Veg(etarian) not Veg(an)

I have to decided to go vegetarian. Now this is not for some moral reason. I believe God gave us animals as food, pets, fellow-laborers--all of the above. Definitely not created to only manufacture milk, babies, and poop, and in turn cause global warming (or at least greatly contribute to it).

Well, that may be part of my reasoning.

Basically, I am becoming a vegetarian in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle and eat purer foods. Also, it is cosmetic (meaning superficial) in a way. I don't enjoy the sight, smell or taste of meat particularly. It doesn't sit very well in my stomach. Especially after not eating it for awhile-instead of craving it, I become slightly nauseous.

It's amazing that I really don't have a desire to eat it. If I smell it, and it creates a nice aroma in the air, I will not deny that it smells good. If it so suits me, I may even eat it on a rare occasion, but for the most part it will only be a little fish (no shellfish-blah), chicken (boneless-don't like picking off those bones....), or turkey (again, no bones).

Now, for those of you worried about my health, please click here:

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/vegetarian.html

or here:

http://www.vegetarian-diet.info/vegetarian-food-pyramid.htm

I love talking about my new decision, so don't hesitate to ask me any questions.

And by the way, the grocery store is still my favorite place to visit once a week. There's so much wonderful "vegetarian" food!

Loutcha

I have decided:

it is better to be slim than skinny, average than more-than-average.

it is better to eat ice cream a little at a time, rather than all at once.

it is better to lose weight than to gain it (for the most part).

it is better to be content rather than stressed.

it is better to enjoy one's work than dread it.

it is better to read an enjoyable book than one that is non-sensical.

Pride and Prejudice is better than Emma (so far).

Temptations abound

I'm sticking to my resolution so far. At the end of the first week, I have lost 3.5 pounds. It has been very difficult at night, because I have been working late this week. I usually make it home with just enough time to eat a small dinner, but no time for snacking before 8 o'clock comes along. In one of my first blogs, I wrote about discipline. As silly as it sounds, making this resolution is helping me to be more disciplined. It's interesting that I have time to think about and do a lot of other things when I'm not so preoccupied with, "What am I going to eat next?".
My downfall is mint chocolate. It's everywhere around the holidays. Frango mints at work, Mint Meltaways at home (thanks mom!), peppermint chocolate soymilk at home (that's my own fault)....These are my favorite indulgence. But, in keeping my resolution, I have allowed myself a little everyday in order to not binge all at once when it gets the best of me. The one tasty treat that I have missed this holiday season is peppermint ice cream. Maybe after working out I'll scrape up some change and go to Cold Stone....
:)

A resolution? Maybe.

You know how every other person has the New Year's resolution to lose weight or get healthier? I, as of right now, am joining that mostly pathetic group. Though, I will not be throwing out every unhealthy thing in the house or starving myself or even change my entire lifestyle....
First, my goal is to lose 68% of what I have gained since the wedding. That is approximately 15 pounds. Do the math, and you will understand why I feel the need to make this resolution.
In the year 2007:
1) I do not plan to give up chocolate and sweets, but I pledge to eat less of it.
2) I will continue eating little meat, less empty carbs, and more fruits and vegetables.
3) I will eat less junk food at work only because it's there and I'm hungry.
4) I will maintain a consistent workout schedule, with workouts not limited to just the gym.
5) I will attempt to eat healthy in all circumstances, not justifying myself with excuses such as (but not limited to): "We're eating out", "It's okay every once in a while", and "I didn't eat much yet today."
6) I will not eat past 8 o'clock, except small amounts of popcorn when the munchies hit. And, absolutely NO sugar past 8 o'clock.
I've realized that all these unhealthy habits began on our honeymoon, where we were able to eat to our heart's content. This continued with a summer of gluttony, feasting ourselves nearly every weekend at 5 other weddings. The excuse in August became, "We're in the process of moving and I'm stressed so I can eat whatever I want because I need it." I felt invincible. I knew I was gaining weight, but for some reason felt that whenever I decided to do something about it, the excess would shed like dead skin off a snake.
Now that the holidays are over, and I can see the effects with my tight clothes and expanding middle, I have set out to change my old ways.
This is my public contract of established terms, and anyone who so chooses may help to keep me accountable. May God's grace be with me!