Week 8 – The end…

By. Dr. Mark Richards

Well I have been looking forward to this for a long time now, the end of this diet that is. Its a much different feeling than the first time through, even though this time wasn’t nearly as successful with staying strict, as I’ve mentioned before It has shown me that I can “cheat” and stay on this path. Which if you remember from before, was a big fear of mine coming off the diet the first time. I was very anxious about eating pizza again, and then just falling back into a downward spiral, completely out of control. Last time I had a week off, and then this straight 60 started up again, so I knew I’d be fine. This time, no straight 60 (that I’m aware of) in the near future. But I’m not scared or anxious this time. I know that I can keep myself in control with my food, while having a treat now and then. I can even lose weight eating this way (granted its much slower than if I were being strict). So I am looking forward to not having strict rules that I am suppose to be following.

Instead, I will now be able to choose to eat healthy and avoid certain foods on my own. Don’t get me wrong, I loved doing this with the group and having that support and sense of accountability. Its like breaking an addiction, accountability and help from others are pretty much necessities. Now, having the confidence and the knowledge to go out on my own is a good feeling. I didn’t get that from the first straight 60, so if you are doing it with us and don’t feel that way yet, don’t be discouraged. You may need to stay strict longer, or be sure to follow the graduation plan carefully.

This experience has really been great. Getting healthy, losing weight, and building strength are obviously great outcomes. Its been more than that though. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself. Being able to conquer this food/sugar addiction makes you feel extremely empowered to accomplish so much more.

I didn’t reach my goal of under 200 lbs. for this straight 60, that’s somewhat disappointing but like I said in my last post, there’s too much to be happy about to let that get to me. I know I’ll be there soon. Maybe tomorrow. This morning I was 202 lbs. again. So that’s a total lost of  about 35 lbs (still kicking myself for not getting my starting weight, I did it after the 2nd day in, so I’m guessing it was 237). Anyway, what’s my plan from hear on? I like the idea of the graduation plan Dr. Eric has made. Not a whole lot will change for me, I’ve found a lot of good foods that I enjoy eating for my breakfasts and lunches that fit the diet. Dinner is really the meal where I may have something not approved but that would only be a few days out of the week. I’ve realized my meals don’t all need to be a huge production, a salad will do most nights. I am looking forward to fruit again. I am really looking forward to making some homemade pizza, and experimenting with new crust recipes that are part wheat/almond/coconut flour. My goal, for now is still to drop below 200 lbs. Then, during the holiday season ahead of us, stay below 200 lbs. Then once January hits I plan to get back to dropping weight. How strict I plan on going with avoiding sugars then, I haven’t decided yet. Make sure you have a plan for coming off this diet.

Thanks for reading.

-Dr. Mark