I’ve been rethinking my diet this year. I’m not on diet, I just pay more attention to what I eat. I avoid too processed foods, fat and sugars. I definitely eat less pasta, which have been sort of a guilty pleasure ever since my teenage years, especially for the portions.
The thing is, a couple of times in the past 3 years I’ve been thinking of eating less meat, but the times I would try to I would always end up feeling tired, occasionally having sore muscles. I suppose the substitute proteins intake wasn’t balanced enough. Then maybe if I pay more attention to the food I eat, I might really manage to lose some weight without starving myself.
A friend of mine 10 years ago or so, went on a vegetarian diet. She stopped eating meat for maybe 3 or 4 years. Then she started eating meat again, but rarely, and keeps going on her sorta-vegetarian diet. It seems to work and she definitely doesn’t starve herself. Also, she can’t really live without sugars and sweets, but she still keeps her weight under control. Of course, it’s a matter of metabolism, as we all have our own balance and should adjust to our body physiological needs. My friend’s exact same ‘diet’ might not work for me. But I recently tried to have meat no more than 2 times a week. All in all, I feel good. And I love fish, so I’d go for some healthy cooked fish (no wacky sauces or extra oils). Now, the real vegetarian has a whole vision behind the ‘diet’ and I’m not sure I completely agree on every point of it. But still, I’d like to try a vegetarian diet for good. Let’s say, for a couple of weeks, to see how it goes. Maybe a month.
Now vegan, mmm, this is a bit too much for a start. Maybe I can go vegetarian and then if all goes well, also try vegan? We’ll see. One of the nice things I noticed is that if I stay completely away from the booze for even just a week, I can lose up to 3 pounds. This is insane. And also, I do like a little glass of wine now and then. So, it take quite a lot of self-control.
And don’t even think of cutting me off the coffee. I really love coffee. I would hate to have to avoid it completely. Please, no, leave at least one little coffee in the morning, please… 
Oh, and don’t take those BigRed gums away from me! But hey, don’t they say that the mind is strong than the body? One day I might really wake up and make up my mind I’m going to stay away from coffee for a month. If it ever happens, I will let you know how it goes…
Seriously, I used to be fit. I wasn’t fit at all for a while. When I’m stressed I eat more and if I don’t eat more, I absorb more, or my metabolism hibernates so I gain weight even drinking still water. Then now I’m feeling better. I’ve noticed some changes. I dropped a few pounds and I’m not gaining back the weight. It’s a positive thing, I believe, even if I’m still a bit far from my ideal weight. But the place I’m moving to has some Pilates classes nearby. How about starting Pilates too?
Seems like it’s going to be a busy Fall, this 2009… 
You know, meat is not unhealthy. In fact it is very healthy, it just depends on what kind of meat you eat. Chicken and pork for instance is very low in fat. Meat contains lots and lots of proteins which you absolutely need!
Then there is the slow and fast carbs. Usually whole wheat products is slow carbs and therefore better for you. Use whole wheat pasta instead of the regular one. Tastes better, and is better for you body. Coffee and green tea increases your metabolism, so dont stop drinking that
IN fact, it is recommended to drink a cup or two of green tea before exercise, because it increases the fat burn in your body.
My man is a diabetic, so Ive started experimenting with spelt and whole wheat flour everytime I bake something. I use splenda instead of regular sugar. Splenda is made from real sugar, so its not artificial and not bad for you. It tastes sweet but doesnt increase the blood sugar level. SO now I make muffins and buns with spelt and whole wheat flour and no sugar. SOunds crappy, right? But they are delicious! I also use unsaturated fat instead of real butter, so we are talking healthy soul food that actually tastes great! You should give it a try if you are consious of what you are eating. Also, if you want to burn fat, you should eat food high in unsaturated fat. The body needs unsaturated fat to process saturated, stored fat.
Oh, and btw, pilates is fun!
yeah, I know, I was just ranting here
In the following blog entry I wrote that I’m thinking of a real mediterranean diet instead. It’s like you said, it’s a matter of being conscious of what we eat and try to avoid unsaturated fat. Also, try not to intake way more calories then we need or can burn during the day, and pay attention to what kind of calories we take, which foods, slow carbs, fast carbs… A lot of foods that are often considered “yawky” or not tasty, are actually good, like you say the sugar you use. So… Mostly pay attention to what we eat 
Will let you know how the pilates go!