Diet therapy for narcolepsy -- Husain et al. 62 (12): 2300 -- Neurology
The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) on sleepiness and other narcolepsy symptoms were studied. Nine patients with narcolepsy were asked to adhere to the Atkins’ diet plan, and their symptoms were assessed using the Narcolepsy Symptom Status Questionnaire (NSSQ). The NSSQ–Total score decreased by 18% from 161.9 to 133.5 (p = 0.0019) over 8 weeks. Patients with narcolepsy experienced modest improvements in daytime sleepiness on an LCKD.
Monday, December 24, 2007
update
Well hey there!
I noticed I was falling behind with keeping this thing updated. I would get behind a few days, and then feel bad that like typical ADD stuff, here was another chore I was behind in. It gets frustrating. So I decided to keep a record on a paper planner instead. That's okay, but I don't write as many personal comments as I do here, since I hate handwriting- its so slow. Typing is much better. Should get voice recognition- since that would be the fastest by far.
Well, I'm at 263 right now. Been struggling with carbs. Candy at work, sesame chicken, a cookie here and there- and then holidays now.
Made an appointment to see a doc about ADD- might get a diagnosis and meds. I've been trying to figure out everything on my own- and tying it down to sleep/light and diet. It's hard to recreate a paleo diet and sleep routine- esp with work, food temptations, and peer pressure.
Reading more stuff than ever, and still confused. Reading more about narcolepsy today. Orexin involved with hunger, sleep, alertness. Sounds like ADD and diabetes rolled into one. I know the whole syndrome is related- all these things. Red light goggles help ADD. Obese/diabetics have depression, ADD causes/caused by sleep problems, etc etc. But I need to find the end of the thread and start pulling if I want to unwind this thing. I guess that would have to be the twin devils of sleep and carbs. Maybe I need to focus on just doing the right thing instead of figuring out HOW it works. I would like to take a few months to really experiment with a leakproof diet and sleep regimine, and blog the results. Now I'm on a routine where I generally try to sleep more, and eat less carbs- and it does help. But my motivation flags so often. What cinced the deal? This guy in this ADD group told me the medicine wears off after a while, but that for three years on meds he was all there- and got his masters degree easily. Man, I could sure use three good years! So Jan 3, we'll see what the crazy doc says.
Meanwhile, I lay plans for the uber-diet...
grassfed twice a day?
sleep 12 hours?
walk outside 3 times a week?
weights once a week?
I noticed I was falling behind with keeping this thing updated. I would get behind a few days, and then feel bad that like typical ADD stuff, here was another chore I was behind in. It gets frustrating. So I decided to keep a record on a paper planner instead. That's okay, but I don't write as many personal comments as I do here, since I hate handwriting- its so slow. Typing is much better. Should get voice recognition- since that would be the fastest by far.
Well, I'm at 263 right now. Been struggling with carbs. Candy at work, sesame chicken, a cookie here and there- and then holidays now.
Made an appointment to see a doc about ADD- might get a diagnosis and meds. I've been trying to figure out everything on my own- and tying it down to sleep/light and diet. It's hard to recreate a paleo diet and sleep routine- esp with work, food temptations, and peer pressure.
Reading more stuff than ever, and still confused. Reading more about narcolepsy today. Orexin involved with hunger, sleep, alertness. Sounds like ADD and diabetes rolled into one. I know the whole syndrome is related- all these things. Red light goggles help ADD. Obese/diabetics have depression, ADD causes/caused by sleep problems, etc etc. But I need to find the end of the thread and start pulling if I want to unwind this thing. I guess that would have to be the twin devils of sleep and carbs. Maybe I need to focus on just doing the right thing instead of figuring out HOW it works. I would like to take a few months to really experiment with a leakproof diet and sleep regimine, and blog the results. Now I'm on a routine where I generally try to sleep more, and eat less carbs- and it does help. But my motivation flags so often. What cinced the deal? This guy in this ADD group told me the medicine wears off after a while, but that for three years on meds he was all there- and got his masters degree easily. Man, I could sure use three good years! So Jan 3, we'll see what the crazy doc says.
Meanwhile, I lay plans for the uber-diet...
grassfed twice a day?
sleep 12 hours?
walk outside 3 times a week?
weights once a week?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Day 189 Sunday October 15
FOOD
bacon and eggs
cheese and crackers
pretzels
lunch meat
WEIGHT 257
CAFFEINE
SLEEP 11 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
had friends over today. Totally broke still. That's depressing. Still trying to get organized. Carbs are creeping back into my life in a big way. Feeling overwhelmed. Trying to organize my time and realizing there's no time to do stuff, no money to do stuff, and no motivation to do stuff. Other than that I'm great. Blah. Starting to play around with skoach.com. It's sorta complex. The hope is that it can organize you. But you have to input so much stuff in, and estimate times for things, and block out times and appointments. If you can do all that, you're already organized. Then the start up time is immense. I told myself thinkingrock was going to be the last thing I worked on for a long time. and now I'm starting something new, like that will help my problems.
Reading about chaos magick. Great. Another impractical thing for me to spend hours reading about. And of course reading about it on the web gets me into hundreds of related interesting topics. Reading interesting stuff on the internet.
Once I read the last interesting article, and finally get organized, then I'll start doing things like paying bills, doing paperwork, getting a girlfriend, buying a condo, taking vacations, right?
Not doing so well. Not in a bad mood per se. Just feeling ineffective. Losing my mooring.
What's going well?
doing fairly well with sleep, so I don't feel exhausted. Doing fairly well with getting to work on time. Hanging out with friends lately. Keeping in touch with people a little more. Haven't lost more weight, but haven't gained any either. I'm at a plateu, eating candy bars at work, eating bad lunches at work, eating bad on weekends with friends. Not stocking up on meat foods.
bacon and eggs
cheese and crackers
pretzels
lunch meat
WEIGHT 257
CAFFEINE
SLEEP 11 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
had friends over today. Totally broke still. That's depressing. Still trying to get organized. Carbs are creeping back into my life in a big way. Feeling overwhelmed. Trying to organize my time and realizing there's no time to do stuff, no money to do stuff, and no motivation to do stuff. Other than that I'm great. Blah. Starting to play around with skoach.com. It's sorta complex. The hope is that it can organize you. But you have to input so much stuff in, and estimate times for things, and block out times and appointments. If you can do all that, you're already organized. Then the start up time is immense. I told myself thinkingrock was going to be the last thing I worked on for a long time. and now I'm starting something new, like that will help my problems.
Reading about chaos magick. Great. Another impractical thing for me to spend hours reading about. And of course reading about it on the web gets me into hundreds of related interesting topics. Reading interesting stuff on the internet.
Once I read the last interesting article, and finally get organized, then I'll start doing things like paying bills, doing paperwork, getting a girlfriend, buying a condo, taking vacations, right?
Not doing so well. Not in a bad mood per se. Just feeling ineffective. Losing my mooring.
What's going well?
doing fairly well with sleep, so I don't feel exhausted. Doing fairly well with getting to work on time. Hanging out with friends lately. Keeping in touch with people a little more. Haven't lost more weight, but haven't gained any either. I'm at a plateu, eating candy bars at work, eating bad lunches at work, eating bad on weekends with friends. Not stocking up on meat foods.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Day 184, Tuesday October 9
FOOD
bacon and eggs
chicken wings for lunch
m and m's
chocolate bar
snickers bar
lamb, sour creme and shredded cheese for dinner
WEIGHT 263!
CAFFEINE coffee
SLEEP 8 hours?
SUN got some the day before
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Not a great day, not a terrible day. Got a few things done at work, stuff turned out okay in the end.
Saw something interesting. This harvard psychologist showed how we overestimate how bad or good things will be. He wrote some book, I think stumbling towards happiness. Well, anyway, we basically have a set happiness level, and even things like winning the lottery or losing our legs have an effect that wears off after only a few months. I'd heard this before, but it was interesting watching the video. Kind of depressing. I don't think I'm depressed, I just don't thing things are all that exciting. I guess in a way, I don't fall into the category he described, where people OVERestimate how happy losing weight, or meeting a new girfriend, or getting a new job will make them. It seems like hardly worth the effort to do stuff like that. I can't get motivated because it seems like there's not much of a reward at the end. In a weird way, according to his research, I'm right. It seems to me like the easy pleasures, like sleeping late, reading and surfing the web are about as good as it gets. All the other stuff has as many downsides as upside, and besides, it's a lot of work and may not pay off anyway. Especially if you procrastinate like I do and don't finish jobs, and reap the rewards in the end.
Like I got this girl's phonenumber at work recently. In a way, I don't want to call her. I always have this problem. She's interested in me. I guess as an average guy, I should push ahead, so I can get laid. Haven't had sex in what, two years now? But for some reason, it just seems like another chore. More shit I have to do because other people want me to, or because I'm SUPPOSED to do it. Not that I dont' enjoy sex, it just seems like a huge effort to get to the goal, and it might not pay off anyway. Being lazy pays off RIGHT NOW.
It has to be something with dopamine. The motivational neurotransmitter that drives us to seek rewards. Like sex, money, power. ADD means low dopamine. Everything is permitted, but nothing is worth doing. I just coast through life, doing the bare minimum, so that nothing bad happens. And if I have to do something to avoid that bad outcome, I wait until the last possible minute. I think short term all the time. Dopamine motivates to long term rewards.
How to fix dopamine deficit? Exercise, caffeine (I do that one!), sleep, light during the day, stimulant medication (ritalin ex.).
Right now I'm hungry, but I'm too lazy to get up and make dinner. Then tomorrow more work, doing everything at the last minute. People ask what I'm doing tomorrow, and I don't know. I plan everything minutes beforehand. If that cats didn't meow so much, they wouldn't get fed. It's like they're in charge of telling me "feed us dummy". "play with us you lazy shit". They're more mature than I am. Fuck.
Again, I'm not sad. I'm just apathetic. The one thing I like is learning new stuff, thinking creativly. There has to be a way to harness that productively. If I have a boss saying do this now, do that, I'll work all day and never complain. I don't hide from work. I do extra things all the time. I just have problems self starting.
I signed up for this program online called skoach.com. Might be interesting. You do a big project tree, and map out your schedule, and it puts tasks in the right slots for you and monitors compliance. We'll see if it works. I thought thinkingrock was going to do it for me, but as awesome as it is, I end up with a huge list of shit to do, and no idea where to start. Most of it is "could do" stuff, and I have trouble identifying what's really important. Or I can, but I focus on busy work to avoid the important stuff.
Damn those candy bars at work. People selling them, and I'm on a roll with the sweets from visiting my mom and eating junk with her. She has all kinds of meds, I think for diabetes. Although she won't tell me she has diabetes. She eats carbs and sweets like crazy, and is on the low fat kick. What a fucking joke.
bacon and eggs
chicken wings for lunch
m and m's
chocolate bar
snickers bar
lamb, sour creme and shredded cheese for dinner
WEIGHT 263!
CAFFEINE coffee
SLEEP 8 hours?
SUN got some the day before
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Not a great day, not a terrible day. Got a few things done at work, stuff turned out okay in the end.
Saw something interesting. This harvard psychologist showed how we overestimate how bad or good things will be. He wrote some book, I think stumbling towards happiness. Well, anyway, we basically have a set happiness level, and even things like winning the lottery or losing our legs have an effect that wears off after only a few months. I'd heard this before, but it was interesting watching the video. Kind of depressing. I don't think I'm depressed, I just don't thing things are all that exciting. I guess in a way, I don't fall into the category he described, where people OVERestimate how happy losing weight, or meeting a new girfriend, or getting a new job will make them. It seems like hardly worth the effort to do stuff like that. I can't get motivated because it seems like there's not much of a reward at the end. In a weird way, according to his research, I'm right. It seems to me like the easy pleasures, like sleeping late, reading and surfing the web are about as good as it gets. All the other stuff has as many downsides as upside, and besides, it's a lot of work and may not pay off anyway. Especially if you procrastinate like I do and don't finish jobs, and reap the rewards in the end.
Like I got this girl's phonenumber at work recently. In a way, I don't want to call her. I always have this problem. She's interested in me. I guess as an average guy, I should push ahead, so I can get laid. Haven't had sex in what, two years now? But for some reason, it just seems like another chore. More shit I have to do because other people want me to, or because I'm SUPPOSED to do it. Not that I dont' enjoy sex, it just seems like a huge effort to get to the goal, and it might not pay off anyway. Being lazy pays off RIGHT NOW.
It has to be something with dopamine. The motivational neurotransmitter that drives us to seek rewards. Like sex, money, power. ADD means low dopamine. Everything is permitted, but nothing is worth doing. I just coast through life, doing the bare minimum, so that nothing bad happens. And if I have to do something to avoid that bad outcome, I wait until the last possible minute. I think short term all the time. Dopamine motivates to long term rewards.
How to fix dopamine deficit? Exercise, caffeine (I do that one!), sleep, light during the day, stimulant medication (ritalin ex.).
Right now I'm hungry, but I'm too lazy to get up and make dinner. Then tomorrow more work, doing everything at the last minute. People ask what I'm doing tomorrow, and I don't know. I plan everything minutes beforehand. If that cats didn't meow so much, they wouldn't get fed. It's like they're in charge of telling me "feed us dummy". "play with us you lazy shit". They're more mature than I am. Fuck.
Again, I'm not sad. I'm just apathetic. The one thing I like is learning new stuff, thinking creativly. There has to be a way to harness that productively. If I have a boss saying do this now, do that, I'll work all day and never complain. I don't hide from work. I do extra things all the time. I just have problems self starting.
I signed up for this program online called skoach.com. Might be interesting. You do a big project tree, and map out your schedule, and it puts tasks in the right slots for you and monitors compliance. We'll see if it works. I thought thinkingrock was going to do it for me, but as awesome as it is, I end up with a huge list of shit to do, and no idea where to start. Most of it is "could do" stuff, and I have trouble identifying what's really important. Or I can, but I focus on busy work to avoid the important stuff.
Damn those candy bars at work. People selling them, and I'm on a roll with the sweets from visiting my mom and eating junk with her. She has all kinds of meds, I think for diabetes. Although she won't tell me she has diabetes. She eats carbs and sweets like crazy, and is on the low fat kick. What a fucking joke.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Day 180 Friday Oct 5
FOOD
bacon and eggs
coffees
1 breaded fish patty
1 cup heavy whipping cream
eggs
2 bacon
3 pcs swiss cheese
3 pieces string cheese
WEIGHT 253
CAFFEINE lots
SLEEP 8 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Good day at work. Super crazy, had to do crowd control, but really liked it. Felt good about my ability to do my job. Did extra and really pulled my weight. Was unprepared and improvised at one point.
I am experimenting with the kirby alarm scheduler. You can have it start programs, and deliver pop up and wav alarms. I am playing around with text to speech online, so I can have the computer tell me to do things. Hope this helps me.
bacon and eggs
coffees
1 breaded fish patty
1 cup heavy whipping cream
eggs
2 bacon
3 pcs swiss cheese
3 pieces string cheese
WEIGHT 253
CAFFEINE lots
SLEEP 8 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Good day at work. Super crazy, had to do crowd control, but really liked it. Felt good about my ability to do my job. Did extra and really pulled my weight. Was unprepared and improvised at one point.
I am experimenting with the kirby alarm scheduler. You can have it start programs, and deliver pop up and wav alarms. I am playing around with text to speech online, so I can have the computer tell me to do things. Hope this helps me.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Day 176 Monday October 1
FOOD
breakfast 2 lg coffees
lunch- 2 pcs chicken wings
after work- 5 breaded chicken tenders at mcdonalds, with bbq sauce
coffee
dinner
grassfed beef
some ketchup
WEIGHT 260
CAFFEINE
SLEEP 7 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
was sleepy today. Busy at work. Feeling overwhelmed, but I keep plugging along. Still chaos from the job switch. Had a meeting today that went well.
Want to make this month really good for my diet and exercise. Nov 1 marks one year I've been dieting. I won't say paleo, since I've cheated way too much. But that has been my goal.
Feeling in an okay mood today, other than lack of sleep.
Going to be RIGHT NOW to fix that problem!
breakfast 2 lg coffees
lunch- 2 pcs chicken wings
after work- 5 breaded chicken tenders at mcdonalds, with bbq sauce
coffee
dinner
grassfed beef
some ketchup
WEIGHT 260
CAFFEINE
SLEEP 7 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
was sleepy today. Busy at work. Feeling overwhelmed, but I keep plugging along. Still chaos from the job switch. Had a meeting today that went well.
Want to make this month really good for my diet and exercise. Nov 1 marks one year I've been dieting. I won't say paleo, since I've cheated way too much. But that has been my goal.
Feeling in an okay mood today, other than lack of sleep.
Going to be RIGHT NOW to fix that problem!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Day 175 Sunday September 30
FOOD
1 lb rib meat no sauce
2 lg coffees
3 burgers, 2 with cheese (no bread)
and ketchup
diet pop
1 1/2 pork chops with bbq sauce
lots of chocolate cake
sesame chicken
rice
teriyaki beef
(too full, but forced myself to eat this "treat", because I'm going to get stricter in my diet tomorrow. Stupid diet mentality)
WEIGHT 285
CAFFEINE lots
SLEEP 9 hours?
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Hang with friends. Nice time. Spent time in woods. Meditated for 5 minutes. Want to start meditating, and I certainly did that. Nice to be outside.
I always find myself in the woods, trying to relax and get a "green dose", and all I do is obsess on chores. Sometimes I realize that all my chores are stupid. Most are things I could do, only a few are vital, and they aren't done because they're paperwork and I could probably do all of them in a few days if I had more motivation and money (bills are a chore category that stumps me duet to lack of funds sometimes. You need money to get stuff done. Without money many chores can't possibly get done anyway.)
None of these chores are really goals, or real projects. Things I want to achieve. Things that I want to do, or have a good payoff I can visualize. Just stuff I could do, or stuff I should do. Nothing I want to do. Chore mentality. When it comes to what I want to do I can't decide, and don't have drive. Well, sun's going down, time to leave the woods, with nothing settled. Too bad I couldn't just enjoy the trip to the woods in its own right. It was a venue to solve problems I didn't solve anyway.
Blah.
Okay day, still, anyway. Stayed up too late though.
1 lb rib meat no sauce
2 lg coffees
3 burgers, 2 with cheese (no bread)
and ketchup
diet pop
1 1/2 pork chops with bbq sauce
lots of chocolate cake
sesame chicken
rice
teriyaki beef
(too full, but forced myself to eat this "treat", because I'm going to get stricter in my diet tomorrow. Stupid diet mentality)
WEIGHT 285
CAFFEINE lots
SLEEP 9 hours?
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Hang with friends. Nice time. Spent time in woods. Meditated for 5 minutes. Want to start meditating, and I certainly did that. Nice to be outside.
I always find myself in the woods, trying to relax and get a "green dose", and all I do is obsess on chores. Sometimes I realize that all my chores are stupid. Most are things I could do, only a few are vital, and they aren't done because they're paperwork and I could probably do all of them in a few days if I had more motivation and money (bills are a chore category that stumps me duet to lack of funds sometimes. You need money to get stuff done. Without money many chores can't possibly get done anyway.)
None of these chores are really goals, or real projects. Things I want to achieve. Things that I want to do, or have a good payoff I can visualize. Just stuff I could do, or stuff I should do. Nothing I want to do. Chore mentality. When it comes to what I want to do I can't decide, and don't have drive. Well, sun's going down, time to leave the woods, with nothing settled. Too bad I couldn't just enjoy the trip to the woods in its own right. It was a venue to solve problems I didn't solve anyway.
