Getting Started

So I've been thinking a lot about the changes I want to make as well as the ones I've started.  Obviously with any change you need goals.  I think my major goals at this point are the following:  to continue to improve my relationships with the people I love, especially my children; to build healthy habits through a combination of diet, exercise, and stress reduction; to continue to learn more about myself; to gain meaningful employment; and to make care of myself a priority.

What have I done so far?  Well, first and foremost I've started walking more.  Today I was able to walk at a pretty good clip for about ten minutes.  Considering a year ago I could hardly walk the dog, I'm so excited that my body is working better.  Not only was I able to walk at a good speed, I chose to go on a walk because I WANTED to.  I wanted some fresh air and to spend some time with the dog, and I did. Very proud of myself, indeed.  In addition, I've started to make some changes in how I shop for groceries, and the meals I plan as well.  I bought organic produce this week.  I read labels and tried to seriously limit foods with a lot of processed ingredients.  I went to buy a diet fruit drink and when I saw the mile long list of ingredients, I put it back.  In my mind, as of now, it's pretty much chemical water.

This isn't to say that my cart was filled only with fresh, wholesome food.  Nor was it only filled with crap.  The things I wanted, I bought, but hopefully made more educated, informed decisions.  For example, I bought a carton of ice cream.  After considering my options, I went with Breyer's all natural vanilla.  It's an oldie but goodie in my book, but most of all, the ingredient list was this:  milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla.  I recognize sugar is not ideal, but I managed to avoid a whole bunch of preservatives and additives that I would have otherwise eaten.

So far things are going well.  I've started leaving food on my plate when I'm satisfied.  I'm trying to eat more fruits and veggies, which then leaves me less likely to be hungry later.  Apples, berries, bananas and mandarin oranges have all been hits this week.  Tonight dinner will be salmon, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.  Not only is it full of my favorites, it's 100% unprocessed.  I'm loving the opportunity to spoil myself a bit with healthier foods that I love.  Prior to this past week, I would have considered the salmon to be a luxury and probably would have passed on it completely, opting instead for the tilapia I also picked up.  Instead, we're eating salmon this week and tilapia next week.  And I'm very content with that!  I'm considering making another berry run tomorrow.  Yes, instead of visiting the store to pick up candy or a cupcake, I'm contemplating berries.  Yum!

In the words of Dr. Phil, I want to get excited about my life.  I want every day to be an adventure, not just food wise or exercise wise, but in every way.  I want to spend more time doing things with my friends and family, more times contributing to the world in general.  That idea makes me very happy.