266.5 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup chili - 5 points
1 homemade chicken nugget - 1 point
panko haddock - 6 points
1/2 cup mashed potatoes - 2 points
1/2 cup zucchini & yellow squash - 1 point
1 cup milk - 2 points
3 chocolate chip cookies - 4 points
Total: 23 points
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Musings
I lost 3.5 pounds this week! Woohoo!
This morning was really busy, we had our homeschool group over to do some Imbolc activities. There were 8 children here in additon to my own three. Boy, am I tired! The kids all got along really well, though, and I figure all my rushing around has to count for some exercise, right? ;)
This morning was really busy, we had our homeschool group over to do some Imbolc activities. There were 8 children here in additon to my own three. Boy, am I tired! The kids all got along really well, though, and I figure all my rushing around has to count for some exercise, right? ;)
Food Journal
266.5 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 lean pork chop - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 point
1/4 cup rice - 1 point
1/4 cup TJ Chili Lime Cashews - 6 points
6 pieces spicy tuna roll - 3 points
1 cup ice cream - 8 points
Total: 27 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 lean pork chop - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 point
1/4 cup rice - 1 point
1/4 cup TJ Chili Lime Cashews - 6 points
6 pieces spicy tuna roll - 3 points
1 cup ice cream - 8 points
Total: 27 points
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Food Journal
269 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
1 tbs mayo - 2 points
1 slice cheese - 2 points
5 oz tuna - 4 points
1 lean pork chop - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 points
1 cup rice - 4 points
1 oatmeal cookie - 3 points
Total: 26 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
1 tbs mayo - 2 points
1 slice cheese - 2 points
5 oz tuna - 4 points
1 lean pork chop - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 points
1 cup rice - 4 points
1 oatmeal cookie - 3 points
Total: 26 points
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Musings
Okay, so I made the pop tarts that I referenced in this post. They were a lot more work than I expected, and only came out so-so. The kids liked them alright. I was frustrated to see that the jam my husband picked out from the store has high fructose corn syrup, especially after reading about mercury contamination. Needless to say, we won't be using Hershey's chocolate syrup for the kids anymore. I was planning on trying to eliminate all the HFCS from our diet anyway, this just gives an added incentive.
Food Journal
269 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
1 cup milk - 2 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points
4 oz chicken - 4 points
1/2 cup couscous - 2 points
1 cup peas - 1 points
Total: 27 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
1 cup milk - 2 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points
4 oz chicken - 4 points
1/2 cup couscous - 2 points
1 cup peas - 1 points
Total: 27 points
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Food Journal
269 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup - 4 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points
1 1/2 cups chili - 7 points
Total: 24 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup - 4 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points
1 1/2 cups chili - 7 points
Total: 24 points
Musings
Budget constraints can make sticking to a diet pretty tough. We have, like.. zero cash right now, just barely enough for a grocery trip. Ground beef was on sale, as well as beans and canned tomatoes, so I'm making a monster batch of chili. I have a bunch of different size containers that I'll use to freeze it in.. some containers will hold enough for a family meal, and other smaller ones will be for single servings. I'm hoping having some easy, microwaveable stuff in the freezer will help me at lunchtime on the days when I'm out of my regular stuff. I must say, I make a mean chili.
I also got some cans of Healthy Choice soup. We had been buying the little microwaveable bowls because they were on sale, but they weren't this week. Figures. I could always put what I don't eat into a container and save it for the next day, I guess.. I hope it keeps. I've never done that before.
I got more whole wheat flour and other baking needs so I can make some delicious muffins for the kids' breakfasts. I'll post the recipe when I decide which one I'm going to make.
It sure would be nice to have an unlimited food budget and a huge chest freezer, though. Maybe I should start looking on Freecycle for a freezer. Well, probably not, since we don't have anywhere to put it. I wonder if they make ones that can go outside.. hmm.
I also got some cans of Healthy Choice soup. We had been buying the little microwaveable bowls because they were on sale, but they weren't this week. Figures. I could always put what I don't eat into a container and save it for the next day, I guess.. I hope it keeps. I've never done that before.
I got more whole wheat flour and other baking needs so I can make some delicious muffins for the kids' breakfasts. I'll post the recipe when I decide which one I'm going to make.
It sure would be nice to have an unlimited food budget and a huge chest freezer, though. Maybe I should start looking on Freecycle for a freezer. Well, probably not, since we don't have anywhere to put it. I wonder if they make ones that can go outside.. hmm.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Recipes
With three children age 5 and under, we've relied a lot on convenience foods. I'd really like to get away from that and start cooking from scratch, especially for the kids. I'm hoping you guys will have some suggestions for me, especially for recipes that are kid-friendly, easy/quick to make, and still healthy. General websites and/or books on this topic would be greatly appreciated, as well. I'll also try to post things that I find here.
