Vian

Sorry, I've been terrible at updating this! Work has been super busy!

I'm doing great though. I've lost almost 14 pounds since 12/31 and no sign of keto flu or anything like that. Occasional muscle cramps, but I've been prone to those my whole life and have been supplementing mag and potassium for years, so I just take a little extra when I start getting muscle cramps.

I am loving keto so far. I don't feel deprived at all and all my coworkers are doing a "biggest loser" challenge and basically starving themselves and hungry and miserable, and I'm over here eating fathead pizza and salads with real full-fat dressing and cheese and coffee with heavy cream in it. They all can't believe I'm losing weight eating the way I am!

Have not been working out as I wanted to though, but I'm not that mad about it. I don't mind if I wait on that until the weather warms up.

As for my financial goal, that just got a whole lot easier! I randomly opened a piece of mail from my credit union that had been lying on my coffee table for like 2 weeks instead of just throwing it away (didn't look like a statement or anything important) and turns out it was a balance transfer offer. It contained these special checks that I can fill out to transfer the balance of a high interest credit card over to my CU credit card with 0% APR for 18 months and only a 3% transfer fee. SO I'm totally taking advantage of that! It will make it much easier to pay down that credit card when half of every payment isn't eaten up by interest charges!

Cold is mostly done. Still coughing a little, but feel back to myself. I started Keto on monday, so today was day 5. So far it is easier and harder than I thought. Getting macros just right is a bit hard. I find myself inputting my food into MFP the day before to get my macros right, then eating what I planned out. It's easier in that I haven't had any cravings and I'm only hungry right before my next meal. I also haven't had many negative effects - a little irritable today, but that could entierly be because something at work frayed my last nerve. No temptation to cheat, no keto flu (yet). I have been getting some muscle cramps, but some extra magnesium and potassium should fix that.

Thanks...I'm still battling an epic cold right now, so haven't really gotten started. I stuck to my Whole30 until thursday and then got Pho (sugar in the broth and rice noodles) and enjoyed every bite because there's nothing better than Pho when you're sick. Not really going to worry too much about diet and exercise until I'm well again... *sigh*

It's been a long time since I joined a challenge. I'm sick, so not feeling too creative and clever right now, but I'd still like to join. I actually started on 12/31

Quest: Lose 80lbs (by the end of the year)

• Started 12/31 on The Whole30 and transitioning to Ketogenic diet on 1/6 while still following Whole30 rules as well
• Do Bodyweight workouts 3x per week and Turbofire cardio workouts 3x per week (saturdays off). This one might have to wait until next week - I am very sick right now.

Quest: Keep the house clean!

• Do dishes daily

Quest: Pay down CC debt

• Focusing on one CC with the highest balance and interest rate first. Pay $100 extra per month.

It could well be, for small-sized people.  Keto does tend to reduce the hunger hormones and help you eat less, however in my experience the number of calories does not correlate with weight loss (or health) when ketogenic.  I have been on LCHF then keto for 2.5 years, going from 270 to 180 lbs and reversing my T2 diabetes, and when I log food, I get anything between 1100 and 2700 Kcal per day.  I am also 5'9" (and a half, actually).  I also do IF, so that is why the calories are so irregular.  But that's the whole point with keto, your energy comes out of your body fat (once your insulin is lowered it allows the fat to be mobilised).  Ultimately, I wouldn't worry too much about calories (as long as on average you aren't massively over- or under-eating).
What is your goal, though?  Weight loss or health improvements, or both?  Do you exercise and how?  (FWIW, I just walked for the first year)
Finally, I don't have that book, but I've seen her website and the recipes look yummy!
 

I've been on this quest for 5 years and had some success, and a lot of failure. I lost 60 pounds...and then gained almost all of it back due to a stressful job and a wacky schedule that changed all the time so I couldn't eat at the times that were healthiest for my body. 

Now I have a job that gives me a regular, normal schedule; my psoriasis is in remission and I've reintroduced all the foods besides soy and gluten without flair-ups. After a lot of trial and error, I know that being on the low-ish end of the carbohydrate spectrum leaves me feeling better and losing weight more easily, so I've decided to take it even further and try whole30-keto at the beginning of the year. I'm going to start a regular whole30 on December 30th and still eat natural fruit and veggie carbs like root veggies for the first week. It will still be a good step down in carbs from what i've been eating recently (rice, gluten-free breads, sweets, etc.) then after that first week I will transition into full Keto-whole30.

