In the Home Stretch.............

Day 16 of my 21-day diet. It's actually getting tougher, rather than easier. Mostly ME WANT JAVA!!!!!!!!! I miss coffee in the worst way. And I am increasingly hunkering for something sweet. Just a little piece of chocolate would be enough (or at least that's what I tell myself). I'm still enjoying what I'm eating. I had a wonderful stir-fry over brown rice last night (see recipe below). It was filling and delicious. My sweet tooth kicked in after dinner and I satisfied it somewhat with some cantaloupe. The food is still good and I do find that I'm mostly tempted to stray when I'm hungry. Once I've eaten it's much easier to forgo foods on the "no-no" list.

I must say I LOVE not having that "bloated-I-ate-way-too-much" feeling. I do feel more alert mentally and I continue to have more energy. However, I am still quite irritable. I'm snapping at my kids and husband. This weekend my DH had to remind me not to take this out on the kids. I cry more often than I usually do. Honestly, I've felt depressed at times. This is hard to admit but for years I lived to eat and it was what I primarily looked forward to and enjoyed. Without treats I find myself wondering what to do with myself. I'm tempted to continue this diet past the 21-days (except I would add caffeine back, I just can't stand it!) to see where this takes me. I'm wondering if after a few months the irritability and mild depression would go away. I'm hoping I would find other ways to enjoy life besides what I put in my mouth.

This has definitely been a trying journey but one I'm very glad to be taking. I am more convinced every day that this was EXACTLY what I needed to do. I'm looking forward to where else this is going to take me.

Abby's 21-Day Diet Stir-Fry

2 T. olive oil
1 package Trader Joe's Vegetable Broth Liquid Concentrate
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 zucchini (chopped)
1/2 white onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 c. sugar snap peas
1 package Trader Joe's Baked Tofu-Savory flavor (cubed)
2-3 t. Greek Seasoning (I like Cavender's-add as much as you like!)
salt and pepper to taste

Put olive oil in skillet, add package of vege broth concentrate in the middle of the oil, high heat. Wait until the vege concentrate boils a bit, add everything but the tofu. Stir fry over med-high heat until veges soften. Add tofu, season to taste. Warm tofu through. Serve over brown rice.