Editor’s Note: Interested in free weekly updates from Northern Michigan? Sign up for the UP NORTH VOICE MAIL
By Joel Vernier
About three years ago, I was napping in my “Comfy Chair.” As I woke up, I got out of my sitting position and noticed it took a little more effort than it should. A thought flew into my head that maybe I needed to lose weight, maybe I needed to go on a diet!
The word comes from the Greek diata (way of life or regimen) via Latin and Old French. Originally, it meant “manner of living,” but it later narrowed mostly to food intake. Verb Form: To diet=to restrict food intake, usually to lose weight! How many people in the United States go on a diet any given year? CDC data suggests nearly half of adults try to lose weight about 120 million a year! The success rate is only around 5% stick with their diet!
There are hundreds of diets people can try, but about a dozen major categories: Mediterranean, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, intermittent fasting, DASH, Whole30, gluten-free, liquid, and carnivore! I have tried several, with some success, and then, of course, the “YO-YO” dieting effect: loss, gain back more, then loss, gain back more! I have concluded that diets do not work, but lifestyle changes can work!
I had just about given up, then I prayed to God to put me on a path to get healthy, without dieting. A big ask considering I’m a type 2 diabetic, with a weight problem since childhood! Over the next few weeks, thoughts began to pop into my head that led me to a new way of eating, but not dieting. A blend of KETO or Low-Carb, no sugar, higher protein way of living with daily walking goals that range from a minimum of 7,000 steps to above 10,000 steps a day! That’s it! Simple!
I limited myself to one low-carb bread slice or a tortilla a day for the first 2 years, then moved to a twice-a-day allowance, with periodic increases. I begin each day with a vanilla protein drink, 1 spoonful of Cacao powder, a tablespoon of mushroom coffee, a spoonful of peanut butter powder, mixed with my regular coffee, blended with a hand blender. Later, I may eat a hard-boiled egg, a handful of mixed nuts, or an omelet, no bread. Light lunch: a salad with olive- or avocado-oil-based dressing. Alternatives include a low-carb wrap sandwich. Dinner varies with vegetables, protein, fruit for dessert, strawberries, and blueberries. Staying away from fast food, processed foods, and sugar-based treats (cookies, cake, ice cream, etc.) is required.
I had a couple of months of carb cravings, which I curbed with a Stevia drink. Today, 3 years later, I do not have normal cravings. I even have protein pancakes once or twice a month with sugar-free maple syrup.
For the first time in my life, I can go shopping for shirts, shorts, and pants on the medium rack! Blood pressure in control, sugar in control, and I have boundless energy! I’m not suggesting that this will work for everyone, but thanks to God, it has worked for me. To find what works for you, do not go on a diet! I recommend that you find a new lifestyle of eating where you “Eat to Live! Not Live To Eat!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others.
