Fresh start

Oh hello again. It's been quite a while since I have written my last entry to the vegan blog that last occupied this page--nearly a year it seems. Anywho, I have decided to start up my blog again. This time with a different angle, starting to truly help myself. This blog will consist of a food journal, exercise journal, recipes, and a confessional. Let's begin!

I am definitely significantly overweight... I don't believe in numbers, but my weight puts in a danger category. I have been overweight since my very early teens, but the weight just keeps on packing on. Now, my genetics are partially to blame, but my own actions are even more to blame. I am terrible about emotional eating.

Happy? Eat!
Sad? Eat!
Frustrated? Eat!
Bored? Eat!

This clearly is a vicious cycle. Now, if I were eating a head of lettuce every time I got emotional, we wouldn't be having this conversation. However, instead, I eat junk food. I am a junk food addict. I love anything high in fat and sugars. This habit (addiction) has taken its toll on me. I am in the prime candidate range for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and a host of other weight related issues.

But after an absolute breakdown last night, I have decided that I will put myself on the path of recovery. As such, I have developed a list of rules that I must follow in order to help myself feel better:

1. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, preferably an hour.
2. Cut out sodas, candy, and refined sugars.
3. Go gluten-free.* 
4. Cut out red meat and processed meat.
5. Limit alcohol to one drink, two times a week.
6. Cut out trans fats.

Now, I am not doing this alone because battles and wars are not fought and won by a single soldier. Therefore, my dear husband, James, will be joining me in this fight. 

*Gluten free! Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and pretty much everything else! Guten free diets are recommended to those who suffer from celiac disease, gastrointestinal inflammation caused by gluten. Neither James or I suffer from celiac disease, but I do show signs of gluten allergy that leads to severe and frequent sinus infections. Also, studies show a significant improvement in ADHD and Aspergers symptoms when gluten is cut from the diet. In order to cut down on all of these issues, we are going gluten free. 

For more information, visit: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my0114

Okay, well, join me on my journey and stay tuned for updates!

Meredith