely has me scared at night. So I am up constantly making sure she is breathing! The hours spent at the local hospital of late is just a little disrupting to the cohens routine! Before the croup she had diorreah, so there must be many viral infections going around here at present. I can't get rid of this nauseating feeling in my guts, so I may be next in line. Inevitable really...

So I am doing whatever works at present, with all aspects of my life. I am really loving my lemon wedges in hot water when I wake up, that makes me feel a whole lot better.

Uni starts up again next week, which I am not really ready for. boo hoo.

I will now try and get around to reading everyones diary's before bug-a-lugs starts crying again. Have a great week everyone.

Kim