I had my first child in April of 2001. Like many first time moms, I had put on more weight than I should have. In my case: a whopping 56 lbs! I was determined to return to my prepregnancy size and terrified that that wouldn’t happen. At the same time, I desperately wanted to breastfeed my newborn and was not about to sacrifice his health for my own weight loss.
Then, one morning, I caught Marilu Henner on Live with Regis and Kelly. She was promoting her new book: Healthy Kids. I was intrigued, so I ordered the book online and devoured it. It made so much sense! Soon, I started reading other books by Marilu Henner, and quickly discovered the Total Health Makeover and Healthy Life Kitchen. I had already given up caffeine during my pregnancy, and who could argue with eating more fresh fruit and vegetables? My mother is a vegetarian, so I have a healthy love for vegetables and can do without red meat. But beyond these basics, I learned that our foods are grown with toxic chemicals such as pesticides and decided to look into eating organic foods. I also could not dispute that white sugar and white flour are overly processed and lack any nutritional value, so I also decided to eliminate these things from my diet. The only thing left was milk. The thought that milk that I drink was tainted with antibiotics, growth hormones, and the animal’s pus was enough information for me!
I started with a visit to my local natural food store and was entralled by the new world opening up before me. Rich, whole grains I had never tasted, natural sugars to satisfy my sweet tooth, and beautiful organic produce. I learned to shop in the bulk food bins to help curb the higher costs of a natural food diet. I discovered new recipes through The Total Health Makeover and began to experience a new way of eating. Each morning I started with a fruit smoothie with flax oil. I snacked on nuts and seeds throughout the day. At lunch time I usually had a large salad or whole wheat wrap with baby spinach, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, hummus, and Annie’s dressing, then at night a new recipe from one of her books or a simple meal of fish or free range chicken with vegetables. If I was still hungry before bed, I would have a bowl of oatmeal with real maple syrup or honey.
My baby was happily nursing, and growing by leaps and bounds and I felt better than ever before. My weight was quickly shedding from my body, until I discovered I had lost 64 lbs and was at my lowest weight since the eighth grade! Friends and family commented on how great I looked, even my skin cleared up! I happily kept up my “diet” for a year and half.
At that time, I found myself pregnant with my second child and was determined to have a more healthy pregnancy. Alas, hormonal cravings took over and I found myself giving in and getting away from Marilu’s plan. At this time in my life, I am still not completely following her plan, even though I know it is what is BEST for me, but I my goal is to get there again someday. And I would never trade what I have learned along the way!