For now, I have two links:
Low Carb Chicken Recipes
Homemade Pop-Tarts
For now, I have two links:
Low Carb Chicken Recipes
Homemade Pop-Tarts
Food Journal
269 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
3 oz chicken - 3 points
1 cup carrots - 1 point
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
8 oz haddock - 6 points
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta - 2 points
1/2 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points
Total: 21 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
3 oz chicken - 3 points
1 cup carrots - 1 point
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
8 oz haddock - 6 points
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta - 2 points
1/2 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points
Total: 21 points
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Musings
Joanna commented on an earlier post, asking about my nursing difficulties. I guess I was kind of vague in that entry, so I'll elaborate here, for anyone who's curious. I can't see a way to put this under a cut, like on LiveJournal.. if anyone knows, let me know (via comment) so those not interested don't have to hear the details. :)
With my first child, I had an easy, uncomplicated delivery. I had an epidural but no narcotics. The baby was healthy and alert, and nursed well right away. He had a great latch and a strong suck. I didn't suspect there were any problems until a visit to the pediatrician showed he had lost too much weight. We went to a lactation consultant (LC) who weighed him before and after nursing, and I was horrified to find out he had only gotten 1/4 of an ounce in 20 minutes of pretty vigorous sucking. We started supplementing at the breast, while I pumped to try to increase supply. Being that this was my first, and I was totally overwhelmed, we only continued for about three weeks. The LCs I saw were unable (due to hosopital policies) to give me any information on herbs to up my supply, and I wasn't able to put the energy into researching.
My second baby was just as healthy, born after another easy, uncomplicated delivery. Again, epidural, but no narcotics. He was healthy and nursed well from the start. I was prepared this time and had a better supplementer on hand (Lact-Aid), but he seemed to be doing so well. Alas, after a week, we found out he had lost too much weight. We went to the lactation consultant and, after a test weight, I was crushed to see that he had only gotten 1/4 of an ounce as well. This time, I had done more research ahead of time, so we got a pump right away and I began taking fenugreek and eating lots of oatmeal. I talked to Dr. Newman, who is an expert in these things, and he gave me some information on breast compressions and suggested I try a drug called domperidone, which is not available in this country. We couldn't afford the dom, so we struggled along, but my supply never improved. We quit after about two months.
My third baby was born, healthy and alert, after a fantastic homebirth. She was a natural at nursing. I had high hopes that this time would be different, because I had done a few things during pregnancy to try to help. Starting at about 20 weeks, I drank alfalfa and red raspberry leaf tea daily. At about 30 weeks, I started taking shatavari. At 36 weeks, I started taking goat's rue. When the baby was born, I added in (among other things) nettle, blessed thistle, fenugreek, red clover, fennel, marshmallow root, Reglan, and Metamucil. I didn't pump this time since it had absolutely no effect the previous times and only served to make me more stressed. Once again, she lost too much weight, but I was surprised to see that when we did a test weight, she got 1/2 an ounce after a good nursing session. That was double what I'd made before, and a victory of sorts. I continued with a rotating schedule of herbs, and was able to eventually produce about ten ounces a day by 3 months. Still not nearly enough, but an improvement. We quit at 6 months, by which time I could only convince her to nurse once at night.
I don't know why I can't produce milk. Possibilities are PCOS, insufficient glandular tissue, and possibly hypercortisolemia. I'm anxious to get my test results back in a week and a half, so I can hopefully get an answer. It's just horrible not knowing. I have had my prolactin levels checked, and they're sufficient, so things like Reglan and fenugreek, which serve to raise prolactin levels, don't work for me. I had the most success with shatavari, alfalfa, and Metamucil. If we decide to get pregnant again, I would take alfalfa and Metamucil daily throughout pregnancy, and start shatavari around 25 weeks. I would also ask my doctor if she could prescribe progesterone supplements, since there has been some evidence that, if it's taken throughout pregnancy, it can increase glandular tissue enough to let some women have a full supply. I'm hopeful that if I can lose a significant amount of weight, it would help, as well.
It's been an extremely stressful and traumatic experience for me. We've also dealt with thrush and my last two babies both had periods where they rejected the breast. I don't know why I push so hard to make it work. I'm lucky enough to have an easy time conceiving, carrying, and delivering babies. I'm very grateful for that. I just wish my body would work the way I want it to.
With my first child, I had an easy, uncomplicated delivery. I had an epidural but no narcotics. The baby was healthy and alert, and nursed well right away. He had a great latch and a strong suck. I didn't suspect there were any problems until a visit to the pediatrician showed he had lost too much weight. We went to a lactation consultant (LC) who weighed him before and after nursing, and I was horrified to find out he had only gotten 1/4 of an ounce in 20 minutes of pretty vigorous sucking. We started supplementing at the breast, while I pumped to try to increase supply. Being that this was my first, and I was totally overwhelmed, we only continued for about three weeks. The LCs I saw were unable (due to hosopital policies) to give me any information on herbs to up my supply, and I wasn't able to put the energy into researching.
My second baby was just as healthy, born after another easy, uncomplicated delivery. Again, epidural, but no narcotics. He was healthy and nursed well from the start. I was prepared this time and had a better supplementer on hand (Lact-Aid), but he seemed to be doing so well. Alas, after a week, we found out he had lost too much weight. We went to the lactation consultant and, after a test weight, I was crushed to see that he had only gotten 1/4 of an ounce as well. This time, I had done more research ahead of time, so we got a pump right away and I began taking fenugreek and eating lots of oatmeal. I talked to Dr. Newman, who is an expert in these things, and he gave me some information on breast compressions and suggested I try a drug called domperidone, which is not available in this country. We couldn't afford the dom, so we struggled along, but my supply never improved. We quit after about two months.
