Hello. I’ve commented on several threads, but have never created a journal of my own. Since we are wanting to encourage more communication I figured I should do my part also.
I’m a 5’2” 59 year old Mom of 3, grandmother of 1. Prior to learning of Dr. McDougall on the radio in December of 2014, I was a typical SAD eater and throughout the years tried many things to stay at a reasonable weight including weight watchers and protein power plan. Of course none of those diets work forever so my weight would yo-yo. Like seriously giving up carbs, how stupid lol. When I started this program I weighed 141 pounds and now I am 103. In the very beginning I can remember being pretty stressed out as I was cooking for all 5 still in the house and trying all kinds of recipes which were very time consuming. Now life is very simple as we are empty nesters and my spouse doesn’t eat like me so on a daily basis I prepare food for one.
I have never followed the MWL plan, but I do try to follow some of the guidelines such as preloading and a 50/50 plate. I find using these 2 points encourages me to eat more vegetables. I have not followed MWL as I haven’t been willing to give up nuts, seeds and bread. I believe what keeps me successful and on the program is having salad dressings I enjoy and healthy cookies readily available. If I try to give up nuts and seeds I tend to feel restricted and somehow eat even more. I also believe it is important to weigh once a week. I have done this for many years and I don’t ever intend to stop. If my weight did start to trend back up I think it’s important to know sooner rather than later.
Most recently I have been focusing on eating only when hungry and stopping when full. I have had the tendency to overeat and that just feels uncomfortable. My favourite foods are fries or potato chunks that I first microwave and then air fry. And salad bowls with brown rice. I usually warm up the dressing and rice so it’s a warm salad. I still spend too much time trying new recipes, but I’m retired so it’s not stressful, I enjoy time in the kitchen.
I am not 100% following the program. I will never eat meat, fish or eggs again. Just the thought of that makes me queasy. From time to time I eat out and the meal has oil. Dairy on the very rare occasion when I eat something chocolate. I try not to dwell on these moments, I just get right back to starch and veggies.
I have always liked to be active so I do strive for hitting the 30 daily minutes of exercise. On the days I don’t play Pickleball I walk or bike ride. I have lifted weights in the past, but have never stuck with it long term. I think it’s because I try to lift too heavy or repetitive and end up with a minor injury so I have to stop.
If I can help anyone else be successful I am most willing. I wish I could help others close to me, but a person must want good health more than they want a greasy burger and fries. I find the longer I eat healthy the more I want to be healthy. I gave up alcohol and caffeine and now I sleep much better. I decided quality sleep is more important to me. So feel free to ask me anything at all and I will reply.
Erin
Last edited by Ejeff on Mon Apr 10, 2023 6:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
"The more disciplined your environment is, the less disciplined you need to be. Don't swim upstream."