Essay #4

Another essay, as part of the vegan weight loss challenge wrap-up. I think Gillian hits on some good points. One, her admitting to compulsive overeating is something most of us can relate to. How many times do we eat for reasons OTHER than hunger? AND I love how she talks about not feeling out of control with food anymore. It is amazing how once we feed our body what it truly needs (wholesome, whole foods), our appetite and cravings for those foods which we previously could never get enough of settles down and we gain freedom and greater health as our palates are fed what nature intended.

Essay #4

by Gillian

When starting this challenge I had already begun transitioning to a whole food plant based diet. (Actually that transition began about 8 or so years ago, although I didn’t have the end in mind, that’s when I started considering going off dairy, I grew up vegetarian). This past fall I found the Wellness Forum (Through Dr. Colin Campbell’s webpage) and signed up! I had realized a few months prior that I was a compulsive over eater.

At the start of this challenge I weighed 163 lbs. I am 5’ 7”. I wanted to loose 1lb a week. I kept learning and working to identify my trigger foods and what emotional issues might be related to my compulsive eating. I needed to be more consistent with my diet while away from home. I felt like I knew how to lose the weight in a healthy way, but I needed time to truly make a lifestyle change that would last. To fully deal with my compulsive overeating I needed to take things slower and be very aware of what I was doing, journaling and educating myself and taking small steps. I kept reminding myself to be patient, that I really wanted this to stick forever not just get the weight off quick and then still be struggling. The compulsive eaters thread on Dr. McDougall’s board was very helpful. One food item can slowly send me on the cycle back down again. I had to learn (admit) which, even healthy, foods might be triggers for me. About 3 weeks ago, with the on going help of my husband, I finally came up with a good group of guidelines. I’m sure I’ll continue to fine tune them as I learn more. It’s been great! I mean, really great, I still feel like pinching myself sometimes to be sure it’s really me. I am almost in tears. Food does not control me anymore!! It’s a very foreign, but wonderful, feeling. Now that I am not eating the unhealthy or trigger foods and I’m getting lots of veggies (especially raw and greens) my body is getting the nutrients it needs and the desire for unhealthy food (or to eat lots of anything when I’m not hungry) is very minimal. I’m more in tune with my body. It takes less food for me to feel satisfied and to hold me until the next meal. Food used to control me and my life. Now if I get cravings it’s for healthy stuff and I can better trust my body to be telling me what it needs. I’m learning and growing in my courage to stay on my plan. I went to Tea with some friends on Fri. and it was really hard for me to ask the place if they could make a vegan option for me. They said no. But I’m OK with that. I was able to get the delicious salad and enjoy the tea and company! I never would have done that before, let alone have it be fairly painless to not be eating the (very yummy) food everyone else was eating. I know I can make healthy yummy food for myself. And I love eating veggies now, so no sacrifice there. Your posts about eating out and with others have been hugely encouraging to me! Exercise is also an important part of my life. I enjoy a variety of activities. I get about 1-2 hours in a day. I also drink lots of water. Overall I did not loose 1lb a week (but have been the past few weeks). But I feel totally satisfied with what I accomplished! I’m solidly on the road to losing the weight and being healthy and strong for the rest of my life! I now have the knowledge and resources (to keep learning) and have overcome so much that I am very confident. Even if I make some mistakes in the future I know I have the knowledge tools to get back on track. On Fri. I weighed 155 lbs. 8 lbs since the start of the challenge and 10 lbs total. My body feels better then it ever has, even though I have weighed about 15 lbs less in the past. I want to lose another 15-20 lbs. I feel that I have built a rock solid foundation these past few months and now it will be easier to finish and stay healthy!


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