posted December 28, 2002 07:30 PM         

The "problem" is also my solution. I have had great SUCCESS with "Protein Power" a low-carb lifestyle....the PROBLEM is that it wasn't long ago I was very close to becoming a vegetarian. The problem is that MEAT is the best source of protein I know, and therein lies my problem/challenge/conflict.

See I'm the type of CappyGirl who LOVES animals. I watch animal planet all the time, and LOVE animals. I find it hard to cook, animal flesh. So I am basically stuck how to figure out which KNOWLEDGE is TRUTH for me? I BELIEVE in astrology. I BELIEVE and KNOW that Linda is the best gift I have been given (next to my fiance - Matthew).

But I also BELIEVE and KNOW that what I read in "Protein Power" is the TRUTH as to what my body needs to be in the BEST shape. I was "taught" by Linda to KNOW and recognize my higher voice, so how can eating more animals be the answer - even though I have proven it is - by losing weight?

I have resolved that this MUST be my life challenge - to eat more cheese?

posted December 29, 2002 01:34 AM         

Well either way I know how it is to struggle with your weight and I support with you with that.

posted January 01, 2003 05:53 PM         

I guess I am just a little disappointed that I have to work more than I intended - to be True to my self. Thank you for the welcome - and I hope to be replying and adding again soon. I do so much need to converse and Know more people who share in my same beliefs. I think I just need to build my support system - starting with my self - which has Always been hardest for me.

So enough of my sappy-self, thank you for replying - again.

posted January 01, 2003 06:04 PM         

I eat pretty healthy stuff too. But want to look better in jeans too! love d

posted January 01, 2003 07:20 PM         

Even my own personal physical "history" is unique, as are your own weight loss experiences with being a vegetarian. I don't know if I was clear enough but I was refering to "Protein Power" by Michael & Mary Dan Eades. I found MANY truths between those covers. And have since purchased several copies (hardback and paperback) to give as gifts. I have also received many thanks from those that received my gift of knowledge.

HHHMMM - I don't think I am succeeding. I have never been good at getting my point across about something as close to my heart as this topic....so please forgive me. Maybe I should stick to the facts. One way I learned exactly how much CARBS played a role in my "diet" was when the Eades' recommended keeping track of your eating habits. I did just that a couple of days before I began to change my eating ways....and it was then when I saw just how much I would have to change my life.

I had to empty out my kitchen and begin again. I had GREAT success, and KNOW that I will again, if only eating was just a physical problem, but alas it is MENTAL as well. And therein lies my greatest Challenge. As if this cappygirl didn't have enough challenges dealing with Saturn.

PROTEIN POWER is a low-carb lifestyle, not a high protein diet. Your body has no effective way (nor possible way) to STORE protein. As for CARBS, to your body there is no difference between CARBS and SUGAR - and for current and possible future diabetics, this IS the key. They both affect insulin levels in the same way, only CARBS take longer. If I can redeem myself, and ask that you buy a copy of "Protein Power" if the mood so strikes you, I love to share knowledge....As for Atkins. Even the Eades gave credit that he was the 1st, but they give the COMPLETE picture as to how your body responds to Carbs, Sugar, and Protein, etc.

posted January 01, 2003 07:34 PM         

Little Donna - Please tell me which your prefer: Danita, little Donna, or thefajita. I was surprised to see such a quick reply. I had been roaming the site and was about to sign off, but wanted to see if I had any replies, and I did

This is a very passionate subject with me, and maybe I should have started with something smaller. I have to say that I think that it's my patience (or lack of it) that is the problem. I have no problem forming a reply, it's getting myself to calm down long enough - to create something informative. Is that a cappy trait? No patience I mean. Oh yeah, I seem to remember reading something to the effect of cappy's giving off the impression of being patient, but actually (internally) feeling the complete opposite---so True. See how I answer my self - I do that ALL the time!

