I’ve been type 2 for a few years, age 52, height 5’7’’ starting weight 110 kg. I have been low carbing for almost 2 weeks. Before starting I was feeling isolated and severely depressed after suffering a skin complaint for the last 2 years. I am NOT a dieter and I especially can’t face paying to join a plan (-just so I can eat less.) (-would rather spend it on good food!!) I’m unashamedly one big foodie. I don’t know how much weight I’ve lost - weigh myself next week. BUT I am already 100% sold on the low carb philosophy and practice. By chance, I gave up sugar, cut out most cakes and biscuits and traded my plate for a smaller one about a month before starting. Looking back: simple changes which were good preparation.
To begin with I read, applied myself and tried to understand the theory behind ATKINS. (a dedication there not usually so typical of me!) I put my anti-diet bias aside, decided on an open mind and committed myself to try new veg style approach. Still clinically depressed, I spent 3-4 times what I would normally on Vegetables and immediately cut out all pasta, potatoes, bread, rice, flour products, processed goods, products with extra sugar added and trans fats..
It is severe I can tell you!
-But it works!!!
I craved seriously only for a few days. Two weeks in, I still get hungry/ miss certain foods- but never feel miserable due to starvation or deprivation. My diet is presently just vegetables, meat, dairy, fish. though later I’ll add back legumes and fruits. I drink water regularly day and night. I did not exercise at all at first, (Often not getting out of bed all day.)=(depression!) but soon found my mood lifting. Now, I walk if I want to and don’t if I don’t. I enjoy collecting low carb recipes and educating myself on the net about new foods, nutritional info etc and these forums have made me feel less isolated.
Spirit lifted, I feel connected again, re-energised, motivated and interested/ AND this b.. skin complaint is clearing up at a rate of knots -Yipee! … Hey look!… even If I haven't lost an ounce of weight all THAT has just gotta be worth something!
I never had a positive diet experience like this before.
In this last week I’m loving my garden and growing my own again. In future,I aim to learn more about whole foods and will shop local in grocers, butchers, fishmongers and health food shops, or online -Not in supermarkets! I refuse to get hung up on checking nutrition labels but will look out of interest at carb content etc and keep learning about food and trying new things. I don’t eat rich meats and tend to cut fat off - but that’s just me. I’m committed to eating more seafood. (rarely did before) I’m eating loads of eggs and looking with curiosity to seeing the effect of that on my future readings. I haven’t suffered constipation but eat loads of greens and drink a lg jug H2O daily. I’m missing fruit and legumes.. - especially my home made hummous …but know Iwill get them back eventually and looking forward to them.
Cheating: well I’m human and aren’t we all. I cut one caramel wafer into 6 pieces and when the going get too tough I’ve had one. Same with dark 85% choc 1 sq cut into 2. Not more than one a day usually at bedtime with a coco made with soya milk,sweetner and water. I drink fresh ground coffee daily with sweetner and soya milk= (1 gm carb) and not more than 3 but often just one.
I know it is presumptuous of me to write this when I am such a newbie but I have never experienced a good experience while trying to diet before. For anyone who is contemplating losing weight or whose health is deteriorating because of love of food /unhealthy eating: IE...Those whose body is telling them they need a lifestyle change -LIKE mine was. I can’t recommend a low carb diet and a new mindset enough! I Wish I’d found it twenty years ago!
PS… let me say too… in my opinion this is not a diet but a way to live now and forever that is sustainable (to the person,) enjoyable and controllable.
SPARKLES.