Vegan tale
I'm going to give this a shot and figured that keeping an accurate accounting should help out.
Never tried this before. Dieted acoupleof years ago as I felt like total shit. I started at 225lbs. and got down to 183lbs byintermittentlystarving, and kinda/sorta trying for six months. I was done in and have put too much back on. I can't keep up with my present diet and excercise because I'm gaining and not loosing. I'm just plain getting older and my lifestyle is catching up with me.
~SO~
5/21/2012
199.2lbs.
Cholesterol : 242 (lab tech, free tests :~)
LDL : 179 (way too frickin' high!)
HDL : 38 (ughh)
Triglycerides : 246( and Ughh)
Liver panel checked out fine, so I'm going to bepickingup some niacin and see how that goes
Fingers crossed, wish me luck.
Got breakfast, lunch and dinner planned and ready to go....snacks in the wings.
2piecesof Nine grain bread,peanutbutter and blackberry preserves for breakfast.
Smoothie of banana,strawberry, blueberries,broccoliand flax seed meal.
Funny, not sure what I expected but I could definitely taste the broccoli...and it was good!
This evening is going to be trickier...get off work at 5 then taking my son and nephew to the movies. Talked with Perrie about this the other day...POPCORN! Love it! 'cept for the half pound of butter on top ...well I think pretty vegan. But I know that my will power isn't strong enough...so I'm taking a smoothie on the road with me to have supper first (not sure what yet) and a snack bag of cheerios to enjoy with the movie.
Sounds like a great breakfast!
Btw, I had mentioned Whole Foods and Trader Joe's own brands of frozen organic berries-- but merely because they are cheaper than other brands. You should be able to find other good brands of organic frozen berries in most good supermarkets-- Cascadian Farms is a good brand that is widely distributed
Although its tempting to use small quantities to save money, berries are such an incredible food IMO one should eat one full cup of berries daily...
Nuts and seeds are also a definite "superfood". Both have similar nutrients. However seeds are generally much less caloric (less fat) than nuts-- better for weight loss. Flax is probably the best, but occasionally good to mix in others. Preferably raw and unsalted. & (preferably organic).
Thanks for the encouragement Krishna; it truly was a good breakfast!
We found berries in 3lb. bags frozen, actaully better priced per/lb in larger quantities, so that's cool.(seems like the tastier frozen veggies/berries are ones with a kinda nice frozenlayer placedaround the foodies to help preserve freshness)
I like mixed nuts more so than seeds, but need to increase my experience with all various ones to figure out whatI like; this is truly a new experience.
What about yogurt? I thought that yogurt was a very healthy food but don't see it mentioned very often anymore?
Lunch: handful of nuts, lettuce salad with celery, green peppers, tomato and carrots, and an orange.
Lottsa water this afternoon,unusuallythirsty. started getting hungry bymid-afternoonand wondered if I should have included some protein whey or something? Lol, oh well, what do ya expect when your on a diet larry!?
Change of plans, going to late show instead tonight so will have dinner at home.
Beans and rice, plenty of hot peppers in it (cooking even as we speak), sourdough bread and an apple for dessert.
Larry. See how much leafy greens you can eat in a sitting. Instead of traditional salad dressing, soak some walnuts for a couple hours, drain, then blend the walnuts about 2 to 1 nut to water. Add some rice wine vinegar, and use that as a dressing. Maybe blend in some herbs and a little bit of salt as well. Try and eat a pound of greens that way. Add some broccoli and maybe a little bit of avocado, and some chunks of fruit to your salad.
More to come, but try it out. You might get tired of chewing and be totally full before you even make it half way through the salad, but will still lose weight, since you would only be consuming at most 500 or 600 calories, less than a third of your recommended daily intake.
Thanks Peter!
I see what you mean and I will do that; I really do like salad anyways, so hey!
Now about that salad dressing, that sounds good. I will do that too. Any other dressing/sauces you can think of?
btw...all these recipes I've been getting are great for variation, picking andchoosing new foodsis kinda fun too I have to admit!
