Today is the day I start my WFPB diet.
Breakfast
Whole wheat cereal
Unsweetened almond milk
Sliced fresh strawberries
I normally sweeten my cereal with stevia. But Jane recommends I don't use stevia so I can get used to the natural unsweetened taste of food, so that is what I did. The meal was very satisfying and I was full. I also used to have a whey protein drink every morning with breakfast. No more.
Lunch
Baked potato stuffed with cooked green beans, mushrooms and pico de Gallo.
Sliced cooked squash
Cooked carrots
Small scoop of white rice
Slice of honeydew melon
Dinner
Baked potato stuffed with pinto beans and pico de gallo.
Slice of honeydew melon
Evening Snack
1/2 apple
I am so full I could only eat half of it
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Baseline
Tomorrow I start my WFPB diet. So I need to publish a baseline of where I am today so I can measure if I am losing weight and inches.
Height 5' 8"
Weight 412 pounds
Neck 19"
Chest 58'
Waist 70 "
I know, I'm shaped like a pear.
Height 5' 8"
Weight 412 pounds
Neck 19"
Chest 58'
Waist 70 "
I know, I'm shaped like a pear.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Exercise
I have been physically active all of my life in spite of my weight.
In High School I weighed about 220. I majored in football, track and wrestling. I received two college football scholarships but instead I took an academic scholarship to BYU (remember, I am a rocket scientist by profession).
I used to play a lot of racket ball during my lunch time at work. Later I would walk in the mornings for 1/2 hour. I also bought an exercise bike and a treadmill which I regularly used.
When I had congestive heart failure in 2002 I was in such poor health I could no longer exercise. My doctor had me do physical therapy which included 1 1/2 hours water aerobics twice a week in a pool. I fell in love with the water. I could go a whole session and not hurt. I have been doing water aerobics twice a week for 12 years and I am still doing it. I think it is one of the things that has kept me alive.
I plan on continue doing water aerobics for the rest of my life. Or at least until my health improves so I can do other exercises.
Love that Water
Forever Strong in Life
Larry Strong
In High School I weighed about 220. I majored in football, track and wrestling. I received two college football scholarships but instead I took an academic scholarship to BYU (remember, I am a rocket scientist by profession).
I used to play a lot of racket ball during my lunch time at work. Later I would walk in the mornings for 1/2 hour. I also bought an exercise bike and a treadmill which I regularly used.
When I had congestive heart failure in 2002 I was in such poor health I could no longer exercise. My doctor had me do physical therapy which included 1 1/2 hours water aerobics twice a week in a pool. I fell in love with the water. I could go a whole session and not hurt. I have been doing water aerobics twice a week for 12 years and I am still doing it. I think it is one of the things that has kept me alive.
I plan on continue doing water aerobics for the rest of my life. Or at least until my health improves so I can do other exercises.
Love that Water
Forever Strong in Life
Larry Strong
Friday, February 21, 2014
Doctors I have known
I have a list of 21 doctors I have been to over the last 50 years. And the list isn't complete. I want to share some of my experiences with you.
Family Physician---I have been with my current family physician for about 20 years. He is much younger than I am but has his problems too. He isn't overweight but has come down with diabetes. It can happen to anyone, but mostly to fatties like me. He has been a good doctor and has referred me to many specialists as my numerous health problems arise. He recently had two surgeries for pain in his neck and is now working half time while he recovers.
Weight Loss Specialists
-MD 1962---I read an ad in the paper about a doctor who helped you lose weight by "balancing your metabolism." I was skeptical on my first meeting because he weighed about 400 pounds. I then was a "sleek" 250. He told me about this wonderful plan, which he had been on himself for a month. He gave me a whole slew of different colored pills and instructions of which ones to take and when during the day. I didn't need to do anything else. Then he would see me in a week, check me and change the quantity and type of pills I took each day to balance my metabolism. The next Friday I received a call from the dr.'s office reminding me of my 2:00 pm appointment. However, I couldn't see my regular dr. but another dr. would see me. I asked why I couldn't see my regular dr. and they said because he had passed away the day before. I cancelled my appointment and flushed the rest of my pills down the toilet.
-MD 1972---Protein Sparing Fast. I had 2 oz of liquid protein and water every day for 40 days. Nothing else. I lost about 30 pounds and developed gout.
