The Eat-Clean Diet RECHARGED!

I just bought the new book by Tosca Reno.

I had the old one, but lent to a friend far away. I thought I would remember everything important, but those old habits keep trying to take back their familiar home in your brain!

I really like her books, very colorful (pretty pictures..ooh) I'm like a little kid when I pick out books I suppose.
They're easy to read and comprehend, because let's face it.. You need all the enticement in the world to read about completely changing your way of thinking. It's by far from an easy task.
So, those of you who don't know..About 7 months ago, I lost 20 pounds from this "way of eating" I like to call it, because I'm sorta anti-diet. I have never been able to lose weight before due to my hypothyroidism and I'm certain my extremely
sensitive tastebuds didn't help either. My main goal was just to feel better and be healthy and it works.
I loved the feeling of being in control of my body and my newfound resistence for all things super-tasty, but evil.
I've gained about 4 pounds back, which isn't bad at all, but I really miss the flat belly, I FORGOT TO MENTION the teeny waist I developed!
So, I'm on a mission to get back on the bandwagon. Not to be quite as strict as I once was, I do want to be able to be in a social situation without freaking out about a lack of something "clean" to eat. But, it's a slippery slope..Sometimes I feel if I'm not 100%, I give myself too much leeway and start really fudging things up...We'll see, eh?

Friends..

Friends. There are all levels of friendship.But, there is nothing more treasured than when you have a true friend. You know, that one that you can be yourself with. No worries of if you said too much, too little, something embarrassing or regretful. No explanations of why you completely lost your train of thought mid-sentence or why you're crabby or why you can't decide what to order off the menu..she just knows... and she's okay with that.(sigh) true friendship.

Never good enough?

Oh, what woman at some point in time doesn't feel like she's just not good enough? Whether it's seeing yourself in a comparison to the "new and improved" Heidi Montag (what the hell was she thinking anyway?) or feeling like you just don't cut it next to that do-it-all Mom at school. It's a shame we can't just be happy with who we are.

But, seriously..are there REALLY women out there who cherish their stretch marks and saggy breasts, just because it's their precious children who put them there? I've read it somewhere or another..are they lying or do they have some new type of sober goggles? What I wanna know it where can I get some?
It's a struggle, especially with the impending puberty of my own daughters. What will they see in themselves that isn't good enough? Is there something I can do to help prevent this disease, female self-loathing? I'm already thinking of inventing kid-blinders. That way when your standing in line at the supermarket, you don't have to worry about your 6 year old finding out who's gay, who's anorexic, who cheating, who's lying, and anything else that any 6 year old should never think about. Who's with me??
Ok, back to the task at hand. For those Moms who are feeling the pressure of measuring up to Mrs. You know who. Admire her for her strengths, maybe take one and decide you will make an effort to be better about it. But, DO NOT beat yourself up about it, she's not perfect, just like you aren't (oh yeah, and me!). Think about what people see of you? Do they see when you look like crap and are still in your pj's with random grey hairs sticking out of the side of your head?No (at least I hope not). Do they see you when you've had it with your kids and you lose your temper? No, probably not. Just like you don't see their faults, but believe me they're not perfect. So, like I said..Say that Mom always looks so put together every day, make an effort to put a little extra time into your appearance daily too. But, be realistic..if it looks like she's spent an hour getting ready and you're one of those wash-n-go type of girls..you get my drift?
You have many amazing things that you do well, things that other Moms may just envy about you. Focus on those good things about yourself and celebrate them, life is too short to dwell on your neighbor's blessings and your shortcomings.

Well..

It's happening again. My parents are moving away to Florida. I understand the allure of Florida, I really do. I myself wish that I could be there, feeling the sand in my fingers, the sun in my hair. Most of my family is there, the ones I am close to anyway. I would much rather not live where I do, but life dealt me a hand that staples my feet to the earth of this state. I envy them, my parents. To be able to pick up and move where their heart calls them to.
They have been living with us for some time now. It's been cramped and busy and lovely. I have found out things I have never known about them, the kids were able to get some quality time that most grandchildren will never have. Moving back for them was a necessity, a turn of good fortune, an answered prayer. I am happy for them, excited. I am saddened and brokenhearted. Gone are the days when I could have leisurely visits, stay for weeks at a time..fly down every few months for next to nothing. Now, there is school, money..3 tickets would be needed now. Time has changed.