:~)
If you're going to do a healthy (i.e. vegan) way of eating, a somewhat unconventional approach to satisfying hunger is required. (Most vegan diets actually use this principle, but many are unaware of it.)
If you're eating meat, you're getting massive amounts of animal protein. This will fill you up, but ultimately is unhealthy. Also lots of fat (even if you trim visible fat)--- this is also filling, but also unhealthy,
When people go to a vegan diet, they often tend to cut back on plant foods that they think are fillling. They eat lots of non-starchy foods like lettuce, broccoli-- even fruit. All very, very nutritious-- but they won't fill you up, won't satisfy hunger long.
They tend to avoid starchy foods because they fear starchy foods are fattening.
But, on a balanced vegan diet you can eat lots of starchy food and still loose weight !(Btw, this doesn't work if you eat meat....)-- these starches in addition to the non-starchy veggies.
In fact, if you don't eat enough starchy foods, your efforts will fail-- or be difficult--because you will often be hungry!
This is a major key to success on a healthy (i.e. vegan) diet: You must eat a starchy food with every meal to fill you up. That means a sweet potato-- and or beans-- and/or whole grains such as brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat spaghetti, etc. And eat this in the quantities you desire-- they will fill you up, and you will end up eating a fairly large quantity of food (in volume)-- but lose weight rapidly!
This may seem counter-intuitive-- but it works on a vegan diet. (If you eat meat or dairy it won't work-- and if you eat white rice or other non-whole grains it won't work).
There are several good books on the subject. This one just came out-- I baven't read it yet but I've heard its excellent; (It looks like you can get its message just by reading the comments on the page-- as well as the testimonials): The Starch Solution
Eat whole foods only-- lots of a starchy and non-starchy veggies. Don't even rely on healthy fats to fill you up (One oz of nuts/seeds are OK and great for health)-- don't use processed isolates like whey or any other processed protein powder.
Thank you so much krishna!
Seriously, I needed that. That aspect was a serious hole in my assumption about my new diet and makes complete sense. There again, natural, whole, and local. And, I know that one sucsess of a diet is feeling filled enough, and you may have very well saved me from making a serious mistake. The temptation is great when there's food in the pantry, but now alternatives can also satify I'm finding. So, a bakedpotatois an ok
That book looksexcellent, this is starting to seem logical too me.
There are things that grow outta God's Green Earth that can completely provide us with beautiful health, and we've gotten away from it (It seems that humans moving from ahunter-gatherer to a technological species, is reflected in our dietary requirements---weird I know but interesting, I thought the chapter in the starch book lookedinterestingunguided wealth stole our health).
As far as those starches go, which do you find particularly tasty?
Non-intuitive, hhhhmmmm....something I have kinda relied on when planning for this diet was whey protein that ya get in a big plastic jar. I've used it off and on for a couple ofyearsand has taken the place of a meal at times (with milk of course), now I'm seeing....,,,,it'sprocessed! So, now honestly it's a matter of emotionally being confident that I'm getting enough, and I can accomplish that by filling up on stuff that is healthy instead. Now however I'm seeing that starches, which actually fill one up very quickly, are also available on this diet.
So tonight before bed...saved the apple from dessert because beans and rice filled me up...and am having with a beer; a great end to the day and a little treat for a bed-time snack.
Alright, I hope the next few days go as well as today.
Hmmm, now you have me thinking. Thirty pounds could go a long way towards creating a better attitude in my world!
My thinkin' too wmolaw.
5/23/2012
196.8lbs.
breakfast of banana, orange, two peices of multi-grain bread, and ahandfulof mixed nuts.
Banana, strawberry,blueberry,broccoli, flax smoothie and left-over rice and beans for lunch
Peanut-butter and blackberry preserves for mid-afternoon.
Whole-wheat Rotini with garlic andhomemade/cannedspaghettisauce (very filling) for supper.
Movies got waylaid last night so going tonight instead, taking sunflower seeds to help resist the popcorn!
