At the end of January this year, I weighed in at 107kg, which for a man of my build is about 27kg overweight. I looked and felt like a sack of potatoes. I had to do something about it instead of just buying bigger sized clothes – something I'd been doing for some time.
I was getting plenty of exercise, riding my bicycle, taking the stairs instead of the lift and walking sometimes. But it wasn't enough. I wasn't gaining weight, but neither was I losing it. Something had to be done about it.
While watching TV, several ads appeared about a weight loss programme. There were formerly overweight people looking really good who followed the programme and were now promoting it.
So I thought to myself: "Hmmm…" and off I toddled to the local Terry White's Pharmacy that is promoting the programme. After some waiting, a lady consultant met with me to give a run-down on the programme and what was involved.
It starts by cutting right back on the amount of carbohydrates consumed, as our bodies store carbohydrates as fat for the bad times. By not giving the body carbs, it forces our bodies to consume the stored carbohydrate, thus burning the fat.
The consultant also teaches how to read the labels on food before purchasing. Anything more than 5 carbs per 100 grams is a no-no. Sugar – including honey – also became taboo.
That was a problem for me because I have a sweet tooth, which got me into this mess in the first place.
Other foods not permitted during the programme include breads, cereals, pasta, rice, biscuits, fruit juice, lollies, sweet corn, peas and pumpkin. Certain fruits that are high in sugars are prohibited as well.
So what can one eat? The programme provides some delicious soups and shakes designed to provide your basic nutrients and essential minerals.
I usually had the shake for breakfast combined with some of the "Simple Fibre", which adds bulk and filling. Adding a banana or mango to blend into the shake helped keep me going till lunch – two pieces of fruit per day is allowed, but selected fruit low in sugar only.
For lunch, a soup is good. My favourite is Pumpkin Soup Sachet combined with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, fried tofu squares, onions and mushrooms, with a freshly squeezed clove of garlic, and lastly, sea salt pepper and shoyu soy sauce for flavour. Yum!
Dinner "must" be a protein meal though. A palm-sized piece of steak, skinless chicken breast or steamed (not fried) fish will do the trick. For dessert, a bowl of lite jelly can be eaten as much as one likes.
Another important aspect of the programme is drinking a minimum of two liters of water per day. Water is needed to flush toxins from the body and is a big help in the weight loss procedure. Half a liter with each meal and a half liter during the day covers it. There is no limit to how much one drinks as long as the two liter requirement is met.
After the first week on the programme, I'd lost a whopping 5kg. I thought to myself: "Wow, this is all right!" I had to put another hole in my belt, but that was OK because it was going inwards rather than outwards.
The following week my weight dropped another 2kg and my pants were falling down again. Another hole in the belt please. Three or four new holes and 2 ½ months later, my weight came down to 86kg. My friends are amazed; I am too. I feel a lot younger; I'm carrying 27 kilos less and I am much happier for it. It is a discipline, but that's what it's about. Only problem is, I have to get all my trousers altered now!
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