This is very inspirational to see! I lost a lot of weight with Weight Watchers years ago, but it was really challenging to maintain. I've been strictly vegan for almost three years now, but not really 100% healthy eating all the time.
Going to Weight Watchers week after week as a vegan was a major challenge for me, because they'd talk about the meat-and-dairy constantly, and there's only so many times you can internally censor to "tofu" and "soy milk" until it starts to get ridiculous.
One of the great things about McDougall's program is that it's designed for life, very flexible, and aside from a book or two here and there, he's not trying to push products. Plus, everything's based on science - without any fiscal motivation behind it. Sure, the folks behind the SAD diet have a crazy amount of money to spend on "studies" and "research"; but if someone's paying a scientist to come to a particular conclusion, they'll find a way.
I've been shocked over the years at the visible war (marketing and advertising), but also the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on with heavy lobbying backed by an unfathomable supply of money. The part that upsets me, personally, is the fact that I can choose what I eat; but oftentimes the kids in school can't, unless they pack a lunch. And the limitations on WIC? That's really scary.
Keep up the great work! One of these days, I need to find a pretty signature progress bar like you have - but maybe something a little masculine for me? Maybe a blue butterfly?