:~)
Actually I think anothe large part of the problem is that we have also moved to a society with some very large, powerful, and unscrupulous food industry lobbies
There are so many widely held beliefs that are untrue-- perpetrated by various food industry lobbies. Amongst the commonly held false beliefs:
1. You can't get enough calcium unless you eat dairy
2. You can't get enough protein unless you eat meat
3. Carbohydrates are fattening-- to lose weight you need to cut down on carbs
Hi wmolaw.
About 2 months ago I found out about the way of eating advocated in Fuhrman's books. The focus of this is not weight loss alone, but rather health. To significantly decrease your odds of getting cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Its not based on some fad-- he spent a lot of time looking into the connection between diet and disease.
Its basically eating a vegan diet, but he added few other ideas.
My primary goal was superior health, not weight loss-- although I was hoping to loose 30-35 pounds.
In 2 months so far I've lost 20 pounds. The food is delicious (natural, whole, unprocessed foods), and I don't have any cravings. There's no weighing, measuring, or calorie counting-- for most foods you can eat as much as you want.
The only downside (for some people)-- you have to almost totally give up meat and dairy. I thought I'd have a problem with that, but I haven't-- because the food is tasty, and of course I'm happy to be losing weight-- and doing it so easily.
Excellent!
The only improvements I can think of (and this is based on Fuhrman's style of veganism): needs more cowbell---err, I mean needs more veggies! That is a great dinner, but would be even better with a large serving of veggies-- steamed veggies, or or add cooked veggies to the sauce-- or even a salad.
Also check nuts and peanut butter--preferable to limit or eliminate salt: nuts should be unsalted-- also peanut butter should not have added salt.
needs more cowbell--
LOL Yes you right!
Yup, a lot more veggies and a little more balance there; Thanks krish! I hadn't even thought of the salt.
Speaking of seasoning, besides salt are there certain spices or herbs that Ishouldbe cautious about?
That's really rather sickening if ya think about it. After watching that Movie Food Inc , I can well believe it.
It's an attempt to program Americans to readily accept the transition to soylent .
<:^)
Well, everything I say here is based upon the book "Super Immunity". This is mainly about 95% the basic vegan diet (no animal products, no diary) with a few additions and changes. One change is no added salt-- or minimal added salt. Like everything else in this approach, its based upon sound research re: what is the best way to eat to avoid disease. So its best not to salt your food-- or at least use a little as possible. Also, with canned and boxed products, always use the salt-free (or "low sodium") versions when available.
Another slight variation from most standard vegan diets is to use even more veggies.
Other than salt, I can't think of any other herbs or spices that you should avoid. In fact, many herbs and spices have many good naturally occurring anti-oxidants and other great phyto-chemiacls-- its good to use a lot of them. Especially nutritious are Oregano, Rosemary, Garlic, Onions (actjally all the Alliums--Shallots, Scallions, Leeks, tyc), Ginger, Turmeric, Cayenne-- probably many others. I addition, Ginger and Tumeric are good anti-inflammatories..
No added sugar, no artificial sweeteners.
Gotta get that book, ordering a couple this week.
I remember that some herbs or spices are good for vascular health as well. Love mushrooms too and am now reading that the more exotics may have less carcinogens in them, and powerful for physiologic defense; very cool!
Now that I think about it, I coulda easily just thrown in some tomatoes and peppers ontoppa that pasta last night.
5/24/2012
195.9lbs.
Breakfast: grits,tomatoes, an orange and multi-grain bread.
Lunch: Orange, banana, strawberry, broccoli, flax smoothie (should have included a starch but didn't and I felt it).
Nuts andceleryfor a snack.
Supper: Carrots, corn,asparagus, Peppers, mushrooms, wild rice.
Just poppin' in to send my well wishes and happy thoughts.
See? I'm smilin'.
Going vegan helped me lose that last 15 lbs that I wanted to drop after Milla was born. I lost it rather quickly as a matter of fact. I've also noticed that I no longer am troubled by some chronic health issues that I had dealt with before. The transition may be tough to get used to but believe me it's worth it. It's sort of amusing how often people think I'm in my mid twenties. Much luck to ya
Thanks for the encouragement Shelly and congrats on your sucsess!
