Have started the Harcombe diet in an effort to take of the five stones of excessive weight I am now carrying. I weigh in at 18.5 when I should be nearer to 13. I have osteo arthritis and hypertension, so this will be my last chance to get it sorted. I have also begun a gym regime under medical supervision. I will keep posting about this as it will help me to see the progress assuming I do not fail. The weight piled on over the last few years as I had two hip replacements and a back injury to deal with. The physioterrorists have been great and inspired me to get this sorted. The exercises they gave me helped with the back much to my relief. The worst thing you can do is to become immobile in the mistaken belief that immobility helps your back recover. It makes it worse.
However the diet has been a revelation as it kicks of with a 5 day phase, which is basically a five day detox. I read about Zoe Harcombes husband who also suffers from osteo arthritis. He said that his pain levels decreased considerably due to not taking bread and grain related products and processed foods. I have to say I have seen similar results. The diet is easy to follow because you still get to eat good foods, and it is structured in such a way that you are never hungry. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, you will have some withdrawal symptoms, also if you drink a lot of alcohol as both are banned in phase 1. And only moderate amounts there after. Amazingly on phase 1 the first days breakfast is bacon and eggs, which I love. It is not Atkins but based on similar principals. Real fresh food and veg is the basis.
I am not an agent or affiliate for this diet, I have just been mightily impressed with it, as I have failed miserably in the past to control my weight. I am being monitored at the gym so I can see if I am doing the right thing or not.
I used to think growing old sucks, until a friend said to me, "do not regret growing old, many do not get the privilege." A very sobering thought at this time of the year.