My third baby was born, healthy and alert, after a fantastic homebirth. She was a natural at nursing. I had high hopes that this time would be different, because I had done a few things during pregnancy to try to help. Starting at about 20 weeks, I drank alfalfa and red raspberry leaf tea daily. At about 30 weeks, I started taking shatavari. At 36 weeks, I started taking goat's rue. When the baby was born, I added in (among other things) nettle, blessed thistle, fenugreek, red clover, fennel, marshmallow root, Reglan, and Metamucil. I didn't pump this time since it had absolutely no effect the previous times and only served to make me more stressed. Once again, she lost too much weight, but I was surprised to see that when we did a test weight, she got 1/2 an ounce after a good nursing session. That was double what I'd made before, and a victory of sorts. I continued with a rotating schedule of herbs, and was able to eventually produce about ten ounces a day by 3 months. Still not nearly enough, but an improvement. We quit at 6 months, by which time I could only convince her to nurse once at night.
I don't know why I can't produce milk. Possibilities are PCOS, insufficient glandular tissue, and possibly hypercortisolemia. I'm anxious to get my test results back in a week and a half, so I can hopefully get an answer. It's just horrible not knowing. I have had my prolactin levels checked, and they're sufficient, so things like Reglan and fenugreek, which serve to raise prolactin levels, don't work for me. I had the most success with shatavari, alfalfa, and Metamucil. If we decide to get pregnant again, I would take alfalfa and Metamucil daily throughout pregnancy, and start shatavari around 25 weeks. I would also ask my doctor if she could prescribe progesterone supplements, since there has been some evidence that, if it's taken throughout pregnancy, it can increase glandular tissue enough to let some women have a full supply. I'm hopeful that if I can lose a significant amount of weight, it would help, as well.
It's been an extremely stressful and traumatic experience for me. We've also dealt with thrush and my last two babies both had periods where they rejected the breast. I don't know why I push so hard to make it work. I'm lucky enough to have an easy time conceiving, carrying, and delivering babies. I'm very grateful for that. I just wish my body would work the way I want it to.
Food Journal
270 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1/2 cup brown rice - 2 points
1 cup shrimp - 4 points
1 chocolate chip cookie - 4 points
Total: 21 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1/2 cup brown rice - 2 points
1 cup shrimp - 4 points
1 chocolate chip cookie - 4 points
Total: 21 points
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Food Journal
270 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
Healthy Choice Country Vegetable soup - 1 point
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tsp butter - 1 point
1/4 cup almonds - 6 points
8 oz barbeque steak tips - 14 points
1/2 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points
Total: 27 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
Healthy Choice Country Vegetable soup - 1 point
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tsp butter - 1 point
1/4 cup almonds - 6 points
8 oz barbeque steak tips - 14 points
1/2 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points
Total: 27 points
Friday, January 23, 2009
Food Journal
270 lbs
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1/2 cup corn (leftover from boys' lunch) - 1 point
Healthy Choice chicken noodle soup - 2 points
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tsp butter - 1 point
1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 4 points
1 cup brown rice - 6 points
1 cup chicken pot pie - 9 points
Total: 28 points
28-33 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1/2 cup corn (leftover from boys' lunch) - 1 point
Healthy Choice chicken noodle soup - 2 points
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tsp butter - 1 point
1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 4 points
1 cup brown rice - 6 points
1 cup chicken pot pie - 9 points
Total: 28 points
Musings
Yesterday I went for my physical. I was hoping to get some advice on losing weight, and also to have some bloodtests done to determine why I've had such difficulty with milk supply when nursing. The appointment went great. I have an appointment to see a nutritionist and I got all the bloodtests I wanted. I think it helped seeing someone who admitted she didn't know much about reproductive issues, nursing in particular, because she readily agreed to whatever I asked for. I'll go back in two weeks to get the results, and if I need to go on Metformin or something, we'll do it then.
The nurse practitioner suggested that I keep a food journal, which I have quite a lot of experience with, so that shouldn't be a problem. I've been toying with blogging about this weight loss journey for a while, so here we are.
My current weight is 270 lbs. I'm 5'2". My goal is to be at 200 lbs by July 1st. It's a stretch, and I know I'm going to have to work really hard, but I think I can do it. There's a possibility that we'll want to try to get pregnant around then, and I think that losing as much weight as possible by then could only help in regards to my supply when the baby is born.
The nurse practitioner suggested that I keep a food journal, which I have quite a lot of experience with, so that shouldn't be a problem. I've been toying with blogging about this weight loss journey for a while, so here we are.
My current weight is 270 lbs. I'm 5'2". My goal is to be at 200 lbs by July 1st. It's a stretch, and I know I'm going to have to work really hard, but I think I can do it. There's a possibility that we'll want to try to get pregnant around then, and I think that losing as much weight as possible by then could only help in regards to my supply when the baby is born.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)