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?
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The quick lunch
I will admit, it sometimes seems a bit intimidating to try and figure out a quick lunch... especially when I am sick of salad.
But here is a super fast, super easy stirfry that really satisfies and is all good.
In a sauté pan, I put a bit of extra virgin olive oil and wait until it starts to shimmer. Next drop in 2 sliced cloves of garlic and about 3 ounces of sliced left over steak. Once the garlic has begun to brown slightly, I add a big handful of washed baby spinach, a dash of toasted sesame oil and a dash of soy sauce. Once the spinach starts to wilt, I add a package of shirataki noodles that have been rinsed well and drained. Stir it all up for a moment then dump in a bowl. Top with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and a bit of chili paste and enjoy with chopsticks!
To make this a vegetarian dish would be a cinch. Just substitute mushrooms for the beef and cook them until tender before adding the spinach. Or use tofu cubes. Or even a sliced egg omelet.
This seriously takes 5 minutes and is delicious!
But here is a super fast, super easy stirfry that really satisfies and is all good.
In a sauté pan, I put a bit of extra virgin olive oil and wait until it starts to shimmer. Next drop in 2 sliced cloves of garlic and about 3 ounces of sliced left over steak. Once the garlic has begun to brown slightly, I add a big handful of washed baby spinach, a dash of toasted sesame oil and a dash of soy sauce. Once the spinach starts to wilt, I add a package of shirataki noodles that have been rinsed well and drained. Stir it all up for a moment then dump in a bowl. Top with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and a bit of chili paste and enjoy with chopsticks!
To make this a vegetarian dish would be a cinch. Just substitute mushrooms for the beef and cook them until tender before adding the spinach. Or use tofu cubes. Or even a sliced egg omelet.
This seriously takes 5 minutes and is delicious!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The best of times, the worst of times.
It just so happens that I am feeling great and horrible all at once, which is way bizarre. The great: my diet has been MUCH better and I can feel that I am healthier. I have more energy and my joints are better. I think the anti-inflammatory aspect has certainly begun to have an effect.
The horrible is that my upper back and arm are in constant pain and I have had a numb thumb for almost two weeks. My chiropractor thinks it is nerve entrapment, probably brought on by drumming. I have been feeling tremendous stress about all this and this morning had a full blown panic attack at the imaging place where I was supposed to get an MRI. I simply could not make myself go in there.
So, diet, yes. Rest of my body, not so much. I am going out tonight to get some vitamin B to see if that will help the nerves calm down.
Also, I haven't lost any weight over the last few days so I am considering writing my food down for awhile to see if that helps. I am eating much healthier than in the past, but may still be eating too much, especially protein.
Today:
1 scoop protein powder in a glass of almond milk. (unsweetened)
1 coffee with 2 T half and half.
2 eggs, 1 slice ezekiel bread with 1 tsp organic butter.
lamb burger with 1 oz feta and 2 tsp tzatziki sauce, sauteed kale and salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing.
1 roasted chicken breast with wine reduction sauce, kale and salad.
The horrible is that my upper back and arm are in constant pain and I have had a numb thumb for almost two weeks. My chiropractor thinks it is nerve entrapment, probably brought on by drumming. I have been feeling tremendous stress about all this and this morning had a full blown panic attack at the imaging place where I was supposed to get an MRI. I simply could not make myself go in there.
So, diet, yes. Rest of my body, not so much. I am going out tonight to get some vitamin B to see if that will help the nerves calm down.
Also, I haven't lost any weight over the last few days so I am considering writing my food down for awhile to see if that helps. I am eating much healthier than in the past, but may still be eating too much, especially protein.
Today:
1 scoop protein powder in a glass of almond milk. (unsweetened)
1 coffee with 2 T half and half.
2 eggs, 1 slice ezekiel bread with 1 tsp organic butter.
lamb burger with 1 oz feta and 2 tsp tzatziki sauce, sauteed kale and salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing.
1 roasted chicken breast with wine reduction sauce, kale and salad.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Bit by bit
Last night I went to dinner with Nguyen and Emmett to celebrate Emmett's graduation from 6th grade. We went to an Italian place in Cranston and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. I ordered a spinach salad and the baked salmon. I ate a couple of bites of the risotto that came with it, and a couple of bites of a dessert and gave the rest to Emmett. It really felt healthy and normal and not weird and fanatical. I also enjoyed 2 glasses of great Italian wine.
