DoingTheCaveman

Looking out from paper mountain & Why, why, why

Yay :) great to return to blogland.  After mopping up all the loose ends of moving house and the struggle to fight my way out from under paper mountain I've had a gum infection under my wisdom teeth.  This seems to happen every single time I move house and left me far too grumpy to blog -- Boohoo --  Isn't strange how stress seems to manifest itself in your mouth!!  Anyway, as things start to calm down and brain fog and grump induced by housemoving and toothache lifts justoofat has taken the pressure of a return blog topic out of my hands and laid down the challenge of listing all the reasons why we want to lose weight. 

Great timing as I'm at the gateway of a fresh start in more ways than one, albeit with a weight problem. This is a useful visualization exercise to conjure up each and every-time I pass the addictive cheesy pastries and donuts at the uni coffee shop.

So, WHY, WHY, WHY am I doing this ...  

Cosmetic and self-esteem:

1. Recognise and *connect* with the person I see in the mirror.
2. Not to be the ugly sister.
3. I used to be described as self-assured and I I no longer feel this way. Currently I even seem to have developed a minor stutter. Despite weight-loss confidence is at an all time low.
4. To shop in 'normal' places and not pay a premium for over-sized clothes. Goal reached!!
5. Have a tiny waist and one chin again.
6. To melt into a crowd and to take up less space.
7. Wear a swimsuit on a beach and feel comfortable.

Health

1. To wave off the diabetes and alleviate the symptoms of PCOS (as far as is possible). This is a goal where I feel is I am well on the way!
2. Not to have knee pain.
3. Visit the doctor and be confident in the knowledge that he/she will investigate any problem appropriately, in the same way that would investigate the same problem presented by someone of a normal weight.

Fitness & incentives:

1. Rain-forest canopy and zip-line trip. This is the kind of activity that inspires me to lose weight.
2. Tennis, yeah I'd like to return to playing tennis. Actually if I lost weight I'd like to beat my mum who at 62 is still an awesome tennis player.
3. Major one - go skiing again. Perhaps have a go at snowboarding as this hadn't been invented the last time I was able to ski.
4. Canoe in rapids.
5. Go hiking in the Alps and not worry about slowing down the group.
6. Try surfing or at least go on one of those banana rides!!!

Finally a secret reason I'll let you in on another time, maybe.

Although I'll proably think of loads more once I post this to sum it  up I want to feel healthy, fit, agile, nimble again, and not to be the ugly sister!

 

 Don't worry i will survive, sis pic used with permission!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

RAW at the Earthship

Can you take me to the Earthship? 

Yes the driver did do a double take when I stepped into his taxi and gave this instruction on Saturday.

Time to come out. 

If you didn't realise my post last week nature is bountiful post was related to raw foodism and the fact that it has over the last 6 months become a significant element of my own paleo diet.

Indeed, it's becoming a dilemma as to which direction I'm ultimately going to take myself since, generally, those practising raw foodism tend to be raw vegans/vegetarians, whereas 'the paleo diet' has its obvious meat content.  There is, however, quite a bit of crossover such as foraging, not eating man made foods and, whilst foods on the 'paleo' menu food can be cooked, anything consumed should be edible even when raw.  So, you can see how surfing the web led me to the delights of raw foodism, and it was hard for me to ignore. 

The discovery excited me with its plethora of raw food recipes that take you out of the little cooked food box eg. how to make a cake without butter, sugar dairy or flour.

Although often viewed as quite an extreme and alternative lifestyle raw foodism, for me, is another cuisine, like French, Italian or Chinese.  Simply another way to manipulate food and extension to my diet of natural foods. 

A bonus for me is that living near Brighton, which has been the stomping ground for most of my life, I'm actually near the City which has been adopted as the raw food capital of the UK, and I didn't know.

