Journey to a Healthy YunikPinay

[YunikPinay]

4/5/2015
Hello all,

I have always been chubby all my life. When I was younger, it was thought of as "cute". Now, that I am older, it is no longer cute. It is more "OVERWEIGHT." Two week ago, I was diagnosed with diverticulosis and a fatty liver. The doctor said I am pre-diabetic too. That news devastated me. We just had a death in the family and the disease that struck our family member is also related to the liver. So I made a choice to enroll in the 1st Personal Diet. I thought that perhaps it can teach me how to eat better and reverse my "fatty liver". I am about to start tomorrow and I am afraid. I travel quite a bit and that will be my most challenge. My family loves to dine out also. I will need a lot of determination to push through with this an achieve an healthier me. Wish me luck!!!

[cumulus.inc]

Hi Yunik,

Good on you for making a start! That really is the most important step in all this. That's some scary news you got in this last few weeks and I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

With the travelling, as mentioned by another poster, trying purchasing some jewellry scales to take with you for easy measuring. I also try to prep all my meals a week ahead and freeze/refridgerate. Zip lock bags will be your eternal friend!

I look forward to hearing your successes!

Danni

[YunikPinay]

Thank you for the encouragement. I will look for those portable scales you mentioned. Thank you again!

[Tes]

Hi Yunik

I know this may sound strange but sometimes a health scare is the greatest motivator of all. I too have a fatty liver and had a very bad lipoprotein A reading that indicates I will have a heart attack within the next 10 years. I immediately sought help to remedy this. I will have tests with my Dr in 4 weeks to see if the weight loss has changed the Lipoprotein A readings and if not then medication will be the next step. Don't stress yet - because Cohens really does work and quickly - if you stay on plan you can reverse these symptoms within a few months. I know you must feel scared but really you will be amazed at how different you feel within weeks. You are making a great choice to make yourself better - good luck.

[YunikPinay]

Thank you Tes for sharing your story with me. Yes, health scare is a motivation - I should not have waited to make this move but it's not too late yet.

Good luck with the test. I hope your readings will be better.

[trishieness]

Hi YunikPinay. I have read success stories that after Cohen, all their healthy scares were blown away like a magic. And dear, you've taken the first step by being part of the program. I'm looking forward that the diagnosis will be better after this. Recently, I realized that it's amazing to see the good in every bad things, light in every darkness and success in every failures. As long as we keep moving and trust that it will be a lot better, it will!

[YunikPinay]

4/7/2015

Day one was hard. I had paint nite and was not able to eat till 10:30 at night. So that was not good. I felt a little bloated at night also. I didn't realize drinking water could be really good. I hope I can keep up with my water. I just go to the bathroom a lot.

I love this forum and all the encouragement I am getting. Thank you for all your KINDNESS!!!

Y

[YunikPinay]

4/13/2015

Week 1 Completed - YAY!!! I lost a few. I felt very week though. My Rheumatoid Arthritis is acting up. There were times that I thought my will power will break.

Here is looking forward to the next week. My goal is to be 125 pounds on May 6. A pound or two a week is a realistic goal I think. Eating out had been a challenge. I am sticking out to Sushi/Sashimi and cucumber salad whenever I go out.

Wish me luck! Starting Week 2.

[Tes]

Oh well done Yunik 5.2 pounds - excellent start and your goal is very realistic so i think you are off to a great start. Ride the tough train for the first few weeks. I had headaches and was pretty unfocused at work and I just had to read the forum to keep myself on track. read the hall of fame stories when you struggle. I have no doubt that your arthritis might actually feel better in a few weeks - the reduction in sugars should really help.
So glad you had a great first week - good luck for the next week. I am travelling this week. Since you asked I bought chicken breasts and cabbage. i make the cabbage as my salad with balsamic - cut up a chicken breast (if you are in a hotel ask them to fry them up for you) and I cut up a mango - this is in my lunch box every day. Cheaper to buy one large cabbage and the pack of breasts. I also bought apples some sprite and cinnamon which I microwave for pudding. Breakfast - yoghurt and snacks is my provita biscuits.

