Eat to Live...can I just say "Wow"!

[Janna]

I'm impressed, I really am.

I have been following the Eat to Live plan for a week now and all I can say is "Wow".

For a week I have been eating strictly vegetables - all raw except for 2 dishes where I cooked some mushrooms - and fruit. No sugar, no bread, (well, one day I had a half of a whole wheat pita), no meat, no dairy, no caffeine(!), and precious little salt.

I feel absolutely wonderful! My head is so clear, kwim? I feel like looking back I was living in a constant fog or something.

I will say that the first few days were absolute misery. I had a horrible headache that would not go away, I was lethargic and I literally dreamed about food at night. When I would go to the grocery store and would pass chips, Ding Dongs, the bakery - you name it, it took every ounce of restraint I had not to buy some. And what's funny is that usually that stuff makes me sick to look at anyway and is never a temptation. I couldn't believe how strong my desire for Ding Dongs and donuts were! I hate Ding Dongs anddonuts!

Anyway, in a week I've lost 6 pounds and I feel terrific! I just wanted to share! :D

[newbie]

I knew you just had to get over the hump.

Btw, that is the cutest baby. I say that every time I see your avatar.

Jet

[Kathleen in VA]

Thanks, Janna. 6 pounds in one week? I'm definitely going to get this at the library tomorrow.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I'm impressed, I really am.

I have been following the Eat to Live plan for a week now and all I can say is "Wow".

For a week I have been eating strictly vegetables - all raw except for 2 dishes where I cooked some mushrooms - and fruit. No sugar, no bread, (well, one day I had a half of a whole wheat pita), no meat, no dairy, no caffeine(!), and precious little salt.

I feel absolutely wonderful! My head is so clear, kwim? I feel like looking back I was living in a constant fog or something.



Anyway, in a week I've lost 6 pounds and I feel terrific! I just wanted to share! :D

You go, Janna!

[Jumping In Puddles]

Thanks for that review, sounds great! I just requested it from my library. I need to feel the way you are feeling. :) (I'm not sure I can go with only precious little salt. I <3 salt!

[abbeyej]

Janna, I'm so glad you're feeling great. But I'm still worried that you're *not* eating as much food as Fuhrman recommends. You really *need* to be eating more cooked veggies as well as raw ones, or you will not be getting the nutrients you need to *keep* feeling that well. The calories you add by consuming that extra pound of cooked veggies a day are almost non-existent, but you will add tremendously to the nutrients your body needs to function well. I know he recommends a ton of food (and I know you're ignoring what I have to say about this, lol, but he really does *urge* you to eat that pound of raw and pound of cooked veggies every day), but it's for a reason.

I'm so excited for you that you've lost so much weight so quickly -- at this rate, you'll be down to your goal weight in just a few weeks! That's awesome! But I want you to be as healthy and energetic as you can be as well... Don't skip your beans and fats either... Your body really needs those!

[gandpsmommy]

Doesn't it feel great? I also lost 6 pounds my first week. And my dh commented on how terrific my skin and hair looked when I started eating all those raw fruits and vegetables! He said I had a new glow about me. Unfortunately I took a detour because of some special events where I gave myself permission to eat the old way. But it's back to Eat to Live starting Saturday, because I feel *so* much better and I want to keep losing weight!

You know, even though my family isn't completely doing it with me, it has already had a very positive effect on our overall eating habits. Dd, who I often had to really cajole to get her to eat fruits and vegetables, often asks to share my salad. And she is eating fresh fruit for snacks. Ds has always been my fruit and veggies child. When he was a toddler he would ask for cucumbers for a snack. Now that we have so much fresh produce in the house he is loving it. Sometimes he will just eat a bowl of fresh cabbage for a snack. Or three clementines. And he is constantly asking me to wash an apple for him to eat.

This eating plan has completely changed the way I think about food and eating. I never, ever thought I would be able to give up foods with white flour and sugar. If someone told me I could eat this way and enjoy it I would have thought the person was crazy. This book is a must read!

[Janie]

I've not implemented anything. For one, I dreaddreaddread the headache that I know will come and I just don't have time right now to feel lousy, even for just the beginning days.

Your comments are a boost of encouragement! Thank you.

I'm so obsessively tied to breakfast food for breakfast, lunch food for lunch and supper food for supper that I can't imagine vegetables for breakfast and only fruit. My imagination is lacking.

So, if you have time and the inclination, I'd love to hear details. And caveats. :)

[Janna]

Yeah, I'm probably not eating all that he recommends. But honestly, I'm not hungry enough. I totally understand that I need the nutrients. But I'm *full*! For instance, for breakfast I will have a bowl of steel cut oatmeal (and I have to *force* myself to eat the amount that I make which is 1/2 c. of uncooked oatmeal + 1.5 c. water) with some fresh blueberries and strawberries and I will be full for *hours*. Then I will have a huge salad with raw veggies (it's about a lb) for lunch and then a meal that includes a can of beans for dinner, usually poured on top of mixed lettuce in lieu of a dressing (which I did find some at Whole Foods, btw). In between is fruit because I have such a sweet tooth (he's not kidding when he says the unlimited fruit is what helps you stick with the diet. I'm so glad I started this in the summer when fresh veggies and fruits are everywhere). Anyway, that feels like an exorbitant amount of food to me - way more than I was eating before. So I don't know what to say about eating more. I don't feel bloated *at all*, I'm just full.

