by chaz01 » Mon Mar 19, 2007 4:49 pm I'm a 44 year-old married systems engineer with 2 little girls (age 2 and 4). I've tried to stay healthy but have always had a hard time maintaining good exercise and eating habits and as a result, my weight has increased steadily over the years. I tipped the scales at 341 on Jan 2 this year and realized I needed drastic changes, if not for me, for my 2 girls who I very much want to see grow up and teach them by example about good eating and exercise.
Since then, I've been working out consistently and started following a low fat mainly vegetarian diet. Originally, I wasn't completely convinced that I wanted to give up meat and dairy entirely, but the more and more I read about the benefits of vegetarian diests and followed the McDougall meals, the more I enjoyed and even preferred them. I've now given up meat completely along with cow's milk. At this point I still eat dairy at most 1-2 times a week, but I'm working on that as well.
I can honestly say that I truly have enjoyed the vegetarian meals I've been making more-so than any meat and/or dairy based meal that I've replaced. It's been inspiring to find new recipes, cooking methods and techniques, as well as discovering new vegetables and spices.
To date, I've lost 34 lbs for the year, but more importantly feel more energetic and healthy than I ever have in my life. In addition, my blood pressure has dropped and at a health screening yesterday, my cholesterol checked in at 168 (I don't know what it was before I started, but I'm certain it was higher).
I realize that although I'm off to a good start, I have a long way to go. I look forward to learning more through these forums and hoping this is just the start of a lifetime of healthy eating and exercise.
Chuck
I am very proud of him, because it's not easy being a trailblazer. Please take into consideration that we live in the heart of Canadian cattle country, so he is even more heretical. What has worked for us is that most meals I pack him lunch. It is often just leftovers of supper with fruit and veggies, but it is amazing how many people have no clue he is vegetarian because he just doesn't make a big deal of it. He stopped eating at the work cafeteria years ago because it was just nasty by any standards. When he has a meeting at work he normally orders the food and always gets a vegetarian menu. Fortunately, there are a fair number of Seikh's (?sp) and Hindus who don't eat meat for religious reasons, so the vegetarian food often goes first. (I suspect it is not vegan or low fat always, however.)
. Especially if they detect insecurity. I actually find it easier to entertain and be in charge of the menu because people don't honestly think much of vegan meals being served unless you rub it in their face. Eating at other people's homes can be a little trickier. But, you are obviously an intelligent man--breastfeeding wife, 2 girls, engineer and McDougaller to boot--and I am sure you will find your way with time. And just wait til you you start losing weight and it shows (my husband lost about 30 pounds effortlessly) and they want to know what you are doing. They will be very, very interested. At least until you tell them they can't have steak.