T

[YunikPinay]

Hi Tes,

Safe Travels. I am the same way. I am traveling for work for 2 days. I will check if there are any nearby grocery stores where I will be staying. I will stick with Salad and Sashimi for dinners or eating out.

[cumulus.inc]

Hi Yunik,

wow!!! 5.2lbs is fantastic how are you feeling now?

great to hear your wonderful success

[YunikPinay]

Hi Cumulus,

I feel good but sometimes depressed and deprived. I am so jealous of those people that can eat anything and not gain like I do. Somehow my rheumatoid arthritis is also acting up. My muscles hurt a lot. I don't know what could possible cause that.

This week I feel that I am not losing anything. I don't know why. Is it that my body adapted to the new way of eating??? Anyone experience the same thing?

Would love to hear from you!

Yunik

[Andie27]

Hi Yunik, I saw in your last post that you sometimes feel depressed and deprived and envious of people who can eat whatever they want and not put on weight - and this struck a chord in my heart. Firstly, I understand what depression feels like and it is difficulty to stop yourself from a negative spiral but you posted on the forum how you were feeling - impressive
Secondly, you are not deprived at all my dear, in fact you are actually rewarding yourself by following a scientific eating plan designed specifically for you and your body - that's something to celebrate! We are conditioned to believe that the foods that harm us the most are in some way a treat for our good behavior and this is so untrue! You are breaking this cycle and it will take a little while for your mind to catch up with your body - but it will happen!
Thirdly, I worry when I see people comparing themselves to others, by doing so you are basically undervaluing yourself and saying to yourself that you're not good enough! I totally disagree with this my sweet, you are very valuable - priceless even and you should not compare yourself to others as you have a whole set of unique qualities that only you bring to this world - that is worth more than anything! If you see someone eating a massive burger or chocolate or whatever and you think, you wish you were like them to be able to eat that food - stop and take a real hard look at the individual - I bet you any money that their skin in not clear and glowing, their eyes don't sparkle and if you could - imagine what their insides are saying - they are screaming out for clean, healthy portion controlled food! They may have serious health issues and not even know it!
So, give yourself some credit - give yourself a massive hug and every single time you feel like deviating or your feel envious of others eating rubbish - hug yourself, high-5 yourself and treat yourself in a non-food related way!
You are worth it and you will see the benefits - for all you know, someone is probably envious of you starting your program - you just never know!
I wish you so much success and I'm sending you a big hug!
Andie

[cumulus.inc]

Hi Yunik,

Good to hear from you and thank you for sharing with me. I can understand how you feel, looking from the outside some people just never seem to struggle with weight. I've had to let go of those thoughts, they just tend to make me feel updet or jealous (which doesn't help me at all). I also quite like the quote "You are comparing your behind the scenes with others highlight reel" we never knows what goes on in another persons life and comparing to it will only hurt us.

With your muscles, are you taking mutivitamins every day? I didn't for the first month and then had a hideous calf cramp. Maybe try upping your salt intake a little? hope that helps, or have a chat with your gp?

Are you taking weekly measurements? someone else on the forum mentioned to me it goes in a cycle - one week is weight loss the next week is measurement loss. I have definintely found this to be true so far, perhaps that is why it feels like you are not dropping?

Sending hugs and positive energy your way!

[Nomoreexcuses]

I also struggle with thinking others can eat what they want where as I need to always be "vigilant" or I gain weight. It is really annoying and disheartening but i ask myself whats the alternative? I would rather watch what I eat and be slim then say oh it's too hard and feel sad and uncomfortable in myself. And tbh i think so called skinny people eat a lot less than you might think...

[Tes]

Hi Yunik

I too am insanely jealous of people who can just eat and never gain weight but I know I will never be like that. It is sad that actually we will always have to watch what we eat - but its just how it is. Refeed, Maintenance - its a journey but constantly watching what we eat like we do now is the only way I will keep my weight off - never letting my guard down. I sympathise.

T

[trishieness]

Hi dear YunikPinay. I feel you... Sometimes, when you think about it, you would say it's so unfair that others cannot gain weight even though they eat a lot. But instead of resenting on that thought, praise yourself that you're doing something good for yourself to slim down and become healthy. We can never be all the same, and that's what makes us all unique. Always think that this is a good and healthy choice instead of feeling bad about it.

