Food and Life

On my morning walk I realized something. I live to eat. A significant portion of my day involves thinking about, talking about, the shopping for, planning of, prep of...FOOD. No wonder I'm overweight!
I have been eating vegetarian for the last 6 weeks and feel a significant improvement in myself: my skin is clear, I'm eliminating much more often, I have more energy (most days) and foul odors have disappeared. I know, I know, this is probably TMI, however what goes in and it's impact is usually evaluated by what comes out! I did have a couple of days where I tried eating meat again, giving in to the idea of the blood type diet- nope, not for me. I was bloated, constipated and sick with headaches and now my face is breaking out again.
I also realized I am doing this wrong by the fact that I seem to be getting a little bigger. I could say my clothes are getting smaller...but you and I both know that is not the truth! I have been eating mostly carbs and fruit. I need to pay more attention to the veggie side of the garden. I am also not drinking enough good fluids. When did I start drinking soda?? That used to be as strict as me not eating pork!
So I am trying some new stuff out and setting up some standards for myself. Water is essential- I am going to strive for a gallon of agua intake daily. That's alot right? Well, I plan on keeping a gallon jug with my name on it so the kids will leave it alone and drink from the dispenser I already have for them. The goal is to make that gallon empty at least 2 hours before bedtime. I certainly don't want to be up half the night running to the restroom. I think this will be an easy method rather than writing everything down. I also need to research the benefits of alkaline and distilled water- I hear alot about both helping in detoxifying the body, however I like to have more ammunition when I start something than word of mouth.
I am going to have my carbs in the mornings, when I need them most, right before my walk and workout. Cereal, potatoes, and bread can all be enjoyed for breakfast, so that is where I will have them, with some fruit of course. I cannot give up my coffee just yet, but I am going to eliminate the sugar and milk from it. If I like it so much I should be able to take it black or not at all. Right? Right. After my workouts I am going to rehydrate with 8 oz of coconut water- I need the potassium.
The rest of the day I am going to strive to eat mostly raw foods. I need to study some recipes and prep videos. Salad for every meal is not going to cut it. I am also going to stop eating after sun down. Every evening is going to begin a fast. Once a week my reward is going to be pizza- cheese and bread combined with lots of veggies...yuuuummmm.
I also need to add some supplements. A mega vitamin and an Omega 3/6/9 complex is about all I can think of at the moment. I need to start drinking Dai Quong tea every day, not just during that time of the month.
In short I need to reverse my thinking and start eating to LIVE not living to eat. I could think of at least 6 reasons to live for and only one to eat for (my 5 plus me versus just me...), so majority rules this issue.
Excercising is going well. Most days I just walk. One long walk alone and at least one short walk with the dog. Some days I add some floor excercises just to start off slow building muscle. I'm going through the process of getting a gym membership. Since I'm still unemployed (at least not employed by someone else...) I am trying to get one at the YMCA based on my income. I didn't think the process would take this long, but it should be worth it in the end. I want the Y because of the childcare and the pool. I'd like to take a stroke class. I can swim, but I want to swim properly in order to get the most benefit from it.
It's almost like I need to get a degree in order to learn to eat and be active in a healthy manner. All I keep thinking is, "Wow, I didn't know this...or that...".
While I was walking I was also thinking that I have been filling a hole with food. I have not been happy with myself or my surroundings for a very long time. I am starting to attain true happiness and so food is not holding as much interest as it once did. Now I am looking for other ways to spend my time. I'm getting more set in my likes and dislikes. I am wanting to be out of the house experiencing things first hand more. I am enjoying people for as long as they're around rather than anticipating their departure; realizing that their visit is for a reason and a season. My happiness with myself allows for this type of thinking. I am not dependent on food or other people. Now I am dependent on my growing knowledge, the happiness and success of my children, my ability to provide for my family, reading, writing, movies, crafts, sewing...so many interests, so little time to eat...