Low Carb Diva

May 28, 2009

Since I will have lost over 200 pounds once I am done with my weight loss, the thought of having a bunch of loose skin has crossed my mind a time or two.

There seems to be a consensus on the internet that if you have a large amount of weight to lose than it is inevitable that there will be loose skin. How much it seems depends on the person and their genetics.

There are horror stories online about people who have lost 100 pounds or more and had folds of skin hanging from their arms, thighs and stomachs.

I wonder if losing actual fat and retaining your lean muscle mass can prevent loose skin. I am doing resistance training and as I lose weight my arms have gotten smaller (less hanging fat) but with 90 pounds or so to go there is still plenty of fat on my body.

I guess only time will tell. I may take pictures of my hanging fat so I have something to compare it to when I reach my goal. If you have lost a large amount of weight let me know your results with loose skin.

May 27, 2009

Did you know that saturated fat is the hearts preferred fuel source? Yet every time we turn on the television we are warned about the dangers of saturated fat. Don't eat too much fat it will clog your arteries we are told over and over. Eat a diet high in whole grains, low fat, and lean meats. Oh, and don't forget to take your statin so you can have low cholesterol. Every time I see someone eating fat free cheese or fat free salad dressing I cringe. The human body loves fat, craves it and apparently needs it. Did you know that you are more likely to have gallbladder issues from eating a low fat diet?

When my dad had surgery for a blocked artery I remember the dietician talking to him about the importance of eating a diet low in fat, no butter, no red meat, etc. Of course she never mentioned that a diet high in carbohydrates can elevate the blood sugar and cause a heart attack. Nor did she mention the transfats found in margarine were more likely to cause heart disease.

It is amazing that I have been eating a diet comprised of 65-70% fat and I have actually lost weight. Most people are stunned that you can eat fat and still lose weight. They do not want to accept that they are being misled in the media by studies that demonize fat. So here's to the fat! Eat up.

May 26, 2009

Did you know that all those extra pounds you are carrying are not only uncomfortable, but they also store and hold toxins? If this isn't bad enough as you lose weight these toxins are released back into your body. This can cause acne and even stall your weight loss as all of these toxins can wreak havoc on yout thyriod.

Perhaps this is another good reason why we should lose weight slowly and not yo-yo back and forth on the scale.

I have not found anything tangible about how one can get rid of these toxins and since I do not recommend detox or colon cleansing I can offer this as a solution: drink enough water, lose weight slowly, in the morning have a cup of hot water with a tbsp of lemon juice, exercise to help sweat out some of those toxins and get plenty of sleep.

May 22, 2009

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone. Don't forget tomorrow is the 2nd weigh in in the Summer Weight Loss Bootcamp. I will post my results this weekend.

The holidays are always a difficult time for those of us who struggle with our weight, but don't let it be an excuse to fall off your plan and pig out.

This time last year I was only 1 month into my weight loss and now it has already been a year. Time flies. It's up to you whether you will be thinner next year, the same weight or fatter.

Memorial Day is a low carbers dream holiday. There are burgers to grill, deviled eggs, make your own coleslaw, grilled veggies and the beloved grilled ribeye steak.

If you must have desert make it a low carb treat. Have some fresh strawberries with heavy whipping cream (a little stevia can add a bit of sweetness).

May 21, 2009

I was watching Rachel Ray this morning as I ate a breakfast consisting of bacon cooked in coconut oil, an egg fried in the bacon fat and 1/4 cup of blueberries. On TV was the guy who wrote a book titled: Eat This Not That. He was talking about the high saturated fat content in fried chicken fingers and Rachel was completely horrified at the saturated fat content in most of the fried foods. I found it interesting that no mention was made about the high carbohydrate content in all of the foods that were promoted. Mainly Rachel focused on calories and saturated fat as being the big no no's.

Saturated fat contrary to mainstream belief is not going to kill you. In fact it is the standard high carbohydrate diet that most of us eat that is more dangerous to your heart and your health, then a tablespoon of butter on your vegetables. A diet high in carbs spikes your blood sugar and insulin. These insulin spikes after you consume lets say a breakfast of a bowl of cereal, milk and orange juice is why you are hungry shortly after eating.

It is not cholesterol or fat, but rather high blood sugar that is one of the biggest causes of heart disease and heart attacks. See the links below for a great article regarding the dangers of sugar and carbs and the benefits of fat in your diet.

Some Great Informational Links About Fat & Heart Disease:

The Biggest Culprit In Heart Disease
Don't Fear the Fat