The journey starts.......

............My journey started out with just trying to eat healthy and eat less. It was okay, but I was missing direction. I didn't want to do any of pills one sees advertised, nor did I want to do yet another fad diet. I had tried them all, if not all, I had tried my share of them and learned that none of them worked for the long term. I felt it was crunch time and wanted to do it right.

It was about this time that I found out about a little book published by Mayo Clinic entitled "Mayo Clinic on Healthy Weight". I bought the book and poured over it and liked what I was reading, so I decided to give it the good old college try!

The basis of the program is simple: Eat healthy and increase my activity (I'm glad they didn't call it exercise)! Now that's simple. With the books guidance I was able to develop a plan of attack.

I stocked up on all the fresh fruits and vegetables that I liked. Fresh frozen veggies are okay too if they are processed without sauces or other unnecessary ingredients. The more natural, the better. I bought whole grain breads and bagels (if the first ingredient isn't Whole wheat", or other whole grain, I don't buy it. I read ingredient labels with an eye toward low-fat. I also check sodium content as I learned that sodium retains fluids that adds weight. Fiber content is important for over all good health and keeps us clean on the inside. Sugars should be kept to a minimum too. I also stocked up on legumes. Beans such as kidney, pinto, black, garbanzo, lentils, green or yellow split pears are all excellent sources of protein. I learned about the wonderful world of soy. Not only the soy bean, but all the products made from it including soy milk, tofu, soy cheese, veggie burgers, etc.

I did my research and kept an open mind. I educated myself on the whole new world of wonderful foods that are available today. My research included the Mayo Clinic book and the many cookbooks and magazines that stress a healthy lifestyle.

This is how my journey began. I encourage everyone to educate themselves and take that all important first step! Good luck and happy eating!!