Discussion Board

Well I am a bit confused. Yes, I think the steps you are making are in the right direction so congrats for that. But I can't help wondering...You have said you think God wants you to eat this way. If that is true why would you only obey him some of the time and not others? I personally don't know if God is talking to you or not but It's curious that the other times you were here you said the same thing, that God wants you to eat this way, yet you for some reasons only do it part time. I would think if you really believe that this is Gods will you would follow his instructions fully and obediently. What is your thinking here? What am I missing? Do you see it as God cutting you some slack and believing that it's ok for you to only be partially compliant for now?
Leaving religion out of it it's near impossible to keep nibbling away on the offending food and truly break away from them. It's like the occasional cigarette to the smoker. It keeps him hooked till he finally gives them all up. Perhaps you are different. Perhaps you are unique and set apart from the thousands of people that attempt this program. Perhaps God will deliver you the willpower to stay on plan. But I bet God would want you to do your part and attempt it the way it's worked for so many others. If we believe he gave us a brain and the ability to use it he would probably want us to assess the best way to honor his vessel. I urge you to make that assessment, do not treat this program like the many, many other diets that are in your past, embrace the lifestyle that it is.
Good luck
f1jim

I just Had to read this thread..very interesting

Cathy, take it from someone that has been down the path you are traveling..many many times...you can't half do, or 3/4 do the McDougall program...I have tried and failed many times...you need to commit 100% or you will never get there...Dairy is evil..meat is worst....Drink soy or almond milk if you must....I have to agree with Jim...Pray to God for guidance, but remember..the decisions are totally yours...He does not control what you put in your mouth..you do.
Best of Luck...I hope you can recommit...it will be the best thing you can do for you and your family.

Cathy,
I just want to encourage you-it is possible to do this! F1Jim is right, and I appreciate his observations every time I read them.

I too struggle with these issues, mine being a very social life with many friends and family, and many occasions in which it is awkward to inquire exactly what is in the food. However, I have received much help from reading the book "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst, and remain determined to suceed with the weight loss I need to complete. I wish you the very best, and if you would like to join a small group reading this book with a focus on following McDougall or MWL, let me know

Hi everyone,
Once again, I'm TerriLee and I wanted to answer Cathy with a big "welcome back". I'm brand new. I am also an Atkins disillusionee (I love it). Lost close to 50 pounds on Atkins last year. Every time I sat down to the eggs and bacon and the 4 oz of pure cream, something (or Someone?) said "this is wrong". I was sure I could get off insulin. (type 2 diabetic) I did. Then it stopped working when I started adding more carbs. Now the weight is half back, I can barely gag down the eggs in the morning - not to mention the horrific conditions those food sources come from - and the conviction in my heart that God didn't intend for us to eat and live this way! I stumbled across Dr. McDougall "by accident" (?) 2 days ago.

I am a peanut butter addict, so that will be my hardest thing to give up. But if Cathy can kick the mayo, I can kick the peanut butter. I can do all things through Christ!!!

Question, where do we get the weight charts?

Go all in, Cathy. Go all in.

Be well,
-dog

Oh, Cathy! It's sooooo good to see you on here again! Praying we can help and encourage each other. I haven't done well at all for the past months with my eating. I got back on track after getting the Forks Over Knives DVD and watching it. My son who has cancer won't even attempt to follow McDougall. Depression set in and like an idiot, I went back to eating most anything and everything for awhile. It was like I was going to show him. If you're going to kill yourself, I'll just do the same. How utterly stupid!!!!! My heart breaks for him but I've finally realized I can't make him change anything. He's an adult and has to make these decisions for himself. I guess the "mom" never quits trying. His little daughter is 5 today. They're coming to our farm this evening so she can take a ride in Papa's "big green tractor". That's her favorite song right now. I'm hoping our son is strong enough to climb into the tractor cab and actually take her on that ride. My husband has things set up for a wiener roast about dark. I'll have leftovers from our lunch. Making soup with Great Northern beans, potatoes, carrots and onions. Will serve this over a nice helping of corn meal mush made with whole grain corn meal. Welcome back, Cathy! Thanks for sharing your story. I understand better now the struggles you've faced in your journey. Every day is a new beginning, my friend! Love, Shirley

Shirley -

Welcome back.

I'm so sorry to hear about your son. My heart goes out to you.

This is a time that you need to be good to yourself and eating healthy is a great thing. Maybe your son will come around about his diet yet.

Love and prayers to you Shirley.

Donna

I'm so sad about your son and the fact that he won't listen. But I do understand. My neighbor was just diagnosed with breast cancer. 7 masses, scheduled for double mastectomy. 1-year-old daughter, newly married......I don't really know her well but I want to race over there and give her all the information I've gathered in the past 49 days. Fortunately, one of my best friends is now starting to learn about the health benefits from veganism and is currently reading Dr. Esslestyn's book. She is a co-worker with my neighbor, so maybe it will trickle down..

Prayers for you Shirley. And welcome back Cathy!

Thanks for the welcome back and kind words! I'm feeling better every day as I'm eating what I should. The soup I made was tasty although I didn't do the corn meal mush. I dropped some uncooked brown rice in the broth and cooked it. I love using herbs and seasonings in my soups so added garlic powder, oregano, basil, curry powder and a few red pepper flakes. The heat from the curry powder and pepper flakes was a perfect addition for these cooler days. I love using the recipes from the Fast Food DVD and seeing what changes and/or additions I can make for something different. I freeze containers of these recipes so I always have a meal available. My problem to overcome is addictions to certain foods - both salty and sweet. I'm not sure I've ever experienced true hunger.

Our evening with our son and his family was enjoyable but sad too. Our son is on such strong pain meds he was afraid to drive the tractor with his daughter on it so Papa did that for him. Our youngest daughter was able to come too with her 2 sons so the back yard was full of children laughing and playing again. There's nothing like the laughter of children!!!!! After everyone left to go home, there were still glowing embers in the pit so my husband and I pulled our rocking chairs up close to absorb some of the heat and just watch what was left of the fire. Times like that don't need words or conversation. We just smiled at each other and held hands. Hope we helped make some good memories for everyone here!

Love, Shirley

Shirley -

You're post leaves me with a beautiful picture of family life and a warm fuzzy feeling.

Thanks,
Donna

Our gentle giant son I wrote about earlier this month died Tuesday, October 18th, from a severe brain hemorrhage in the area that was affected by the cancer. He was on coumadin and the levels were difficult to keep regulated because of his weight loss and such. We're dealing with this as best we can. Our worry is for his little 5 year old Ann-Marie who was such a Daddy's girl. Our 3 other children were able to be with us as well as other friends and family and that helped tremendously. My husband is still in the middle of fall harvest so is able to keep busy. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers you've already had for us. We're grateful to everyone!

Love, Shirley

Soooo sorry to hear this. Prayers for strength and encouragement for all of you.

Oh Shirley, my heart goes out to you. May the Lord's peace be with you all.

God Bless,
Donna

Dear Shirley, you have my condolence. I pray that Father will grant you and your family His peace and comfort.

Please stay with us and do not let your grief distract you from taking care of yourself.

Know you are loved!