I am NOT going to fall into the trap of all or nothing. I want to be able to live a eat in a healthy way, which means making the best choices at any given moment and not freaking out about sticking to a rigid regimen.
Today I am down 11 lbs. since starting this program a couple of weeks ago and am feeling very good about it.
I am NOT going to fall into the trap of all or nothing. I want to be able to live a eat in a healthy way, which means making the best choices at any given moment and not freaking out about sticking to a rigid regimen.
Today I am down 11 lbs. since starting this program a couple of weeks ago and am feeling very good about it.
Friday, June 15, 2012
So far, so good
Well, this has been a success so far. I can't even remember how many weeks it has been since starting on my new eating plan, but I am down 10 lbs and feeling pretty awesome. I am following the principles in Dr. Gundry's Diet Evolution.
A few weeks back I gave up sugar and artificial sweetners. That has been a big shift for me, and I am very very grateful to have that particular monkey off my back. Then I gave up grains.... and fruit. The fruit has been the hardest to let go of, especially at breakfast, but on the program I am doing, it is only for a couple of weeks. I will be able to add them back into my diet after the initial phase.
It is amazing how easy it is to do this when it is easy. For me, it is absolutely critical to take it one day at a time... and pray that each day I have the fortitude to do the right thing. So far the most complicated thing has been the vegetables. I have to buy and cook a TON! But I feel like that is becoming a little easier as the days go by.
Here's a typical day for me:
Breakfast: And omlet with veggies or 2 eggs and a slice of Ezekiel bread (not on plan, but so far, no harm.) Coffee with a couple tablespoons of half and half.
Lunch: Some kind of protein, a salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing, some other kind of veggie.
Snacks: cottage cheese or nuts.
Dinner: same as lunch, with the addition of a cooked vegetable.
Later in the evening, if I am hungry, I have a smoothy made with unsweetened whey protein, almond milk, a tsp. of cocoa powder, a tsp. unsweetened peanut butter. It is a great way to end the day!
Simple. Simple.
A few weeks back I gave up sugar and artificial sweetners. That has been a big shift for me, and I am very very grateful to have that particular monkey off my back. Then I gave up grains.... and fruit. The fruit has been the hardest to let go of, especially at breakfast, but on the program I am doing, it is only for a couple of weeks. I will be able to add them back into my diet after the initial phase.
It is amazing how easy it is to do this when it is easy. For me, it is absolutely critical to take it one day at a time... and pray that each day I have the fortitude to do the right thing. So far the most complicated thing has been the vegetables. I have to buy and cook a TON! But I feel like that is becoming a little easier as the days go by.
Here's a typical day for me:
Breakfast: And omlet with veggies or 2 eggs and a slice of Ezekiel bread (not on plan, but so far, no harm.) Coffee with a couple tablespoons of half and half.
Lunch: Some kind of protein, a salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing, some other kind of veggie.
Snacks: cottage cheese or nuts.
Dinner: same as lunch, with the addition of a cooked vegetable.
Later in the evening, if I am hungry, I have a smoothy made with unsweetened whey protein, almond milk, a tsp. of cocoa powder, a tsp. unsweetened peanut butter. It is a great way to end the day!
Simple. Simple.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
cravings: gone
It is kind of amazing how fast the cravings disappear when you give up sugar. Within days, really... and maybe hours. Which totally proves how physical addiction is.
I learned that when I quit smoking. I was a cold turkey quitter. I just gave it up and suffered the withdrawal symptoms for a few days and then, suddenly, the cravings were gone and I was free at last.
So, knowing how addictive sugar is for me, why oh why do I constantly go back to it? Why don't I learn my lesson and stay away from it? I think it is because I am like an alcoholic who believes that one little drink won't really hurt me.
I can't promise this is forever. But I can tell you that today I am free from sugar and it feels great. And I hope that I will be able to stay strong and stick to the anti-inflammatory program because I really do feel better.
I learned that when I quit smoking. I was a cold turkey quitter. I just gave it up and suffered the withdrawal symptoms for a few days and then, suddenly, the cravings were gone and I was free at last.
So, knowing how addictive sugar is for me, why oh why do I constantly go back to it? Why don't I learn my lesson and stay away from it? I think it is because I am like an alcoholic who believes that one little drink won't really hurt me.
I can't promise this is forever. But I can tell you that today I am free from sugar and it feels great. And I hope that I will be able to stay strong and stick to the anti-inflammatory program because I really do feel better.
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