So anyway to take my raw food 'uncooking' to the next level I'd booked up for a raw workshop to be held on Saturday which was unfortunately cancelled a couple of days before the event.  A little deflated, my motivation flagging and needing a boost I researched and quickly  found another workshop and was fortunate to book into it at the last minute.  This was led by one of the leading UK raw food promoters Jess Michael, and held at the exciting venue 'the Earthship'.

What an inspiring day in a fantastic setting with an absolutely delicious meal and tasters, expertly demonstrated by Jess.  Jess was vibrant and simply radiated good health.  Interesting to note that she'd originally come to raw foodism through illness, you certainly wouldn't know that now.

I walked up to the venue with a lady who's been practising raw foodism for a couple of years now.  She told me that her mother had been morbidly obese for most of her life but had been juice feasting since January and had lost 6 stone. The raw food fast and feasting reportedly can really speed up weight loss. My experience over the last few months is that when I've been predominently raw my weight loss has stopped and stabilised, although I may have been going about aspects the wrong way.  However, when I've been doing 'strict caveman' I've lost weight has returned, probably through the ketosis.  My taste preferences though I must admit are veg/raw.  I am convinced about the benefits of enzymes and vitamins by eating predominently raw, however I have been for a long time convinced about the protein/fat element in my paleo diet.

So where am I going with raw/paleo now. I'm not sure at this moment in time.   When did man discover fire?

As I travelled home a very young lamb was dashing across the field and I looked at his little face and thought to myself I don't think I can eat you anymore.

No decision to be made quite yet but raw food is here to stay.

I guess I still need a little practice with my photography skills!

Food intolerances

I think I'm starting to reign myself in after a couple of weeks of slipsliding.  As my weight had been so static I'd cut back and kept even my paleo nibbles out of arms reach.  A  mistake, as for almost a year now I haven't really suffered cravings or bad eating behaviour and, even though they're slowing my loss, I'd rather have the benefits of the nutrients they provide.  Without having my dates and nuts to hand, and still being in the holiday mood I'd made a few concessions to non-paleo foods and the cravings were snowballing.  There'd been some social visits to the coffee shop at work and over 2 days I'd indulged in an apricot dannish and a couple of lattes and crisps. 

Anyway, after a year without milk I'm really starting to question whether I do actually have an intolerance to milk.  As usual it affected my scalp and forehead; my forehead and scalp became itchy, inflammed and red.  Not only this but the skin literally started to peel off, was weepy and sore and for a day I suffered an embarrasing case of severe dandruff.  Pre-caveman this was a chronic problem but had completely cleared up once I'd cleaned up my diet. I  had the latte on Tuesday and it was Tuesday night and Wednesday that the problem flared up and cleared up as I re-established control.

I'm treating this last couple of weeks as a lesson learnt and know that if the willpower slips then my body will as usual be quick to complain.

Why I started on Man's first diet

It's been bought to my attention that new visitors may be completely bemused as to quite what's involved in the Caveman diet, so this post is just the story about why it's my diet choice.

I'm your usual dieting veteran, I've re-joined WW more times than I have fingers (& toes), Slimming world, Very Low Calorie Liquid Diet (medically monitored 400 cals a day); the Cabbage Soup Diet; The Grapefruit and Egg diet; Hay Diet; Atkins and the Greek diet.  BTW I love the Greek/Mediterranean diet (for taste and healthiness), but I didn't lose weight.  Finally, at the beginning of last year I finally went on a medically monitored weight loss diet, with the institution of this both my weight and diabetic control rocketed out of control.

Since I was gradully ticking through a list of weight related medical problems it looked like the next on the list were the biggies, it definitely was time to re-evaluate.

After all the above diet failures I instinctively didn't feel that paying out for another mainstream diet (ones that I'd already repeatedly failed before) was not going to be the answer, for me.  Then I had the most awful and patronizing doctor's appointment, one that left me in tears (I DON'T BELIEVE YOU DIET, YOU'RE GREEDY AND YOU EAT TOO MUCH - yes he did say that to me). The bottom line was, you need to lose weight otherwise you will be starting insulin, and soon .  So, if you know anything about diabetes and you're overweight that's very bad news - insulin will make you gain weight. 

