DAILY DIARY – DEBUNK THE JUNK, APRIL 5, 2004

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

Receipts available as a pdf.

“A gentleman never eats.  He breakfasts, he lunches, he dines, but he never eats.” – Anonymous

Day 5.  I’ve lost 3 pounds!!!!!  Now, let’s not get too excited, but I visited the doctor today for some more tests and, out of curiosity, stepped on the scale.  Already, I am seeing positive changes!  Yet, despite these early results, I caution my readers against severely restricting their diets; drastically limiting your food intake/choices for a long period of time is not a wise thing to do.

I’m surprised—but delighted—at these early results, as I am ignoring the fat and sodium contents of the foods and just counting calories.  However, I must monitor how much beef and fried food I consume, because I’d like to lower my cholesterol during these 30 days (it came in at 232).

To be honest, I’m not bored with the menu yet, because I usually only eat certain items at McDonalds (as many people seem to do).  However, while choosing a familiar favorite might be a safe choice, it does tend to keep one in a rut.  For me, trying new items like the McGriddle Sandwich or the Yogurt Parfait has led to wonderful new taste discoveries—and new favorites.  Go ahead be brave, try something new today at your favorite eatery.

For the most part, I am feeling energetic and alert.  One problem I’ve encountered is ensuring that I maintain an accurate calorie count of the food I’m eating.  I will use the McDonalds Web site’s nutritional information page for this test, but may have to locate some calorie counts elsewhere, as they are not provided by McDonalds for some individual items, such as 2 strips of bacon which I had this morning with the pancakes.

My eating patterns are still off, as I’m eating later in the morning and afternoon because I’m just not hungry.  Perhaps this is because of the different foods I’ve been consuming.  Today, I chose a Big ‘N Tasty with cheese for lunch and then had a hamburger for dinner—perhaps not the most nutritious of days.  But, I can make wiser choices tomorrow.  Meanwhile, I find it very stimulating to have to “think” about my food choices.  Gives my brain something interesting to do.