New Year, New Beginnings

OK, so I know it's a total cliche - the whole New Year's Resolution thing - but I really feel like 2009 is going to be different somehow, like I am finally ready to make the necessary changes to lose the weight and keep it off forever. (Wow, I sound like a late night diet infomercial). But seriously, it's like a feeling in the air or an angel whispering in my ear - "it's time."

It is time to deal with the reasons for overeating, time to appreciate my body and what it can do, time to feed it only (ok, mostly) healthy plant-based, unprocessed, mostly raw nourishment. I am turning 35 in less than two weeks. Now is the time to turn my health around. I am trying to eradicate or at least greatly improve the following health problems:

- morbid obesity (yup, I said it and I own it - the first step)

- high cholesterol (not officially diagnosed)

- degenerative disc disease in my low back

- fibromyalgia-like symptoms, especially in my legs and neck/shoulders

- hypothyroid

- anxiety disorder

I know that with a serious commitment to diet and lifestyle changes, most of these conditions will get significantly better. I know from a previous 75 pound weight loss that my back pain will

greatly improve, and lower cholesterol levels are likely to follow.

To kick off the new year, I decided to re-read "Eat to Live" by Dr. Fuhrman. He advocates a 6 week (and ultimate life-long) vegan diet consisting of mostly raw and cooked veggies, fruits, and limited grains (no sweets, raw or not!). Although he is not a proponent of a 100% raw diet, I think his book makes a lot of sense. So I'm aiming to follow this program as much as possible for the next 6 weeks. I know I'm going to stray a bit on my birthday, but at least I will be celebrating at Pure Food and Wine. Yippee!!!! I am sooooo excited. My sister's birthday is within a week of mine, and we're going to NYC (she lives in Queens) to celebrate. And there is no freaking way I'm going to Pure Food and skipping dessert!

This weekend was a pretty good start, I must say. I enjoyed lovely green smoothies and green juices Friday, Saturday AND Sunday. Woooohooo! My Mom and I have always enjoyed going to the Portsmouth Health Food Store (NH). But this weekend, we discovered Blue Moon Cafe in Exeter. What a lovely place - green juices and smoothies, and lots of vegan dishes. We enjoyed a marinated kale salad and sweet and sour tofu - mmmmm. I skipped the yummy-looking vegan cookies.

This is day 4 and I'm still dealing with either caffeine or sugar withdrawal. And it completely sucks. I'm hoping it goes away soon. I'm also dealing with general whole body aches and pains. Ughhhhh. Detox sucks.

So, we'll see how it goes - one day at a time.