-Psychiatrist 1977---I went to a psychiatrist who claimed he could help people lose weight. On my first session he explained that he would examine my past over many visits and find out what happened in my past that causes me to overeat and gain weight. I never went back.
-Surgeon 1981---I became really desperate about my weight because I weighed 430 pounds. So I had stomach staple surgery. I lost about 75 pounds then gained it all back. This really soured me on receiving medical help on losing weight.
-DC Chiropractic & Bio-Identical Hormones 2009---Several things he had me do to lose weight include the following: Take a whey protein drink every morning with breakfast. I am still doing this but will stop on my new WFPB diet. Stop drinking all soda pop, diet or regular. I followed this advise and have not had any soft drinks for the past 4 years. Use stevia as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. I am still doing this. Any comments on this for the WFPB diet? I never lost any weight and stopped seeing him after 6 months.
-I have seen many doctors for different problems and they all tell me I need to lose weight (da). So I ask them what diet they recommend I go on and they usually say some variation of the Standard American Diet (SAD). I then ask them if they will tell me the names of two of their patients who have weighed as much as I do, who have gone on his diet and lost down to their normal weight and kept it off for two years. No doctor I have seen has ever been able to do this. After this they do not discuss diet with me anymore. I have basically been the same weight (between 415 and 430) for the past 33 years. HELP HELP HELP.
Diabetes
MD Family Physician 1986---Diagnosed with diabetes. Given pills and a diabetic diet.
Current MD Family Physician 1994--- Blood sugars went over 200 so I was put on insulin.
MD Endocrinology/Diabetes Specialist 2000---My blood sugars started going wacky so my family physician recommend I go to a diabetes specialist. He put me on 2 different insulins, 4 shots a day and has me check my blood sugars 2 to 4 times a day. I see him every 3 months when he checks my blood sugar meter readings and draws blood for testing. He than makes adjustments when necessary. He also has me take a weekly shot of testosterone to help me feel more energetic. I also take Klor-Con tablets which is a potassium supplement. It seems to be keeping my diabetes in control. My A1C is 6.3.
DPM Podiatry 2013---I see a podiatrist every 10 weeks for a diabetic check of my feet and to trim my nails.
Sleep Apnia
MD Internal Medicine/Lung Disease 1987---I was diagnosed with sleep apnia in 1987. They put me on a CPAP machine and oxygen at night. In 2002 it was changed to a BiPAP machine. It is wonderful and I use it with no problems.
Rotator Cuff
#1MD Orthopedic Surgeon 1995---I had surgery to repair a mangled rotator cuff. It couldn't be repaired so now I can't raise my right arm.
Total Knee Replacement
#2 MD Orthopedic Surgeon 2000---I had a total knee replacement on my right knee.
#3 MD Orthopedic Surgeon 2005---I had a total knee replacement on my left knee.
Congestive Heart Failure
MD FACC Cardiovascular Medicine 2002---I had congestive heart failure, gained up to 600 pounds and was in the hospital for 9 days. My weight came back down to normal after treatment (415 is normal for me). The only medicine I am taking for this problem is Furosomide which is a diuretic to treat fluid build-up and swelling. Because of this medicine and being somewhat incontinent I have to get up about 3 times a night to go to the bathroom. Rather inconvenient. I am in bed about 9 hour a night and get 7 hours of sleep. I see my doctor for a check up every 6 months and every year I have an echocardiogram which is is a sonogram of the heart. He says my heart is in good shape. My blood pressure is 130/70 and my HDL is 160.
Chronic Cough
In 2007 I came down with a chronic cough. I have continual phlegm in my throat which makes me cough and it will not go away. In the past 7 years I have been to 3 ENT's, a lung specialist, a specialist on sleep apnia and an allergy specialist. But no one can find out what is wrong. Perhaps this diet, with losing weight will solve my problem.
Cataract Surgery
MD Laser & Cataract Eye Specialist 2009. I had a cataract removed from my left eye.
Hope Springs Eternal
I plan on staying on the WFPB diet for the rest of my life. My goal is to lose down to my normal weight in the next two or three years. And along the way resolve many of my health problems. Thank you Jane Birch and your book "Discovering the Word of Wisdom" which has given me this great hope.
