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| 25 Dec 2013 |
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| 20 Dec 2014 |
Previous post on weight & health: Cutting carbs like my life depends on it, part 2
So last September, I started reducing sugar and starches because my blood work showed high blood sugar. Then in November, I completely cut out all sugar, grains, dairy, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods because of horrific menstrual cramps. Between 24 November and 24 December 2014, I exclusively ate meat, chicken, fish, eggs, vegetables, avocados, nuts and beans. Contrary to the still popular belief that the way to lose weight and improve health is to count calories and reduce fat intake, I didn’t count calories and ate fatty cuts of meat and plenty of butter, eggs, avocados, nuts and coconut oil (lots of coconut oil).
In early December new blood work showed that I’d improved my numbers! I was happy to learn that I’d lowered my fasting blood sugar level, and by Christmas I’d even lost some weight. I have better energy, digestion and moods. No one can tell me that cutting down on fat and animal foods is my path to health. My path to health includes dead animals and lots of oils and fats.
Exercise is also supposed to be necessary for weight loss, but even though I’ve tried to get myself to exercise, I didn’t manage much more than a few yoga stretches a few days a week. Burning calories hasn’t been part of my transformation, yet I still took three inches off my waistline. But exercise IS a huge part of physical and mental health. I’ve got to get myself in gear because physical movement is critical for brain function, good hormonal levels and healthy organs; it just isn’t part of losing weight.
Some backstory:
It was October 2012 when I began my weight gain. From 2012 to 2013 I put 50 pounds on my 5’2″ body, until I weighed 180 pounds at my mother’s funeral in June 2013. Early details of my adventure going from a size 8 gym rat to a size 18 non-exerciser are here, here and here. For the whole story, also see:
- How to Be Overweight
- Gaining 25 Pounds in Three Months
- Fatness Equals Happiness?
- This Was Written By a Man?
- Loving Myself with Food
- Pants
Today as I was toweling off my arms after a shower, I saw the definition of my biceps for the first time in two years. Recently my collar bones have started to emerge. As a sculptor carves away the marble that isn’t part of the statue, I’m discarding the parts that aren’t really me. I’m getting back to my natural weight. I’m getting my real body back and I’m very excited about it! (If you’ve read this post, please also read this post.)
Next post on weight & health: Healthy practices – don’t fight yourself