I've always had a ravenous appetite, but I suppose in my earlier years I just burned it up with intense physical activity. I'm only 5 feet 10 inches tall with a light frame, and when I slowed down after age 40, I began to pile on the pounds, reaching a high of 208 pounds. I'm 70 years old, and about five years ago I started to suffer from hypertension, limited mobility, and depression. First one and then two blood pressure drugs were prescribed. I was finding it increasingly more difficult to walk. I would experience a jabbing pain in my left hip severe enough to almost cause me to fall down as I was walking the dog. I started thinking of myself as being near the end of the road with only a few years to live. I was disgusted and discouraged with my fat body.
It was a hot Saturday last July, and I saw a television interview with Dr. Agatston. That night, in a fit of self-revulsion over having eaten too much that day, I went online. I weighed in at 205 pounds that night, and a new life began. As I write this, 20 weeks later, I'm at 162. It's been a thrilling ride. In the beginning (Phase 1), I was dropping a pound a day. What excitement! And here I am today, with no more hip problems, no hypertension, no blood pressure pills, and 4 inches off my waistline. I can walk and even run without pain.
To succeed in this diet, one must first have belief and second have passion. I had both of these. For me, it was a life and death struggle. I used what I call "the negative approach" to this diet: I learned what NOT to eat and avoided those foods altogether. No potatoes, corn, beets, carrots, pasta, white bread, butter, canned orange and grapefruit juice, bananas, or sugar. My family and friends didn't take me seriously at first, but then they helped me stay motivated when I was feeling tempted during the holidays. I'm in control now and go into Phase 1 whenever I stall out or gain a pound or two. I miss the pasta and mashed potatoes, but I will not give in and give up this new, lean, healthy body.
I have a new lease on life. I think I can make it to age 80 or even 90. Why not? I now know how to live. I have the knowledge of what not to eat, what to eat sparingly, and what to enjoy with abandon (water). I don't think I could have done it alone. I used the Beach Buddy program, and now I'm on the Message Boards. You can reach out and get help from so many people, but I get the most pleasure from helping someone else. Because, you see, I'm a believer. This diet works. It's a way of life.
Favorite snack: A hard-boiled egg dipped in mustard.
Favorite exercise: Bicycle riding.
Most effective strategy when facing temptation: Stay public. Don't be alone with bad food. And, of course, if you live alone, don't buy any.
Best advice for other SB Dieters: Know with every beat of your heart that what you are doing is right for your health, and that you can and will persevere over time. And love yourself.
