Let's face it, I am obsessed with food. Not in a great cook sort of way just in a gluttonous one. And ever since I changed my eating habits, I've been thinking, planning, buying and cooking food even more. If that were possible.
I began my weight loss/healthy eating adventure on February 1st and although I sell it to the children as a healthy eating plan (no scales, full length mirrors or the word "diet" here) it began to dawn on me that it may not be as healthy as I would like.
Sure, I've lost 41lbs (with more to go) and have drastically cut my risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke and type two diabetes but there was a fair bit of Diet Coke guzzling. And sweet chilli Snack a Jack gobbling. Among other things.
So I signed up for Heather's 30 Day Vegan workshop. I know, that word vegan conjurs up many an image for a lot of people. It's almost as if some are scared of it. But I figured that as I wasn't eating a lot of dairy (no cheese or butter) and hardly any meat it's not such a huge step for me to take.
And I'm following it 80% which is fine. I don't want to be the awkward one who can't eat this or that when out.
But here's the thing: being really mindful of what I put in my mouth has had the effect of being mindful in other areas of my life too. I really wasn't expecting that.
I've tweaked my food shopping habits (the above fruit was picked from a local PYO farm) and the health food shop has become a favourite place to stock up. And the weekly "big" shop that I have come to dread but has been a staple of my adult life? That's being phased out too.
Important books have been purchased and downloaded onto a device (less clutter, easily accessible), new rhythms and routines are being created and space is being made (that seems to be a bit of a life theme at present).
Did you also realise that stuffing your body with fruit, veggies, nuts, pulses and seeds means that there is no room, not even a craving, for a Diet Coke? I tell you, I'm learning about more thanjust how to make a delicious peanut dressing.
:: Added note :: Thanks for the suggestions about turning off email unsubbing notifications but, being the numpty I am, I don't know how. I have searched endlessly on Google Reader but drawn a blank. It's the application rather than the unhappy readers themselves who email me!
