May 1, 2006 7:50 AM
Diet update
Week 12. Have lost 45 pounds. March was slow because of the trips to Mount Hermon and to New York, where I allowed myself some leeway - having some salad dressing and sauces on my meats.
A reader asked the other day what I ate. The Fat Flush Diet, which is what I am using, is very limited - eggs, fish, chicken, oranges, apples, and a lot of vegetables - unusual liver-strengthening ones like beets, asparagus, artichokes. She wanted to know what recipes I used. The Fat Flush Plan has a cookbook, too.
I bought the cookbook, but never opened it. My regime is very Spartan. I eat two eggs for breakfast, a small piece of protein and veggies for lunch and dinner. Sometime during the day an apple and an orange. If I get desperately hungry I eat a bunch of celery.
This is the easiest thing for me - I mean, easier than putting a lot of energy into preparing a special dish for myself. For me, using self-discipline to get my body back to normal is about diverting the time and attention I pay to food and using it for other things. So I'm eating to survive, not surviving to eat.
Keep in mind that I still have to cook for my family. Yesterday we celebrated Justin's birthday and had family and friends over for hot dogs and hamburgers (his favorite - everyone gets their favorite on their birthday) plus cake. This scene has been repeated many times in the past 12 weeks. I cooked myself a piece of fish and had it beforehand, then never touched the dinner. I find it's easier for me to have very clear boundaries.
Last week a friend was coming over to visit and wanted to bring a salad. I said no thank you. It was hard for her to understand because she cooks healthy stuff, but I am sticking exclusively with my plan. For me right now as I go through this process, food is not a social activity. It doesn't bother me to see others eat - as at a wedding shower I was at last week - but it's just not part of my life right now.
I went through a similar process when I gave up alcohol - learning to stick with my limitations in spite of my desires and in spite of the fact that the world didn't stop drinking when I needed to (remember I wasn't a Christian then and didn't become one for seven more years). Of course, then I limited my exposure by giving up going to bars and parties.
Dieting is different because you need food to survive. And food is a social thing - breaking bread together is symbolic and significant.
But for now, I must abstain. And I don't feel sorry for myself. After all, I got myself into this mess. Whether my metabolism is slow or not (and I don't believe it became slow until I started putting on weight) I consumed more calories than my body was burning off. I was self-indulgent. I did not show concern for my family by trying to keep myself reasonably attractive.
So I just remind myself - I got myself into this mess, and with God's help I'll keep doing what I'm doing to lose weight until I get myself out.
On the positive side, I can curl my legs up on the couch in a way that reminds me of when I was younger and slimmer. I feel much better about myself in a bathing suit and will not be ashamed to go swimming with my family this summer. I have tons more energy. And I am cleaning out drawers and closets of clutter that seems almost symbolic of the extra substance I was carrying around on my body.
I am feeling liberated and released - and those feelings keep me motivated because they are far, far better than the momentary satisfaction of food!
Those of you who are dieting, let me know how you are doing, too. And let's pray for each other. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Comments
Barbara, you are so encouraging. I'm on my third week with Weight Watchers and, as of this morning, have lost 8 pounds. What you said rang so true with me--I spent some time over the weekend feeling sorry for myself that I have to follow such a tight regimen right now. When, in fact, it's of my own doing ENTIRELY and it's just a part of being a grown up and taking responsibility! :) Thank you for that lovely reminder. YOu are inspiration, in so many ways. Can't wait to see a picture of you posted, in your new skinny clothes! :)
Posted by: Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer | May 1, 2006 10:08 AM
Wow - this really hit home with me today. Thank you so much! I've been attempting the same - lose the weight by eating less. The way you worded it though really hit home with me. Thanks for giving me just the boost I need!!!!
Posted by: Lisa | May 1, 2006 12:02 PM
Barbara, sweetie, I say it every time. I am so proud of you! WOW!
On the "other" diet level, how is Jesse doing with his wheat free diet? Anything I can do to help?
I too have been cleaning out "stuff" and have a book called Kids with Celiac Disease by Danna Korn. I would be glad to send it to you if you would like.
Posted by: Holly | May 1, 2006 12:46 PM
I've started the Fat Flush Plan too! Thank you for bringing it to my attention. It is exciting to hear of your progress. I noticed you did the special 1 day detox book first. Should I be doing that instead of just phase 1 or are they the same? Thank you!
