Day three of week two without processed grains and refined sugar and I’m still on track. I’m not preparing every meal suggested in the book’s daily plan but still sticking to the percentages of protein/fat/carbs in every meal. Physically I feel good. Emotionally, the mood variations have settled down. Mentally and emotionally, I’m happy. It is a great boost to commit to a plan and honor that commitment every day. Success breeds success. I do this a day at a time, but each day that I stick to it becomes a building block in the foundation that supports more long term recovery.
I was never ever willing to abstain for a long time from breads, pastas, white potatoes, white flour products and sugar. Even though there were many times that I followed extremely restrictive diets that removed all of those foods – or in one case ALL food period – I always hated doing so. (Yes, I once went six months surviving on a godawful tasting liquid protein with weekly trips to NYC for medical monitoring.) I felt freakish about my inability to sustain long term weight loss, and resentful that I could not eat like a “normal” person. When I first discovered that I have an eating disorder and found the OA program, I thoroughly resented my past history of fad, harsh diets. So, I rebelled from doing anything that reminded me of any old plans.
I don’t know why it feels different to me this time around and why I’m willing. It could be as simple as the fact that while I gave up the “white” products, I’m still allowed colorful, tasty fruits and veggies of all kinds plus the higher fat content products. Oh, and that wonderful treat of dark chocolate means a lot. However, I think there is a more involved evolution at play. Although I have not yet lost all of the weight that I would like to, the last four years have taught and shown me something about myself. I am maintaining a significant weight loss and have for four years. This is something that I have never been able to do for myself in the past. I always yo-yoed up and down the scale. I could diet like a fiend on specific plans and lose a great deal of weight, but I always always always put it back on, usually with extra pounds on top. That’s how I gradually grew to close to 400 pounds.
Knowing, acknowledging how much I have changed, learned, and accomplished with regards to my weight and health creates a belief in myself that I’ve always lacked. Sure, in the past I always hoped that each time would be the magic effort that worked. However, at heart I don’t think I really believed that my efforts would result in long term success. My relationship with myself and with food has changed so much and for the better. I no longer have any interest in atrocious fast foods and willingly cook with more fresh produce in healthier ways.
I love the positive changes in my body and my physical fitness. It feels great to move, to see the muscle definition, experience my strength.
Most importantly, I believe that I will continue to be successful. That I will continue to improve my physical health. I’m committed to maintaining the new, healthier me.
These changes make it not such a big deal to give up more specific foods. I’m not saying that I’ll never eat pasta or bread again, but I know for sure that I don’t need them in my every day diet. Giving them up doesn’t feel like I’m sacrificing. I’m not experiencing the resentful, “I can’t have it” feelings. It feels like a positive, okay choice for today.
Weighty Matters 
Inspiring, for sure!! Xxxooo
Love you, Chrissy! You inspire me in return.