I will say too that I stopped going to the gym this week because I'm afraid that I will be so famished afterwards that I won't be able to control myself. After I feel like I *really* have this thing down pat, I will start in at the gym again. Maybe that will help me eat more?

Also, do you happen to have any tips on how to do this for less money? Fresh fruits and veggies are far from inexpensive.

Thanks for the concern and encouragement, Abbey.

[Janna]

Btw, that is the cutest baby. I say that every time I see your avatar.

Jet

Thank you! We think he's pretty darn cute too. And sooooo kissable!

[nakitty]

what about protein? I have not heard of this diet before....but I'm very leary of diets that ignore aspects of a healthy diet... :confused:

[abbeyej]

what about protein? I have not heard of this diet before....but I'm very leary of diets that ignore aspects of a healthy diet... :confused:

The diet recommends a minimum of 1 cup of cooked beans a day (and as much more as you want) and also some nuts or seeds every day. It's certainly a lower protein diet than many, but it is not devoid of protein at all.

[lighthouseacademy]

Yeah, I'm probably not eating all that he recommends. But honestly, I'm not hungry enough. I totally understand that I need the nutrients. But I'm *full*! For instance, for breakfast I will have a bowl of steel cut oatmeal (and I have to *force* myself to eat the amount that I make which is 1/2 c. of uncooked oatmeal + 1.5 c. water) with some fresh blueberries and strawberries and I will be full for *hours*. Then I will have a huge salad with raw veggies (it's about a lb) for lunch and then a meal that includes a can of beans for dinner, usually poured on top of mixed lettuce in lieu of a dressing (which I did find some at Whole Foods, btw). In between is fruit because I have such a sweet tooth (he's not kidding when he says the unlimited fruit is what helps you stick with the diet. I'm so glad I started this in the summer when fresh veggies and fruits are everywhere). Anyway, that feels like an exorbitant amount of food to me - way more than I was eating before. So I don't know what to say about eating more. I don't feel bloated *at all*, I'm just full.


It is my experience with long term eating like what you describe that your body may not need the extra lb of cooked veggies. The body has a shutoff when you get all the nutrients you need- which is why you can down a bag of potato chips or my dh can down 3/4 a loaf of sprouted grain bread in one sitting and still feel hungry- there are nutrients you are missing that your body is looking for.

[Janna]

Doesn't it feel great? I also lost 6 pounds my first week. And my dh commented on how terrific my skin and hair looked when I started eating all those raw fruits and vegetables! He said I had a new glow about me. Unfortunately I took a detour because of some special events where I gave myself permission to eat the old way. But it's back to Eat to Live starting Saturday, because I feel *so* much better and I want to keep losing weight!

You know, even though my family isn't completely doing it with me, it has already had a very positive effect on our overall eating habits. Dd, who I often had to really cajole to get her to eat fruits and vegetables, often asks to share my salad. And she is eating fresh fruit for snacks. Ds has always been my fruit and veggies child. When he was a toddler he would ask for cucumbers for a snack. Now that we have so much fresh produce in the house he is loving it. Sometimes he will just eat a bowl of fresh cabbage for a snack. Or three clementines. And he is constantly asking me to wash an apple for him to eat.

This eating plan has completely changed the way I think about food and eating. I never, ever thought I would be able to give up foods with white flour and sugar. If someone told me I could eat this way and enjoy it I would have thought the person was crazy. This book is a must read!

Yes! Everything in your post resonates with me, except the hair...I haven't noticed anything different about my hair. But my skin is looking like it did when I was pregnant - very clear. It did start to go downhill after A was born. I'm so glad it's looking good again!

I completely agree with you about the family eating. I'm bummed that my dh isn't joining in with me (as a matter of fact, he's downstairs eating a big bowl of chocolate ice cream as I type - I can hear the spoon clanging against the bowl as he finishes up, LOL), but I can see that he's trying to be supportive (he could be eating the ice cream up here where I am, LOL). It's just too radical of a change for him and he doesn't see the need. However, I also love having all the fresh fruit and veggies around. My dc were already used to snacking on carrot sticks regularly, but to have my ds grabbing handfuls of raw green beans, sugar snap peas, begging to eat plums and my dd eating dried apricots and crying out with excitement when I brought home raw almonds the other day...well I feel very blessed indeed. While I am not limiting them in their fat content, I am making sure that they are eating salad before they get the rest of their meals and it's just easier to enforce when that's what we have in the house.

I will say that it's somewhat difficult to prepare meals for them when I won't be eating it myself. For instance, my dh requested chicken divan for tomorrow night. It's going to be hard to prepare it, smell it cooking and watch them eating it, while I have my salad. But then there are moments like I had this afternoon, where I'm at the mall and I see some super cute outfits for fall that I know would look great on me 20 lbs lighter (well, 14lbs now :D). THAT is motivation, not to mention the way I feel. It makes me excited to see how my pms will be this month -will I even have it? Will it be greatly diminished? That would be huge motivation too.

