Well, I’ve got a couple of posts still percolating in the draft queue (including one on food addiction that I’m particularly excited about), but it’s clear that they are going to have to wait until 2012. My plan is to go mostly off the grid between Christmas and New Year’s, so things will likely be quiet here.
And between what I need to get done for work before then and the presents that still need wrapped, things will likely be quiet before Xmas too.
So, to more or less close 2011 on Weight Maven, I thought I’d share a few of the things I’m thankful for:
- The Jaminets’ Perfect Health Diet. A little over a year ago I started doing a primal diet based on Kurt Harris’ Archevore Diet. This worked pretty well, but then PHD was published shortly afterwards and between the book and the blog, I was soon hooked … and adding some safe starches to my diet ;).
More importantly, Paul has been an amazing resource at the PHD blog. It boggles my mind that he still has the time to address the many, many reader questions he gets!
- Neurofeedback. In her book Primal Body, Primal Mind, Nora Gedgaudas mentions that she used neurofeedback to address her battle with depression. A few Google searches later, I learned that neurofeedback has been researched for addiction and I found a local practitioner. My goal: relief from a lifetime of compulsive overeating and food addiction that ‘clean’ eating alone didn’t provide.
Since I finished my 60 sessions (last April), I’ve had a couple of episodes of major stress-related overeating, but they have not resulted in completely falling off the wagon and re-gaining every lost pound and then some. It is not hyperbole to say it’s been a life changer for me.
- Egoscue. Thanks so much to reader Kirk who suggested Egoscue back in September when I was in the midst of major league back pain after AHS11. The ortho I had seen wanted to fuse most of my lumbar spine (after scaring me silly about the prospect of losing bowel and bladder function). Fortunately Doogie Howser (not his real name), the neurosurgeon I saw said that recommendation was bordering on criminal. Doogie agreed that I could take some time to do physical therapy and lose some more weight before considering microsurgery.
It’s been about two months and I’m much, much improved from where I was even before heading out to AHS. Egoscue’s basic premise is that your vertabrae do what your postural muscles say, so if you address the latter, you improve the former. What’s involved are specific exercises that are done every day and target those muscles. It’s slow, but I’ve got time … and the prospect of avoiding back surgery is quite motivating!
- Weight Maven commenters and readers. There is certainly something to be said for the sheer catharsis of writing. But there’s something more to be said for connecting with real people. I greatly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to write a comment here in 2011. You guys rock! And those of you who read or share without me knowing you, you guys rock too!
Happy holidays everyone … see you in 2012!
Happy holidays to you too!
Happy birthday!
But in all seriousness, have a great Christmas, Beth. You always have some pretty insightful things to say, If you shall be traveling may you stay safe!
I’m pleased to hear that you find Egoscue to be helpful. When you have time, I’d like to see you write a post about which set of exercises you use, which ones seem most useful, and whether you use any equipment. (As for myself, I like Arm Circles and Static Back Press the most . . . the latter being a great way to take a quick nap.)
Merry Christmas! I have really appreciated all your research and your sharing it with us. I have learned so much. Thank you.
I am also so very grateful for Perfect Health Diet - what a treasure the book is, and the blog, with all of Paul’s attentive care for his commenters.
Merry Christmas, all!
Your remarks about neurofeedback are compelling. It would be helpful reading if you ever decide to share more about the process. Best wishes for continued binge-free living, and most of all: best wishes for a fabulous new year! :)