10 Pounds in 10 Days: Can I do it? Day 5

(Editor’s note: Writer Mary MacVean tried out trainer Jackie Warner’s diet plan from her new book “10 Pounds in 10 Days.” Here’s her experience. Read about her previous days, too.)

Day 5

I have to admit that being told what to do helps. Exactly, precisely what to do. Even if I don’t always do it. So when every single cell in my body is pushing me toward the pastries someone brought to the office, I have an easy excuse. I’m following a plan. My normal M.O. is closer to, “Oh, I’ll just have a little and make up for it later.”

Choice. It can be a killer. I’ve been a Weight Watchers devotee for a while now. And the good and the bad news is its mantra that you can eat anything you want, so long as you keep to the allotted amounts, which it measures in “points plus.” So while Weight Watchers wouldn’t recommend a diet of grilled cheese and bacon sandwiches, it also doesn’t forbid it, in limited quantities.

I added up Warner’s plan in Weight Watcher points: 32.5. Just about what I ought to have for a day, when you take into account the points one “earns” by exercising. And Warner’s meals are certainly healthful ... if monotonous (or, depending on your perspective, “psychologically comforting,” as Warner puts it).

That does not mean I have no complaints. Why on Earth must I have 1 cup of sprouts and 1 slice of tomato at lunch? Why can’t I double – or even triple – those nutritious foods? And why doesn’t the plan take the seasons into account? The grapefruits and apples in June are far from terrific. And I’m passing up fabulous-looking nectarines that won’t be back for 12 months.

I remind myself it’s just 10 days. And make a cup of tea.

Monday: Mirror, mirror ...