I was an emotional wreck that week.  On the Friday before my grandmother (who had been suffering for a long time) fell ill and they said she wouldn't last the w/e,  Sunday was my birthday and obviously didn't want it to happen that day, Tuesday was the hospital appointment and my grandmother died that Friday.

BUT, that week was also the turning point.  An article was published, a diabetic study on the benefits of Caveman diet. It compared a group on the Caveman diet and a group on the Mediterranean diet.  At the end of the study the blood sugar of those on the Caveman diet had dropped significantly compared to those on the Mediterranean diet.  Secondary to that, the group on the Caveman diet also lost a significant amount of weight. 

When I chose to go onto this diet it as much for getting a grip on the blood sugar issues as it was about weight. 

There was also an element of distrust, I mean I've followed all the prescribed diets, trusted the packaging, counted the calories, taken every bit of advice I could, but for my efforts I simply got fatter and fatter and fatter......

*Light-bulb moment* I was simply expecting too much from my body and it obviously wasn't coping.  I believe I had a false sense of the quantities I should be eating, and additionally I wasn't in control of what I was eating; much of it was canteen, packaged or ready made, or if it had a low calorie count that was good enough for me.  So I concluded that if I took all the extras out the equation (all the man made foods) my body would have the opportunity to be able to work in the way it was designed. 

Why should I expect my body to understand and process foods that aren't natural?  It was time for me to get back into the driving seat take back control of everything I ate.

'A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession and learn how to treat his illnesses by his own judgment.  Hippocrates

Anyway that's just my little story as to how I've arrived at this lifestyle change.  It may some appear to be a faddy diet but I've read around it and started to follow it after a great deal of consideration. I've experienced a lot of physical changes not just to the diabetes, but also to my gums, my blood pressure, my gums. Heck, even my fat has changed (ie where's the cellulite gone).  It feels right and sustainable (for me) but it has entailed lifestyle changes that may not suit everyone.  It's working for me and I believe it's the healthiest choice for me.

I've gabbed on for far too long now so I'm going to have to save exactly what the diet entails to a future entry, for anyone who's interest a past entry regarding the rules is posted here.

Goodbye Brighton

Firstly I'd like wish anyone passing by best wishes and your very good health for 2008.

This year I resolve not to make any New Year Resolutions.  Voila, nothing to fail. Although, 2008 is going to signify quite a complete lifestyle overhaul that will help my weight loss endeavor.

When you examine your life there comes a time when you may have to admit when you're simply not happy.  I've been thinking about where I am for some time, what I'm achieving (or rather not achieving) and there are areas that need refinement. Now it's time to take action.  Some of those things I won't bore you with right now, what  I'm concentrating on is work and location. 

It's scary as generally things are OK and you could just plod on; I love my job, and I live in a beautiful corner of England (South Coast of England, nr Brighton) and although beautiful it is probably one of the most expensive places in the UK to live.  It's great to be so convenient to be near London - that is - if you need to be and I don't!  Local salaries do not support the cost of living here, so I'M OFF (fingers crossed). 

What's wrong:  I guess the usual stresses - a long, long commute, or camping out during the week, full time job and additional self-employed work most evenings.  This time poverty is my biggest gripe, as I'm sure anyone reading this can relate to. 

TIME POVERTY = STRESS. 

STRESS = CORTISOL = FAT.

Addressing the issue of being time poor can only benefit my weight loss - more time for exercise, be with friends and family, plan meals and eat correctly! 

The solution: Perfectly timed for the New Year last week I was very pleased  to accept an offer on my home.  The plan is to swap the pebbly beaches of the South Coast with the equally beautiful dramatic coastline (and sandy beaches) of North Devon in the not too distant future.   It's still not the cheapest place to swap to but I have family there and can hopefully move on from apartment living and have an outside space of my very own (my green fingers are itching to go).  Once I find a new home there the huge change will be eventually leaving the job that I enjoy, with its security and the camaraderie of a great team. 

