Alas, my 3-month experience on the Best Life Diet is “publicly” coming to a close….thank you to everyone who has come on this journey with me and shared your experiences, thoughts and well wishes. The journey continues for me–more privately now–and I know you will all continue to be with me in spirit…and I with you. At final count I have lost 15 pounds and I feel fantastic. I’m halfway to my goal and it really feels like the time has flown. I hope that the enthusiasm I have now will continue when I am in maintenance mode….in a small way I almost fear reaching my goal and then not having a weight loss goal…only a maintenance goal…will I still be as inspired? I hope so because I certainly plan to get there. 

I was wondering for days what I should write about when I get to my final post. I thought I would provide a retrospective on some of my epiphanies, and let all of you know the biggest “a-ha” moments I have had during this 3 month adventure:

1) Eating healthily and nutritiously is not hard. It just takes some thought but requires no more physical exertion than eating poorly. The healthy stuff is just as convenient…it just needs a discovery process…yours.

2) The Best Life Diet hunger scale is probably the most critical component of all. It forces you to listen to your body. When we were introduced to the hunger scale I didn’t buy into it right away–it seemed a bit “psychologically fluffy” to me. I mean…I’m a career dieter…how come I have never heard of this? Well, it’s not fluff, it’s fact. I now really know when to stop eating…when I should stop eating…and what a good satiety level is. This is true biology at work and people used signals like these to manage their eating long before processed food was invented. Rampant obesity was not prevalent 100 years ago.

3) Cooking for yourself will accelerate the program tremendously. I have been cooking 50% more since starting the Best Life Diet, using recipes from the book as well as others I’ve found on healthy websites, books, etc. Not only am I in control of  my calories (vs. takeout where you never know)…but my palate is opening up…I’m learning to actually like more foods than previously. My family is astounded now when I get second helpings of salad…I never used to eat it. I feel not only in control but quite the inventive family chef…it’s fun and everyone is supportive because the food tastes great!

4) Working out — strength training PLUS cardio — actually helps you more psychologically than physically. Yes, it accelerates weight loss but high levels of activity is nature’s anti-depressant. The endorphins and mental enthusiasm I feel after working out do more for me on this program than the actual physical actions. Most people hate working out…after 3 weeks with a good trainer or solid program, I challenge anyone to say they still hate it. It just feels good.

5) Don’t talk about it too much. People who are not “on the train” can subconsciously try to sabotage your efforts. The more committed you are, the less it matters who knows the details. Just do it. Those who are truly supportive will carve a way into doing this with you, or in parallel. Those who aren’t won’t be tempted to derail you.

I have had a wonderful time and look forward to all of you reaching your goals as well. Take care and may the best woman/man LOSE!!!