26 lbs lost - 6 weeks on Eat to Live

cjc166

I started the nutritarian life-style "Eat to Live" by Dr Fuhrman 6 weeks ago, a little skeptical, as it was a huge departure from the way I was eating. Previously, I was using 20% under TDEE with high protein (200g/day) and high fat (100g/day), and was losing just around 1 lb/week which was respectable. However, I would still have binges, cravings, and need to eat constantly.

I made the switch after watching "Forks Over Knives" and "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" on Netflix. Those documentaries completely sold me on the power of a whole foods plant-based diet. 6 weeks later I'm 26 lbs ligher (10 lbs the first week, and an average of 3 lbs/week therafter), I'm now just merely overweight as opposed to obese, I no longer need to count calories, I can eat until I'm satisfied, and my cravings and binges are gone. I no longer need coffee to function in the morning, my leaky bladder disappeared, and my hemorroids no longer bother me. My mood has improved dramatically, I'm a generally happier person, and I've noticed that I've been handling stress much better.

I've got 30 more lbs to hit my goal weight, and I'm very confident, for once in my life, that I'm going to get there!

rosekittie

Are you doing the vegetarian way or the regular way? I saw how that if you do the vegetarian diet it helps you lose more, but I'm sure if you went back to eating meat the weight would come back. Congrats on doing so well though!!

cjc166

Are you doing the vegetarian way or the regular way? I saw how that if you do the vegetarian diet it helps you lose more, but I'm sure if you went back to eating meat the weight would come back. Congrats on doing so well though!!

Thanks! As far as vegetarian or regular, the regular way. I eat animal products twice weekly or less, and avoid processed foods at all costs.

EDIT: I do have a few beers each week, it's my biggest weakness.

xxvogue

Eat to Live is what inspired me to lose weight and change my diet..

26 pounds is great! I'm on week 6 and have lost 9, but there's two reasons for that I'm sure 1) you're a man. 2) I haven't been following the strict plan. Though the first week I did and lost 5 pounds (I hit a 3 week plateau after that though, where I'm sure the actual fat loss was trying to catch up with the water weight lost or something).

Anyways, Dr. Furhman inspired me to move from being a pescatarian to mostly vegan (i do still eat fish once a week or so for b12 and small amounts of dairy and eggs on ocassion, particularly if I'm at a restaurant or someone else's house).

I'm so glad you've had so much success!

deb3129

I started doing pretty much the same thing on March 11th of this year. I have lost 80 pounds so far, and feel GREAT. It is unreal how much more energy I have now!

mscoco10

I 'm going to have to give this a try. Proud of all the success.

texasgal22

cjc & deb congrats on your successes! I have not heard of this Dr or these documentaries. I hope you can move forward and keep the weight off. Fast food and processed food do seem to be two big contributors to all the obesity in America including mine. I am changing my eating habits for health reasons and if I don't change I won't like the consequences. That's a pretty good incentive.

skonly

The most important benefit of eating this way is health. It fights disease. I know people in their 80's that have eaten this way their whole lives. When they were growing up it was normal.

I'm almost 43 and should have been worrying about disease a long time ago. But it took a really bad scare to get me thinking about it. I see no reason to invite health problems, I would rather try to prevent.

I have so many issues with food and so many restrictions it gets rough at times. But I really believe people like me have become this way due to growing up eating processed foods and unhealthy convenience foods. There are just to many of us now having these problems and it has to be related to food.

cjc166

I started doing pretty much the same thing on March 11th of this year. I have lost 80 pounds so far, and feel GREAT. It is unreal how much more energy I have now!

Awesome! 80 lbs is a heck of an accomplishment, and I can't think of a healthier way to do it!

Toofhairy

26 lbs is a big loss! I am 9 weeks into Eat to Live and have lost 24 lbs so far. During the first 6 weeks, I lost 20 lbs. I was keeping vegan and avoiding grains, oils, and starchy vegetables during that time and didn't exercise for the majority of the 6 weeks. I'm experimenting with starches now and trying to exercise at least 3x a week. Eating this way has given me a lot more energy!

imwithgizmo

Great job! I just got the book, and am ready to take some of the meat from my diet. I don't eat beef, rarely pork, but lots of turkey and chicken. I'm hoping the inclusion of even more plant-based foods will make a positive difference.

Thanks for posting your story!

cjc166

26 lbs is a big loss! I am 9 weeks into Eat to Live and have lost 24 lbs so far. During the first 6 weeks, I lost 20 lbs. I was keeping vegan and avoiding grains, oils, and starchy vegetables during that time and didn't exercise for the majority of the 6 weeks. I'm experimenting with starches now and trying to exercise at least 3x a week. Eating this way has given me a lot more energy!

24 lbs is pretty great too! I'm sure adding in exercise will be a big boost for your health and your weight loss. It's good to find other nutritarians!

cjc166

Great job! I just got the book, and am ready to take some of the meat from my diet. I don't eat beef, rarely pork, but lots of turkey and chicken. I'm hoping the inclusion of even more plant-based foods will make a positive difference.

