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I really, really want to get my cholesterol down to where it needs to be. By eating whole-foods, plant-based diet I've gotten it down from 260-270 to around 200. But with my family history of heart attack & stroke, I really need to get it down to Dr. E's recommendation of 150.

And that just isn't gonna happen unless I cut the fat. To do that, I've got to beat this addiction to fatty & refined sweets.

I've come so far in the past year food-wise, and am sick and tired of this holding me back. Plus, this addictive relationship with food started when I was 11; I now have an 11-yr old daughter. It's time to replace this self-destructive habit with one that sets my daughter up for a happier, healthier life.

Frankly, I'm petrified to make this public commitment because it means risking public failure (having failed so many times before at this same endeavor...). But if not here, where? If not now, when?

I've tried to lay the groundwork for this change properly, using the ideas in the terriffic "zenhabits" blog that someone here posted a link to a few months ago. The plan is:

1. Set a date: TOMORROW. I am going to try to make it to the end of this week.

2. Keep the goal manageable & specific: KEEP MEALS TO <20% FAT; REPLACE FOODS THAT HAVE ADDED FATS WITH FOODS THAT DON'T (EVEN IF EATING OUT); REPLACE CHOCOLATE W/CAROB; REPLACE SUGARY FOODS W/FRUIT. I'm not going to try to limit my fruit intake right now (triglycerides are fine now anyway).

3. Prepare. I have a refrigerator full of chopped veggies & washed fruit, and a basic idea of the menu for the week.

4. Get support. I have this forum, and am seeking some one-on-one support with one or two people. And fortunately my husband is supportive.

5. Identify & avoid triggers. HUNGER: Keep healthy, filling, tasty snacks on hand at all times. Don't do the "gee I shouldn't be hungry" food denial routine. ANXIETY: Exercise daily, minimum a walk. Also have asked for a Pema Chodron book for my bday. In the meantime, will just have to learn to recognize it before I eat instead of after . ANGER: Exercise, deep breathing, & just acknowledging that it exists and I won't get in trouble for feeling it.

Ok folks, so there you have it. Wish me luck & suggestions are welcome.

Support, support, support. I'm giving it to you.

That sounds like a great plan. You can do it! Posting in my journal daily helps a lot -- and when I don't want to post, I know that's when I most need to.

Great plan. Thanks for sharing.
Letha

Hey, you have my suppport and I believe you can do this.

talkingmountain, you have my support too... best of luck... remember, if we keep at it, EVENTUALLY we really do get it.

Hi

I think you're doing great. Your journal is one of the most inspiring ones for me, becasue you come at this whole thing with so much humanity and openness.

Have you ever tried a Mary's Mini? simplify, simplify!

you'll do fine, dear. keep on going

Sounds like a winning plan. Should be something you can handle. Itwon't be that hard at 20% fat as your upper limit. That includes a lot of good stuff.
Planning, planning, planning.
f1jim

Seestorcoo, Toadfood, Letha, Anna, Heidi, Raven, Buns, & Jim... THANK YOU.

Tomorrow's plan:

Breakfast - oatmeal w/chickpeas, banana, raisins, cinnamon, & cardamom. Need to go make that & put it in fridge.

Lunch & workday snacks - Wrap w/home-made white bean, sage, & roasted garlic spread, shredded peppers, & arugula. Sweet potato. Baby spinach salad w/roasted chopped veggies, pine nuts, cranberries, & Essy's 3-2-1 dressing. Grapes. This is all packed in my shiny tiffin and ready to go.

Hmmm, need to bring some seltzer & fruit juice to replace soda.

Supper - Plan to make either mediterranean orzo & arugula/oranges salad, or braised cabbage w/vegan kielbasa for flavoring (I serve fake meats maybe once a week, and usually don't eat even a full serving -- just never have been a "meat person." But serving them regularly keeps the family happy).

Dessert, if I want it, will be a seckle pear or some other kind of fruit. All the junk that appeals to me is now out of the house.

Exercise - will be walking a lot in the afternoon for work. If it's nice out, will walk at lunchtime too.

Now, to remember to just breathe.

Congrats on making the commitment! Kick some butt!!!

So far, so good today:

Breakfast - Reasonable sized bowl of whole-wheat flakes, small banana, & almond milk (forgot to make my oatmeal last night!). Coffeee (1/2 reg 1/2 decaf) w/1/2 tsp sugar & some soy milk. I think tomorrow I may be ready to try no sugar in my coffee!

It was hard though -- the muffins were calling my name at the coffee shop this morning. Probably didn't eat enough breakfast, plus the mental game of feeling deprived. Must keep reminding myself that this is not about what I "can't have...." TODAY I AM CHOOSING TO BE GOOD TO MYSELF BY EATING FOODS THAT ARE KIND TO MY BODY.

Lunch - Ate the wrap, salad, & sweet potato. The wrap was remarkably bland and the salad w/dressing was soggy, so I stuck the salad in the wrap. Problem solved: gave the wrap better flavor & eliminate the sensation of chewing on soggy spinach. Was still hungry so I had the sweet potato.

That's right--good attitude! Your insides will be thanking you

we are all in this together.
I have already decided what to do for CHristmas. Mainly vegan dishes with turkey breast for DH and DD.

One day at a time.

Wow!You've inspired me, too. And remember, those previous attempts? They were not "failures", they were practice runs. Learning experiences.

I have also been having a hard time keeping the oils down to zero, and staying away from sweet treats when they crop up in my path. I've been using my own homemade whole grain bread as part of my starch, but I know I need to stop that and have whole grains instead. Thank you for giving me a nudge through your own comittment.

Sounds like you have a great plan and you're moving in the right direction! I'm sending lots of support your way!