I think I forgot to mention it, but if you want to follow Fuhrman's approach, he says you should try to eat 1/2 cup (or more if you want) of beans a day.
If you have trouble digesting beans at first, you can try one of these 2 things(*or even do both):
1. Build up the quantity slowly. Start with , say, only 1 Tablespoon/day. (Or even 2 rounded teaspoons/day, one each at lunch and dinner). Then gradually build up the amount. Your body will adapt.
2. Some beans are much easier to digest. The best ones for this are Lentils, Mung, and probably Adzuki. (And Lentils are especailly nutritious as wells).
Good for you!
Always nice to hear success stories...
Back and what a weekend. Everybody left the house except me. Moved furniture all over and cleaned carpets in various rooms. used lottsa energy. Stayed as whole and raw as possible for this last week and it has paid off...
5/29/2012
192.2lbs
!
Last night had Eggplant pasta with cherry totmatoes, sweet red-pepper, Chillis, onion and garlic...very yummy and will be having that again soon.
So far this is going good! Started feeling a little more energetic this weekend and so far this week am resting, working and playing at full gallop, I'm impressed!
Thanks for the info Krish, love beans and Lentils makewonderful soup. Having black beans I think maybe for supper tonight...not sure yet. I am getting addicted to the smoothies I must say; good stuff and easy.
I am surprised by all the grief I am getting from off-line friends. They cannot believe I am doing this and one would have thought I started growing extra limbs or something for all the hoopla. I guess I never really gave it a second thought once I made up my mind, but some people are competely shocked!
I wasn't prepeared for that I suppose LOL!
:~)
Larry, people who arent vegan often cant understand how or why you would want to be. Quite a few people think it means you eat tofu for every meal and are both weak and emaciated, even when the evidence is contrary to that notion.
Mike: yes, yes, and yes.
Yes-- but only if you totally give up eating meat and dairy!
(And, of course, it helps if your ancestors came from the planet Vega...)
I think people just get into habits, and can't conceive of doing it differently. For example, some people can' drink coffee without sugar. I used to put salt on many foods. (Since I'm following Fuhrman's approach, I hav almost completely stopped using salt__ and I've gotten used to that). Most people really believe they can't enjoy a meal without meat...
I dunno. But my wife is into the neck pinch thing if that means a back rub.
:~)
Another reason is that we've been brainwashed by food industry lobbies. And most people believe their propaganda.For example, they really believe that you can't get adequate protein without eating meat. And-- they really believe you can't get enough Calcium unless you eat dairy.
So I suppose its not really surprising that people think we are crazy if we give up eating meat and dairy....
Funny you should say that because honestly that is part of what took me aback a little. I went into this diet with no thought or intention beyond improving my health, yet I have had people ask me if my choice is a moral or spiritual choice and I have had to laugh! Like, "can't I just improve my lifestyle"?! Jeesh!
There doesn't have to be any "kung-fu" or Buddhaism to it but, otho, ain't it cool that no critters have to die to keep me goin'?
So true. And, ironically, vegans on average not only live longer, but also have a much lower incidence of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.
Plus-- it may be the answer to the Obesity Epidemic. (I started eating a strictly vegan diet about 2 months ago. My main motivation was not weight loss-- but rather I've always been interested in a healthy lifestyle. However, in those two months I've lost 20 pounds-- and its been effortless!)
Yup, have to admit I fell short that first week.
Ate butter on toast that first day and dairy yogurt the first two days. Got myself straightened out on that here on this site and got the right stuff. Have to admit, my system and my energy both feel great and acute! I'm truly surprised at the dynamic of how it makes you feel eating only vegan. And after only a week or so!
Very cool.
btw...I'm going to do lessmotorcyclingtoo. Going to buy a nicer bicycle andstartimproving my cardio. My wife does a lot of that and it will give us more together time...this lifestyle can bring manybenefits!
:~)
It's so strange to me now, when I listen to people talk about it. It's like meat is this holy grail and we have to eat it or die! It makes me realize how even in our modern society, how truly unversed commonfolkare about nutrition! We are like McDonalized little cattle led to the trough. Weird but I find it darkly accurate.
