Eating to Live

I’m on Day 4 of a 5-day detox program recommended by a friend who saw a nutritionist. I’ve been eating chicken, eggs, and raw green vegetables. No fat, dairy, or sugar. It’s not terrible, I’m not starving. But I am getting sick of chicken.

Today I discovered that unsweetened vanilla almond milk in my coffee, even without Splenda, isn’t bad at all. It sounds trite, but it’s a big deal when your options are suddenly limited. It gives me something to look forward to in the morning.

After detox, it’s a slightly less rigid menu of lean meats, green veggies and oranges. Still no dairy.

Why have I chosen to write about my detox and subsequent lifestyle changes? Because I’ve read that if you write down your goals, you’re more likely to meet them. I’m also given to understand that sharing your goal with someone makes you more likely to achieve it. So my goal is to lose 85 pounds and keep it off. Now I’ve shared my goal with pretty much everyone I know, and some I don’t.

There are plenty of reasons I want to lose this much weight. Some of the big ones are for my health and convenience. I already have high blood pressure, and my waist circumference puts me at greater risk for heart disease. I also want to avoid diabetes.

Since my weight gain I’ve noticed that everything has become more difficult: bending over, crossing my legs, tying my shoes, climbing stairs, cleaning the litterbox. I’m often out of breath and sometimes even a little sweaty.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t also want to look better. I was tiny once. I don’t necessarily have to be that small again, but I want to look healthy and fit.

I know I can do it. I’m going to do it. I’ve committed big time to this. I’ve bought an indoor grill and stationary bike and I’ve let the whole world know.

If you think I’m obsessed, you’re right, I am. I’m consumed with reaching my goal and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I have strong intuition, and it tells me it’s going to happen. The hardest part is almost over.