Just a quick report back. As of this morning, I am 4.5kg (a fraction under 10lb) down since Christmas day. Exactly 3 weeks ago, so this loss equates to 1.5kg (just over 3lb) per week. This is very good going for me and also the maximum that is wise for someone my age or, in fact, any age!
How have I done this would be the logical next question! ..?… 
Regrettably there are no magic potions despite many assertions to the contrary. I could sum it up by advocating 1) Mindful eating; 2) Water, water everywhere; 3) A food diary.
*Mindful eating*: Being really aware of what I am putting in my mouth. Making a conscious decision to ‘cheat’ sometimes. Resisting the temptations on my dining-room table – at lunchtimes in particular. We have a business colleague (M) who shares our offices here at home. WJJ makes lunch for the three of us daily. Fortunately in summer time that usually consists of good deli meat and salads. I use a good slather (?) of my own mayo and often 1 or 2 Life Bake toasts as well. WJJ and M will often have seed or wholewheat rolls and I respect their choice.Now, if I was confronted with soft, white hotdog rolls each day I might be tempted… ! I’m really lucky that WJJ is an early riser and I mostly get a breakfast of bacon & scrambled eggs cooked in butter. The day always starts with Kronung or Nescafe coffee & Clover cream to wake me up!
*Water, water everywhere*: I have had some challenges with drinking plain water. Without a flavouring of some kind. I used Slimsy or Sweeto and I really miss them. The Banting way does not use artificial sweeteners other than xylitol, erythritol or stevia. I bought a few small appliances to keep me on track and one of them is a Sodastream machine. My drink of choice is plain soda-streamed water. Sometimes with fresh lemon slices.
*A food diary* Over many years, I have been advised by dietitians as well as my doctors to keep a food diary or food journal when on a weight loss regime. At one time, I even created an Excel workbook which enabled me to record all the Weigh-Less portions I was eating. The formulas even turned red when I went over the limit of any particular measured nutrient! Haha! I suppose I could still locate that workbook in the bowels of my PC somewhere. Banting, the RMR (Real Meal Revolution) version of LCHF eating, does not provide rigid plans and portions to be eaten. This has caused huge consternation for the “quick fix” seekers. I will go into this in future posts. Some aspects of the Banting craze in South Africa are causing me, and others, concern.
Being a number cruncher, I use digital means to record my food intake. And, believe me, it’s not half as much PT as one would imagine. I will be posting a series of “FatSecret” posts, detailing how I effortlessly incorporate a digital food diary/journal into my daily routine. Watch this space.
In a nutshell, I am trying very hard to only eat what I can measure, preferably unprocessed fresh food without packaging. Noakes advocates for this repeatedly and much of his exhortations are getting lost in the madness that is Banting/LCHF in South Africa.
Have a great day 🙂 I’ll be back! Just wanted to share a small victory along this tortuous path I am travelling.
Eileen's Odyssey 