zucchini flower

I can hardly believe it has been two and a half months since I lost my job. A friend of mine (the zucchini flower thief) bolstered my spirits on the day I was cut saying that the timing could not be better  – it is the very beginning of summer and clearly this is the greatest opportunity to get in the best shape of my life. So, some ten weeks into this adjusted lifestyle I can boast two successes in this quest to protect and improve my health.

The first: I have been running at least three times a week. Whereas through the longest winter that preceded this summer I did a whole lot of sitting (at home on the couch, in airports, in hotels in Cleveland and other Midwest hot spots) usually accompanied by promiscuous snacking.

The second: I have started almost every single day with a fruit- and vegetable-dense smoothie blended to perfection and beyond in my beloved Vita-Mix 5200 Super. Have you seen that ‘5 a Day the Color Way’ promo on certain bagged salads? My smoothies are based on that and commonly include bananas, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries plus a heaping helping of spinach, romaine, kale or broccoli. This is the first time in my life that I have eaten fruits and vegetables every day.

So, I am totally YAY about these two significant accomplishments (especially since the hubby is drinking smoothies with me every morning, though he gets his before the greens go in).

I need to figure out what the next new health-improving habit is going to be. I am leaning toward whatever will rid me of the squishy stuff around my middle. Running has not changed my weight at all. I know I am stronger and I know all the good stuff exercise does for you, and that’s all great  – even if zipping my jeans still makes me want to cry.

Off to do some research on ‘belly fat’ and the very threatening ‘icberg obesity’ to figure out how best to add a third achievement to my list. I am open to any and all suggestions!