Hi Valerie, I just have to tell you that your story and effort and honesty and perseverance have brought tears to my eyes even reading your journal. I can't tell you why exactly, except the combination of all those things, all of which I admire. This.. change... is big. And worth it. But you know that already
Not to talk about myself other than to say that I came into McDougall about 6 years ago and it was a whole different WOE for sure, though I was at the time, vegan (still am) due to a heart condition my husband had that we have reversed eating this way.. no sign of it at all, and he is in his early 70's. I know this path, and I fall off too, less than ever, with things like commercial veggie cheese.. omg, all fat and salt, an addictive nightmare.
I see that you worry about what it will be like when this pandemic is under control again... well first it will be awhile so it seems more and more, at least into the middle of next year. Second, is that your taste buds will change as mine have, let go of worrying about the future that is not here, let your mind, body and spirit adjust to the changes as they come about with this WOE and let that guide your decisions. I am still at times tempted, and at times I do what is not my usual way like with the cheese, sometimes vegan coconut ice cream at a party (as you can here.. sweet and fat all the way!) And then get back on.
That is one thing I learned here among others, that not only do starches work but when I eat something completely without starch or fiber and only sweet and fat
I can start over at the very next bite or meal. Not "tomorrow", now.
And avoid situations that will take away my choices with environment or desire. We are all vulnerable to that.\
A few of your questions: what helps flatulence for me is (1) Chewing exceptionally well, especially beans and high fiber veggies (2) Beano - which has natural ingredients for reducing gas especially in the transition
With friends, I will say something like "I wanted to let you know that I'm dealing with several health issues/stomach issues, whatever... and so I need to stay clear of oil and fats. Been eating potatoes, rice, fruit, veggies mostly"
I am specific. Then say esp if good friends, "And I am happy to (bring a salad for everyone) and that would be good for me too!"
Something like that, will usually do it. Makes it clear, suggests that it's longer term, necessary and offers to take it off of their hands if need be. Often they will say, well what about a baked potato..
I'll stop back.. I really want to listen to your journey! Sorry for taking up so much space.
I am currently in the MWL group, 11 lbs to drop as of today's weigh in
Take care.. this WOE heals.
Trish
*Valerie* wrote:It was the final day of my first week and I'm reviewing how it's gone. First, the food:
Day 7B - baked potatoes/soy sauce
L - brown rice/nutritional yeast/lettuce/tomato/caesar dressing*
D - baked potatoes/sweet potato cheese sauce*/black eyed beans/sweetcorn
Snack - blueberry muffins*
I went out to our local health food shop and picked up a few things for baking. Even their organic sultanas had oil (it was organic though!) I managed to get some dates without oil so I can use them for sweetening baking.
I have no idea if I'm supposed to be introducing foods like agave at this point but it was the weekend and I fancied a sweet treat. The muffins tasted delicious but the texture was odd, probably because I forgot to put the egg replacement in and had to pull them back out of the oven (after 20 seconds) to add it. Its all learning, right?
Reviewing how my first week gone:
ProsI definitely have more energy than this time last week.
My skin has improved.
I'm back into cooking after throwing ready meals in the oven for the last 4 months.
I don't have huge food cravings.
My mood has improved.
I'm getting active again.
ConsI have had terrible wind after eating split peas. The greens are also causing this problem, it's not good but I don't know what to do.
This woe feels extreme and I'm not sure about the sustainability after lockdown.
Um...that's all.
I'm going to keep going for another week and see what happens. I'll maybe research vegetables that are easier to digest. Will my body get used to this given more time?