Transitions into CR

[Guest guest]

What are the stages of the development of CR? When do we transition from

developing

a curiosity in CR as a science, to experimenting in CR as a part of our lives

and to

our practicing CR? Could it be for you that this happens when you realize the

potential to control for yourself your health as a consequence of your actions

in

selecting an appropriate diet? Is it that the initiation process occurs when we

receive comments that our weight is reduced to safe or unsafe levels? Or, does

the

firm commitment to CR and follow the lifestyle begin when we discover other

CRers

via the CRON Support Group, exchange our thoughts, encourage newcomers and

benefit

from the interaction?

In my example, I realized that the health risks to my cardiovascular diseases

were

comparable to others in my immediate family, who had suffered severe

consequences.

I adopted the Pritikin diet at the time, improved my blood lipid levels and

realized

that simple adjustments to my diet led to painless reductions in weight and

calorie

intake. (I did not track my calorie intake, but consumed so much more bread,

jam

and sugared sodas in the Pritikin ad libitum low-fat diet that it did not

provide

fewer calories than the foods such as meats, French fries and ice cream by the

liter

that I consumed " ad libitum, normal fat " ).

Then, I read a review of the first Walford and Weindruch book written in 1988,

ordered the book and embarked on CR, via the continuation of the low-fat diet

without the simple carbohydrates. It appeared that my dietary selection

facilitated

a painless transition into CR. I fondly remember my exhilaration that first

summer

as I readily adopted the lifestyle. I settled at what I felt was the

appropriate

level of CR, as recommended by the Walford and Weindruch book, and felt only a

slight hunger.

I only discovered the existence and benefits of the CRON Support Group after my

firm

commitment to and practice of CR for several years. The remainder is CR

history.

-- Al Pater, alpater@...

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