Thanks for posting your story!

Thank you, and you're very welcome!

Jrb627

I am just about to start Eat to Live. I plan on starting on Saturday. I'm very nervous about the whole thing...If I can do it, if I will feel bad at first, what if I just "have" to have ____, what if my family doesn't support me, what if I don't like the food or can't figure out what to eat....I just have so many emotions about it. Have any of you had these thoughts before diving into this program or another strict program? I just feel it in my gut that I have to try - that I truely need this. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Oh and GREAT job everyone!!!! You are my inspiration and exactly why I need to do it too!

gerbies

I, too, switched to a more whole foods, plant-based eating in the last few weeks. I've seen Forks Over Knives and am familiar with Esselstyn's work (actually both Esselstyns...Caldwell and Rip). I still allow some fish/chicken but maybe one or twice a week and I have used chicken broth and have had egg whites, but overall, I'm following a mostly plant-based eating method. In the last two weeks, I've lost 11 pounds. I feel better than ever. I also workout 30 minutes a day, alternating cardio workouts with more weight-based circuit training. Though it can be a bit more work to prepare foods this way, once you get used to it and have the staples in your house, it's really not that bad. And food tastes so much better! Tonight, I made a pan of mushroom/kale/spinach enchiladas with roasted poblano cream (no dairy), which my carnivore husband loves! I also made a "cream" of celery/broccoli soup with no cream (used beans) for the days to come. Ultimately, I feel better and am sleeping better. Thanks for sharing your success story!

caitdgaf

honestly, vegan is the best way to go. i have been vegan for a long time, but once you switch to plant based and completely ditch unprocessed, the weight falls right off. and it is the healthiest thing to do for your body. and the planet. and your wallet, actually. haha. anyway, ive lost 30+ since may. i start the p90x tomorrow. but once you switch to whole foods and do it right, your energy is endless!

cjc166

I am just about to start Eat to Live. I plan on starting on Saturday. I'm very nervous about the whole thing...If I can do it, if I will feel bad at first, what if I just "have" to have ____, what if my family doesn't support me, what if I don't like the food or can't figure out what to eat....I just have so many emotions about it. Have any of you had these thoughts before diving into this program or another strict program? I just feel it in my gut that I have to try - that I truely need this. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Oh and GREAT job everyone!!!! You are my inspiration and exactly why I need to do it too!

Jrb627,
I was also nervous, and yes it does feel bad at first, specifically the first few days. This is just your body detoxing from the refined foods and caffeine (if you were drinking it), and it's a withdrawal symptom. Once you're over that, it's really easy to eat this way. The hardest part for me was making the decision to do it.

It's also a big pain in the butt to figure out a new menu that you really like. It means a few weeks of experimentation. I really recommend getting a book on cooking greens. It has helped me tremendously. The first few weeks I felt like I was slaving away in the kitchen and grocery shopping was a chore. Now it's like old hat, and I cook the meals at least as quickly as I did previously and shopping is no problem.

I really don't have cravings any more and really enjoy eating this way (especially the fact that I can eat until I'm satisfied and not have to cut my dinner short). And oddly, a lot of the foods I enjoyed previously make me ill to eat or think about eating, which is probably helpful in a lot of ways.

It's by far the most pleasant eating plan I've experienced. I'm sure you'll do quite well and really enjoy it once you get into the swing of things. Best of luck!

marthadztx

Congrats! I'm basically eating everything just healthier versions of it. Have lost over 50lbs. However I've hit a plateau and now cutting back on Meats, having them only once a day. Good luck on your journey!

LeslieSJR

I did E2L about two years ago and lost 25 pounds over several months. After a couple of indulgent holiday seasons and some lazy eating in general I gained back 10 lbs. I am back on it as of about 2 weeks ago. I am closer to my goal weight, so the scale is a little more slow going, but I feel awesome. I am following the 6 Week Plan pretty closely, although I do have some egg whites, greek yogurt, and fish 1-2x a week. I also use vegan hemp protein powder in my green smoothies. It seems to power me through my runs and strength training ( I am exercising much harder than last time I did E2L). I do have a cup of coffee daily, but without sugar. I rarely drink alcohol (maybe once a month). I am hoping to kickstart the weight loss again and get into super shape!! Good luck with it too, ya'll

piotrowskilorrie

Hi, I have read the book and am following the plan, but have only lost 3 pounds since the 19th. Can you give me a sample of your daily menu or did you follow the 6 week plan exactly? Thanks :-) I have 30 pounds to go!

isisbryan

piotrowskilor,

Another member (Ilovelucy) posted this information on another forum.

This eating plan is from Dr. Fuhrmans' book Eat To Live.
A few years ago I did this and lost 8 pounds in 2.5/3 weeks with no exercise!
I am going to try to do it again!

