my new initiative

we all reach a time in our lives...

...no i don't want to start like that...

Actually I don't know how to start this post.

So to put it plainly,

I feel unhealthy.

I have become aware that eating the way I do, doesn't make me feel great.

I used to think enriched Eggo waffles with High Fructose Maple flavored Corn Syrup

was a completely acceptable breakfast.

{Especially when they are artificially flavored blueberry waffles}

That tastes like fruit, right?

If that's what you had for breakfast, good for you, I wish I did. 

Let me emphasize here that everybody's body is different.

Some people thrive on different kinds of foods. 

So maybe you should keep in mind that this is MY initiative.

I have hesitated to share it because I don't you to come away with the idea

that I'm telling you this is the way to live for 

every single person who reads this post.

But maybe I'm posting about this to get your support and motivation.

They say when you share a goal with your friends, you are more likely to achieve it.

So you are my friends, and I'm sharing it with you.

I don't eat healthy, I don't feel healthy and I'm going to do something about it. 

What prompted this? 

Let me share a couple thoughts that I have read recently.

"In general, the more food we eat in its natural state and the less it is refined without additives, the healthier it will be for us."

President Ezra Taft Benson

"Do Not Despair" Oct. Conference 1974

Thank you daily personal study.

Something happened to me when I read this. 

A prophet said something that I'm sure we all would agree is true,

but don't really think about everytime we put food in our mouths.

EVERYTHING is processed it seems.

It's very hard for me to think outside the idea.

Then my sister-in-law told me about a fascinating new diet idea.

Different diets and lifestyle choices that are determined by your blood type.

Makes sense. We have different bodies, different metabolisms,

so not every diet will work for every body.

I happen to be blood type A+.

As I was reading his suggestions for someone of my blood type, 

I felt sort of like he was reading my palm.

Very creepily accurate descriptions of how I feel and how I live.

From my lack of a desire to exercise intensely, to my continued craving for carbs.

Even down to my over-active nose and how smells stress me out.

So, I decided to read more of his suggestions of how to better my eating.

Then I read it again,

"It is particularly important for sensitive Type As to eat their foods in as natural a state as possible: pure, fresh, and organic."

So case and point: 

I want to eat healthy.

I mean really  healthy.

I'm not talking about being skinny...

I'm talking about being strong.

I love food. 

I cannot stress that enough. 

I LOOOOOOOVE food.

I love to cook food.

I love to watch other people cook food.

I love to look at pictures of food.

I love to talk about food.

I love to blog about food.

So you see where a problem might exist here?

While my initiative begins with a great deal of personal motivation,

The day may come very soon when I get..

hungry

and off the wagon we go.

So, if you happen to remotely feel like I do.
Then now we have a support group.
A source of finding healthy life choices in a world of easily prepared processed food.

I never ever thought I would be one of those people. 

The kind that worry about what they eat.

The kind that substitute whole grains for bleached all purpose flour

and agave nectar for refined sugar.

I reminisce about my college days of
hot fudge
rocky road
whipped cream
sundaes
with an entire box of Oreos on top...

goodtimes...good times...

But here's what I've found out so far, and it really is making a difference.

1- My new treats have taken the form of fruits and nuts.

    A hand full of ALMONDS versus a handful of chocolate chips.

    And a serving of PINEAPPLE instead of the piece of cake. 

   {I can eat A LOT of cake}

2- QUINOA with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and teriyaki sauce, 

     is absolutely delicious and filling wrapped in a crisp leaf of lettuce.

     But this fabulous little protein house is a great additive to any meal.  

3- Eating SEVERAL SMALL SNACKS a day has replaced my three square meals. 

    The only reason we eat three meals is because it revolves around the average work day.

    Our bodies are meant to be nourished more regularly.

    I make it a point to eat every THREE hours, usually a snack about the size of my palm.

    Half a sandwich, a handful of nuts, a small portion of crackers, or a piece of fruit.

    Not only do I feel more energy sustaining me with this method,

    but the body won't store as much fat because it isn't wondering when the next meal will be.

    Look it up. It's true!

4- If you live for a sweetie chocolate treat, plan for it, and make it a good one.

5- Don't just eat food because it's there.

    Get away from the food, or get the food away from you.

    Once Richard and I have our first helping of dinner, I put the rest in the fridge. 

    Otherwise, we pick at it way too long and end up feeling grossly over-eaten.

6- There really isn't a great substitute for sugar. It's too delicious.

     Everything I've tried is a very obvious taste difference.

     The only real way to get over eating too much sugar is self control.

     It's not like you can live completely never using sugar again.

     I just always quote Nacho Libre in my head when I want sugar, 

    "Mucho take it easy."

7- Am I really doing bullet points on my blog like I'm an expert?

I'm sorry if I'm being a little overzealous here. 

Here's a lot of great information that I've found. 

THEY are the experts.

WHOLE FOODS

The Blood Type Diet

Quinoa Recipes

Reducing Sugar Intake
LiveStong
6 Small Meals

More blog posts will follow on this topic as I continue to learn. 

I literally have to throw everything I know about food out of the window.

I'm starting back at square one with how to

buy food,

cook food, 

and eat food.

Please leave any suggestions as well because let's face it...

I need them!
I want this initiative to stick.