Family Physician---I have been with my current family physician for about 20 years. He is much younger than I am but has his problems too. He isn't overweight but has come down with diabetes. It can happen to anyone, but mostly to fatties like me. He has been a good doctor and has referred me to many specialists as my numerous health problems arise. He recently had two surgeries for pain in his neck and is now working half time while he recovers.
Weight Loss Specialists
-MD 1962---I read an ad in the paper about a doctor who helped you lose weight by "balancing your metabolism." I was skeptical on my first meeting because he weighed about 400 pounds. I then was a "sleek" 250. He told me about this wonderful plan, which he had been on himself for a month. He gave me a whole slew of different colored pills and instructions of which ones to take and when during the day. I didn't need to do anything else. Then he would see me in a week, check me and change the quantity and type of pills I took each day to balance my metabolism. The next Friday I received a call from the dr.'s office reminding me of my 2:00 pm appointment. However, I couldn't see my regular dr. but another dr. would see me. I asked why I couldn't see my regular dr. and they said because he had passed away the day before. I cancelled my appointment and flushed the rest of my pills down the toilet.
-MD 1972---Protein Sparing Fast. I had 2 oz of liquid protein and water every day for 40 days. Nothing else. I lost about 30 pounds and developed gout.
-Psychiatrist 1977---I went to a psychiatrist who claimed he could help people lose weight. On my first session he explained that he would examine my past over many visits and find out what happened in my past that causes me to overeat and gain weight. I never went back.
-Surgeon 1981---I became really desperate about my weight because I weighed 430 pounds. So I had stomach staple surgery. I lost about 75 pounds then gained it all back. This really soured me on receiving medical help on losing weight.
-DC Chiropractic & Bio-Identical Hormones 2009---Several things he had me do to lose weight include the following: Take a whey protein drink every morning with breakfast. I am still doing this but will stop on my new WFPB diet. Stop drinking all soda pop, diet or regular. I followed this advise and have not had any soft drinks for the past 4 years. Use stevia as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. I am still doing this. Any comments on this for the WFPB diet? I never lost any weight and stopped seeing him after 6 months.
-I have seen many doctors for different problems and they all tell me I need to lose weight (da). So I ask them what diet they recommend I go on and they usually say some variation of the Standard American Diet (SAD). I then ask them if they will tell me the names of two of their patients who have weighed as much as I do, who have gone on his diet and lost down to their normal weight and kept it off for two years. No doctor I have seen has ever been able to do this. After this they do not discuss diet with me anymore. I have basically been the same weight (between 415 and 430) for the past 33 years. HELP HELP HELP.
Diabetes
MD Family Physician 1986---Diagnosed with diabetes. Given pills and a diabetic diet.
Current MD Family Physician 1994--- Blood sugars went over 200 so I was put on insulin.
MD Endocrinology/Diabetes Specialist 2000---My blood sugars started going wacky so my family physician recommend I go to a diabetes specialist. He put me on 2 different insulins, 4 shots a day and has me check my blood sugars 2 to 4 times a day. I see him every 3 months when he checks my blood sugar meter readings and draws blood for testing. He than makes adjustments when necessary. He also has me take a weekly shot of testosterone to help me feel more energetic. I also take Klor-Con tablets which is a potassium supplement. It seems to be keeping my diabetes in control. My A1C is 6.3.
DPM Podiatry 2013---I see a podiatrist every 10 weeks for a diabetic check of my feet and to trim my nails.
Sleep Apnia
MD Internal Medicine/Lung Disease 1987---I was diagnosed with sleep apnia in 1987. They put me on a CPAP machine and oxygen at night. In 2002 it was changed to a BiPAP machine. It is wonderful and I use it with no problems.
Rotator Cuff
#1MD Orthopedic Surgeon 1995---I had surgery to repair a mangled rotator cuff. It couldn't be repaired so now I can't raise my right arm.
Total Knee Replacement
#2 MD Orthopedic Surgeon 2000---I had a total knee replacement on my right knee.
#3 MD Orthopedic Surgeon 2005---I had a total knee replacement on my left knee.
