Deb_N's Journal, 19 Dec 13

It going to take time to see the results. Lifting weights/exercise can cause muscles to retain water. But keep at it. The scale will eventually catch up. 

Thanks, Suzi161! I have been dieting off and on since I was in fourth grade. I am determined to lose weight and get healthy now!  

In answer to your question about my wife losing weight, the answer is a definite yes. Changing to the Plant Based Diet with the added restriction of no additional oils, fats and restrictions on sugars it's virtually impossible not to lose the weight, especially when you're overweight. We have found Susan Voisin's webpage FatFree Vegan Kitchen a great source of recipes and tips in preparation. My wife loves Mexican food and with the changes to the Plant Based Diet that has not changed, only our awareness and care in selecting the 'acceptable' ingredients. Last week we enjoyed a full enchilada dinner and its total calorie count was 400-450 calories (the wife counts her calories, I follow Dr. Esselstyn's recommendations and ignore the effort). Of course I had to have seconds and was stuffed, and the following day my weight was down, as it has been since beginning the change from consuming animal based protein. We ran into a joy by preparing one of the recipes listed in Susan's Favorites, a soup called "Easy Bean and Vegetable Soup". Decades past we frequented an Italian Restaurant in Coos Bay, Oregon called Benetti's. The meal was started with an absolutely delicious soup and though we tried we were never able to get the recipe [even with the assistance of the girlfriend of Benetti's son]. This soup has the same flavor and only lacked a few noodles (and a touch of sausage) as Benetti's. If you care to explore it is possible to locate your personal favorites they can be found prepared in 'acceptable' forms. I located Scalloped Potatoes which was prepared and served at a friend's retirement party. A meaty, cheesy Lasagna sat languishing as my dishes were sought for seconds by the guests. Our hostess mentioned to my wife that she was lactose intolerant and would have to take a pill when after dinner but she couldn't resist the dish. She was pleasantly surprised when my wife told her of our change in diet with the news that there were no dairy products in my scalloped potatoes. 

Oneauta, glad to see you are doing well with your food choices! I'm not vegetarian or vegan, but three years ago I stopped eating red meat because I felt I just could not digest it properly. My stomach felt bad after eating it. I still eat baked fish twice a week and skinless baked chicken maybe twice a month. I don't eat eggs in order to lower my cholesterol. My protein can be low on some days, so I'm interested in boosting my protein through veggies, not grains, since I am diabetic. I looked at whey protein but the one my husband uses is kind of high in fat and sugars so I avoid it. This journal entry is all over the place. I guess I am rambling. lol 

Thank you Lenny and Oneauta for supporting my journal. :) 

Rock on! 

great site oneauta! thanks! 

Two things that I've found helpful. The first is a daily chart (I use a yellow legal pad) which shows almost a full month (1 entry per line) so you're focused on your goals. e.g. if you goal is a pound per week then on Wednesday of each week write your goal for that week. Last Wednesday I recorded 225.5 which was also my goal. This week's goal is 224.5 and this morning I weighed in at 224.0, so I know I can have that extra glass of sweet tea without worrying. The second thing is keeping track of what I'm eating and trying to reduce the percentage of fat. Stay true to your goal and keep it in front of you. You can do this. I know you can. 

Never2old, thank you for the tip about the daily chart (yellow legal pad). I'm gonna try that!  

I love the that idea with the yellow pad!!!! Such a great idea thanks for the tip :) 

The yellow pad has some additional benefits as well, because it is a reminder of where we've been and where we're going. I started this pad the beginning of October 2013. That was when the doctor at the VA suggested I had a problem. Since then I have dropped from 241 to 224. A full 17 pounds. Yes I still have a ways to go, but the pad records my journey and it is a pleasant one. I'm very pleased.