I have a cookbook that is basically a paleo/whole30 keto thing. The author mentions the whole30 and paleo in the book, and all the recipes are keto, paleo, and dairy-free. She recommends starting off dairy free for the first 30 days to let your gut heal, then if you tolerate dairy you can add back full-fat dairy sources like grass-fed butter, ghee, heavy cream, etc. So that's what I'm going to do. Light exercise during the first 2-3 weeks while I get adjusted (probably just enough bodyweight workouts so that when I start working out for real I'm not one big ball of delayed-onset muscle soreness for 3 days afterwards)

My job pays well enough that I might even be able to afford a gym membership, though I'll need to do more research before I commit to that. 

Right now I am gathering recipes and getting together a rough meal plan. The Keto book has a meal plan, but I don't love ALL the recipes in the book and the author also only gives 2 meals per day in the meal plan because she is a big proponent of intermittent fasting, but I'm not sure how I would be able to fit that into my schedule quite yet, and the idea of skipping a meal where I'm at right now is pretty daunting. Maybe once I've got the swing of keto and I'm not hungry ever, I'll be able to work in intermittent fasting as well, but one step at a time.

Im thinking of giving keto a try after the new year. I bought a cook book that had recipes that i liked regardless of being keto or not, but its called the 30 day ketogenic cleanse by maria emmerich. In the beginning of the book where she is talking about the principles of keto, she says that 1100-1300 calories are enough for most of her clients. I understand that you tend to be less hungry on a keto diet, but that seems really low. I am 5'9" tall and currently about 250lbs. and 1800 calories is a deficit for me.

Is it normal to go that low on calories on keto for weight loss?

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I'm doing a whole30 right now, and when I am on the whole30 my carb intake is usually between 75 and 100 grams of carbs per day (not counting while doing the program, but I used to count, so I know how many carbs and calories are in the foods I typically eat) so low-ish carbs, but not low enough to be keto. I've never gone low enough to actually hit ketosis. I saw a paleo keto cookbook at costco today and the recipes looked really good, so it got me thinking about trying keto, but I've heard that especially for women it can be really hard on the adrenals and cause an adrenal crash and thyroid problems. Would having a carb refeed day prevent this issue? How do you do carb refeeds? Typically on keto you would keep carbs below like 20-30g and eat plenty of fat and protein. On a refeed day, do you go low fat and high carbs without going over your calorie limit? I have about 70lbs to lose, so I'm trying to lose weight, not build muscle perse (though getting stronger is definitely on my list). Any good resources on how to safely do keto as a woman without risking adrenal fatigue and thyroid crashes?

Okay ... Why does your character believe this god is real and/or a threat?

Would the cult actually be bad at running the government?

I'm trying to avoid typing out the entire plot. Trust me, the cult is bad. Otherwise there is no story. Lets move on to the question I actually asked please.

If it's a story about politics, then magic related to mind reading, emotions or truth would be useful.

Why would it be bad if this organization took over?

Because they are a cult bent on awakening their God, who went insane and was imprisoned after a battle with his brother that rendered 80% of the planet uninhabitable. 

What's the story about?

A young mage and her two new friends who uncover a plot hatched by a secret organization to control the government and install one of their own into the highest position of power. Now she and her friends have to use their unique abilities to stop the appointment of the new leader and try to uncover just how deep this secret organization's roots go into the fabric of their society...

I have been working on writing a novel since I was 13-14 years old (I'm 30 now). It's gone through a LOT of changes, literally the only things that are the same are the main character's first name and the fact that she has a Frisian horse named Nightmare. Oh, and that she has magic powers. So 3 things.

Anyway, the current version of the story that I just started not too long ago and am still fleshing out needs some suggestions. I've run into some walls.

I would like my protagonist to have druid-like nature powers (No shape-shifting or communicating with animals though!) What individual things or concepts can be associated with druid nature powers?

Also, I would like her to have an affinity with the moon and possibly be able to draw power from the moon/ have moon-themed spells and abilities without ripping off sailor moon or druids in WoW. 

Basically, I'm looking for cool thematic things to solidify what her powers look like and what kind of power she has.

Thanks!