Congestive Heart Failure
MD FACC Cardiovascular Medicine 2002---I had congestive heart failure, gained up to 600 pounds and was in the hospital for 9 days. My weight came back down to normal after treatment (415 is normal for me). The only medicine I am taking for this problem is Furosomide which is a diuretic to treat fluid build-up and swelling. Because of this medicine and being somewhat incontinent I have to get up about 3 times a night to go to the bathroom. Rather inconvenient. I am in bed about 9 hour a night and get 7 hours of sleep. I see my doctor for a check up every 6 months and every year I have an echocardiogram which is is a sonogram of the heart. He says my heart is in good shape. My blood pressure is 130/70 and my HDL is 160.
Chronic Cough
In 2007 I came down with a chronic cough. I have continual phlegm in my throat which makes me cough and it will not go away. In the past 7 years I have been to 3 ENT's, a lung specialist, a specialist on sleep apnia and an allergy specialist. But no one can find out what is wrong. Perhaps this diet, with losing weight will solve my problem.
Cataract Surgery
MD Laser & Cataract Eye Specialist 2009. I had a cataract removed from my left eye.
Hope Springs Eternal
I plan on staying on the WFPB diet for the rest of my life. My goal is to lose down to my normal weight in the next two or three years. And along the way resolve many of my health problems. Thank you Jane Birch and your book "Discovering the Word of Wisdom" which has given me this great hope.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
My Health History
HEALTH HISTORY
1959---In 1959 I got married and weighed 210 pounds. I had good health with no serious problems.
1972---I had been gaining about 10 pounds a year and weighed 330 pounds. I was living in Las Vegas NV and read a newspaper ad for a local doctor who had a weight loss program called a protein sparing fast. I tried the program which consisted of drinking 2 ounces of liquid protein every day and nothing else except water. After 40 days on this program I had lost about 30 pounds. However, I suddenly had a terrible pain in my foot so I went to the emergency room at the hospital. They told me I had gout from the program I was on and the doctor was a quack. They put me on allopurinol which cured the problem. I'm still taking this medicine after 42 years.
1977---Needed glasses. When I turned 40, I went to renew my drivers license but couldn't pass the eye test.
1981---Stomach staple surgery. I was 44 years old and my weight had ballooned to 430 pounds. I had been on the yo-yo diet (up and down and up more for 22 years). Nothing had worked so in desperation I had stomach staple surgery. I lost weight for a few months then gained it all back. Another failed attempt to lose weight.
1986---Diabetes. I had frequent urination and was always thirsty. Another "blessing" of the Standard American Diet (SAD). I went to my family physician and he said I had diabetes. So he put me on some diabetic pills, a diabetic diet and had me frequently check my blood sugar.
1987---Sleep Apnia. I had been very tired for two years, falling asleep during the day and snoring at night. The doctors finally diagnosed sleep apnia. They put me on a Controlled Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine plus oxygen at night. It was wonderful. I finally had a full nights rest after 2 years and much of my energy returned.
1988---Arthritis. I started getting a lot of pain in my hands and back. I had arthritis and they put me on Tylenol to help relieve the pain. Nothing else.
1993---Carpal Tunnel Surgery. I lost feeling in my right hand with numbness and pain. It was corrected with carpal tunnel surgery.
1994---Diabetes/Insulin. My blood sugars started going over 200 so I was put on insulin to help control my diabetes.
1995---Fell Down the Stairs. In the spring of 1995 I caught a cold. One night I couldn't sleep and I was coughing terribly. So I got up and took some cough medicine. I didn't want to wake my wife so I started into the living room, without turning on the light, to sit down and rest until my cough subsided. However I made a wrong turn in the dark and fell down 13 steps in the stairwell to the basement. It was 3 in the morning. My wife drove me to the emergency room at the hospital. I had a busted leg, a busted arm several busted bones in my hand and wrist, a dislocated shoulder and a torn rotator cuff. I was under bed care and medication for 6 weeks.
1995---Rotator cuff surgery. About 3 months after I fell down the stairs I had rotator cuff surgery to repair it. The doctor, after cutting me open, said it was the most mangled rotator cuff he had ever seen and he couldn't repair it. Also, my right shoulder I dislocated was bone on bone. So now I have a gimpy right arm.
2000---Total knee replacement, left knee.
2002---Congestive Heart Failure. I weighed 600 pounds because of water retention from my congestive heart failure. I was in the hospital for 9 days. I eventually got rid of all the water and went down to 430 pounds.
