A Low Carb Habit
Firstly, let me say how nice it is to receive the welcome messages, after my introductory posting. I am so new at this that I don't know how to reply to those, other than with the button which says post a private message to the sender - is that how you do it?
In any case, someone was asking me to share a bit of my storey, and I am happy to do so. When I started out on my low carb diet, I allowed myself to think that I might "cheat" on my diet, so that I did not feel deprived. In that way, I was able to make the decision daily, not to cheat - it worked for me. After I achieved my goal weight, I have been able to add some carbs, but I monitor weekly to ensure that I do not go over my goal weight.
It is relatively easy for me, because in addition to the weight loss, there are other benefits - including feeling much better, having more energy, and not having symptoms from a digestive disease that I have had since I was 17. With all those positives, it is easy to keep myself on track.
I do love food though, including desserts, which is how I was stimulated to write my cookbook. I couldn't find interesting and fun food to make that kept to low carb principles. It has been a very creative and fun 16 months developing and perfecting a lot of different recipes - made me stretch, which is always healthy.
So, I continue to eat low carb, and now I have a bunch of easy and tasty recipes to do it with! And, daily I allow myself to think that I might choose to eat something high in carbs, but I almost never do. And my weight has not varied more than 2 pounds in over a year. So, it is a habit with me now.
I think the biggest thing is to plan your meals, and organize yourself around your diet. Its not that hard - lots of people have to (diabetics, people with allergies etc) - its just a matter of getting used to it. And any habit needs to be reinforced, for it to become second nature, as my eating is now. I don't really even think of it.
Another benefit is that everyone of my friends wants to know how come I look "ten years younger" - maybe the weight loss, maybe how good I feel, maybe a combination - but who cares?
That's a long monologue so I will close for now and check back later.
PS I also can't figure out how to use the smilies!
Patricia
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