Well, I guess it was more than a "little" break from writing my blog. There are a few reasons why.
Number one. I didn't really feel like writing. It just wasn't in me. I didn't think what I was writing was very interesting anymore.
Number two. There are so many great gluten-free
bloggers out there who write WAY better than I do. I guess I was feeling a little bit intimidated. But I'm over it.
Number three. It's really hard to find the time to sit down and actually write something worth reading. I'm going to try harder from now on to schedule writing at least once a week.
Number four. I've been struggling with some medical issues. Ulnar nerve problems that affect my fingers on my right hand, making it hard to sit and type with my arm bent. Back and neck pain, acid reflux, heart palpitations, constant eyelid twitching, anxiety attacks. All most likely brought on by a combination of nerve damage, medications for nerve pain and stress. So now you know more about me than you ever wanted to! I try not to dwell on my health issues, I'm trying to learn that I just have to get over it and move on!
So! Lots of things have been going through my mind the last few weeks. I've begun Weight Watchers again. Yes. I gained all the weight back that I lost two years ago. All 20 lbs. I'm so angry with myself.
I blame it on three things.
My neck surgery. It's been a long, two year recovery period. I'm still not 100% and don't know if I ever will be. I eat when I'm stressed and feeling down.
Lack of activity. I'm not a person who craves exercise. I have to force myself. Really. Force. Myself. I'm still trying to find something I like to do that doesn't end with an emergency room visit. I tried a little swimming the other day and have been paying for it ever since. I love the pool and used to swim like a fish when I was a teen. I have to remember my age and that I have limitations now. Walking is good, but gets a little boring. I will find something. I swear.
My gluten-free diet. This is a sticky wicket. Eating gluten-free can be a very healthy way to eat. If you eat things that are good for you. Fruits, veggies, chicken, fish, lean red meat, whole grain rice,
quinoa, are all naturally gluten-free. The problem is that I have a HUGE sweet tooth. Just because M&M's are gluten-free, doesn't mean you should sit down with a family size bag and eat the whole thing! In addition, many of the gluten-free products on the market are full of fat and calories. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad there's gluten-free options out there. And that there are more and more on the shelves every day. It's great. I'm just saying that I need to look for some healthier options.
I also watched the movie
"Food Inc." last night. Wow. It really changed me. No lie. If you haven't seen it, you must. Right now. You won't be the same person afterward.
After watching that movie, I've decided to try to limit the amount of processed foods and mass produced, corn fed, caged-up meat and poultry I buy. This feels like it's a huge mountain to climb. I know of one store in my town that actually sells local, farm raised, grain fed meats. And it is expensive. I bought three chicken legs with thighs attached today for close to $7. They are frozen and I plan on using them in next week's dinner plan. I can't help but wonder if it will taste any different. You know, I once had fresh grouse, with the buckshot still in it at an ex-boyfriend's house and let me just say that I'll never forget it.
Along with the chicken, I also bought a bunch of other healthy items.
1. Sunshine Southwest flavor Veggie Burgers
2. Misty Knoll Farms (New Haven, VT) Chicken Leg Quarters
3. Diamond Almond Butter
4. Sweet Cactus Farms Blue Agave Syrup
5. Chebe' Frozen Pizza Dough
6. Chebe' Frozen Sandwich Rolls
7. Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Chips. I heart these.
8. "Living Without" Magazine. Yes, I'm going to ignore the yummy looking cake on the cover.
7. A free copy of "Energy Times". I can't wait to read the article on Alicia Silverstone. I tried to get her book at the library today, but as I suspected after her appearance on Oprah yesterday, all the copies of the book are out.
If anyone has tried any of these products, I would love to hear your thoughts!
I see by the clock and by the fading light coming through the window that I've rambled on long enough!
Having soup and salad for dinner tonight. Thinking about trying one of the Chebe' rolls. Hmmmm.
Have a GREAT evening!