Blah.
Okay day, still, anyway. Stayed up too late though.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Day 170 Tuesday September 25
FOOD bacon and eggs
No lunch
5 ounces of liver
2 cups of baked beans
Seven crackers, some cheese and salami
WEIGHT 253
CAFFEINE 8 cups coffee, with heavy whipping cream
SLEEP 10 HRS
SUN
EXERCISE walk for 1 hour
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
So, today wasn't such a bad day really. I was pretty busy at work but at least now I know what's going on and I'm starting to get things rolling. mood was fairly good. I'm sure that eating fewer carbohydrates yesterday has made an improvement in my mood today. Actually, I didn't eat anything yesterday at all and I felt pretty good. I found another bottle of ketostix today. So I did it yesterday and had no ketones at all last night. I had a lot of carbohydrates on Sunday, so that's why.
I was busy all day today, but, when it's busy at least I know what I should be doing and although it's frustrating at times I feel more productive. I'm not sitting there thinking of projects I could be doing and be unable to decide which one to start. I've said it before, but it seems as that when I'm under the gun the adrenaline makes it easier for me to decide what I should be doing, and to get started on doing it. I guess that's why I always end up procrastinating on things until the very last minute when it becomes a crisis and then I become motivated to actually do it. Sometimes that really pisses me off.
No lunch
5 ounces of liver
2 cups of baked beans
Seven crackers, some cheese and salami
WEIGHT 253
CAFFEINE 8 cups coffee, with heavy whipping cream
SLEEP 10 HRS
SUN
EXERCISE walk for 1 hour
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
So, today wasn't such a bad day really. I was pretty busy at work but at least now I know what's going on and I'm starting to get things rolling. mood was fairly good. I'm sure that eating fewer carbohydrates yesterday has made an improvement in my mood today. Actually, I didn't eat anything yesterday at all and I felt pretty good. I found another bottle of ketostix today. So I did it yesterday and had no ketones at all last night. I had a lot of carbohydrates on Sunday, so that's why.
I was busy all day today, but, when it's busy at least I know what I should be doing and although it's frustrating at times I feel more productive. I'm not sitting there thinking of projects I could be doing and be unable to decide which one to start. I've said it before, but it seems as that when I'm under the gun the adrenaline makes it easier for me to decide what I should be doing, and to get started on doing it. I guess that's why I always end up procrastinating on things until the very last minute when it becomes a crisis and then I become motivated to actually do it. Sometimes that really pisses me off.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Day 169 Monday September 24th
FOOD
I didn't eat anything today. I had a lot of carbs yesterday.
WEIGHT 255
CAFFEINE two super large coffees, coffee lunch
SLEEP about 9 hours I think
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES none at all
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Pretty crazy. I had so many carbs yesterday even though I didn't eat anything today, when I did the ketostix I had a negative result.
I was in an OK mood today. Busy day, started with my new department, but getting enough sleep, and low carbing, really seem to help.
Also, today in the morning I took a phentermine tablet. It's an energy booster for sure.
I didn't eat anything today. I had a lot of carbs yesterday.
WEIGHT 255
CAFFEINE two super large coffees, coffee lunch
SLEEP about 9 hours I think
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES none at all
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Pretty crazy. I had so many carbs yesterday even though I didn't eat anything today, when I did the ketostix I had a negative result.
I was in an OK mood today. Busy day, started with my new department, but getting enough sleep, and low carbing, really seem to help.
Also, today in the morning I took a phentermine tablet. It's an energy booster for sure.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
BAAD rating scale for ADD
BROWN ATTENTION-ACTIVATION DISORDER (BAAD) SCALE
Found this on Dr-Bob message board. rating scale is from Dr. Thomas E. Brown, who has a site at drthomasebrown.com
BROWN ATTENTION-ACTIVATION DISORDER (BAAD) SCALE
(Note: in this report the term ADD-H is used to signify "Attention Deficit Disorder WITHOUT Hyperactivity")
The AAD (Attention Activation Disorder) construct includes problems in the following areas:
Activating and organizing to work
Sustaining attention and concentration
Sustaining energy and effort
Irritability, depressed mood, rejection sensitivity Activating recall of aims and learned information
"Bright children and adolescents who suffer from attention deficit disorder are at a special risk of having their ADD problems go unrecognized and untreated. Within a pattern of under-achievement, their natural intellectual abilities produce intermittent successes which can mask ADD problems, especially if the person is not hyperactive. This study involved a population of high-IQ children, adolescents, and adults who were underachieving and had symptoms of ADD-H.
Research by Lahey et al. (1988) has shown that Attention Deficit Disorder is not unidimensional and that a subgroup of ADD patients exhibits a pattern of inattention and sluggish tempo WITHOUT hyperactivity. Barkley (1990) has demonstrated that this subgroup also shows less aggression, impulsivity, and overactivity at home and at school, and more of a problem with memory, perceptual-motor speed, and central processing speed. Barkley has suggested that the symptoms of ADD-H are sufficiently different from those of ADHD to warrant considering these as two separate and unique disorders, rather than as subtypes of a single attention disturbance."
ACTIVATING AND ORGANIZING TO WORK
- Has difficulty getting started on tasks; e.g., homework,
reports.
- Feels overwhelmed; e.g., "No way I can do this now" by tasks
which should be managable.
- When first presented with many things to do, has difficulty
deciding which to do first and then getting started.
- Procrastinates excessively; keeps putting things off.
- Slow to react or get started; sluggish, slow moving, doesn't
just jump into things.
- Excessively perfectionist; has to get things "just so." - Sleeps very soundly; hard to wake up in the morning.
- Appears apathetic or unmotivated.
- Misunderstands directions for assignments or tasks.
SUSTAINING ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION
- When trying to pay attention to someone, e.g., class or
conversation, mind drifts off and briefly loses focus.
- Involuntary "spacing out" occurs intermittently when reading
or listening.
- Easily sidetracked; disrupts a task in progress and switches
to doing something else without any reason.
- When reading, loses track of what has just been read, so needs
to read it again.
- Easily loses track of the main point in reading books,
magazines, and newspapers.
- Gets lost in daydreaming, preoccupied with own thoughts.
- Easily distracted from a task by background noise or activities;
needs to check out whatever else is going on.
- Stares into space; seems "out of it." - Does not appear to be listening even when it is important
to do so.
SUSTAINING ENERGY AND EFFORT
- Feels sleepy or fatigued, even after having had adequate sleep.
- Unable to complete assignments or tests in allotted time; needs
extra time to finish adequately.
- Criticized by others as being "lazy." - Inconsistent quality of work; performance quite variable; e.g.,
high grades mixed with low grades for no apparent reason.
- Criticized by others for "not working up to potential." - Energy tends to fade quickly; "runs out of steam." - Needs to be reminded by others; e.g, teachers, to get started or
to keep working on assigned tasks.
- Starts tasks; e.g., homework assignments, chores, etc., but
doesn't finish them completely.
IRRITABILITY, DEPRESSED MOOD, REJECTION SENSITIVITY
- Easily irritated
- Sensitive to criticism from others. Feels it deeply or for a
long time, or gets overly defensive.
- Usually "laid back" in dealing with others but has outbursts
of intense anger.
- Has difficulty expressing anger appropriately to others.
- Mood is discouraged, depressed, "down." - Tends to be a loner among peers; keeps to self socially.
- Appears apathetic or unmotivated.
ACTIVATING RECALL OF AIMS AND LEARNED INFORMATION
- Information learned well on one day cannot be recalled easily
when it is wanted; e.g., knows material well on night before
test, but cannot recall it adequately for the next day.
- "Freezes" when taking tests or exams; for a while is unable to
get organized and begin.
- Forgets things which were intended to be done; e.g., turn off
appliances, return phone calls, keep appointments, do
assignments, etc.
- Has difficulty memorizing; e.g., vocabulary, math facts,
names, dates, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Yale University
P.O. Box 6694
Hamden, CT 06517
Found this on Dr-Bob message board. rating scale is from Dr. Thomas E. Brown, who has a site at drthomasebrown.com
BROWN ATTENTION-ACTIVATION DISORDER (BAAD) SCALE
(Note: in this report the term ADD-H is used to signify "Attention Deficit Disorder WITHOUT Hyperactivity")
The AAD (Attention Activation Disorder) construct includes problems in the following areas:
Activating and organizing to work
Sustaining attention and concentration
Sustaining energy and effort
Irritability, depressed mood, rejection sensitivity Activating recall of aims and learned information
"Bright children and adolescents who suffer from attention deficit disorder are at a special risk of having their ADD problems go unrecognized and untreated. Within a pattern of under-achievement, their natural intellectual abilities produce intermittent successes which can mask ADD problems, especially if the person is not hyperactive. This study involved a population of high-IQ children, adolescents, and adults who were underachieving and had symptoms of ADD-H.
Research by Lahey et al. (1988) has shown that Attention Deficit Disorder is not unidimensional and that a subgroup of ADD patients exhibits a pattern of inattention and sluggish tempo WITHOUT hyperactivity. Barkley (1990) has demonstrated that this subgroup also shows less aggression, impulsivity, and overactivity at home and at school, and more of a problem with memory, perceptual-motor speed, and central processing speed. Barkley has suggested that the symptoms of ADD-H are sufficiently different from those of ADHD to warrant considering these as two separate and unique disorders, rather than as subtypes of a single attention disturbance."
ACTIVATING AND ORGANIZING TO WORK
- Has difficulty getting started on tasks; e.g., homework,
reports.
- Feels overwhelmed; e.g., "No way I can do this now" by tasks
which should be managable.
- When first presented with many things to do, has difficulty
deciding which to do first and then getting started.
- Procrastinates excessively; keeps putting things off.
- Slow to react or get started; sluggish, slow moving, doesn't
just jump into things.
- Excessively perfectionist; has to get things "just so." - Sleeps very soundly; hard to wake up in the morning.
- Appears apathetic or unmotivated.
- Misunderstands directions for assignments or tasks.
SUSTAINING ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION
- When trying to pay attention to someone, e.g., class or
conversation, mind drifts off and briefly loses focus.
- Involuntary "spacing out" occurs intermittently when reading
or listening.
- Easily sidetracked; disrupts a task in progress and switches
to doing something else without any reason.
- When reading, loses track of what has just been read, so needs
to read it again.
- Easily loses track of the main point in reading books,
magazines, and newspapers.
- Gets lost in daydreaming, preoccupied with own thoughts.
- Easily distracted from a task by background noise or activities;
needs to check out whatever else is going on.
- Stares into space; seems "out of it." - Does not appear to be listening even when it is important
to do so.
SUSTAINING ENERGY AND EFFORT
- Feels sleepy or fatigued, even after having had adequate sleep.
- Unable to complete assignments or tests in allotted time; needs
extra time to finish adequately.
- Criticized by others as being "lazy." - Inconsistent quality of work; performance quite variable; e.g.,
high grades mixed with low grades for no apparent reason.
- Criticized by others for "not working up to potential." - Energy tends to fade quickly; "runs out of steam." - Needs to be reminded by others; e.g, teachers, to get started or
to keep working on assigned tasks.
- Starts tasks; e.g., homework assignments, chores, etc., but
doesn't finish them completely.
IRRITABILITY, DEPRESSED MOOD, REJECTION SENSITIVITY
- Easily irritated
- Sensitive to criticism from others. Feels it deeply or for a
long time, or gets overly defensive.
- Usually "laid back" in dealing with others but has outbursts
of intense anger.
- Has difficulty expressing anger appropriately to others.
- Mood is discouraged, depressed, "down." - Tends to be a loner among peers; keeps to self socially.
- Appears apathetic or unmotivated.
ACTIVATING RECALL OF AIMS AND LEARNED INFORMATION
- Information learned well on one day cannot be recalled easily
when it is wanted; e.g., knows material well on night before
test, but cannot recall it adequately for the next day.
- "Freezes" when taking tests or exams; for a while is unable to
get organized and begin.
- Forgets things which were intended to be done; e.g., turn off
appliances, return phone calls, keep appointments, do
assignments, etc.
- Has difficulty memorizing; e.g., vocabulary, math facts,
names, dates, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Yale University
P.O. Box 6694
Hamden, CT 06517
Day 168 Sunday September 23
FOOD
Bacon and eggs
5 ounces salmon
One whole chicken
Football with friends
Doritos
Eight mini cupcakes
A little salami
1 l of diet Pepsi
Seven barbecued chicken wings
Four crackers
WEIGHT 250
CAFFEINE eight cups of coffee
SLEEP 10, maybe 11 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Well, not a good day I guess. I was not very productive today at all. Yesterday I at least felt as if I was trying to get some things down and I spent time looking at my list of things I should be doing and I even did a few of them. Today, however I wasn't even really trying to get things done. The only things I did today were laundry at the last possible minute, and I had a few friends over to watch football today. It was nice to visit with my friends, but I ended up eating a lot of junk food. My friend let me a microphone and and headset that he received with the via voice software. I thought it would improve my voice recognition usage, however it seems to be even worse then the microphone on my computer monitor already is.
Days like today are very discouraging to me. I don't really have much motivation to do things. If I was just lazy, I would have enjoyed myself today. I could have gone to the lake or walked two blocks down to the carnival. Instead, I spent my day surfing the Internet and wasting time. It would be one thing if I just decided to relax on a Sunday and enjoy myself, but I spent the whole day beating myself up for things I should be doing but was not doing, both fun things and chores. I have been reading Sari Solden's book on women with ADD. She has a list of symptoms to test yourself to see if you have ADD, and it's very good. I should put that in a post here, because this last really described how my weekend has gone.
It seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was feeling much more productive and aware and I'm not sure what's happened. I know I haven't been as good with the diet and I made the comment about the diet pop creeping in more and more. I wonder if getting out of the exercise habit has been part of the problem. I was walking pretty much every day but once things got busy at work three weeks ago I stopped. I also haven't been getting as much sun. Today, for instance, was a nice sunny day and I should have been outside but I wasn't I was inside surfing the web all day, and that is bad for my mood.
Bacon and eggs
5 ounces salmon
One whole chicken
Football with friends
Doritos
Eight mini cupcakes
A little salami
1 l of diet Pepsi
Seven barbecued chicken wings
Four crackers
WEIGHT 250
CAFFEINE eight cups of coffee
SLEEP 10, maybe 11 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Well, not a good day I guess. I was not very productive today at all. Yesterday I at least felt as if I was trying to get some things down and I spent time looking at my list of things I should be doing and I even did a few of them. Today, however I wasn't even really trying to get things done. The only things I did today were laundry at the last possible minute, and I had a few friends over to watch football today. It was nice to visit with my friends, but I ended up eating a lot of junk food. My friend let me a microphone and and headset that he received with the via voice software. I thought it would improve my voice recognition usage, however it seems to be even worse then the microphone on my computer monitor already is.
Days like today are very discouraging to me. I don't really have much motivation to do things. If I was just lazy, I would have enjoyed myself today. I could have gone to the lake or walked two blocks down to the carnival. Instead, I spent my day surfing the Internet and wasting time. It would be one thing if I just decided to relax on a Sunday and enjoy myself, but I spent the whole day beating myself up for things I should be doing but was not doing, both fun things and chores. I have been reading Sari Solden's book on women with ADD. She has a list of symptoms to test yourself to see if you have ADD, and it's very good. I should put that in a post here, because this last really described how my weekend has gone.
It seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was feeling much more productive and aware and I'm not sure what's happened. I know I haven't been as good with the diet and I made the comment about the diet pop creeping in more and more. I wonder if getting out of the exercise habit has been part of the problem. I was walking pretty much every day but once things got busy at work three weeks ago I stopped. I also haven't been getting as much sun. Today, for instance, was a nice sunny day and I should have been outside but I wasn't I was inside surfing the web all day, and that is bad for my mood.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Day 167 Saturday September 22
FOOD
Fasting in the AM
Southwest salad from McDonald's
This contained a few fritos, a slightly sweet sauce, a tiny amount of corn and beans and a little chicken.
Two large coffees
I was supposed to fast, but I had a headache again.
One pound of line caught tuna
WEIGHT 251
CAFFEINE two large coffees
SLEEP I had a headache, and I went to sleep early. I woke up early on Sunday as a result.
SUN 20 minutes each side
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
I woke up around 10 I guess and spent a little bit of time planning things I should do. I did get out of the house at noon and went to get some sun. I have that mild headache return that I've had on Friday as well, and so I ended up breaking my fast early. Sometimes I associate headaches with the need for carbohydrates, or a need for caffeine so I ended up having both.
I went and bought more grass fed beef, and then came home and still had a headache so I took a nap. I never really got up until 9:00 PM, so I decided to stay in bed and get up early on Sunday.
I spend so much time looking at my list of tasks, and all I got done this weekend and was laying in the sun for 30 minutes, doing some grocery shopping, doing laundry, doing dishes, and surfing the Internet.
Fasting in the AM
Southwest salad from McDonald's
This contained a few fritos, a slightly sweet sauce, a tiny amount of corn and beans and a little chicken.
Two large coffees
I was supposed to fast, but I had a headache again.
One pound of line caught tuna
WEIGHT 251
CAFFEINE two large coffees
SLEEP I had a headache, and I went to sleep early. I woke up early on Sunday as a result.
SUN 20 minutes each side
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
I woke up around 10 I guess and spent a little bit of time planning things I should do. I did get out of the house at noon and went to get some sun. I have that mild headache return that I've had on Friday as well, and so I ended up breaking my fast early. Sometimes I associate headaches with the need for carbohydrates, or a need for caffeine so I ended up having both.
I went and bought more grass fed beef, and then came home and still had a headache so I took a nap. I never really got up until 9:00 PM, so I decided to stay in bed and get up early on Sunday.
I spend so much time looking at my list of tasks, and all I got done this weekend and was laying in the sun for 30 minutes, doing some grocery shopping, doing laundry, doing dishes, and surfing the Internet.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Day 166 Friday September 21st
FOOD
Bacon and eggs
A few tater tots
A few peas
Meatballs
Fasting in the PM
WEIGHT 254
CAFFEINE about 6 cups of coffee
SLEEP 9 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Today it was a pretty crazy day. I began to shift to the new department today. It was sad to leave some of my old coworkers behind and I think some of them were unhappy to see me leave. It was nice to meet my new groups and I'm excited about my new position but there will be more work involved of course. I'm planning on just taking it easy this weekend and kind of preparing for Monday. I had a headache a throughout the day, which could probably be attributed to the stress of the day. Felt fairly sharp at least in terms of interpersonal / work related activities today. And then after work I had a burst of energy and stayed late and got some things done to prepare for Monday. So, I could attribute my increased productivity to the fact that I have not been eating carbohydrates, but it could also just be that I don't have much of that choice. Usually I procrastinate until I have no choice but to start getting ready and I guess I'm at that point now. I guess the difference is it's not my fault I just didn't find out what's going on until the last minute. So at the very least I'm doing things in the last minute but I don't feel guilty you're angry with myself and I know I'm just doing the best I can and things will work out fine in the end anyway. I'm also hoping I can ramp up this voice recognition software and use it to help in my new position.
Come to think of it, I did eat carbs today. The tater tots and peas. Fuck.
