Giving Up Diet Soda

Maybe I should say "cutting back" rather than "giving up."  Because I know that if I tell myself I can't have something, I only want it more.  And this cut back kind of came about on it's own, not through a conscious decision.

We went on vacation, and I drank WAY too much soda on the trip.  Like all day every day.  And by the time we got home, I just felt sick of soda and like I needed some water.  And I read yet one more article about how diet soda messes with your weight because it messes with how your brain/body/stomach/appetite/whatever processes sweetness, and somehow THAT one clicked.

So I skipped soda for a day.  Then two.  Then three.  Then on the fourth day, I had one.  And it tasted awful.  I didn't even finish it.

Then I went a whole week before I had another one.  And it tasted awful and I didn't even finish it.

So I went another week.  Then I had one.  And it gave me a MAJOR headache.  So, now it's been five days again.

I can't say whether I've lost any weight or not, because the last time I stepped on a scale it was so horrifying that I just haven't done it again.  All I know is that I've cut way back on my diet soda intake and I'm drinking a lot more water, and in the long run, that's bound to be healthier for me.  And the water tastes better to me right now, so that's what I'm drinking more of.

Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Healthy Happy Life

I thought I'd share a review of a cookbook I got recently, Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life by Olivia Newton-John.  My friends know it's no secret, I'm a big fan of Olivia Newton-John, and I Honestly Love You I probably wouldn't have purchased the book otherwise.  But it's still a good book for anyone embracing a healthier diet and lifestyle.
The introduction explains how Olivia eats healthfully and has sections explaining organic foods, various nutrients, the importance of water, even how to grow your own sprouts.  It has gorgeous, full-color photos (of Olivia and of the food) throughout and a good variety of healthy recipes.  There are chapters on breakfast; entrees; shakes, smoothies and juices; appetizers; and even dessert.  Many options are vegetarian or vegan, but there area a few with fish or chicken and a couple using beef.

I really enjoyed looking through the book, but that might be mostly because I'm a fan.  One of the reasons I love Olivia is that I admire her healthy habits, so I liked reading more about what she eats and why.

If I have any criticism, it's that many of the ingredients are difficult, if not impossible, for me to find.  Granted, I live in the middle of nowhere Missouri.  But I don't even know where to begin to find goji berries, maca powder, or dahl.  If you live in a more metropolitan area and/or have a Whole Foods nearby, you'll probably be fine.