...and now the Strawberry is a cheat!

What I hoped would never be the case for me is finally a reality.  Fruit is off limits.  Only for a short time and only for this week (if I have anything to do with it) but really?  Fruit?  Nature's candy?

Ugh.

This journey has been about making changes.  I get it.  This journey has also been about making changes that will stick with me for the long haul.  Some accomplishments? 

• I have turned my back on regular peanut butter and jelly.  I will now forever choose the natural stuff and the low/no sugar/nautral style jelly. 
• I am no longer "allergic" to wheat and brownish stuff (pasta, breads, rice)  And by allergic, of course I mean I have accepted it!
• I am eating egg whites with a very limited amount of yolk.  Had you asked me years ago if I would like an egg white omlette and I would have laughed in your face.
• I have switched to skim milk.  Two months ago, if I asked you for some milk and you offered me skim, I would have asked for water instead.  Skim milk is blue people.  It was no different to me then a cup left in the sink with a little bit of 1% and dishwater.  I am over that now.
• Contest or not, I have come to realize the negative effects of downing an entire sleeve of Chips Ahoys at 9pm.  I feel as if I am over the craving hump and although I can't promise, in the future, I won't partake in an ice cream outing with my family, you can bet I have learned to make up for it.
• I eat spinach now.  Still can't handle it cooked... slimy yuck... but in a salad it's actually more flavorful then my beloved iceberg heart!  (Note, I still miss croutons, but maybe one day I can have a couple and be OK with it).  I am not there yet.

Now, this week we are put to the test with not just the regular changes in our diet we have been making, but to step it up a notch and pretty much go a light version of Paleo.  No starch, no grains, no fruit, no dairy.  Going all lean proteins, nuts and vegetables. The no starch and grains, although I am crabby about it, I can handle.  The no dairy, not ideal, considering what I am becoming used to, but for a week, I am reluctantly OK with it. 

The fruit part I am not thrilled about.  At all.  That knocks out a lot of what I have been enjoying about this journey.  Strawberries, oh and they are my special treat now, are out.  No bananas, a snack I can feel good about as I grab it running out the door.  No apples, grapes, blueberries, nectarines, oranges.  No Larabars.  No banana in a protein smoothie.  No fruit salad.  No chopped up cantelope.  No strawberries. 

NO STRAWBERRIES!  Oh, and no more teenie tiny bit of dark chocolate on those days I just NEED it.

Again, I get it.  We are shocking our bodies.  Trying to jump start another few lbs. of weight loss.  This is the no fruit/grains/dairy week.  Through next Tuesday.  After that, bits of each are factored back in.  Can I do it for a week?  Yes.  Do I have to be excited about it?  I don't think so. 

Generally speaking, I am a glass half empty.  A complainer.  I will find the negative in just about anything you put in front of me.  In this scenario, I am not being negative, as much as I am just airing my frustration.  What a better place to do it then a blog that 5's of people may read?

I want to accomplish a lot in this 14 week gift I have been given.  I want to see what works and what doesn't.  I want to challenge myself and push myself and force myself into seeing what is possible.  Surprise myself with things I never thought I would be able to do.  I am doing that so far.  I can run a 1/4 mile.  Who wudda thunk it? 

I will avoid the fruit this week... reluctantly.  I might bitch (and by "might", I more mean I will!) and stand in front of the fridge and wish I could eat that apple slice.  If it means I can continue to progress in this journey, I will do it.  We will see.

Another note...  I never thought I would see the day when I would dream of fruit, aside from the fact that it is considered a cheat!!

And you know my sorry butt is stocking up on strawberries for next Wednesday!!  Strawberries.  Doesn't that sound a little sad to all you current non-dieters?!  Well, regardless, I am makin' THAT happen!