Olive oil is that bad???

I lied. No stats today. I'm sure you are terribly sad that you won't get to read my robust measurements; but do not fret, I am eating more pie in anticipation of D(iet)-Day. In fact, I was reading and eating pie at the same time today. I'd say that is a strikingly obvious image that I indeed have food issues. So Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of Eat To Live and my new diet guru, says I cannot begin the diet until I have read the entire book; so I have been reading diligently (while eating pie, as previously mentioned). There were a few key points that stood out for me and I wanted to share them.

First, let me say that this book does not necessarily push vegan diet, as I have mentioned I will be following. It does indicate, from what I have read so far, that a primarily vegetarian diet is best; but the diet plan offers a meal plan that includes animal protein and dairy. It's up to you which path you choose to take. I'm going to use a vegetarian plan, but adapt it to a vegan plan (which the book mostly uses anyway). I have read the intro and Chapters 1 and 2 so far, and each is primarily an informational, why-this-crap-is-bad-for-you background. I was already convinced, so Dr. Fuhrman doesn't need to convince me; but I must admit, I am surprised by the information he provides. I want to share some of the "who knew?" excerpts with you:

First of all, the doc says that you shouldn't start the lifestyle plan if you aren't committed. He writes, "When you get married, does the religious figure or justice of the peace ask, 'Do you swear to give this person a try?'"(9). Preach it doc! He is so right. I am definitely the gal who is always giving it a try instead of getting it done when it comes to dieting. Screw that! I'm done with trying, so count me in.

"The 1992 Bogalusa Heart Study, which studied aoutopsies performed on children killed in accidental deaths...confirmed the existence of fatty plaques and streaks (the beginning of athersclerosis) in most children and teenagers" (19). This one breaks my heart.

A slow metabloic rate means you will age slower, which is a good (no, great) factoid. So for those of you depressed about a slow metabolic rate, know that if you get your nutrition in check, you will be skinny and young forever-- or at least until you aren't ;). To quote Dr. Fuhrman, "Those with a genetic tendency to [be] overweight may actually have the genetic potential to outlive the rest of us" (29). Heck yeah! At least we have something going for us!

Even whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread are processed/refined foods. In other words, not the best food choice (31-34). Who knew? Not me.

More fat= More insulin production= more storage of fat= more insulin= more storage of fat. Think compound interest, but with fat cells (38).

Lastly, olive oil is not the miracle fat we think it is. We get really mixed messages about healthy fats. The good doctor says that only healthy (a.k.a. not fat) people who exercise regularly should use this healthy fat. He writes, "Olive oil...can be stored on your body within minutes, without costing the body any caloric price; it is just packed away (unchanged) on the hips and waist. If we biopsied your waist fat...we could actually see where the fat came from...as it was in the original food" (40). Darn. I thought olive oil was good. I've been using it like a mad woman and now I have olive oil abs. Great.

I promise I won't use this blog to regurgitate this book, but I thought these facts were pretty darn interesting. I will continue to read, anticipating the the start of the 185 day countdown to an itty-bitty booty.

The book has arrived!

My husband came home about 5 pm this afternoon after having to drive 20 miles to the next city to get the Eat To Live book for me. He is so sweet and I am so excited! I've just started reading it, so no Ghandi-like wisdom yet, but I will share as soon as I have some.

On a more shameful note, my husband and I went out for our "last" fattening meal before the big diet. Keep in mind, we do this almost every week and never start the diet. The few times we have been successful have lasted no more than two months or so. We were so very bad with our food choices: Smoked, melted mozzarella cheese with bread, bread sticks, cheese-laced salad, chicken and gnocchi soup, and fried lasagne (yes friends, you read that correct, fried lasagne). We could barely walk when we left. We really don't eat like this regularly. We do make good choices sometimes, but these meals are happening more and more frequently.

In summary, we were bad, bad eaters tonight. But I am making a vow, for real this time damnit, to make a change! No more jiggly dairy jello for me (translated-cheese bowl)! I'll post body/ weight stats tomorrow. Ughhh. Not looking forward to that little tid bit. Here's food for thought (ba-dum-bum): This is the pic that started it all. This was about two years ago. Since this pic, I lost twenty pounds, had back surgery, and regained twenty-five pounds and probably more...I'll see tomorrow! The photographer tagged me in this photo on my facebook page and I realized how much I hated this booty shot. I've made my piece with the booty and I am ready to send it on its way...bye bye booty!

Ready to let you go Big Booty

Okay. So I here I am, 33, and I have accepted I am afflicted with a big booty. Not a naturally bodacious, embrace-your-beauty kind of booty, but the kind sculpted and grown by nurturing it with pizza, cookies, chocolate, cheese and all of the other stuff that is so easy to consume all too often. I know eating these things is not good for me. I think most of us are now aware of the SAD diet (Standard American Diet). I have loved this diet so with all of its evil little processed and oh-so-divine monsters; but, alas, I must say goodbye to its lying ways.

I have spent several years researching the best way to eat. There are so many opinions and I suppose one must find what will work best for him/her. But what I have found is that I love the idea of cleansing my chubby body and replacing it with the fruits, vegetables and whole grains this beautiful earth produces for us. I spent a year as a pescatarian (which I claimed, in denial, was a vegetarian diet). I ate seafood, dairy, and fruits and vegetable and lots of yummy processed food. Yes, BBQ chips are vegetarian and I can eat them if I want. Did I metion the denial?

So after reading many books, I have decided to go vegan. I know there are naysayers who will not agree; but, for me, I think it is the answer. For my spirit, for my body and for my booty, it is the answer to healthier, slimmer and happier days. This blog is a challenge for me. I think if I reach out to all of you in the great, big world, I will feel more compelled not to fail you. Not that you care that much about me, but I think pretending that you do will help. So I am starting with Joel Fuhrman's book, Eat To Live. In fact, my husband is en route with the book as we speak: the holy grail of small bootydom...I hope. The goal is six months of total commitment, no matter what. I will document my moans and groans, triumphs and celebrations and any other revelations here, for all the world to see (or maybe just my friends who I make subscribe to it) and if all goes well, I will acheive a smaller booty. Of course, I hope for much more than that. Enlightment, health, energy, happiness and athleticism are all in the wish box as well. I am hoping for a better me. I'll outline the details as soon as the book arrives for anyone who might want to follow along or try the challenge with me.

Wish me luck!