The results of this blood test, taken in March, are the reason that I made some changes to my lifestyle. The doctor suggested I go on a medical "partial fast". That would consist of 4 prescription shakes a day plus one meal-a Lean Cuisine. I would lose 50 pounds in a few months and then maintain that weight with 1200 calories a day for the rest of my life. He guaranteed that my bloodwork would return to normal and I wouldn't become a diabetic. I left the doctor's office feeling very hopeless. Live on prescription shakes for 3 or 4 months and then suddenly deal with real food and stick to 1200 calories? Sound good to you? After a few hours, I realized that I could do this on my own in a much better, healthier way. I couldn't wrap my head around his medical advice so...I didn't follow it! I happen to think he gave me unsound advice. I am not a doctor, and I am not a nutritionist but I think my plan has worked very well, and I have been very healthy and have more energy than I ever have. I can't imagine following the partial fast and putting all those artificial things into my body. I want to live in the real world, with real food, and be able to eat a healthier way for the rest of my life. So many people have asked me to explain what I was doing and how I was eating. I thought I would spell it all out here for anyone who wants to read the whole story. I told the doctor to give me 6 weeks and then we would see if I had even made a step in the right direction.
After 6 weeks, I returned for a second blood test. My goal was to have lost 10 pounds. (I prayed for 15 though). I started following a diet based on the glycemic index. I chose foods that were low on the index so that my blood sugar would remain level and spike. I was going to fight my insulin resistance by eating this way and exercising to lose my belly fat. I chose to exercise 45 minutes twice a day. I also counted calories at first and stuck to 1200. The doctor told me that amount would maintain 140 pounds so I thought I would get used to eating that amount of calories. I got these results back:
Over the next few months, I continued to exercise. I'm entering into my 4th month now and I've started running twice a week. Yesterday I ran 1.3 miles without stopping. I then walked another 2 1/2 miles and finished with a .3 mile run. I wanted to say that I ran a mile and a half.
I exercise twice a day still, and follow the glycemic index, but I no longer count calories., I will outline how I eat in detail soon. I just wanted to tell how and why I got started.
Here I am after my walk/run yesterday morning. I have now lost 40 pounds. I'm still losing very quickly but know that it will even out soon and I will start maintaining my weight. Let me tell you this, it takes a lot more than 1200 calories for me now.
3 comments:
Look at you, skinny lady. Of course, you are beautiful inside and out regardless of your weight, blood sugar levels, or caloric intake ... but, I also understand about wanting to be healthy, fit, and eat real foods.
As someone who often think that doctors do not always give the soundest medical advice, I am so proud of your decision and the goals you have accomplished so far.
Keep it up, Aunt Kerrie ... you totally ROCK!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations! I have a lot of the same issues and you are very inspiring! Thank you for sharing.
Oh my, I did not recognize you from other pictures. You look fantastic, and I think you'll prove to the doctor you really do mean what you say and will do what you mean to.What an encouraging post, congratulations!
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