Bacon and eggs
A few tater tots
A few peas
Meatballs
Fasting in the PM
WEIGHT 254
CAFFEINE about 6 cups of coffee
SLEEP 9 hours
SUN
EXERCISE
BLOOD SUGAR
KETONES
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS
Today it was a pretty crazy day. I began to shift to the new department today. It was sad to leave some of my old coworkers behind and I think some of them were unhappy to see me leave. It was nice to meet my new groups and I'm excited about my new position but there will be more work involved of course. I'm planning on just taking it easy this weekend and kind of preparing for Monday. I had a headache a throughout the day, which could probably be attributed to the stress of the day. Felt fairly sharp at least in terms of interpersonal / work related activities today. And then after work I had a burst of energy and stayed late and got some things done to prepare for Monday. So, I could attribute my increased productivity to the fact that I have not been eating carbohydrates, but it could also just be that I don't have much of that choice. Usually I procrastinate until I have no choice but to start getting ready and I guess I'm at that point now. I guess the difference is it's not my fault I just didn't find out what's going on until the last minute. So at the very least I'm doing things in the last minute but I don't feel guilty you're angry with myself and I know I'm just doing the best I can and things will work out fine in the end anyway. I'm also hoping I can ramp up this voice recognition software and use it to help in my new position.
Come to think of it, I did eat carbs today. The tater tots and peas. Fuck.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Day 165 Thursday September 20
FOOD:
Fasting in the AM
Grass fed beef no condiments
Bacon and eggs
WEIGHT: 253
CAFFEINE : lots of coffee in the morning
SLEEP: nine hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Today was an OK day I suppose. I had more problems with procrastination in the morning and was feeling angry with myself as the result. As the day went on I was given more information about the changes that will take place at work regarding my department change. So, I said goodbye to a few people, and will say goodbye to more people tomorrow at work. I'm starting to realize that this change is really going to happen and it's happening tomorrow. Or at least I will meet my new department tomorrow. Some of them I already know and they will be surprised to see me there. It's also starting to sink in that in the long run this change will probably be for the better although the way it's taking place is pretty messed up. As the day went on I became more positive because at least now I know what's going to happen and can start preparing. I hope I can take the bull by the horns and be proactive about this change and make it work well, or as well as can be expected.
As I mentioned before, learning more about how ketones affect the brain has been very interesting to me. It encourages me to become more strict about my diet. Especially after seeing how fasting boosts my mood.
Well, I had better get to sleep now. If I go to sleep right now, that will give me nine hours.
Fasting in the AM
Grass fed beef no condiments
Bacon and eggs
WEIGHT: 253
CAFFEINE : lots of coffee in the morning
SLEEP: nine hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Today was an OK day I suppose. I had more problems with procrastination in the morning and was feeling angry with myself as the result. As the day went on I was given more information about the changes that will take place at work regarding my department change. So, I said goodbye to a few people, and will say goodbye to more people tomorrow at work. I'm starting to realize that this change is really going to happen and it's happening tomorrow. Or at least I will meet my new department tomorrow. Some of them I already know and they will be surprised to see me there. It's also starting to sink in that in the long run this change will probably be for the better although the way it's taking place is pretty messed up. As the day went on I became more positive because at least now I know what's going to happen and can start preparing. I hope I can take the bull by the horns and be proactive about this change and make it work well, or as well as can be expected.
As I mentioned before, learning more about how ketones affect the brain has been very interesting to me. It encourages me to become more strict about my diet. Especially after seeing how fasting boosts my mood.
Well, I had better get to sleep now. If I go to sleep right now, that will give me nine hours.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
USATODAY.com - Some try ultra-fat diet to combat medical conditions
USATODAY.com - Some try ultra-fat diet to combat medical conditions
For a month that tested her determination, Marilyn Deaton dined on little but fat. The recipes she prepared included eggs baked with gobs of cream cheese, small portions of fish outweighed by butter, oil and mayo, and ground beef mixed with so much heavy cream that it ran a light brown.
"I can't stand things that are soft and slimy," says Deaton, 60, of New York. She missed "crunchable stuff," such as carrots, she says.
Deaton has Parkinson's disease. The disagreeable diet was an experimental treatment prescribed by her doctors. Four other Parkinson's patients followed the same menu.
The results, which included modest improvements in balance, tremors and mood, were encouraging but too preliminary to prove an effect, says Theodore VanItallie of St. Luke?s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York. VanItallie and his colleagues published their findings last year in the journal Neurology.
Their trial and other recent studies hint that a diet nearly devoid of protein and carbohydrates might temper symptoms of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease, VanItallie says.
Researchers suspect that such a high-fat diet also could stall brain tumors and help patients with certain other health problems — if it doesn't cause strokes along the way.
Though such a solution may sound far-fetched, a similar diet has been used since the 1920s to treat severe epilepsy. Numerous studies, most of them in children who had exhausted other options, have since found that it reduces seizures.
There's scant clinical evidence to address whether the plan, called the ketogenic diet, has wider therapeutic promise. Researchers aren't sure how it works against epilepsy, and they hold various theories about why it might, or might not, help in other disorders.
Some of the benefits result from a shift in the brain's metabolism from blood sugar, the body's main fuel, to ketone bodies, a secondary energy source that is a byproduct of fat metabolism, says Richard Veech, a physician and biochemist with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
But, Veech says, "while VanItallie has shown that (the ketogenic diet) works, as a practical matter, one can't recommend it."
The obvious downside
Consequences of high fat intake, heart problems for one, could offset the diet's hypothetical benefits in some people, Veech says. In any case, the daunting challenge of maintaining the unpalatable regimen makes it unlikely to catch on.
"Most people would have a very hard time following this diet," says Cathy Non-as, the dietitian at North General Hospital in New York who designed Deaton's plan. The plan requires that 90% of the patients' calories come from fat and just 8% from protein. In the average American diet, fat makes up 33% of calories, and protein accounts for 15%.
When a person fasts or subsists mainly on fat, blood sugar declines. The liver responds by converting fatty acids into ketone bodies, which normally circulate in the blood at low levels, rising as time passes since a person's most recent meal, when glucose is abundant.
Popular low-carb diets, such as Atkins, may generate some ketone bodies, but not necessarily enough to have a therapeutic benefit, VanItallie says.
Ketone bodies can accumulate to dangerous levels, in diabetics, for example, and turn the blood acidic. But moderately elevated levels are theoretically beneficial in a range of circumstances, Veech says.
Lab studies and a few desperate medical cases lend some support to that notion. For example, when added to intravenous resuscitation fluids in place of a typical ingredient, ketone bodies also reduce organ damage after major blood loss, says hematologist C. Robert Valeri of the Naval Blood Research Laboratory in Plymouth, Mass. He and his colleagues demonstrated that in pigs.
Other teams have shown that the molecules protect mice against neurological changes linked to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Last month, researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York reported similar findings for Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Giulio Pasinetti of Mount Sinai says his team is launching a trial to treat patients with the disease.
In an older report, a ketogenic diet appeared to slow tumor growth in two children with inoperable brain cancer. Neurobiologist Thomas Seyfried of Boston College later demonstrated the effectiveness of that approach in mice.
Most brain tumor cells, Seyfried says, "can't burn ketones for energy," so elevating ketone levels and simultaneously reducing blood sugar may starve the tumors while nourishing healthy cells.
A 'lite' version
VanItallie and Non-as are gearing up for a new Parkinson's trial that will test a hybrid of the 90%-fat regimen and the Atkins diet. They've invited their former volunteers to participate.
Deaton says her Parkinson's symptoms improved during the original trial, which was conducted in 2003. And losing 26 pounds was a bonus, she says. But even with a more lenient menu on the table, she doesn't plan on signing up again.
For a month that tested her determination, Marilyn Deaton dined on little but fat. The recipes she prepared included eggs baked with gobs of cream cheese, small portions of fish outweighed by butter, oil and mayo, and ground beef mixed with so much heavy cream that it ran a light brown.
"I can't stand things that are soft and slimy," says Deaton, 60, of New York. She missed "crunchable stuff," such as carrots, she says.
Deaton has Parkinson's disease. The disagreeable diet was an experimental treatment prescribed by her doctors. Four other Parkinson's patients followed the same menu.
The results, which included modest improvements in balance, tremors and mood, were encouraging but too preliminary to prove an effect, says Theodore VanItallie of St. Luke?s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York. VanItallie and his colleagues published their findings last year in the journal Neurology.
Their trial and other recent studies hint that a diet nearly devoid of protein and carbohydrates might temper symptoms of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease, VanItallie says.
Researchers suspect that such a high-fat diet also could stall brain tumors and help patients with certain other health problems — if it doesn't cause strokes along the way.
Though such a solution may sound far-fetched, a similar diet has been used since the 1920s to treat severe epilepsy. Numerous studies, most of them in children who had exhausted other options, have since found that it reduces seizures.
There's scant clinical evidence to address whether the plan, called the ketogenic diet, has wider therapeutic promise. Researchers aren't sure how it works against epilepsy, and they hold various theories about why it might, or might not, help in other disorders.
Some of the benefits result from a shift in the brain's metabolism from blood sugar, the body's main fuel, to ketone bodies, a secondary energy source that is a byproduct of fat metabolism, says Richard Veech, a physician and biochemist with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
But, Veech says, "while VanItallie has shown that (the ketogenic diet) works, as a practical matter, one can't recommend it."
The obvious downside
Consequences of high fat intake, heart problems for one, could offset the diet's hypothetical benefits in some people, Veech says. In any case, the daunting challenge of maintaining the unpalatable regimen makes it unlikely to catch on.
"Most people would have a very hard time following this diet," says Cathy Non-as, the dietitian at North General Hospital in New York who designed Deaton's plan. The plan requires that 90% of the patients' calories come from fat and just 8% from protein. In the average American diet, fat makes up 33% of calories, and protein accounts for 15%.
When a person fasts or subsists mainly on fat, blood sugar declines. The liver responds by converting fatty acids into ketone bodies, which normally circulate in the blood at low levels, rising as time passes since a person's most recent meal, when glucose is abundant.
Popular low-carb diets, such as Atkins, may generate some ketone bodies, but not necessarily enough to have a therapeutic benefit, VanItallie says.
Ketone bodies can accumulate to dangerous levels, in diabetics, for example, and turn the blood acidic. But moderately elevated levels are theoretically beneficial in a range of circumstances, Veech says.
Lab studies and a few desperate medical cases lend some support to that notion. For example, when added to intravenous resuscitation fluids in place of a typical ingredient, ketone bodies also reduce organ damage after major blood loss, says hematologist C. Robert Valeri of the Naval Blood Research Laboratory in Plymouth, Mass. He and his colleagues demonstrated that in pigs.
Other teams have shown that the molecules protect mice against neurological changes linked to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Last month, researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York reported similar findings for Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Giulio Pasinetti of Mount Sinai says his team is launching a trial to treat patients with the disease.
In an older report, a ketogenic diet appeared to slow tumor growth in two children with inoperable brain cancer. Neurobiologist Thomas Seyfried of Boston College later demonstrated the effectiveness of that approach in mice.
Most brain tumor cells, Seyfried says, "can't burn ketones for energy," so elevating ketone levels and simultaneously reducing blood sugar may starve the tumors while nourishing healthy cells.
A 'lite' version
VanItallie and Non-as are gearing up for a new Parkinson's trial that will test a hybrid of the 90%-fat regimen and the Atkins diet. They've invited their former volunteers to participate.
Deaton says her Parkinson's symptoms improved during the original trial, which was conducted in 2003. And losing 26 pounds was a bonus, she says. But even with a more lenient menu on the table, she doesn't plan on signing up again.
Day 164 Wednesday September 19
FOOD:
Bacon and eggs for breakfast
Liver for lunch
Also a small bit of rice and corn
Fasting in the PM
WEIGHT: 255
CAFFEINE: coffee, lots
SLEEP: 6 hours?
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Well, today was an OK day in the end, I suppose. During the day I was a little frustrated and I've been procrastinating with things at work and the haven't been very productive. I've been putting off doing some things at work for a while and then I tried being a little more productive and had some setbacks today and was feeling frustrated. Then I started to have some more successes and I guess I just started feeling more confident. Also I didn't eat much junk today and continued fasting in the afternoon and it seems to improve my mood as I've noticed before. I also read some interesting things today about ketones and low carb diets in Alzheimer's disease. Apparently diet is a large risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. So much so that some have actually referred to Alzheimer's as type three diabetes. Ketones apparently are the brain's preferred source of fuel and brain runs better with ketones. I've read a number of different things that seem to support this, and it ties in with some of the things I've been thinking about in terms of low carb being a good thing for the brain, and for brain health in general. I am also bought that sense high carbohydrate diets caused insulin resistance, in which the body can't use insulin and glucose properly, perhaps something similar happens with the brain. So then that the brain that cannot get the glucose it needs, or uses it inefficiently. Ketones are a back door source of fuel, one which the brain actually prefers to use. Low carbohydrate diets, or ketogenic diets, have been used with some success to fight cancers, brain cancers, parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
One other thing that I started to think more about is my use of diet soda. I've read some negative things about aspartame, and I'm not sure what to believe. However, I have read some indications that artificial sweeteners cause the same kind of carbohydrate craving that real sweeteners do. This seems to make sense to me, because on days where I'm eating more carbohydrates, I also ended up drinking more diet sodas. I'm not sure which is causing more of my cravings for more carbohydrates, the carbs themselves or the diet sodas, but I have a feeling that both are doing so. I definitely feel some kind of craving for diet pop, and I need to be more diligent about avoiding it.
All the crazy things happening at work are pretty frustrating to me but over time I guess I'm getting a little bit more of sense of perspective about it. I really think in the end it could be a very good thing for me to make the changes that they have been making, but it's going to be difficult in the short run
Also in a side note, for anyone who reads this, and I'm not sure that anyone does, I'm composing this entry with speech recognition software period so if during the crazy mistakes it's not my fault!
Also, i've been getting a little bit better about getting enough sleep. I've been getting almost 10 hours of sleep a night but last night only six. So it was a little hard are getting up this morning but not too bad because most days I do get enough sleep. Well, with that I guess I should finish up this entry and get to sleep myself now. Good night!
Bacon and eggs for breakfast
Liver for lunch
Also a small bit of rice and corn
Fasting in the PM
WEIGHT: 255
CAFFEINE: coffee, lots
SLEEP: 6 hours?
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Well, today was an OK day in the end, I suppose. During the day I was a little frustrated and I've been procrastinating with things at work and the haven't been very productive. I've been putting off doing some things at work for a while and then I tried being a little more productive and had some setbacks today and was feeling frustrated. Then I started to have some more successes and I guess I just started feeling more confident. Also I didn't eat much junk today and continued fasting in the afternoon and it seems to improve my mood as I've noticed before. I also read some interesting things today about ketones and low carb diets in Alzheimer's disease. Apparently diet is a large risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. So much so that some have actually referred to Alzheimer's as type three diabetes. Ketones apparently are the brain's preferred source of fuel and brain runs better with ketones. I've read a number of different things that seem to support this, and it ties in with some of the things I've been thinking about in terms of low carb being a good thing for the brain, and for brain health in general. I am also bought that sense high carbohydrate diets caused insulin resistance, in which the body can't use insulin and glucose properly, perhaps something similar happens with the brain. So then that the brain that cannot get the glucose it needs, or uses it inefficiently. Ketones are a back door source of fuel, one which the brain actually prefers to use. Low carbohydrate diets, or ketogenic diets, have been used with some success to fight cancers, brain cancers, parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
One other thing that I started to think more about is my use of diet soda. I've read some negative things about aspartame, and I'm not sure what to believe. However, I have read some indications that artificial sweeteners cause the same kind of carbohydrate craving that real sweeteners do. This seems to make sense to me, because on days where I'm eating more carbohydrates, I also ended up drinking more diet sodas. I'm not sure which is causing more of my cravings for more carbohydrates, the carbs themselves or the diet sodas, but I have a feeling that both are doing so. I definitely feel some kind of craving for diet pop, and I need to be more diligent about avoiding it.
All the crazy things happening at work are pretty frustrating to me but over time I guess I'm getting a little bit more of sense of perspective about it. I really think in the end it could be a very good thing for me to make the changes that they have been making, but it's going to be difficult in the short run
Also in a side note, for anyone who reads this, and I'm not sure that anyone does, I'm composing this entry with speech recognition software period so if during the crazy mistakes it's not my fault!
Also, i've been getting a little bit better about getting enough sleep. I've been getting almost 10 hours of sleep a night but last night only six. So it was a little hard are getting up this morning but not too bad because most days I do get enough sleep. Well, with that I guess I should finish up this entry and get to sleep myself now. Good night!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Day 163, Tuesday September 18
FOOD:
fasting in the AM
Grass fed beef with some ketchup
10 chicken nuggets from McDonald's with barbecue sauce
Double hamburger from McDonald's with no bun
No diet pop with this meal, only water
WEIGHT: 258
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Today I guess I was in a pretty bad mood. I really didn't get much done at work today, I was procrastinating all day, I don't know what's going to happen at work, so why should I do anything. Then, when I got home from work that I was feeling very low energy. I made a few phone calls, even though I didn't really feel like talking to anyone. But, then I finally dragged myself out of the house and went to an ADD meeting. And that ended up being OK, I guess. One guy was talking my ear off though, and that was kind of a bummer. I realize the problem I was having at work wasn't because I didn't know what do, it was just that I was too lazy to do it. I guess one thing that cheered me up a little is that I've discovered some ways to improve my mood. So exercise, sunlight, sufficient sleep, and low carbs are all things which improve my mood. I just need to remember to do these things. Although good physical how is obviously very important, improving my mood and my brain health are even more important.
fasting in the AM
Grass fed beef with some ketchup
10 chicken nuggets from McDonald's with barbecue sauce
Double hamburger from McDonald's with no bun
No diet pop with this meal, only water
WEIGHT: 258
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Today I guess I was in a pretty bad mood. I really didn't get much done at work today, I was procrastinating all day, I don't know what's going to happen at work, so why should I do anything. Then, when I got home from work that I was feeling very low energy. I made a few phone calls, even though I didn't really feel like talking to anyone. But, then I finally dragged myself out of the house and went to an ADD meeting. And that ended up being OK, I guess. One guy was talking my ear off though, and that was kind of a bummer. I realize the problem I was having at work wasn't because I didn't know what do, it was just that I was too lazy to do it. I guess one thing that cheered me up a little is that I've discovered some ways to improve my mood. So exercise, sunlight, sufficient sleep, and low carbs are all things which improve my mood. I just need to remember to do these things. Although good physical how is obviously very important, improving my mood and my brain health are even more important.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Day 162 Monday September 17
FOOD:
no breakfast
2 large coffees
lunch- meatloaf
some mashed potatoes
coffee
a little GF beef with catsup
GF stew
diet pop
WEIGHT: 261
CAFFEINE: lots
SLEEP: 10 hours
SUN: a TON yesterday
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
In a bad mood today. Had a long day yesterday, but got a good 10 hours of sleep. Woke up okay today. One cat puked, and that always worries me and puts me in a bad mood. Then I talked to boss at work today. Still tons of confusion about what's going on right now. Then I had no motivation today to work on anything because everything might get changed up anyway. I started mentally spinning worst case scenarios about what could happen at work, and convinced myself that I would end up in the worst situation. I saw a good presentation about working memory and nutrient therapy on Saturday, but now I've convinced myself that none of it can help me. Need to keep updating this every day so I can try to pinpoint what's going on that spins me into these bad moods. No energy or motivation, not super down really. Just frustrated.
