The McDougall Diet Update – Week 2 (August 8-14, 2013)

I am following the McDougall diet and I started this diet on August 1, 2013.

It is a diet that consists of eating starchy vegetables, non-starchy vegetables, and fruit.

This is my update for week two of following the McDougall diet.

The Changes

Weight
I check my weight daily (out of curiosity), but I have not had a big loss in the weight department, only 0.5 pounds.  I think that is good, considering I have not been exercising like I should.  I know that if I exercised more that I will see the weight loss.

Exercise
I am exercising now, easing myself back into my routine.  Can you believe, that I can do 30 pushups the regular way (legs straight, not bent)?  I was surprised, by this because when If first started doing the regular styled pushups, I could only do five pushups.  This goes to show that if you keep doing something for a while that your strength builds.  I know I can do 40 pushups, I just need to push myself more.

Flatter Stomach
I took my measurements at the beginning of staring the McDougall diet, but I did not share them with you.  I will share them with you after I complete four weeks.  I have not been exercising like I should, but I will definitely get on it.  I can visually see that my stomach is flatter and I am ecstatic about that.

Bowel Movements
I know this is too much information, but I want you to know that it is easy, so much so that I enjoy this because I know the waste moving out of my body.  Bowel movements are regular, occurring at almost the same time each day.  Wow, is all I can say.

Clearer Skin
My skin is clearer.  I look in the mirror with amazement of how clear, smooth and fresh my skin looks.  My skin before doing the McDougall diet was fair, but it was not very clear and smooth, because I was eating sweets and other junk, but since cutting out the sweets and the junk, I see a big difference in my skin.

Daily Meals

I eat oatmeal every day.  I am not bored with oats, because I usually make the oats a different way (cooked or uncooked), and sometimes add different foods to the oats so that I do not get bored.

I do not eat three meals a day.  I usually eat when I am hungry and I tend to eat my first meal later in the morning.  This diet keeps me satisfied for a longer time, therefore I do not feel the need to eat three meals just because it is the normal thing to do.  However, when I started exercising, I noticed that I eat a little more.

Day 8 – August 8, 2013
First Meal:  Brown Rice, Blueberries, a little Agave Nectar, with Hemp seeds
Snacks:  Nectarine, Pretzels (must stop this)
Second Meal:  I do not have anything written down, but I know I ate something.  I probably had a salad.

Day 9 – August 9, 2013
First Meal:  Oatmeal, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, Agave Nectar
Second Meal:  Vegetable Salad, Baked Sweet Potato, Black Bean Soup
Snack:  Fruit

Day 10 – August 10, 2013
First Meal:  Oatmeal, Blueberries, Agave Nectar
Second Meal:  Jerusalem Artichoke Spaghetti with Spaghetti Sauce, Mustard Greens with Mushrooms and Onions, Baked Sweet Potato, and Kidney Beans and Tomato.
Snack:  Fruit

Day 11 – August 11, 2013
First Meal:  Oatmeal, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, Agave Nectar
Second Meal:  Baked Sweet Potato loaded with Kidney Beans and Tomato, Steamed Broccoli, Spaghetti (small portion)
Snack:  Fruit

Day 12 – August 12, 2013
First Meal:  Oatmeal, Blueberries, Wheat Germ, Agave Nectar
Second Meal:  Big Vegetable Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Spinach, Carrots, Cucumber, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Lemon Juice, Organic Kelp Seasoning (with Cayenne Pepper), Nutritional Yeast, Garlic Powder, Real Salt, Toped with Warm Kidney Beans and Tomato), 100% Wheat Bread
Snack:  Fruit

Day 13 – August 13, 2013
First Meal:  Oatmeal, Blueberries, Wheat Germ and Agave Nectar
Second Meal:  Big Vegetable Salad, Split Pea Soup with Barley, 100% Wheat Bread
Snack:  Fruit

Day 14 – August 14, 2013
First Meal:  Oatmeal, Soy milk, Cinnamon, Raisins, Blueberries
Second Meal:  Vegetable Salad, Black Bean Soup, Baked Sweet Potato, Steamed Vegetables
Snack:  Fruit

Note:  I use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in my salads.  I use Real Salt and Organic Kelp Seasoning and I also use other herbs and spices for seasoning the foods that I eat.  I ran out of Braggs Liquid Aminos and now use Tamari (already had it in my cupboard).  I do not put any added oils on my salads or other foods.

Final Words

My second week following the McDougall Diet was easier than the first week.  I do not feel the need to snack on Pretzels.  I get satisfaction from snacking on fruit.

I do not crave sweets, even though there are candy bars in my freezer that do not belong to me.  There was a time, when I would have eaten those candy bars, but I have not the slightest desire to eat them.

Overall, I am doing well and enjoy eating the foods that I am eating.  I am so glad the sweet tooth has gone away.

A consistent exercise regimen is priority on my list and I have started the process. Yeah!

Until next time…

Keep moving and you will arrive!