Finally, up writing early in the morning before everyone else is awake, my brain is fresh and I can level with you. So I started this diet without much explanation. It isn’t unusual to implement some kind of diet change post holiday glutton fest, but at the beginning of February, remind me why I’m doing this again?

First: to kick my dependence on sugar, wheat and simple carbs when I’m feeling lazy. My life is busy. And the antidote to busy is convenience. Too bad so much of what is convenient is heavily processed simple carbohydrates food like items. And too bad there have been so many excuses to give in lately! I deserve this!

Second: to keep my cholesterol down. I don’t have high cholesterol, but I was really surprised to see how much my levels did drop once I gave up cheese. For two years now I’ve kept my total cholesterol under 150/80. I find cholesterol particularly scary as you have to get tested to know if fat is building up in your blood. There aren’t any real physical signs, except the one that comes too late.

Third: I just want to be clear this has nothing to do with weight for me. I’m tall with a full chest, broad shoulders and muscular legs, I have no illusions about trying to weigh 130 pounds. I am going to share one stat with you and I’d like you to withhold judgment. For some people, this number might be great, and you might think I’m nuts, for others, a bit too big. For me, it is my only concern about my body and not just because I don’t like the way it makes me look in dresses, pants and skirts, but because belly fat is the most dangerous fat on our bodies. Unlike a jiggly underarm waiving good bye, or junk in the trunk, belly fat weaves itself around your internal organs, putting you at risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer.

My waist is 31 inches at it’s fullest (not counting how bloated I am after eating wheat) and it makes me crazy. It puts me in-between sizes for dresses and pants, and nothing makes my heart sink faster than when I see a candid photo someone has posted of me and my belly is swollen like a ball park frank. Earlier, I thought, ok- I’m healthy and if this belly thing really bugs me, I’ll just wear spanx all the time, but guess what, a recent report claims spanx put the SAME pressure on your internal organs that belly fat does- so, there’s that. Best to try and eat right and exercise often. I did measure my waist the other day, and no real change. Still hanging out at 31.

FOOD DIARY

Breakfast: Vegan Gluten Free pancakes with maple syrup. Made with Bob’s All Purpose Gluten Free flour and Energy Egg Replacer.

Lunch: Lemony lentil soup with basmati rice and kale, and pappadums

Snack: 4 Vegan gluten free peanut butter oatmeal cookies (homemade)

Dinner: green salad with roasted peppers, cucumber, lentils, olives and the last nugget of Kite Hill nut cheese with Health Starts Here balsamic dressing

Drinking: 6oz soda water with 1oz Bulleit Rye