No matter the plan... we all Blog to Lose!

Eat to Live Anyone?

Has anyone out there tried Dr. Joel Fuhrman's "Eat to Live"? I saw it on Dr. Oz a few weeks ago and yes, the promises of fast weight loss and never feeling hungry were appealing. But there were some things about his recommendations that kind of "clicked" with me so I read the book. It made so much sense to me that I'm now on day 4 of firm commitment. I had been trying to implement some of them the week prior, but since I hadn't finished the book I waited and I jumped in full fledged Monday.

I have to admit that I do feel pretty good. I have had to fight a few cravings (TV commercials can be torture), but in all honesty he advised that in the first week or so these things are normal while a person rids themselves of what he calls "toxic hunger". My energy level is pretty good. I don't feel terribly deprived. I weighed myself today and was pleasantly surprised to find I've already lost some weight. The usual swelling in my ankles is all but gone and I feel better in my clothes.

I do have some fears that I'm going to get really, I mean REALLY tired of eating salads. So, I've been trying to make them as appetizing as I can within the constraints of the extreme limitations of the "6 week plan" during which you are living the utmost strictness of the recommendations. Salads without dressing are a little tough to choke down at first, but I'm finding I kind of like it with lemon juice and herbs.

Bottom line: I need a support community that understands this plan. One where I can be held accountable. Any takers out there?

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Comment by Paula on July 6, 2012 at 8:37pm: I am sorry that you felt "attacked" as that was not my intention. As a vegetarian that leans toward vegan, it can be tough. There is plenty of ridicule for someone who doesn't eat meat and often I do defend my diet, but not everyone can eat this way. Even Dr Fuhrman admits it in the book. I do feel better on a low fat/vegetarian diet than any other. I think you'll find tons of support here and there are great places all over the internet for recipe ideas & support. Even Dr Fuhrman has a great website. www.drfuhrman.com/

I hope to see you on here and sharing experience and recipes with us.

Comment by Cindy on July 6, 2012 at 10:34pm: I also hope that you continue to blog here at BTL as it is a super place for support and encouragement! In your original blog it just sounded like you felt you would eventually get tired of salads and I don't think any diet should be that restrictive, whether it be for 2 weeks, 2 months or whatever. It doesn't change our biology permanently. Temporarily, maybe, but definitely not permanently. I see the issue in a similar light with alcohol. Years ago I cut out alcohol of my diet completely for 2 1/2 years. I did fine without it. I usually didn't crave it and I felt much better without it. However, as soon as I had a random 'oh I can deal with it' glass of wine, I quickly fell right back into the same drinking habits as before. Now I just try really hard to keep things in check but have given up on the days of very restrictive eating for these reasons. I agree with your point that this guy's diet is along the same lines of Atkins, South Beach, Paleo, etc. which is why I won't do those either. I desperately want to eat a mostly healthy diet of a good variety of quality tasting food. I don't want to feel hungry or deprived but occasionally I do.

I totally understand about having an unsupportive spouse. This is why I came to BTL! I hope you can appreciate that everyone here wants to be supportive but sometimes that means an opinion that other may not agree with - which is perfectly fine.

Comment by Dawn E on July 8, 2012 at 9:04am: Thanks Paula and Cindy. After the response, I've had 2nd thoughts and do intend to keep coming here to BTL. Initially, I felt a bit judged for my choices and some of the comments led me to believe the early commenters were in essence expecting me to fail. From what I'm finding, I may have to grow thicker skin about being questioned and judged although, it's tough already when you're dealing with a non-supportive spouse who gets sarcastic about your attempts or shoves food in your face.

My lifetime journey of weight loss attempts, weight loss gimmicks, supplements, diet pills, etc could fill volumes. I even tried lap band surgery for which I did lose weight but ultimately had to have the band out because it caused so many quality of life issues for me. Would you believe that I had to sleep sitting up-right for more than a year?!

I've read countless books, sought more advice from people I admire for their health, and Dr. Fuhrman's book (while admittedly restrictive) seemed to make the most sense to me and was something I thought I could llive with in the long run. This was not an easy decision and not one made lightly. The first 6 weeks IS a challenge and I stated the things about the salads because I know I have to find other recipes because I don't think I'm going to be able to live primarily on salads for long. I've already figured that part out although all testimonials insist that after the initial period your tastes change and even consideration of going back to the way you ate before seems ludicrous.

So far, I've been losing about a pound a day. I don't expect that kind of weight loss forever, but I feel really good. The first couple of days I had a few moments where I knew my body was adjusting to this. It's hard to explain exactly how I felt: not dizzy, not weak, just different. The 2nd day was the hardest. I was watching TV with my son and it seemed like every commercial was rich, greasy or sweet food. I had to cover my eyes!

So, here I am on Day 7 and despite the pan of brownies on the stove, I have no desire to eat them. 5 weeks go to and I have to find a happy medium in this eating plan. I'll be searching for some recipes in the mean time.