I am excited to clean up my diet / eating style with McDougall's suggestions!
Where I am now: I am a middle-aged woman, 5'4", 160 pounds at last weighing (2.5 weeks ago). I live a sedentary life style (although I do have a standing desk at work - yay). I generally fit a size 10. (Was a size 8 till a couple years ago.) I feel generally healthy but I'm worried about my weight. I have been vegan since 2009 but not watching oils or other rich foods, such as mayo and "cream cheese." Went to a "healthy eating" workshop recently that was a total joke - talk of the blood type diet and so forth - but one thing I learned is my BMI is too high! 35.8%. Can't lie to myself any more. Also got my blood test results back. While almost everything looks really good (cholesterol numbers, blood pressure, protein markers excellent), my Vitamin D is on the low end (I need to get better about taking my vitamins) and my TSH level is at 3.2, which is high in the narrow range, indicating hypothyroidism. However, I don't have symptoms of hypothyroidism, so right now the main thing I'm doing is reiki/energy work weekly plus starting an exercise program.
Where I want to go: I would like to get to 135 pounds and go down to a size 6 or 8. I would like my vitamin D and TSH levels to be normal range and nothing to worry about.
Changes I've made: I started implementing the McDougall diet over the 4th of July weekend. So for a little more than a week, I've been filling up on whole starches and NO OIL - a new concept for me. I'm enjoying the food! Simplicity ... main issue is finding a meal for my fussy husband, too. I haven't weighed myself yet but I definitely see a difference in how my clothes fit
Also starting the exercise program: For July my goal is at least 20 minutes of sustained activity, 3-4 times a week, which could be a yoga class, walking around town, or my new desk cycle. Maybe in August I'll increase my exercise goals.
Nice to meet you!
Pamela