2005---Total knee replacement, right knee. I was going to have both knees replaced in 2000. But the recovery on the left knee was so long and painful I decided not to have the right knee replaced. After 5 years the pain was so bad I had to get a wheel chair. I decided it was time to have the right knee replaced so I did.
2007---I came down with a chronic cough this year. I have continual phlegm in my throat which makes me cough all the time. I still have the problem. I have been to about 5 different doctors to find out what was causing it, but no luck. They checked for sinus problems, asthma, acid reflux and my sleep apnia problem. I am still looking for a help and hope this diet will eventually cure the problem.
2009---Cataract eye surgery on my left eye.
CURRENT HEALTH
I still have all of the health problems listed above. My legs have become very weak and I can only stand or walk for about 5 minutes, then I have to sit down. I use a cane to get around and if I go to a store I use an electric cart.
1959---In 1959 I got married and weighed 210 pounds. I had good health with no serious problems.
1972---I had been gaining about 10 pounds a year and weighed 330 pounds. I was living in Las Vegas NV and read a newspaper ad for a local doctor who had a weight loss program called a protein sparing fast. I tried the program which consisted of drinking 2 ounces of liquid protein every day and nothing else except water. After 40 days on this program I had lost about 30 pounds. However, I suddenly had a terrible pain in my foot so I went to the emergency room at the hospital. They told me I had gout from the program I was on and the doctor was a quack. They put me on allopurinol which cured the problem. I'm still taking this medicine after 42 years.
1977---Needed glasses. When I turned 40, I went to renew my drivers license but couldn't pass the eye test.
1981---Stomach staple surgery. I was 44 years old and my weight had ballooned to 430 pounds. I had been on the yo-yo diet (up and down and up more for 22 years). Nothing had worked so in desperation I had stomach staple surgery. I lost weight for a few months then gained it all back. Another failed attempt to lose weight.
1986---Diabetes. I had frequent urination and was always thirsty. Another "blessing" of the Standard American Diet (SAD). I went to my family physician and he said I had diabetes. So he put me on some diabetic pills, a diabetic diet and had me frequently check my blood sugar.
1987---Sleep Apnia. I had been very tired for two years, falling asleep during the day and snoring at night. The doctors finally diagnosed sleep apnia. They put me on a Controlled Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine plus oxygen at night. It was wonderful. I finally had a full nights rest after 2 years and much of my energy returned.
1988---Arthritis. I started getting a lot of pain in my hands and back. I had arthritis and they put me on Tylenol to help relieve the pain. Nothing else.
1993---Carpal Tunnel Surgery. I lost feeling in my right hand with numbness and pain. It was corrected with carpal tunnel surgery.
1994---Diabetes/Insulin. My blood sugars started going over 200 so I was put on insulin to help control my diabetes.
1995---Fell Down the Stairs. In the spring of 1995 I caught a cold. One night I couldn't sleep and I was coughing terribly. So I got up and took some cough medicine. I didn't want to wake my wife so I started into the living room, without turning on the light, to sit down and rest until my cough subsided. However I made a wrong turn in the dark and fell down 13 steps in the stairwell to the basement. It was 3 in the morning. My wife drove me to the emergency room at the hospital. I had a busted leg, a busted arm several busted bones in my hand and wrist, a dislocated shoulder and a torn rotator cuff. I was under bed care and medication for 6 weeks.
1995---Rotator cuff surgery. About 3 months after I fell down the stairs I had rotator cuff surgery to repair it. The doctor, after cutting me open, said it was the most mangled rotator cuff he had ever seen and he couldn't repair it. Also, my right shoulder I dislocated was bone on bone. So now I have a gimpy right arm.
2000---Total knee replacement, left knee.
2002---Congestive Heart Failure. I weighed 600 pounds because of water retention from my congestive heart failure. I was in the hospital for 9 days. I eventually got rid of all the water and went down to 430 pounds.
2005---Total knee replacement, right knee. I was going to have both knees replaced in 2000. But the recovery on the left knee was so long and painful I decided not to have the right knee replaced. After 5 years the pain was so bad I had to get a wheel chair. I decided it was time to have the right knee replaced so I did.
