Finding Pride in Red, White, and Blue

It has been a little over a month since I returned from Singapore. It has been a month now that I have settled back into my routine. It has been a month to process everything from that incredible experience.

The reason I wanted to write this blog is because I had a moment...I had a moment that really affected me. This moment happened a few weeks ago and the after-effects have resonated with me ever since. This moment happened because of the great experience I had at the Youth Olympic Games...in fact it wouldn't have happened without it...

I went running a few weeks ago. I ran a course that I have run tons of times. I ran past buildings I was familiar with and ran past scenery I almost never noticed twice. However, this particular run was different. For the first time in probably 25 years, I noticed the American flag. I saw this flag blowing in the wind, waving in all of its red, white, and blue glory. For the first time in 25 years it struck me and overwhelmed me with a sense of pride.

Ok, so let me explain this a bit. Is this really the first time I ever felt pride for my country? Short answer: no. I've felt pride for the United States at many times throughout my 25 years of existence, but not like this. For the first time I was overwhelmed with this feeling. I felt the warmth of pride rush through my body. I was proud of those colors waving in the wind. I was proud to be an American. Lee Greenwood rang through my head.

I spent almost three weeks spending time with people who were from all over the world. For three weeks I was not surrounded by people who live in my country. Not many people understand what this feels like. If I did not wear something 'USA' then I felt as if I was betraying my country. I felt the need and desire to dress like the 4th of July every day because I wanted people to know where I was from.

Now I am at home and there may not be a need to dress like an American flag every day, but there is room for me to have a bit more pride in my country. I know I can make more of an effort to be proud of where I live and be proud of the culture that I have.

It has been a month since I returned to my home country and I have not looked at an American flag the same way since. I may not be fighting in a war or doing everything that I can to be the best citizen, but I love my country and love my life. I am proud to be an American, even if it took my 25 years to realize that...

7 days down...183 to go...

So my last post outlined my new diet, lifestyle plan - the natural diet. The change officially began on August 30th and will continue for 6 solid months.

So this week has been a bit tough, as I've gone to what I know: raw foods. Cutting out almost all processed foods was the easiest approach to this diet. Now I know this is almost impossible, but to ease into it, that was the easiest route. My meals all week have consisted of vegetables, fruits, and meats. I found a bread with seven ingredients (two are water and salt, which I am not counting since I can't find a single bread with less). Spices have become my best friends, adding a lot of flavor to different things. So let's break it down...

Monday, August 30th - This day wasn't so bad. The first day out of the gate is always one that you can manage. The sustainability is what makes it harder. This day I found myself craving some pretzels and chocolate. I grabbed a peach instead and put those cravings to rest.

Tuesday, August 30th - I went grocery shopping and got some really great things to cook up, one being Salmon. With a little spritz of lemon and some garlic and onion powder, that fish was amazingly tasty. Ready for the kicker - take two Wasa crackers and break them in half. Split an ounce of goat cheese up between those four pieces. Add a half a slice of tomato to the top, sprinkle with pepper, microwave for 20 seconds. It is my new favorite snack!

Wednesday, September 1st - Kicking off the month with fruit and oatmeal. Get the cylinder of instant oats that you can heat up in the microwave in 2 minutes. Add a little bit of light brown sugar (less than 5 ingredients) and you have yourself a tasty breakfast or lunch. pair it with some berries and it is delic!

Thursday, September 2nd - Salads without dressings get a bit difficult. The most difficult part of the diet thus far is finding ways to add flavor where you normally do. In place of salad dressing I take a couple slices of lemon and some pepper. Pair that with a salad loaded with vegetables and it can be satisfying. Is it as good as a salad with some Balsamic dressing (my fav)? Short answer, no. However, you can train yourself to do anything, including eating things with less flavor.

Friday, September 3rd - Here was a challenge - a party. I arrive at the house and there is a table lined with delicious goodies: chips with dip, pizza, brushetta, fruit, cheese, etc. You name it and it was there - in all of its delicious glory. I went to the party having already eaten dinner. I left that party without touching anything on the table. Normally I would pick at things throughout the evening, but this time I refrained. I was quite proud of myself.

Saturday, September 4th - Here was challenge #2: the sweet craving. I felt like having a bit ice cream cone or a chocolate bar. A chocolate cookie would have brought me so much joy in this moment. I refrained. Instead I decided to make a little toast from my lowly processed bread and add a bit of honey to it. This satisfied my sweet tooth and kept me from breaking my diet.

Sunday, September 5th - Restaurants, restaurants, restaurants... Eating something that you are not preparing is dangerous ground...especially in restaurants. Twice this week I went out to dinner and was able to order a meal that was the least processed as possible. One night I had a salmon filet that was cooked in olive oil. I paired it with some grilled asparagus and a cup of fruit. I refrained from the appetizer bread and pesto sauce that was put out. Sunday I went to lunch and got a buffalo burger with no bun and a side salad without croutons and a side of lemons to add some flavor. Sure, my plate looks extremely boring when it comes out with only a burger patty and some LTO.

This whole week posed many challenges for me. The muffins in the office breakroom were calling my name. The buffet of party goodies, the tempting fries on the menu, and of course the luring temptation of chocolate. I'm still early into the diet and I will do some research on finding some of these things that I can in fact have. However, for now I am plugging along and doing quite well. Tonight I threw away all of the condiments in my fridge that had more than 5 ingredients in them. I'm really proud of myself for making it the first week. It helps when you have really supportive friends (Thanks Lindsey!).

Week two commences tomorrow on Labor Day - always a fun one to maneuver. Got any great recipes or advice? Send them my way!

Going All Natural

So I decided to continue blogging post-Singapore on the many adventures that come my way in the life of a former Young Ambassador. Now that I have returned it is time to start my routine again...except this time it will be a little different. I have decided to make a big lifestyle change, one that I am both excited and nervous about...

One thing that people know about me is that some of my favorite things are chocolate and peanut butter. Pancakes make me go bonkers. Mexican food brings such satisfaction to my taste buds. Bottom line? Food is something I enjoy so much.

But another thing that some people know about me is that I like to branch out and try new things. This year I ran a marathon. Last month I tried Yoga (which was not for me, by the way). Now it is time for me to experiment with my diet. I do not want to go on a fad diet. I do not want to try and lose weight for the sake of looking better in a bikini. I want to be more conscious of what I am putting into my body. Because of this I have decided to make a drastic change...

Let me welcome you to the start of the real foods diet - eating only the rawest forms of foods and limiting the amount of processed foods. The rules to my diet include the limit of processed foods to only 5 ingredients or less. Basically - anything that I eat will be the most natural form (such as meats, veggies, fruits, etc.) or processed with only 5 ingredients or less.

I will conduct this diet experiment for 6 months, starting on August 30th. Beer and wine do not apply and I will occasionally give myself a cheat day. I mean, come on - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all fall within the next 6 months. I think it is ok if I reward myself with a little gluttony on those days :) But don't worry, I'll still behave.

So there it is - I'm throwing it out there so you can all keep me accountable. I'll take you through how it is going, the challenges, the recipes, the discoveries, and of course the rewards! Stay tuned!