New user with a question.

[Austen]

Hello everyone,
I've just started 1PD last Friday and wanted to introduce myself. A long, long way to go for me but I am trying to think about it in smaller goals so I don't let myself get demotivated - which always happens to me. I've been reading through the forums the past few days and you seem like a great community - really supportive, which is what I think I am going to need.
I went grocery shopping on Thursday night after cleaning out my pantry of any non-1PD foods - my one question really is about vegetables. I know there are many that are specifically not allowed (e.g. broccoli, which is a shame because I would happily eat that breakfast, lunch and dinner!) but I cannot find any of the squash types mentioned in my new customer guide at my local supermarket. I wonder if this is a naming issue and that perhaps they are called something different in the UK.

Are there any UK users who can shed some light on this? Or maybe suggest an allowable alternative?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Austen

A very warm welcome to you! :bighug: ALL THE WAY FROM THE UK!!!

So nice having you join us!!! And, I love your ticker!!!

Please tell us a bit more about yourself, what do you do, do you have children are you married etc.

Sorry but {noway} on the broccoli for now but you can have cauliflower galore!
Do you have GEM SQUASH your area? If so you can have these, cook and weigh only what you eat ie: mini gems, weigh it all, larger gems, scoop out the pips and discard the peel… yummy with cheese and nutmeg, or with cinnamon and sweeter and chicken :hungry:

Hoping to hear lots more about you!!! And looking forward to seeing your TICKER MOVE!!!

[Austen]

Hi Shasha,

Thanks for the welcome.

I live in London but am originally from Australia. I'm 33 years old and single (no children). I wouldn't say that I have always been overweight - not that I was thin, just what I would consider 'normal' when I was at high school - but in the 15 years since I have gained an average of 8-10 lbs per year ... and over 15 years that really adds up!

My motivation for joining really came together in May. I recently went home for a wedding and was depressed that all my friends were wearing fabulous outfits and by comparison I felt really frumpy! Then on the plane home I just felt so uncomfortable wedged into my seat - just so my pressure on my hips and thighs. I had read a story in a magazine in Australia about a woman who had lost an amazing amount of weight very quickly on 1PD (I think about 100kg in 7 months) and I thought that even if I could lose weight at half that speed or even slower it would still be much better than anything I have tried before (and I have tried everything)! I have had numerous stabs at getting my weight under control and have lost up to 28lb (and gained it back with interest) a few times but I always lose momentum.

My other motivation is that my parents are coming over to the UK for Christmas - I really want to blow them away when I meet them at the airport.

Other than that I just want to feel good - at the moment, although I am in generally very good health (especially considering my size) I don't sleep well and get very bad headaches quite often. I have my fingers crossed that much of this is weight-related and that I will see some relief soon.

I know I can definitely get Butternut Squash but I am almost 100% sure you are going to tell me it's a big no-no. I did see one other type at Sainsbury (my local supermarket) and can't remember the name, but I am pretty sure it wasn't Gem. Oh well, I guess cauliflower and I will have to learn to love each other!

Thanks again for your help.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Austen

Can you imagine the faces of your Mom & Dad in December when they find half of you at the airport??? :shocked::shocked:That’s going to be absolutely fabulous!!!

Just so you know right up front what to expect: most Diet Buddies have their fastest progress in their first 4 weeks, however, if you continue to follow your eating plan 100%, you should see steady progress in the following months – all the bits will add up to make a whole lot less of you by December!!!
SO: GO FOR IT 100% !!! {cheerleader}

And, please don’t eat the butternut squash for now – that’s full on starch – not veggie at all!

[Amber]

Hi Austen & Sasha,
I'm also a newbie here in the Cohen Club and your story sound remarkably like mine.....

I'm also seeing my family (in South Africa) at the end of this year and want to look my best then. My husband and I moved to the US in January this year and although we love everything here - the move was a strain on me emotionally (being away from family) and the pound just kept pilling up.

My mother (she tried every other diet) was on this dieet and she looks and feel wonderfull - therefore I know that it works!

Good luck to you!

[Austen]

Thanks Amber, good luck to you too.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Amber

Moving to a new country can be very, very stressful! :comfort: sorry if the previous post seemed a bit ‘tough’ on you – it wasn’t meant to be – only a bit of **** kicking…

A very WARM WELCOME TO THE US!!! From all your Diet Buddies {grouphug1} Which area are you in? Have you settled and made friends yet or are you still feeling home sick?

