the big change

I'm excited. 

For the past few months I've been trying to figure out a way to talk to people. YOU people. About eating yummy things that are good for your bodies, and eliminating the things that aren't so good for your bodies. But it's a BIG process (one I'm still working on myself), and I have been having a hard time figuring out a way to break it all down--so it seems more doable, and not so giant-in-your-face-bring-you-to-tears impossible.

Teeny tiny changes that will help us all to live healthier lives.

It was the end of yoga class, lying in savasana (trying not to fall asleep), and it just jumped into my head--I knew what I would do

Each week, I'll write one post about steps in my relationships (good and bad) with food throughout the years, and how I got to where I am today (aiming for as many real and whole foods as possible, no fast food, balance, etc), 

and how I want to continue to improve.

a-a-a-ahem.  so.

Today, we're going to start out in Middle School. 

Does having a post title called "The Big Change" and seeing a photo of (adorable) junior high-me make you nervous about what change I will be talking about? No worries, if you have ever met me, you have probably noticed I never really participated in that  big change, so we won't be discussing that today.

phew.

It was the sixth grade when I realized food was something that some people actually worried about. 

I thought food was food. I ate what my mom packed in my lunch and didn't think twice about it.

give yourself a minute to take it all in.

It was at lunch one day when a few of the girls at my table started talking about things like "diets", "getting fat" and "wanting to be skinny".

What?

I didn't really get it, and I didn't really care.

But it did do one thing--it made me aware. Not so much about what I was eating, but that food affected different people in different ways. Girls who ate normal, and girls who were trying not to eat so much.

Food could be bad?  what?

Can we take a quick break and all admit that middle school girls are terrible?? that's all.

So today's step for us all--the very first step--

is to 
become aware of what, and how we are eating. 

No changes necessary yet--just take a little inventory of all the good, bad, delicious and nutritious habits that we have when it comes to our food.

The thing is, we all know what is healthy and what is not, but sometimes we fall into a habit of unhealthy choices, and don't like to admit to ourselves that it's not the best option for us.

Maybe you don't have enough whole grains in your diet.

Maybe you would like to eat more vegetables.

Maybe you eat fast food more often than you'd like to admit.

Maybe you want to learn how to cook simple meals for your family.

Maybe you are working on adding more organic items into your kitchen.

Maybe you are trying to buy more locally.

Maybe you want to eat less meat so you can afford to buy the better stuff.

Maybe you are moving to a farm to live off the land the rest of your life.....anyone?

Everyone is starting at a different place. 

But as long as we're all making teeny tiny changes, then I say it's a party!

Will you play along with me??

 Remember, this first step is the easy one--you don't have to make any changes yet! Just think about what small things that maybe you would like to change. 

More hot topics to come!

-downing a #2 at McDonalds like no one's business (can I supersize that?)

-freshman 15 (ok, 12)

-fears of fats, calories, blah blah blah

-weight loss, including muffin top and sucking it in

and much much more!

Aaaaaallllll the skeletons are coming out of my closet--er--pantry. The unhealthy, embarrassing skeletons--but hopefully they will help you believe me when I say anyone can make changes.

Feel free to add your ideas, changes, downfalls, and triumphs in the comments so we can learn from you as well! Or post it on your own blog so your friends can help give you a push--whatever you need to do.

so.....who's in?

*disclaimer. I'm not a doctor (in case you thought I was). I took a few health and nutrition classes in college, 

but I am by no means an expert. 

I have a sweet tooth and a weakness for baked goods, and refuse to make a cake with wheat flour, 

flax seeds, or some crazy weird "healthy" version of a chocolate chip. 

I'm not that far in. 

But I do strive to feed my family real foods--foods that have been processed as little as possible or not at all. I love cook simple, healthy meals for my family, with good ingredients. Last year I made yogurt--I know, it's weird, but it was awesome.  I'm learning to garden. I love the famers market. I love to learn about eating and living well (please read Animal Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.....I think you will like it).Everything I know comes from my experiences with my own little family, I have a long way to go, and I strive every day to learn something new......thanks for reading:)


edited to add:


*second disclaimer, for meg and liz: first off, ahahahaha girls. My hair didn't get curly until around 8th grade, and then I spent my entire freshman year straightening it for hours on end, and praying it wouldn't rain. My sophomore year, my mom bought me some mousse and we decided to embrace it. I promise that is me.