Diet Cleanup On Isle One

I've wanted to write this post for some time now, and while it's less about a lifestyle overhaul and more about consciousness regarding what I eat, let's be clear this isn't about weight loss.

A few sleepless night lately watching documentaries like Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and Forks Over Knives have left me wondering, how much do we buy food out of convenience and are those convenience foods seriously impacting our quality of life? I'll admit most days I'm so exhausted after work I just want to pick up something quick, eat, shower and pass out. I can only imagine for Americans who have families or work two jobs - considering cooking every night has to be daunting, not to mention expensive, for those on a budget when fruits and veggies cost more than drive thru cheeseburgers.

When I was young, our family was on the go a lot. Tennis, swimming, dance - we often just grabbed something on the way from point A to point B to make sure at least we were fed. When I was on my own and had the time and ability to make food for myself, I fell into old habits of just purchasing rather than cooking for the sake of convenience. 

I usually give a bit of an eye roll when a friend complains about their weight, especially while out for dinner. I always think women have the ongoing habit of being critical about our weight and there are more worthwhile topics to discuss- but maybe we should pay more attention to what we eat and how much it has been processed. Not quantity, but if it's healthy for us, if it is nourishing, and if it could have any impact on our long term health or aid in preventing adult diseases.  People should enjoy food and not put unreasonable restrictions on themselves, but perhaps learn to enjoy treats in moderation and incorporate healthier choices. This is what I'm aiming to work on.

For me...

I really love food. I love trying new foods, I love the socializing around food, I love baking food for others (see post directly below this one.) Did I mention I love food?

I am Midwestern. Which means, completely true to the stereotype, I love just about everything that's awful for me. Salt, sugar, carbs, oh my.

I've had my share of health issues over the years and would not be surprised to learn that some of the issues are  associated with foods I eat/the quantity of certain types of foods I consume.

I work in advertising, and for many people with office jobs, sometimes this means grabbing what's available versus what's best for us.

I have a hard time sticking to a workout routine. My hours at work are sometimes varied, gyms that I have access to in my neighborhood just aren't open late enough to make the trip after work (insert additional excuses here.)

Sound like a typical late 20 something female?

I've had a lot of friends start raw diets, partially raw diets, green diets (does it ever seem like dieting needs its own section of the dictionary?) and while I admire their willingness to make these major life changes, I also know a totally raw diet or green only diet just isn't something I see my self sticking to for a long period of time. Changing my eating habits will have to be something I do slowly and with a lot of conscious choices. 

So here's my plan for the next three weeks in an effort to pay more attention to what I consume. Not a diet, but a cleanup:

• Less bread, pasta, white foods - whole grain pastas only, and sparingly.
• Less sugar, which for me means less fruit juices and sugary snacks.
• Cut out dairy. This means ending my weekly love affair with cheese.
• No aspartame, those two diet cokes a day have to go.  Check out ArryInSeattle's post on that nasty additive. 
• Greens. Greens. And more greens. Double the amount of leafy greens and broccoli.
• Swap normal snack with healthier options. Almonds, strawberries, carrots.
• Cook as much as possible on Sunday to prep food for the week.
• Stop using the no gym excuse, and make the effort to get outside for at least 1hr 5/7 days a week.
• And the biggest change, no more dining out during the week. Normally lunch and dinner are something I spend on at least 5/7 days a week. I'm hoping not only will this help me watch what I eat if I have to now make it for myself, but should also help by budget.

While these may not sound like big changes, they are a difference in living for me. Like I said at the beginning of this post, this isn't about weight loss, it's about feeling healthier, better.  I will report back on in three weeks to let you know how my eating cleanup is going.

What do you think? What challenges do you face when choosing healthy foods? Do you think making healthier choices in your diet could benefit your overall health in the long and short term?

Cheers,

BR