I am posting on behalf of my best friend. He is about 150lbs. overweight with high blood pressure and his cholesterol is out of whack too. He is a single guy who is very busy and often forgets to eat until he's so hungry then he eats WAY too much, so he needs easy food on hand and available so he doesn't go too long without eating.

I'm looking for low carb, super easy recipes. Things like crock pot meals, casseroles, one-pot meals that are like throw everything together and apply heat. He does not have any dietary restrictions, but is wanting to stay pretty low carb. I am going to try and convert him to full paleo eventually, but right now I think it's too much for him to think about, so it doesn't have to be paleo. 

He loves ethnic foods, especially mexican (he's from texas), but also indian and asian foods, curries, etc. Spicy and flavorful is excellent. 

So, requirements:

• low carb
• low sodium
• super easy
• one-pot

Thanks in advance!

I've done exactly what your dentist suggested after having my wisdom teeth out, I had no adverse effects other than having to wake up multiple times in the night to get my doses in (if I skipped one it hurt).  The reason they can overlap has already been explained well enough.  You have to really take a lot of either to actually damage organs.

I wass taking the maximum dose of ibuprofen for about 2 weeks (doctor prescribed for a medical procedure) it was 800mg every 8 hours. On days 10-14 my kidneys started to hurt, so I stopped taking it unless I really needed it, since the pain was much less than it had been. I'm healthy with no history of kidney failure or disease...so, even just the max prescribed dose can start to cause problems with organs in a relatively short amount of time. as soon as I stopped taking it, the pain in my kidneys went away.

Ibuprofen is also metabolized by the kidneys, not the liver, so if you OD it would cause kidney damage/failure. NSAID's also cause stomach bleeding, so always take them with food. The absolute max dose of ibuprofen is 2400mg per day (divided into at least 3 doses of 800mg, 8 hours apart) but that should only be done under a doctors supervision. OTC versions of it limit you to 1200mg for safety reasons. If you stick to 1200mg per day (I'd do 400mg every 8 hours) you should be fine for 2 weeks. it says not to take it longer than 10 days without a doctors approval. So long as you are relatively healthy, don't have a history of liver or kidney damage, and stay away from the alcohol, and drink plenty of water, it should be fine. 

As for natural remedies though, there is one thing that is excellent for toothaches: clove oil. Put a drop on the spot where it hurts and it actually numbs the area. It's amazing. I use an essential oil blend called Healthy mouth blend by Orawellness that includes clove oil and if I get some directly on a part of my mouth and not diluted by saliva or toothpaste, it numbs the area instantly. Make sure not to use essential oils straight, you have to mix them with a carrier oil or they can be harmful.

1. Visit Japan, Ireland, Scotland

2. Own a small self-sufficient farm

3. Learn a martial art - Kendo sounds fun + swords

I got an interview! Phone interview on thursday, and face-to-face on tuesday. Hopefully I get the job! I also went running 3 times this week, but only did my bodyweight workout once I stuck pretty close to calories too, maybe a little over a couple days.

I ended up forgetting to workout on monday. I woke up too late, so it was too hot to do it in the morning, then by evening I had gotten sucked into a game and when I realized it was cool enough, it was also dark. 

Tuesday I got up early and went for a run (week 5), and also stuck to my calories pretty close at 1711 calories for the day

This morning I got up, went for a run, but I did week 2 of the app instead of week 5, then came home and did my bodyweight workout, then went for a short walk with my roommate who wants to lose weight too, but who is VERY out of shape, so we're starting slow.

I'm doing the Dirty Dash next month. Unfortunately the glow run isn't available where I live. I don't know if I'll do the color run again though, while it was a fun experience, I didn't really like getting corn starch all over my skin, in my mouth, up my nose, and even in my ears and eyes, especially since I avoid anything with corn in it because it's usually GMO and is a grain (I'm paleo AIP for autoimmune disease). I will likely start doing the dirty dash every year though.

Thanks guys. I'm actually not that depressed about being unemployed. I'm in a much better situation now than I was the last time I was unemployed, so it's not that bad. At least my car is paid off this time. And this time I actually have a degree and skills that are fairly in demand. 

The 5k went well. On thursday I did more reps on my bodyweight workout and lo and behold, DOMS on friday, saturday, AND sunday. Friday I still ran the C25k app, and then saturday of course I did the color me rad 5k. I ran about 3/4 of it and finished in about 45-50 minutes, so I'm pretty happy with that. I totally failed on calories and watching what I ate, though. On Wednesday my mom was making snacks for a club meeting we go to (orchid society) and talked me into making some cookies that I could actually eat (I have a lot of food sensitivities) so I made them...and then ate far too many over the next few days. But, it's a new week, so I can start over on that goal.