I'm excited that you'll be starting again on Saturday! Good luck!! :D

[lighthouseacademy]

The diet recommends a minimum of 1 cup of cooked beans a day (and as much more as you want) and also some nuts or seeds every day. It's certainly a lower protein diet than many, but it is not devoid of protein at all.

It is not necessarily high in foods that are considered protein foods but you must consider a couple of things. First and foremost Americans eat WAY too much protein! Ideally protein should make up 10-20% (generally lower end of the range for most people) of the calories in the diet. However, this is not usually what is taught because although this is what the studies say, the meat and dairy industries have HUGE lobbies and to promote such "low" protein would hurt their industry. Second, ALL whole foods have protein. So, if you eat a variety of fruits and veggies, some legumes, sprouted whole grains (if you choose to use them), nuts and seeds, you will get all your protein requirements.

[Janna]

Well, any living thing is made up of protein. So rather than getting *animal* protein, this is *plant* protein, for the most part. Certainly animal protein will give us our protein "quota" faster because it's closer to our own make-up, but fruits and veggies will give us the proper protein as well, we just need to eat more of it. And, as Abbey said, beans and raw nuts or seeds are to be eaten every day too.

[lighthouseacademy]

I've not implemented anything. For one, I dreaddreaddread the headache that I know will come and I just don't have time right now to feel lousy, even for just the beginning days.

Your comments are a boost of encouragement! Thank you.

I'm so obsessively tied to breakfast food for breakfast, lunch food for lunch and supper food for supper that I can't imagine vegetables for breakfast and only fruit. My imagination is lacking.

So, if you have time and the inclination, I'd love to hear details. And caveats. :)




You can start with one meal change. Personally I would start with breakfast- start with fresh fruit and maybe a sprinkling of ground flax seeds and almonds on top for crunch and to slow the absorption of the fruit via the fat. Also, it helps to break the fast slower. Drink plenty of water and make sure that your bowels are moving properly. It helps tremendously because usually the headaches are a result of toxins going into the bloodstream as a result of constipated bowels (you should have 1-2 bowel movements per day minimum 2-3 is better)

[Janna]

I've not implemented anything. For one, I dreaddreaddread the headache that I know will come and I just don't have time right now to feel lousy, even for just the beginning days.

Your comments are a boost of encouragement! Thank you.

I'm so obsessively tied to breakfast food for breakfast, lunch food for lunch and supper food for supper that I can't imagine vegetables for breakfast and only fruit. My imagination is lacking.

So, if you have time and the inclination, I'd love to hear details. And caveats. :)




Janie, I understand. All I can say is that I am completely motivated. I do not like having this extra weight from pregnancy on me *at all*. I also can't afford to buy all new clothes for fall and winter because of my size. So yeah, I'm motivated. ;)

As far as how to go about it, I just did it - cold turkey. And it sucked. Seriously, the *only* thing that kept me going was getting on the scale everyday. I would literally say to myself before bed "If the scale doesn't show that I'm at *least* half a pound lighter in the morning, I'm done with this". I would say it every night, and every day it would be a full pound difference. If it went up or stayed the same even ONCE, I was done. Now, I don't even have to look at the scale because I just *feel* so good. Even if the scale showed I was the same, it would be OK (well, it would be for a day, LOL).

I don't know what to tell you about how to go about it. I didn't think about the headache I was going to have - I didn't think it would be so bad. I've gone off coffee cold turkey before and it wasn't a big deal. I think this was from getting off of refined sugar. But it worked out fine, and I have a 2 month old! Honestly, if I were to ever get off this and see the need to get back on the diet, I wouldn't want the headache to be a deterrent for me. For one, it would remind me that I'm not healthy - I'm obviously addicted to things that are not good for me if I'm getting a headache, which would just be reassurance to do it. For two, if I waited for good timing, it would never come, or it would make it more miserable for me because I didn't have anything going on to take my mind off it or at the least to make the days go by faster, kwim?

As far as the foods for your meals, I personally don't eat salad for breakfast (though you can). I have "breakfast" food - oatmeal and fruit. This was the hardest part to start with because I'm not a breakfast person. I usually wouldn't start eating until I made the kids their lunch. However, it didn't take long for the need for breakfast to kick in - and a hearty one at that. I wake up hungry. As far as lunch and dinner, those can still be lunch and dinner items. A big salad for lunch - with loads of veggies, and something hearty for dinner - vegetarian chili, big bowl of soup, vegan enchiladas etc.

You will have to revamp your mind a little though, there's no getting around that. But you can do it! YOU CAN DO IT, JANIE!! :D

[gandpsmommy]

Yes! Everything in your post resonates with me, except the hair...I haven't noticed anything different about my hair. But my skin is looking like it did when I was pregnant - very clear. It did start to go downhill after A was born. I'm so glad it's looking good again!