Either way, how about you tell us what you like most about the US and what you miss most about your home… sometimes it helps to have some sounding boards… and we are here for you! Also tell us a bit about your Mom? How long was she on diet, how much did weight did she lose? Most important, has your Mom completed her Re-feeding program?

Imagine how proud she is going to be of you when she sees you in December again - if you focus now I believe you can be done with Re-feeding before then but you must focus because December is just around the corner! Have you started Christmas Shopping yet??? :christmas:

[Amber]

Shasha,
The previous post was just what I needed! I will read it before I even think about cheating again!

Initially we moved to Chicago, but my husband was relocated to Houston, TX. I really liked Chicago in the snow - but that might have been because we were only there for 2 months.... we still enjoyed shoveling snow. Houston is also very nice , a bit more humid than we are used to. All the poeple are really friendly. What I miss most from home are my family, friends and .... barbeque!

My mom lost around 55 pounds and she is almost at her goal weight. It was really inspiring to she her melt away, because I know she tried almost every diet under the sun.

I can't wait to see the same results, and with everyone here cheering each other on, I believe that we can achieve that.

Thank you!

[SurferGirl]

December is just around the corner! Have you started Christmas Shopping yet??? :christmas:

{uhm}Shasha! This is not nice!! Please don't make me think about that yet! Holiday parties and baked goods everywhere! YUCK, no thanks!{pan}

Don't worry diet buddies, we still have plenty of time before those pesky holidays role around. By then we'll be so much stronger and none of the stress or temptations will be able to derail us!! We'll be SUPER COHENITES:flying: by then!

PS- Shasha, I know you were just kidding, and I'm kidding too...it's only June for cryin out loud!!!

And Miss Amber, I am so happy you're back on the bus. Now strap yourself in, glue yourself to the seat, hang on tight, you're not gettin off till you reach your destination. Healthy, beautiful, confident YOU!

[bitten]

hello austen-

i could have wept when you wrote....SAINSBURY'S....
i moved back to NY after 10 years in the UK (london & then Arundel, west sussex) about 18 months ago. i miss all things english terribly. my DH is english & my 2 DD's were both born there.
i also have gained loads of weight since moving back to the US due to stress & depression.

i wish you all the best here on 1st PD...you will achieve what you want. it truly works, if you JUST DOIT!!!

bitten

[macresco]

Congratulations on making the best decision of your life, Austen!:party1:

This is the fastest, easiest plan out there and I thank my lucky stars every day for Dr. Cohen. The first few days are killers, but persevere and you will very quickly see the gigantic benefits...just keep your eye on the prize and the time will fly! This coming Friday I'll be done with my first 4 weeks and I feel like I just started!

I believe in visualization - it really helps! ...can you see yourself at the airport near Christmastime? Are you at Heathrow or Gatwick? What are you wearing? Maybe you spy your parents before they see you...and they don't immediately recognize you! Can you see the looks of joy, surprise and delight when they finally see that this gorgeous girl motioning to them is THEIR daughter? Can you hear your dad whisper to your mother, "OMG, she's half her old size!! Look at our radiant girl!" They're SO proud of you! Can you see yourself doing a pirouette when your mother exclaims, "Turn around so I can see you!"?....you finish the rest...

You can do this!

Shasha - I was thinking back to last Christmas/New Year and remember saying to my sister that all I wanted for Christmas next year was a new body...guess what? I started my "shopping" the day I started 1PD. I know that's the gift I'll be giving myself! Now all I want for Christmas is a new wardrobe :) :) :)

[pumbza]

Welcome austen and good luck I am two days old on the Cohen DIET and I have been overweight nearly all my life even though I didn't really think so and if I achieve my Goal weight laid out by the Cohen Diet I will be thinner than when I graduated at school imagine that my KIDS will have huge party but hopefully with 130g protien and 120g vegtables Ha Ha!I also bought the Hubbard Sqaush thanks to u and Shasha I nearly had a big BoBo I must relook the Zucinni story we don't seem to have them in Botswana!:innocent4:
Amber I maybe wrong but a Barbi (Australia) or Barbeque in a AMERICA is a BRAAI with delicous B***EW**S can't mention this word on this site else we will have a stampede Ha Ha:innocent3:

[Austen]

Awww you guys! Thanks for that warm welcome.

