| July 2008 |
Rice Paper |
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"No illness that can be treated by diet should be treated by any other means." -Maimonides- |
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Aug 04 | May 04 | April 04 | Jan 99

Inside this Issue
- Raquel's Success Story
- Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Setting Goals
- Rice Diet Cookbook Available

Raquel's Success Story
I am facing "Project Raquel" with passion,
responsibility and discipline. I set a goal, and I know I
will accomplish
it.
Raquel Enjoys Christmas in
July
Raquel first came to the Rice Diet on December 22,
2007. While most family traditions during the holiday
season center around food, her family decided to
experience a "healthier" alternative. They left the
familiar festivities of their home in the Dominican
Republic, and they decided to spend Christmas in
Durham, North Carolina. In the past seven months,
Raquel has maintained a weight loss of almost 100
lbs at home. Find out how this present from her
parents was the gift that truly keeps on giving!
What made you decide to come to the Rice
Diet Program?
I started to lose a few pounds before going to the Rice
Diet, but deep in my heart I knew that I was going to
gain them back over the holidays. That feeling was my
wake-up call, and we decided as a family to have
a "healthy" vacation at the Rice Diet. I knew this
was going to be the best Christmas gift from my
parents ever!
What changes happened while you were at
the Rice House?
On that first morning, my blood pressure was 148/85.
Today (at home) it was 108/65, and I feel just great. I
was not on any medication before, but I am glad that I
took control of my life before having to start. I have lost
98.5 pounds in total, and still have more to go!
Have you been to the program more than
once?
Yes! I have been to the program three times this year.
The first time for three weeks, the second time for 10
days, and my last visit was a week long. Even when I
reach my desired goal, I know I will still come back.
The reason I return is because I benefit from the
program as a whole. This is a very well structured
program, the classes are so helpful for me, and I
recharge my energy every time I go. I meet special
new friends that are an inspiration and act as a
support group.
Which classes did you find most helpful at
the Rice House?
ALL OF THEM! When I am at the Rice Diet, I try to
attend as many classes as possible. I always learn
something new, and I strongly believe the classes are
as important as the food and the physical activity.
When you adopt a true lifestyle change, it is important
to understand the reason for it and change from the
inside. The classes give me the confidence I need to
return home and put these changes into action.
Just to mention a few of the great
classes:
All the nutrition classes with Ryan helped
me understand how to apply the program to my life,
and how to make the right food choices. The
Going Home lectures help relieve any
anxiety that I have about returning home and help
prepare me to face my busy life.
Dream Boards with Kitty: These are so
powerful to me, and they helped me visualize my
goals. I learned how powerful and healing writing
could be.
Meditation/Yoga with Dr. Rosati and Joy.
This was new to me on my last trip, and I've applied
some of the breathing techniques that I've learned at
home.
Medical Lectures with Dr. Neelon and Jeff
Georgi: I found these classes very interesting, and I
now have a better understanding of the psychological
implications of an eating disorder.
What do you do for Physical Activity?
When I first came to Durham, I was not active AT ALL.
I started incorporating physical activity after a week
into the program. I walked one mile in one hour, soon
after two miles, then progressed to three miles a day. I
now continue to walk 2-3 miles a day at home. For the
past five weeks, I've been working with a personal
trainer three times a week.
What helps you remain focused at home?
I have Dr. Neelon's words in my mind from when I left -
"Take care of your nutrition the same way you are
taking care of your eyes." And that is exactly what I've
been doing since. After my second trip, I signed up for
the After Care program with Bobbie. Talking to her
every week helps me remain focused, and I record
what I eat, my blood pressure and my weight daily. I
often review my class handouts, and I have found
them to be a valuable reference.
All of this helps me to remember that this is a very
important and special project. I am
facing "Project Raquel" with passion, responsibility
and discipline. I set a goal and I know I will
accomplish it.
How has the Rice Diet Program impacted
your life overall?
1. I have changed my attitude towards food. I used to
eat when I was happy, sad, and/or stressed... Now I
eat my meals and enjoy every single one. It is
amazing. The fact that I can truly enjoy and value an
orange is hard to imagine.
2. I understand and experience things that I once
thought were too hard or too silly to try -- like being
more active or journalizing.
3. Before going to the Rice Diet, I did not cook at all.
Now, I cook whenever I can, actually enjoy it, and even
create my own recipes!
Is there anything else you want to share?
When you have lived for years with a weight problem,
you just don't know where or how to start making
changes. It is very important for me to live one day at a
time and to remember that it took many years to pack
on so many pounds. I can't count how many "diets" I've
tried.
The difference is that I have now adopted a healthy
lifestyle, and what really matters is the steady long-
term results. I truly believe this is the answer to all of
my years of yo-yo dieting. Thanks to all the great
support from the doctors and the wonderful staff at the
Rice Diet Program, this is possible.
To read more Rice Diet success stories, click here.

Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad
This is a refreshing and flavorful salad that's full of
color. It tastes best chilled and keeps well in the frig. It
makes a great side dish, but I also had it as my main
course one night last week when I arrived home
hungry. Adjust the serving size to suit your meal
needs.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin, ground
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 med/large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion red onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 15 oz can black beans, canned, no sodium
added, drained
Preparation:
· Mix the first six ingredients together in a sauce pan.
Bring to a boil and stir, then simmer for 1-2 more
minutes to ensure sugar has dissolved. Remove from
heat.
· Mix together the corn, bell pepper, cilantro and beans
in a bowl.
· Add the contents of the sauce pan to the corn mixture
and mix well.
· Cover and chill. Serve cold.
Nutrition Information:
This recipe yields four servings, one cup each. Each
serving contains approximately: Calories: 180, Total
Fat: 0.4g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg,
Carbohydrates: 16g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 8g, Sodium:
16mg.
Check out more Rice Diet Recipes.

Setting Goals
For anyone starting or continuing a wellness program,
it's important to think about more than just the long-
term goals. Try setting intermediate goals in addition
to long-term ones. The sense of achievement you feel
as you reach each goal can help keep you motivated
to move on to the next goal. Are you trying to lose 30
lbs? Try setting goals for 10 lbs then 20lbs. And don't
forget about other goals. Exercise -- walking for 30
minutes could be the first of many goals you reach
before your final goal of walking 5 miles a day. You
can set similar goals for blood pressure.
For more Tips and Resources, click here.

Rice Diet Cookbook Available
The latest Rice Diet book is now available! It is full of easy recipes from the Rice Diet kitchen, cooking classes, participants and staff.
This book also contains more inspirational stories -- some from Rice Diet Program participants and others from those who read and followed the Rice Diet Solution at home.
Pick up a copy of the cookbook at the Rice Diet Store or your local bookseller.
Buy the cookbook at the Rice Diet Store

Contact Information
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