2007---I came down with a chronic cough this year. I have continual phlegm in my throat which makes me cough all the time. I still have the problem. I have been to about 5 different doctors to find out what was causing it, but no luck. They checked for sinus problems, asthma, acid reflux and my sleep apnia problem. I am still looking for a help and hope this diet will eventually cure the problem.
2009---Cataract eye surgery on my left eye.
CURRENT HEALTH
I still have all of the health problems listed above. My legs have become very weak and I can only stand or walk for about 5 minutes, then I have to sit down. I use a cane to get around and if I go to a store I use an electric cart.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
The WFPB Diet Guidelines
FOODS TO EAT
Grains and other starch foods in whole food form
Vegetables
Whole fruits
Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
Herbs and spices
FOODS TO AVOID
No meat, no poultry, no fish
No dairy of any kind (including skim milk & non-fat yogurt
No eggs (including egg whites or Egg Beaters)
No oil (not even extra virgin olive, coconut or canola oil)
Limit highly refined, processed food
USE JUDICIOUSLY
Limit sugar
Limit fruit juice
Limit soy products
Limit nuts, nut butters, seeds and seed butters
Limit high-fat plant foods (avocados, coconut, olives)
Limit salt
LIMIT IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT
Flour products
Dried fruits
Fruit (limit to 2-3 servings a day)
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Organic, non GMO, Local
Some benefits are derived when considering these factors, but don't worry about it. Concentrate on eating whole plant foods.
READ THE LABELS
Fat - No more than 20% of calories from fat.
Sugar - None of the first 3 ingredients. No more than 5% of calories in a day.
Salt - Not over a 1:1 ratio of sodium mg to calories. If calories are 100, sodium should be no more than about 100 mg.
Whole foods - Buy less processed foods. Should contain just a few ingredients which should be recognizable (not chemical-sounding names).
Bread & Pastas - First word should be "whole" [name of grain].
Ignore all the "health" claims stated anywhere on the packaging.
This information is taken from Jane Birch's book "Discovering the Word of Wisdom", Appendix 4 Guidelines for an Optimal WFPB diet.
Forever strong in life
Larry Strong
Feb 18, 2014
Grains and other starch foods in whole food form
Vegetables
Whole fruits
Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
Herbs and spices
FOODS TO AVOID
No meat, no poultry, no fish
No dairy of any kind (including skim milk & non-fat yogurt
No eggs (including egg whites or Egg Beaters)
No oil (not even extra virgin olive, coconut or canola oil)
Limit highly refined, processed food
USE JUDICIOUSLY
Limit sugar
Limit fruit juice
Limit soy products
Limit nuts, nut butters, seeds and seed butters
Limit high-fat plant foods (avocados, coconut, olives)
Limit salt
LIMIT IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT
Flour products
Dried fruits
Fruit (limit to 2-3 servings a day)
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Organic, non GMO, Local
Some benefits are derived when considering these factors, but don't worry about it. Concentrate on eating whole plant foods.
READ THE LABELS
Fat - No more than 20% of calories from fat.
Sugar - None of the first 3 ingredients. No more than 5% of calories in a day.
Salt - Not over a 1:1 ratio of sodium mg to calories. If calories are 100, sodium should be no more than about 100 mg.
Whole foods - Buy less processed foods. Should contain just a few ingredients which should be recognizable (not chemical-sounding names).
Bread & Pastas - First word should be "whole" [name of grain].
Ignore all the "health" claims stated anywhere on the packaging.
This information is taken from Jane Birch's book "Discovering the Word of Wisdom", Appendix 4 Guidelines for an Optimal WFPB diet.
Forever strong in life
Larry Strong
Feb 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
A Little of my History
Schooling
I graduated from BYU in 1959 (same class as Orin Hatch) with a BS in Physics and Math. I got a masters degree in Engineering Administration (MEA) from the University of Utah in 1968. Now each year when BYU plays the U of U I am always on the winning side.
Employment
I am a rocket scientist. In 1959 I went to work for Autonetics, a division of North American Aviation, in Anaheim, California. They build the inertial navigation unit (INU) for the Minuteman missile. In 1960 I worked for the acceptance test unit at Autonetics. We helped check out the first INU the Air Force bought for the Minuteman. This missile was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL on Feb 1, 1961 with "pickle barrel" accuracy. I worked 13 years in industry and 30 years for the government.
