Log in to view your messages, post comments, update your blog or tracker.
Blog Owner
Archives
1 comment
Page 1 of 1
Comments
Good one, Bluebirdie. All the best.
1 comment
Page 1 of 1
More a new life resolution than a new year one...
by Bluebirdie on 24 Jan 2014, 18:16
I have had a lifetime of poor eating habits, and since having my kids and developing a low thyroid, I am my heaviest ever. I know exactly what is wrong, it is the changing that is hard. I have used the fasting method before and found it really helpful, mostly because it worked more on my head and my heart than my belly or thighs. In other words, it helped me deal with my cravings, overrating, sweet tooth and other bad habits.
I am, officially, middle aged, and fully aware of the risks of getting older carrying so much fat. But I have also spent a fair old time over the last 18 months trying to sort my head out. After some depression, an ongoing anxiety disorder and some family and work crap, I just needed to focus on getting those things right first. With the help of medication, meditation, CBT and saying no to more things, I feel much more on an even keel now. So I am feeling positive about making this change again, and I hope to be able to make it a lifestyle not a diet.
So, first official weigh-in as opposed to guess-in tomorrow, but two weeks of reasonably rigorous 5:2 under my belt already. I find the fasting pretty easy but have had to look at some of the habits that kiboshed me a bit last time I did it. I had started on the Harvie recommendations even before Dr mosley's and had it in my head that I had to have lots of milk. So I didn't give up my morning latte, even on fast days. And because it was coffee, I had to have sugar in it. Figuring it wouldn't add up to too many calories, I didn't really think about it. But in retrospect, I think this was causing me plateau or go up last time. With the thyroid issue, I really do have to be under 500 calories on fast days, and have 3 days of reasonable eating at around 2000 calories. I can afford a weekend of treats but not excess, so a coupla glasses and a bit of cake, curry etc.. But my weekend was often stretching to Thursday too which was getting back into really bad habits.
So today I trialled sugarless coffee with just a dash of milk, and I will still have my latte on feast days. I decided to fast all day too and wait for evening meal, whereas my latte and fruit would become lunch. The coffee was drunk slowly and mindfully, and it was wonderful at midday. The smell was sensational because I really wanted it, and focusing on the strong dark taste took away the need for a sugar hit. I am pleased with this, as it is a small change I hope will make a long term difference.
And I have just had a bowl of homemade carrot soup and some sourdough bread and butter. I reckon that was probably my 500 calories so I am done for the day. I am not trying to cut out carbs completely but I am cutting right down, so instead of wolfing half the loaf I had one decent slice. I feel nicely full and not poisoned with sugar. This is one of the good things, that kind of cleanly fed feeling. I guess it is how we are supposed to feel, in control and aware. I am so used to feeling that opposite addicted, poisoned carby, sugary, hungover feeling. The trick though is staying in this zone. The pull of sugar addiction back into the "who cares?" mode is very strong... Hope joining this forum will keep me away from the white stuff...