You mentioned how you just smelled the cookies and enjoyed the smell. I had an "AHA!!!" moment  near the beginning of my FTS lifestyle. My kids were baking homemade pizzas and the yeast in the pizza crust was smelling sooo good. I finally realized at that point that I could enjoy the smell of the pizza and stop right there. I didn't have to put it in my mouth to enjoy it. I smell candles and don't eat them. I smell perfume and flowers without consuming them, so why not enjoy the smells of some foods without having to ingest them? It was a HUGE moment for me.

that is such a good point owensmath!!! That will definitely help me out from now on if I think of it like that!!

my mom tried to get me yesterday w homemade ginger snap cookies. They smelled so delicious. I kept putting my face to them to smell them haha

She kept saying have one for christs sake its not going to kill you.

I didnt and she kept baiting me but instead I said sorry gotta go and went to the gym!!

I know this works I just really need to stick to the lifestyle change. And I have except for white wine and vodka waters. I just socialize a lot unfortunately it usually involves drinks and while I only have about 3 or 4 ... that uses up all my carbs in the day and the alcohol gets burned off first. So it needs to go. Ive got to cut back ... and maybe I'll ask for water w lime and tell ppl its vodka waters ha that way I wont get slack for not having a drink.

I need to lose 20-30 by new years eve so I can fit into my dress!! So time to buckle down. Gym here I come. Im going everyday and only doing 30mins cardio due to my ankle just getting out of cast. Plus its all Im approved for right now. But I think 30mins cardio is better than none.

Great part is 30 mins and Im not even winded!! I quit smoking a yr and half ago. Which I think contributed a lot to my weight gain to begin with. But now that Im free and clear of cigarettes for that long no excuses. I will do this!!

Im still here!!!

Sorry I havent been around Ive been insanely busy past couple weeks now that Im not in my cast anymore!!! Loads of social and charity events. Shoot me!! Its NOT so hard to stick to the diet at social events its the wine!!! Ive been drinking too much lately that Ive plateaued however 15lbs in month and half Im pretty happy with that!!

The inches are dropping off however. I started at 49-41-49 ... im at 43-36-46 which makes me happy.

So now Ive decided to cut out the wine completely. Trying to cut out alcohol period. Worst that holidays are around the corner.

Bought some ketone urine stripes to make sure Im in and staying in ketosis. I also got the go ahead to get back in the gym. Bike and free weights only until Im more mobile and ankle is more sturdy.

But I really am loving this lifestyle change ... and people have tried to derail me haha but I shall prevail. Its the damn alcohol at social events.

Niki, have you tried sauteing the calamari in butter, olive oil, and garlic with some oregano?  I think white wine is probably off the list, but a splash might be okay since the alcohol cooks out. A couple of drops of heavy cream could be added if you want to thicken it up.

yes I have yummy ... think im going to make some more roasted red pepper maybe for it as well!!

yeah i just downloaded an iphone app to track weight and net carbs and water intake ... it requires daily weigh in but I do feel its helping by keeping diary of carbs etc

lol Im having hard time w just once a week ... im cheating and doing twice ... maybe 3 lol

i started on april 12th...this particular thread is about my journey:)

amazing!!! you are an inspiration!!! I cant wait to see if I can achieve what you have in 5.5 months!!!

so did my week weigh in ... 6.7lbs lost!!! lets hope I can double this number for next weeks weigh in!!!