Another Day and A New Me In The Making

Today was just an average day when it came to food, but when it came to thoughts, it was like no other. I am officially inspired. Yes, it's official. And it's here to stay.

For one, I have gone two days on the low-sugar lifestyle, and I am loving it. I no longer feel like a slave to my food. Without the added, unnecessary sugar-laden foods such as fudgesicles and low fat ice cream hanging out in the freezer, I no longer have to worry about failing. One fudgesicle would always lead to another ("it's just one more point," I would tell myself), which would lead to another, or perhaps a bowl of low fat ice cream. All of these low point foods add up, and the sugar is what kept me going back for more... and more.

But not today. Today is a new day and the new frame of mind which I've adopted (and have officially claimed as my own), is looking at food in a whole new light. Clean eating is what I'm striving for. I am no longer going to be a slave to sugar, just as I am no longer in the tight grip of gluten. Eight months ago I gave up gluten, just like that. Gone. I said good-bye to one of my best friends, bread, because although it provided me with comfort throughout the years, this "best friend" was the back-stabbing kind and also contributed to my depression. So along with the gluten went the unfounded sorrows that came with it. And now it's time to dig a grave and bury my sugar-filled past, thank it for what it has taught me about who I want to become, and bid it farewell.

Oh, and you know, at holidays, birthdays and such, I will go visit its gravesite and have a piece of pie or cake in its memory. But just one, and then I'll peacefully walk away proud of how far I've come.

Green (or whatever color this turns out to be) Smoothie

In reveling at all of the other green smoothie concoctions on the web, I decided to make my own. Having never attempted to add anything but fruit and ice in a blender, I had NO idea how this was going to turn out, let alone what color it was going to be. The majority of the veggies I had were green, so I assumed that's what I would get--a lean green disease-fighting machine, err, smoothie!

Les ingredients:

kale
spinach
green zucchini
yellow squash
carrot
almond milk
pineapple juice
almond butter

and...

tofu!


Okay, somebody should have stopped me at the almond butter because adding tofu was the most horrible thing I could have done to my bright green, sweet creation. It was gritty and gross, and after drinking about a fifth of the glass I poured for myself, I nearly gagged trying to get another sip down my gullet.

But I shall not let one tofu disaster kill my enthusiasm for making healthy breakfasts! Tomorrow morning, you will find me back in the kitchen trying my hand at another green smoothie. (Or perhaps I'll wait till Wednesday morning when I no longer cringe at the thought of drinking liquified veggies.)

I definitely commend all those who can make a delicious green smoothie, and hopefully, with practice I'll be up there with the best of 'em.

The Beginning of the Beginning

I am feeling very reluctant about writing a blog. I have always been a very open person about my feelings when expressing them to my friends and family, but to the world (or whoever comes across this blog), is a whole different story.

"The Journey is Now," is a safe place to express my feelings about food, recipes that I try, books on healthy living, and restaurants that cater to my eating needs. I am currently a gluten-free gal, and am about to embark on a dairy-free and low sugar lifestyle as well. Oh, and did I mention I'm also doing Weight Watchers? Eek!

Despite all of these diet "restrictions," this is what I know I should do in my heart, as well as when I listen to my body's needs. I have been gluten-free for the past eight months, and I have never felt better. I also have known that dairy does not sit well with me either, and refined sugar holds me back from living my life to the fullest, and I am truly hoping that reducing both of these types of foods from my meals allows me to grow and glow as well.

Tomorrow, August 24th, is the beginning of the beginning. The beginning of my journey, the beginning of my improved health, the beginning of my new life. My life is here. The journey is now. I am ready.

Let the games begin!