I have just got back from a break, so I thought I would update people on progress. This post should really be read in conjunction with my earlier post which is here.
Anyway, after around 4 weeks on a high nutrition eating plan, I seem to have lost 7Kg in weight, that's around 15 pounds. I am somewhat surprised that this is 50% greater than the overall progress of 10 pounds a month which I achieved on average when water fasting. Here are the two methods compared:
Of course I am pleased, but I am also aware that it is early days yet, and I may hit an artificially high metabolic setpoint soon. But for the time being I intend to carry on with this as it is most effective for me.
I suppose the reason for this increased weight loss is because my metabolic rate is quite high and I am well nourished, indeed I could not sit still sometimes when I was away and took lots of exercise, this has been the pattern though for the last 3 weeks, so nothing different there. However when I was fasting, I found it difficult to exercise, and often felt lethargic, especially during and after a fast.
Previously I tried to learn better eating habits from the fast, but eventually drifted into bad habits, especially over this Christmas when it was accompanied by stress as well. However I didn't really know anything about high nutritional density food then, so I can see why I drifted.
Now I have added huge amounts of leafy green vegetables, plus beans, nuts, seeds and berries, that's the main difference. Additionally, I have cut out dairy, salt, processed food and meat. I no longer snack between meals, and often find that two or even one meal a day is enough. The fasting between meals promotes longevity.
The other thing that has occurred to me is that I have probably reversed a few illnesses and extended my life for a couple of decades, and good quality life it should be too. That motivates me to keep going, and I am also replanning my life, as hopefully I will be capable of working into my 80s. I really enjoy the food I am eating now, and like preparing it and learning to cook. Unlike fasting, eating properly is not boring, and is quite a challenge on times!
So, early days yet, and I am not speculating too much, just hopeful. However I am very pleased with the results so far.
Steve