Days 7 and 8

Happy Not-So-Fat Tuesday!

Amy hosted her annual Fat Tuesday Party tonight at church with lots of friends and a decadent amount of cajun gumbo and shrimp etouffee, ladled over waiting bowls of fragrant rice. Side dishes and desserts were EVERYWHERE.

Not to worry, Darrell ate enough for both of us.

I brought a hefty serving of my 17-bean and barley soup and some collard greens, with grapefruit chunks and kiwi for dessert. I left with a full belly and a light conscience. Though I try to be discreet about not eating what everyone else is enjoying, many people pointed out how wrong it was for me not to indulge. Besides feeling quite full and really healthy, I have six good reasons for staying on track.

Pounds. Six of them.

I realize that it's a pretty significant loss for just one week on the cleanse, but I'm also aware that it will probably even out over the next week -- I'm estimating three pounds per week given the diet change and increased exercise. We'll see.

No big meal breakthroughs these past few days, except for the yummy soup made with Trader Joe's 17-bean mix, vegetable stock, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Will my friends tell me if I reek? (I know you will, Gina!) Otherwise, I've eaten various versions of what I've already posted the past few days. I will never tire of almond butter toast. I told Darrell it tastes like a donut!

One more thing. Part of "the cleanse" is to tackle other areas of your life that may be cluttered. In my case, it's my laundry room and I am on Day 2 of purging. So far I have three giant garbage bags stuffed with linens, towels and unwanted clothing. That feels really good. I've been hanging on to so many things for sentimental reasons, like the half-dozen scarves a dear relative made that my children will not wear. I hope those beautiful scarves warm some little boy or girl somewhere some day soon. They do no good lingering in my laundry room.

That's all for tonight. Good night!