Things I've noticed so far

Within 3 weeks of changing my eating and living patterns, I noticed all of these things:

• I've lost weight. Lots of it. I knew that the first 10 lbs or so would be water weight, but it's also important to note that this water is important to lose because it's bound to the cells and doesn't go away without making a dedicated effort, so this is good. 
• My nocturnal panic attacks went away. I had started waking up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding, thinking I was having a heart attack. Between these and my semi-regular difficulties with breathing and dizziness, I even went to the hospital once in the cautious fear that perhaps I was actually having a cardiac problem. Happily, my heart is just fine. But they were concerned about my level of anxiety, stress, and my cortisol levels. I haven't had a blood test since this started, but the panic attacks have gone away completely. 
• So has my asthma. I haven't used an inhaler since December. 
• So has my back pain. This was getting so intense that I was having to lean one elbow on the counter while washing dishes and frequently noticed it while writing on the board during my classes, etc. No more back pain. 
• I have problematic knees (have had since my teen years) and these are noticeably better! 
• Anything cardio-related is easier. I swim longer, walk faster, take the stairs on purpose. 
• I have more energy than I've ever had in my life. I mean that. I feel more awake than I ever used to. I actually think about taking on physical challenges with excitement. I may turn into my friend Rich at this rate! If you're ever on a picnic with me and I start doing burpees, please end me. I say that with love (Rich)! 
• Some things taste sweeter than they did before I gave up sugar/sugar substitutes - weird things like carrots and tomatoes! Also, it was really hard to give up sugar in tea and coffee at first, but now my tastebuds have adjusted and I enjoy both of these things as much as I did before. I also taste more nuances of flavour in general!

The physical changes are really nice to both feel and see. I never mind when someone comments on the weight I've lost - I can't always see it and it's sort of nice to have that external validation. So knock yourselves out if you're feeling the urge, haha! (With me, that is: with other people, definitely ask first!) The change to how I feel is an unexpected bonus, though! It shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. It still does, regularly. I love it! 

Next up: rationale, one issue at a time!