Okay, over the last year or so I've lost 30 pounds. For most of that time I was on and off the low glycemic way of eating. That was slow but steady and I lost weight, very slowly. I was struggling to get my blood sugar back to normal.
BUT, I've been having side effects from taking antibiotics for rosacea, which is an autoimmune disorder. Some antibiotics have the side effect of raising blood glucose levels. And that did happen to me. I didn't know it was a side effect until sometime back though. I finally learned that, and learned that some of the other health issues I've been having could also be side effects of the antibiotic.
I had to find a way to control the rosace and get off the meds. I did online research and found anti-inflammation (or anti inflammatory) approach. Keeping inflammation in the body in general is good for everyone, even people without problems.
I started the anti inflammatory way of eating. I found it so satisfying that I automatically started eating less and have lost 13 more pounds in a couple of months to add to the 17 I lost over nearly a year. This is very healthy eating, but I think losing that fast might not be good.
Anyway, I am down a total of 30 pounds. I had to really realign my thought processes and approach to food though, because there are things that are NoNos on an anti inflammatory food plan. Like potatoes. I no longer eat those. I only eat whole grain, or Ezekiel bread, and I don't over do that. I eat only healthy fats. I eat little meat, and if I do eat meat, it'll be certain fish or turkey. I think chicken is okay too, but I simply never eat chicken, ever ever, because I'm allergic to it.
Anyway, this is a fairly strict diet, believe me. No refined sugar. I do eat fresh fruit, no juice, not even fresh squeezed. Very little meat. No white rice, but do eat wild rice which I like better anyway. No potatoes!
Mostly it's a wholesome diet. Once in a great while I will have something. Like today for lunch I had half a cheese sandwich. Cheese isn't on my food plan. But once in a while it makes me feel better. So, I'll have it.
I eat between 1200 and 1600 calories a day.
I was quite obese when i started. 30 pounds made a dent, but only a dent. If the food plan keeps up this wonderful weight loss side effect, I will be so happy to get into dresses out of the plus size range, but we'll see. I'm on this food plan for the duration of my life as far as I'm concerned. This is a permanent change. And you know, it is working for the pain in my body and for the rosacea, just as well as the antibiotics worked. In fact, in some ways better. All the way 'round this is the best way to treat my problems I've ever tried.
I think part of it being so great is that I didn't go on it for weight loss. I went on it to try to repair my body after the antibiotics side effects. BTW, my blood sugar did indeed go back to normal. I no longer have to struggle to keep it in place.
I may wind up taking the antibiotics again if my skin gets out of control. But I won't take it long term like I did. The side effects aren't worth it.
Thanks for listening. Mostly, I'm thrilled about having a good side effect of a health plan. WEight loss wasn't the target, but it's happening and it makes me happy.
Janet
