Here’s what I plan to do!

I’m on a 30-pound weight loss journey. You are invited to follow along for my hooray’s and hiccups. Just be forewarned, if you’re here for quick results and a conclusive ending, then this trip may prove painful and disappointing.

I’ve traveled around enough diet plans to know that they are often winding roads to nowhere. I’m no longer interested in “get slim quick schemes” with fleeting results. I’ve been there; done that! I’m on the hunt for lasting heart change resulting in improved health. That’s it in a nutshell.

Before you imagine me on some noble quest, just know I also have some pretty superficial goals in sight. I selfishly desire thighs that don’t rub to the point of spontaneous combustion. Oh- and I desperately want a single ab made visible in daylight. The thought of that just makes me absolutely giddy!

“My plan is simple and possibly controversial. Whether others connect with or approve of my journey is not a concern. Aren’t we all fighting for sustainable health on our terms?“

So, what’s the plan, you ask? Well here’s the breakdown.

The Plan:

I bought the book The Starch Solution by John A. McDougall, MD, and Mary McDougall and will follow what is outlined in the book.

Why Starch Solution:

If you read my previous article on I Quit! No More Plant-Based Diet, then you know I still believe in eating a predominantly plant-based diet. It’s the only thing that’s worked to keep my inflammation at bay. I also feel amazing when consuming mostly whole unprocessed plant foods.

I will and do REJECT all forms of a label. What I eat doesn’t categorize me into some exclusive food club. Just to reiterate my stance on MY food choices:

I love eating whole plant foods.

I am not a vegan.

I am not a vegetarian.

I am not a label!

I am simply fueling my body for health. That’s it!

What I’m Eating:

I’m eating whole plant foods for most of my meals. The goal is to lessen my caloric density by balancing my plate with 50% non-starchy vegetable and 50% whole food starches at every meal- hence The Starch Solution title.

My current “whole food’ faves are butter potatoes, green beans, collard greens, cabbage, kale, white and brown rice, corn, broccoli, mixed cruciferous veggies, sweet potatoes, steel-cut oats when I’m in the mood, and any “in-season” fruits.

On the Weekends:

We have a family breakfast together on the weekends. Because of that, I relax my standards just a bit by making whole wheat, milled buckwheat, or oat pancakes (oil-free of course). My whole family will eat any form of pancake I serve up!

The Key Is Oil Free:

The main sticking point on this plan is NO OIL!!! I cook everything without oil. Water sautéing is kinda weird but I’m making it work. I add no oil to any of my foods. I also can’t have nuts, seeds, or avocados while in weight loss mode. Some whole plant foods that are higher in fat can be added back after desired weight loss is achieved. I’m not there, so no peanut butter for me. (Can you hear the sound of my breaking heart?)

Information Updates:

I will update my progress here weekly. If you are so inclined to join me on this journey, then pick up a copy of The Starch Solution and get started today. I could use a buddy or two on this lifestyle change.

Check back here for weekly updates every Sunday. I’ll fill you in on all of the foods I’m eating, and of course, weekly weigh-ins (I deleted this sentence multiple times because it terrified me to write it.)

It’s going to be hard to share my progress or lack thereof. I’m ready to face my fears and add a little accountability with your help. Let’s both remember and agree that change takes time and self-love, and self respect are the pillars of this journey. Now on to the stats:

Stats:

Starting Date:October 11th

Weight: 168.2

Height 5’3in

…………………………..

Date: October 25th

Weight: 167

Me 🙂

See you next week for a riveting update!