Eating for better health... a change in focus

  • I have only had my SBD book for just under a week, but I am already beginning to notice that my entire thought process is changing. On page 75 ("Is It Diabetes Yet?") I found a description of my body...

    "...excess weight concentrated mainly in a rounded, protruding waistline, often on individuals with the face, arms and legs you'd expect to find on someone thinner."

    I have battled high blood pressure since college, and diabetes runs in my family. After reading the book and realizing that I CAN CHANGE how my body acts to some degree, I decided that it was time to start eating for my health (and continuing to exercise, of course!) and that the weight coming off would be a wonderful side effect.

    I can't even begin to tell you how much of a difference I have noticed in only a few days. My cravings for sugars and "bad carbs" have really diminished, mostly because I know how eating those things makes me FEEL. In only a few days I have also noticed a difference in my cardio workouts... somehow they seem less strenuous and more beneficial in general. I finish my workouts feeling SPECTACULAR and not quite as exasperated!

    I feel like if I can keep up with eating for my health and not only for weight loss, this WOL will be that much easier to stick with forever!

    Sorry... I just had to share that with everyone! I even passed up one of my favorites (fried corn chips with salsa) today at lunch!
  • Hooray! I'm so glad to hear it! To be honest, I did not have my health in mind at all when I began this diet, my sole concern was losing weight -- but I'm starting to realize that I really enjoy eating healthier and even working out! I had planned on quitting exercise and dieting once the weight came off, but I feel so good, I don't see any reason to! Anyway, way to go again -- and I've noticed that it takes less and less willpower to pass up stuff like corn chips and rolls as you go on. I'm finally to the point where I don't even want most of that stuff anymore!
  • Leslie---good for you! Your outlook is very positive and what I need to surround myself with right now. I'm on day 10 now, have lost 5 pounds and I am happy about that for sure, but other stuff has been going on in life right now, which makes sticking with SBD seem more difficult to me. I haven't strayed off the plan, but when I'm stressed, I want to eat the things that I have found comfort in for so many years! I truly think we can be addicted to certain types of food, just like any other kind of addiction.
    Anyway, I'm glad your shared that.
    Keep up the good work!
  • Imaxin.....

    I'm so glad to read your post about making positive life

    changes. I've been on SBD for 4 weeks now. Before

    beginning this WOE, I was the world's worst snacker!

    My most comforting snacks were pretzels, chips, and popcorn!

    I thought when I first began, it would really be hard for me

    to give these things up for good! But I was amazed to

    find that by the end of Phase 1 (the detox period) I didn't even

    crave these things.

    I lost 7 pounds so far. But I have to say that weighing myself

    doesn't take top priority anymore. I realize this is the way I need

    to eat (and exercise) for life. It isn't a diet...it's a lifestyle. I'm

    feeling better than I have in a long time....and I look better too.

    I'm so glad to have found SBD.
    Talk later............~Sharon
  • I think the most awesome thing is......when I decided to "allow" some JUNK food in, and eat them, such as chips, popcorn, etc., AFTER I ate it.........it did NOT have the satisfaction that it once did. It was as if the Novelty wore off, the taste was just OK. and I then said..."You know, I really won't be having that again!"

    My entire way of thinking has changed...where did the old Lady go??

    Lady
  • I have to agree, ladies, about no longer craving what I once considered my comfort foods (bread, rolls, pizza!!!). I had a small bite of my dear hubby's dinner roll when we went out last week, and all I kept thinking was, "This doesn't taste so good. It tastes processed. This is what made me heavy, and it wasn't worth it!". I imagine I will probably go through some temptations in the future, but I hope I can make myself remember how _________ that food made me feel (fill in the ________ with whatever... "heavy", "bloated", "unhealthy"...).

    Thanks to everyone here at 3FC and especially you beach beauties for providing so much inspiration and helping me stay on track!!!!!