posted January 02, 2003 12:53 AM         

I recommend that you explore protein sources that do not conflict with your love of animals (even though I personally feel it is not worth starving yourself because you love animals...what about your needs?). There are options. Protein from soy or tofu is not complete protein. I would suggest whey protein powder (which I am taking now), a complete protein derived from milk. Egg whites are also a source of complete protein. Finally, if you want to live without carbohydrates, you have to explore fat. Saturated fat is a high-calorie, non-carbohydrate energy source that contrary to popular belief, does not make you fat nor contribute to "bad" cholesterol. The only problem with fat is that it is easy to overeat it because it is so concentrated. The body can get energy from every carbon-carbon bond in the fat molecule, and it is a long molecule (waxes and oils are even longer, lending a longer burning time) I can only imagine how unpleasant and painful it would be to try to get all your calories from protein. The mantra of Protein Power is that fat and protein do not make you fat, but sugar and carbs do. The irony of carbs is the body makes fat out of them, whereas when you eat fat your body uses it as energy. And yes, you can get saturated fat outside of animal sources. Coconut oil also get a bad press. It is actually a very healthy saturated fat, when not "modified" like it is in most packaged foods.

posted January 02, 2003 03:58 AM         

Oh you can start with any topic you like, especially one that you feel passionate about, don't you think Linda GOodman would have done the same

I say you should eat what your body feels right when you eat! Many people here do not eat meat, but I do, like Mercury said, eating healthy is important, like you know, grilled chicken breast is alot better than fried chicken wings. I recommend getting meat that isn't caged or with hormones and you will probably feel alot better about how the animals are treated.

I support you on feeling good about your body- listen to what feels good for you. I personally don't feel good when I eat alot of carbs- it makes me sleepy. I want food to give me energy, not sleepiness you know (well thanksgiving I throw that out the door and FEAST)

I do eat whole wheat stuff alot, but that's because I need alot of fiber.

You will see in my signature I write that food is the only art that nourishes and it's true! I think there are so many wonderful foods out there and people should explore and love them all- food brings people together. You can probably tell I am a little passionate about the food subject- I would like to one day write a book about food, maybe it will have to do with astrology too

take care

posted January 02, 2003 09:29 AM         

You said you were thinking about going vegetarian? Linda's plan in Star Signs is to go through 3 five year plans to go veggie instead of shocking your body into being vegan cold turkey (excuse the expression!!) So what I'm doing is giving up red meat only, continuing to eat chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, along with dairy products and lots of vegetables. I should be at my goal weight within 5 years (hopefully sooner than that!!) and then I can cut out the chicken, turkey, and fish, becoming veggie (still eating dairy though). I'll probably adjust this plan according to what's going on in my life, but that's the basics.

I wish you luck!!

posted January 02, 2003 11:59 AM         

Diet checklist...

- does this diet make me happy, does it taste good, does it boost my morale?

- do I understand why this diet is good for me, really understand, and not just taking the word or command of someone else, not thinking for myself

- am i getting objective results from this diet or are all the benefits really just psychological?

- is this diet overly or ridiculously complex, expensive, or demanding on my time?

- am I changing my diet for the right reasons, do I want to be healthier and look better, or am i just trying to stop looking bad? (push versus pull motivation)

posted January 02, 2003 11:18 PM         

It has only been recently that I have discovered the LINK between my being uncomfortable or not enthusiastic about making the low-carb lifestyle change (again). I guess I thought I didn't cook "meat" because of my lack of experience cooking. Only to find that I really have a hard time handling it, etc. That in addition to the "Animal Planet" channel makes my conflict all the more transparent.

