Now for the details. I must point out that at the time of my starting this new way of eating I was dealing with gall stones. Foods that were particularly fatty, such as bacon, most cuts of pork, anything deep fried, set of a gall bladder attack within minutes of being ingested. I had been avoiding them for the last few years in the attempt to avoid surgery. This tactic worked most of the time and the nasty results of transgression were enough to keep me on the straight and narrow and away from the things I knew would bring on a debilitating episode of " I think I'm going to die!"
Even though I had a powerful deterrent to stay away from greasy food, I was still maintaining my weight.

By the time the proverbial dust settled after a series of unfortunate events in late December of 2007, I awoke one morning knowing what I had to do. I did not set out to lose weight. I set out to take control of my life. The aim was to eat healthy and keep my blood sugar at an even keel. The weight loss was one of the fortunate results.

What I did at the very beginning:

1. I gave up caffeine( for the first few weeks) and all sugary drinks including juices.
I drank herbal tea or water when I was thirsty.

Juices are one of today's devils disguised as angels. The food industry makes it seem like you can't live your life without it and you are not a good parent unless you offer it to your children. Chemically, all juice is liquid sugar. Sure it has valuable vitamins and minerals but you can get the benefit of those by eating the actual fruit as part of a meal or snack where protein is present to counteract all that sugar going into your system.

2.I ate only wholesome, basic, good for you foods that would have been found in any grandmother's kitchen pantry a century ago.
Whole grain bread
Whole grain pasta
Brown rice
Potatoes
Butter
Olive oil
Vegetables
Fresh meat
Fish
Eggs
Cheeses
Peanut Butter
Nuts
Fruit (in extreme moderation especially in the first several weeks.)

3.Every time I put something in my mouth I made sure I had a good balance of protein to carbohydrate in the mix, half and half at the most or preferably protein out weighing the carb content.
Whole grain bread/toast with cheese or peanut butter
Meat or fish with vegetables and/or potatoes, rice or pasta
Soups made with meat or vegetarian soups with beans for a source of protein.

3. I ate only enough to feel satisfied.
I mean that literally. I really paid attention to that feeling of " I've had enough", knowing that I can eat again as soon as I felt the need to. This will result in being more of a grazer than an eater of three square meals a day. I just know I feel better when I eat this way.


4. I did not allow myself to get really hungry.
I started to carry a protein bar with me everywhere I went as an emergency snack or meal replacement and I do to this very day ( for those times when I am away from home and do not want to resort to fast food or the temptation of junk food.)These bars are also a good choice for a go to food when you are experiencing a need for something desert-like. They often come in flavours such as chocolate, peanut butter, etc. and will do in a pinch to counteract that need for something sweet. A bite or two is all you need to take care of that momentary feeling without the resulting sugar swing when you eat regular sweets. I get mine at Costco. The ones I prefer are MLO Bio Protein (these are less sweet and more suitable for meal replacement), and Clif Builders ( these taste sweeter and are more desert like) but I have also used the Zone bars as well. Make sure you purchase Protein Bars and not Energy bars. You want the protein to be at least half of the carbohydrate content and more if possible.

5. I took and still take a multi -vitamin every day.
You can now get "weight smart" or similar type of vitamins that contain minerals such as chromium known to enhance the action of insulin.

That my friends is basically it. Stay tuned for comments, pit falls, and ideas for meal planning, eating away from home etc.