One year on the diet!

[OhnoNotagain]

http://www.ic-network.com/images/presidentsaward2006.jpg

Love this post... especially because it shows a very mature 18 year old who had the determination to make a change and is seeing a payoff.... and, best of all, is inspiring all of us older fogies too! - Jill

To those of you who are wondering if you should jump into the diet, do it.

The first few months were tough, especially when I just started out. I've now been on the IC diet for one year today and it's helped me so much it's ridiculous.
My frequency, urgency, and urethral pain are down at the lowest they've ever been... without the help of any medication.

My weight did fluctuate but I'm back down to where I used to be.

Eating out is tough. I just recently turned 18 and my friends aren't very understanding of 'uh, no... I can't eat pizza. No.. not out to an Italian place either. uuugggh, can't we stay home!?'

My favorite snacks now are homeade hummus (SO easy to make!) with tortilla chips and rice cakes with a bit of honey. MM!

If anyone (especially younger folks) need someone to talk to about IC, feel free to message me. i have AIM, Yahoo, and MSN and I'm usually online.
I promise i won't bite xD

[icnmgrjill]

Woohoo!!! Another Presidents Award!

Hey... can you give us your recipe for homemade hummus?? Every time I use a mix... it just doesn't taste as good as the local restaurant... which I crave. Have you ever had beet delite?? I love that with hummus and falafel!

Jill :)

[traceann]

Thanks for the super positive post! I love to read success stories (even after all this time ;) ) and I know it's really important for the newbies to see how great things can be!!!! Thanks again!!!

Good call Jill!!!! ;)

[ChrissySunshine]

Great post for the "President's Award", do I congratulate "Ohno"? Congratulations Ohno, and thank you so much for sharing that....it is INSPIRATION for those of us who are struggling with the diet....Thank you for sharing!!! And Congrats!!!

[ICNDonna]

Congratulations! It sounds like you are in control of your diet --- rather than your diet being in control of you.

:)
Donna

[hollipop]

I'd like the recipe, too. When I made it (from a recipe, not a mix) it was nothing like the restaurants version. I want REAL hummus...is your's like that?

[OhnoNotagain]

thank you so much everyone!

I'm not sure if my hummus will be EXACTLY what you're looking for, but i really like it :)

All ya' need is 1 can of garbanzos (16 oz. works), 2 cloves of smashed up garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a tiny bit of paprika to put on the top.

Drain the garbanzos, but drain the juice into a bowl.

Throw the garbanzos and garlic into the food processor. After about a minute, you'll be able to tell the consistency. Usually, I have to put about 1/4 of the garbanzo juice into the mix, just so it isn't too pastey :).
I toss in the olive oil (i don't use much because I'm not too fond of the taste, but if you like it toss away!).

Then I scrape it out and put a bit of paprika on the top and eat :D

But, it is better cooled hahaha. i usually can't resist taking a bit before I put it in the fridge.

[hollipop]

Thanks! I think that is how I made mine, but I'll try it again!

[OhnoNotagain]

Well, hollipop. Most of the resturants use something called Tahini. it's a sesame seed butter. They don't sell it at my local Fiesta so I've never used it. You may want to find some for the really medeterrainian hummus :)

[Julie B]

Ohno, that is a wonderful post.......thank you for being so encouraging!

[talksick]

Hi Ohno,
Great to hear your feeling better! :grouphug: I am also tremendously helped by following the diet. (Hence the reason most of my posts are on the diet board. ;) )
Yeah I think its extra hard explaining to your friends and everyone else how strict your diet is when your young. (I'm 23). When I tell other people my age (or anyone for that matter) how strict my diet is they look at me like I'm from Mars. (Well actually I am from Venus :-P). The general attitude is disbelief that someone so young and seemingly healthy could be so sick as to justify such an extreme diet. But you've stuck to your guns and found relieve! Congrats!

Kim :)

[KathiB]

I also have a hard time with the diet, but it has helped tremendously! Thanks for the great post.

[OhnoNotagain]

Oh Kim i know what you mean! My friends are constantly asking what it's like. "Oh man... what do you do without PIZZA?!!?! Wait. Are you serious? You don't drink Coke either? I WOULDDIE!"

i know that most people would do the same thing. I'd rather give up pickles than the ability to go on a 20 minute walk. :)