I'm entering this next phase of my life with great reluctance. You see, I really like food. (I'm sure you've picked up on that along the way.) My favorites are chocolate and Cherry Coke. I started drinking the Coke because my adrenals are shot, and yes, I know that drinking Coke doesn't let adrenals heal, but I haven't found anything natural yet to take the Coke's place. So. Long story short, I'm not losing weight and I'm unhealthy and it's time to really, really do something about it this time.
The catalyst in all this is my son. He's currently going through some allergy treatments and his doctor has put him in a very simple, clean diet. It sounds pretty similar to the primal diet Sabine is doing - lots of clean, fresh meat, a ton of vegetables and seeds, no fruit, no grain, absolutely no sugar or chocolate or caffeine. My son is feeling awesome, although the adjustment has been a little tough for him. But he's such a good kid - he knows this will lead to better overall health, once all his allergies are isolated and we eliminate those things from his diet. He has hardly complained at all, which is a huge example to me.
So I'm looking at him, and I'm looking at pictures of myself from last weekend's LDStorymakers Writers Conference, and I'm thinking, you know what? If my nine-year-old can buck up and do what he needs to do, then I can too. He's probably going to have to have some kind of alternative birthday cake this year, and he's fine with that. Surely I can give up a few things I know aren't good for me.
I told him I was going to do this diet with him so he wouldn't feel alone, but in reality, I'm doing it with him so he can inspire me with his good attitude. I'm a whiner. I'm going to miss all my nummies. But I'm tired of being the largest person in every picture, or at every dinner table, or in every room. I'm tired of thinking I look pretty cute, for a fat person. Yes, I know that's a matter of internal self-talk, and that I have to change my perception before that will go away.
So, here I go, heading out into the unknown. I've been cooking for my son for the last little bit, so I know how to cook for myself. I'm going to eat right alongside him and let him encourage me not to cheat. Eating this way has worked marvels for a lot of people, and I'd love to follow Sabine's example and lose 19 pounds in a month. Most of all, I want to get off the Coke and stop feeling dependent on the chocolate.
I'm just so glad that I have a nine-year-old cheerleader on my team. I wouldn't do it for myself, but I will do it for him. He will help me get healthy while I'm helping him get healthy.
Expect to see me posting a lot more frequently, and probably with some whining, too - I can't whine at my son, so I need to get it out of my system somehow. :)
Today so far:
Weighed in to get a baseline
Breakfast - slice of turkey meatloaf I made with 97/3 ground turkey, chopped onion, celery, egg (no crumbs or oatmeal), 1/2 peeled cucumber, 4 oz. sunflower seeds, large glass of filtered water
I will probably have to taper off the Coke a little slowly. I haven't had any since yesterday - we'll see if I can do it cold turkey or if I need to wean.
Talk to you soon!
4 comments:
Losing weight has never been about some crash diet. It's about eating less (especially the junk) and moving more. The phrase "Eat to live, don't live to eat" finally means something to me.
I managed to have 5 kids and only be about 10-15 lbs higher than my ideal weight for my height. But when I started really bucking down on my writing career, I gained 40 lbs in 3 years. I'm so mad at myself. But that doesn't solve anything.
Last week, I told the kids I'm going to walk every day at 4pm. Aside from the days we go to clean the church--when I really work up a sweat--I've been doing pretty well. I'm also really watching my grains. I think I generally double the recommended daily allowance in that particular section of the food pyramid.
It's a lifestyle change--getting rid of the bad habits and focusing more on whole body well-being than on weight or size. And I'm wishing you all the good luck the world has to offer.
Right there with you, friend. I started WW on Monday.
My husband inspired me. He was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and has managed to lose enough weight to get off his medication! So, I'll follow along with your journey!
Tristi,
I'm on the journey with you and wanted to let you know about a great book called "The Beck Diet Solution" by Judith S. Beck. It's NOT a diet, but rather, helps with all the messy psychology that we deal with when we DECIDE to diet. It's cognitive behavioral therapy in a little pink book and it's wonderful! Six weeks of day by day activities and assignments designed to change your attitude to one of a "thin" person" and take the emphasis off of turning to food to make you feel good. It's become an invaluable tool in my own personal journey!
Cheers to you!
Christy B.
I lost 11 pounds in a month. The 19 is from Feb, though my hubby lost 17 his first month, so it is possible. Dark chocolate is allowed (70%) or higher. It has been my lifesaver. Also I can have fruit, especially berries which if you need a sweet are great. Good Luck! You can do it!
Post a Comment