Guess the thing that's different is all the carbs I've had recently. Sesame chicken, pizza, fries, RC's, cookies, meatloaf. All the sun I had yesterday did a number on me too. Also, not getting enough sleep the last 3 weeks because I'm busier at work. And the work stuff has stressed me out big time.
no breakfast
2 large coffees
lunch- meatloaf
some mashed potatoes
coffee
a little GF beef with catsup
GF stew
diet pop
WEIGHT: 261
CAFFEINE: lots
SLEEP: 10 hours
SUN: a TON yesterday
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
In a bad mood today. Had a long day yesterday, but got a good 10 hours of sleep. Woke up okay today. One cat puked, and that always worries me and puts me in a bad mood. Then I talked to boss at work today. Still tons of confusion about what's going on right now. Then I had no motivation today to work on anything because everything might get changed up anyway. I started mentally spinning worst case scenarios about what could happen at work, and convinced myself that I would end up in the worst situation. I saw a good presentation about working memory and nutrient therapy on Saturday, but now I've convinced myself that none of it can help me. Need to keep updating this every day so I can try to pinpoint what's going on that spins me into these bad moods. No energy or motivation, not super down really. Just frustrated.
Guess the thing that's different is all the carbs I've had recently. Sesame chicken, pizza, fries, RC's, cookies, meatloaf. All the sun I had yesterday did a number on me too. Also, not getting enough sleep the last 3 weeks because I'm busier at work. And the work stuff has stressed me out big time.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Day 161 Sunday September 16
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
steak and cheese bagel, NO BREAD
20 mcdonalds chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce
side salad
RC
1/2 fried chicken
some fries
another RC
cole slaw
WEIGHT: 258
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:9
SUN: WAY TOO MUCH
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Erasing the gains I've made with sugary pop, sesame chicken, and fast food.
Helping a friend out today. I should at least stay tight during the week when I don't have the peer pressure. Maybe I need to simplify things again. Just go grassfed for a month to get back to my roots. This battle is never ending. I will continue to struggle with temptations and lapses, but I can never quit, because misery awaits if I do. And then I'll just come back. Because the key is, at least now I know ho to do it. Before I didn't. I have the info on paleo and low carb.
In an okay mood I guess. Way too much sun- out all day. feel sunsickness. Sleepy, headache, wiped out. Go to bed at 8- I'm beat. And Beet!
bacon and eggs
steak and cheese bagel, NO BREAD
20 mcdonalds chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce
side salad
RC
1/2 fried chicken
some fries
another RC
cole slaw
WEIGHT: 258
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:9
SUN: WAY TOO MUCH
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Erasing the gains I've made with sugary pop, sesame chicken, and fast food.
Helping a friend out today. I should at least stay tight during the week when I don't have the peer pressure. Maybe I need to simplify things again. Just go grassfed for a month to get back to my roots. This battle is never ending. I will continue to struggle with temptations and lapses, but I can never quit, because misery awaits if I do. And then I'll just come back. Because the key is, at least now I know ho to do it. Before I didn't. I have the info on paleo and low carb.
In an okay mood I guess. Way too much sun- out all day. feel sunsickness. Sleepy, headache, wiped out. Go to bed at 8- I'm beat. And Beet!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Day 160 Saturday September 15
FOOD:
no fasting
bacon and eggs
chocolate chip cookie
coffee
5 chicken tenders with BBQ sauce at popeyes
sesame chicken AGAIN!
rice
diet pop
potstickers
WEIGHT: 254
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Okay mood. Went to ADD conference. Interesting. Had date, which was okay. I don't really like this girl's appearance. Feel guilty because I'm not a lightweight myself. Double standard. Then I feel angry at myself, because I know if I wasn't so picky I'd have a girlfriend and sex. Feel guilty over double standard, and depressed that this is "all I can get", when actually it's that I'm just not really trying. So I get down and take a few months off dating again. Sometimes a few months between dates. Really productive here. Soothing my discomfort with carbs.
no fasting
bacon and eggs
chocolate chip cookie
coffee
5 chicken tenders with BBQ sauce at popeyes
sesame chicken AGAIN!
rice
diet pop
potstickers
WEIGHT: 254
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Okay mood. Went to ADD conference. Interesting. Had date, which was okay. I don't really like this girl's appearance. Feel guilty because I'm not a lightweight myself. Double standard. Then I feel angry at myself, because I know if I wasn't so picky I'd have a girlfriend and sex. Feel guilty over double standard, and depressed that this is "all I can get", when actually it's that I'm just not really trying. So I get down and take a few months off dating again. Sometimes a few months between dates. Really productive here. Soothing my discomfort with carbs.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Day 159 Friday September 14
FOOD:
fast in AM
sesame chicken
rice
grassfed stew
diet pop
pizza WITH CRUST
RC!
WEIGHT: 252
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
What made me eat the pizza and pop? Hanging with buddy who's a bad influence on me. I ate before I left so I wouldn't be hungry. Guess I felt bad making friend eat pizza alone. Also craving it, prob because of the rice and sweet seasame chicken I've been eating lately.
fast in AM
sesame chicken
rice
grassfed stew
diet pop
pizza WITH CRUST
RC!
WEIGHT: 252
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
What made me eat the pizza and pop? Hanging with buddy who's a bad influence on me. I ate before I left so I wouldn't be hungry. Guess I felt bad making friend eat pizza alone. Also craving it, prob because of the rice and sweet seasame chicken I've been eating lately.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Day 158 Thursday September 13
FOOD:
breakfast: Sesame chicken, a few cups, with a little rice
coffee
1 pc chicken and a little rice for lunch
Fast in PM
WEIGHT: 252
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP: 10 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Felt less wired and juiced then yesterday. But good, placid, and productive at work. A coworkder told me I seemed pissed off. I was venting a little about the chaos at work, which is a legit gripe, but I think the lack of sleep, tons of coffee and the addition of the phentermine AND the fasting made me a little wired yesterday. Drumming my fingers and humming. Strange for me. Strange to me that fasting seems to energize me. I'm still getting used to this. What a surprise.
Hung around a little after work doing stuff. Okay day. More sleep is good, without a doubt. Much easier getting up in the morning. Also feel more sociable at work. Then tonight I emailed this girl back who emailed me first. Told her to call me and she did. Set up a date for this Saturday. She sounds pretty cool. Sent an email to another girl tonight as well. I've been getting motivate to get back into the dating scene. Watching inspirational videos as well. (NOT pornos, just pep talks for dating I guess you could say) I'm in a good space right now. Weight is dropping with the fasting, even though my diet has not been great. If I could tighten that up, AND get back into exercising and tanning, wow.
breakfast: Sesame chicken, a few cups, with a little rice
coffee
1 pc chicken and a little rice for lunch
Fast in PM
WEIGHT: 252
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP: 10 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Felt less wired and juiced then yesterday. But good, placid, and productive at work. A coworkder told me I seemed pissed off. I was venting a little about the chaos at work, which is a legit gripe, but I think the lack of sleep, tons of coffee and the addition of the phentermine AND the fasting made me a little wired yesterday. Drumming my fingers and humming. Strange for me. Strange to me that fasting seems to energize me. I'm still getting used to this. What a surprise.
Hung around a little after work doing stuff. Okay day. More sleep is good, without a doubt. Much easier getting up in the morning. Also feel more sociable at work. Then tonight I emailed this girl back who emailed me first. Told her to call me and she did. Set up a date for this Saturday. She sounds pretty cool. Sent an email to another girl tonight as well. I've been getting motivate to get back into the dating scene. Watching inspirational videos as well. (NOT pornos, just pep talks for dating I guess you could say) I'm in a good space right now. Weight is dropping with the fasting, even though my diet has not been great. If I could tighten that up, AND get back into exercising and tanning, wow.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Day 157 September 12 Wednesday
FOOD:
Fast in AM
mongolian beef
some rice
WEIGHT: 252
CAFFEINE: LOTS!!!
SLEEP: 6 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES: moderate
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Started fast yesterday at noon. I find such a boost from the 24 hour fast! It's really unexpected. Focused at work, talking to women at work and feeling good. Wired.
Well, I also took a phentermine capsule this morning. It's a stimulant I used to pair with effexor for weight loss, when I saw a doc for weight loss. Effexor makes me feel a little dreamy and weird. I drank a ton of coffee, with the phentermine and no food, I was a bundle of energy. Felt good actually. It's 8:30 and I'm going to bed. Need to get back to sleeping more, getting sun( tanning now that season is changing, but I"m broke), and visiting health club. Can't let work overwhelm me. Need to set a schedule to leave and arrive and keep to it. Need to carve out time for sun, weights and sleep and keep to that. Then the rest of the time is leisure and chores. Probably should block that out too? I wonder about getting to picky and then things don't fit. But I keep having this idea of planning with broad strokes. Like 6-7 get ready/ 7-4 is work, 4-5 is exercise. 5-6 is chores 6-8 is eat and relax. Sounds simple, but I'm sure I could make it too complicated. So don't then, Frank! Ok, I'm going to bed! Start with one of my goals at least.
Also, the intermittent fasting sure drops the weight.
Fast in AM
mongolian beef
some rice
WEIGHT: 252
CAFFEINE: LOTS!!!
SLEEP: 6 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES: moderate
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Started fast yesterday at noon. I find such a boost from the 24 hour fast! It's really unexpected. Focused at work, talking to women at work and feeling good. Wired.
Well, I also took a phentermine capsule this morning. It's a stimulant I used to pair with effexor for weight loss, when I saw a doc for weight loss. Effexor makes me feel a little dreamy and weird. I drank a ton of coffee, with the phentermine and no food, I was a bundle of energy. Felt good actually. It's 8:30 and I'm going to bed. Need to get back to sleeping more, getting sun( tanning now that season is changing, but I"m broke), and visiting health club. Can't let work overwhelm me. Need to set a schedule to leave and arrive and keep to it. Need to carve out time for sun, weights and sleep and keep to that. Then the rest of the time is leisure and chores. Probably should block that out too? I wonder about getting to picky and then things don't fit. But I keep having this idea of planning with broad strokes. Like 6-7 get ready/ 7-4 is work, 4-5 is exercise. 5-6 is chores 6-8 is eat and relax. Sounds simple, but I'm sure I could make it too complicated. So don't then, Frank! Ok, I'm going to bed! Start with one of my goals at least.
Also, the intermittent fasting sure drops the weight.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ketones from burning fat as fuel might help fight various diseases ::Pearson Prentice Hall - Science News
Pearson Prentice Hall - Science News
Ben Harder
In times of plenty, both the mind and the body thrive. But deprived of basic sustenance, the mind perishes before the body does. That's not New Age philosophy; it's basic metabolic chemistry. While most of the body manages food shortages with relative ease, the tissues of the brain are vulnerable during periods of scarcity. So when blood sugar dips, the brain must fall back on special biochemistry to meet its energy needs. From studying that metabolic back-up system, a coterie of scientists has drawn inspiration that could lead to a new treatment for conditions as diverse as epilepsy, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and heart failure.
Most of the time, the body makes its fundamental fuel, glucose, from ingested carbohydrates. With each meal, the bloodstream gets replenished with glucose to replace the blood sugar that hungry cells have consumed to satisfy their metabolic needs. The body can't store glucose well, yet cells must be fed continually. So the body puts away extra energy in the form of fat, which it can break down into energy-supplying fatty acids when needed. A starving animal or a person with normal fat stores can thus sustain most of the body's cells for weeks or months without eating.
But brain cells, even hungry ones, can't avail themselves of these emergency stores. A physiological barrier that blocks toxins in the bloodstream so they can't enter the delicate brain also keeps out fat and fatty acids. As a consequence, when glucose in the blood runs low, brain cells can run into trouble.
People are uniquely vulnerable to such glucose starvation because of their disproportionate braininess. Although the brain makes up about 2 percent of a normal adult's weight, it commands roughly 20 percent of the body's resting metabolic budget.
A condition found only in people and a few ruminants can protect against this Achilles' heel. The state, known to followers of the popular Atkins diet, is called ketosis. When blood-glucose concentrations get low, the liver converts a portion of fatty acids into acids called ketone bodies or ketones. These substances can substitute for glucose and fatty acids as cellular fuel. However, unlike fatty acids, ketones can penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
While ketosis may guard the brain in times of starvation, Richard L. Veech has additional applications in mind. Veech, who works at the National Institutes of Health in Rockville, Md., argues that ketones might be therapeutic any time cells are threatened by energy deprivation. Such threats could arise both from a lack of fuels and from cells' failure to properly metabolize the fuels at their disposal. The latter category covers a broad array of diseases.
Veech and others have been suggesting for several years that ketosis could help treat, among other conditions, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, certain insulin disorders such as type 1 diabetes, and several metabolic disorders caused by rare mutations.
"These diseases appear wildly different," Veech says. Treating "all these different things with some magic substance sounds improbable," he adds. Yet across a wide range of specialties, doctors who've dabbled with ketone-based therapies are warming to that seemingly outlandish idea, and a vanguard of research on ketone therapies is appearing in scientific journals. At NIH earlier this fall, Veech hosted a gathering of researchers who have studied ketones.
Ben Harder
In times of plenty, both the mind and the body thrive. But deprived of basic sustenance, the mind perishes before the body does. That's not New Age philosophy; it's basic metabolic chemistry. While most of the body manages food shortages with relative ease, the tissues of the brain are vulnerable during periods of scarcity. So when blood sugar dips, the brain must fall back on special biochemistry to meet its energy needs. From studying that metabolic back-up system, a coterie of scientists has drawn inspiration that could lead to a new treatment for conditions as diverse as epilepsy, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and heart failure.
Most of the time, the body makes its fundamental fuel, glucose, from ingested carbohydrates. With each meal, the bloodstream gets replenished with glucose to replace the blood sugar that hungry cells have consumed to satisfy their metabolic needs. The body can't store glucose well, yet cells must be fed continually. So the body puts away extra energy in the form of fat, which it can break down into energy-supplying fatty acids when needed. A starving animal or a person with normal fat stores can thus sustain most of the body's cells for weeks or months without eating.
But brain cells, even hungry ones, can't avail themselves of these emergency stores. A physiological barrier that blocks toxins in the bloodstream so they can't enter the delicate brain also keeps out fat and fatty acids. As a consequence, when glucose in the blood runs low, brain cells can run into trouble.
People are uniquely vulnerable to such glucose starvation because of their disproportionate braininess. Although the brain makes up about 2 percent of a normal adult's weight, it commands roughly 20 percent of the body's resting metabolic budget.
A condition found only in people and a few ruminants can protect against this Achilles' heel. The state, known to followers of the popular Atkins diet, is called ketosis. When blood-glucose concentrations get low, the liver converts a portion of fatty acids into acids called ketone bodies or ketones. These substances can substitute for glucose and fatty acids as cellular fuel. However, unlike fatty acids, ketones can penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
While ketosis may guard the brain in times of starvation, Richard L. Veech has additional applications in mind. Veech, who works at the National Institutes of Health in Rockville, Md., argues that ketones might be therapeutic any time cells are threatened by energy deprivation. Such threats could arise both from a lack of fuels and from cells' failure to properly metabolize the fuels at their disposal. The latter category covers a broad array of diseases.
Veech and others have been suggesting for several years that ketosis could help treat, among other conditions, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, certain insulin disorders such as type 1 diabetes, and several metabolic disorders caused by rare mutations.
"These diseases appear wildly different," Veech says. Treating "all these different things with some magic substance sounds improbable," he adds. Yet across a wide range of specialties, doctors who've dabbled with ketone-based therapies are warming to that seemingly outlandish idea, and a vanguard of research on ketone therapies is appearing in scientific journals. At NIH earlier this fall, Veech hosted a gathering of researchers who have studied ketones.
Day 156 Tuesday September 11
FOOD:
bacon and eggs in AM
coffee
cookie
green beans
meatballs
some rice
coffee
Fast in AM
headache
WEIGHT: 255
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP: 8 hrs. need more
SUN: no
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Apart from headache after work feel decent. Stressfull day at work. My world at work has totally changed. After 5 years I go to a totally different department. I wanted to go there years ago, but now I'm used to where I'm at. It's easy for me, and I have it down to a routine. Now I'm starting all over. Terrible timing, but probably better in the long run? Can't let it overwhelm me!
bacon and eggs in AM
coffee
cookie
green beans
meatballs
some rice
coffee
Fast in AM
headache
WEIGHT: 255
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP: 8 hrs. need more
SUN: no
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Apart from headache after work feel decent. Stressfull day at work. My world at work has totally changed. After 5 years I go to a totally different department. I wanted to go there years ago, but now I'm used to where I'm at. It's easy for me, and I have it down to a routine. Now I'm starting all over. Terrible timing, but probably better in the long run? Can't let it overwhelm me!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Day 155 Monday September 10
FOOD:
fast in AM
grassfed beef
broccoli
WEIGHT: 258
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Some diarrhea after dinner. I wonder. When I first started Atkins I had diarrhea. I figured out it was the bacon grease and so I dry all my bacon. I've been using some bacon grease to cook in my new stainless non stick pan. I also recently stopped using my nitrate free bacon and went back to my old brand, maple syrup flavored just cause that's all the store had. Did the grease or the maple cause it?
Somewhat productive at work. Using thinkingrock, and it rocks! New systems motivate me, but beyond that it's really awesome. I'm starting to think that the intermittent fasting is a mood booster for me. started reading more about glucose in the brain. Seems like they are finding that insulin does affect brain's ability to get glucose. So insulin resistance could conceivably affect the brain. Also, ketones appear to be a good brain fuel. Seems like going ketogenic could be good for the ADD brain. It helps parkinson's, and that's a low dopamine condition like ADD. Extreme ADD, very extreme, but related in that one respect at least, the dopamine. Hmmmm... I find myself in less of a hurry to go off the fast. Need to stay sugar free- I'm slipping. like the tortillas I had sunday.
fast in AM
grassfed beef
broccoli
WEIGHT: 258
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Some diarrhea after dinner. I wonder. When I first started Atkins I had diarrhea. I figured out it was the bacon grease and so I dry all my bacon. I've been using some bacon grease to cook in my new stainless non stick pan. I also recently stopped using my nitrate free bacon and went back to my old brand, maple syrup flavored just cause that's all the store had. Did the grease or the maple cause it?
Somewhat productive at work. Using thinkingrock, and it rocks! New systems motivate me, but beyond that it's really awesome. I'm starting to think that the intermittent fasting is a mood booster for me. started reading more about glucose in the brain. Seems like they are finding that insulin does affect brain's ability to get glucose. So insulin resistance could conceivably affect the brain. Also, ketones appear to be a good brain fuel. Seems like going ketogenic could be good for the ADD brain. It helps parkinson's, and that's a low dopamine condition like ADD. Extreme ADD, very extreme, but related in that one respect at least, the dopamine. Hmmmm... I find myself in less of a hurry to go off the fast. Need to stay sugar free- I'm slipping. like the tortillas I had sunday.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
SpringerLink -Cognitive functioning is susceptible to the level of blood glucose
Cognitive functioning is susceptible to the level of blood glucose
SpringerLink - Journal Article
Abstract
Rationale: It is traditionally assumed that under normal conditions the brain is well supplied with glucose, its basic fuel. However, given the limited stores of glucose in the brain and its dependence on a continual peripheral supply of glucose, it was considered whether the availability of glucose, and the ability to efficiently utilise glucose, affects cognitive functioning. Objective: There is increasing evidence that the provision of blood glucose influences memory. To date, the impact of blood glucose on non-memory task performance has received little attention. The present study investigated whether the performance of non-memory tasks was susceptible to the level of blood glucose. Two studies are reported in which the influence of a glucose containing drink on six cognitive tests was considered. Results: The consumption of a glucose containing drink resulted in faster performance on the Porteus Maze and greater Verbal Fluency. Higher levels of blood glucose on arrival at the laboratory were associated with better performance on the Water Jars test. With both the Porteus Maze and Block Design tests, after taking a glucose drink, poor performance was associated with blood glucose that remained at higher levels. Conclusion: It was suggested that we should consider two physiological mechanisms, firstly, that an equilibrium develops between plasma and brain glucose, such that those with higher levels of blood glucose could be expected to have higher levels of brain glucose and secondly, whether there are individual differences in the efficiency with which glucose is taken from the blood; those with poor glucose control perform some cognitive tasks more poorly.
