elcorazon, I just want to mention a few things:
First, I think you will do very well on this way of eating, and I'm glad you're here!
Second, I want you to really understand what kinds of "restrictions" you do need, and what kinds you do *not* need. Any healthy way of eating has some healthy restrictions that work for your own long-term benefit.
You may want to do yourself a favor, and read as much as you can on this site, where people talk about what they really eat, and how they really implement the various suggestions by the plant-based doctors who we look to for guidance. The people here have had to make this way of eating work for them, in terms of what their favorite meals are, how they keep calorie-dense foods out of their diet (or from taking too large a role in their eating), when they eat, and how much they eat at a sitting.
If you tend to have the patterns of a food addict, then you'll soon begin to understand that this is not an "eat as much as you want of any whole food you want" but rather a set of recommendations to eat what is best for your body rather than what your cravings drive you to do.
Read Jeff Novick's Five Pillars of Healthy Eating and post them somewhere conspicuous:
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=37450Your new way of eating means that you are choosing food that is:
1 - Plant centered -- food as grown, straight from the produce aisle, (turning away from stuff in packages and brightly colored boxes)
2 - Minimally processed -- don't drink your calories, blend your food or make baked goods as "treats" (except on occasion)
3 - Calorie dilute -- this means that veggies are a new and wonderful part of your life; include a big bowl of steamed veg with each meal, even breakfast if you choose to eat it (last part being my opinion, not jeff's or dr mcdougall's)
4 - Low SOS -- Be particularly attentive to sugars -- they are no good for you -- but don't give salt or oil a free pass either. Eat the nutrition your body needs without dolling it up too much for your tastebuds.
5 - Variety -- Notice if there are certain plant foods that have become your new loves. If you notice yourself reaching for the same foods (think avocados, or peanut butter, because those are two of the densest things available to vegans), then either evict them or put them on a strict schedule.
We would *love* to help you through this, and be your source of help, ideas and motivation all the way through your journey. Use us!