Being Bored...

I think that it is important to realize why we eat sometimes. Sure, most of it is for sustenance and at regular intervals...but for me, food is an extremely social experience. I more than love to go out to dinner, I love to find the newest place, with some new cuisine or fancyfied chef that I have seen on Top Chef, or any random Food Network show.  I love everything about food from the people who you share food with, to the memories that are made that have to do with food.  I know there are people who consider this to be an unhealthy relationship with food, but I really don't think it is.  Food is something that makes me happy and I don't think that is a bad thing. I think too much is a bad thing, but in general, I don't think it is terrible.

I also am a food snob. If it isn't "good" food, I probably won't eat it. I mean that in every way possible. If it doesn't taste fabulous, I can pass. The problem is, that I ALWAYS know where to go to get something that will taste heavenly...I will trek from Midtown to the Upper West Side for Fred's Famous Mac and Cheese, I will venture down to E. 7th for a Lobster Roll at Luke's or Arepas at Caracas and then top it off with some fancy ice cream at Big Gay Ice Cream or a cupcake from Butter Lane.  I have gone up to Yorkville for a signature bagel with cream cheese and lox...I know that after a night out, I can swing by Astoria for some good Greek or Middle Eastern food. I also know that when it is time for my favorite easy food, pizza, I will go down to Joe's off Bleeker. I know that after work, I might just hop the crosstown and eat at my favorite place in the world, Mooncake (yay for a Hell's Kitchen location!!!) and eat some miso salmon or shortribs...or if a bus ride is unappealing, I will walk out my work door and be at a Bon Chon in 2 minutes. Literally, 2 minutes. Living and working in a city where you could eat 5 meals a day out in a different place for 50 years (at least) doesn't make this any easier. It is easier than anything to be lazy and order pick up or delivery at any time of day or night.

At this point, you are probably wondering what I do for a living, because aside from all of this food snobbery, it costs money. A lot of it.  That is why I really don't buy groceries (although that will change during the challenge) but I think I spend all of my not really disposable income on restaurants... I don't buy many things, I just go out to eat because that is what I like to do.

The whole point of this post is to identify activities that I like to do that can take the place of my constant restaurant hopping lifestyle...for example, I have been dying to get back into throwing wheel pottery. I was actually really good at when I was younger. Art is the only thing that gives me the same satisfaction as eating out.  It makes me really happy and forces me to stop playing with my dumbphone and actually do something, rather than focusing on eating.  So, my plan is to take a pottery class once a week starting in January.  I am also planning on finally making a list of art galleries in New York (There are a MILLION) and starting to visit them. Not everyday, but definitely on days when I need a distraction and on days where I am itching to do something with friends that doesn't revolve around food.  I am also finally going to go to the big museums and smaller NY museums...that should really take up most of my time. I hope.

What do you like to do for fun instead of focusing on food??

So yesterday I printed out everything I will need for the first two weeks. I was just too tired to do anything when I got home yesterday, as evidenced by falling asleep on the couch in the middle of my dinner. Today's plan is to make a grocery list and figure out where to get things that I don't normally purchase, like spelt and oat flour. I imagine that I can get it at a natural foods store or whole paycheck or something similar.

I am currently rocking some B-12 shots once a week, I am hoping that increases my energy so that I can accomplish my goals.

Blogging...

So, I have attempted this blog 2 times before...but I am hoping third times the charm :)

I need to lose weight. Plain and simple.  I know how this is done, having done it 3 or 4 million times before. But this time is different (I think.)  This time, I actually know what it feels like to be the weight that I want to be at and hopefully that will be the key motivator to staying on track.

I am very lucky that I have a number of great friends who do this professionally, and my lovely friend J pointed me in the direction of Bodybuilding.com and a trainer,  Jamie Eason.  It is all free and available online.  I am going to commit to the 12 week 3 phase plan.  That is 84 days. I think that this can be do-able.

Phase one, which is here is 4 weeks.  I have already made myself a book, and printed out the first 2 weeks of work outs and meals.  Tonight I am going to make a shopping list because I think I have pepper and a 5 piece nugget in my fridge so it would be good to get it together properly and then pick a start date.

I can't promise I will make it here everyday, but I will try.