We’re just about a month into the process now and, just as the experts advise, the habits are beginning to form. I’ve discovered ways to get the extra calories to balance out my workouts, learned some delicious options of what I CAN eat (rather than focusing on what I can’t), and frankly – it’s working very well. In fact, as I may have mentioned in a previous post, I’m planning to maintain 80% of this eating strategy as I move into the coming season of triathlon training. A couple of interesting discoveries along the way… First, I’m amazed at how much of our society is built around food. Parties, sporting events, meetings, celebrations – they’re all focused on food! Obviously I “knew” that before, but when you’re not eating what everyone else is eating, it’s far more clear. I can see why it’s so difficult for folks wanting to lose weight or improve their blood cholesterol to make permanent changes because it’s SO much at the center of what we do every day. And of course, that’s why it’s so important to have a support team, family, coach, etc to keep you on track. This process is SO much easier since I’m doing it with my family…And then second – addictions can be subtle – but that doesn’t make them any less powerful. For the first 25 years of my life, I simply didn’t drink alcohol – ever. Over the past 5 years, that’s been adjusted and I’ve come to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner most evenings. And as crazy as it sounds – especially coming from someone who has never had much to drink – I think that’s been what I’ve missed the most?? Whenever I’m cooking on the grill, my first thought is “where’s that glass of wine.” When I sit down to eat a nicely prepared meal, I think “mmm – this would be so much better with a glass of wine.” Really? It’s that powerful? The experience has convinced me to – once this process is over – to take a step back and enjoy a glass of wine on occasion (maybe twice/week with dinner), but not give it the power over me and my thoughts that it has obviously gained over the past several years. Interesting, very interesting…