FOOD

Five months ago I wouldn't have touched an onion. A tomato. Anything organic or whole wheat. I was raised eating normal American things. Frozen burritos, pizzas, take-out food, fast-food, cereal, condensed soups. My parents weren't necessarily unhealthy or anything, we had fruits and veggies in the house. I just didn't eat any of it. I was a picky kid and it followed me into teenager-hood. I never exercised. Somehow I got out of taking P.E. courses in high school and avoided exercise at all costs. For about three months I'd do sit-ups in the morning before seminary but that ended. I wasn't thin or fat but that was purely biology; I probably should have weighed more than I did. There was a short period of semi-anorexia where I wouldn't eat a couple meals. That dropped a few pounds but not in a good way. Generally though I was not a healthy or fit person.

Sometime last year I realized something. I guess I just realized that this body of mine is a gift. It is not mine. The concept of "I" is kind of messed up today, don't you think? Because "me" is not this body, "me" is the spirit inside of this body. This body will wither away and die one day, but I will not. And it is my responsibility to care for it while it's in my stewardship. I realized that one day my metabolism won't keep me thin and able to eat whatever. I realized that one day I'm going to age. I realized that I needed to make a change.

The change started with exercise. I started going to the gym every morning for an hour. When summer hit I was still working out in the morning but not as hard-core. Exercise felt great. My body was looking better, I felt stronger and more fit. But I still ate like crap. So, I changed.

Because everyone lies when they say making a change is hard. Making a change isn't hard at all. It's overcoming your head. Your head says you can't change. But if you fight that, you can change in an instant.

Now, I eat mostly organic, whole-wheat, good-for-you foods. And I try new things every day. Food is such a big playground, why limit yourself?

I feel so good now. I don't feel guilty about food and exercise. I feel so, so proud of myself!

Menu {as of today and yesterday - I should have started tracking before!}:

August 27, 2012

Breakfast: {oat, flax, berry smoothie} {cereal}

Lunch: {spinach, quinoa, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette} {whole wheat toast with mozzerella cheese and tomato slices}

Dinner: {2 cinnamon rolls}

August 26, 2012

Breakfast: {oats, granola and bran flakes}

Lunch: {chicken sautéed with onion, tomato, garlic, and quinoa}

Dinner: {grilled brussel sprouts wrapped in turkey bacon}