I completely agree with you about the family eating. I'm bummed that my dh isn't joining in with me (as a matter of fact, he's downstairs eating a big bowl of chocolate ice cream as I type - I can hear the spoon clanging against the bowl as he finishes up, LOL), but I can see that he's trying to be supportive (he could be eating the ice cream up here where I am, LOL). It's just too radical of a change for him and he doesn't see the need. However, I also love having all the fresh fruit and veggies around. My dc were already used to snacking on carrot sticks regularly, but to have my ds grabbing handfuls of raw green beans, sugar snap peas, begging to eat plums and my dd eating dried apricots and crying out with excitement when I brought home raw almonds the other day...well I feel very blessed indeed. While I am not limiting them in their fat content, I am making sure that they are eating salad before they get the rest of their meals and it's just easier to enforce when that's what we have in the house.

I will say that it's somewhat difficult to prepare meals for them when I won't be eating it myself. For instance, my dh requested chicken divan for tomorrow night. It's going to be hard to prepare it, smell it cooking and watch them eating it, while I have my salad. But then there are moments like I had this afternoon, where I'm at the mall and I see some super cute outfits for fall that I know would look great on me 20 lbs lighter (well, 14lbs now :D). THAT is motivation, not to mention the way I feel. It makes me excited to see how my pms will be this month -will I even have it? Will it be greatly diminished? That would be huge motivation too.

I'm excited that you'll be starting again on Saturday! Good luck!! :D

Janna,
I completely know what you mean about preparing meals for the family that I'm not going to eat! It is the major downside to all of this, but my dh is much like yours. It would be way too radical for him and he also doesn't see the need to go vegetarian. He loves lots of different kinds of foods, but he definitely needs the meat to remain a central part of his diet. Good luck to you, too! And kiss the little baby for me. . .sigh. . .I miss having a baby in the house!

[Blueridge]

I have read all sorts of books on eating, like The China Study, Hallelujah Acres cookbooks, McDougall, etc. I started on a vegan regime 5 months ago. The stress of having to cook additional foods for my sweet, bean-hating family was too great. I have vivid memories of sitting calmly at our table at the Giant Crab restaurant buffet and eating my vegetable plate. :tongue_smilie: I wandered back to eating cheese, then the 'slips' became more frequent. I gained weight instead of lost. My thinking became more cloudy and my mood more weepy and grouchy. Peri menopause, perhaps. Then my concerned dh asked me to eat meat again since he thought I wasn't getting enough protein...so this morning I woke up to the smell of roast in my crock pot. How can I get this book's program to work for me? I am very motivated if I could see some success.

[Amber]

Janna that is awesome!
Amber

[lvbnhome]

I have read all sorts of books on eating, like The China Study, Hallelujah Acres cookbooks, McDougall, etc. I started on a vegan regime 5 months ago. The stress of having to cook additional foods for my sweet, bean-hating family was too great. I have vivid memories of sitting calmly at our table at the Giant Crab restaurant buffet and eating my vegetable plate. :tongue_smilie: I wandered back to eating cheese, then the 'slips' became more frequent. I gained weight instead of lost. My thinking became more cloudy and my mood more weepy and grouchy. Peri menopause, perhaps. Then my concerned dh asked me to eat meat again since he thought I wasn't getting enough protein...so this morning I woke up to the smell of roast in my crock pot. How can I get this book's program to work for me? I am very motivated if I could see some success.

It has been my experience that there are reducing diets and maintaining ones. I think Hallelujah Acres diet and this is a good example of a reducing diet, but can be implemented on a weekly basis (instead of daily), to maintain the weight lost.
It's not an all or nothing world. You can use these things to work for you. I would suggest picking 3 days out of the week to just eat this way, and see what changes you notice in 30 days time. You would have the benefit of the veggies, which your family may need anyway. Just a thought. Lacy;)

[gandpsmommy]

I've not implemented anything. For one, I dreaddreaddread the headache that I know will come and I just don't have time right now to feel lousy, even for just the beginning days.

Your comments are a boost of encouragement! Thank you.

I'm so obsessively tied to breakfast food for breakfast, lunch food for lunch and supper food for supper that I can't imagine vegetables for breakfast and only fruit. My imagination is lacking.

So, if you have time and the inclination, I'd love to hear details. And caveats. :)




I could never eat vegetables for breaksfast! I usually eat steel cut oats and fruit, or just fruit for breakfast. I often add raisins and walnuts or pecans to the oatmeal.

[Amy in NH]

I brought home raw almonds the other day

Sounds like an awesome diet! You might want to check further into those raw almonds, though.

The government changed the *requirements* for selling almonds, but they are still labeled raw. They now have to be either 1) pasteurized, which cooks them, or 2) sprayed with a known carcinogen, before going to market.

:( Too bad, we used to love raw almonds for a snack.

[Doran]

I tried to rep you but apparently I've done so too recently. :glare: I'm so proud of you taking charge of your diet this way. You just might motivate me, too -- though I'm loathe to give up my chocolate and my weekend cocktails. Ugh. Glad you've found something that's working so well for you!

[GVD22]

I've had this book for about 4 years. I love the principles laid out in it. I've recommended this book to several ppl.

[Jumping In Puddles]

I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive at my library.

Can someone tell me If I'll be able to have fish 2-3X a week on this diet?

(low mercury, safer fish like sardines) What about grass fed beef in very small portions maybe once a week?

thanks!

[Crissy]

I am intrigued, Janna. I've just put the book on hold at my local library.

