Today is my second day maintaining the diet that Dr. Booker has put me on. So far, I’ve realized that I’m not getting as much food variety as I’m used to but obviously this is for my health so I can’t complain or whine (too much!).

Tonight I have a friend coming for a sleepover and this presenting a slight challenge because she wants to eat popcorn while we watch movies. But I can’t have corn in my diet. *Sigh*

Mom and I have been looking for snacks I’m allowed to have and here’s what is approved:

• Sugar-free Jello®
• Cheese sticks
• Nuts
• Raw vegetables (I’m not a big fan of but will try to tolerate)
• Yogurt (not sure about yogurt?? I will have to ask Dr. Booker for more details on yogurt, which kinds, brands, ingredients are ok, etc.)
• Sugar-free popsicles
• Myoplex low-carb protein shakes (recommended personally by Dr. Booker)

My food selection is so narrow now. I hope to have the strength to live through the next weeks being surrounded by friends and family members who do not have such restrictions in their diets.

I think I’m going to talk to my girlfriend when she gets here and beg her to skip the popcorn and go for a veggie platter instead??

Will keep you posted on how this goes down

UPDATE: Mom took us to the grocery store and my friend and I got some raw carrots and an organic, fat-free cream cheese. I also got Crystal Light drinks because I can’t drink soda anymore. I just want to thank my friend for being so supportive and allowing me to ban popcorn during fun girl movie time!!

Here’s Amanda’s personal introduction. The sound may be slightly challenged near the end of her video but, nevertheless, the core of her message is clear: Amanda’s in it to win it! Over the next few weeks and months, Amanda will continue to journalize her thoughts and special events via videos, through various photos and of course, blog posts as well.

More to come … stay tuned!

Sometimes it is just better to be lucky than good. And I have to say, meeting Amanda was a very lucky day for me.

Please take the time to read about a very special teenage girl who I am excited to introduce to you. Amanda is the 15-year old daughter of a very good friend of mine, and she has decided to accept a personal challenge to herself, and change her life for the better. Allow me to share the first email that Amanda sent to me just a few days ago:

# # #

Hello, I’m Amanda. I’m 15 years old. I’m 230 pounds or so. I made a new years resolution to be a vegetarian ((BUT, i want to wait after my diet that you prescribe is over, so don’t worry ). I love a lot of music but one of the things that has been one of my latest interests is Bob Marley.

I have Acanthosis Nigricans. Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition that is related to obesity and diabetes type two. All of these conditions have one thing in common: they’re chronic. My skin condition is located on my neck, sometimes my face, underarms, around the breasts, the arm areas, my stomach area, backside and more.

I’ve been living with this since I was in 4th grade and enough is enough. I wanna say that not only will I be helping myself, but I would be letting parents and other children living with this condition know there is hope and that you can do something about the condition as well as your health. I know the difficulty of having this condition all over my body. It’s not always easy for me. All we need is the love and the love and effort from yourself. You believe in yourself, that’s the key. I haven’t really believed in myself much until now. I’m ready to show ya’ll what I got

Also, I would be glad to document my progress such as blog, pictures, videos so others can see what’s going on.

Thank you,
Amanda

# # #

After discussing Amanda’s case in great detail with her mother, we all decided that her story was simply too important to remain a secret. Amanda decided she wanted to document her entire weight loss journey, partly so she would have a personal record of her successes and achievements, but also so she could help educate other parents and teenagers to the risks and challenges of childhood obesity. The path Amanda has chosen is not an easy one, but she understands her efforts will result in a lifetime of rewards.

I am excited for Amanda and I am humbly honored that she has chosen us to work with her. Furthermore, I hope you will share this experience with her, and invite others, especially those who may be facing similar challenges, to follow along with Amanda through her photos, videos and blog posts. Maybe some of you might even feel inspired to leave a comment here on this blog post to let Amanda know that she is not alone on this journey.

I think 2010 is going to be a very exciting year!

Dr. Booker

Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying!