So, today is my first post. This reminds me so much of Xanga. Ha, who would have thunk it! Here I am, 10 years later, spilling my beans to the random people of the internet. Anyway, this blog (if it lasts) will chronicle my journey to a better and healthier me. I have tried these types of "diets" before, but this time, something feels different. I am 26, and obviously I am not getting younger.

How did this journey come into play, you may be thinking. Well, it's been a long process in the making. I have a wonderful boyfriend, who loves me no matter what. But together we are destructive to our health. We eat big fattening meals late at night. We overindulge way too often. I have seen both of us gain quite a bit of weight since we have been together. Though I have yo-yoed back and forth, since we have been together I have gained at the most about an additional 30 pounds. This will kill me, and I know it.

Earlier this month, I spent some time in Israel on a Taglit Birthright trip. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. One of the greatest lessons I took with me though was fresh food is so much better than overly processed, high fat crap that we Americans LOVE. While I was abroad, I ate some of the freshest and most delicious fruits and vegetables I have ever tasted. Because Israel is a Kosher state, I also found I ate much less dairy than I normally would. I have honestly never felt better! I think I may be lactose intolerant. The night after I returned from my voyage, Adam and I ordered a dominos pizza with ham, sausage, pepperoni, and extra cheese. Wow, talk about disgusting. Granted, the salty taste was good, but I went to bed feeling absolutely terrible. My stomach was so full and honestly felt ill. When I woke up the next morning, I realized what I needed to do. I have had this thought in my head for some time, but action is always much more difficult. (sidenote: when I was in Israel, our tour guide made a comment about intention vs. action. It stuck with me.) My new approach to eating is one of discovery.

I have always loved fresh ingredients, but as a restaurant worker, it has always been difficult to eat "normally." My journey begins with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, little dairy, and lean, low-sodium meats. So far, I have done superbly. I haven't had too many cravings of the bad stuff. I have heard that humans that are used to high fat, high sodium, greasy foods become somewhat addicted to them. Those people tend to have a much harder time sticking to a healthy lifestyle. If I find that I fit into that category, my goal is to say FUCK you to the addiction. I care more about my life and my future than I do a cheeseburger with fries.

Honestly, my brain has actually become used to the idea that fried foods, sugary foods, high fat foods, and everything in between are VERY VERY destructive to my health goal. I am actually surprised at how turned off by junk food I really am. I have become quite the foodie lately, and I am excited to try new delicious ways to enjoy food. (Without adding the pounds :))

Ok, so enough blahblahblahing...

Today's weight: 246.4

My goal weight as of right now is 160.

This means I want to lose 86.4 pounds.

Can I do it? Yes! Everybody around me has been able to lose weight. I just have to try!!

Here's to the first few steps :)