Posted by: A | May 1, 2006 3:21 PM
Holly - I would love the book. Have eliminated about 80% of the gluten from Jesse's diet (he has not symptoms so it is not dangerous for me to take our time). I am having his lab work done to see if his levels have changed and then will see the doctor.
A - I actually do the Fast Track over and over - Six days of prep, a day of fasting, then three days of post-fast. Then I start again. To tell you the truth, I've been so busy I haven't even analyzed the difference between the Fat Flush and the Fast Track Fat Flush, so thanks for giving me an opportunity to make this clear.
Posted by: barbaracurtis | May 1, 2006 3:37 PM
I've found myself caring more about my home as I care for my body, too, Mrs. Barbara. I've been burning through the library's collection of home decorating books and have steadily done some of the sorting and eliminating work they all say is so important to having an attractive home.
Like I said last time I can't go too fast on my weightloss because I'm bfing, but for the past 8 weeks I have lost exactly a pound a week. I just tried on a skirt I had put in the give away pile a few months ago and this time it fit me! PTL
The other day I was able to run around and climb on rocks with my dd and carry the 20lb baby while we explored together without the first touch of fatigue. That in itself is better than all the nice clothes and lower numbers for me. My kids have a young and vibrant mother who can give them a taste for adventure and hope for a healthy, full future for themselves.
Thanks for all your encouragement, Mrs. B. :-D
Posted by: Cheri | May 2, 2006 10:58 AM
"For me, using self-discipline to get my body back to normal is about diverting the time and attention I pay to food and using it for other things"
Wow! That is really good. It's exactly what I needed to hear.
Posted by: whimsy | May 2, 2006 11:20 AM
"But for now, I must abstain. And I don't feel sorry for myself. After all, I got myself into this mess. Whether my metabolism is slow or not (and I don't believe it became slow until I started putting on weight) I consumed more calories than my body was burning off. I was self-indulgent. I did not show concern for my family by trying to keep myself reasonably attractive."
Barbara, I really connected the most with this portion of your post. *nods* So often, it seems as though folks want to blame everyone or everything else for the way that they look and feel. It refreshing to know that there are other folks out there who are bold enough to say that it is their own fault. I'm in that same boat, having indulged my selfish flesh, without a care for what it was doing to me, nor my family.
Thanks for posting the encouragement! All things are possible with the Lord, and I know that that extends into overcoming gluttony also. May God bless you on this adventure!
A friend,
Katherine
Posted by: Katherine | May 3, 2006 11:53 AM
45 lbs in 12 weeks?!?!?!? Wow!!!! Way to go!!!!
Posted by: TulipGirl | May 3, 2006 11:32 PM
THANKS! You have also inspired me to get back to healthy eating.
http://parentingdecisions.com/blog/2006_05.html#004162
Posted by: Carol | May 6, 2006 7:09 AM
after seeing your new slim self last week, I thought I'd get serious about this fat flush thing too. It was wasy to cheat so i did and only lost a litttle. I reread the book and am now on day 4 of no cheating. my only question is, do you buy organic? I want to but there is not much to find where I live. I wondered if it was worth the 30 minute drive to get to a health food grocer.
thanks for helping me. i know you do not have all the answers but it is nice to be able to ask questions to someone it is working for.
PS, 10 pounds and counting...
Posted by: janet | May 8, 2006 10:19 AM
A - I really have been doing the Fat Flush Fast Track Detox over and over. I haven't even read the Fat Flush itself to see how it's different.
Thanks Janet - it was great to see you Wednesday, and thanks for the encouragement. You are a sweetie! I don't buy organic. I do get nutritional yeast from the health food store, and I used the Fat Flush special supplements the first month, but not after that. I can't afford to buy organic :)
Posted by: barbaracurtis | May 8, 2006 10:47 AM
Are you doing any exercises like walking or strength training? Did you exercise the first 2 weeks of the Fat Flush? What about the skin brushing, rebounding, etc. that Fat Flsuh recommends? Did you buy the recommended viatmins and supplements or order the ones from fat Flush? I struggle because I do not do Fat Flush "perfectly" (esp. w/the spices and such) then fall off the wagon again :(
Posted by: Melissa | May 9, 2006 11:38 PM
