I started SBD one year ago today! My original intention was to drop the weight I've held on to so long, and learn to eat better. It definately worked!!
Although we don't have a problem with high cholesterol or heart disease in my family, my father is a diabetic, and a stroke victim with high blood pressure. I was raised in a typical 80's home, and my mom tried hard to make food dad liked...which was unhealthy. We never had "naked" veggies...everything had to have butter, or a cream sauce, or similar.
In college, I also went through the low fat fad that most did. And at the time, because I was so active, it worked. But in the back of my mind, I knew I was eating more sugar.
In the past 5-8 years, I was always frustrated. I tried all different ways to eat to feel better, and to lose weight. I was getting up early to go on the treadmill or to the gym, and still didn't work. Needless to say, I stopped going!
Then a friend mentioned south beach to me. I honestly tried it a short time years ago, but it wasn't the "right" time for me, and my mind wasn't in the right mindset (I was working full time in a stressful job while nursing an infant).
Starting one year ago today, I tried it again. Little would I know what it would do for me!!
Things I've found:
**wow, I don't like white flour products anymore. Regular pancakes are...boring!!
**I can't get myself to eat a fast food burger. Haven't had one in over a year now!! If I get stuck at work without food, I'm more likely to get a fast food salad, or a grocery store salad bar. Fast food is honestly not even a temptation or consideration. It does nothing for me. And before SBD, I'd have fast food once every 1-2 weeks (leaning towards the one week) over lunch. Never mind what my family would have.
**I can get away with a lot less sugar in many recipes. I made banana bread for the kids last night, with 2/3 WW flour, and 1/2 the sugar. They don't even notice.
**I have more exercise endurance than I ever thought I would. My DH and I are signing up for a 5 or 10 K at the end of the month. Never woulda thought.
**I feel good about what I'm teaching my children about eating.
**I think I would've had a nervous breakdown in the past month if it weren't for my new exercise habits
. Thank goodness for exercise.
**I've (mostly!) learned a balance. I occasionally have real ice cream, fried shrimp or similar as something special I enjoy. When the rest of my diet is so well controlled, small occasional splurges don't effect me.
**I *enjoy*, even crave, "weird" foods as my coworker called it. I have southwestern lentil salad for lunch today, and can't wait!!
**3FC is
the reason I have succeeded. The recipes, support, and friendship here is a blessing. How else would I have found out about cinnamon omelettes? I hope it continues to keep me on the right track!!
Thanks chickies !! here's to south beach!!