Yup. And really kinda creepy. I mean, people are becoming more and more willing to eat pure crap if it satiates an animal instinct of being filled. I don't like that, yunno what I mean?
...I know! Even if evidence to the contrary is slappin' them in the face! I mean, there is easily examined scientific research that isobviouslycorrect. What more does a guy need?
Kinda OT and I have had a coupla beers...;but,...lets take a look a reality a little bit here.
Now my reality is different than other's perhaps; however, I thik application's can bearrivedat. I worry aboutseverelycoldweather , shelter and food for my wife's and my own survival. I look at my own experiences, other's accounts.
Reality is a cold harsh bitch.
Read a little Jack London...
...look at his depiction of a human animal in survival mode.
Not to mention just plain livin' at the peak of health!
Btw, Mrs Dash is your friend. You would be surprised by how versatile that blend is. It is especially great with lentils and split peas, and any bean and green soup, for example.
Speaking of....
Chopped kale, onion, and garlic sauteed (in water, lol)....add your beans and Mrs Dash (and salt if you're into it). Add your water and soup away.
I have been spending a lot of time reading up on veganism. Its really quite fascinating. It seems the majority of people feel that's its some sort of weird fad. And that its unhealthy.
But, ironically, the opposite is true-- there is a tremendous body of scientific evidence validating the significant health benefits of other ways of eating.
And I have spoken to many people who have switched to veganism-- all have experienced significant positive changes....
Aside from the surprising difference it makes re: health, I have found it intriguing how strongly various lobbies (primarily the beef and dairy lobby) have influenced commonly held beliefs.
Mmmmm....thanks peter,
:~)
that combo sounds yummy!
I thin part of it is due to that. But in addition, a lot of it has to do with peoples' belief systems...and how they are formed.
Many people are really not all that rational...and many are easily lead-- and mislead.
-----------
It has to start right in the begening then, parents raising kids who are more aware. It will take our culture to change our society's willingness toconsume the crap, bothinthe form of supposed "food" and deceptive practices, pushed by certain lobbyists.
I think things are changing- but slowly. The Beef and Dairy lobbies are still powerful, and most people actually do believe their propaganda.
But one thing that gives me hope is how the powerful tobacco lobby was at one time. For a long time they were successful at getting people to believe that smoking was in no way hrmful to your health.
In fact-- there were actually ads like this on TV-- mind-blowing!
My boss who is ten yearsmysenior, can vividlyrememberashtrays throughout the lab, doctors offices, nurses stations and waiting areas.
Wow!
Going great. This weekend hit Sams and got all kindsa fresh and frozen foodies. So far my most surprising finds were the freshAsparagusand mango, very tasty!
06/05/2012
190.2 lbs
Thats 9 lbs in two weeks without starving. As a matter of fact I eat all I want and have found some very yummy foods and recipes I would have not found unless I tried this.
btw, getting addicted to avocado in smoothies.
Congratulations!
I love avocadoes!
(And they are a great source of healthy fat as well as other nutrients).
Thanks Krishna, very encouraging!
Had avocado, roamine, red onion, red peppers and black beanwraps for supper...so yummy!
6/7/2012
189.5
I am starting to note some differences in my metabolism as well. Used to be I was hungry nearly all the time, constantly on the look out for a snack here or there, never satiated even after I had enough to eat. Now I am finding that not to be the case. As a matter of fact when I am hungry I'm actually in need of nourishment, not just wanting to snack on something. And after I eat a meal, I am full and energized, not drowsy and bloated feeling! It is a strange experience I must say.
Also sleeping better at night which has always been an issue, I didn't expect that and is quite welcome.
Actually those are common experiences on this eating plan!
Btw, a mistake I made at first was to limit quantities. It works better if you eat as much as you want-- as long as you avoid akk animal products and all dairy,
and eat whole, unprocessed food (No Olive oil, etc.)