How wonderful that you are feeling great!

[runningirl71]

I checked this out too. Gonna see what it's all about. :lurk5: {maybe I shouldn't post that smiley on this thread??}

[lighthouseacademy]

Having a dh who is not on board with what you are doing dietarily is ROUGH. I speak from experience. I am dealing with a health issue right now that I know will only go away when I can get back to 85% raw foods and then only some low heated grain and maybe some occasional beans for the other 15%. My dh made such a fuss last summer when I attempted mostly raw foods that it tore at our ordinarily rock solid marriage. It was so traumatic for me that I have yet to implement the dietary changes I need to make to fix my problem- so for now I suffer. However, when it came to changing from a meat and dairy based diet to vegan, I made the change slowly and my dh really didn't notice or care. I would cook one meal a week vegetarian then it was 2 then slowly all and then no dairy. Last was the eggs because I discovered my middle child is incontinent when she has eggs... so I haven't had any in 6ish months. It is wonderful! I have implemented giant salad before dinner is served. That helps everyone. I also serve the kids and myself fruits for breakfast (the kids will often also have some oatmeal) and veggies and sprouted grain bread or something like that for lunch, and then dinner is large salad followed by more veggies and some sort of bean whether it is lentils or garbanzo beans or pinto or black or white etc and a grain (Quinoa, rice, barley, etc).

[abbeyej]

I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive at my library.

Can someone tell me If I'll be able to have fish 2-3X a week on this diet?

(low mercury, safer fish like sardines) What about grass fed beef in very small portions maybe once a week?

In the maintenance phase of the diet, yes, you can have fish or flesh 1-2 times a week. He gives specifics, but I don't have the book in front of me, so I'm not sure exactly. I think his recommendation is less than 10-12oz/week *if* you choose to eat meat (including fish). He prefers a strict vegan diet, but admits that the evidence suggests there isn't a health benefit for a *strict* vegan diet as compared to a *mostly* vegan diet.

[Jumping In Puddles]

I am dealing with a health issue right now that I know will only go away when I can get back to 85% raw foods and then only some low heated grain and maybe some occasional beans for the other 15%.

Do you consider oatmeal a low heated grain? Also, why only beans occasionally and how often is enough?

I finally got my book from the library and I'm going to read it tonight. Can someone tell me if what I ate today is acceptable:

1 cup organic shredded wheat with 1/2 cup 1% milk

1 plum
1 peach
1 nectarine
1 piece watermelon

1 large romaine lettuce salad with onion, carrots, roasted pepper, 1/2 avocado, 1/2 tomato (dressing: garlic, fresh oregano, apple cider vinegar, xra virgin olive oil, pepper)

1 bowl of 16 bean soup with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs (homemade by me)

[Sunny]

Implementing has been more detailed in his newer book Eat for Health.
Basically, he says in phase 1 that you may continue to eat your "favorite" foods. Just add fruit to breakfast, and eat a half pound of raw veggies late afternoon BEFORE you serve dinner for the family. The hope here is that you won't feel the need to eat so much dinner because you're already full.
Once your adding more fruit and veggies this way to each meal, you'll naturally start eliminating that "favorite" food that isn't so good, simply because you won't be hungry for it.
That's phase one. It isn't a all or nothing. In fact, as I've been reading it, he clearly says you don't have to do this 100% anyway. Shoot for eating this way 90% of your calories and you'll be in GREAT shape :)

[Brindee]

How much is 1/2 pound of veggies? I don't have anything to weigh that small of an amount.

Marisa, I LIKE what you've done! I'm impressed with how you changed things around! That's what I want to do! I'm working on it, just started it in earnest this week. I'm not seeing many changes, but I think the first week or two is hardest, right? So I'll keep pushing through it. I'm also doing low to no yeast for a couple of weeks, just to try to rid myself of any build-up. Do you eat breads/products with yeast?

I've had Basmati Brown Rice, which is healthy, right? It's very tasty too, with steamed veggies, or with tomatoes and cucumbers, fresh minced garlic and a little olive oil! Mmmmm!

[lighthouseacademy]

Do you consider oatmeal a low heated grain?[QUOTE] It depends on how it is prepared and which kind of oats you use. Low heated grains are grains that are cooked at a low temperature. Generally oatmeal is not prepared at a low temperature BEFORE you get it. Raw oatgroats can be prepared at a low temperature either on very low heat so it doesn't ever reach a boil (not ideal) or take your oat groats and put them in a pot or stainless steel thermos. Pour boiling water over and cover/seal (place a towel over the pot if that is what you use to keep heat in) then go to bed. The next morning the oat groats will be low heated. You can gently warm them up a little so they are warm to eat but don't make them hot.
[QUOTE] Also, why only beans occasionally and how often is enough?[QUOTE] It depends on the person. I did great without beans by eating lots of greens but in terms of 15% of the diet being cooked, then soaked and gently simmered beans could make up up to 15% of your caloric intake.
[QUOTE]
I finally got my book from the library and I'm going to read it tonight. Can someone tell me if what I ate today is acceptable:

1 cup organic shredded wheat with 1/2 cup 1% milk

1 plum
1 peach
1 nectarine
1 piece watermelon

1 large romaine lettuce salad with onion, carrots, roasted pepper, 1/2 avocado, 1/2 tomato (dressing: garlic, fresh oregano, apple cider vinegar, xra virgin olive oil, pepper)

1 bowl of 16 bean soup with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs (homemade by me)
Technically you aren't supposed to use much olive oil. I know olive oil to be a VERY healthy food if used in moderation, so I don't worry about olive oil on my salad. I do limit other pressed fats though. Dr. Furhman does not advise dairy.