KATIEBULL - I was thinking along the same lines as you...cutting out on red meat first - then if I can handle it - cutting back on the others as well. Cheers to that

MERCURY - I agree and thank you for your informative replies. I feel compelled to mention that Linda has not pressured me into anything....pressure doesn't really fit for this cappygirl. I don't like to be bossed around - I like to be The Boss I love your checklist and agree wholeheartedly. A Low-Carb lifestyle worked for me, like NO other "diet" Ever has...but it's hard to face the mental challenge of McDonald's on every block - know what I mean? Or how about this Italian girl being told NO more pasta, and NO more bread

I have to agree that protein from tofu and/or my other alternatives....would not be as complete. I also agree that the treatment of the animals might help - although any form of killing animals bothers me.

posted January 03, 2003 03:04 PM         

Good for you. Linda and other writers bossed me around for years. I am/was weak-willed. Speaking of which, there is ice cream in the freezer right now I have to do something about.

>but it's hard to face the mental challenge
>of McDonald's on every block - know what I
>mean?

(holding half-eaten hamburger in hand, fries in another)

What?

>...and my teacher said, "Oh, he was old and
>tired" To this I smiled, but only on the
>outside

Jesus. Roadkill freaks me out. Imagine being hit head-on by a car going 50 MPH. I can just imagine some people do not bother even slowing down or keeping their eyes open, they just mow down any creature that happens to get in their precious way. In some parts of Canada the Moose they hit into is so large it smashes through their windshield and kills them. Talk about poetic justice. God has a plan.

posted January 03, 2003 07:31 PM         

I must be a little thick in the head...you do still like Linda, Correct? I think maybe what you saying - that I am not getting - is that you take Linda's advice to not take her words as gospel - to hear your own truth, from what you read of her writing?

MERCURY - may I ask a personal question?

posted January 04, 2003 02:34 AM         

Some sources of protein that are good for you while you're on a diet:

hard cheese
eggs (no egg substitutes--they are high in carbs)
cottage cheese
almonds
pecans
soy nuts
ricotta cheese
peanut butter
black beans
kidney beans
white beans
navy beans
black-eye peas
lentils
green peas
tofu
soybeans

The amount you need will depend on how much you weigh now. You need larger portions if you are over 200 pounds.

Some tips for losing weight:

Avoid starches. If the food expands when you cook it, it's also going to make your body expand when you eat it. Once you get used to not eating them, it's hard to go back to having them in your diet. I rarely touch starches anymore because my body feels plain yucky afterwards. The other night we had mashed potatoes and I still feel bloated. Yuck.

Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. If you're losing weight and not getting your water, then the fat you are burning is just hanging out on your body waiting to be flushed out with water. You should add an additional 8 ounces/day for every extra 25 pounds you need to lose. Do not drink more than 120 ounces of water a day or you'll flush out your electrolytes and trace minerals.

I know Linda's diet says you need red foods if you need to lose weight, but they are actually higher in carbs than the green ones.

Well, I hope this hopes. Good luck and cheers to healthy eating.

posted January 04, 2003 02:49 AM         

You need to be in optimum health when you reach your goal weight if you want to maintain it. Otherwise, you will most likely gain your weight back and probably rather quickly. It's why people who do the high protein/low carb diets and completely eliminate breads and fruit from their diet gain their weight back. The diet works, but your body needs all the food groups to be in optimum health. It's better to go a bit slower and lose weight with a healthy, well-balanced, nutritious diet.

posted January 04, 2003 08:33 AM         

I still like Linda, yes, otherwise I do not imagine I would have come here in the first place. Linda is a very prescriptive writer, by that I mean she tells you what to do to improve your life...literally. She is not vague, but gives clear recipes and instructions. Various readers based on their personality can take the work of a prescriptive writer and take it as a gospel, even if the writer warns against that very behavior in their work. An example of prescriptive writing is "How to Clean Anything with Vinegar" whereas an example of non-prescriptive writing is "Shakespeares Sonnets" Star Signs makes no bones about being prescriptive, it tells you what are you are supposed to do. Some people, like myself, took that as a gospel and followed it blindly. I hope that clarifies what I meant.

I am a