Where to begin

I guess I'm wondering where to begin... I come from a long line of "big eaters" -- not necessarily great food -- really quantity.  Now, if asked, we would say "we eat well"  -- meaning not a ton of fried food, fast food or junk food (no chips, -- an occasional soda or candy).  What I came to realize is that I don't eat well -- I eat refined sugar, flour, gmo, juice drinks .

It amazes me how my family members encourage eating.  It's like a varsity sport.  Every gathering centers around food.  We meet over food, people get "slipped packages" -- I brought this for you -- it usually is something perishable.  Some one was traveling or someone's garden had something -- always food.  Again, not usually sweets-- it could be avocados -- or fruit of some kind -- like 10 lbs to be divied up among the family group.  (I always gladly partake, however, my garden never bears that kind of bounty so I don't contribute.)  Some times it is food cooked in a certain way.

Every meal consists of endless buffets of food -- Turkey, chicken, beef, ham -- not unusual to see at least that for the meats -- It is never one choice or even two -- then there may be fish or shrimp -- some how we think more is better.   It is a constant competition of how many "dishes" were available.  Some times it would be how many ways a particular meat was prepared.  Pork or beef prepared in 4 different ways... then the chicken,

Several years ago, I saw the movie Food, Inc.  I guess that was my first "wake up call".  Not so sure I woke up though.  I started to pay attention -- but not a lot of attention, just some.

My eldest started saying subtle things to me regarding mine and my husband's health / weight/ food choices.  Again, I didn't want to do anything too "radical"....  The more I thought about it, the more it made sense, but again I just figured it was inconvenient to not eat out at least a couple times a week.  At our peak (weight) -- we were probably eating out 5 days a week -- some times for up to 3 meals a day.  It's not that I can't cook -- I just didn't.  We both had busy schedules and it was just more convenient to "grab something".

Several months ago, I don't know why, I ordered a book "The Overnight Diet" from Amazon.  I'd like to say it changed my life (well in a round about sort of way, it did).  Unfortunately, the book sat among the piles of papers for a good couple months.   I've tried to think back as to why I bought the book -- I honestly don't remember.

Finally,  I decided to "start a diet" -- I grabbed "The Overnight Diet" and began reading.  I kept thinking, I'm too old to lose weight.  Even if I lost the weight (I've lost weight in the past) -- I'd just end up gaining it back...  Something would have to change....  I wasn't sure what.  

What brought me to my senses.  Some documentaries.  I usually think -- yeah sure -- but do nothing.   I had just started "The Overnight Diet" -- It just all clicked.

Food Matters
Fat, Sick and nearly Dead
Forks over Knives

So, in conclusion, this blog isn't about my weight, or my health, or my struggles -- it's about food.  Good, clean food -- recipes I've encountered, meals I've made, enlightenments along the way....