I'm working on it, just started it in earnest this week. I'm not seeing many changes, but I think the first week or two is hardest, right? So I'll keep pushing through it. I'm also doing low to no yeast for a couple of weeks, just to try to rid myself of any build-up. Do you eat breads/products with yeast?

I've had Basmati Brown Rice, which is healthy, right? It's very tasty too, with steamed veggies, or with tomatoes and cucumbers, fresh minced garlic and a little olive oil! Mmmmm!
Sometimes it takes a while to notice changes. Keep it up. I do eat Ezekiel bread or Ranier Valley brand bread (it is sprouted grain bread with no flour but does have yeast). Brown rice has all the bran in it... yup good stuff.

[Renthead Mommy]

Is this something that is do-able with mainly frozen or canned veggies and fruit? Our produce is SOOOO expensive (you may recall my $18 and $21 cantaloups or our $4.60 per pound peppers) and often, kinda yucky. We don't have much in fresh fruit beyond apples, oranges and bananas (except those occasionally expensive melons!) and as for veggies, we can always get fresh spinach, lettuce, cabbage, onions, potatoes and carrots, but things like zucchinie, eggplant, cucumbers and fresh beans and other things are hit and miss. And again, not always so great. I've never once seen summer squash. Tomatoes are very expensive, especially for the quality (both flavor and condition).

However our canned section is quite good for both veggies and fruit, and we have a very good frozen variety of veggies and some fruits (strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, mangos and that mixed fruit bag with peaches and stuff).

I don't mind the prices so much, that's what we get COLA for (except those $18 cantoloups - I draw the line at about $13!) But it is very frustrating to have mealy apples with bruises, bruised bananas, and expensive melons that you end up tossing 1/3 of.

So is this doable with a large portion canned and frozen? Or not worth it?

[cin]

I'm impressed, I really am.

I have been following the Eat to Live plan for a week now and all I can say is "Wow".

For a week I have been eating strictly vegetables - all raw except for 2 dishes where I cooked some mushrooms - and fruit. No sugar, no bread, (well, one day I had a half of a whole wheat pita), no meat, no dairy, no caffeine(!), and precious little salt.

I feel absolutely wonderful! My head is so clear, kwim? I feel like looking back I was living in a constant fog or something.

I will say that the first few days were absolute misery. I had a horrible headache that would not go away, I was lethargic and I literally dreamed about food at night. When I would go to the grocery store and would pass chips, Ding Dongs, the bakery - you name it, it took every ounce of restraint I had not to buy some. And what's funny is that usually that stuff makes me sick to look at anyway and is never a temptation. I couldn't believe how strong my desire for Ding Dongs and donuts were! I hate Ding Dongs anddonuts!

Anyway, in a week I've lost 6 pounds and I feel terrific! I just wanted to share! :D


Sounds like my pre-op diet. I had to eat protein and veggies. NO sugar. None. What. so. ever. I was so sick the 3rd day. And then....woke up the next morning dreading the lethargy and headache. But I felt GREAT! And I did really well with no sugar for about 6 mos. Then we hit the holidays. And the Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I really really need to detox again. And lose 6 lbs in one week would be a GREAT boost!

[tinag]

Brindee, I think you just need to make sure you are eating brown basmati rice, and not basmati rice. Unless I am mistaken,(which would not be the first time) if it doesn't say brown basmati it's the same thing as eating white rice.

[Mama Lynx]

How much is 1/2 pound of veggies? I don't have anything to weigh that small of an amount.

Marisa, I LIKE what you've done! I'm impressed with how you changed things around! That's what I want to do! I'm working on it, just started it in earnest this week. I'm not seeing many changes, but I think the first week or two is hardest, right? So I'll keep pushing through it. I'm also doing low to no yeast for a couple of weeks, just to try to rid myself of any build-up. Do you eat breads/products with yeast?

I've had Basmati Brown Rice, which is healthy, right? It's very tasty too, with steamed veggies, or with tomatoes and cucumbers, fresh minced garlic and a little olive oil! Mmmmm!

The other day I got curious. I fixed about half of a head of red leaf lettuce, a carrot, and half a cucumber, and it came out to 11 ounces by my scale.

So ... a really big salad should easily be half a pound.

Let me ask you folks something .... often you mention adding some nuts in for fats and a little protein. What would you add for these things if you could not eat nuts? Seeds?

[MJN]

vitamin C supplements. It takes the cravings away.

[MJN]

the day? I can't get my hands on a copy of the book for a few days.

Thanks!!

[Sunny]

You add a 1/4-1/2 cup of canned beans of just about any type for more protein, and do you have access to avacado ? These are excellent source of fat. He doesn't recommend oils because they are so caloric, but if you can't eat seeds or nuts, you need to find the fat in avo or oil..

