by CAR1982 » Wed Mar 07, 2012 3:26 pm
I am so happy I found this discussion board.
I am at a crossroads in my life, and I know I have to do something different. I am turning 30 this year (gasp!) and have suddenly been faced with two cold, hard facts: 1) What everyone has been telling me is true; I am actually going to get old, and 2) if I continue on the path I am on, I will only aid in the increasing deterioration of my body with each passing year.
I have been on a hundred diets in my lifetime, some formal and some informal. It was always about losing 10-20 vanity pounds. I would lose the weight without any concern for my health, and then inevitably gain it all back (often with interest). Then I would do it all over again on some other wacky diet scheme.
I have yo-yo-ed between the same 40 pounds for at least 10 years. I have been as low as 120, and as high as 160. I know this has been absolutely terrible on my body, and my state of mind.
For the first time ever it is not about losing pounds. I weigh about 127 consistently these days; and that is a "healthy" weight for my heighth. However, I eat terribly - absolute junk! I never exercise. I don't get enough sleep. I don't drink enough water. I drink too much coffee. I drink too much alcohol. And though I am in a "healthy" weight range, I have 28% body fat, so I am definitely flabby. My body is incredibly unhealthy. I have had youth on my side, but I know it is a matter of time before it all catches up with me. And it is truly the first time I actually understand it is in fact going to happen: I am going to get old. And I want to live to a very old age, and be as happy and healthy as humanly possible.
I have always fundamentally agreed with a vegan way of eating, though I have never stuck with it. It has always been an ultimate goal of mine, because I believe it is the healthiest; best for the environment; and best for my spirit. It has always made sense to me, but for one reason or another I always went back to SAD eating.
Anyway, I came across Dr. McDougall's book when I was seriously researching what is going to be the best way for me to get my body healthy and fit, and it just made sense. I am starting the program tomorrow, Thursday, March 8th.
I have decided I am going to give the program my all, 100%, for 30 days, and if at the end of the 30 days I do not feel or look any better, then I can always look to something else - no harm no foul. But, that said, I sincerely believe, in fact, I KNOW, that at the end of 30 days, my life will be completely different, and I will want to stick with these principles for life. I am allowing myself to feel I have an "out" in 30 days, so I don't get overwhelmed with the drastic change, and completely give-up as I know my personality is so want to do.
For the purposes of future comparing and contrasting, here is what i have eaten today, the day before Day 1:
B- 2 cups coffee with 3(?) tablespoons sweetened creamer
L- Turkey sandwich w/ mayo, lettuce, oil & vinegar; 1/2 a giant chocolate chip cookie and diet coke
S- Probably have to have more coffee around 3pm because I will get so tired at work
D- Is usually some sort of quick take-out food. Maybe a meal from McDonald's or if I have more time, Indian food.
Exercise: none
I am going grocery shopping tonight, to pick up everything I will need to have a positive start. I am going to plan and prepare my meals ahead of time. I have no other goal for the first 30 days than to follow the plan to the letter. Exercise will be a bonus, but I want to focus on eating properly first. I know how I react when I try to do too much too soon.
Plan for tomorrow, Day 1:
B- Green smoothie: 1 banana & 2 c spinach & water
S- Raw veggies
L- 1/2 plate brown rice w/ lite soy sauce & 1/2 plate steamed summer squash and zucchini
S- piece of fruit
D- 1/2 plate brown rice w/ lite soy sauce & 1/2 plate steamed summer squash and zucchini
All right... wish me luck! I will be back to report tomorrow!
-CAR
Last edited by
CAR1982 on Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.