Transitions, part one

Recently I went through a food transition. I am overweight and want very much to have my health back again. But I’ve struggled with this for many years. I was thin when I was younger, but after my fifth child was born, gained weight quickly at the rate of about ten pounds per month, until I was about seventy pounds overweight. I later learned that my thyroid went bad. Hypothyroid disorder – an under-active thyroid gland – is common for older women. So that’s what happened to me. It took almost ten years for a doctor to point out to me that I needed thyroid medication.

I’ve been using the meds for a few years now but so far, haven’t been able to lose weight and keep it off. Because of my desperation, I decided to do something drastic. I went on the lemonade diet – the Master Cleanser – for ten days and now have transitioned to a vegan diet. I’m cutting all dairy products from my diet. I’m hoping that by staying away from cheese and butter, mayonnaise, etc. I’ll get healthier and lose the excess that has plagued me for way too many years now.

I’m going through another transition at the same time. I’m 55 – enjoying life, and grateful for it. My youngest child just had his 18th birthday this last weekend. So at 55, I’m child-free for the first time in about 35 years. I’ve been very much looking forward to this for many months. I plan to celebrate by taking a trip to Oregon Caves to stay in the Chalet overnight with Bob (my significant other).

Life without worrying about minor-aged children sounds like a treat to someone who has been responsible for young people for 35 years. Believe me, I am ready for this retirement!

Since transitions are on my mind, I’m planning to write about them this month in this blog. This will be my theme for the month. Since I’m in the kitchen, I’ll mainly be talking about food transitions. In my case, it is from lacto-vegetarian to vegan. A hard jump for me to make, but the time is right.

Part Two: Looking Forward