[fshinkevich]

Here are a couple of good quotes from Dr. Fuhrman on protein:

"Protein is ubiquitous; it is contained in all foods, not only animal products. Protein deficiency is not a concern for anyone in the developed world. It is almost impossible to consume too little protein, no matter what you eat, unless the diet is significantly deficient in calories and other nutrients as well"

"It is interesting to note that peas, green vegetables, and beans have more proteins per calorie than meat. But what is not generally considered is that foods that are rich in plant protein are generally the foods that are richest in nutrients and phytochemicals. By eating more of these high-nutrient, low-calorie foods we get plenty of protein and our bodies get flooded with protective micronutrients simultaneously."

And here is a short list of some good sources of protein you could easily work into your meals or toss on salads:

Almonds (3 oz) 10 grams of protein
Banana 1.2 grams of protein
Broccoli (2 cups) 10 grams of protein
Brown rice (1 cup) 5 grams of protein
Chickpeas (1 cup) 15 grams of protein
Corn (1 cup) 4.2 grams of protein
Lentils (1 cup) 18 grams of protein
Peas - frozen (1 cup) 9 grams of protein
Spinach - frozen (1 cup) 7 grams of protein
Tofu (4 ounces) 11 grams of protein
Whole wheat bread (2 slices) 5 grams of protein

[Jumping In Puddles]

I finally got the book. Basically, this is a vegan diet for the first six weeks then after that you can add meat back into your diet in small portions (12oz/week). Exercise is not necessary for weight loss but essential for health.

No dairy
No fat (except naturally occurring in nuts, avocados, seeds)
No meat/poultry (6 weeks)
No Salt

1 pound raw vegetables/day
1 pound cooked vegetables/day
1 cup beans/day
1 cup whole grains/day or starchy vegetables such as cooked carrots or corn.
4+ fruits/day
plenty of water
1 oz seeds/nuts/day (six weeks, then I think its up to 4 oz/day)

So far, I have not had any headaches or tiredness and I do feel pretty good but I'm a little worried that I'm not eating enough protein or calories but I am not terribly hungry so I'm probably ok.

I need to get my cholesterol down and get all this extra weight off.

[lighthouseacademy]

Let me ask you folks something .... often you mention adding some nuts in for fats and a little protein. What would you add for these things if you could not eat nuts? Seeds?
YES!!! Grind them up in a coffee grinder and then sprinkle them on first- that way you can get to the insides. Pumpkin seeds have great essential fatty acids as well as vitamins and minerals. Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds (huge calcium), flax seeds, hemp seeds (they lend a nice buttery flavor to veggies).

[lighthouseacademy]

So far, I have not had any headaches or tiredness and I do feel pretty good but I'm a little worried that I'm not eating enough protein or calories but I am not terribly hungry so I'm probably ok.

I need to get my cholesterol down and get all this extra weight off.
As fshinkevich said, there is no need to worry about protein deficiency. We have been fed a lie about protein and if we are eating a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds we will be getting enough protein long before we are full. When we are truly full (satiated not stuffed) our body has received the signal that we have received all the nutrients it needs to function properly and we don't need to eat as much. I wouldn't worry to much about the protein, or even the calories. I would worry about plenty of fruits and veggies.

To the poster who asked about canned and frozen- I would say if that is the best you have, then use it and supplement with as much fresh as you can. Can you plant a garden (I don't know where you live), even in pots in a sunny window?

[Mamagistra]

We have been fed a lie about protein...

How so? :001_huh: I'm genuinely curious.

[Sunny]

It is doable with frozen veggies and fruits to the extent that you are adding in way more nutrition than if you are skipping them because of cost of fresh. Canned is not so good. Fruit can be ok, if it is not in syrup. Canned veggies are not recommended because they are water logged, packed in salt and devoid of most nutrients. Frozen is absolutely ok. You just won't find all the variety you can when you have choices of fresh in a regular large grocery store.

Dr. Furhman's main issue is that today, fruits and veggies are available to us year round from countries where this stuff is in season. Where do you live that you don't have access to all the wonderful colors of frut/veggies.

[lighthouseacademy]

How so? :001_huh: I'm genuinely curious.
Protein is important for the body, don't get me wrong but there are a few problems with the lies we have been fed by meat and dairy industries- #1 is that meat and dairy are THE source of protein. Yes, meat is nothing but protein for the most part, but that doesn't mean that they are the only source or even the best source. Furthermore, the QUANTITY of protein we perceive we need is also far out of line with studies. In fact, there have been studies which demonstrate that the body only needs 10-15% MAYBE 20% in some cases of the calories from protein. The average american gets 30-50% of the calories from protein (meat being the center of the meal instead of an accompaniment). The published recommendations do not reflect the actual requirements because the meat and dairy industry has such an extensive lobby- in other words, there was recently a study done on how much protein was needed and the researchers were told that if they came up with a number that was too low, so the meat and dairy industry would not be happy, then the recommendations would not be used. The study demonstrated the 10-20% but the USDA still published higher numbers. We have also been fed the lie that plant source protein is inferior protein. Nope- not true. It is true that some plants have lower levels of some of the amino acids, but if you are eating a variety of plants, your body will separate, store, recycle (there is significant evidence that the body actually recycles and recombines amino acids), and use the amino acids from the different foods (which is why you don't have to eat the beans and grains in the same bowl). While I recognize that animal comparisons can only go so far, if you think about it, a gorilla eats an almost vegan diet (not counting a few stray bugs here) and he is very strong and very muscular. The cow is similar (granted it has 4 stomach chambers and digests differently) but the point is that these animals, although not identical build strong bodies, muscles, and bones from plant protein. All life (plant or animal) contains protein. As long as you are eating a variety of plant foods, you will get all the essential amino acids. There is no need to worry about whether or not you are getting enough protein. BTW, have you ever heard of a true protein deficiency other than in some starving country in Africa?