You should eat about 2 oz nuts/seeds every day. This is because they have a tremendous positive impact on health. Eating more than this is OK for health, but if your weight loss stops and you have been eating several times this amount, cut back to 2 oz.
I can completely believe it, and I mean it when I say a strange new experience. I have a crazy schedule because I work regular day hours and then have to take call half to a third the month. I mean I catch sleep and food and showers where/when I can, literally. Also an insomniac from way back when...so, health has always been on the back-burner. Between vending machine and quickie-mart food, any healthy eating I actually practiced was awash due to all the crap! I did change that somewhat a year or two back; but still. It wasn't working, I went to bed hungry trying to be a "good little dieter" or suffered heartburn half the night cause I was starving and so then proceeded to stuff myself full ofprocessed-laden shit. Not good.
Ya know I am practicing that more and more since I have read posts by both you and Peter, reflecting that same value. It's easy with greens too, way easy. and also with worthy carbs or healthy tortilla shells ( or whatever---yams are very tasty and only experimented with a couplarecipes), ya get full much faster than one would expect...and ya feel great afterwards!
My wife is not on a vegan diet but nonetheless MUCH healthier than I. Biking around a 100 mi/wk and/or stair climbing, she loves it! Now for the last coupla weeks, we are going for nice long bicycle rides or good long hikes with the pups after supper...not melting into the fuckin' chair infronta da boob-tube; ya see what I mean? More energized for real!
:~)))))
For reals?! I don't understand?
I thought olive oil was ok? (that's it! Ordering Fuhrman's book at this precise moment so i can understand where you're coming from, 3-5 daysstandardshipping aaarrrgggghhhh.....!) Actually, a book clubkindameeting might be a fun kinda article.
Ordered.
Next Tues. or wed. I'll start catching up with your knowledge base only slightly, but am going to get educated. I am usually a rationale person but have beencompletelyfoolish with my own health. I am sick of it.
Most approaches say to avoid "bad carbs" (simple sugars and HFCS )--- but many people erroneously believe that "all carbs are the 'enemy'." Actually, it may be that one of the keys to bealth , weight lossand slw2ing the aging process is to eat more "resistant starches" (Yams, beans, starchy vegetables).
Thas is one of many things that Dr Fuhrman discusses in in that excellent book Super Immunity . And I am currently reading a book that just came out that foucses on that speific issue: The Starch Solution: Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good.
I have just started it, but so far it makes a compelling case for eating of starchy foods-- in fact, basing meals on these foods.
The Starch Solution was an educational and interesting read. I havent read Super Immunity yet though. Beans are definitely a weight loss food...and with a huge variety to choose from, since it includes peas and the like.
Well, first of all, Olive oil is by no means bad. But Fuhrman is going for optimal nutrition-- in which case it rates farily close to neutral (or mildly positive-- but for the same amount of calories there are better choices).
One of his 4 major principles is-- eat " nutrient dense ". That means, basically, getting the most positive nutrients (anti-oxdents, beneficial phytochemiacls such as catotenoids, lutein, lycopene, anthocyanins, healthy fats etc, etc) per calorie. And it also means whole foods (i.e. brown rice instead of white rice. Whole wheat instead of processed [white] wheat, etc)
Given that you only eat a certain amount of food every day--- its best to eat that amount in foods that give you the highest beneficial nutrients. The most beneficial nutrients per calorie.
Olive oil is generally recommended because it has healthy fat (Monosaturated). But its also pure fat-- a lot of calories.
You do need monosaturates. But its even better to get them from whole foods that are more nutrient dense.
For example, Avocadoes or Almonds. These are amongst the best sources of monosaturated fat-- but in addition they also provide beneficial phytochemicals, and vitamins, and minerals-- and a good amount of fiber as well.
(So its OK to use small amounts of Olive Oil daily to use up what you have on hand, but after that get your monosaturates from Avocadoes, Almonds-- actually most other nuts also have some of this fat).
Well, from what you've said so far, it seems you are following pretty much a standard vegan diet-- which means you are already doing much of what Fuhrman recommends.
