Vital Body - Aka 16 weeks without cheese or booze

Well, here I go.  I am embarking on a major lifestyle change.  Not a diet.  Not a quick fix.  A commitment to me, myself and I with no excuses.

I’m turning 40 next month.  I’m approximately 40 lbs overweight.  The symmetry is there, and I’m tired of feeling like I’m defending my right to be unhappy with my body. I hate the rolls, the awkward photos, the weird fitting clothes.  I’m tired of my breasts being way to fucking big.  I mean, come on.  This is ridiculous.

I was skinny once.  I didn’t know I was, I thought I needed to lose ten pounds at all times.  I was a size 4.  26 inch waist, 36 bust and hip.  A young, hot hourglass.  And I could eat anything.  Literally.  And tons of it. With little repercussion other than the occasional eyebrow raise from my health-conscious now-ex husband.  And I drank.  I didn’t drink then like I do now – we didn’t have a lot of money and we didn’t go out very often.  When we did, I was the tipsy one, sure.  But now...

For the past 7 years +, my social life has been swimming in wine, bourbon and gin.  Chased with beer.  It’s an occupational hazard being involved with the restaurant industry.  We talk about work, which means food and booze, ergo, we eat and drink.  A lot.  We celebrate the glories and diversities of products most people won’t hear about for months or years, we revel in our elevated palates and wax sodden poetic on bouquets, noses, bodies and finishes.  It's a rough, elitist, silly life.  Very first-world.  But it's a living and we love what we do, so heck, have 'atter.

But this poses a few issues - 1) I'm usually at least 3 years older than most of the people I hang with - more often than not, 5-10 years older.  My body just cannot do the things it did 7 years ago, as far as processing cheese, wine, cheese, foie, three cocktails, poutine and a cheeky beer.  So the pounds pile on, and I'm left tired and feeling less than a hot hoochie.

So yeah.  Bottom line is, as much as believe in being healthy (believe being a strong word) I really am into this for vanity.  And for an aging woman, vanity is a powerful motivator.  I've always had a strong sense of style and fashion, so even overweight, I know how to look good.  But there are somethings that Spanx can't hide.  Seriously, ladies - take heed - SPANX DO NOT MAKE YOU THIN!!! They just even out the lumpy bits.  I wish some chicks would take this to heart.  Shudder.  Don't even get me started on Yoga Pants...

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The challenge is eating properly.  Which means eating regularly.  I was a one meal a day gal.  No breakfast, late lunch/early dinner, then snacks.  And lots of drinks.  Vital Body is a program that provides structure and a 3-5lb per week loss, so I signed up.

This blog is intended to be a journal of the next year - 35-40 lbs off and kept off.  It will likely be mostly about the food I prepare according the the VB plan, with is a fun culinary challenge for a self-proclaimed foodie.  Also, I will use this a forum for venting, of course.  Frustrations and epiphanies, confessions and victories.  Recipes and ideas for those others on weight loss journeys, and specifically on VB.

Enjoy the read.