|
|
|
|
|
 |
Diet soda, cigarettes, and starvation -- Cindy was 22 years old and her weight loss "plan" wasn't working. No matter what she did, she kept gaining weight. Not only that, her "diet" contributed to a salt overload, which developed into a temporary paralysis followed by frequent loss of feeling in her face, arms and legs.
Entering the Rice Diet program all those years ago, Cindy had no expectations and she found the Diet "unbelievably effective -- it changed my life." In the four weeks she was at Rice House, Cindy walked up to four hours a day, lost 20 pounds, grew to like her appearance more, and learned that it was possible for her to lose weight without starving herself or taking pills. At 23, the Rice Diet gave Cindy "a new life" -- one she's been able to maintain over the years. And she was healthier. For the two years that she strictly adhered to the Diet, she was never sick. Cindy learned that she could be in control of a healthy diet.
Throughout her twenties and thirties Cindy was able to maintain her weight. Then at age 40 Cindy had a son and gained weight with the pregnancy. This time around, trying to lose those extra 10 pounds was a little harder. With a "junk-foodaholic" husband, it was more difficult for her to eat as strictly as she wanted to. "I would make rice, and he would bring home pizza," she says. "He hates vegetables."
So Cindy "dieted" again trying Weight Watchers, National Institute of Physical Fitness, Atkins, fat-free, low-fat, no carb, no sugar. The list went on. While she found she would lose a few pounds, within one to two weeks, the weight always came back.
Cindy finally realized that she had to recommit herself to the good habits she learned from her Rice House days. Nearly 25 years after first attending Rice House, Cindy takes her dog and walks 6-7 days a week, even in the snow with her snowshoes! She has also maintained the idea of eating rice, vegetables and fruit on a regular basis.
One thing Cindy learned from her time at Rice House was a de-emphasis on food. In Cindy's words, "I learned that food was not the most important thing in my life. I went from thinking about food all the time, to thinking that food is what I need. It wasn't a focus any more. The other diets I tried always focused on food -- how much weight, how many calories, what type, how many points."
A year ago, Cindy wanted to return to Rice House and bring her 14-year-old daughter, but Cindy felt perhaps it might be better someplace else for younger folks. It turned out to be a waste of time and money. They didn't like the food and didn't lose weight. She were both unhappy. This year, Cindy, her mother, husband and her daughter decided to all head down to North Carolina to make the Rice House a family affair!
"The simplicity of the Diet is what worked for me," says Cindy. "It never caused a problem when I went out with my friends. I didn't have to measure anything. What failed for me in all the other diets was they were too complicated and too difficult. Adding all the time is not a diet for life."
Cindy "can't say enough" about the program. She says she never had a bad meal at the Rice House (contrary to other programs she has visited) and continues to use the recipes she learned from 1983!
"My daughter Kelsey did very well during her stay in Durham. I just see how it has changed her confidence and we have all noticed the difference. My husband Ed has doubled his weight loss since we returned home. It's amazing how the refresher helped and all my clothes fit again. As a family, we have simply quit buying food we should not have. When the holidays arise, as it's sometime a wee bit too tempting, we have it, enjoy and it and get right back on track the very next day. Pasta for Ed and Kelsey, and Phase One -- rice and fruit -- for me. I am really excited about my family experience at Rice House. I hope that the long term is as successful for them as it was for me!"
Back to Top
|
|
|
