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I mentioned that I am on a few support groups and have read recently how easy it is for some people to eat as much as they can for the entire hour. It is impossible for me to do that since the most important part of my RM is balance. When it is time for my RM, I begin with my salad and then eat my veggies, protein, and carbs. I do not overeat, but definitely eat until I am satisfied. It is not unusual for me to be done eating within a half an hour and I have no desire to eat anymore.

My mentality has never been to eat as much as I can. Before beginning CALP this time, I would begin my day with my trigger foods without realizing they were the reason I would lose control over my choices, frequency, or amounts in which I would want to eat.

I have listed examples of the Reward Meals (RM) I have been eating since beginning this program on March 3, 2008. None of my meals are weighed or measured and I let my eyes do the work for me.

I love the fact that I can eat anything I want during my RM as long as it is balanced. Once my plate is empty I am allowed to have more food, but I must keep it balanced by taking the same amount of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. By following the rules, I find that it is impossible for me to overindulge in carbohydrates. I have not gone back for a second plate, but it is nice to know that it is possible, if I want to.

The other day I decided to share my thoughts with one of my support groups. One of the members of this group suggested I share it with another group, as well as put it in my blog, so here it is!

I am looking forward to sharing this journey with those of you willing to keep us all informed.

I wish those of you that are struggling with this way of eating the best of luck in getting back on plan.

I understand it takes a certain frame of mind to give up foods that make us feel good, but feeling your body getting smaller is much more satisfying.

Every day that I am successful in eating the CALP way, is another day that is getting me closer to my goal. I have a long way to go, but I know that the choices I am making are getting me closer every day.

Listed below are examples of the Complementary Meals (CM) I have been eating since beginning this program on March 3, 2008. None of my meals are weighed or measured and I let my eyes do the work for me. It is very important for me to balance my CMs with the same amount of vegetables and protein.

The majority of my meals are leftovers with the exception of a few. I prefer fresh vegetables but have no trouble opening a can of green beans and adding some vinaigrette dressing to them.

There are many more protein and vegetable choices that are allowed on this plan. Listed below are the actual combination of foods that I have been eating during the short period of time I have been on this program.

Baby Back Ribs and Green Beans w/French Vinaigrette
Protein: Pork

My enthusiasm for the Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program (CALP) continues to be at an all time high. I can honestly say that I am not familiar with too many weight loss programs, but I can't imagine any of them allowing any and all foods like this one does. Of course there are foods that can slow or even stall my weight loss journey, but I will worry about that when I get to it.

I love this plan because I eat real food that I can buy at the supermarket. My cupboards are not filled with low carb, fat free, sugar free foods that are not eaten because they do not taste very good. Our meals continue to include foods that can be enjoyed by the entire family, and we do not have to go to the trouble of preparing two separate meals just so I can eat low carb.

On May 6, 2008, my curiosity got the best of me and I finally stepped on the forbidden scale. My weight was 218 lbs. and since I had been doing really well with my eating and exercise program, I was actually feeling pretty good about myself. I will continue to avoid the scale on a daily basis since it doesn't specify how much fat I am losing, but will use it once a month when I take my measurements for my records.