Realistically I'm going to be homeless for a while (experience has taught me how difficult it is to search for the right place from a distance), and it may take the rest of the year to complete the move.  The biggest change when I do eventually move will be working alone from home (and this does worry me slightly) but the payoff will be that I'll be able to work my own hours, take advantage of the daylight hours to get out and about, perhaps even learn to surf:) Oh don't laugh... oh well, I guess you may be right , I may be getting ahead of myself there!.   

Well it's not quite goodbye Brighton yet as unfortunately in the England until exchange of contracts nothings certain, but I'm hopeful.  It is really exciting to be able to start 2008 with the prospect of a positive new start.  To keep the weight off one needs to have a lifestyle that supports it. 

Finally some shopping

As of yesterday I'm on my Christmas break and don't have to return until 7th January - YIPPEE.   By becoming Miss Antisocial  I've managed to get through the last couple of weeks with my diet unscathed. For me the this year the strategy I'm taking is avoidance - I want to step positively into 2008 without regret. 

Over the the last few weeks I've had some further comments about my weight loss - that I'm starting to look like 'me' again, and my face is leaner. 

Personally I feel that quite a bit of weight has gone from my back and shoulders. I have also starting to notice that my curves are reappearing.  So, although I'd decided to try and make do with my clothes until I'd lost a more weight necessity forced me to shop for some jeans today, only to find that I haven't dropped just one dress size but several.  Previously I was forced to wear 24/26 (UK) and sometimes even a 28.  Today however I was able to purchase jeans at 18/20.  They're still not the best fit, but this time it's not that they're too tight.  Instead I had to compromise with too much material in the legs for a snug fit at the waist.

Given today's changing sizes I've taken my measurements - shame I didn't do this from the start! Actually my waist measurement was done at the doctors Jan07 and it was 46 inches.   Today's measurements:

Waist 40",  hips 48", back 38", thigh 24", calf 17"

I'm thrilled there's nothing that makes a woman happier than a decreasing dress size!!

POP!

It's a terribly silly thing to do, going out without having breakfast.  Anyway this is what I did this morning as I set of to buy a blender with the intention of experimenting and making up some almond milk.  I guessed I'd take some exercise with it so walked up to the supermarket along the seafront, which is about 2 1/2 miles each way.  

So well intentioned I bought my new toy plus, you know, nice healthy things - pinapple, raw almonds, flax seeds and .... err, umm, whoops, stopped in Kentucky Fried Chicken on my way back.  Unplanned I spontaneously purchased small fries, small 7-up and a variety meal (3 pieces of chicken, 2 hot wings). 

I guiltly started to consume and really wasn't enjoying, but surpsise having not drunk anything carbonated for 3 months a few gulps of this, a few fries and a small chicken wing and I felt full enough to burst.  It seems, finally, I have recovered the sensation of fullness and was able to STOP.

Problem is I now have 3 tempting pieces of chicken sitting in my fridge, which I do have an issue with discarding, some poor chicken having died to provide my drumsticks!

You'll like it when you grow up

I was thinking about my previous post and remembered that as a child my food preferences were quite refined.    There were some things I would not eat, but they were not what you might think.  My mother loves to remind me how I used to cry for cucumber.  Yes of course I liked sweets, but I refused shop bought cakes or biscuits because of the artifical flavour, and pastry simply made me sick (this is may have been because my sister once put salt dough in the oven when I was poorly and the smell of pastry subsequently gave me a sickness association).  I liked fish as a young child, but am now almost phobic eating it unless it's cod and battered.  Unusually, for a child I also with a passion absolutely hated ICECREAM!

I liked what was good as a child and boycotted artifical foods.  Strangely, somewhere along the line I re-educated myself to like what was bad - whatever happened when I grew up!

