Back in September, I wrote about what I thought was going to be a great doctor’s visit after all the hard work of better eating and losing weight. Although I had many positive affirmations at the office, my blood work indicated otherwise. I was stunned to see that my cholesterol was high (I never had a problem that I was aware of before) and my LDL was borderline not fabulous. This made me rethink my eating approach one more time as I did not want to go on medicine. Unfortunately, I had high hopes for my new doctor to help me through the interpretation of my numbers and how I could improve them naturally. Another shocking truth which is no secret, most doctors are not trained to assist in using your body to self-correct, which is a great shame. We have become a society of solving problems with medicine instead of getting to the root cause. After piecing different data points together using various experts and non-experts, I decided I needed to adhere to a eating plan that would be more than just losing weight but helping me thrive.
I had improved my lifestyle over the course of the last year and a half, but it was time to learn about nutrition and take matters into my own hands. I turned to Dr. Fuhrman who is a nutritional doctor and been practicing and writing books for 40+ years. He is data and nutritionally scienced based. I listened to podcasts, read his books (again), joined his membership to understand not only the “whys” but to operationalize this program in my life. I am always a little dense when people talk in concepts when I just want to know, “when do I eat beans and how much?” I finally found the answers I was looking for and felt more confident that I understood what the heck I was supposed to do. His program is about moderate caloric intake that is nutrient dense. Otherwise known as greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries and seeds/nuts. When combining these foods (and eating a ton of salads, soups, etc.), you get a well rounded diet of nutrients that basically fill your soul and tummy. This provides high fiber for gut health and slows intake of fats and other needs that allow you to stay satiated throughout the day. I am amazed how well it works considering my obsessions in the past (after worrying about Isabelle – a parental must) was what was I going to eat for my next meal. I am embarrassed to admit but true – I was addicted to low quality processed food. It never filled me up and left me with cravings and self-esteem issues. Boo Hoo ☹.
Anyhow, I decided to join one of the pre-holiday challenges introduced in the Fuhrman community. It was 21 day program where there were classes, interactions, recipes, motivation and web meetings with Dr. Fuhrman. This guy is 70 years old and has a six pack – kind of freaky. As I heard these amazing stories about health transformation, nothing shocked or surprised him anymore. People made miraculous turnarounds in their life from stage 4 cancer, diabetes, multiple-sclerosis and more … now they were healthy. Also, a side note which I think is super cool, he used to be a professional couples skater and I believe he may have gone to the Olympics in his day. He shared that we would go through a detox state where we may not feel well in the beginning – but I did not experience any of that. I think I had slowly transitioned and the final push was not that difficult. I made the recipes, and a few of my own (thanks to Charles – my chef boyfriend who by the way has been completely supportive – major shout out to him), and they are all delicious. When you get off of low nutrient food, your taste buds change and you lean into the foods that you are supposed to eat as a species. What used to be bland, now feels very flavorful and fulfilling. What a journey this has been, I am still a little in shock that I am down ~90 pounds.
I am happy to report in the last 2 months+, I have not only reached my goal weight but have gone beyond in this plan. Your body naturally goes to the right weight for you – so weird and exhilarating too. I redid my bloodwork and my cholesterol was down 47 points (still have some work but am in normal range), my HDL Cholesterol was down 20 points, LDL was down 28 points and all in the normal range. I have more energy and feel younger – as my Oura ring states too (can’t make a well-being statement without it 😊). There is still some more work as well as maintenance to continue with, but boy – what a difference two months can make. I feel in flow with my body and you know what – damn proud of myself!!! This is probably the biggest accomplishment of my life as this was the problem I struggled with over the years. I really needed this … GO ME! Now back to the grind… should I eat broccoli or cauliflower? Such life choices – hmmm… Wishing everyone a very Happy and Healthy Holiday. I think I have one more blog to come out to satisfy my monthly publishing goal… stay tuned.
Seeking Wellness 