mind over matter

I have to decided to start a blog centered around trying to eat clean. I figured it would help me track progress and get questions answered as I go. The layout and looks sucks for now, but I wanted to go ahead and start it. I'll work on the aesthetics later.

Eating clean is something I've considered on and off, but never gave myself the push to do it. I tend to not start things for fear I won't keep it up or will fail. This definitely doesn't make much sense. Something just clicked a few days ago and I knew I wanted to change how I thought about food. I haven't wanted to give stuff up or change habits because the former is hard and the latter is difficult. But if I think about eating to power my body and give it what it NEEDS rather than what I WANT, it's remarkably easier. I've been barely tempted by sugar since I started and not because my taste buds haven't wanted it or because my body wasn't complaining. I just have the mental desire to actually change how I eat.

My biggest challenges are planning ahead and branching out with a limited pantry. I have always avoided meal planning. It's a bit odd actually since planning and list-making is practically a hobby of mine in other things. I feel so intimidated by my lack of knowledge and experience in planning, shopping, cooking and budgeting for it all that I just avoid it. I've started by going with some basics that I like and can do easily. Chicken, brown rice, veggies, sandwiches, fruit and eggs. I switched from regular cereal to plain oatmeal and have pretty much stopped eating anything that has sugar added. Let me tell you it is CRAZY how much sugar there is in everything. I really didn't think I ate that much until I cut it. My body has definitely complained and I lived with a fake low blood sugar feeling for a couple days. I still need to find another bread option. I'm actually going to attempt to make some tomorrow. If it turns out well then I'll try to do it once a week or so.

I'm really kind of impressed with how well I've done so far. My husband remarked today that my skin looks brighter and healthier. He actually asked if I was wearing make-up, lol. I told him I figure it's just the changes I've already made in my diet! Pretty impressive. I hope to see some weight loss soon as well. I'd like to lose 5-10 pounds - maybe as much as 15. We'll see though. That was part of my motivation as well. I carry my weight well, but I notice it and I'm concerned about gaining more with future pregnancies and just as life goes on. My latest way of thinking is that I'm tired of life happening to me instead of the other way around. My husband and I are trying to change things in many areas and clean eating is just one for me.