Two simple words

By embarking on the Caveman diet, which I guess some may consider quite extreme or faddy, I've been exploring my feelings about food and its relationship to good health.  Leading to the realisation that possibly I was in some sort of denial about diabetes and it's time to accept that this diet is no short term measure. This time, however, I have the confidence that this is a diet that will work.  It's diet that feels natural rather than extreme and cutting out temptation has slit the throat of my inner little devil.   The Caveman diet has stopped the cravings PERIOD.

I have to admit it - I have always had a healthy appetite, and have sometimes satisfied it with the wrong types of food.  But we're surrounded by an overwhelming amount of choice and some, like myself, want to try it all. Hence, every time I spied a new product I'd have to try it.  Problem is the flow of these products is never ending and the extra calories start to mount up.  Then once we're hooked we're reeled in by the food industry, along with its food technicians who are employed with the purpose of creating ever more choice and indulgences.

The Caveman diet is contrary to most of the diets I've followed.  This is because it's restrictive and limits choice.  You do have to re-educate your taste in order to enjoy healthier food, however it's satisfying and far from tasteless. 

A major bonus is that being man's first diet the Caveman diet is not commercialised.  I believe that too much choice is where many other diets help us to fail.  Hence, I'm finding that limiting choice is a comfort.

Choice is taken to extremes by the diet industry.  If you've ever been to a diet club you will know how many diet products are promoted.   The diet industry simply reproduces a style of eating that we have become accustomed; it supplies foods that are similar to what we were previously eating, and (hooray) you can eat in almost unlimited quantities and they won't make you fat. Ha, if only!  I shouldn't forget to mention that with these miracle products up goes the price alongside the chemical content.

So now we have the low fat foods, low sugar foods and even the low carb diet industry gets in on the act.  We can reproduce the foods once enjoyed rather than tackling the fundamental problem - eating habits.  After all, if all else fails you can control your sugar with insulin or opt for gastric banding.

STOP and remember those two little words - 'No thanks' with practice they become much easier to say.

Something I've learned so far on the Caveman diet is that, if you can change you mindset, you will stop missing the foods you can't have and start to enjoy what you can. Re-educating taste to enjoy the simplicity and savour the flavour. Along the way is the loss of guilt feelings associated with food in the knowledge that everything consumed is nourishment.

I've certainly felt a loss of control along with my increasing waistline, which I'm sure other overweight people can relate to.  Now I'm starting to feel that I'm back in control.  I do think it's true that our taste buds have actually been re-trained by Cooperations who care very little for the few that end up with serious health problems, after all once we've been fattened up they have plenty of products to help us lose weight again.

Whoops, I'm starting to sound like a food nutter, I assure you I'm not, but I am enthused and relishing the sense of regaining control.

The point of this little rant is that at the end of the day if we should be enjoying a good quality of life and it does not need to revolve around food.  We should after all be eating to live NOT living to eat. 

The Caveman diet requires a change of attitude and acknowledgment of the serious consequences of overindulgence, a submission if you like, that this is a way of eating for life.  Returning to old eating habits after weight loss would mean a return to old habits and consequent weight gain.

Better fruit n veg please

Fruit and vegetables in the UK don't taste as good as they should.  In fact unless you buy organic, tomatoes in my opinion taste like fish.  I don't mean that I have never acquired a taste for fruit and vegetables, but I have grown up with organic vegetables and travelled enough to know the flavour that we should enjoy!

In the UK we have a reputation of eating absolutely anything. This is exploited in the supermarkets by providing inferior foods that our European neighbours wouldn't dream of consuming.  Even if you are opting for healthier foods they are half as good as the products available on the Continent.  I have it on good authority from Continental friends that even the better quality nuts sold here are often quite stale. 

The French Market came to town yesterday and the peaches I purchased there were half to triple the size of the peaches usually available, and so full of flavour!  So why, if they can be bought over for one day, aren't we enjoying this produce on a day-to-day basis?  Is it that the British just aren't fussy enough, or too passive so we live up to the reputation of eating anything.  It's little wonder that many in the UK don't acquire a taste for fruit and vegetables since what's currently provided in supermarkets doesn't represent the best in the taste.