misskizzy's blog

Stepping out for a brief time

susanagiddings@hotmail.com (Susan Giddings) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 11:16:24 -0500

This is really difficult. I am still reading the book. So I probably don't properly understand the program yet. I've gained weight since I started changing my diet to be in-line with what I've read.

We have out-of-town guests coming in about 10 days. I was so hoping to be selected for the study so I could quick start this weight loss but, alas, I guess I didn't meet the criteria. Wasn't chosen.

So now I'm uncomfortble in my clothes and I guess I'm going to revert to the old tried and true weight loss method which consists of calorie restriction; portion reduction and applying what I remember from Weight Watchers. None of the deadly 4 whites....white potatoes, white rice, pasta or white breads.

This hasn't gone as I'd hoped but like I said I haven't finished the book yet either. Must read more but I work full-time and my employer is requiring some "homework" right now. Plus I'm getting ready for the out-of-towner's arrival. Hard to find time to sit and read.

Guess that's why I was really hoping for the study. I really need someone to say, OK, here's what you eat, when you eat, eat this and nothing else for 7 days, OK? Now go!

My greatest success in weight loss has been when I planned my day's food events ahead of time, had it all prepared, no doubts, no questions. It really gave me what I needed to forgo temptation. Hey, I guess that's what I'll do now but you know it leaves me feeling always a little bit hungry and I was so tired of that.

But when I'm a little hungry all the time, when my portions are half what I really want, when I eat what I should but not what I want.....I'm a babe (translation: thin).

OK, this is helpful. Now I know what I have to do.

Inspired moment?

susanagiddings@hotmail.com (Susan Giddings) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:33:30 -0500

I've been working in hospitals as a registered nurse since 1984. Totally burned out. Stressed out. Looking for a change. The other day at work I asked one of our physicians, "When you have someone come into your office and you see, let's say, their blood pressure is too high and their cholesterol also is too high; you put them on medications to get these problems under control. Then, later, when their lab work is improved and things are looking better, is their anyone who takes these people aside and discusses with them lifestyle changes they can make to eventually get off of these medications?" The answer was no, there's no one.

So I'm thinking, perhaps this is my next career. Lifestyle coach! If I can learn from Dr. Hyman, integrate these teachings into my own life and then share them with others to help them restore health along with looking and feeling better, this could be a great option.

I know from experience many people just want to take the pills and forget about it. But it seems so odd to me that I admit people to the ICU who take a laundry list of medications and yet here they are being admitted because they're sick! Weren't all those pills supposed to make them well? At least, isn't what they thought?

Part of the problem is the doctor's themselves who are taught to treat people's maladies with medications and/or surgery but the other problem is the pharmaceutical companies which are huge, profit driven machines that want and need for people to get on medications and stay on them. In other words....they don't want people to learn how to get off the medications.

Well, I'm feeling kind of excited about this. I notice on the UM website there's a section for "professionals" but it only seems to address physicians. I see this as an issue that will involve all participants in the healthcare team and that would include the ones who council patients and also teach them, in their homes if necessary, how to prepare a healthful meal, what a healthy diet looks like, how to shop in the markets, etc.

hoping

susanagiddings@hotmail.com (Susan Giddings) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:23:37 -0500

Got the e-mail today looking for people to participate in the study. Oh, I hope to be selected. But even if I'm not it's OK and I'll learn from the group who is selected. This is fabulous information and I'm eternally grateful to Dr. Hyman for what he's sharing with us all.