Self Portrait Challenge - Blue (4)

When hobbies collide...

I have been practicing yoga, on and off, for many years. I have been in an off cycle for about three months. But I feel the need to start again.

Crazy Busy

That's what I tell people who ask how I am. It’s always the truth.

But today I’m tired and achy. My throat hurts. My fever made sleeping a funhouse of wakefulness and dreaming. I think it’s the flu.

Enforced inactivity is good for me. Except when I’m crazy busy.

I have to go into the office today; just for a few hours. Something smells in the fridge. The kitchen counter is covered with dirty dishes and a week’s worth of mail. The cat puked in the dining room. I need to buy a birthday gift. The laundry is piled high on the bedroom floor.

But all I want to do is rest: sleep, catch up on my reading, watch some movies. And try not to feel guilty about taking care of me.

It’s the balance that eludes me.

Day 3: Eat Sitting Down

Yesterday's theme was ironic. I'm posting a day late because last night I was at a work-related stand-up reception. So, not off on the best foot already!

Truthfully, this is an easy habit for me. I generally sit down to eat. It's the paying attention while eating that's the problem...

Self Portrait Challenge - Blue (3)

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something..

I used to paint my toes cobalt blue. Every week. For years. Even for my wedding. Well, it is my favorite color...

Day 2: Pick Two Reasonable Diets

No brainer. Eat to Live. Backup not required.

Need to re-read it over the next two weeks...

Day 1: Record the Advantages of Losing Weight

1. I’ll look better, at least to myself.
2. I’ll feel more confident.

In order to lose weight, I will have to adopt other habits that have their own advantages, beyond just losing weight. To succeed in maintaining these habits, I need to recognize their unique advantages as well.

Eating Healthy Food:

1. Maintain good overall health.
2. Be in control of my food choices.
3. Lose the junk food, lose the guilt.

Exercising:

1. Be physically fit.
2. Be strong.
3. Have more energy.

Although no weigh-in is required at the start of the program, my waist measured 665 mm this morning. (Using metric takes the emotional power away from the number.) I will continue to track my waist measurement rather than my weight. Currently, I am working through a fairly intensive strength-training program and will probably (hopefully) be gaining muscle mass as I lose fat.

To market, to market

I have strong opinions about food and food-related issues. But, sometimes I have to question myself. Some decisions are not as clear-cut as I would want them to be.

Where and how I buy my food is a topic I struggle with regularly.

Local versus organic

I have been buying organic for several years. I believe in organic farming. I believe it is better for the soil, for the insects and other wildlife, and for the humans. But I have come to suspect it is not better for the environment as a whole once you factor in transporting organic lettuce from California to Georgia.

In an ideal world, I would grow my own vegetables and herbs. In the real world, my backyard is too shady to grow anything but hostas.

In an ideal world, I would join a local, preferably organic, CSA. In the real world, I am hesitant to make the commitment. My work schedule can be hectic, my husband can be a picky eater, the pickup/delivery times and locations don’t work for me. Excuses, excuses, I know.

In an ideal world, I would at least go to my local farmer’s market (May through September). Every year I say I will, and I never do. I want to think that this year will be different. By going, maybe I will feel more confident joining a CSA by meeting and getting to know the people involved.

The organic reality

So, what’s the current reality of my grocery experience? Whole Foods. It’s convenient. They have what I want. That’s what it comes down to at the end of the day. Yes, it’s expensive. Years ago I decided to allow groceries to be my only budgetary splurge. I enjoy good food, and I rationalize the expense by not eating out much. But, the relatively small amount of locally grown produce bothers me. I feel guilty about my spinach from California, my onions from Peru, my imported Italian olive oil. No matter if I join a CSA or buy at the farmer’s market, I know I will still come here for grains and beans and, yes, Italian olive oil. I am open to other options; I just don’t know what they are yet.

Conclusion

I will make a commitment to shop at the farmer’s market this year. I will read Plenty and hopefully be inspired. I will re-visit this topic later in the year to report on my progress.