I know…it’s not supposed to be a diet, it’s supposed to be a “lifestyle change”. Whatever it is, Walt and I started it Monday. Sort-of. He started on Monday - and I cheated on Monday, reminding me of the first cardinal rule of dieting: NEVER start a diet on Monday.
I want to feel better and be able to walk up a few stairs without panting. Walt wants to reduce his blood-pressure naturally. We want the quality of life that better health provides. We are both inspired by friends who have recently taken charge of their health, and my office-mates are both ready to start diet or exercise programs. We feel like now is the time for success; it’s grilling season, fresh produce will soon abound, and we’re both ready. To me this is the second cardinal rule of dieting – be sure you’re committed to change for the right reasons.
We’re following The Perricone diet, sometimes referred to as the Perricone “prescription”. http://www.oprah.com/style/Dr-Perricones-Prescription-for-Aging-Beautifully. This is an anti-inflammatory diet that was originally developed by a dermatologist for improvement in skin tone and overall health. The first three-day phase of the diet, if followed strictly, promises a “facelift in a fridge”. We’ll see!
Why am I sharing this? Because accountability is a key element in the success of any goal. I’m not paying for a diet program (although I did buy Perricone’s book years ago), I don’t officially have to weigh-in at a group meeting. So here it is, for the world to see (or at least the handful of readers of this blog)! Wednesday Weigh-in. We’ll check in weekly on “the bite” page, which ironically is supposed to be about bar-b-que and all great things Southern to eat…and we’ll report our progress. With meals like grilled Caesar salad, blackened salmon, turkey burgers stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, fresh cantaloupe or pears for dessert, I haven’t suffered yet. But then again, it’s been less than 48 hours…
Hear that about accountability! I was just talking with a coworker about that a few days ago: “The surest way to make sure I get something done? Tell someone I’m going to do it!” I’m rootin’ for ya!