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Andrea first came to the Rice Diet Program in July of 2005. She was battling weight gain, failed attempts at dieting and the stress and pressures that life in her mid-twenties continued to throw her way. Over the past year and a half, Andrea has maintained a weight loss of over 80 pounds. Continue reading our conversation with Andrea as she shares her experience with the Rice Diet Program.
What made you decide to come to the Rice Diet Program?
I had been overweight my entire life. I had done numerous "at home" programs (Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and LA Weight Loss, just to name a few). I had gained an increasing amount of weight, and it seemed to not be stopping despite my efforts to diet and exercise. My boss had participated in the Rice Diet Program 17 years previous, and I decided that it would be a good fit for me. I quit my job, packed up my belongings and moved to Durham for one month.
Have you been to the program more than once?
Yes, I came back in December 2007 (2 years and 5 months after I left) to remind myself of the person I was. I needed to stay on track and not to lose focus. After only a week, I was so sad to leave. It was such an inviting and invigorating experience.
What changes happened while you were at the Rice Diet?
I had a change of attitude. I didn't think "maybe" this will work... I knew it would work. I knew that I could do this at home and that I could get to my goal weight. I knew that this was the beginning of my new life. Over the next year at home, practicing the rice diet philosophy, I was able to discontinue my Glucophage medication and reverse my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome diagnosis. My hormone levels are normal again, and my cholesterol and triglycerides are in the excellent zone for once in my life.
What type of physical activity have you incorporated?
Before coming to Rice Diet I never ran for exercise... hated it! I recently completed a marathon (that's 26.2 miles), and all the training runs that went into it beforehand, because I wasn't afraid. I knew I could do it. I can do anything now.
While I was at the Rice Diet Program, I walked every day at the Duke Trail or the nearby forest trails. I also would go to the gym every other day and work on resistance training. While continuing to lose my weight at home, I exercised six days a week: four days of cardio (running, elliptical, stationary bike, etc) and three days of resistance training.
Now that I am maintaining, and no longer losing weight or training for the marathon, I do resistance training twice a week and cardio once a week. In the summer this increases, but I'm not fond of the cold!
How have you modified the program at home to work for you?
I do have more sodium in my diet, but I rarely add salt to food. I eat fish and seafood more than once a week, but I don't eat any other type of meat.
I allow myself to have sweets as long as I'm aware of the calories that I'm putting into my body and most importantly in moderation. Trigger foods, ice cream and other candies, are eaten sparingly and in public so I don't find myself hoarding/hiding food as I previously would do. It's O.K. to have a treat, but don't feel ashamed for it. Own it, enjoy it and realize that it's not an everyday food.
What helps you remain focused at home?
My jean size, and the fact that I've come this far. I don't want to disappoint myself or those who have supported me.
How has the Rice Diet Program experience impacted your life overall?
I don't hate myself any longer, I now love myself. And because of that, I've opened my life to loving others and being loved in return. I don't feel lonely.
I am also a happier person now. I no longer see the negative in myself, and thus the world. I'm no longer afraid of walking down the street thinking that people are talking about me in a negative way. I'm no longer afraid of taking public transportation for fear of overflowing into someone else's seat. I have a new ability to look at the world and think I can do that.
I'm grateful for all the support that Rice Diet has given me and to all those that I met while on the program.
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