Here we go, again.

I've made sweeping, huge changes in my life over the past few years-- I live 2,500 miles away from home, am now immersed in business school, and only work 40 hours per week for the first time in a VERY long while. Hopefully, I'm growing; certainly I am changing. But though I strongly believe growth comes firstly from acknowledging where we come from-- I have been convincing myself all day long to not go back and delete all of the 2007 postings on this blog.

So, intentionally quashing the urge-- what brings me back here? I need a place to be accountable; hopefully one or two of you will be out there, depending on me to live up to my goals. This morning, I committed to losing 50 pounds in the Pound for Pound Challenge. That's a big number, friends. I cannot remember the last time I intentionally lifted 50 pounds-- but that (and arguably more!) is the extra weight my body slogs around every day through my incredibly busy life. My feet (and joints, bones, etc) were not designed for that kind of abuse. And, admittedly, I LOVE the concept of the Challenge. I am counting on the RoadRunner Food Bank and the hungry folks they feed to provide my motivation through some of the difficult times.

I am not a dieter. Oh, I have tried to be-- many times, unfortunately. But I have learned the hard way: 1) I love food, 2) I do not deprive myself well-- I am learning to say no to myself, but I have a long way to go before I'm good at this task and 3) the majority of our "diets" are not healthy at all. Personally, I function much better when I'm able to come from a place of abundance-- pushing myself out of my comfort zone and exploring new flavors, tastes, and whole new foods. I love the playful, fun experience that comes from intentionally spending time in the kitchen. But like most people, I get busy, I have lazy days-- and I fall back on the old staples of my American diet: eggs, cheese, ice cream (my Achilles' heel!). Easy foods, yes; and dreadfully addicting. I love them dearly, and could never self-deny these things for eternity. At least I don't think I could.

Recently, though, I have been reading a lot about the health benefits (and weight loss!) of the vegan diet. I can't make the shift forever...yet. I can commit to a one-month challenge, though. So yes, I am off the dairy (eggs, ice cream, yogurt, cheese) for one full month, starting tomorrow. From what others say, the first week is likely to be awful. Please send good thoughts-- I am not often one to back down from a challenge, but it might be hairy for a while. Stay in touch, if you're out there-- I will need the support, I think.

Unintentionally, the last dairy I ate was a bland lemony yogurt with this morning's breakfast. Now, it feels like a wasted opportunity! Tonight (after the gym): grocery shopping and cleaning out the temptations in my kitchen. :)