up and ready

Well, the refrigerator and pantry are cleaned. No food was wasted as we donated two bags full of cans to the needy and gave all other refrigerator food to my nieces and nephew who moved into their own apartment. The shopping experience was a learning one. I can't believe there is so much you can learn from labels. Labels were something I never took into consideration. Today, if I thought one food was good, the trainer usually found one that was better. I guess it is going to take practice. I felt like we were shopping with the food police. No, just kidding, it was not that bad. I actually learned a lot about how to look not only at the fat, protein, etc. chart, but the ingredients also. The trainer offered suggestions and ultimately let us decide. I think there was only one thing he took out and said "not now". I know this shopping experience was for the health of my family. So, what was purchased? A lot of organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables. We are exploring with different poultry and meats to see if there really is a difference. While my husband and I were gathering our mixed nuts from the bins, the trainer was out of sight. I peeked around the corner to find him looking through various breads. He really takes his time and looks at everything!!!!!! He really does have a sincere interest and concern regarding our food intake.

When I was putting away the groceries, I made a comment to my husband. I said "I am looking forward to tasting and preparing the new food this week." His reply was "this is the first year that our actions came before our words. We are actually starting the new year with fresh, healthy food without having made the new years resolution first." That hit me. How many times in the past had we made the resolution to eat right, diet, and exercise? We would always go shopping a day or two after the new year. Start a diet with minimal exercise. Both resolutions would come to a halt by Jan. or Feb. At the beginning of this new year we can say "do as we do" not "do as we say." That is a great feeling!

Before the grocery store, I trained and weighed myself. I am so happy to report that I followed my diet since xmas and I reached my goal of being in the 250's. I weighed in at 258. This is the year for change and I actually believe that this is the year where I complete a new year resolution. That is to say that there will not be any more challenges ahead. I am sure there will be and I will have to deal with them as they arise. My final desires and goals are so visible in my head. I know that I am in a better place than I have been in on the eve of a new year.

So to all of you, may you be in a better place this upcoming year! No matter how much change you make, reinforce yourself for all the positive changes you do. Keep your head up and get right back up when you need to. Remind me of the same! It is time we help ourselves and others with life.....something we don't know how long we have. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

P.S. The rice stayed in my pantry. I so look forward to reinforcing myself with it when the time comes.