Retirement
I retired on my 65th birthday in 2002. Three days later I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This caused me to retain water and I had gained to 600 pounds. I ended up in the hospital where I nearly died. I had really scary hallucinations (no, I have never used drugs). After several months I lost all of the water weight. I have been retired for 12 years and it has been pretty nice, except for my health problems which I hope to solve or alleviate with my new diet plan.
Forever strong in life
Larry Strong
I graduated from BYU in 1959 (same class as Orin Hatch) with a BS in Physics and Math. I got a masters degree in Engineering Administration (MEA) from the University of Utah in 1968. Now each year when BYU plays the U of U I am always on the winning side.
Employment
I am a rocket scientist. In 1959 I went to work for Autonetics, a division of North American Aviation, in Anaheim, California. They build the inertial navigation unit (INU) for the Minuteman missile. In 1960 I worked for the acceptance test unit at Autonetics. We helped check out the first INU the Air Force bought for the Minuteman. This missile was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL on Feb 1, 1961 with "pickle barrel" accuracy. I worked 13 years in industry and 30 years for the government.
Retirement
I retired on my 65th birthday in 2002. Three days later I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This caused me to retain water and I had gained to 600 pounds. I ended up in the hospital where I nearly died. I had really scary hallucinations (no, I have never used drugs). After several months I lost all of the water weight. I have been retired for 12 years and it has been pretty nice, except for my health problems which I hope to solve or alleviate with my new diet plan.
Forever strong in life
Larry Strong
Sunday, February 16, 2014
What is this blog about?
Let me introduce myself.
My name is Larry Strong and I am a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons).
Why this Blog
I have had a weight problem my whole life. I have tried every diet I've seen, and nothing works over the long run. I can lose weight on any diet but my diet dilemma is sticking to the diet and keeping the weight off. I invariably gain it all back plus a little more. When I got married in 1959 I weighed 210 pounds. But over the next 22 years I gained 10 pounds a year and ended weighing 430 pounds in 1981. In complete desperation I had stomach staple surgery. I lost 75 pounds in 6 months, but then something happened to my body, I don't know what, and I gained it all back to 430 pounds in about 6 months. Since then I have maintained my current weight (more or less). I am now 76 years old and weigh 415 pounds.
The Diet Dillema Solution?
Several weeks ago I read an article by Jane Birch called "Discovering the word of wisdom". It describes the whole food, plant-based perspective of how to maintain our health by properly following the Word of Wisdom as described in D&C 89 (LDS scripture).
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained
for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;
all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have
ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to
be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times
of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine
and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine;
Reading Jane Birch's article and studying the word of wisdom I had an epiphany.
God created herbs, grain, fruit and vegetable to be used as food for men. However, meat is to be used sparingly, and then only in times of winter (when all the other food doesn't grow around here) or in times of famine when no other food is available. This was written 1n 1833, but since then the other food which we should eat is available in our grocery stores because it is imported from areas of a milder climate where it will grow. There is really no reason to eat meat any more.
Supporting evidence of the Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) diet.
Numerous professionals have provided scientific evidence to support this type of food plan, including the following:
Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn,, Jr., MD---heartattackproof.com.
T. Colin Campbell, PhD---tcolincampbell.org---thechinastudy.com
Jeff Novick, MS, RD---jeffnovick.com
Rip Esselstyn---engine2diet.com
Neal D. Barnard, MD---pcrm.org---nealbarnard.org
Dr. Michael Greger, MD---nutritionfacts.org
Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD---drfuhrman.com---diseaseproof.com
Dr. Dean Ornish, MD---ornishspedctrum.com
Dr. John A. McDougal, MD---drmcdougall.com/health/education/free-mcdougall-program/
What this diet will do for you.
