I started this journey on Sept. 23, 2010. I am now in the 8th week. Dr. Esselstyn claims it takes 12 weeks to get the craving out of your head! I know that's right...
I have lost some pounds. I can see it in the mirror a little bit. I can fit into a pair of pants I bought online that did not fit when they arrived. So that's good.
My blood sugar swings are nearly gone, though I still get comatose after eating something with carbs between 5 and 7pm, especially when I have not been eating all day. I really try to keep eating all day. I have my doctor appointment in 2 weeks and will get my blood workup done then.
I don't feel like I have more energy. Some days I think I am not eating enough. When you only eat plants, ie. fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains, it sometimes is hard to get enough calories, nutrients, etc. I am trying to be more conscious of the mix of foods, portions (as in eat more), and being intentional. When you aren't just picking food up on the fly - it is not as easy to stuff yourself all day - which is good, but the opposite is not any better. Also trying not to rely on eating too many grains - pastas, beans - as filler. EAT VEGGIES :)
I do feel more like exercising, though that has not yet happened. So perhaps, my energy is higher and it was just so low before, I didn't realize it?
I have not been 100% oil free - I have had at least 2 setbacks on chips - but at least I eat "healthy" chips - baked, veggie, NOT Doritos. I have had a few slips on candy - but no chocolate (dairy) or ice cream. I am VERY proud of that. I have had some vegetable antipasto at a couple of work events where they serve crudites. I have had shrimp twice (not fried). I've had eggrolls - had a craving one day that would not be satisfied - but the result was not gratifying - so I won't do that again.
I'm cooking a lot and I like that! It makes eating more intentional and less of a throwaway activity. Sometimes I really like what I make, other times - well, I am not the best cook in the world by any stretch of the imagination. I have been picking up spices each week to build my cupboard - darn expensive! So I am looking forward to more flavorful - zingy food.
I do taste things now in a different way - clearer, more distinctive palate. That's a big bonus!
I am finding it easier and easier to say no. Someone brought cupcakes in to the office the other day and I declined. I tell others and myself, that I spent a lifetime eating poorly and because of that, I now am treating myself to eating well. It's my decision, but people seem to take it as an indictment of their eating. Maybe it is. This isn't an easy choice I've made, so sometimes I probably make it easier on me by feeling superior. If I've done that to any of you - sorry.
Thanksgiving is coming up and I will be staying at home. I figured this is one holiday on which I need to keep my focus. Next year will be different. I have been scouting out some interesting recipes - side dishes for the big holiday are making a comeback with chefs - even the NYT had a great feature with recipes the other day.
I continue to stay out of the snack food isles, candy isles (which during the holidays is increasingly difficult to avoid because chocolate is all over the store!), cheese section. I spend more time in the produce section - even if it is just looking - to get more familiar with different products and contemplating what I might eventually learn to use - like broccoli rabe. Not even sure what it is...and swiss chard - what do I do with it?...and leeks - oh, wait, I like those!
I follow the #vegan hashtag on twitter and that has produced loads of info, insights, and recipe links. I am getting follows from other vegans and I now follow some of them. Twitter is just amazing as an information and communication portal.
Onward
<3
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