The End of Overeating by David Kessler

Posted by cleo226 on February 25th, 2010 |Filed Under Book Reviews | Leave a Comment

kessler

Kessler’s book is a combination of personal experiences and research.  What I found really helpful about this book is that it put things in perspective for me–particularly explaining why I feel uncontrollable around certain foods.  Kessler’s book doesn’t excuse this lack of control–he explains why it occurs through statistics and interviews from even the mega-food developers.  Understanding my desires will help (and has already helped) me combat them.  I think about what I’ve learned from this book throughout the day; I’m confident that I will be re-reading it.

Now, about half-way through the book, I did feel like the text could have been shorter.  I felt like certain information was continually reiterated; and I also sensed that Kessler had so much research (and cool quotes) that he wanted to include–even if it had already been adequately articulated.  But even with the lack of concision, I still think this is an excellent read.  The paperback version will be available sometime in March for about $7 cheaper.

Week 1: The results

Posted by cleo226 on February 25th, 2010 |Filed Under Weight-loss Journey | Leave a Comment

Hello!

So, it’s almost been a week since I began taking Alli and exercising–and it’s been over a week since I began eating healthier.

Saying ‘No’ to Pizza: The Struggle

I’m very proud of myself because I have stayed “on my plan”, even though I’m on a stressful schedule at work and school.  Yesterday night, I was very frustrated at everything that I needed to get done; but, instead of eating a pizza, I ate two vegetarian tacos.  I asked myself why I was able to refuse the pizza because of 1) the new routine of healthy eating (habit-driven); 2) the fear of soiling my pants (thanks Alli!); and 3) not wanting to feel crappy when I abused food (because that is what it is!).  I know that I will have days when I need to dust myself off, but this was not that week!

The Good, The Bad…The Alli Effect

Okay, so I know that Alli’s effects get talked about a lot–and often the same ideas are repeated continually.  My experiences are just that–mine.  What works for me may not work for you–and vice versa.

Okay, so it’s been almost a week without any accidents or scary, smelly effects.  On Wednesday, I did notice a little bit of yellow/orange oil in the potty (which is normal); but, I was expecting this since I have been upping my fat intake (as advised on the program).  I stay around 20/30 grams of fat a day; but one day, I had almost 50g (in almost 1500 cals) just to see (but no big “explosions” like some have reported).  So, it seems like if you stay within the guidelines that Alli advises, it’s all good.

So, did I loose more weight on Alli?  I want to say ‘Yes’–and I really think so (even though it’s marginal).  I have ordered a refill packet already, and I will keep updates.  Any amount of marginal help is “good” in my book; results encourage me–and even though I know I won’t lose all my weight over-night, I am sure gonna take advantage of something that can help, even if it’s just a little.  A little more time will let me know if it’s worth the costs, overall.

Results & Goals

Final results for “Week 1″: I lost 4.2lbs, stayed within my calorie/fat intake, and exercised 3 times (30Day Shred, twice; raked leaves for 2 1/2 hours).

Next week’s goals: continue eating healthy and exercise at least 4 times.

Week 1: The Beginning

Posted by cleo226 on February 22nd, 2010 |Filed Under Weight-loss Journey | Leave a Comment

Well, this is Week 1.  On Monday, I started eating healthy; on Friday, I began taking Alli and keeping a food/fitness journal.  I exercised on Saturday and Monday (Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred video).  So far, I’ve lost about 4lbs thus far, but I’ll make Thursdays my official weigh-in day.

As far as the “treatment effects” for Alli, I haven’t noticed any.  The worst “effects” were, oddly enough, when I ate a spinach salad (with minimal, measured vinaigrette dressing).  Wow, the spinach–maybe it was combined with the colon cleanse fiber pill (TMI, maybe); but, it was the most effective “cleanse” ever!  The end (hehe).