IMO a vegan diet is defined more by what you don't eat than what you do eat. There are many variations of Vegan diets, that focus on specific foods-- but the one thing that they all have in common is-- no animal foods (this includes all forms of dairy).
IMO just about any variation of veganism is a vast improvement over SAD ("Std American Diet")-- as long as its not one of the extreme cultlish ones such as Microbiotics.
Fuhrman's approach is a Vegan approach-- but then he refines it and adds other things that improve standard veganism even more it-- everything based upon the most recent research. (One example: you could eat a pretty decent "standard" vegan diet without eating nuts and seeds-- but research has shown that nuts and seeds are pretty much a "super-food"-- so in this approach you should eat them every day or almost every day.)
An FYI, but try to stay clear of roasted nuts. Buy raw if possible and roast them yourself. 12-15 minutes in a 350 degree oven is all you gotta do. If you want seasoning, you will also need a little oil to allow the seasonings to adhere to the nuts.
Anyway, most commercially sold roasted nuts are actually fried.
Superfoods...cool!
Started reading Fuhrman's Super immunity today. The first chapter after the intro jumps right in, very good stuff, and he backs it up!
This is all right!
I've read a lot of books about nutrition and health-- and I think that this is one of the best (if not the best).
A lot of approaches are based on theories, but this is based upon proven facts. He cites a lot of research-- and its the latest stuff.
I just started reading The Starch Solution by McDougall. His views are very aligned with Fuhrman's ( a fe w differences). Will report back on it after I finish reading it....
6/21/12
186.4 lbs.
Papaya...yum, yum but what a weird fruit to try and get the flesh off of but man is it good stuff!
I am finding many yummy foods now...I am getting better at spotting the stuff and figuring out how to use. My wife is loving this as well. Fresh Blue Berries and chilli yam fries for a shared snack last evening ... she doesn't care for my smoothies a whole lotthough LOL!
:~)
I can't believe I have lost this weight so quickly and easily and get to eat all the yummy stuff I posssiblewant every day!
6/27/12
185.3lbs.
Cholesterol : 221
LDL : 154
HDL : 44
Triglycerides : 228
........no Statins either, pure diet.
Also I must give major props toFuhrman...more than a great book, more than a lifesaver, this may help save a species (our own).
New favorite fruit,,,the lovely and delightful mango. This is a food that you HAVE to play with; there is no other way to get the flesh out. But way worth it and I have been eating them like they are going outta style!
:~)
Maybe...maybe not. I haven't actually tried either of these, but they look interesting:
(Also-- I don't know if Amazon carries these or any others...)
Yeah, those do look interesting. It's the peeler I wonder about. The blade that pits and slices I can see would work great, it's the peeling that's so hard. I read something kinda cool, found it on the website on the side of my mangobox... ...
The plant, mangifera indica , isalso a relative to the poison ivy plant, and some people develop an allergic reaction to the skin, which is why we suggest you cut it instead.
So, the trick to the mango is to cut on the two wide sides, then trim the rest. A lot of people like to suck on the core to get what's left. As far as the skin goes, once you have cut the pieces off, treat it like an avocado. Same basic concept as far as getting the flesh from the skin. The allergic reaction from the skin is akin to poison ivy, FYI. Mostly, it just happens when somebody unwisely bites into the fruit like an apple, lol.
Eeewww, lol!
Strange how this diet is turning into more than a diet; more of a lifestyle in some ways. I guess I hadn't thought about it too much until the last week, and then it was because I have noted some changes in my attitude as well. Now, I am not the kinda fella who sits down and says grace before a meal; oh maybe once in a while, and always for special family gatherings, holidays and such, but not as a habit. But this diet is making me slow down and think more than I have in the past. Not really thinking so much about what to have, but the preparation is by nature just a little more thoughtful. It takes a little time to cut stuff up and prepare, more so than pre-packaged and processed food does. And the entire time I am thinking about the wonderful food I am about to partake of.
I am finding myself more thankful for my meals. Seriously, in a way, this diet is affecting my spirit as well as my body!
:~)
Good point Neetu and I really am not sure as to it's potency ... plain 'ol Lipton Green tea...