Life and Times...

I remembered my blog while I was online entering my coffee into myfitnesspal.com and thoughtfully considering what I would eat for breakfast. I thought I would open it, briefly read my very few entries, and see just how long it's been. I cannot believe it has been one year since my last post and I only managed to make 2 in total. While reading my last entry I realize how must one year can really change us. Sure, I'm the first to admit I'm an ever-changing, transforming being from one day to the next, but even in the area of all things food have I drastically changed.

Currently, I'm on a diet crusade carefully plotting my numbers and measuring ingredients. I have come to the point in my life where planning to have a little one is in my very, very near future. This has changed me. For some reason the thought of feeding two seems like the most important job I can have and I must be thoughtful in my consideration for what feeds the both of us.

As I have mentioned previously, I am of small frame, weighing in on my wedding day at 124.4 (10/24/09). Today I weighed in at 112.4. Losing these 12 pounds has not been incredibly difficult, however determination is the key. I cut out all the empty calories I could like soda and chips and such. I limit my fried foods and eat chicken for dinner almost every night. I still eat out weekly, but I make my food choices accordingly. I cut out burgers when eaten on a frivelous basis and only eat them when I want them.

To speak to my dedication, I can admit I came back from a 7 day cruise of the Western Carribbean only 7 days ago and did not gain an ounce. In fact I think I lost some weight. On board I chose to eat off the low-fat menu for most dinners and my activity level was much higher than typical.

I am offiicially off of my birth control so pregnancy could occur at any time although I'm hoping that August will be the month for me. With this constantly in the forefront of my mind, I scour the Internet for diet plans during pregnancy to ensure the most nutrition and the healthiest baby I can have. I have found that I only need to increase my calories 100-300 calories extra and should eat 6 small meals per day. This does not mean much to me as I have been limiting my caloric intake and therefore will need to consult my doctor when the time is right.

In terms of nutrients, I feel as I have become an expert over this last year reading as much information as I can on what each food does for me, and what it will do for my baby. I have found some disappointments along the way coming to the understanding that all foods must be cooked (to death in my world) in order to ensure no bacteria could harm a baby. I have learned the temperature in which food must be in order to be safe and will be investing in a digital thermometer when the time comes. This means no bloody red steaks for me, despite the fact I will need to consume some beef. The thought of well-done meat is off-putting, but selfishness in this arena is not an option.

To add to my list of no-no foods are fried eggs (must be hard-boiled), shell-fish, any fish that is not farm-raised, under-cooked pork or chicken, and a few others that are not coming to me at the moment. I have question as to what raw vegetables I can eat and will need to have that clarified as I am hoping to gnosh on raw baby carrots throughout my pregnancy.

All this boils down to my posistion on food has made a wide right and my perspective has changed drastically. Does this mean I abandon my initial desire to make record of food as I see it or do I roll with the tide? My commitment to this space has shown that I have abandoned altogether, but I'm hoping that changes. This may very well morph into my food diary to consist of healthy alternatives, my fall-outs, and ultimately my guide to healthy pregnancy. Whatever it turns into, it will show how something as universal as food and growth can change in the blink of an eye.