Another September, Another Diet.

 1)

Every September, Phil and I try to clean up our diet.  Partly that's because summertime involves a lot of get-togethers and vacations and ice cream.  Partly it's because we start having to dress in work clothes again, and it's crazy how everything shrunk while hanging in our closet.  But mostly it's because we both have our annual physical in October and the numbers don't lie.  I have high cholesterol and am pre-diabetic, so while I normally live a very active and healthy lifestyle, getting my blood work done every October lights a fire under my behind to drop some pounds and help those numbers.  It's like being a good student all year, but then staying up all night cramming for the test.  Is it necessary?  Probably not, but the thought of getting even one extra right answer makes it worth it.

2)

In the past, we have done Weight Watchers, a Whole30, the Keto diet, the Zero Belly Diet, the Abs Diet, and used the LoseIt app to have a calorie deficit.  The diet choice of 2020 for us is...drumroll please...

Intermittent Fasting plus Keto

After reading this book, and studying the science behind fasting (the Catholic church had this figured out long ago!) I really buy into this approach.  We are eating in a 6-8 hour window right now, and only eating keto-approved foods during that time.  Once we get down to a healthy weight that we want to maintain, we will continue fasting but stop keto and eat more varied foods.  I can't wait for that part to get here!  Fasting for me (skipping breakfast and all snacks) isn't very hard, but eating keto is a joy killer.

3)

Dieting always starts out so strong.  Methinks, no meknows, it's due to the pre-diet binging we do in the week leading up to September 1.  We treat each opportunity to eat as if it might be the last time we will ever taste pizza again.  So we basically pack on a few pounds, feel disgusted with our choices, and then look forward to making better ones.  The extra pounds provide the fuel needed to get through those first few days.  That first week of dieting also provides a huge reward on the scale, which makes all the self-control seem worth it.

4)

But then come the next weeks, where hunger increases and the will to live decreases.  Constant conversation topics include: 

Why Are We Doing This?

 Everything Tastes Better Than Being Skinny Feels

 How Could I Possibly Be Gaining Weight Eating Like This?

 What Are We Going to Eat for Our Treat Meal?

 You Like Me Chubby, Right?

I Wish I Lived Back in Rennaissance Times

 If We Weigh In On Friday Morning Instead of Saturday Morning, Then Maybe We Can Have Pizza on Friday Night?

  It seems like at this point, we have forgotten how to converse about any topic sans diet and exercise.

5)

I grow to hate being around myself on a diet.  A reduction in food quantity and certain foods being off-limits makes a person cranky.  I have found myself just wanting to go to bed early to let the sweet relief of sleep come and end a miserable day.  I also get really jealous and judgemental watching everybody else eat.  I want to ask people if they've heard of Intermittent Fasting, or if they have tried to eat less sugar/carbs to lose weight.  I even tend to take treats out of the house and stop baking while dieting, so I don't have to see my kids indulging in forbidden foods too often.  Sugar is the silent killer, kids!  We don't want to socialize or go out because what.is.the.point?

6)

Some things I've learned along the way of this September diet...

* Being hungry doesn't mean you have to eat, the feeling will pass, and your body will eat itself.

* I love to flavor my water with this and drink this spicy tea whenever I want to eat in between meals.

* These shakes are delicious, keto-approved, and easy to grab.

* These protein chips are magically delicious

* My workout routines don't have to change while I'm fasting, I can still get through them just fine.

* Fasting is easier than I thought it would be.  Honestly.

* I need a weekly Treat Meal (not calling it a cheat meal) to look forward to.

7)

And now for the part you've all been waiting for.  How much weight have we lost so far?  Well, I've lost 7.5 pounds and Phil has lost 15 pounds so if you see a news story about a hungry wife who attempted murder on her husband because he loses weight twice as fast as her, you'll know it's me.  Please send bail money.  And pizza.  Those orange jumpsuits are very forgiving ;)

Have a wonderful, treat meal, football watching fall weekend everybody!