MichaelSwarm, I think soups are the way to go for me. I never thought about it, but you are right the split pea etc is easier becasue it makes its own broth, but so do white beans. This one is just bla...maybe I am used to the salt? Vinegar, you put that in soup?
Well, today, I was driving home from a night with my cousins (New Year Eve) and I was so good. I went to the grocery store and grabed a couple of bags of cut veggies. But before I got home, I was starving. I knew I had chocolates in the car from our party...3 in a row. I came home with full intention of doing something with my bean soup...my son had pizza in the oven...down went two slices.
OK, well slow down.
I talked to my family this weekend about my pan to be vegan. Nobody discouraged me...they asked a few questions. But i don't own it yet and I know it. It is like the china I inherited 20 years ago. I have had it on display. I use it for Thanksgiving. But not unitl three days ago, when I got it down for a short cup of coffee, did I look at it and go ... this is mine. I own it. Yes, it WAS Great Grandmas, but no longer it is mine. Such a good feeling. Weird too, but it made me realize how much stress was put on the fact that is was Great Grandmas...ooowwww...be careful! No it is mine. '
So, New Years Eve...being with my cousins, I thought: Being with my familiy is like a warm cup of tea. I belong here. I own this.
That is were I need to get with my new lifestyle.
Funny sidelight: My girlfriend and I were talking about how much stuff is in the milk of a cow. Afterall, when we were nursing, anything we ate, affected the baby. How much more for a cow? When her husband sat down, I said what do you think of what we are talking about. He was so strongly opinionated he slammed his fist down on the table. Bam! I need my milk! It helps me sleep, it makes me feel good. I don't want to hear anymore doom and gloom! I calmly said, "Well, it really doesn't matter how you feel about milk, it is more the facts that our milk is tainted with antibiotics and it isnt healthy anymore.". Well I was raised on fresh milk on the farm...:" "OK, so go find an organic source of fresh milk. What you are drinking isn't good for you". He calmed down after that. But man...OK, so my girlfriend and I were talking about genetics. She firmly believes that heart disease etc is passed down. I remembered something Dr. McD said, something liek: If a family has poor eating habits, then they are passing down their bad eating habits, not genetics. She didn't believe me. But maybe food for thought.
How much do I own this lifestyle?
it sounds like planning your food for several days might be a priority, even over exercise.
frozenveg, I totally agree with you. It doesnt matter how good I am to get up and hit the gym, if I am eating Pizza and chocolate, well, I am just defeating my very purpose for getting healthy.
Eventually the successful stick with simple easy "old reliable" choices that bring them much health and happiness.
Thank-you starchbeet. I am getting ready to plan my meals. frozenveg did say to keep it simple...to 5 meals. I am "ON" it!
Thank-you all for your posts. I love getting your mail.
Happy New Year Day!
Mary
If "dinking around" were a career ~ I would be at the top of my field. 
That is just not right. lol... 
