Dear Fellow Schwarzbeiners and Teena--

It is arresting to me that it is not called the Schwarzbein Diet--it's called the Schwarzbein Principle.

The principle is that you are moderate and balanced as much as possible. You don't just have a piece of bread and butter, or a handful grapes--you take a moment to think, "Where can I introduce some protein and fats here to keep this carb company?"

Full fat cottage cheese can come in very handy for those moments! (I had not touched it in years). Also, Greek full fat yogurt helps out--it's plain, but tastes like cream, not sour and watery at all.

I don't think I'll ever do another diet, I am so sick and tired of the anxiety and deprivation that goes with it.

This is healthy. No food group made by God is disallowed here. This is a healthy way to eat. Try to view it from that perspective and it's less stressful.

Meanwhile, I'm still at the bottom of Everest looking up! Step by step I go.