The Verdict Is In - I'm Sold!

Alum Cave Trail - GSMNP

November 25, 2011

Forgive me for the infrequent posting, but between now and the first of the new year, I've come to terms with the fact that weekly is about all I'm going to be able to manage.  Last year was unique in that it was my first year of blogging and our holiday season looked totally different because we were still adjusting to life without my sweet FIL who had died in late August.  We were trying to balance a hectic holiday schedule with caring for MIL compassionately and we did very little entertaining, shopping or socializing.  Such an about face for us as we love having friends into our home at all times of the year, but particularly through the holidays.  I kept wondering why I was finding zero time to write when the ideas were flowing.  And suddenly remembered how this year's schedule is "normal," last year's was not!  We all admit that often less frequent posts are a sign that things are not going well with the journey, but let me assure you that, in this case, nothing could be further from the truth.

Last Monday's post let you in on the fact that I had quite uncharacteristically chosen to follow a DIET!  Something to which I am strongly opposed as my philosophy is healthy calorie intake vs. calorie burn by physical activity equals sustainable weight loss.  Rather than repeat, read that post to learn what I've been up to for the past 17 days.  This morning, I will complete day 16 of the first 17-day cycle and am thrilled to report that I have lost 9.2 pounds during that time.  The book states that a 10-12 pound weight loss during cycle 1 is not out of the question.  I guess it's possible I could lose another .8 in the morning, but I am more than happy with what I've accomplished.  I suspect that has more to do with the fact that I didn't find the plan extremely difficult to follow as much as the actual pounds lost. 

Tuesday morning, I begin the second 17-day cycle also known as the Accelerate Cycle.  (FYI - Cycle 1 was called the Activate Cycle)  Those of you who wondered if the plan included carb cycling, you are very astute.  Cycle 2 still allows unlimited protein and veggies from Cycle 1's list with alternating days of choices from a much expanded list of protein items.  Cycle 2 also adds two healthy starch selections on alternating days.  The cycle 2 lists are quite inclusive and I strongly feel that no one could feel deprived during either cycle 1 or 2 if creative with their meal planning.   

After the first 17 days and a 9.2 pound loss, here are some observations about why this is working for ME!  

• First and foremost, this plan allows fruit!  Fruit is my candy.  I could never stick with a program that banned fruit completely for even a short length of time.  From day 1, two fruits are permitted each day and that component is a major reason I knew it would work.
• My personality type (quirky??) works best if I have a beginning and an ending.  I can do anything for a specified period of time.  The 17-day cycles attracted me because it was long enough to expect results, but short enough not to become bored.  
• It is easy in that the lists include normal everyday foods and no special cooking, shopping or prep skills are needed.   I can't say that preparing dinners for myself and Mr. B have been all that different.  And to my surprise, he has even remarked that his pants feel looser.  
• I am looking forward to the additional options available during cycle 2 and then even more in cycle 3.  If not at goal by end of cycle 3, recommendation is to follow the sequence again before moving to cycle 4 which is basically maintenance.  I just love the structure of it. 

I can't say that there is anything I don't like about this plan.   If one goes hungry, it is no one's fault but their own.  My body is so carb-sensitive and I am well aware that if I stop gorging on highly processed carbs, success is more highly pronounced by the quick change in my body SHAPE than in the pounds lost.  I am already down one pants/jean size and energy level is soaring.   Sugar cravings are totally gone and other carb cravings are greatly diminished.

Am I cured?  What a joke!!  Have I found something that is working for me right now?  Yes, and I am profoundly grateful because I was desperate for a shot in the arm from somewhere.  And as is often the case, it came out of the blue from a source I'd never have expected.   A DIET of all things!  But humility is and always will be the word of the day.  One bite, lick or taste and every last one of those taste sensations would come roaring back quicker than I can say, "sugar cookie."  This has given me a much needed shot in the arm, but I have a long, long way to go and a lot left to learn.  And you, my friends have and will continue to help me more than words could possibly express.

When you read this (unless you are, like me, a disgustingly early riser), I will be headed towards a hiking trail challenging myself in a different way.  I am hiking solo and although, I have done some solo hiking, this will be my longest.  I am properly prepared and it is a trail I know well, but there are still some inherent dangers in solo hiking.   So, if you are the praying sort, keep me in your prayers today.  This trail has a ready-made meditation spot about 3 1/2 miles in which is where I'm headed to do some thinking and planning for 2012. 

What's the last challenge you faced that was exciting, but uncomfortable?