These professionals claim this diet will drastically reduce or eliminate the following health problems;
Arthritis (AS, gout, psoriatic, rheumatoid)
Atherosclerosis (heart disease, carotid artery disease, strokes)
Asthma
Cancers (colon, breast, uterus, ovary, kidney, prostate)
Cataracts & macular degeneration
Colitis (Crohn's, ulcerative
Constipation
Dementia (Alzheimer's, cognitive dysfunction)
Diabets
Diverticulitis
Erectile dysfunction
Gallstones
Gastritis (ulcers)
Hearing loss
Hemorrhoids
Hiatus hernia
Hypertenstion
Kidney disease
Kidney Stones
Multiple sclerosis
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's disease
Varicose veins
My Plan
I have many of the problems described including obesity, arthritis, cataracts, diabetes, gout, and several more health problems. Therefore, I am going to start this plan on Monday, February 24, 2014. I will report on this blog on a daily basis, or periodically, my progress, problems I encounter, how much weight I have lost, and corrections or easing of my many other health problems. I also want to report from time to time the history of my health, the many different types of doctors (including some quacks) I have visited, the many different diets I have tried and their results and anything else that followers of this blog might be interested in. And one last thing. It is going to put a lot of pressure on me to stick to it.
Forever strong in life
Larry Strong
Feb 16, 2014
My name is Larry Strong and I am a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons).
Why this Blog
I have had a weight problem my whole life. I have tried every diet I've seen, and nothing works over the long run. I can lose weight on any diet but my diet dilemma is sticking to the diet and keeping the weight off. I invariably gain it all back plus a little more. When I got married in 1959 I weighed 210 pounds. But over the next 22 years I gained 10 pounds a year and ended weighing 430 pounds in 1981. In complete desperation I had stomach staple surgery. I lost 75 pounds in 6 months, but then something happened to my body, I don't know what, and I gained it all back to 430 pounds in about 6 months. Since then I have maintained my current weight (more or less). I am now 76 years old and weigh 415 pounds.
The Diet Dillema Solution?
Several weeks ago I read an article by Jane Birch called "Discovering the word of wisdom". It describes the whole food, plant-based perspective of how to maintain our health by properly following the Word of Wisdom as described in D&C 89 (LDS scripture).
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained
for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;
all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have
ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to
be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times
of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine
and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine;
Reading Jane Birch's article and studying the word of wisdom I had an epiphany.
God created herbs, grain, fruit and vegetable to be used as food for men. However, meat is to be used sparingly, and then only in times of winter (when all the other food doesn't grow around here) or in times of famine when no other food is available. This was written 1n 1833, but since then the other food which we should eat is available in our grocery stores because it is imported from areas of a milder climate where it will grow. There is really no reason to eat meat any more.
Supporting evidence of the Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) diet.
Numerous professionals have provided scientific evidence to support this type of food plan, including the following:
Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn,, Jr., MD---heartattackproof.com.
T. Colin Campbell, PhD---tcolincampbell.org---thechinastudy.com
Jeff Novick, MS, RD---jeffnovick.com
Rip Esselstyn---engine2diet.com
Neal D. Barnard, MD---pcrm.org---nealbarnard.org
Dr. Michael Greger, MD---nutritionfacts.org
Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD---drfuhrman.com---diseaseproof.com
Dr. Dean Ornish, MD---ornishspedctrum.com
Dr. John A. McDougal, MD---drmcdougall.com/health/education/free-mcdougall-program/
What this diet will do for you.
These professionals claim this diet will drastically reduce or eliminate the following health problems;
Arthritis (AS, gout, psoriatic, rheumatoid)
Atherosclerosis (heart disease, carotid artery disease, strokes)
Asthma
Cancers (colon, breast, uterus, ovary, kidney, prostate)
Cataracts & macular degeneration
Colitis (Crohn's, ulcerative
Constipation
Dementia (Alzheimer's, cognitive dysfunction)
Diabets
Diverticulitis
Erectile dysfunction
Gallstones
Gastritis (ulcers)
Hearing loss
Hemorrhoids
Hiatus hernia
Hypertenstion
Kidney disease
Kidney Stones
Multiple sclerosis
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's disease
Varicose veins
My Plan
I have many of the problems described including obesity, arthritis, cataracts, diabetes, gout, and several more health problems. Therefore, I am going to start this plan on Monday, February 24, 2014. I will report on this blog on a daily basis, or periodically, my progress, problems I encounter, how much weight I have lost, and corrections or easing of my many other health problems. I also want to report from time to time the history of my health, the many different types of doctors (including some quacks) I have visited, the many different diets I have tried and their results and anything else that followers of this blog might be interested in. And one last thing. It is going to put a lot of pressure on me to stick to it.
Forever strong in life
Larry Strong
Feb 16, 2014
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