I think I'll stick to splurging on shoes...

I've been very good about eating organic, eating fruits and veggies, and staying away from processed sugar.  In fact, the last time I had a fast food meal was Normal Medieval Faire!  So, I decided to splurge, because it couldn't hurt, right?  Um.  Wrong.  So very wrong.

Yesterday was nuts.  Work was crazy.  After work, I took the Terror to her anger management class (dog obedience), I did a Zumba medium intensity mid-length class, went hunting for hat supplies, and went to Wholefoods with the roomie.  By the time we got done at Wholefoods, it was 8:00, and I didn't feel like going home, making a meal and eating at 9:00 or 9:30, so we stopped at Long John Silver's.  I was really looking forward to the greasy chicken-y goodness that is LJS chicken planks.  I substituted corn on the cob for fries and ignored my coleslaw as though it were the plague in the hopes of making the meal a little less horrific nutritionally.

When we got home, it was just wonderful as I imagined it would be.  However, 45 minutes later, I was hating myself.  I had intestinal cramps for the first time in recent memory.  I felt horrible all evening.  For me, it just hit home how much I don't need that crap in my body.  I'm good with the foods I've been eating.  I have more energy, and I'm in a better mindset.  I think I'll just stick with it and not splurge anymore.  

What's healthy?

I really don't understand why the desire to have a healthy, balanced diet is met with such derision.  Why do people look at you like you just got off the train from Crazy Town when you carry in a smoothie packed with the majority of fiber, antioxidants, omega3 fatty acids and B vitamins you will need for the day?  It's a hell of a lot better than that Egg McMuffin you're scarfing down, and it will keep me fuller longer.   

A coworker mentioned how foul my smoothie looked this morning.  Granted, it is more puce than green, but I assured him it was very delicious and told him what was in it.  Another coworker was walking through the office and (ever the one to put her opinion in when it is unsolicited) said, "Yeah, she's going to turn green." in her snotty way.  What does that even mean?  You are on a more restrictive diet than I am, lady.  At least I can eat all of the things I love without sticking to only protein rich foods.  Yes, protein is a staple of my diet, but I get to eat all of the foods you are depriving yourself of (with the exception of red meat, which unfortunately makes me very sick).  I get to eat rice, bread and other carb-y foods.  I just understand the concept of portion control.

She also injects herself with a pregnancy hormone in order to kick-start her weight loss.  I know quite a few women who are doing this, and while they are seeing amazing results, I can't see how it can be completely healthy.  For one, it's a hormone found in a pregnant woman's urine.  Ew.   Secondly, the diet requires that you eat 500 calories a day.  o_O  That's one third of the recommended daily intake for the average inactive female.  One third!  I couldn't subsist on 500 calories a day.  I realize that the hCG suppresses your appetite, so you can get by on the 500 calories, but I don't see how consuming so few calories can provide you with enough energy to get through the day.  Not to mention that the injections are expensive.  What happens when you decide you can no longer afford them and the weight piles back on?  

I understand the desire for a quick fix.  I have often found myself staring at a sea of fabric, wishing my hats would make themselves.  However, when it comes to losing weight, I don't think a quick fix is the way to go.  It can't possibly be healthy.  Modifying your diet by substituting lean, grilled meats for heavily breaded fried foods and fresh fruits and veggies for french fries and potato chips can go a long way.  Figure out what an actual serving size is for the food in question and adhere to it.   Add a 30 minutes of exercise of your choice to that three times a week, and you're on your way to a fitter you.  You will see slower results, but at least you won't be starving yourself to get there.  Then again, I'm not a nutritionist.  

Articles about the hCG diet:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-hcg-for-weight-loss
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/10/hcg-diet-pregnancy-hormones-and-500-calories-a-day/
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400413/Pregnancy-Hormone-for-Weight-Loss.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20066096-10391704.html
http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story/ABC-4-Investigation-Pregnancy-hormone-for-weight/jUZY95Pok0u83IRWEU-hrg.cspx
http://hcgdietinfo.com/

Today's Smoothie:

1/2 c Kefir
1/2 c Greek Yogurt
1 whole leaf green Swiss Chard
2 whole leaves Kale
1 c Spinach
1/2 c Pineapple
1/2 c Strawberries
1/4 c Wild Blueberries
1/4 Raspberries
4 Peach slices
Add honey to taste (I didn't today, but sometimes I need a sweet fix.)