Hi again Bill,
I'm just someone who loves to write - and I thank you for the compliment of thinking me the moderator - to me the memory of the first days I discovered the magic of computers and discussion groups is still so clear, and how very very intimidated I was of posting. It took me a while to get comfortable - and the encouragement of Bruce to start my own group - so yes, I do moderate, but not here.
Nothing is an obvious assumption - but always best to spell out details. Again, Gary, help (he is the owner and moderator!!) - I know we had someone on the forum here from Thailand because I answered them as I have a very knowledgeable mb friend also living in Thailand. - but he, my friend, wrote they didn't get together as they are 8 hours away from each other. Guess Thailand is quite big!!!! My friend is David Nissim, at
d_cameleon@hotmail.com I apologize, I keep forgetting what the area he lives in is called.
He has dreams to one day create mb conventions in the beautiful area that exists there. So maybe dreams will come true.
He also shared with us how there's so so much greens there. And in the village where he lives, everything is always cooked fresh daily - they don't eat food from the day before!!! And the amazing strength of the people, even the old people. It was very impressive.
I have that book that you mentioned for years and never noticed it was written with someone else - see how we always learn things - it's a good book exactly for the reason I didn't like it at the beginning - I only wanted a cookbook and wasn't interested in all the "way of life" recommendations - now I'm "eating up" all the mb way of life thoughts - and with the help of mb friends on the computer am encouraged to do even more - slowly, slowly, the body rub, chewing, exercising - even now and then singing (I'm tone deaf :>) )
Alot of new people to mb complain that it takes much too much time for the cooking - but I believe it's all what you are used to - of course it's much easier to eat out or to just "throw" something together. I love mb because it demands more thought - well, not demands, it is possible I guess to do it mindlessly, and to be totally honest, I guess I do alot - I just know if I cover the bases, grain, bean, veggies, I'm doing fine - but every now and then I do take it a bit further, like no beans today, as I had way too much tofu yesterday, things like that. But I fully realize there are others who take it much further, which tells me there's more adventures for me ahead to look forward to.
When things come to a stop, (as did with your weight loss) that's when it's good to throw something new into the equation. Do you go for walks or some other kind of exercise?? Reread the book and see if something new doesn't jump up at you. Or go exploring on the net - there's lots of great articles on this site, as well as interesting chats. And there's loads of mb info on other sites as well. You might find something new that stimulates you to try.
I wonder if the statistics about teachers after they retire is maybe not about the stress, but more about how lost and useless they may feel after retiring. It's sad that so many people don't know what to do with their lives when they no longer have their work, which gave them their identity, and so much meaning. That's always such an important part of life, what gives meaning!!!!
As far as the diet, the only constant is change!!!!! and each person goes at their own pace, in their own direction. So as long as you feel free enough to be flexible and play with your diet, don't be surprized if one day you won't be eating the Thai foods that you say you can't today - who knows - otoh, you may not miss the old foods, cheeses, coffee, meat, etc and really get into enjoying cooking - who knows??? Just be open and grateful and it'll go well, I promise - well, not promise, it may get challenging, but it does for everyone - the thing is to meet the challenge, grow from it, and go further in your experiences.
In my book, no such thing as going on too long. How refreshing to have a discussion again. The blog is there for you to use as you wish - I'm honored that you want to include my words.
I kept scrolling down to reply to your post - hope it was clear. I know there's a way to go into a post and reply in the text, but I haven't tried that yet here.
As far as that senior doctor, well, let's see who has the last laugh - I'm thrilled when I read of people's stories who have succeeded beyond their doctor's beliefs and the doctor is open enough to admit they might be wrong.
I look forward to reading of your adventures.
Klara