My Story

I’ve become pretty rigid in what I eat, and quite the proselytizer.  I try not to be, because I know that everyone has to come to their own decisions about what they eat. I just feel so good.  So, I’ll tell you what’s worked for me, why it’s worked, but I’ll qualify it by saying you have to do what works for you.  First let’s talk about revelations.

In January 2011 when I saw my Sweetie Jack crying over his mother’s hospital bed, I knew that it could easily be me. She has diabetes and her disorientation and lack of recognizing anyone was due to an infection brought on by diabetes. That was my first revelation. I didn’t want either Jack or Christopher (my son) crying over my hospital bed because I just had to have another piece of chocolate cake or a pile of potatoes. So, a big part of what’s worked for me is an internal emotional shift about food and how I think of it. I eat like my life depends on it, because it does.

Concurrent with this revelation, came my reading of Why we Get Fat and What to Do about It (Gary Taubes), along with The New Atkins (it’s not the same as the old, so don’t pick up an old Atkins book and think it will do). I really can’t say enough about reading these books. They are the second part of what gave me the drive to stick with this so much. If you only read one, pick up the New Atkins. Really read it. It explains the science—or lack of science—behind weight loss. The New Atkins is a largely vegetable diet, moderate protein, and high fat. (I said, read the science—I know that’s contrary to what we’ve been told for so long, but the science is compelling. In fact I was so mad at the establishment after reading Why we Get Fat. There’s no strong science for the theory of limiting fat to make yourself thinner. But that’s a political story.)  The main point is, the books also inspired me.

During all of this I knew that I was going to cook potatoes and bread and all those other goodies for my guys. No one can be saved by anyone else. We have to save ourselves. So, I also knew that I’d cook the same things I always did. I also knew that I had to be okay with being around cookies and doughnuts—the workplace is a dangerous territory.

Now, we eat a pretty good diet, so most of it wasn’t hard. I just stopped eating the white stuff: wheat, corn, potatoes, rice, sugar—you know the usual suspects. I started eating a lot more vegetables. Atkins recommends 6 cups of salad veggies a day and two cups of other veggies. I love salad so I’m good with that. I have a hard time getting that many veggies in a day, but as long as I try, I do well. I aim for 6-8 oz of protein a day, and don’t go over 14. I make sure I get my fats—I don’t buy anything low fat; those things generally have more carbs in them. I eat up to 3 or 4 oz of cheese a day. I snack on nuts and protein cakes (I have a fabulous microwave cake recipe). I do jello during the warm months.

I look at cake and potatoes and bread and know they taste good. I imagine what they taste like and know I’ve had them before and they still taste the same way, but I feel different. So, I have no problem saying no. I mean really, haven’t I had enough mashed potatoes in my life? Do they taste any different now than they did then? Isn’t a stuffed mushroom, a jalapeño popper, or decked out chef salad just as good? I love broccoli, so even that is just as good as potatoes to me.

I feel better; I wake up more alert and with a clearer mind. And, the box of clothes that are too big that I keep in my closet has been emptied and given away four times! It is a great feeling to put something on in the morning, realize it’s really too big and toss it in that box. (I am not keeping fat clothes—I hate shopping, so I’ll make it double painful to go back: cash on clothes and having to shop for them!)

I’m happier.  Getting the white and processed carbs out of my diet has changed my feelings.  I wake up clear headed.  I don’t feel the blues at all the way I used to.  Diet?  I don’t know, but I’m not arguing with success.

On top of all of that, I’m good at finding recipes. We eat chocolate cake (love protein powder), when I really want a sandwich, I make a flax bun. Pumpkin pie, peanut butter fudge, yeah, all of those things. Jack was telling one of his friends the other day that he wasn’t worried if the day came and he had to give up bread and potatoes—I had it all figured out and he wouldn’t have to sacrifice a bit.  

But, Jack’s also inspired me. When he gave up sugar because he had pre-diabetic symptoms—he gave it up. He’s really taught me how to say no. You just do it. Every time you do it, it gets easier.

Finally, I’m terrified. Now that I’ve lost so much, 50 pounds with 50 more to go, I am terrified of going back. Additionally, I’m actually allergic to wheat and corn, and now that I haven’t had any of them for a year, I’m terrified my allergy will be worse—you know allergies can be made milder by consistent exposure in small does to the allergen. I figure if I eat corn or wheat now I’ll blow up like a balloon.

I never think of it as a diet. A diet implies I'm going off of it at some point, and then I'm right back where I started. Anything that really works has to be just a change. So, I don't eat those things any more. That's just the way it is. If people give me a hard time about it, I say I'm allergic to it. They stop pushing stuff on me if I say that. Besides, sugar, wheat and corn clearly made me swell. 

So that’s my story. I’m going to die some day, but I’d like to be in control of my mind and body if at all possible. I know the biggest obstacle to that is carrying all the extra weight I’m carrying. This works for me. I eat food I like, and once in a while (PMS) I even pig out on those good foods. I am more alert and aware. I sleep better and wake better. Is it the only thing that would work? I don’t know; but it’s right for me.

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