SpringerLink - Journal Article
Abstract
Rationale: It is traditionally assumed that under normal conditions the brain is well supplied with glucose, its basic fuel. However, given the limited stores of glucose in the brain and its dependence on a continual peripheral supply of glucose, it was considered whether the availability of glucose, and the ability to efficiently utilise glucose, affects cognitive functioning. Objective: There is increasing evidence that the provision of blood glucose influences memory. To date, the impact of blood glucose on non-memory task performance has received little attention. The present study investigated whether the performance of non-memory tasks was susceptible to the level of blood glucose. Two studies are reported in which the influence of a glucose containing drink on six cognitive tests was considered. Results: The consumption of a glucose containing drink resulted in faster performance on the Porteus Maze and greater Verbal Fluency. Higher levels of blood glucose on arrival at the laboratory were associated with better performance on the Water Jars test. With both the Porteus Maze and Block Design tests, after taking a glucose drink, poor performance was associated with blood glucose that remained at higher levels. Conclusion: It was suggested that we should consider two physiological mechanisms, firstly, that an equilibrium develops between plasma and brain glucose, such that those with higher levels of blood glucose could be expected to have higher levels of brain glucose and secondly, whether there are individual differences in the efficiency with which glucose is taken from the blood; those with poor glucose control perform some cognitive tasks more poorly.
Day 154 Sunday September 9
FOOD:
fast in AM
bacon and eggs
coffee
2 tacos with tortilla
WEIGHT: 261
CAFFEINE: lots of coffee
SLEEP: only 6 hours?
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Shitty day. Surprised I'm not in a worse mood. Long story, I stopped hanging out with this guy because he's an asshole. So did most of my friends. But today, he invited everyone over to watch football, and everyone went. So I went too, against my better judgement. This guy was a total sloppy drunk dick, and seemed to say something rude to every one of my friends. But they just laugh it off and seemed to enjoy it. It was surreal to see it. I guess I used to be one of them, but come on. We stopped hanging out with this dude. Nothing's changed. There's no fucking way I'm going back over there, and if I watch football my myself the rest of the season so be it. The worst part of it is that this guy has been single as long as I have (divorced one year), and he's out getting girls online. I hate myself. And I know this guy isn't more appealing than me or anything. But he's pushy and in your face, and I'm nice and disengaged. I know that lots of women find me attractive, but I can't decide what to do about it and push myself to do something. Because I have not motivation, I'm afraid of rejection, and I don't know what to do. I used to think I was unlikeable, at least to women. Now I know that's not true- it's my own fault that I don't have success with women. I don't know which is worse to believe. To know that you're your own worst enemy. At least I could play the martyr before. Now what do I have. And this dick totally rubbing in my face that he's getting action. Thank god he's such a miserable pathetic piece of human trash, or I'd envy him. I wouldn't trade places with him for anything, but it just makes it obvious that even this doofus can figure this shit out.
Trying to find stuff online about insulin resistance and glucose in the brain. The brain is a glucose hog. Luckily our bodies can turn fat and protein into glucose, gluceoneogenesis (sp?). But, if a high carb diet, and inflammation, and lack of vitamin D, obesity and whatever else, can cause insulin resistance, the muscles can't get the glucose they need. I would imagine the brain is the same way. Less glucose could affect the brain's function, making it sluggish and disrupting executive dysfunction. That's my theory at least, and I've seen a few things to back it up.
In other news, fasting is great, not drinking or smoking is cool too. Easier than I thought, although I do worry that it isolates me even more socially. My one friend, who went through AA and MA but started again, tries to guilt trip me on this. You used to be so cool. Funny, I didn't feel cool and connected when I got high or drank. I felt like I was sloppy and overbearing with alcohol, and weed made me paranoid, even more antisocial, unmotivated and scatter brained.
Also, I noticed that when I eat carbs, I get a headache sometimes.
I feel like I'm getting taller. I think I'm just standing up straiter. Is it the weight loss, or the Vitamin D? I measured myself and I didn't really grow though, lol!
fast in AM
bacon and eggs
coffee
2 tacos with tortilla
WEIGHT: 261
CAFFEINE: lots of coffee
SLEEP: only 6 hours?
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Shitty day. Surprised I'm not in a worse mood. Long story, I stopped hanging out with this guy because he's an asshole. So did most of my friends. But today, he invited everyone over to watch football, and everyone went. So I went too, against my better judgement. This guy was a total sloppy drunk dick, and seemed to say something rude to every one of my friends. But they just laugh it off and seemed to enjoy it. It was surreal to see it. I guess I used to be one of them, but come on. We stopped hanging out with this dude. Nothing's changed. There's no fucking way I'm going back over there, and if I watch football my myself the rest of the season so be it. The worst part of it is that this guy has been single as long as I have (divorced one year), and he's out getting girls online. I hate myself. And I know this guy isn't more appealing than me or anything. But he's pushy and in your face, and I'm nice and disengaged. I know that lots of women find me attractive, but I can't decide what to do about it and push myself to do something. Because I have not motivation, I'm afraid of rejection, and I don't know what to do. I used to think I was unlikeable, at least to women. Now I know that's not true- it's my own fault that I don't have success with women. I don't know which is worse to believe. To know that you're your own worst enemy. At least I could play the martyr before. Now what do I have. And this dick totally rubbing in my face that he's getting action. Thank god he's such a miserable pathetic piece of human trash, or I'd envy him. I wouldn't trade places with him for anything, but it just makes it obvious that even this doofus can figure this shit out.
Trying to find stuff online about insulin resistance and glucose in the brain. The brain is a glucose hog. Luckily our bodies can turn fat and protein into glucose, gluceoneogenesis (sp?). But, if a high carb diet, and inflammation, and lack of vitamin D, obesity and whatever else, can cause insulin resistance, the muscles can't get the glucose they need. I would imagine the brain is the same way. Less glucose could affect the brain's function, making it sluggish and disrupting executive dysfunction. That's my theory at least, and I've seen a few things to back it up.
In other news, fasting is great, not drinking or smoking is cool too. Easier than I thought, although I do worry that it isolates me even more socially. My one friend, who went through AA and MA but started again, tries to guilt trip me on this. You used to be so cool. Funny, I didn't feel cool and connected when I got high or drank. I felt like I was sloppy and overbearing with alcohol, and weed made me paranoid, even more antisocial, unmotivated and scatter brained.
Also, I noticed that when I eat carbs, I get a headache sometimes.
I feel like I'm getting taller. I think I'm just standing up straiter. Is it the weight loss, or the Vitamin D? I measured myself and I didn't really grow though, lol!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Day 153 Saturday September 8
FOOD:
3 oz roast beef
4 oz line caught tuna
5 popeyes chicken nuggets, with bbq sauce
cajun rice
cole slaw
diet coke
WEIGHT: 259
CAFFEINE: lots coffee
SLEEP: 7-8 hours
SUN: 30 min at noon
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Got up, got sun, did lots of errands. Working with thinkingrock program and it kicks ass. Once the novelty wears off I hope it still helps me stay productive. Feeling a little overwhelmed at work recently. Feeling rising confidence with dating, still super far off. But starting to think about getting back in the game. In a decent mood today- more energy. I actually like the intermittent fasting. Feel like my head is clearer. Which makes me think that I would be like that all the time except for the rice and bbq sauce and other shit I keep eating. I need to get back to basics. Which means cooking my own meals at home. The last few times I made ground beef I put a little broccoli in it. That was good. I go up and down in mood quite rapidly.
Haven't walked or used health club in quite a while. I've changed my routine lately, and I'm not good at set shifting. Need to start new habits now, with my new schedule. Exercise, eating, sun/tanning, sleep. I finally smashed through the 260 barrier. Hope the next ten are easier. Lots of compliments at work on my appearance. But of course I discout all of it. I may look much better, but I know I'm such an antisocial lame ass I won't be able to capitalize on it anyway. I see guys who don't look like anything with hot chicks. I may not know much, but I know THAT's not the big key. It's confidence and taking charge. Too bad I suck at that. :( No, the health stuff I do for ME. What I want is oddly enough mental health first, and physical health second. Guess I should focuse even more on exercise, eating, sun and sleep if I want to heal my brain. I want to be more ambitious, alert, focused, happy, and confident. I want to stop spinning my wheels and set goals and achieve them. I want this thinkingrock program to help me with this.
I actually thought today I had better get back into blogging, because I was in such a good mood, I thought I need to record this and try to figure out what I'm doing that is causing this. I think it's the Intermittent fasting, really. Not what I would have expected. I find myself ravenous when I do eat, but I've realized it's about half mental. If I calm myself, I dont' feel super hungry or dying to break the fast. It's definately an interesting experience.
3 oz roast beef
4 oz line caught tuna
5 popeyes chicken nuggets, with bbq sauce
cajun rice
cole slaw
diet coke
WEIGHT: 259
CAFFEINE: lots coffee
SLEEP: 7-8 hours
SUN: 30 min at noon
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Got up, got sun, did lots of errands. Working with thinkingrock program and it kicks ass. Once the novelty wears off I hope it still helps me stay productive. Feeling a little overwhelmed at work recently. Feeling rising confidence with dating, still super far off. But starting to think about getting back in the game. In a decent mood today- more energy. I actually like the intermittent fasting. Feel like my head is clearer. Which makes me think that I would be like that all the time except for the rice and bbq sauce and other shit I keep eating. I need to get back to basics. Which means cooking my own meals at home. The last few times I made ground beef I put a little broccoli in it. That was good. I go up and down in mood quite rapidly.
Haven't walked or used health club in quite a while. I've changed my routine lately, and I'm not good at set shifting. Need to start new habits now, with my new schedule. Exercise, eating, sun/tanning, sleep. I finally smashed through the 260 barrier. Hope the next ten are easier. Lots of compliments at work on my appearance. But of course I discout all of it. I may look much better, but I know I'm such an antisocial lame ass I won't be able to capitalize on it anyway. I see guys who don't look like anything with hot chicks. I may not know much, but I know THAT's not the big key. It's confidence and taking charge. Too bad I suck at that. :( No, the health stuff I do for ME. What I want is oddly enough mental health first, and physical health second. Guess I should focuse even more on exercise, eating, sun and sleep if I want to heal my brain. I want to be more ambitious, alert, focused, happy, and confident. I want to stop spinning my wheels and set goals and achieve them. I want this thinkingrock program to help me with this.
I actually thought today I had better get back into blogging, because I was in such a good mood, I thought I need to record this and try to figure out what I'm doing that is causing this. I think it's the Intermittent fasting, really. Not what I would have expected. I find myself ravenous when I do eat, but I've realized it's about half mental. If I calm myself, I dont' feel super hungry or dying to break the fast. It's definately an interesting experience.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Day 152 Thursday september 7
FOOD:
bacon eggs coffee
chicken nuggets
big cookie
peas
mac and cheese side
grassfed beef
a few broccoli pieces
fast in PM
WEIGHT: 259
CAFFEINE: lots
SLEEP: 7-8 hours? not sleeping as much, and I FEEL it. 8 hours is NOT ENOUGH FOR ME!
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS: TGIF
hang out at home at night. working with thinking rock program. surfing the web. Thinking more about dating recently. buy some new clothes. My waist is down from 58" to 48"
Sleep time is drifting later each day. Feeling tired with only 8 hours sleep. This is interesting. Reading the book "women with ADD", and looking at the BAAD scale from thomas e brown.com, low arousal, really a sleepy brain, is associated with inattentive ADD. Procrastination, no energy, lack of focus, etc. I know that sleep deprivation is associated with an antidepressant effect. Maybe that only works in the short term, and then you burn out? I know also that sleep apnea is associated with ADD. Not sure if ADD causes cravings for drugs and glucose, which makes you fat and then you can't sleep. Or if diabetes causes less glucose to get to the brain.
bacon eggs coffee
chicken nuggets
big cookie
peas
mac and cheese side
grassfed beef
a few broccoli pieces
fast in PM
WEIGHT: 259
CAFFEINE: lots
SLEEP: 7-8 hours? not sleeping as much, and I FEEL it. 8 hours is NOT ENOUGH FOR ME!
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS: TGIF
hang out at home at night. working with thinking rock program. surfing the web. Thinking more about dating recently. buy some new clothes. My waist is down from 58" to 48"
Sleep time is drifting later each day. Feeling tired with only 8 hours sleep. This is interesting. Reading the book "women with ADD", and looking at the BAAD scale from thomas e brown.com, low arousal, really a sleepy brain, is associated with inattentive ADD. Procrastination, no energy, lack of focus, etc. I know that sleep deprivation is associated with an antidepressant effect. Maybe that only works in the short term, and then you burn out? I know also that sleep apnea is associated with ADD. Not sure if ADD causes cravings for drugs and glucose, which makes you fat and then you can't sleep. Or if diabetes causes less glucose to get to the brain.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Day 151 Thursday September 6
FOOD:
fast in AM
grassfed beef
diet pop
broccoli
hot sauce and peanut sauce on beef now when I make it
WEIGHT: 262
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
fast in AM
grassfed beef
diet pop
broccoli
hot sauce and peanut sauce on beef now when I make it
WEIGHT: 262
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Day 150 Wednesday September 5
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
coffee
lunch-stuffed pepper, rice ground beef inside
bourbon chicken
rice
Fast in the PM
WEIGHT: 265
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP: 7 hours?
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
bacon and eggs
coffee
lunch-stuffed pepper, rice ground beef inside
bourbon chicken
rice
Fast in the PM
WEIGHT: 265
CAFFEINE: coffee
SLEEP: 7 hours?
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Day 149 Tuesday September 4
FOOD:
coffee
fast in AM
sesame chicken
rice
teriyaki beef
grassfed beef with catsup
diet coke
WEIGHT:
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
busy at work again. And I start with all this carbohydrate bullshit
coffee
fast in AM
sesame chicken
rice
teriyaki beef
grassfed beef with catsup
diet coke
WEIGHT:
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
busy at work again. And I start with all this carbohydrate bullshit
Monday, September 3, 2007
Day 148 Monday September 3
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
grassfed beef with peanut sauce coffee
WEIGHT: 262
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN: YES
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
bacon and eggs
grassfed beef with peanut sauce coffee
WEIGHT: 262
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN: YES
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Day 147 Sunday 9/2/07
FOOD:
Fast in AM
bacon and eggs
grassfed beef
coffee
peanut sauc on beef
cheese sticks
10 chicken nuggests/ bbq
diet coke
dbl cheeseburger no bun
WEIGHT: 263
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Fast in AM
bacon and eggs
grassfed beef
coffee
peanut sauc on beef
cheese sticks
10 chicken nuggests/ bbq
diet coke
dbl cheeseburger no bun
WEIGHT: 263
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Day 146 Saturday September 1
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
line caught tuna
popeyes chicken nuggets with bbq sauce
diet pop
WEIGHT: 264
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING: in the PM
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
bacon and eggs
line caught tuna
popeyes chicken nuggets with bbq sauce
diet pop
WEIGHT: 264
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING: in the PM
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Friday, August 31, 2007
Day 145 Friday 8/31/07
FOOD:
1 beer
italian beef no bread
chicken sandwich no bread burger king
triple burger no bread burger king
WEIGHT: 264
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING in the AM
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
1 beer
italian beef no bread
chicken sandwich no bread burger king
triple burger no bread burger king
WEIGHT: 264
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING in the AM
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Day 144 Wed 8/30
FOOD:
coffee
grassfed stew
diet pepsi
more grassfed stew
WEIGHT: 267
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN: YES
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
This is day 2 of Intermittant fasting, in the PM today
coffee
grassfed stew
diet pepsi
more grassfed stew
WEIGHT: 267
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN: YES
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
This is day 2 of Intermittant fasting, in the PM today
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Day 143 Wed 8/29
FOOD:
line caught tuna
bacon and eggs
3 oz liver
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING: in the AM
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
line caught tuna
bacon and eggs
3 oz liver
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
FASTING: in the AM
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Day 142 Tuesday August 28
FOOD:
sausage egg and cheese mcgriddle
coffee
chocolate donut
pizza with crust
2 diet 7 up
spaghetti
garlic bread
diet pepsi
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE: coffee, 3 diet pop
SLEEP: 8 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
First, 8 hours of sleep and I feel tired! Second, when I ate carbs a week ago that triggered about 8 days of eating carbs and a weight gain of about 7 pounds. Third, today is my birthday, and I feel fine. My gift to myself is getting a handle on carbs again. This isn't a crash weight loss here. This is learning habits that I can use the rest of my life. I think I will experiment with the intermittent fasting, just for the hell of it. Starting at 5PM today. I will not eat until tomorrow at 5PM. 24 hours of no food! Exciting stuff!
sausage egg and cheese mcgriddle
coffee
chocolate donut
pizza with crust
2 diet 7 up
spaghetti
garlic bread
diet pepsi
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE: coffee, 3 diet pop
SLEEP: 8 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
First, 8 hours of sleep and I feel tired! Second, when I ate carbs a week ago that triggered about 8 days of eating carbs and a weight gain of about 7 pounds. Third, today is my birthday, and I feel fine. My gift to myself is getting a handle on carbs again. This isn't a crash weight loss here. This is learning habits that I can use the rest of my life. I think I will experiment with the intermittent fasting, just for the hell of it. Starting at 5PM today. I will not eat until tomorrow at 5PM. 24 hours of no food! Exciting stuff!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Day 141 Monday August 27
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
teriyaki beef
rice
sesame chicken
2 diet cokes
spaghetti
4 garlic breads
1 liter RC
WEIGHT: 267
CAFFEINE: RC
SLEEP: 9 hours?
SUN: N
EXERCISE: N
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Day before my birthday. Went carb crazy. Reading some interesting articles about intermittant fasting. Not sure if it would throw off my hunger control. The thought of running out of money, or at least trying really fucking hard not to spend any, has made me eat more carbs lately. Also the birthday. And also a feeling of it's ok to cheat since I'm already cheating. And some frustration with ADD stuff, like the changes I've made haven't helped. On that front, the jury's still out. Reading some good stuff on how ADD, and lack of dopamine, makes you overeat more. So it's an affect, not the cause. But I'm still not sure. Haven't gotten rid of all my fat. Also need to kick up the exercise. Exercise increases dopamine and insulin resistance. Takes a while to make these changes. The physical changes have definately been there. One more day until my birthday, and then I'll get back on track. Maybe I should try the intermittent fasting, at least for now, just to see what happens? Get me back into blogging, to describe the affects. Break up this carb routine I've gotten in. Keep things interesting. I'm broke anyway- might save money? I like what people say about making it easier to turn down a meal. Like sometimes the only options are a carb heavy meal, so I eat it. I could have the option of just not eating, skipping a meal. It makes sense from a paleo perspective I guess- how could you guarantee 3 meals a day in the wild? People go from cradle to grave and never miss a meal.
bacon and eggs
teriyaki beef
rice
sesame chicken
2 diet cokes
spaghetti
4 garlic breads
1 liter RC
WEIGHT: 267
CAFFEINE: RC
SLEEP: 9 hours?
