Dr. Bernstein Diet - Happenings and Updates

For those of you who have followed my Bernstein Diet Chronicles from the beginning, then you likely stumbled upon my musings about my thinning hair and hair loss. It struck me a few mornings ago, as I was readying myself for work, how my hair looked like I had had a lot of new growth peeking through my longer lengths. Jetting at the top of my head, and along my hairline on my forehead, are masses of short tufts. At first I thought my daughter took a some scissors to my hair when I slept (wouldn't put it past her...!) until I realized, it must just be the new hair growth from the masses that broke and fell out during the program. A little disconcerting, but glad to see that it's coming back, and didn't leave me forever. My hair is feeling thicker. As my hair stylist friend noted (who was also on the program years ago) the thyroid takes a beating with the rapid weight loss, and hair loss is common for many people. Still. If I had known that before signing up for the program...

Well - I'm doing the happy dance today.  While I'm still oscillating between 143 and 146 (I think mainly due to the odd Diet Coke and other miscellaneous Aspartame doses that meld water to my thighs quicker than white on rice...) I went to Value Village today for a treasure hunt. What did I find?  Wow - lots of skirts that my wardrobe was sorely lacking and a couple of jackets (cool funky ones!) to keep my new wardrobe growing.  I was jumping for joy when I was still able to fit in the 7/8 skirts - and my jackets are 8 or medium. I still can't believe how just 9 months ago, I was perusing the aisles at Value Village (at that time, trying to find clothes for a costume for a play I was in) but couldn't find anything in the 18-20 size - and getting so frickin' frustrated with myself.  Now I'm shopping there just to find the oh-so-inexpensive treasures such as Danier, Liz Clairborne, Laura, MEXX, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Roots and loads of others great clothes for a ...

I work in Aboriginal issues, and when we consult with communities, I love the roundtable, open-circle approach to discussing issues. The knowledge, wisdom, perspectives and realistic solutions from individuals is enlightening and refreshing. As I reflect on Bernstein and its impact on my life, I want to take that open-circle approach. So I have the talking stick: here are my thoughts. Sugar is poison Salt is evil I don't need to eat as much as I thought I did. We (I as chef) relied on starches and meat to fill the void; processed white breads and sugar-laden products. I'm keeping the preferred products, and in the process of mapping out for each member of the family portions/foods and a new approach to meal planning that balances out what we're eating and how much. The program has given me the opportunity to stop the bus, do some research, evaluate my relationship with food, and what food I want to have in my life. I always admired high performance athletes who would say...

Well, the time has passed when we're officially into the New Year and the resolution to modify our behaviour and habits has either taken root or been carted to the curb with the remnants of the holidays. I'm happy to report that I'm still on track - though not without some challenges. I agree with another Facebook Dr. Bernstein client "Chef Michelle" that Maintenance is not easy. It's a real challenge to face the portion control on your own - particularly after the holidays. I spent time on Sunday grocery shopping, cutting, measuring and packaging my veggies and breads and meats, but I find myself sneaking carbs left right and centre aisle.... What is wrong with me? I don't even feel hungry yet my hand reaches out for a cookie or a handful of nacho chips (multigrain mind you) like I'm a frog's tongue instinctively snatching some fleeting prey before it escapes. I didn't do that on the program! I knew better. I had the willpower. Why is it...

Well, what a test we had over the holidays. I wanted to see how I'd be with all the food, drink and general temptation all around during the holidays. For the most part I did pretty well, although Ferrero Rocher chocolates are evil...! However, as my scale revealed a few days ago, I'm up to 147...a full 5 lbs higher than pre-Christmas maintenance weigh-in. Uh oh....! So, as we are taught to do on the Bernstein diet, it's back to basics for me. No 4 oz glass of wine for another month; gone are the 1/2 cup portions of potatoes, rice and pasta, and certainly no more corn or carrots. Actually, I can honestly say with all the hedonism over the holidays, I need a bit of a flushing out. The salt, butter and preservatives...I actually feel weighed down. So, before the extra poundage turns to 10 lbs, I'm back on strict - but just by myself at home. I'm going to do it on my own. I think...I hope. I've already announced to my husband that cookies and treats must be b...