To Live and Die(t) in Yelm

DAY ONE

If you MUST know, I was under 200 pounds this morning before my first Engine 2 Diet meal, though one could calculate that underage in single digit ounces - assuming one were nosy and anal about the whole thing. Lover-girl (LG) and I have committed to 28 days of dieting based on the Engine 2 Diet as described in Rip Esselstyn's book of the same name...Engine 2 Diet that is, not Rip Esselstyn. Rip calls this a lifestyle, assuming that we'll be so delighted with our new way of eating/living that we'll adopt it as a permanent change. That sounds vaguely within the bounds of reason after our first meal, but we'll just have to see how we're faring after 4 weeks without butter, sugar, meatloaf and steaks, Maker's Mark, macadamia caramel clusters and home made freezer jam. Here are the basics no-no's - NO meat or animal flesh (no beef, pork, chicken, fish, possum, etc.), NO sugar or refined grain products (NO regular flour or chewable bread, no beer, whiskey, wine...NO WINE for God's sake!), NO dairy (no cheese, half-and-half  for my sweetie's coffee, no butter) and NO added fats (olive oil, coconut oil, ghee.)

The term "Draconian" comes to mind. Our first meal, however, was pretty pleasant. Various cooked grains, seeds, nuts and fruits have me temporarily appeased, if not sated. I'm thinking the point of satiation might be a destination I've been visiting more frequently than absolutely necessary. Right now - an hour after consuming a large bowl of very high fiber "food" I'm feeling in control. If the anticipated outcome of such a diet arises, I'll just point at the dog with a look of innocent disgust.

This Esselstyn guy is a firefighter. As a retired cop, I confess to a love/hate...no that's a bit harsh, let's make that a "mildly-envious-of-public-adulation/moderate-disdain" perception of firefighters. You see, we cops were subject of far more public ridicule, assault and anger, and far less fawning adoration than the fire people and their big shiny trucks. Really though, I'm not jealous...it's just the way it goes...really .

Anyway, this fire guy was some kind of human/dolphin genetic sport and swam to the status of All-American or something in college. He competes in full triathlons - that means swimming from Maui to Tahiti, biking the length of the Urals and running around the equator...or some such inanity. Anyway, I have to admit that he seems to be in reasonably decent shape and I might be able to benefit from a lifestyle that provides him the energy and strength needed for that silliness.

LG just brought me a taste of faux-hummus made with cannellini beans and no oil. I'd like to hate it, but it's actually better than most "real" hummus I've eaten. I may have to push the envelope a little to maintain my chosen position of antagonism for this whole thing. Time will tell...