UNLIMITED (eat as much as you want):
•all raw vegetables, including raw carrots (goal: 1 lb. daily)
•cooked green vegetables (goal 1 lb. daily)
•beans, legumes, bean sprouts, or *tofu (minimum 1 cup daily in total of these)
•fresh fruit (at least 4 daily).
•eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomato and other non-starchy vegetables, cooked and raw (unlimited)

*Beans should be eaten daily; tofu should be eaten less frequently.

LIMITED (not more than one serving):
•cooked starchy vegetables OR whole grains–Maximum 1 cup per day (butternut or acorn squash, corn, sweet potato, brown rice, cooked carrots, whole grain breads*, whole grain cereals*)
•raw nuts and seeds (1 oz. or 28.5 grams a day) or 2 ounces avocado
•ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon a day)
•soymilk, low-sugar preferred–Maximum 1 cup a day

*avoid breads and cereals as much as possible

OFF-LIMITS:
•dairy products
•animal products
•between meal snacks
•fruit juice, dried fruits
•salt, sugar

GetHotIn2014

Awesome. I'm definitely a believer in the great effects of a plant based diet. That's what I'm working towards but it's tough as I live in a house with another couple and a single person and we buy and eat food all together, so unfortunately I don't have too much control over what is bought and made, but once I get my own place I will be taking bigger steps towards limiting animal products and adding much more plant foods into my diet. I know that will give me a LOT more nutrition that I need!

meaningful99

This is great to hear, and congratulations! Those documentaries were definitely sobering. You are an inspiration.

Beastx10

..

isisbryan

Awesome. I'm definitely a believer in the great effects of a plant based diet. That's what I'm working towards but it's tough as I live in a house with another couple and a single person and we buy and eat food all together, so unfortunately I don't have too much control over what is bought and made, but once I get my own place I will be taking bigger steps towards limiting animal products and adding much more plant foods into my diet. I know that will give me a LOT more nutrition that I need!

The plan that I moved from another post is the aggressive plan. You can modify it to add some of those other foods even animal products but know that your weight loss and nutritional benefits will not go as fast.

quattlemom

I started this eating plan last Monday, 2/25/13, and as of this morning I have lost 7.5 lbs. The afternoon and evening I started was ROUGH and I told my husband that night to remind me if/when I'm tempted to fall back into old eating habits of just how bad I feel while withdrawing from a junky diet. He is a T1 diabetic and has been for over 30 years and is in better shape than I. While I lost 40 lbs. through diet and exercise over 7 years ago, I have recently gained 15 since taking a full time job. I started ETL to get my eating back on track and today exercised at our local gym for the first time in two weeks. I wanted to give my body a week to adjust to not near as many calories before heading to the gym. I LOVE this new found way of eating. It does get boring and "un-fun" at times, but is so worth feeling better and I know eventually looking better. Anyone have any thoughts on how much exercise is acceptable starting week two of ETL?

edielous

I have been eating per Dr. Fuhrman's recommendations for 5 days and am 12 lbs. lighter. I have been full all week. I have not ONCE been hungry or felt sorry for myself because I couldn't have something....I am sticking to only fruits and veggies and beans with some rice...but have had a couple pitas by Joseph's. I have been so full everyday that I just can't believe it! I've always done carrot juice in the am but with my awful food addiction and eating under stress I just don't lose weight. I've read and learned that we need whole foods in our diet. Eat to live simplified this whole plan and thought and made it easy to chose foods and not worry about my relationship with food. I still log in food because I want to see exactly what it's adding up to. Honestly I couldn't be more full every day!! Years ago I lost weight on the Rotation Diet - mostly fruits and veggies and it took a few years to gain back...believe me I ate all junk! I decided now that I want to stay Doctor free and pill free (thank goodness for carrot juice) and want my health back and want to lose weight...after 2 days I felt better mentally and after 5 days I honestly do not crave sweets.. I am so glad I found this book...I saw him on PBS and he made sense....what interested me was that he actually had guidelines instead of 'just eat veggies'...good luck to all of you out there..............I believe I have found my answer...so simple really............

KReduced

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NewLIFEstyle4ME

I'm am THRILLED to hear about this and congrats so much to you!!! I just started a 90 day bootcamp eating this way (I didn't know it was called the Eat to Live Diet) Just what I felt my body wanted to do. I'm on my first week and I feel GREAT! This is such encouraging news. Thank again for posting--woohoo!!! :flowerforyou: :drinker: :flowerforyou:

gwenmf

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edielous

Ha ha I like your 'sweat is fat crying'! I really don't 'diet' but got so much information from that book that brought everything together for me,. And I am on day 7...feeling better everyday and more energetic and am starting to crave FRUITS and VEGGIES...what a relief! I cleaned out my closet to make way for new smaller clothes as I go...and, I may add, am being patient this time. Just want to develop an eating style that is actually a lifestyle of healthy eating. Good luck to you too!!