Cleansing

January is my annual no-alcohol month. This year I have decided to call it a cleansing period. I will follow weekly themes which will not only provide structure but will require me to stretch my brain for new recipes. I haven't fully figured it out yet, but start with (not surprisingly) superfoods. I think I'll do a vegan week and the last will be a "healthy" week whereby my body will let me know what it wants and I will listen. (The idea sounds nice at least). I haven't decided about week three. I am thinking "whole foods" or something like that.

I am excited!! Am also intrigued to see what happens mentally, physically and emotionally throughout the month. I have a feeling I'll be a bit grumpy from time to time... but then, what is new? But what if I'm not? That would be awesome.

I have a spreadsheet made, but can't figure out how to attach it... I'll get the hubs to help and do so.

Almond-Crusted Pork with Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce

I think I have to make this too!

Almond-Crusted Pork with Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce

Zesty Wheat Berry-Black Bean Chili

I need to make this!

Zesty Wheat Berry-Black Bean Chili

Garlicky Green Beans

Made these with salmon for dinner last night - Garlicky Green Beans

Super yum and easy. I usually make my green beans with pine nuts. I might combine some night or at least use the process.

OK. well that was crap

So I finally to went bed and totally can't sleep because of the sugar coursing through my body. Well that was a crap idea. Did I really think I could get away with drinking sugar and eating sugar and not pay? I guess so. I think I forgot that my body is overly sensitive to sugar. I have been sleep deprived for years now. I have been unhappy for years now. Linked? I think so. God, how I would love to be asleep right now, but I've got sugar coursing through my veins and a three year old sleeping for three more hours. God. tuna. salad. spinach. yes. please. Tomorrow I will be better.

Spoonful of Sugar makes the cravings go.... UP!

I didn't weigh myself for years and years. Then after this thing I did this summer I began weighing myself every day, sometimes twice. So. I think I am going to take a week off. This week to be precise. Why? Cause it is too hard to be looking at a number when this week has too many yummy treats and events to attend. Does that mean I am going to go hogwild? Nope. Just think I'll give myself a break and start again Sunday. Probably with a steak day. Will it suck. Yep. Cause really I love being skinny. Especially those four weeks in September when I could see my sixpack coming in and my muscles were just so there. It was killer. Now I've gained a pound or two and look FINE. But still. That was killer.

January is coming up and I generally do an annual TakeAMonthOffWine month. Perhaps that will help with some of the weight, but I have my Mar3 goal of the bikini to inspire me as well. Losing weight sucks. You have to be a bit hungry and I honestly think you have to give a little on nutrition as well. You just can't get in your 7 servings of fruits/veggies if you are eating less. So we'll see. I'll try it slowly, but I want to wear a bikini in March... and I don't want to feel bad about it.

Enjoy your week and the magic of the holiday! That is my plan.

greeny goodness

http://www.nutritionforempoweredwomen.com/blog/warming-broccoli-soup-its-99-raw-and-yummy/

Am trying this soup tonight. I was going to make a spinach with shallots side, but think this is sneakier (at least if it works) :)