SUN: N
EXERCISE: N
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Day before my birthday. Went carb crazy. Reading some interesting articles about intermittant fasting. Not sure if it would throw off my hunger control. The thought of running out of money, or at least trying really fucking hard not to spend any, has made me eat more carbs lately. Also the birthday. And also a feeling of it's ok to cheat since I'm already cheating. And some frustration with ADD stuff, like the changes I've made haven't helped. On that front, the jury's still out. Reading some good stuff on how ADD, and lack of dopamine, makes you overeat more. So it's an affect, not the cause. But I'm still not sure. Haven't gotten rid of all my fat. Also need to kick up the exercise. Exercise increases dopamine and insulin resistance. Takes a while to make these changes. The physical changes have definately been there. One more day until my birthday, and then I'll get back on track. Maybe I should try the intermittent fasting, at least for now, just to see what happens? Get me back into blogging, to describe the affects. Break up this carb routine I've gotten in. Keep things interesting. I'm broke anyway- might save money? I like what people say about making it easier to turn down a meal. Like sometimes the only options are a carb heavy meal, so I eat it. I could have the option of just not eating, skipping a meal. It makes sense from a paleo perspective I guess- how could you guarantee 3 meals a day in the wild? People go from cradle to grave and never miss a meal.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Day 140 Sunday August 26
FOOD:
Line caught tuna
Don't remember what else I ate
WEIGHT:
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Line caught tuna
Don't remember what else I ate
WEIGHT:
CAFFEINE:
SLEEP:
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Day 139 Saturday August 25
FOOD:
2 and a half burgers with bun
4 hot dogs with buns
hot stuff chips
3 diet cokes
cookies- ~9
watermelon
WEIGHT: 265
CAFFEINE: 3 diet cokes
SLEEP: 11 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met friend for BBQ. Again, he bought the food, I pitched in. Felt like I had to get the extra calories from the carbs since I'm so broke. What sense does that make? This being broke and contemplating fasting puts me in anxiety mode and I find myself justifying eating carbs to myself. Also, again, my birthday is coming up.
2 and a half burgers with bun
4 hot dogs with buns
hot stuff chips
3 diet cokes
cookies- ~9
watermelon
WEIGHT: 265
CAFFEINE: 3 diet cokes
SLEEP: 11 hours
SUN:
EXERCISE:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met friend for BBQ. Again, he bought the food, I pitched in. Felt like I had to get the extra calories from the carbs since I'm so broke. What sense does that make? This being broke and contemplating fasting puts me in anxiety mode and I find myself justifying eating carbs to myself. Also, again, my birthday is coming up.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Day 138 Friday August 24
FOOD:
BURRITO WITH BREAD
2 TACOS WITH BREAD
2 diet cokes
WEIGHT: 266
CAFFEINE: 2 diet cokes
SLEEP: 11 hrs
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met friend for lunch. No idea why I ate the carbs. Didn't even think about it until later on.
BURRITO WITH BREAD
2 TACOS WITH BREAD
2 diet cokes
WEIGHT: 266
CAFFEINE: 2 diet cokes
SLEEP: 11 hrs
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met friend for lunch. No idea why I ate the carbs. Didn't even think about it until later on.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Day 137 Thursday 8/23/07
FOOD:
1 pc fried chicken
sm. salad with ranch
burger WITH BUN
POTATO CHIPS
SIDE OF MOSTACIOLI
2 diet cokes
CHOCOLATE CAKE
2 pcs chicken
1 SPRITE
FRIES
WEIGHT: ?
CAFFEINE: 3 pops
SLEEP: 7 hours
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR: ?
KETONES: ?
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Realize I messed up the sleep. It was last night I slept by my moms and didn't get enough sleep. We both have a birthday coming up, hence the cake. Always something. My tires won't hold air. I owe ebay money. Cat needs to go the the vet.
I think about quitting my therapist- it's nice but I can't afford it. Sometimes it makes me mad. I think I'm just a wussy who can't say no. Like I'm just going because she needs the money and she'd talk me out of quitting her. But other times it is helpful. She know how broke I am. I almost feel like she should give me a month off. I mean, what would happen? She's my overeating counselor. At this rate, I won't have money to even buy any fucking food!
1 pc fried chicken
sm. salad with ranch
burger WITH BUN
POTATO CHIPS
SIDE OF MOSTACIOLI
2 diet cokes
CHOCOLATE CAKE
2 pcs chicken
1 SPRITE
FRIES
WEIGHT: ?
CAFFEINE: 3 pops
SLEEP: 7 hours
SUN: no
EXERCISE: no
BLOOD SUGAR: ?
KETONES: ?
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Realize I messed up the sleep. It was last night I slept by my moms and didn't get enough sleep. We both have a birthday coming up, hence the cake. Always something. My tires won't hold air. I owe ebay money. Cat needs to go the the vet.
I think about quitting my therapist- it's nice but I can't afford it. Sometimes it makes me mad. I think I'm just a wussy who can't say no. Like I'm just going because she needs the money and she'd talk me out of quitting her. But other times it is helpful. She know how broke I am. I almost feel like she should give me a month off. I mean, what would happen? She's my overeating counselor. At this rate, I won't have money to even buy any fucking food!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Day 136 Wed. 8/22
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
full slab of bbq ribs
fries
2 diet cokes
sm. plate of spaghetti
3 mini ice cream sundaes 1/4 cup ea.?
WEIGHT: ?
CAFFEINE: 2 diet cokes
SLEEP: 6 hours- not good sleep- not at home- sun woke me up
SUN: none
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR: ?
KETONES: ?
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Helped my mom. Ate whatever she served me. Totally broke at this point. Considering fasting for a few weeks. Yes, it's that bad. :( Worried that my cat is sick, but then again I always worry about the cats. And money. And my job. And why my life is going nowhere. My therapist commented on this and it kind of bummed me out. ADD is characterized by low dopamine, and dopamine is the neurotransmitter that gives us drive and ambition. I am sorely lacking in this area. I am a boat with no rudder, drifting where the wind takes me. Just reacting. When the creditor calls, or something is due TODAY, then I act, and only then. Or if something is interesting to me. This fucking sucks. Sometimes I feel down. I feel like I was hoping that this dietary regimin would help my ADD, and I guess I have a long way to go to lose the weight, and improve my health and I haven't been perfect at it. But I wonder if I'm just fucked. I'd like to see a shrink and see if meds would help me, but I have no fucking money. Because ADD makes me a terrible money manager. I make over 50k a year, and I don't have money for gas or food. I probably paid 4-5k this year in bank overdraft fees. Why didn't I get a job this summer? I was worried that smoking pot made me lazy, but I'm just like that naturally I guess. My mom has ADD and she's worse than me- her place is a disaster area. At least I'm better than her? But she has money at least and I don't. Fuck. I've been going to this ADD group, and that helps a little. One guy talked about not having his plater sticker, and neither do I. One guy talked about being behind in toll payments, and so am I. One guy described himself as just keeping his head above water, and I totally feel like that too. My mom is alone because she can't make friends, or really can't keep them. She get suspicious of their motives, and is easily offended, and feels left out and is a martyr. She shoots her mouth off and alienates people. I don't think I do that, but I do feel isolated. People bug me sometimes. I can think of a reason to not hang out with each of my friends. I get lazy and don't keep in contact with people. I wait for them to call me and then things stagnate. I was supposed to go to lunch tomorrow with this chick I used to work with, but I'm broke, I forgot to email her and it's probably too late now, and I made plans with another friend in the meanwhile. I'll wait until the last minute tomorrow to figure out what I'll do. This sucks. I'm going into a whirlwind next week and I'm fucked. But in a way, crisis gets me going. It's like I need a disaster to get me off my ass. Sometimes I think I should work in an emergency room or a battlefield. No procrastinating then- just REACT. That I can do. That's the one part of my job I'm good at- it's the paperwork and boring stuff I lag at. What did I read somewhere- minimize paperwork to maximize success. I keep thinking of ways to get more organized. I guess I keep hoping that some new system will solve my problems. My real problem is lack of motivation. Lack of belief or vision that any of the chores I'm supposed to do will make me any happier. I just do things to avoid negative consequences, never for positive, proactive reasons. This helps me to write this though, I actually feel better right now. That's what they say about ADD'ers- they can forget bad moods and rebound, but plunge back into the depths of despair in an instant.
bacon and eggs
full slab of bbq ribs
fries
2 diet cokes
sm. plate of spaghetti
3 mini ice cream sundaes 1/4 cup ea.?
WEIGHT: ?
CAFFEINE: 2 diet cokes
SLEEP: 6 hours- not good sleep- not at home- sun woke me up
SUN: none
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR: ?
KETONES: ?
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Helped my mom. Ate whatever she served me. Totally broke at this point. Considering fasting for a few weeks. Yes, it's that bad. :( Worried that my cat is sick, but then again I always worry about the cats. And money. And my job. And why my life is going nowhere. My therapist commented on this and it kind of bummed me out. ADD is characterized by low dopamine, and dopamine is the neurotransmitter that gives us drive and ambition. I am sorely lacking in this area. I am a boat with no rudder, drifting where the wind takes me. Just reacting. When the creditor calls, or something is due TODAY, then I act, and only then. Or if something is interesting to me. This fucking sucks. Sometimes I feel down. I feel like I was hoping that this dietary regimin would help my ADD, and I guess I have a long way to go to lose the weight, and improve my health and I haven't been perfect at it. But I wonder if I'm just fucked. I'd like to see a shrink and see if meds would help me, but I have no fucking money. Because ADD makes me a terrible money manager. I make over 50k a year, and I don't have money for gas or food. I probably paid 4-5k this year in bank overdraft fees. Why didn't I get a job this summer? I was worried that smoking pot made me lazy, but I'm just like that naturally I guess. My mom has ADD and she's worse than me- her place is a disaster area. At least I'm better than her? But she has money at least and I don't. Fuck. I've been going to this ADD group, and that helps a little. One guy talked about not having his plater sticker, and neither do I. One guy talked about being behind in toll payments, and so am I. One guy described himself as just keeping his head above water, and I totally feel like that too. My mom is alone because she can't make friends, or really can't keep them. She get suspicious of their motives, and is easily offended, and feels left out and is a martyr. She shoots her mouth off and alienates people. I don't think I do that, but I do feel isolated. People bug me sometimes. I can think of a reason to not hang out with each of my friends. I get lazy and don't keep in contact with people. I wait for them to call me and then things stagnate. I was supposed to go to lunch tomorrow with this chick I used to work with, but I'm broke, I forgot to email her and it's probably too late now, and I made plans with another friend in the meanwhile. I'll wait until the last minute tomorrow to figure out what I'll do. This sucks. I'm going into a whirlwind next week and I'm fucked. But in a way, crisis gets me going. It's like I need a disaster to get me off my ass. Sometimes I think I should work in an emergency room or a battlefield. No procrastinating then- just REACT. That I can do. That's the one part of my job I'm good at- it's the paperwork and boring stuff I lag at. What did I read somewhere- minimize paperwork to maximize success. I keep thinking of ways to get more organized. I guess I keep hoping that some new system will solve my problems. My real problem is lack of motivation. Lack of belief or vision that any of the chores I'm supposed to do will make me any happier. I just do things to avoid negative consequences, never for positive, proactive reasons. This helps me to write this though, I actually feel better right now. That's what they say about ADD'ers- they can forget bad moods and rebound, but plunge back into the depths of despair in an instant.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Day 135 Tuesday 8/21
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
dbl burger from burger king NO bun
msall side salad
10 chicken nuggets with bbq sauce
salmon- line caught
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE: none
SLEEP: 11 hrs
SUN: 20 min
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR: ?
KETONES: ?
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Been in a bad mood lately because I'm broke. This is also messing up my food intake. I was hungry and had no food at home so I had this fast food. :(
bacon and eggs
dbl burger from burger king NO bun
msall side salad
10 chicken nuggets with bbq sauce
salmon- line caught
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE: none
SLEEP: 11 hrs
SUN: 20 min
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR: ?
KETONES: ?
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Been in a bad mood lately because I'm broke. This is also messing up my food intake. I was hungry and had no food at home so I had this fast food. :(
Monday, August 20, 2007
Day 134 Monday August 20
FOOD:
omega 3 eggs and bacon
grain fed steak
almonds, pistachios
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE: none
SLEEP: 10 1/2 hours
SUN: none- cloudy
EXERCISE: 15 minutes on stairmaster, machine weights
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES: none
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Have a headach late night, don't know why. First day with no caffeine at all is one possible reason. Second trip to the health club this week- just started going. Using one in my neighborhood finally- it's nice!
Did a little today- procrastinated on other stuff. Knowing the crunch will come soon, and procrastination will again bedevil me more. May be making some progress towards getting a diagnosis for ADD, and more importantly, medication for it. Bought a stainless steel fry pan to replace my non stick one. No more teflon. Now I need a wok and a 2 burner griddle.
Watched football with friends today. Made more contact with friends this weekend.
Oh, and I've been playing around with OxyCalm, an oxytocin delivery nasal spray thing. Supposed to make you more sociable. Seems like it might really have a slight affect- not sure.
I need to get to bed earlier! It's midnight now. I was sleeping at sunset, but staying up late, AND sleeping almost 11 hours leaves me less time during the day to do stuff. I need to figure out a new weekly schedule for myself once I start working more.
At least I'm back at the health club. This should help me move past the 270/260 mark big time. Glad to be lifing again also. Want to make sure I don't neglect my walking too. Not sure how many times a week I should go to the health club. I don't want to burn out on it, and again, don't want to stop walking. Once winter starts I may change my mind! Of course, I do like cold weather though, so maybe not!
omega 3 eggs and bacon
grain fed steak
almonds, pistachios
WEIGHT: 270
CAFFEINE: none
SLEEP: 10 1/2 hours
SUN: none- cloudy
EXERCISE: 15 minutes on stairmaster, machine weights
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES: none
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Have a headach late night, don't know why. First day with no caffeine at all is one possible reason. Second trip to the health club this week- just started going. Using one in my neighborhood finally- it's nice!
Did a little today- procrastinated on other stuff. Knowing the crunch will come soon, and procrastination will again bedevil me more. May be making some progress towards getting a diagnosis for ADD, and more importantly, medication for it. Bought a stainless steel fry pan to replace my non stick one. No more teflon. Now I need a wok and a 2 burner griddle.
Watched football with friends today. Made more contact with friends this weekend.
Oh, and I've been playing around with OxyCalm, an oxytocin delivery nasal spray thing. Supposed to make you more sociable. Seems like it might really have a slight affect- not sure.
I need to get to bed earlier! It's midnight now. I was sleeping at sunset, but staying up late, AND sleeping almost 11 hours leaves me less time during the day to do stuff. I need to figure out a new weekly schedule for myself once I start working more.
At least I'm back at the health club. This should help me move past the 270/260 mark big time. Glad to be lifing again also. Want to make sure I don't neglect my walking too. Not sure how many times a week I should go to the health club. I don't want to burn out on it, and again, don't want to stop walking. Once winter starts I may change my mind! Of course, I do like cold weather though, so maybe not!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Day 133, Sunday August 19
FOOD:
bacon and eggs
full slab of bbq ribs
2 diet cokes
french fries
grassfed stew
WEIGHT: 267
CAFFEINE: 2 diet cokes
SLEEP: 10 hrs
SUN: none- cloudy
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
did a few chores. Low energy today. Slight headache- had many carbs yesterday. I notice a correlation between headaches and carbs. I've been cutting down on coffee, and today is my first day with no caffeine. No headaches from it so far. I took my regular 8 cup pot I would have had in a day and split it over 4 days.
Met a friend for dinner today.
bacon and eggs
full slab of bbq ribs
2 diet cokes
french fries
grassfed stew
WEIGHT: 267
CAFFEINE: 2 diet cokes
SLEEP: 10 hrs
SUN: none- cloudy
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
did a few chores. Low energy today. Slight headache- had many carbs yesterday. I notice a correlation between headaches and carbs. I've been cutting down on coffee, and today is my first day with no caffeine. No headaches from it so far. I took my regular 8 cup pot I would have had in a day and split it over 4 days.
Met a friend for dinner today.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Day 132 Saturday August 18
FOOD:
Grassfed stew- meat only- made it in crockpot and it turned out well.
1/2 bbq chicken
one potato w/o skin "greek potato" with oil
1 garlic bread
cole slaw
popeyes 5 chicken tender things
bbq sauce
cajun rice
diet pop
WEIGHT: 263
CAFFEINE: small coffee, 2 diet pops
SLEEP: 10 hours
SUN:none
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met some old friends. Helped a buddy, he bought me lunch, I ate carbs. This is a pattern for me. If I buy my own food I eat what I want. I thought I was going low carb with the chicken choice, but didn't realize it was bbq, and the rice and potatoes came along, and I feel bad throwing out food someone else bought. I need to get over that. Also could have made better selection. Then I got carb cravings and stopped at Popeyes later. God, carbs are so totally a drug, it's hard to believe people don't see it. It's more addictive than cigarettes, alcohol, pot, coffee. And it's everywhere! Not a good day, but I didn't drink at least, and I enjoyed seeing old friends today. Not going to let myself feel bad. I'm down to 263 for heaven's sake. People comment on how good I look. Why can't I enjoy myself and let it go? Guess I'm worried about slipping and going back to being so overweight and crappy feeling.
Also, finding good stuff online about connections between insulin insensitivity, depression, and executive dysfunction. I'm doing this not as much to look better, but to improve my mood. Keeping this log is a part of that, because I reflect on how food and exercise impact my mood. I want to keep this thing up to date. Filling in info post facto is a bust, because I don't have the other half of the puzzle, how I felt that day.
Also, I've been sleeping 10 hours a day. Feeling a little bit more rested. Don't know that my mood has improved much. Going to be hard to continue this when I start working more. I am dreaming alot more. Starting to taper off caffeine. I read that cortisol, the stress hormone, is increased by coffee and alcohol. And I read that it can cause cravings for carbs, depression, anxiety and insulin insensitivity. Possible another piece of the puzzle here.
Grassfed stew- meat only- made it in crockpot and it turned out well.
1/2 bbq chicken
one potato w/o skin "greek potato" with oil
1 garlic bread
cole slaw
popeyes 5 chicken tender things
bbq sauce
cajun rice
diet pop
WEIGHT: 263
CAFFEINE: small coffee, 2 diet pops
SLEEP: 10 hours
SUN:none
EXERCISE: none
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met some old friends. Helped a buddy, he bought me lunch, I ate carbs. This is a pattern for me. If I buy my own food I eat what I want. I thought I was going low carb with the chicken choice, but didn't realize it was bbq, and the rice and potatoes came along, and I feel bad throwing out food someone else bought. I need to get over that. Also could have made better selection. Then I got carb cravings and stopped at Popeyes later. God, carbs are so totally a drug, it's hard to believe people don't see it. It's more addictive than cigarettes, alcohol, pot, coffee. And it's everywhere! Not a good day, but I didn't drink at least, and I enjoyed seeing old friends today. Not going to let myself feel bad. I'm down to 263 for heaven's sake. People comment on how good I look. Why can't I enjoy myself and let it go? Guess I'm worried about slipping and going back to being so overweight and crappy feeling.
