I decided that I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of what I put into my mouth.  I still have to take that decision every day of my life, but it does become easier to execute.  After three years, I could look back and feel proud.  Since then, I have picked up weight again, but I can still wear (almost) anything I find in the shops.  I can eat what I want, when I want, as long as I eat small portions… (does this sound a little "far-fetched"? I suppose so, but here is what really happens on a daily basis:

I decide...,    I execute...,    I spoil myself...,     but I will always try again...,     others...

The thought of being fat comes every day, ... at any time of day;

                                                              This one came at 10h47 on a Thursday...

·        I fastened my belt tighter

·        I drank my first glass of water.

·        I had something small to eat after 10 minutes.

·        I had 2 cups of tea 20 minutes later.

·        I pulled my tummy in and by lunchtime I felt thinner.

·        I had only pasta to eat.

·        I declined my afternoon-coffee.

·        I ate a banana, an energy bar, a fruit juice, and my 6^th glass of water.

·        I had steamed chicken and broccoli for dinner.

·        A friend phoned inviting me to a party!

·        I did not cheat at all.

·        I felt immensely deprived the next day, and ate a burger for breakfast!

5 minutes after that, the most amazing thing happened:

·        …I fastened my belt tighter…

• …I drank my first glass of water…         5 easy steps

 I become bored easily; therefore I do not stick to one rule for long.  These are the rules that make me cope. On the days that I am low, I break many of them, and although I have created 44 rules over 3 years (one for each of my living years). 

1.      I drink lots of water, often more than 2l per day.

2.      I eat 5 times a day.

3.      I eat smaller portions.

4.      I drink liquids when I am hungry.

5.      Food follows 10 min after.

6.      I only use herbal salts; the others hold water.

7.      Caffeine makes you puffy; I only drink decaffeinated coffee.

8.      I start my metabolism by 06h30 by eating anything the size of a R5.00-coin.

9.      I try not to eat after 20h00 at night. 

10.  I stop eating 2 hours before I go to sleep.

11.  I don’t stick to one brand at all.  (Teas, cereals, fruit, meats, restaurants, etc.)

12.  Crash-diets only work for 1 or 2 kg.

13.  These diets start any time of the week, any time of day, never on a Monday.

14.  I once lost 4 kg weighing my food for 4 weeks, but I found it too much effort.

15.  I banned eating any fat!  Still eat droewors.

16.  I use olive oil for an oily feast, but I do not heat it.

17.  I never pick up more than 1,9kg before I fasten my belt tighter. 

18.  I steam food once a week.

19.  I eat the vegetables on my plate before I eat the meat.

20.  I banned all butter; I now use chutney or mayonnaise instead.

21.  I banned sugar and take honey instead.

22.  I brush my teeth immediately after I have eaten.

23.  I cheat at least twice a week, but drink water immediately if the desire is too great.

24.  I eat 5 sources of food (vegetables, dairy, fruit, protein, carbohydrates) daily. 

25.  I don’t eat Carbohydrates after 15h00 in the day, as it needs burning.

26.  I try not to walk and eat.

27.  I put my knife and fork down between bites.

28.  I do not eat from large plates.

29.  I do not finish my plate once I feel saturated.  I leave it for the in-between-meal.

30.  I do not eat everything that a host at a dinner-party offers me.

31.  I drink less alcohol, but still have the odd glass of wine or a good whiskey.

32.  I do not drink gas cool drinks.

33.  “Foods that harm and foods that heal” are all about the nutritional value of nature.

34.  My nose, taste buds, eyes and sometimes ears are a VERY BAD influence.

35.  If man makes it, I try not to eat it. (Except when I cheat!)

36. I sleep a lot…

37. I never celebrate with a meal…

38. I seldom eat alone

39. I listen to friends that look better than me (and there are many that do)

40. I have a decent meal before I go grocery-shopping.
41. I use smaller cutlery.
42. I drink from smaller glasses and cups.
43. I try not to eat seconds
44. …And I exercise regularly! ...if you can call walking around the block "exercise"?                                                                                            

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There is no diet!             It is only a way of living!