Step 2- no processed foods

My January 1 change was to eliminate processed foods. At first I thought it would be easy but it is way harder than I thought.

I still eat bread and dairy at this point but all others are out. Here are just a few of the things I am really missing right now:

• Croutons
• Triskets
• Ritz crackers
• Did I mention Croutons
• Lunch meat 
• Sweets
• Diet Coke / Mt Dew
• Cereal
• LUNA bars (my favorite)
• Ranch & Honey Mustard Dressing

Traveling is the hardest.  This past week I was in Chicago and while there are plenty of healthy choices at restaurants, there are a lot of unhealthy choices too.  I did pretty good sticking to my plan with the exception of a couple bites of cupcake.  I was working a booth (like at a trade show) and there was a candy bowl on the table - I broke down and had a TWIX mini and a Starburst!  I know, I know BAD!!!  I will be in McLean, VA and Houston, TX next week so I have a chance to redeem myself!  It helps I travel with my friend Kathryn who eats really healthy!

Here is what I am enjoying right now:

• Salads with vinaigrette dressing
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Eggs
• Cheese (I need to start removing it from my diet now)
• Beef and Chicken
• Bacon

My first goal of eliminating Diet Coke and sugary sodas was the hardest and if I am being honest, I haven't succeeded yet.  I have cheated and had a diet coke several times.  I will eventually get there and I go days without it but I would not consider it successful yet.  It is hard to admit failure!  But I don't see it as failure, I see it as motivation.  I am not one to quit or accept defeat so I have renewed energy and will keep striving for the end game.  The end game is to be free from food addictions!  

Let's get this party started!