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May 20, 2003 It is almost the end of May, which means I will have successfully stayed on my lifestyle changing diet for a full month. I must say this is the first time I have seen such amazing results and have not cheated once. That is not to say I didnt want to splurge or give in or just eat something naughty for the sake of being naughty and I also was going through some emotional turmoil and cant believe for the first time I didnt give into my emotional eating. And if that wasnt enough I had a cold that left me with a two week hacking cough. All during the time I decide to really take some control back in my life. Sigh. But I made it, persevered, conquered, whatever. As of this week I notice some pretty incredible changes. My energy level is much higher. Over the three day weekend (Victoria Day weekend here in Canada eh) I probably got in over five hours of exercise, got up early, did yard work, and made some pretty incredible meals using spices, herbs, vegetables, and salmon. I continued on my low sodium, low fat, low carb, no sugar, high protein diet and lost inches in my arms, waist, thighs, chest, face, and belly. My jeans are loose and I wore a shirt that I havent been able to squeeze into for over three years. I now drink at least fifteen huge plastic bottles full of water and have noticed my face clearing, skin feeling less dry than ever, and go through toilet paper as if it were the latest fashion trend. Due to the increase in protein I noticed my hair is shiny, growing quickly, and my nails are strengthening. It has truly been that noticeable! People around me are calling me the incredible shrinking woman. I have to laugh, for I of course have set high goals for myself and have much more to lose and refuse to go on too much with these first results. I cannot wait to see how I will look by the end of next month. Now I have ran into a few people who would like nothing better than to sabotage my diet change. They call themselves my friends but I know otherwise. Because I have changed my attitude and feel positive and in control, they are now threatened and are trying to gang up on me. Whatever. Ask me if I care? I dont. Either support me or get out. Both my son and sweetheart have been very supportive and have adopted my eating change as well. They ask for healthier stuff and have raved about the new cooking I have taken up. Its nice to hear them go on about how much they enjoy the food, and I dont mind since it is barbecue season and no matter how much I cook, my sweetheart is going to barbecue the equal amount. Is only fair after five months of winter- cooking way too much pasta. IN fact I developed a pasta pouch from the long winter months. Sigh. It hasnt been easy. Everything seems like a potential threat when you are on a diet. Its not just go anywhere to eat. You really have to think about what they serve and if they would make changes to meal without becoming hostile. Its not just running into subway for a club sandwich and a bag of chips. Now it is going to a bar and grill and making sure they can make a large salad without dressing and grill chicken without sauce and allow you to have lemon in your water. It is ordering without toppings, dips, sauces, salt, sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, and leaving the healthy stuff intact. It is making sure to eat five meals spread out in the day getting the right amount of each food group. It is planning exercise somewhere even if only for fifteen minutes. Walking, badmitton, cleaning the house like a madwoman, chasing the cats around, playing catch, and chasing people for tickle attacks have been my staples for the last month. It is taking each day and placing a focus on food and trying to keep a positive attitude. It is making different grocery lists and spending more money to be healthy. It is just not easy. Regardless though, I am on my way to the first goal I have set. A pretty new pair of jeans in a smaller size are waiting for me to get into. After that there is another pretty new pair of jeans in an even smaller size waiting for me to get into along with three shirts and a skirt. Whew! I am not even worrying about a swimsuit. That is a lot of pressure all at once. But I will go through the next weeks with the mirror showing the results, my body reaping the benefits, and my loved ones and supporters compliments the changes. ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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