I am not suffering too much - not hungry or tired really - but I will have to start getting more organised and inventive as I can see that I will get a bot bored having steak and veggies for dinner each night - I'll have to start mixing it up and inventing some nice salsas or something.

Hi SurferGirl - actually, the one good thing about living on the other side of the world to my family is that it makes me super organised about presents, mainly because I can't leave it until the last minute because of postage and I hate going to the post office at Christmas. Do you know that last year I posted everyone's birthday and Christmas presents home in May?

Oh Bitten, I'm so sorry your move made you stressed and depressed ... definitely an eating trigger. I think the only time I really have ever lost weight without thinking about it is when I have a super busy + super happy combination going on (e.g. planning a party) - but that doesn't really happen all that much in everyday life, does it? At least you are back on the horse now. Just think of how quickly this year has gone - almost halfway through already. I am sure we will both be at or close to goal by December and then think - a New Year where weight loss doesn't have to be a resolution ... I don't think that has happened to me for a long time - definitely not this century anyway!

Hi Macresco, your post cracked me up - I was actually thinking more along the lines of them either walking straight past me or maybe mistaking me for my sister. Thanks for the added motivation - visualisation is definitely a good motivator (and a really good daydreaming pastime to distract me from thinking about naughty food).

Hi Pumbza, good luck - can't you just imagine how much easier it will be to move around? I bet you can't wait for your Cohen-friendly celebration braai. Also I was going to say that to Amber too - don't say BBQ in Texas if you mean e.g. barbie for Aussies etc. I spent a bit of time in Houston a few years ago and a Texan friend said to me "y'all know BBQ doesn't just mean grilling outside" - they are (rightfully) proud of their great BBQ traditions. Mmmm ... ribs ... it's making my mouth water just thinking about it!

[SurferGirl]

Hi SurferGirl - actually, the one good thing about living on the other side of the world to my family is that it makes me super organised about presents, mainly because I can't leave it until the last minute because of postage and I hate going to the post office at Christmas. Do you know that last year I posted everyone's birthday and Christmas presents home in May?



Really???? WOW you are super Disciplined, this diet will be a breeze for you! LOL MAY??????

[pumbza]

Yes Austen nothing like taking your meat and salads into the sunshine and Braaing them on a open fire with the wonderful aroma ......Must stop here but imagine me going out with my little 130g fillet I must make sure I don't let it fall through the grid its so small Ha Ha!!We have had bad habits down here consuming far to much meat in one sitting while chatting to friends had to bring a stop to that!:innocent4:Yeah SurferGirl is absolutely right u so organised this DIET will be a BREEEEZE for you I just don't know if I could organize a party and stay on DIET!Here's a horribally old joke I was once on a seafood DIET "See Food and EAT" Yeah I know terrible well Day3 on my Diet and I have plenty energy I am up at 5am so I am just killing time and enjoying all the DIET BUDDIES Ha Ha!:innocent3:

[Shasha]

{hi} there Everyone

Macresco: Thank you! I could just see Austin at the Airport AND I could feel the excitement!!! WOW, girl you are good! :artist:

I’m thrilled that you are busy shopping for your BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT ever!! THE NEW YOU!!!
Note the word present – as in a gift, but also present as in the here and the now… It is sooooo wonderful to watch you make your dreams come true!!! {cheerleader}

Time goes by so fast, before we know it, this year too will be something of the past and hopefully all of you will have left behind quiet a couple of pounds / kilo’s!!

Austen {goodjob} on being so organized! Hope you do the same with all your meals!

And if anyone wants a nice BBQ idea: how about taking your chicken and your veggies ie: green pepper, zucchini, onion, mushrooms and making cubebs’ – remember to spray them with a little non stick spray so that your portion does not get stuck to the grill…

SurferGirl: I love your idea: … Now strap yourself in, glue yourself to the seat, hang on tight, you're not gettin off till you reach your destination. Healthy, beautiful, confident YOU!... especially the bit about GLUE YOURSELF TO THE SEAT!!