Liquid Diet Chronicles: My Journey Toward a Healthier Lifestyle
A month into my diet—liquids all the way—minus the four days for the wedding where I indulged in solid food, I feel good. Every day, I’m satisfied. Not once have I gone to bed hungry or woken up ravenous. I’ve been eating enough to sustain me.
The Struggle: Balancing Hunger and Fulfilment
Has it been a struggle? Yes, but not in the way you might think. I didn’t starve myself—because that’s not the point of this diet. Looking back, I took care to eat until I was full. I’d fill a regular portion into a bowl and focus on my stomach. The moment I felt satisfied, I’d put my spoon down and stop eating.
Sometimes, one bowl was enough. Other times, I needed a little more. I did notice that when I started, I’d eat close to two bowls of soup. But as the month went on, I could only manage one. It seemed like my stomach was shrinking, unable to hold as much food as before. That’s a good sign, right? Shrinking stomach equals weight loss…or at least, I hoped so!
Starch-Free and Sugar-Free, Without Sacrifice
As I reflect on this first month, one thing stands out: I didn’t eat any pure starch or added sugar for the entire month, and I didn’t miss it. I didn’t start this diet to eliminate starch or restrict any particular food group—restriction wasn’t the focus of my diet.
Instead, my diet focused on inclusion—ensuring I ate foods I liked within the parameters I set for myself. That way, I looked forward to every meal. I stayed positive and was deliberate about what and when I ate.
Carbs vs. Starch: Understanding the Difference
Realizing that not eating starch or added sugar wasn’t that difficult gave me the incentive to continue avoiding them into the next month. I also learned the difference between starches and carbohydrates. The body needs carbs, not necessarily starch. Starch just happens to be the quickest source of carbs.
You can get all the carbs you need from fruits and vegetables—and that’s exactly what I was doing in my smoothies and soups. The bonus? Those carbs in my smoothie came with additional fibre and nutrients essential for a healthy body.
The Fear of Relapse: Avoiding Old Habits
But amidst all these discoveries, I couldn’t shake the fear of going back to my old habits. I was terrified of eating regular food again, scared that I’d gain all the weight back. I’d seen it happen to family and friends, and I’ve been guilty of it myself—starting strong only to give up before seeing results or losing weight only to gain it back twofold.
Not this time. This time, I was determined. I was going to get to a size 14—even if it killed me! Well, not quite; remember, I love myself!
The 21/90 Rule: Building Lasting Habits
After successfully completing one month, hitting every goal I set, it began to feel like my new normal. I was coasting.
So, I focused on the 21/90 rule: do something consistently for 21 days, and it becomes a habit. Continue for 90 days, and it becomes a lifestyle.
In my case, I tweaked it to suit me and my new “lifestyle”—4/14/21/90. The first 4 days are the hardest. If you can get past those, it gets slightly easier. Then, I went to 14 days (the initial period chosen by my nutritionist for the liquid diet – the one she says I went rogue on). At 21 days, you’re building a habit. By the time you hit 90 days, you’re living a new lifestyle. It’s a powerful way to frame major change, and it made a huge difference in my mindset.
Conclusion: Success is Determined by Willpower
How true is all this? Well, it depends on you—your discipline, your willpower, and your willingness to forego comfort for your goals. In the end, success on this diet is all about your personal determination.
Listen to my podcast on 30 days and counting Podbean episode 2 and listen to me dive deeper into my journey. Join me as I continue to share insights and experiences along this path to better health and wellness.