I have been holding at 15 lbs for the last few weeks, but am taking that as a huge success, actually. My goal is to inch my way down gently, so that my weight will remain stable. I am finding this way of eating to be pretty easy to maintain. I rarely have cravings at all and am feeling quite healthy all around. I believe that the anti-inflammatory eating has helped with some of my health issues, too. For example, I have a bulging disc in my neck that was causing nerve damage. Over the course of the last several weeks, the nerve has apparently healed and I no longer have a numb thumb. (Say that three times fast!)
So, all in all, feeling good.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Green LOVE
It has been several weeks since starting this new way of eating/living/cooking and I have to say, it is getting easier and I am really loving everything about it. I feel great.
I have started to enjoy smoothies several times a week. I have been making them with protein powder and unsweetened almond milk, fruits, greens, whatever. They definitely keep me satisfied for the morning (or evening) and are just the thing. I am banging them out in a 23 year old Osterizer that Nguyen and I got for our wedding. It is butt ugly, but works just fine. I have, however, ordered an upgraded blade to help crush the ice better.
The things I thought were going to be a challenge with this way of eating have proved to be easy. I was worried, for example, about cravings. Nope. None so far. Nada. I was worried about giving up grains, breads, beans, etc. Hasn't been difficult. And the truth is, I am living in moderation ville. If, for example, I go to your house for dinner and you are serving lasagna, I will load up on the salad, have a small bit of lasagna and enjoy every bite. I am not going to whine about my 'diet'... just eat and enjoy.
For weight loss, it is pretty slow. I am up a couple pounds from water weight gain today, but so far have lost somewhere in the 12 lb. range. In a day or so I will get a more accurate read.
So, why has this been so easy? I can't really say. I think part of it is DEFINITELY physical. The reality is that sugar and carbs are incredibly addictive and by eliminating them from my diet, I have eliminated the source of cravings. I have also, pretty quickly, retrained my taste buds, so now even the tiniest bit of sweetness is very pronounced for me. I can taste it in sauces, for example, when before I wouldn't have noticed. My palate is getting used to other tastes. Bitter, for example, is a big star for me these days. I love bitter greens, bitter coffee, bitter tea. I have also developed a fondness for sour. Mix those together and we are really talking. (Kale with red wine vinegar anyone?)
I think part of this has been easy for emotional and spiritual reasons too. On some level, I was just, well, ready, to stop being out of control and miserable. I have wanted to be at peace around food for so long, but couldn't get there when I was in the grip of addictive obsessive eating. I guess I had to hit a sort of bottom before finally realizing that I needed to change.
So, what are my fears? Oh, boy. I have been in this place before and fallen off the wagon with a crash. My biggest fear is that I won't be able to sustain this healthy lifestyle. That something will throw me off kilter and I'll pick up the pint of Ben & Jerry's and be off to the races again. It really scares me.
But something feels different this time. I am not sure what. I wonder if God has finally broken through my steadfast resistance and begun a healing work in my heart. I would like to officially thank Him if that is true. Lord, please let me stay open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. I pray that I will never want to hurt myself with food. I can't predict the future... but for today, I am so happy and grateful.
Hmmm. Time for a smoothie?
I have started to enjoy smoothies several times a week. I have been making them with protein powder and unsweetened almond milk, fruits, greens, whatever. They definitely keep me satisfied for the morning (or evening) and are just the thing. I am banging them out in a 23 year old Osterizer that Nguyen and I got for our wedding. It is butt ugly, but works just fine. I have, however, ordered an upgraded blade to help crush the ice better.
The things I thought were going to be a challenge with this way of eating have proved to be easy. I was worried, for example, about cravings. Nope. None so far. Nada. I was worried about giving up grains, breads, beans, etc. Hasn't been difficult. And the truth is, I am living in moderation ville. If, for example, I go to your house for dinner and you are serving lasagna, I will load up on the salad, have a small bit of lasagna and enjoy every bite. I am not going to whine about my 'diet'... just eat and enjoy.
For weight loss, it is pretty slow. I am up a couple pounds from water weight gain today, but so far have lost somewhere in the 12 lb. range. In a day or so I will get a more accurate read.
So, why has this been so easy? I can't really say. I think part of it is DEFINITELY physical. The reality is that sugar and carbs are incredibly addictive and by eliminating them from my diet, I have eliminated the source of cravings. I have also, pretty quickly, retrained my taste buds, so now even the tiniest bit of sweetness is very pronounced for me. I can taste it in sauces, for example, when before I wouldn't have noticed. My palate is getting used to other tastes. Bitter, for example, is a big star for me these days. I love bitter greens, bitter coffee, bitter tea. I have also developed a fondness for sour. Mix those together and we are really talking. (Kale with red wine vinegar anyone?)
I think part of this has been easy for emotional and spiritual reasons too. On some level, I was just, well, ready, to stop being out of control and miserable. I have wanted to be at peace around food for so long, but couldn't get there when I was in the grip of addictive obsessive eating. I guess I had to hit a sort of bottom before finally realizing that I needed to change.
So, what are my fears? Oh, boy. I have been in this place before and fallen off the wagon with a crash. My biggest fear is that I won't be able to sustain this healthy lifestyle. That something will throw me off kilter and I'll pick up the pint of Ben & Jerry's and be off to the races again. It really scares me.
But something feels different this time. I am not sure what. I wonder if God has finally broken through my steadfast resistance and begun a healing work in my heart. I would like to officially thank Him if that is true. Lord, please let me stay open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. I pray that I will never want to hurt myself with food. I can't predict the future... but for today, I am so happy and grateful.
Hmmm. Time for a smoothie?
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