July 2003
Have you heard of the Cyprus stone??????????
No!!!!!
Have you heard of Stonehenge??
Or the Rosetta Stone??
Well it is nothing like either of those!!!!!
Nor is it a semi precious jewel found only in
Cyprus.
Or maybe it is.
OK, so I’ll reveal all.
Those of you who frequent this beautiful island
will know that the food is yummy, Fruit at this time of year is
especially yummy. Cherries, peaches, watermelon etc etc. Such an
abundance.
The meat and fish are out of this world. The
vegetables are extra yummy.
All washed down with a glass or six of the
locally produced vino.
Very generous hosts. Many parties and
family gatherings. Tables groaning with food.
Beginning to get the picture??
After 18 months of luscious living, there is more
of me now than there was when I arrived.
The well-known phenomenon of the Cyprus Stone has
insidiously crept around me, enveloping me in a very uncomfortable
overhang of what can only be described as ‘FAT’.
My favourite beach is a haunt of the cabaret
girls.
These luscious lovelies from Russia and other
Eastern European countries sun themselves on the sand wearing only sun
oil and a kanga the size of a short piece of string.
Cellulitic dimples are nowhere to be seen on
their beautiful bodies.
A daily view of the tanned flesh displayed by
these sparsely clad ladies has made it impossible for me to continue
to ignore my own ‘growing attributes’.
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE
So I have begun the Atkins Diet.
Anybody out there using it as well?
If so I would be very happy to hear from
you.
How is it for you?
Answer here.
Part 2
22 August 2003
The Cyprus stone was dwindling to a pebble at a most satisfactory rate. Then
I received the results of my blood tests. Devotees of the Atkins will know the
author recommends full blood tests, especial of cholesterol levels, before
commencing the diet. In my haste to lose the bulges I began the diet and then
had the blood tests. Not a good idea.
For the first time in my life I had high blood cholesterol. The doctor's
first and only suggestion was
STOP THE ATKINS DIET
Yes her voice was really that loud.
I made further investigations, and discovered the dieticians in Great
Britain are alarmed by the diet because it reduces carbohydrate intake to a
level that is not conducive to good health. They also suggest the weight loss
will not continue long term.
The best thing about the diet from my point of view is the thrill of
getting in to a smaller size of clothes. You know that slightly superior
feeling one has when clothes shopping , as, armed with the next size
down, one triumphantly disappears into the changing cubicle and succeeds in
squeezing into it.
So, what a dilemma.
To continue to lose the weight?? or to take care of my long term health??
The 'good health' option had to win , didn't it?
But I don't want to see the kilos pile on again.
A friend suggested the food combining diet. At least with this I eat
from all the food groups, but just not at the same time. So it must be
healthier, mustn't it??
I have increased my exercise, swimming every day. And decided to use a
smaller plate because small plates hold less calories.
Fingers crossed that it works.
At least I have lost all the weight I gained since moving to Cyprus. The
next goal is to keep it lost and still maintain a social life in a
nation of food lovers.
Watch this space.
I love to here from you, it is wonderful to receive your e-mails and to get
to know you better. Many thanks to all of you who take the trouble to write to
me with so much encouragement. I know that for many of you I am living your
dream.
So keep dreaming and planning your own adventures.
What topics would you like to know about for future newsletters??
Write to tell me about your interests.
Look forward to your e-mails, will do my best to answer all of them
personally,
all good wishes from
Sylvie.