Enjoy every mouthful bite you take and explore Cohen's recipe. You can make really good food out of the plan we have and you'll suddenly realize how enjoyable our food is. For me, I always find mango yoghurt with sweetener so yummy.

When I was not yet in Cohen plan, I always feel bad about myself for not acting up to lose weight. After each meal, I always feel bloated and unhealthy. My clothes don't seem to fit the way I expected it. It's hard for me to find the right clothes that will fit me. And I am always teased by different people how fat I look. That's when I accepted I'm fat and I needed change. I can't keep on depressing myself why I am not this and that because it doesn't help me at ALL.

I am beautiful the way I am, and we all are. And choosing to be in Cohen's is one way of taking care of ourselves. This will not only make us sexier but it has many health benefits that we are reaping as early as now. So I want to give you a BIG hug dear, you are not alone. We are on the same boat, we get sad, we feel like giving up, but hey, we'll make it through. Be strong. Drink lots of water. Treat yourself in a spa or parlor. Just wait for a month or two and you'll see you'll feel so much better than today and just be surprised with the result.

[Not2Much]

Incidentally I just had this same conversation with my hairdresser the other day - we're always discussing weight loss and how difficult it is as we're both women, and we love food!

Anyway, she told me that she has this client and her mother - they're both 'naturally slender' as WE would put it, because it looks like that they can what they want, whenever they want. BUT, the truth is - they HATE food! It is literally a drag for them to eat. They don't like the taste, the time wasted, etc! They see food only as a means to survive - they eat to live, not live to eat like me/us.

I also read an article about a top model (cannot recall her name) and she was asked how she stayed so skinny. We all have this idea that supermodels eat and drink and party (Kate Moss) without gaining an ounce, right? Well this one mentioned that as soon as she gets to a new location, she first finds out where the closest green grocer is and then stacks her bar fridge with as much yogurt, fruit and veg as possible. She uses the hotel gym when she cans, and she makes healthy choices.

Not exactly what we were expecting, hey?

There's a book called The Beck Diet Solution, and this psychologist teaches you to 'think like a thin person'. This book gets a whole lot of mention and praise on this forum - maybe see if you can get your hands on a copy (if you're interested).

[YunikPinay]

4/20/2015

I appreciate everyone's input and encouragement.

Today is the start of Week 3 for me. I deviated last night !!! OH NO!!! We went to a party and I was super hungry. There was nothing for me to eat and I didn't bring my own food. So I ate 2 prawns. The worst part is it had butter. I felt so terrible after.

Also, I am experience a lot of body aches. I think my rheumatoid arthritis is acting up. I have researched and most of the vegetable and fruits that I am eating are high in purine which equates to higher uric acid. So I emailed my counselor. I think I will stay away from cucumbers. But I must say I love those!

Week 3 - here I come!

[YunikPinay]

Originally Posted by Not2Much

Incidentally I just had this same conversation with my hairdresser the other day - we're always discussing weight loss and how difficult it is as we're both women, and we love food!

Anyway, she told me that she has this client and her mother - they're both 'naturally slender' as WE would put it, because it looks like that they can what they want, whenever they want. BUT, the truth is - they HATE food! It is literally a drag for them to eat. They don't like the taste, the time wasted, etc! They see food only as a means to survive - they eat to live, not live to eat like me/us.

I also read an article about a top model (cannot recall her name) and she was asked how she stayed so skinny. We all have this idea that supermodels eat and drink and party (Kate Moss) without gaining an ounce, right? Well this one mentioned that as soon as she gets to a new location, she first finds out where the closest green grocer is and then stacks her bar fridge with as much yogurt, fruit and veg as possible. She uses the hotel gym when she cans, and she makes healthy choices.

Not exactly what we were expecting, hey?

There's a book called The Beck Diet Solution, and this psychologist teaches you to 'think like a thin person'. This book gets a whole lot of mention and praise on this forum - maybe see if you can get your hands on a copy (if you're interested).

Dear Not2Much,

I will check out that book! Thanks for your post!

Yunik