Hi all. This was going to be a quick introduction, but not quite so quick as I’d hoped. Sorry about that!
I’m a long-term vegetarian who, with hindsight, ate far too many carbs and not enough veggies! I used to keep myself in shape by cycling and doing yoga, until about 12 years ago, when knee problems meant I started doing these things less and less, and so went into a downward spiral, losing fitness and gaining weight. I can see that losing muscle (despite exercising) was the start of all my problems, slowing my metabolism, but I have also suffered a lot of stress in my life and this led to adrenal fatigue, and I am guessing insulin resistance. At my worst point, a few years ago, I couldn’t breathe, and even slight exertion made me breathless. Prior to this low point, I had got back into exercise with a newly discovered love of running, but then found I couldn’t even do that. With a lot of independent research and trial and error, I managed to improve my thyroid function and can now breathe again. Disappointingly, my GP was of no help.
A few months ago, after more research, and reading Michaels’ many books, I realised that addressing my diet is the best way to regain my health (and in turn, lose weight), and get back to doing all the active things I’ve always loved to do. For several months now, I have cut out all that nasty ‘white’ stuff (I rarely eat bread, pasta or rice at all) and increased my intake of veggies and protein. Whilst these things have helped me feel a bit better (especially as regards bloating and stomach issues), they have done nothing to help weight loss. I joined the gym about two months ago, and really enjoyed it – for a couple of weeks, until I felt exhausted. Still no change in muscle mass or weight, and a creeping feeling of despondency that no matter what I do, I will never improve now. I should add that at this point, I also weaned myself off my (non-prescribed) thyroid meds. I have since continued to ‘eat healthily’ exercise regularly’ and have gained a stone in weight.
Time for yet another ‘fresh approach’. Back to the GP to ask for help with weightloss/fatigue issues, and I’m being sent for blood tests (which always came back ‘normal’ every time before). I’ve tried fasting previously and it made me feel quite ill (research suggests it might not be a good approach with adrenal/thyroid issues), and low-fat dieting was even worse. Everything seems to be pointing to insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome, for which the BSD sounds like the way to go. So here I am, knowing that chances of success are higher with a strong community beside you, feeling the desire to succeed, if feeling somewhat low in myself at present. I know results are the best motivator out there, I just need to see some now.