Changes

Maybe this is too personal to be posting on a blog. But, I feel like if I do, it will be more real, and more achievable.  As anyone very close to me knows, I have and have had issues with my opinion of myself, self image/ whatever you want to call it. I really don't want this to turn into some sob story about how horrible I feel about myself because and how I'm fishing for compliments that's not really how I feel right now. I honestly have never been this unhealthy or overweight in my life. I realize that I'm not obese. Or terribly over weight for that matter. However,    I wish I could see myself how my husband see's me. Beautiful.  At the same time my genetics and family history of medical issues has began to worry me.  I don't want to struggle with energy levels, or sleep issues, or heart problems, or cancer for that matter.  I want to be the healthiest person I can. After a couple years of just self pity and feeling sick way too often, I've decided its time to make changes. So starting about a month ago the first change I made is trying to change the way I eat.  Some of my new "staples" I've posted pictures of.  At first it was extremely difficult. I'm definitely an "emotional eater" so to say, and finally reading food labels almost made me crazy.  But I'm becoming a lot more conscious of what foods I put in my mouth. Right down to gum, hard candy, and juices.  So, here's a few things I've found (with the help of a friend) that are, like I said, new "staples" for me. I didn't add all the veggies, seemed too repetitive :)

Salad Spritzers - 1 Cal per spray	Sugar Free Jello - 10 cal per cup	Egg Whites are just good
My favorite Hot Sauce Zero Calories	I'm a fan of mustard but its also Zero Calories	Imitation Cheese that actually tastes Like cheese!
Walden Farms has TONZ Of zero cal/sugar/carb Everything	Sugar Free and Low Cal (if you stick to the portion sizes)	Salad is just good I eat as much as I want of this. Its great
My #1 Food right now. Shirataki Noodles Zero Calories	Steamed Squash and zuchini is one of my favorite additions to meals	Basically Tofu Dogs with smoked Flavor. Actually tastes pretty good with mustard and Kraut.
I had no Idea that Kosher Kill pickles are Zero Calories	Diet green tea is one of my favorite drinks to switch up the water	I just like sprouts and they're good for you!
I'm a fan of Kraut thanks to Jake 5 Cals per 1/4 cup. Not bad	Love to marinade and season chicken with these. also 0 cals.	Did anyone else know that Pam(or similar) is 0 Calories?
I use this to season the Shiritaki Noodles, and it tastes great! this sauce is 0 cal. (some aren't though)	Apples are my favorite. easy to grab and go. Great when I have a sweet tooth.	Clementines are tied for 1st with apples. Sweet, smell really good, and good for you.
Great new find. Wasa Crisp Bread, Great to snack on. 35 cals per cracker, no fat, no sugar.	Great snack when craving breads 4 of these thin ones is only 110 cals	Also good for Bread cravings. 50 cals per 4 "snacks" and not much else.

As far as eating goes I've lost 15 lbs in a month. I'm pretty excited about that, just wish it showed. But the food I eat is only half the battle.  There's still the mental and physical part.  First of all I have to say, I have the most supportive husband in the entire world. He's put up with my moodiness about craving sugar, he's been to the health food store countless  times without complaining or acting annoyed that the "health food" tends to be much more $ than regular grocery store foods. He's helped me come up with new ideas for meals that cut out the sugar and most fat. I really could not have made it this far without him.  To add to the amazing-ness that is my husband, I've been talking with him about a goal I've set for myself. I want to run a 5k. I'd love to say I want to run a marathon, but I gotta start small or I'll never get there.  He's agreed to start this program I found called Couch to 5k. Supposedly if you stick to it, you'll be ready to run a 5k in 9 weeks. My reasoning behind this is two fold. 1st, was my previous point, of simply wanting to weigh less. 2nd, the more important reason... I have to start taking better care of my health. I guess fear is a good motivator. I don't want to end up struggling to make it up stairs, or having my heart pound just getting the mail. to be blunt, I don't want to die of a heart attack or something that I likely could have prevented.  So with my supportive husband at my side. I've set the goal to begin this couch to 5k program January 3, 2011.  Since Jake and I are going out of town, we did our Christmas early. well tonight.  :)  He gave me a consult with a marathon company to get specially fitted running shoes. by the way this is $$$$ pricey.. He was worried I'd be offended, but honestly, I was almost in tears I was so excited.  He knows me so well! He knows this is something I desperately want to do. I don't want to fail at this. I believe this will be a fantastic motivator to get me started.

So, if anyone out there reads my blog. I have some questions for you.

1. Any suggestions to someone thats just starting to run?
2. Recommendations on diversity in healthy foods or meals?
3. Any motivation/encouraging thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I'll keep posting the progress.

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. "
John F. Kennedy