Also, finding good stuff online about connections between insulin insensitivity, depression, and executive dysfunction. I'm doing this not as much to look better, but to improve my mood. Keeping this log is a part of that, because I reflect on how food and exercise impact my mood. I want to keep this thing up to date. Filling in info post facto is a bust, because I don't have the other half of the puzzle, how I felt that day.
Also, I've been sleeping 10 hours a day. Feeling a little bit more rested. Don't know that my mood has improved much. Going to be hard to continue this when I start working more. I am dreaming alot more. Starting to taper off caffeine. I read that cortisol, the stress hormone, is increased by coffee and alcohol. And I read that it can cause cravings for carbs, depression, anxiety and insulin insensitivity. Possible another piece of the puzzle here.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
I shall return!
Well, I got out of the habit of posting here. Guess it's been about a month. I got behind, and then it's intimidating to think about filling in all the days I missed.
Screw that, I just want to get back on board here.
So, how/what have I been doing?
Well, I'm down to like 269 or so, so I've lost this last month. I have cheated a number of times however. A few times when visiting my Mom or Aunt- I guess I'm trying to hide my odd diet from them. A few times at social occasions. Twice when my friend bought me lunch for helping him move. My downfall is breaded chicken nuggets. Scenario, I am out and about, hungry, and chicken nuggets or chicken sounds good. With a diet pop. Also beans, some rice. Even a few cupcakes. But 95% of the time, grassfed meat all the way.
Well, I don't think that's good at all. I am trying to isolate things that affect my mood and losing weight is secondary really. I'm still convinced of a relationship between insulin insensitivity and ADD. I've been visiting a support group for ADD, and I really like it. Surprising number of overweight and diabetic people there. I saw a study that among grossly obese children, 60 % had ADD! Either ADD causes binging, binging causes ADD, or something else causes both. I think the root is insulin insensitivity. New studies show that occurs FIRST, and drives the person to obesity with food cravings. What causes the Insulin insensitivity?
Could it be aspartame? Could it be just sugar? Gluten? High fructose corn syrup? Could it be caffeine? I'm starting to really suspect the latter. Everything has caffeine in it. I notice that ADD'ers are big caffeine drinkers. It supposedly helps you focus. What if it's the opposite? Some studies show that caffeine restricts blood flow to the brain. 98% of children between 5 and 15 consume caffeine regularly in soft drinks, chocolate, etc. Dr. Atkins always held that caffeine contributed to insulin insensitivity. Could it be that simple? Caffeine restricts the body's absorption of zinc and magnesium. Deficiencies in both of those are associated with diabetes AND ADD!
So I'd like to continue this experiment. I've transitioned into an essentially low carb lifestyle, and it has become routine for me. Some gaps and holes, but overall pretty impressive. I want to continue, but tighten up even more. Meaning, NO fried chicken, chicken nuggets, diet pop, fast food, etc. I want to restrict vegetables and fruits especially, not so much because veges are bad, but just in the interest of isolating how diet can affect my mood, motivation, and mental clarity. Also, many veggies have salicylates, which according to Feingold could aggravate ADD. And my newest quest, NO CAFFEINE! I tried it before and it was brutal. Headaches, fatigue, and most disturbingly, loss of motor control in the morning. Stumbling and banging my head on the wall. But I intend to see this through. I quit everything else, drinking, smoking, all junk food. Time to continue this experiment.
So then, grassfed beef, oily line caught deep sea fish only. Nitrate free bacon and omega 3 eggs. And water. Flouride free, filtered water that is. Continue walking and possibly weights and stairmaster once a week. Oh, and lots of sleep in a dark room! According to a cool book I read, "lights out, sleep sugar and survival" by TS Wiley, carb hunger, fat gain and high blood sugar are controlled by long days of little sleep. So, as we go into winter, there aren't any carbs in nature anyway. Just meat and fat to burn, and long nights of sleep in the darkness. I've dark proofed my room, and started sleeping 10 hours a day. Dreaming much more, feeling rested. Still problems with motivation and getting to bed. Still depressed mood at times. Still not much of a drive to get out and meet women. Just the blahs. The sun and walking have been mood boosters, and it will be hard to match that with the end of the summer. Indoor tanning? Or just sleep away the winter like my paleolithic ancestors did?
Also, today is day 128. Four months. 308 to 268. Forty pounds weight loss. Blood pressure normalized. Haven't checked blood sugar lately, or lipid profile. Probably should do that soon as well. Another four months brings me to the cusp of Christmas. Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. I'm going to start the numbering system back at day 1. A fresh start. A rebirth of this endeavor of mine, to change my body and my brain in unconventional ways.
Screw that, I just want to get back on board here.
So, how/what have I been doing?
Well, I'm down to like 269 or so, so I've lost this last month. I have cheated a number of times however. A few times when visiting my Mom or Aunt- I guess I'm trying to hide my odd diet from them. A few times at social occasions. Twice when my friend bought me lunch for helping him move. My downfall is breaded chicken nuggets. Scenario, I am out and about, hungry, and chicken nuggets or chicken sounds good. With a diet pop. Also beans, some rice. Even a few cupcakes. But 95% of the time, grassfed meat all the way.
Well, I don't think that's good at all. I am trying to isolate things that affect my mood and losing weight is secondary really. I'm still convinced of a relationship between insulin insensitivity and ADD. I've been visiting a support group for ADD, and I really like it. Surprising number of overweight and diabetic people there. I saw a study that among grossly obese children, 60 % had ADD! Either ADD causes binging, binging causes ADD, or something else causes both. I think the root is insulin insensitivity. New studies show that occurs FIRST, and drives the person to obesity with food cravings. What causes the Insulin insensitivity?
Could it be aspartame? Could it be just sugar? Gluten? High fructose corn syrup? Could it be caffeine? I'm starting to really suspect the latter. Everything has caffeine in it. I notice that ADD'ers are big caffeine drinkers. It supposedly helps you focus. What if it's the opposite? Some studies show that caffeine restricts blood flow to the brain. 98% of children between 5 and 15 consume caffeine regularly in soft drinks, chocolate, etc. Dr. Atkins always held that caffeine contributed to insulin insensitivity. Could it be that simple? Caffeine restricts the body's absorption of zinc and magnesium. Deficiencies in both of those are associated with diabetes AND ADD!
So I'd like to continue this experiment. I've transitioned into an essentially low carb lifestyle, and it has become routine for me. Some gaps and holes, but overall pretty impressive. I want to continue, but tighten up even more. Meaning, NO fried chicken, chicken nuggets, diet pop, fast food, etc. I want to restrict vegetables and fruits especially, not so much because veges are bad, but just in the interest of isolating how diet can affect my mood, motivation, and mental clarity. Also, many veggies have salicylates, which according to Feingold could aggravate ADD. And my newest quest, NO CAFFEINE! I tried it before and it was brutal. Headaches, fatigue, and most disturbingly, loss of motor control in the morning. Stumbling and banging my head on the wall. But I intend to see this through. I quit everything else, drinking, smoking, all junk food. Time to continue this experiment.
So then, grassfed beef, oily line caught deep sea fish only. Nitrate free bacon and omega 3 eggs. And water. Flouride free, filtered water that is. Continue walking and possibly weights and stairmaster once a week. Oh, and lots of sleep in a dark room! According to a cool book I read, "lights out, sleep sugar and survival" by TS Wiley, carb hunger, fat gain and high blood sugar are controlled by long days of little sleep. So, as we go into winter, there aren't any carbs in nature anyway. Just meat and fat to burn, and long nights of sleep in the darkness. I've dark proofed my room, and started sleeping 10 hours a day. Dreaming much more, feeling rested. Still problems with motivation and getting to bed. Still depressed mood at times. Still not much of a drive to get out and meet women. Just the blahs. The sun and walking have been mood boosters, and it will be hard to match that with the end of the summer. Indoor tanning? Or just sleep away the winter like my paleolithic ancestors did?
Also, today is day 128. Four months. 308 to 268. Forty pounds weight loss. Blood pressure normalized. Haven't checked blood sugar lately, or lipid profile. Probably should do that soon as well. Another four months brings me to the cusp of Christmas. Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. I'm going to start the numbering system back at day 1. A fresh start. A rebirth of this endeavor of mine, to change my body and my brain in unconventional ways.
Monday, July 9, 2007
I dig up old weight and blood profile data on myself- SHOCKING!
YEAR AGE WEIGHT COMMENTS
1968
1969 1
1970 2
1971 3
1972 4
1973 5 44 lbs height 46"
1974 6
1975 7
1976 8 ate TONS of ding dongs, ho ho's, pop, pasta, carbs as a kid!
1977 9
1978 10 82lbs height 57"
1979 11
1980 12
1981 13 130 height 65" Started high school- getting a little pudgy
1982 14
1983 15
1984 16 163
1985 17 193 started lifting weights- self esteem boost - grad high school
1986 18 drank lots of beer in college. had a few periods where I lifted weights
1987 19
1988 20
1989 21 205?
1990 22 210 became vegetarian-2 years graduated college
1991 23 236 became vegetarian-2 years Cholesterol 160 HDL too low
1992 24 260 I gained 50 pounds going vegetarian!
1993 25 245 exercising more, lost a little, jogged/stairs, cardio
1994 26 270
1995 27 280 july-Cholesterol 198 Triglyceride 150
1996 28 305 Remember thinking "if I ever hit 300 lbs. I'll quit eating!" Didn't do that though!
1997 29 315? Oct 97-pre weight loss doctor test results Cholesterol 171, HDL low 30 Triglyceride 156
saw weight loss doctor- medications, SSRI, low carb, lost weight (20-40 lbs?). Over time, medication less effective, and I dropped off. Should have realized the low carb is what was losing the weight, not the medication!
1998 30
1999 31
2000 32 gaining weight in these years
2001 33
2002 34 My highest weight? Don't know- stopped weighing myself
2003 35 Cholesterol 167, HDL 23 (ratio 7.3- BAD!) Triglycerides 131 (uric acid high, iron is low)
2004 36 360-down to 336 in june/july doing Atkins /lost weight on atkins over a month or two, then met my girlfriend. Went off low carb, gained back weight because new girlfriend talked me out of Atkins!
2005 37 336-360? gained back weight I lost. Don't know my highest weight
2006 38 360?-307 lost on atkins/paleo, estimated. Doctor's visit in spring- test results - blood profile not too bad, but blood sugar 134. Over 126 is indicative of diabetes. Also, blood pressure too high. Kind of blew this off, but started reading more about diabetes, and realized how serious this blood sugar reading was. Bought a meter, and started testing myself, and realized my blood sugar could be WAY higher! Sometimes it was over 200! In October I started back on Atkins and started walking every day. Lost weight and improved blood sugar big time. Went back to doctor 3 months later, and things had improved. I went from 338-307 in 2 months. I then got lazy again until April of 2007. I actually gained back 10 lbs between december 06 and april 07.
2007 39 340-277 lost on atkins/paleo, Period Nov 2006-July 2007.
From April 1-July 8, went from 318-277, doing my most paleo diet yet, and walking.
Weigh less now than I have in 12 years!
====
It is believed that the triglycerides/HDL ratio is one of the most potent predictors of heart disease. It is generally considered that if this number is below 2 the person is generally at a low risk of heart disease. So, the lower your triglycerides, or the higher your HDL, the smaller this ratio becomes.
=====
Some physicians and cholesterol technicians use the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol in place of the total blood cholesterol. The ratio is obtained by dividing the HDL cholesterol level into the total cholesterol. For example, if a person has a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and an HDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL, the ratio would be 4:1. The goal is to keep the ratio below 5:1; the optimum ratio is 3.5:1.
=====
HDL levels have an inverse relationship with coronary heart disease. The ability of HDL to predict the development of coronary atherosclerosis has been estimated to be four times greater than LDL and eight times greater than TC. Treatment is recommended for those with a HDL level below 40 mg/dL. An HDL of 60 mg/dL is considered protection against heart disease.
====
Ratio of total Cholesterol to HDL
Risk Men Women
Very low (1/2 average) <3.4 <3.3
Low risk 4.0 3.8
Average risk 5.0 4.5
Moderate risk (2x average) 9.5 7.0
High risk (3x risk) >23 >11
=====
The two most important are the HDL/Cholesterol and Triglyceride/HDL ratios. Generally the HDL ratio should be above 25 and preferably in the 30s. If it is in the 40s, that nearly guarantees immunity from heart disease. Whereas if it is below 15, and certainly below 10, a heart attack is inevitable. To calculate the ratio simply divide your TOTAL cholesterol by your HDL and multiply by 100 (move the decimal point over two places to the right). It is just a matter of when, not if, it will happen. The triglyceride ratio should be below 2.0.
I think he means divide HDL by total cholesterol?
===
Protective Warning
Total Cholesterol / HDL Less than 4.2 4.3 and higher
======
Triglycerides
Less than 150 mg/dL Normal
150 - 199 mg/dL Borderline
200 - 499 mg/Dl High
More than 500 mg/Dl Very high
1968
1969 1
1970 2
1971 3
1972 4
1973 5 44 lbs height 46"
1974 6
1975 7
1976 8 ate TONS of ding dongs, ho ho's, pop, pasta, carbs as a kid!
1977 9
1978 10 82lbs height 57"
1979 11
1980 12
1981 13 130 height 65" Started high school- getting a little pudgy
1982 14
1983 15
1984 16 163
1985 17 193 started lifting weights- self esteem boost - grad high school
1986 18 drank lots of beer in college. had a few periods where I lifted weights
1987 19
1988 20
1989 21 205?
1990 22 210 became vegetarian-2 years graduated college
1991 23 236 became vegetarian-2 years Cholesterol 160 HDL too low
1992 24 260 I gained 50 pounds going vegetarian!
1993 25 245 exercising more, lost a little, jogged/stairs, cardio
1994 26 270
1995 27 280 july-Cholesterol 198 Triglyceride 150
1996 28 305 Remember thinking "if I ever hit 300 lbs. I'll quit eating!" Didn't do that though!
1997 29 315? Oct 97-pre weight loss doctor test results Cholesterol 171, HDL low 30 Triglyceride 156
saw weight loss doctor- medications, SSRI, low carb, lost weight (20-40 lbs?). Over time, medication less effective, and I dropped off. Should have realized the low carb is what was losing the weight, not the medication!
1998 30
1999 31
2000 32 gaining weight in these years
2001 33
2002 34 My highest weight? Don't know- stopped weighing myself
2003 35 Cholesterol 167, HDL 23 (ratio 7.3- BAD!) Triglycerides 131 (uric acid high, iron is low)
2004 36 360-down to 336 in june/july doing Atkins /lost weight on atkins over a month or two, then met my girlfriend. Went off low carb, gained back weight because new girlfriend talked me out of Atkins!
2005 37 336-360? gained back weight I lost. Don't know my highest weight
2006 38 360?-307 lost on atkins/paleo, estimated. Doctor's visit in spring- test results - blood profile not too bad, but blood sugar 134. Over 126 is indicative of diabetes. Also, blood pressure too high. Kind of blew this off, but started reading more about diabetes, and realized how serious this blood sugar reading was. Bought a meter, and started testing myself, and realized my blood sugar could be WAY higher! Sometimes it was over 200! In October I started back on Atkins and started walking every day. Lost weight and improved blood sugar big time. Went back to doctor 3 months later, and things had improved. I went from 338-307 in 2 months. I then got lazy again until April of 2007. I actually gained back 10 lbs between december 06 and april 07.
2007 39 340-277 lost on atkins/paleo, Period Nov 2006-July 2007.
From April 1-July 8, went from 318-277, doing my most paleo diet yet, and walking.
Weigh less now than I have in 12 years!
====
It is believed that the triglycerides/HDL ratio is one of the most potent predictors of heart disease. It is generally considered that if this number is below 2 the person is generally at a low risk of heart disease. So, the lower your triglycerides, or the higher your HDL, the smaller this ratio becomes.
=====
Some physicians and cholesterol technicians use the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol in place of the total blood cholesterol. The ratio is obtained by dividing the HDL cholesterol level into the total cholesterol. For example, if a person has a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and an HDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL, the ratio would be 4:1. The goal is to keep the ratio below 5:1; the optimum ratio is 3.5:1.
=====
HDL levels have an inverse relationship with coronary heart disease. The ability of HDL to predict the development of coronary atherosclerosis has been estimated to be four times greater than LDL and eight times greater than TC. Treatment is recommended for those with a HDL level below 40 mg/dL. An HDL of 60 mg/dL is considered protection against heart disease.
====
Ratio of total Cholesterol to HDL
Risk Men Women
Very low (1/2 average) <3.4 <3.3
Low risk 4.0 3.8
Average risk 5.0 4.5
Moderate risk (2x average) 9.5 7.0
High risk (3x risk) >23 >11
=====
The two most important are the HDL/Cholesterol and Triglyceride/HDL ratios. Generally the HDL ratio should be above 25 and preferably in the 30s. If it is in the 40s, that nearly guarantees immunity from heart disease. Whereas if it is below 15, and certainly below 10, a heart attack is inevitable. To calculate the ratio simply divide your TOTAL cholesterol by your HDL and multiply by 100 (move the decimal point over two places to the right). It is just a matter of when, not if, it will happen. The triglyceride ratio should be below 2.0.
I think he means divide HDL by total cholesterol?
===
Protective Warning
Total Cholesterol / HDL Less than 4.2 4.3 and higher
======
Triglycerides
Less than 150 mg/dL Normal
150 - 199 mg/dL Borderline
200 - 499 mg/Dl High
More than 500 mg/Dl Very high
Day 92 Monday July 9
FOOD:
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch:
grassfed stew
Dinner:
grassfed beef
EXERCISE: walk
WEIGHT: 278
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
stayed up until 1AM, woke at noon. Cat woke me up. Maybe I should record my sleeping hours and try to get a handle on what's going on.
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch:
grassfed stew
Dinner:
grassfed beef
EXERCISE: walk
WEIGHT: 278
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
stayed up until 1AM, woke at noon. Cat woke me up. Maybe I should record my sleeping hours and try to get a handle on what's going on.
12 lies of marijuana
From a Marijuana Anonymous newsletter Jan 2007, written by Jeff.
www.marijuana-anonymous.org
I wrote this one evening after a meeting, based on a revelation that came from something that was shared. It started me thinking about how I’d lived in a world of lies and was never able to access my emotional truth while I was smoking pot. It’s important to note that, while these are called The Twelve Marijuana Lies, pot never lied to me. It’s a plant; it grows in a field or just sits there in a bag on my coffee table. The lies were created by me and my illness. It wasn’t until I’d taken the time to step back and look at my life objectively that I was able to identify the lies for what they are and to make adjustments in a healthier way. So here they are, in no particular order.
1. You can’t get addicted to pot.
Many people feel, and studies have shown, that you cannot become physically addicted to pot as you can with alcohol, heroin, cigarettes, coffee, or chocolate cake. But most people don’t understand the insidious nature of addiction. It will overtake someone who has an addictive personality by going through the path of least resistance.
2. Smoking marijuana will make you more creative.
This is quite possibly the most dangerous of all the lies listed here. People who are creative by nature (though not exclusively them) become drawn to pot because they feel that it allows them to get in touch with their creative side. This may even be true on some occasions, but that’s mere coincidence. Remember that you always were creative, and that you always had creative abilities within you. You can have creative inspiration without having to smoke pot.
3. Smoking marijuana will help lower your inhibitions.
Smoking pot raised my anxiety and inhibitions to new heights, or, rather, new depths. The loss of control just made me anxious, even around my closest friends. Ultimately, I didn’t like to get high and be around people, so I came to believe that people were the problem, not the pot. I took people out of my life and kept smoking pot, always by myself and in a way that made me more and more isolated from others. My inhibitions could not have been higher.
