Staying Motivated for the Long Haul
My biggest obstacle to maintaining a healthy weight is a seemingly invisible "switch" that goes on and off in my brain. When it's "on" I am in the zone and can avoid the most decadent temptations and will exercise faithfully. But, about a year to 15 months into my healthy lifestyle, the switch turns to "off" and I lose focus and revert to my bad habits of poor food choices (both in what I eat and how much I eat) and I become more sedentary. I am at that point now and I feel a slow panic building as the number on the scale inches upward. I know what I should do, but I am at a loss as to how to get my mojo back. Suggestions, anyone!?
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I should have mentioned for the anti-yeast diet, no fermented cheeses only fresh, like American or Mozzarella. Aged cheese has mold. Just like peanuts can carry mold, but walnuts are ok.
The Crook diet is very simple, few choices. Yes for me just smelling a glazed donuts would make me crazy. This diet is not easy at first. After a month it gets easier.
Think of folks getting off heroin or nicotine. If they can stay away from these addictions, you can deprive yourself of your sugar and carb addiction.
@gardenjunkie thanks I do both cheeses but also gouda so I,ll google the diet.How are you doing?
Fantastic! Surprisingly after eating all the Thanksgiving foods, returning to my anti-yeast eating diet is no effort.
Does your senior apartment building have a meeting room? You are so good about mentoring have you thought of having a health forum? Residents can share health issues and find out if others have information or suggestions that may help them. You are computer savvy and perhaps you could help them search on line for answers.
@gardenjunkie Yes we do and I do share health information with people on a one to one basis but I started a chair exercise program and never thought about opening it there .I,ll have to think about it Thanks you gave me a great idea .
@gardeningjunkie I never heard of the Dr. Crook diet, sounds interesting. No carbs at all? I think most dieticians or nutritionists say you really do need to have some carbs. I remember when I was young and dieted with NO CARBS, it left me totally drained of any energy at all.
JK
Like you I discounted wild elimination diets. I have always considered my diet healthy and have never been over weight, so dieting was inconceivable. Now I am a believer in diet change. Also have learned what is good for some is not good for all. For the first time in a long time my yeast symptoms are gone. Also rest assured, after the 2 month detox of all carbs and sugar you may gradually reintroduce good natural carbs, limited fruit amounts and yet processed sugar and processed carbs are to be avoided for life.
You like medical research so go to drhoffman.com and look up, "The Yeast Connection" vindicated- 35 years later. This article was written in 2016. Dr. Crook's book written 37 years ago was looked at skeptically by the medical community for decades. Now current research supports his claims. Dr. Crook, along with another pioneering doctor, Dr. Truss came to the conclusion that rampant antibiotic use, refined carb consumption and a medical infatuation with steroids conspired to turn many patients into "yeast factories". The by product is elevated inflammation.
Now years later researches are learning more about the gut/brain connection in which organism inhabit the intestines and commandeer the appetites, metabolism, and taste buds.
For me personally I had to kill or starve out my residual yeast and yes my cravings for processed sugar and even my beloved "healthy" fruit which I would eat at least 3 times a day has dramatically diminished. Yes I can grab a carrot (sure natural sugar in carrots, but still ok) or snack on some walnuts and enjoy them, not missing processed sugar. Yes my taste buds are changing.
There are newer anti inflammatory books on the market which I have read and never was motivated, they are overwhelming. I am not sure this old uncomplicated book is still in print, as I found it for 25 cents at the library used book section. His diet is simple, basically just say no to carbs or sugars in any form. Other diets are so complicated allowing a small amount of this or one particular fruit occasionally. He also had simple hand draw charts showing what happens to us when eating yeast feeding foods and teaching what yeast overload did to raise our internal inflammation.
Also as mentioned my book is a reprint from 2006 which includes an update in the appendix mentioning the 3 herbal or natural supplements to take daily to speed up the yeast killing process, which he states works as well as px meds. Yes, he allows traditional anti-yeast px meds, but says they are unnecessary following his plan. He reminds that anti-yeast meds are like a bandaid. If you don't eliminate the cause, your symptoms will reappear. Don't treat it, starve it do death.
Right now off to make my husband the pancakes and bacon and grease fried eggs he wants for breakfast. I am happy with my "good for me" choices. He doesn't have yeast or eczema, no inflammation he is trying to manage. I do believe pain is the biggest motivator getting us to change our life style. Those of us with yeast issues or eczema know what I am talking about.
Also as a side note,no change in energy level on diet- I have a ton of energy and notice no lack of energy, yet I am eating plenty of protein with my veggies. Yes on this diet one will feel hungry with a full stomach until the protein starts breaking down. A handful of walnuts helps as a snack or a glass of almond milk (no sugar added).Right now I feel great and ready to take on another busy day.
@gardenjunkie You go girl hooray for you
@lioness I’m trying hard to “wilt” myself right now but my willpower isn’t cooperating.
JK
I purchased the Mayo Clinic Diet book. Does anyone have any experience with it? It looks like it makes a lot of sense. I'm hoping I can get my husband onboard, but I think it will be a struggle as he likes his sweets.
Thank you for any info,
JoDee
@jodeej Please let me know when you get started with it, how good the recipes are. My husband does not need to lose weight, he must have an amazing metabolism, so he is difficult to please.
JK