Yesterday morning I got a text message from Ann asking if I were going to be in town that day, and if so, could I stop by her and her husband's store in the mall and pick up something. When I got there after my class in the evening, I almost dipped into the Borders book store which is right next to their shop to get the new South Beach book. I had planned to get it earlier in the day at Barnes & Noble, but when I arrived at that store it was much too busy for the time I had available before class, so I decided to hold off.
So now I was walking past Borders and had a thought to go in, but said to myself, "No, let's go pick up this mysterious thing from Ann first."
I walked in the store and told the people behind the counter what I was there for, and they handed me a beautifully wrapped package that looked suspiciously like a book. "Hm," I said to them, "I guess I'd better open this before I go to the bookstore, eh?"
Ayup.
Ann and I had been in touch over the past few days when she read in Facebook that I was doing the South Beach diet. She has had wonderful success with it, and was able to direct me to some recipes and helpful tips online.
THANK YOU, ANN! I wish I'd tried this diet two years ago. I have been struggling to lose 10-15 pounds and nothing else has budged it, in spite of my most sincere efforts. I've tried calorie-counting, I've tried increasing protein and reducing carbs (but clearly not enough), I've tried The Zone. I thought I was doomed to accept this new, heavier version of me.
Now, as of yesterday morning I had lost six pounds in four days. SIX POUNDS IN FOUR DAYS!!!! Some people will undoubtedly get all up in arms about "crash dieting," etc., but I gotta tell you, if you don't see some real results, it is damn hard to stay focused. These quick results, all while I'm feeling full and satisfied, (albeit wishing I could have some dried fruit or a big fat chocolate cake -- I AM human, ya know!) give me the boost I need to keep it up hopefully till I meet my goal, and sooner rather than later.
Anyway.... 'nuff said. Thank you again for the book and the encouragement, Ann!
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As I was writing this post and looking at these photos, I remembered a gift that I received -- OMG -- 15 years ago. (How can that be?)
I went down to my kitchen to pull it out:
I'm laughing myself silly at the similarities (and yet stark differences) in the inscription, and even the handwriting. This was a Christmas gift from my dear friend Andrew in London. I was 20 pounds lighter in those days, and the word "diet" was not really in my lexicon -- however, I was always concerned about healthy habits -- eating and exercise -- which the British thought made me slightly wacky. All except Andrew. He and I were gym buddies, but at the same time, also pudding buddies. We'd get together on a Friday evening after we had gone to the gym and make rich steamed English puddings together, then sit on the couch with two spoons and eat the entire thing while watching the telly. I've made many a Delia Smith Christmas pudding from this book in the intervening years, too.
But I won't be doing that for a while now. I've got a date with a camera coming up soon, and I'd just as soon not share it with this extra tonnage, thank you very much.
Yay, results!
Posted by: Sarah | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 02:25 AM
Good for you, Norma!
Posted by: Kym | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:36 AM
I'll keep you honest tonight when we get together :>) You can look at the desserts in the showcase but not touch and not bring any home on the pretense that it is for David...lol.
Posted by: Joansie | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:56 AM
You do seem to have bracketed the extremes with those two cookbooks.
True happiness lies somewhere in between.
Posted by: gayle | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 08:18 AM
YAY - Good for you! I'm proud of you. :)
Posted by: Anne | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 08:20 AM
Good for you!! I'm with you in needing to see results. I've been getting up early every morning and doing Jillian Michaels 30 day shred while back to my WW eating habits (not counting, I know, I know). My weight was not budging, though I could feel the muscles building. I'm shooting for 10 lbs in 10 weeks. I'm not seeing the "shred" yet, but stepped on the scale this morning and am losing. Pretty much on track now. Makes it much easier not to wallow in food because it's soooo hard!
Posted by: Mary Fran | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 08:45 AM
A date with a camera is good motivation. The So. Beach Diet is hard for the first couple of weeks but then the rules relax and it's not too hard. I wish there was a diet opposite of SB that would work for me (not one pound as yet). I am back at the gym, however so maybe I'll build some muscle mass. Keep up the good work, friend!!
Posted by: margene | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 10:20 AM
I love it!
Posted by: Cookie | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:48 AM
You *can* do it! You're tough... And congrats on the 6lbs!!!
Posted by: Elaine | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 12:43 PM
You are having tremendous success. I have about 7 pounds to go myself, so I will be cheering you on!
Posted by: Seanna Lea | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 02:45 PM
OMG... that's my bible for making Christmas Dinner, every year I pull it out. This year I made her homemade mincemeat and then made the Quick Mincemeat Christmas Cake... I think next year I won't rush I'll make a proper fruit cake.
I love the section that tells you all the timings....
The World is such a small place, I am pondering finding out about this SB diet.. I am struggling to stick to anything right now...
Posted by: noonie | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 04:06 PM
well good do you have to lose wieght
to model hands
could the camera person just air brush
away the extra pounds
good night and good luck
Posted by: elizabeth a airhart | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 06:38 PM
Yay 6 pounds! That is so cool! Congrats!
Posted by: Holly | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 08:03 PM
SB SuperCharged. sigh. gonna have to check this out for sure and YAY!!!!! for You! AND your seltzer maker :^)
Posted by: marianne | Friday, January 22, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Congrats on the 6 pounds. I made choc chip cookies last nite-caved and had 2 or was it 3...But still losing. Just need to get my lazy ass out of bed and do the treadmill. So cold, brrrrr....Can't wait to hear results.Had Scallops, sundried tomatos, mushrooms, spinach and a splash of white wine sauted for dinner. Yummy.
Posted by: Anninvermont | Friday, January 22, 2010 at 05:47 PM
You are doing so well! I have turned to the Flat Belly diet, liking the emphasis on organic foods and healthy fats, and exercise... and hoping it will budge my stubborn, misbehavin' pounds.
Posted by: Birdsong | Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 12:05 AM