Today is the third day of me consciously not eating meat.  I have to admit, I'm feeling pretty fantastic, and I am super thankful to have a tasty, versatile protein alternative that is constantly at my fingertips (thanks, hemp seeds :D) since I really do not like tofu.

Portion control has been steady, and my sweet tooth seems to be under control.  I haven't had anything to drink besides water, skim milk, or coffee, and while sometimes I miss the taste of pepsi, I have found that over the past few months, when I have allowed myself to have some, I can barely finish half a can.  It's hard to believe that I used to easily down an entire 2L bottle and still want more.

My skin is looking amazing, too.  I'm going to chalk that up to the water consumption (I'm drinking at least 8-10 cups a day) and the good ol' hemp seeds and all their fancy omega oils.

I'm beginning to venture into the forums on myfitnesspal (while staying on top of my food diary entries).  I think this will be good.  The fact that I did not allow months and years to lapse between my efforts is making me feel even more confident in the changes that I"m making.

Weighed in this morning - 202lbs.  I am only four pounds away from being half way to my goal weight! (pre-Vegas. Seven more to go for that goal)

I FEEL SO FREAKING GOOD.

So, I did weigh myself the day I said I would, but I never got around to posting it.  Gained a bit back, as expected, but it is not as much as I thought it would be.  My weight was just under 203lbs.

I have been consistently eating breakfast, and keeping myself hydrated.  Need to work on getting more exercise and improve my sleeping routine.

I'd like to lose at least 10lbs before we head off to Vegas mid-October. Totally achievable if I stick to what I'm doing..

I'm reducing my meat consumption even more than I have been over the last few years.  Not going full out vegetarian, but I'm definitely going to be aiming for no more than 3 servings of meat per week, and I'm going to expand my recipe book and start trying new things. I need to get myself back in the kitchen regularly.

Tomorrow morning I will do a weigh in.  It's out there now.. I'm committed.

B: 118
W: 102
H: 126

That's what I'm restarting with.  I don't have my weight - I'll find out tomorrow morning.  It'd be easy if I had a scale, but all I've got is my Wii Fit balance board.

I've eaten breakfast two days in a row now, and I've decided that I'm going to start using myfitnesspal again to track my eating.  I was doing really well with that.. it seems to work by holding me accountable.

Didn't go skating last night, but I'm not going to make an excuse.  Instead, I'll go tonight.. even if it's only for half an hour. I'm going to push myself a little more, and make sure my ankle is wrapped just in case.

I'm still feeling exhausted, but I'm feeling good too.  One step at a time.. one day at a time.  Breathe.

Hormones; the bane of my efforts to eat healthy.

I love being a woman. I love being a female. I love pretty much everything about it.. except my period.  The hormones drive me crazy, the cramps are a bitch to deal with, and I am constantly craving salty, fatty, awful, and deliciously sinful foods.

I'm going to be straight up.. I've been lazy with my eating habits lately. I haven't cared about making sure I eat breakfast, or that I've had a lot of fried foods lately.  I have, however, been much better with portions (I eat so much less now comparatively.. and it is due to my body's own volition, huzzah!).  I haven't had as many veggies or fruit as I'd like, but that is more because it hasn't been available, rather than me just not eating them.

If I could, I'd eat nothing but veggies all the time.

I am trying to exercise more.  I flailed (and injured myself) at the derby tryouts, but I'm going to keep skating.  At least three times a week, making sure I get rest as well.  I really pushed myself the day before the try outs, and bailed pretty badly a few times.  I'm convinced that my body resisted and protested in outrage because I didn't not give it a chance to rest.

My throat is phlegmy and I've been feeling exhausted, but I'm going to keep on keeping on.  I will get my measurements again sometime this week and reboot this whole experience.  Perhaps not a daily blog, though.. a minumum of four times a week, maybe.

Open to your thoughts, concerns, and encouragement.

I kind of want to eat myself into oblivion right now.  I won't.. but, I want to.

Hmm.. so it's been over a month since I strayed from my attempt at making a habit.  I'm not sure if the lapse has been a good thing or not, but hey.. it is what it is.

Thanks to the support of one of my dearest friends, here I am again, trying to get re-inspired.  My eating habits lately have been not as great as they could be as far as choices go, but I am finding that portion control is virtually effortless now.  My stomach has shrunk a bit, and I am thankful for that.  I do not need as much to feel as full, and I am finding that I am generally only eating when I'm hungry.  Huzzah.

I've had a few drafts drawn up for longer posts, but I just can't bring myself to complete them.  This feels more candid.. more natural.  I think that perhaps leaving it at this - restarting small - will be the kickstart that I need to try to get back into the swing of things.

So, cheers to the path taken, and the path we are forging ahead!