The Big One

When I turned 30, I thought it was the worst thing in the world! I dreaded that day. But nothing was worse than turning 31. I was no longer 30, I was IN my thirties! 40 seemed way off in the distance but before I knew it, it was here, I was 40. I had a much easier transition into entering this new decade. I had a fantastic 80's themed party with my friends and family, stayed up way too late, drank fabulous wine and ate delicious food!

Let's go back about a year. When I turned 39 I decided that I was going to change my life. I needed to exercise more and be very conscious of what I put in my body. I scoured the internet for recipes, blogs and anything I could read that would help me along. Well, like most of my bright ideas, this one stalled. I love wine and I love food. It's just so easy to come home after work, cook some comfort food and pour myself a glass of wine. This became routine. This is what I did five days a week. Weekends were pizza, sushi or eating out at one of our favorite restaurants.

Then one day, my pants didn't fit like they used to. Things were a little snug. And then I noticed that I was developing a belly. I have never had and issue with a flabby stomach before. Hips and butt were and always will be my biggest concern about my body. I have booty and hips, no denying it. But now I had this belly and I was stressed!

So I started with little things, no more wine with dinner, and if I was going to have wine, I would have a glass only on the weekends only. I cut out white sugar which was a challenge because I am a tea drinker. I love Earl Grey tea. But I did it. I started drinking herbal teas. I started exercising, but I still wasn't happy with the results. My journey is on going, like anyone else, I fall off the wagon, but I start over and try again.

A turning point for me was reading Kimberly Snyder's The Beauty Detox Foods. I don't follow her principals to the letter but I do incorporate several of them into my life. Her blog is fantastic too! She helped me in so many ways. I started to read labels, buy organic (when possible) and just had an overall consciousness about what I was consuming.

I don't eat read meat (maybe once in a blue moon I'll have a steak) but I do still eat chicken and pork. I cut out a lot of dairy. I still have cheese once in a while as it is one of my favorite things. My family thinks I'm a little strange but I feel better eating this way and it's my choice. It is a lot of work mind you! You have to be prepared, it's the only way to be successful in eating healthy in my opinion. And yes, there are days where the last thing I want to do is cut up veggies, cook a pot of quinoa or shred lettuce. And those are the days I fall. So prep your food! If it's there and ready, you'll eat it!