4. You’ll make friends and meet cool people when you’ve got pot.
You will meet other potheads, thieves, con artists, dope dealers, insufferable flakes, and a lot of other types of people you’d never associate with otherwise, just because they smoke pot. You’ll wait for hours in unsavory places waiting to score. You’ll talk and laugh about things that are neither interesting nor funny. You’ll sacrifice your integrity just to be in with these people and to support your addiction.
5. Smoking pot will help you “see God.”
Yeah, whatever that means. Pot will actually help drive a wedge between you and your spiritual self. You will think that the effects of marijuana are some form of spiritual awakening, but it’s just the pot. Ending your dependency on pot will allow you to open yourself to the possibility that there is someone or something that is greater than you, and that only that Higher Power can help take away your need for pot and restore your life to sanity.
6. Smoking pot makes you feel good.
I admit, I felt real good knowing I was home and I could shut the door, load up the bong, and go into my own world. I felt good touching it, smelling it, preparing it. But once I was stoned, I felt regret over what I’d done. I wished I hadn’t gotten high because I knew I was just going back into old behavior again.
7. Pot is a great thing to bring to a party.
Pot is a terrible thing to bring to a party. Once everyone’s stoned they tend to just sit there and go into their own minds, without saying much or interacting with each other because they’re too wasted. There’s no interaction, no meaningful dialog, just people sitting around being stoned.
8. Getting high helps you appreciate music, art, sex, etc. more.
You name it, pot can enhance it. That’s what I always heard. As it turns out, I’ve been able to enjoy all of those things just as much without pot as with. So if taking away the pot doesn’t change your ability to enjoy things, you never needed it in the first place.
9. The local cops won’t bust you if you just have a little pot on you.
This may be true in some locales, but why chance it? The police can decide to let you go, or they can turn your life upside down for simple possession. Do you want to have to explain that to friends, family, future employers, and college admissions?
10. Everyone’s doing it.
No, not everyone. Just the stoners like me, who were the only people I chose to hang around with. I’d turned my back on people who’ve tried to help me or reach out to me, all because they didn’t share my craving for marijuana. It’s a shame, because they were nice people who really cared about me, but I cared more about the pot.
11. It won’t give you lung cancer like cigarettes will.
OK, I’m no doctor, but burning leaves that you inhale into your lungs and hold for as long as you can isn’t good for your health. I guess that there haven’t been enough studies done on this, so the jury is still out. In the meantime, why engage in risky behavior?
12. I’ve always been a pot smoker; it’s a part of who I am.
No, it isn’t. One day I made a conscious choice to change who I really was and become a stoner. I thought being a “head” appealed to me, that the world of erudite free-thinking pot smokers was the life for me. Once I learned that I had actually made a lifestyle choice around pot, it became easier to make another lifestyle choice to be clean and sober.
www.marijuana-anonymous.org
I wrote this one evening after a meeting, based on a revelation that came from something that was shared. It started me thinking about how I’d lived in a world of lies and was never able to access my emotional truth while I was smoking pot. It’s important to note that, while these are called The Twelve Marijuana Lies, pot never lied to me. It’s a plant; it grows in a field or just sits there in a bag on my coffee table. The lies were created by me and my illness. It wasn’t until I’d taken the time to step back and look at my life objectively that I was able to identify the lies for what they are and to make adjustments in a healthier way. So here they are, in no particular order.
1. You can’t get addicted to pot.
Many people feel, and studies have shown, that you cannot become physically addicted to pot as you can with alcohol, heroin, cigarettes, coffee, or chocolate cake. But most people don’t understand the insidious nature of addiction. It will overtake someone who has an addictive personality by going through the path of least resistance.
2. Smoking marijuana will make you more creative.
This is quite possibly the most dangerous of all the lies listed here. People who are creative by nature (though not exclusively them) become drawn to pot because they feel that it allows them to get in touch with their creative side. This may even be true on some occasions, but that’s mere coincidence. Remember that you always were creative, and that you always had creative abilities within you. You can have creative inspiration without having to smoke pot.
3. Smoking marijuana will help lower your inhibitions.
Smoking pot raised my anxiety and inhibitions to new heights, or, rather, new depths. The loss of control just made me anxious, even around my closest friends. Ultimately, I didn’t like to get high and be around people, so I came to believe that people were the problem, not the pot. I took people out of my life and kept smoking pot, always by myself and in a way that made me more and more isolated from others. My inhibitions could not have been higher.
4. You’ll make friends and meet cool people when you’ve got pot.
You will meet other potheads, thieves, con artists, dope dealers, insufferable flakes, and a lot of other types of people you’d never associate with otherwise, just because they smoke pot. You’ll wait for hours in unsavory places waiting to score. You’ll talk and laugh about things that are neither interesting nor funny. You’ll sacrifice your integrity just to be in with these people and to support your addiction.
5. Smoking pot will help you “see God.”
Yeah, whatever that means. Pot will actually help drive a wedge between you and your spiritual self. You will think that the effects of marijuana are some form of spiritual awakening, but it’s just the pot. Ending your dependency on pot will allow you to open yourself to the possibility that there is someone or something that is greater than you, and that only that Higher Power can help take away your need for pot and restore your life to sanity.
6. Smoking pot makes you feel good.
I admit, I felt real good knowing I was home and I could shut the door, load up the bong, and go into my own world. I felt good touching it, smelling it, preparing it. But once I was stoned, I felt regret over what I’d done. I wished I hadn’t gotten high because I knew I was just going back into old behavior again.
7. Pot is a great thing to bring to a party.
Pot is a terrible thing to bring to a party. Once everyone’s stoned they tend to just sit there and go into their own minds, without saying much or interacting with each other because they’re too wasted. There’s no interaction, no meaningful dialog, just people sitting around being stoned.
8. Getting high helps you appreciate music, art, sex, etc. more.
You name it, pot can enhance it. That’s what I always heard. As it turns out, I’ve been able to enjoy all of those things just as much without pot as with. So if taking away the pot doesn’t change your ability to enjoy things, you never needed it in the first place.
9. The local cops won’t bust you if you just have a little pot on you.
This may be true in some locales, but why chance it? The police can decide to let you go, or they can turn your life upside down for simple possession. Do you want to have to explain that to friends, family, future employers, and college admissions?
10. Everyone’s doing it.
No, not everyone. Just the stoners like me, who were the only people I chose to hang around with. I’d turned my back on people who’ve tried to help me or reach out to me, all because they didn’t share my craving for marijuana. It’s a shame, because they were nice people who really cared about me, but I cared more about the pot.
11. It won’t give you lung cancer like cigarettes will.
OK, I’m no doctor, but burning leaves that you inhale into your lungs and hold for as long as you can isn’t good for your health. I guess that there haven’t been enough studies done on this, so the jury is still out. In the meantime, why engage in risky behavior?
12. I’ve always been a pot smoker; it’s a part of who I am.
No, it isn’t. One day I made a conscious choice to change who I really was and become a stoner. I thought being a “head” appealed to me, that the world of erudite free-thinking pot smokers was the life for me. Once I learned that I had actually made a lifestyle choice around pot, it became easier to make another lifestyle choice to be clean and sober.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Day 91 Sunday July 8
FOOD:
Breakfast:
mcdonalds breaded chicken tenders, with bbq sauce
Didn't have bacon at home- nothing to eat and I was in a hurry to meet a friend. Need to stay prepared, because the fast food options are all pretty bad. Or have a salad and a burger patty, instead of breaded stuff with a sweet sauce.
Dinner:
burrito and taco- no tortillas. I find it fascinating how eating this meal makes me feel full, but in the old days when I ate carbs it wouldn't have, even with rice and beans.
EXERCISE: none- stayed out of sun a little bit too, feeling warmth in my skin- don't want to burn.
WEIGHT: 278
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Speaking of rice and beans, when I was in my early 20's I went vegetarian for two years. My grandmother died of diabetes, and I decided that the way to prevent myself from getting diabetes was to give up meat. I ate huge plates of rice and beans, and was always hungry for more. I dug out some old weight data, and pieced it together, and realized that going vegetarian really kicked off my weight gain. I think I gained 40 pounds over those two years. I'll put this old data in a post, it's very interesting.
In an okay mood. Think my mood overall has improved since I started doing this. No improvement with the sleep cycles though.
Breakfast:
mcdonalds breaded chicken tenders, with bbq sauce
Didn't have bacon at home- nothing to eat and I was in a hurry to meet a friend. Need to stay prepared, because the fast food options are all pretty bad. Or have a salad and a burger patty, instead of breaded stuff with a sweet sauce.
Dinner:
burrito and taco- no tortillas. I find it fascinating how eating this meal makes me feel full, but in the old days when I ate carbs it wouldn't have, even with rice and beans.
EXERCISE: none- stayed out of sun a little bit too, feeling warmth in my skin- don't want to burn.
WEIGHT: 278
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Speaking of rice and beans, when I was in my early 20's I went vegetarian for two years. My grandmother died of diabetes, and I decided that the way to prevent myself from getting diabetes was to give up meat. I ate huge plates of rice and beans, and was always hungry for more. I dug out some old weight data, and pieced it together, and realized that going vegetarian really kicked off my weight gain. I think I gained 40 pounds over those two years. I'll put this old data in a post, it's very interesting.
In an okay mood. Think my mood overall has improved since I started doing this. No improvement with the sleep cycles though.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Day 90 Saturday July 7
FOOD:
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch:
Dinner:
3 burger patties, ribs with bbq sauce
EXERCISE: not sure if I walked
WEIGHT:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
set up lamp to go off in morning and wake me up. Still having trouble getting to sleep on time. Sleep deprived. Took a big nap yesterday evening, and then stayed up til 7am today, and then slept til noon. And I walk out in the sun every morning to try to set my circadian rhythym. Tough.
visited friends, had a good time. Mood starting to lift after being pretty down about money problems lately. Lack of money is holding me back a bit from getting things done right now, and doing fun stuff. But this is a big challenge for me, managing money, and hopefully I'm taking steps in the right direction right now.
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch:
Dinner:
3 burger patties, ribs with bbq sauce
EXERCISE: not sure if I walked
WEIGHT:
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
set up lamp to go off in morning and wake me up. Still having trouble getting to sleep on time. Sleep deprived. Took a big nap yesterday evening, and then stayed up til 7am today, and then slept til noon. And I walk out in the sun every morning to try to set my circadian rhythym. Tough.
visited friends, had a good time. Mood starting to lift after being pretty down about money problems lately. Lack of money is holding me back a bit from getting things done right now, and doing fun stuff. But this is a big challenge for me, managing money, and hopefully I'm taking steps in the right direction right now.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Day 89 Friday July 6
FOOD:
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch: made stew from grassfed beef, green pepper, onion, garlic, 2 cans v-8, and some butter, in the crockpot. Divided 3 lbs beef into stew- make 4 portions.
Dinner: More stew
Later, met friends at bar, at some bbq chicken wings, and fried chicken. Diet pop- I quit drinking. Read today that it's bad for triglycerides. I had heard that before, but nice to hear it again.
EXERCISE: walk 1 hour
WEIGHT: 276
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Starting to feel better about money situation. I'm selling stuff on ebay. I have a budget and a plan and systems in place.
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch: made stew from grassfed beef, green pepper, onion, garlic, 2 cans v-8, and some butter, in the crockpot. Divided 3 lbs beef into stew- make 4 portions.
Dinner: More stew
Later, met friends at bar, at some bbq chicken wings, and fried chicken. Diet pop- I quit drinking. Read today that it's bad for triglycerides. I had heard that before, but nice to hear it again.
EXERCISE: walk 1 hour
WEIGHT: 276
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Starting to feel better about money situation. I'm selling stuff on ebay. I have a budget and a plan and systems in place.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Day 88 Thursday July 5
FOOD:
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch: chicken breast skinless
Dinner:
grassfed steak
some brat
blue and strawberries
EXERCISE: walk
WEIGHT: ??
BLOOD SUGAR: still no test strips- been broke lately
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
money problems, but feeling okay. If walking is a mood booster, so is the sun! I've been trying to get 13 minutes each side around noon on sunny days. Not much color yet really, but love the feeling of being in the sun. I also notice, that before i hated the sun, and ALWAYS wore sunglasses, whereas now I rarely do. I can remember back to being a kid and hating the sun and heat.
Still problems getting to sleep on time. I can't make a dent in that one!
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch: chicken breast skinless
Dinner:
grassfed steak
some brat
blue and strawberries
EXERCISE: walk
WEIGHT: ??
BLOOD SUGAR: still no test strips- been broke lately
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
money problems, but feeling okay. If walking is a mood booster, so is the sun! I've been trying to get 13 minutes each side around noon on sunny days. Not much color yet really, but love the feeling of being in the sun. I also notice, that before i hated the sun, and ALWAYS wore sunglasses, whereas now I rarely do. I can remember back to being a kid and hating the sun and heat.
Still problems getting to sleep on time. I can't make a dent in that one!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Day 86 Wednesday July 4
FOOD:
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch:
raw veges and dip - broccoli, carrots
2 burgers
2 brats
1 dog (no buns on any )
1 slice of cake
Dinner:
1 brat
EXERCISE: walk 1 1/2 hours at night
WEIGHT: 277
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met girl yesterday, had a nice time actually.
Reading more about sleep, dopamine, insulin resistance. Don't have the book, but reading about "Lights out", which describes a connection between sleeping, light, carbohydrates and insulin production. Read about that company using bromocriptin, or whatever it's called, to treat insulin resistance. They talked about seasonal hormonal changes as well.
Stayed up super late again. I want to revisit this problem again. I was thinking of having lights on timers to wake me up, and tell me to go to sleep, with red lights instead of full spectrum. Also, having lights on in the house during the day as a wakefulness reminder. Setting the light cues to the actual rising and setting of the sun. Sleeping more total hours.
Need to order more grassfed. Need to start lifting weights again.
Breakfast:
bacon and eggs
Lunch:
raw veges and dip - broccoli, carrots
2 burgers
2 brats
1 dog (no buns on any )
1 slice of cake
Dinner:
1 brat
EXERCISE: walk 1 1/2 hours at night
WEIGHT: 277
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Met girl yesterday, had a nice time actually.
Reading more about sleep, dopamine, insulin resistance. Don't have the book, but reading about "Lights out", which describes a connection between sleeping, light, carbohydrates and insulin production. Read about that company using bromocriptin, or whatever it's called, to treat insulin resistance. They talked about seasonal hormonal changes as well.
Stayed up super late again. I want to revisit this problem again. I was thinking of having lights on timers to wake me up, and tell me to go to sleep, with red lights instead of full spectrum. Also, having lights on in the house during the day as a wakefulness reminder. Setting the light cues to the actual rising and setting of the sun. Sleeping more total hours.
Need to order more grassfed. Need to start lifting weights again.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Day 85 Tuesday July 3
FOOD:
Breakfast:
steak and omega 3 eggs
Lunch:
Salmon- not farm raised
Dinner:
sm. steak
EXERCISE:
WEIGHT: 282
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Back to staying up late and sleeping late. Didn't walk yesterday and actually feel good today- like maybe I needed a rest from it. I am starting to think, especially as I get older, that the resting and recovery is the most productive part of exercise. And I'm not really up to anything grindingly difficult anyway. Reading stuff lately on how killer cardio isn't all that great for you. The better solution is light cardio (walk), moderate weight training, and perhaps occasional hard aerobics like sprinting, if you're in shape for that. I'm down with that. I do want to start lifting, but I've had problems doing that. It's dumb- I'm so disorganized. I bought a bench and rack, but now I need a new barbell. And I'm paranoid about dropping a weight on my cat. So now I'm thinking about bringing my weight stuff to the woods or something and lifting there. It's only once a week, right? But it's a lot to truck out there, and won't work so well once I'm back at work, and it would be nice to play the radio perhaps.
On another note, I'm worse than broke right now. A few unexpected expenses, combined with my ADDish lack of financial discipline and paperwork control, mean that I'm officially fucked. I'm scrambling to get some money now. This sucks. One thing after another.
Reading interesting stuff about the relationship between dopamine and insulin resistance.
Going through old posts today. Recognizing that I had a few tough spots with my exgirlfriend leaving and my cat dying. Also a few financial emergencies that really sunk me. But overall my mood has been improved. Still no progress with women or sleeping, but my ability to do chores is way improved. Getting money stuff under control, clearing out inbox backlogs, filing, getting organized, cleaned out the storeroom, cleaned out junk from the van, creating new routines to stay organized. Planning little outings to festivals and stuff. If I had more money I'd be doing pretty well right now. But I don't, so now I'm dead in the water for months. Again, hoping something will rescue me, but I don't see what. I'm trying to sell stuff online to get money now. Wish me luck!
Oh, meeting girl for coffee at 3pm today. Not excited. God, I don't know why I'm so glum about this kind of stuff. It's like a dentist appointment to me. She seems okay, kinda quirky and cool. I wonder if she smokes pot though, and if that will interfere with what I'm trying to do. Don't really enjoy this sort of thing. Guess that's why I'm not good at it.
Breakfast:
steak and omega 3 eggs
Lunch:
Salmon- not farm raised
Dinner:
sm. steak
EXERCISE:
WEIGHT: 282
BLOOD SUGAR:
KETONES:
EVENTS/MOOD/ALERTNESS:
Back to staying up late and sleeping late. Didn't walk yesterday and actually feel good today- like maybe I needed a rest from it. I am starting to think, especially as I get older, that the resting and recovery is the most productive part of exercise. And I'm not really up to anything grindingly difficult anyway. Reading stuff lately on how killer cardio isn't all that great for you. The better solution is light cardio (walk), moderate weight training, and perhaps occasional hard aerobics like sprinting, if you're in shape for that. I'm down with that. I do want to start lifting, but I've had problems doing that. It's dumb- I'm so disorganized. I bought a bench and rack, but now I need a new barbell. And I'm paranoid about dropping a weight on my cat. So now I'm thinking about bringing my weight stuff to the woods or something and lifting there. It's only once a week, right? But it's a lot to truck out there, and won't work so well once I'm back at work, and it would be nice to play the radio perhaps.
On another note, I'm worse than broke right now. A few unexpected expenses, combined with my ADDish lack of financial discipline and paperwork control, mean that I'm officially fucked. I'm scrambling to get some money now. This sucks. One thing after another.
Reading interesting stuff about the relationship between dopamine and insulin resistance.
Going through old posts today. Recognizing that I had a few tough spots with my exgirlfriend leaving and my cat dying. Also a few financial emergencies that really sunk me. But overall my mood has been improved. Still no progress with women or sleeping, but my ability to do chores is way improved. Getting money stuff under control, clearing out inbox backlogs, filing, getting organized, cleaned out the storeroom, cleaned out junk from the van, creating new routines to stay organized. Planning little outings to festivals and stuff. If I had more money I'd be doing pretty well right now. But I don't, so now I'm dead in the water for months. Again, hoping something will rescue me, but I don't see what. I'm trying to sell stuff online to get money now. Wish me luck!
Oh, meeting girl for coffee at 3pm today. Not excited. God, I don't know why I'm so glum about this kind of stuff. It's like a dentist appointment to me. She seems okay, kinda quirky and cool. I wonder if she smokes pot though, and if that will interfere with what I'm trying to do. Don't really enjoy this sort of thing. Guess that's why I'm not good at it.
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