Since today is my first day to journal, and I’ve only eaten breakfast so far, I’ll use this first entry as an introduction.
The unexpected loss of my husband a few years back, due to a reaction to prescribed BP meds, jarred me to my senses about my own health. My research, with some trial and error along the way, finally led me to Dr. McDougall. I’ve been on the MWL plan since December 19, 2017.
I’m 71 years of age, with no diseases that I’m aware of, and do not take any prescription or other meds.
I’m a minimalist, with tons of food sensitivities, so the simplicity of this WOE is perfect for me. I’m one of those people who doesn’t need a lot of variety. Also, since the loss of my husband, I’ve been on a very tight budget and I’ve found that beans, grains, and veggies can be very inexpensive. In the beginning, I tried a few recipes with tons of ingredients, but soon found they didn’t suit my time, money, or taste.
If my menus appear sparse, here is why: If I eat white potatoes, brown/white rice, wheat and other gluten products I get terrible arthritic pain in my feet, ankles, elbows, wrists and fingers. Plus, I feel extremely lethargic. I can only eat from the nightshade family sparingly, or I have similar problems. The main starches I eat are: sweet potatoes, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, winter squash, and occasionally black rice. I also enjoy corn, peas, and beans (limiting to around a cup per day of beans). These foods make up the bulk of my meals now, with lots of colorful veggies, and a few fruits. I don’t feel very well after much fruit consumption so keep it minimal, not eating it daily. The MWL was tailor made for me!!
As limited as my diet sounds, I’m perfectly happy with it. The only thing I miss by eating this way is avocado, nuts, sunflower seeds, coconut, and tofu. I do grind my own and eat 1 tablespoon of flaxseed daily on a salad.
The first few weeks on this plan I gained weight. But, since, I’ve gradually lost around ten pounds. I was sedentary when I first began, numbing out with blue chips and Netflix (which has now been cancelled). But, due to this WOE I’m now feeling so much better that on good days I actually “desire” to walk at a nearby trail and on winter/rainy days I jog on my rebounder indoors. I know my weight loss sounds extremely low compared to the loss many report but it simply doesn’t bother me in the least. I need to lose around forty pounds, and I know it will come off as I go along. At one time in my life weighing daily was a huge deal for me, but no longer. In spite of low weight loss, my clothes feel loose. I can move so much easier, plus I no longer fall asleep at my desk every afternoon. I now feel like pursuing my hobby, art photography. These days, I’m even going on hikes with my son who has asked my help with his new hobby as a videographer.
The horrible food cravings I once had for sweet junk foods left the very first day on this plan. There were times I literally sat and cried because I thought if I didn’t walk to the nearby Dollar Tree for junk food, I would simply die! Most times I gave into those cravings. I haven’t craved any of that junk since mid December. Come to think of it, I haven’t been to Dollar Tree since then either!
Spring is blossoming in my neck of the woods, so I think this is a good time for me to make a new beginning too, by journaling. I’ll be keeping it real and simple!