[Mamagistra]

There is no need to worry about whether or not you are getting enough protein. BTW, have you ever heard of a true protein deficiency other than in some starving country in Africa?

Thank you for the perspective. :)

I endeavor to eat a wide variety of veggies, fruit, legumes, and grains, but personally, I feel my best consuming quality eggs, dairy, and meat protein alongside. Oh, and coffee. ;)

[Oak Knoll Mom]

extra pound of cooked veggies a day

Wow. That's a lot of veggies in one day. Is that 1 lb before or after cooking?

[Jumping In Puddles]

Wow. That's a lot of veggies in one day. Is that 1 lb before or after cooking?

I've been doing a pound after cooking.

It is a lot but remember it is practically all you are eating.

I am modifying the diet a little. I am using salt. Not as much as I use to but I am making so many dietary changes that I need the salt to get down the cooked vegetables.

I am also not worrying so much about natural fats like avocados. We'll see how my blood work comes back. If it is still bad, I'm going to cut those out and review with my doctor what else can be done. So far, though, I am losing weight and feeling good so I'm hoping my numbers will be good. :)

[Lostinabook]

Am I supposed to measure starches before or after cooking? Right now, I'm measuring after so I'm eating 1/2 cup cooked rice & 1/2 cup cooked steel cut oats per day, but if I can have more I'm good with that. :)

Also, on the fats are you supposed to pick one? Iow, am I allowed 1 T. ground flaxseeds OR 2 oz avocado OR 1 oz nuts or am I allowed all 3 in a day?

Thank you!

[Renthead Mommy]

It is doable with frozen veggies and fruits to the extent that you are adding in way more nutrition than if you are skipping them because of cost of fresh. Frozen is absolutely ok. You just won't find all the variety you can when you have choices of fresh in a regular large grocery store.

Dr. Furhman's main issue is that today, fruits and veggies are available to us year round from countries where this stuff is in season. Where do you live that you don't have access to all the wonderful colors of frut/veggies.

We are in OKinawa, Japan. And we actually have more choices of frozen stuff than fresh. Fresh we have spinach and lettuce and LOTs of cabbage, and things like carrots and peppers and onions and potatoes. But things like zucchini and cucumber and eggplant and other things are hit and miss. And often the quality is so bad for as expensive as it is. It just depends on what hte commisary has gotten in.

In the states probably 30% -40% of my grocery bill was produce. (Our HEB had the most incredible produce section.) We realized not long after getting here that that was going to change dramatically.

I ordered the book, so I'm going to see what it has to say and we'll see what we can do with it.

[Jumping In Puddles]

Am I supposed to measure starches before or after cooking? Right now, I'm measuring after so I'm eating 1/2 cup cooked rice & 1/2 cup cooked steel cut oats per day, but if I can have more I'm good with that. :)

Also, on the fats are you supposed to pick one? Iow, am I allowed 1 T. ground flaxseeds OR 2 oz avocado OR 1 oz nuts or am I allowed all 3 in a day?

Thank you!

This is what I'm doing too... measuring after the food is cooked.

As far as fats, I got from the book that it should be just one fat in a day.

He actually says that if you are very overweight to begin with, you should have 0 fats until you lose weight to be ideal.

I like having a few nuts and avocado though so if I lose weight a little more slowly then I'm ok with that.

[Lostinabook]

This is what I'm doing too... measuring after the food is cooked.

Thanks! I have some avocados I'm going to use up & then I'll just eat the 1 T. of ground flaxseed per day. It's so healthy I hate to not do it.

[OnTheBrink]

Ok, you guys have prompted me to order this book from Amazon. My kids will be gone all next week, so I can start this without them whining. I can't wait!

[Jumping In Puddles]

Ok, you guys have prompted me to order this book from Amazon. My kids will be gone all next week, so I can start this without them whining. I can't wait!

Good luck with it! :)

My dr. was very impressed today with my weight loss since last visit. He said please keep doing what I'm doing.

I go back for blood tests in 2 months and I'm anxious to see the results.

[Stacia]

I go back for blood tests in 2 months and I'm anxious to see the results.

Please keep us posted! I'd love to hear if it makes a difference.

I'm getting inspired here too. I think I'm going to be ordering the book too. I already eat a vegetarian diet, so this wouldn't be too far for me to go (other than giving up dairy, it seems).