I did get 3 job applications put in last week, and I also got all my CE's to renew my certification and got that paid for. Hopefully they get it to me before it expires in a month and a half

Color Me Rad. It was a lot of fun, and I ran more than half of it, probably 3/4 or so in about 45-50 minutes.

First day went pretty well. I went over on calories a bit (1800) but overall a good day. I went for my run in the morning. Week 4 day 1 of the C25k app. 

This morning I went for a 20 minute walk, then came home and did my bodyweight workout. I have to start out slow (since I haven't done it in weeks) or the DOMS will be unbearable, so only 10 squats and lunges and 20 pushups and situps. I could totally do more, but from experience I know I wouldn't be able to walk tomorrow if I did. Thursday I will do more. 

I need to get my ass in gear. I've come so far and I need to keep going. I'll be 30 in 4 months. I don't want to still be where I am now when I'm 30.

I have a color run next weekend, which was one of my big "before I'm 30 goals". I've been doing the C25k app for the past 9 weeks, but I'm only on week 4 because I kept repeating weeks. I probably won't be able to run the whole thing (I'm actually sure of it) but I want to run every other kilometer, so run 1, walk 2, run 3, walk 4, run 5. But after the color run, I have the dirty dash in July, so I need to keep up with the app, plus do other workouts to build strength in my arms and upper body especially, but lower body too, so I can do the obstacles. I also want to start losing weight again, as I've been stuck for about 2 years after losing 55 pounds (I was up to having lost 68lbs, but I gained a little back) 

Goal 1: Do the C25k app 3x a week (m, w, f) to get ready for the two 5k's I signed up for in the next month. Stretch afterwards. 

• 1 point in dex and 2 points in stamina for 3 weeks, plus 1 point in dex if for 6 weeks

Goal 2: On off days (t, th, sat) do bodyweight workouts: Kettlebell swings, pushups, squats, lunges, situps, rows. Stretch afterwards.

• 2 points in strength for 3 weeks, plus 1 point in stamina for 6 weeks

Goal 3: Be more consistent with counting calories and stick to 1700 or less calories per day. Also need to eat on a more consistent schedule, which will be breakfast at 8am after my workout, lunch between 12 and 1, and dinner between 6 and 7. No snacking if I can help it.

• 1 point in Constitution and 2 points in Wisdom for 3 weeks, plus 1 point in Constitution for 6 weeks

Life goal: I lost my job last week due to lack of work. I filed for unemployment, which should cover me for 6 months, but I desperately need to find a job ASAP. I had a lot of plans for the end of this year that require money, and what I get from unemployment won't cover it. I had a vacation to Seattle scheduled for the week of my 30th birthday, and I also put down $750 on half a grass fed cow, and I need to come up with the other $900 or so before November or I lose the deposit. So I will put in AT LEAST 3 job applications (required by unemployment) but as many as I can find each week, and work on updating my resume. I also need to get 6 more Continuing Education Credits to maintain my certification. That will happen before the end of this week.

• 1 point in Charisma for 3 applications per week, 2 points for 5 applications per week, plus 1 point in Wisdom after 6 weeks for finishing my CE's and renewing my certification.

I only wear makeup for special occasions. I started oil cleansing my face with avocado oil mixed 2:1 with castor oil. I put a little in my hands and rub it onto my dry face before I get in the shower, then I take a washcloth and get it wet with hot water and lay it over my face until it's cool, repeat once, then use the washcloth to rub the oil off. It leaves my skin really smooth, and makes it less oily than it used to be. My job is also behind the scenes away from customers, so I don't feel like I need to wear makeup most days.

When I do wear makeup, I use Every Day Minerals. It's like Bare Minerals, but cheaper. The ingredients are just mica and mineral powders. I haven't worn mascara in a long time, but I'm planning to make my own with charcoal and various oils as I'm very sensitive to chemicals.

I saw these at Old Navy yesterday and bought the grey avengers one for myself. Most of them are kid and baby sizes, there's 5 marvel and 6 DC shirts in adult sizes. I thought they were pretty cool and thought my fellow nerds might be interested.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=marvel

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=DC