small steps

I got out for a brisk walk last night. Not a big deal, but I was definitely tempted to just stay home and read, and I got out for a little exercise, maybe 25 minutes.

Spent some time looking at the “New American Plate” cookbook today, and I’m thinking that may be as good a way as any to describe the diet I’ve got in mind.  Making the portion of meat much smaller, about 1/4 of the plate overall, and adding a whole grain and two different veggies to each meal.  I’m also thinking that I want sweets to be an occasional, maybe once a week thing for me.  Continuing to get clearer, small steps at a time…

Niki’s experiment…

Yesterday I strongly considered volunteering for a clinical trial that would require dramatic lifestyle changes in order to improve health.  Specifically, the clinical trial is testing the McDougall very-low-fat vegan diet (no meat, dairy, fish, nuts or oils!) and moderate exercise for its impact on people with MS.  What appealed to me deeply was the commitment I’d be making, to really pay attention to eating healthy food and to figure out a way to exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, for one full year.  What didn’t appeal to me was the extremity of the diet. I am wanting to experiment with significantly reducing saturated fats and simple carbs in my diet, and at the same time continuing to enjoy sharing meals with my husband and sons and our friends.

I realized last night I was wishing I could sign up to be part of the control group!  This would mean I’d make a commitment to add exercise 5 days/week, and fill out diet questionnaires periodically to keep track of what I was eating, and I’d get the vegan diet training 10-day spa experience at the end of the year, and could choose how much I wanted to incorporate what I learned.

And then Tod and I started to brainstorm about what could make it FEEL as if I’d made that level of commitment– how might I make a public promise to try this level of change for a year– and Tod suggested a blog.  And here I am, writing this!!

I really want to do this.  I know I need to get a lot more explicit about what exactly I’m committing to, and so I want to take a couple of days to really get clear about the details. But I’m off and running… in the final stage of contemplation and getting ready to take the leap!

I know I’m going to need a lot of help and encouragement.  If you’re reading this I’d be most grateful for your support!

Love, Niki