Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Embarking on a new diet, usually, conjures up images of temporary restraint from all the good things we love to eat. This reality is frequently accompanied by rapid weight loss, only to be regained at the conclusion of the diet.

Dr. Gundry's diet The Diet Evolution changed my paradigm of what a diet is; I soon was coming to terms with a significant lifestyle change! So what is "The Diet Evolution" all about? The essence is a three phase plan restricting sugar, carbohydrates and changing the balance of animal protein in favor of most vegetables.

Additionally, if you have a problem with cholesterol and tri-glycerides simply switch, to fish, skinless poultry and very lean cuts of meat. There is nothing wrong with incorporating a little soy in the mix; makes for a great stir in the wok.

With that said, I hail from Chicago; never met a 20 oz. Cowboy steak, baked potato and blue cheese salad that I didn't worship and adore! Change is in order!

Rules of the Road - Dr. Gundry's Mantra:

If it's "white," keep it out of sight.
If it's "beige," better behave.
If it's "brown," slow down.
If it's "green," then proceed.

Adios, potatoes, rice, beans and pasta. Same to you bread, tortillas and muffins! See you later tropical fruits and fruits with a high sugar content. So long corn, cooked beets and carrots; not to mention dairy products. I bid you fond farewell to most desserts. Yikes, just what can I eat? Plenty! Now, get ready for a trip to the supermercado; you don't realize it yet, but your life has just been simplified.

Let's Shop:

Face it, there are counters, aisles and departments where you can't buy anything. Don't even go down the bread aisle. When passing the deli, get your eggs, turkey bacon if you wish, and sliced turkey breast. A little Parmesan is fine for grating on things for flavor, so is Feta or Panela. Now get out of there before you find yourself in the devil's workshop. Go straight to the produce department and let yourself go. Have an old wok gathering dust? Get re acquainted with it. Seek out the darkest green leafy vegetables you can find; I'm quite fond of Swiss chard. Make eating interesting, buy a variety while thinking of salads, stir fry's, side dishes and vegetarian main dishes. Now buy some berries and apples because you can! Moving right along... avoid as many processed foods as possible! Shop smart at the meat counter; your ultimate goal as you pass through the three phases of the diet is to continue the reduction of animal protein.

Unexpected Treasures:

• Extra Virgin olive oil isn't unexpected, but a treasure regardless
• Unsweetened yogurt - doesn't get much more versatile than this
• Unsweetened almond milk - surprisingly delicious
• Nuts such as almonds and pecans - what a great afternoon snack to take the edge off
• Wild Rice - I know, "brown slow down," so use sparingly as a treat
• Black Beans - Same as above, low carb
• White Sweet Potato - Scratch the surface with your nail to ensure that it's white inside
• Cauliflower - Our other white friend
• Fish & skinless poultry - versatile, pull out those ethnic cookbooks and get inspired
• Spices - Kick it up a notch!
• Alcohol - Red wine and Vodka without mixers; mineral water is ok. Hello old friend!

Plateauing:

The secret to a successful diet is very slow weight loss as it gives your skin the time to contract to your body's new reality. I made this lifestyle change 8 months ago and went from 201 pounds down to 178 pounds. I plateaued several times along the way; that is totally normal. A plateau can last a week or two or even months where your weight loss stalls. Going out to eat with friends in town or attending dinner parties can be a challenge. If you go off the rails just catch yourself and resume.

Ultimately, if you are meeting resistance in hitting your final weight loss goal, there is always exercise and portion control.

I have found "The Diet Evolution" a fulfilling change in my life in several ways. There is the weight loss itself; I need a new belt since it's on the last notch. Looking forward to clothes shopping as I shuck my XL's. I just plain feel better and enjoy a new level of creativity in the kitchen. I highly recommend Dr. Gundry's book; it's available on Amazon!

Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is the region's representative for "The Leading Agents of the World" and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office - Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas or in their San Marino Office - San Marino Hotel at Rodolfo Gomez 111-4. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.

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