Alan Foster writes: My fellow community blogger, Tahira Nyabinghi, has been providing some good recipes and information on her commitment to healthy food choices. I thought I would share my recipe for a successful commitment to regular exercise.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes:

I promised to share some of my favorite recipes included and they are below. You can make these for up to 4 people. Here is an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert. I only eat this way once or twice a week. The other days, it is usually just a simple entrée.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: Today I spent the majority of the day outdoors enjoying the sun. I have been actually going to stores and looking at clothes again! I was content with my weight at 228 pounds, but I have to say that shopping for items to fit a smaller frame now is absolutely humbling! Normally, even traveling to a place where people are fitting on clothes, looking at racks, sizing themselves up in a mirror, has no appeal whatsoever.

As the weight is falling off, I am smiling more, and taking time with my appearance. Modesty is still in play and always at the forefront but every now and then, I reach in the back for that short skirt that I hid away, hoping one day to show my legs again.

Each day, my menu is different and touches a particular theme of the week. I have done Mexican, Puerto Rican, European, Faux Carnivorian, etc. Experimentation has been really exciting as well for me. I have yet to attend a meetup event although I am part of a couple of groups and they seem to be pretty active. Next blog I hope to give you some sample recipes to take you into the new month.

Alan Foster writes: Why do most significant events and celebrations involve food? Over this past week, we enjoyed a birthday dinner party for a family friend, some great Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo, we had a few meals out and a dinner party for my daughter’s college graduation, and of course, there was Mother’s Day. I try to be conscious of my food choices and amounts but when there’s so much good food around and everyone else is enjoying it, I don’t want to think about diets, calories, portions, or weight.

But then, there’s always Monday morning when everything is over and the left overs are gone. I stepped back on the scales and found 2 of the 12 pounds I’ve worked so hard to lose. But I’m OK with that! I had a great week with family and friends. We enjoyed the celebrations and we definitely enjoyed some good food. Tomorrow, I’m back in the gym.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I just got back inside from walking with my daughter and realized to my dismay that I have not blogged in over a week!  I am letting myself and my associates down by not keeping better track of what is going on with my life and how my raw food path is progressing.

I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin in such a long time; it is true that as you loss weight and get in shape, the perspective that you have of yourself changes. I was content with how I looked at my first weigh in on my birthday, but now that the extra pounds are coming off and I can see tone in my muscles, I am getting a little overwhelmed!  I am taking stock in me and the joys I find in life.  My body feels and looks good, my attitude is improving, my relationships with my family are stronger than ever, my sphere is expanding.

I am purchasing most of my foods from local outdoor fresh markets and rarely visit the chain stores any more. I do not frequent fast food establishments unless invited by guests and stick to a strict diet. Overall, I am pleased with this journey.

I walk everyday but still do not visit the gym as often as I like. With my daughter now staying with me full time, I do not have the luxury to run to the gym at the wee hours of the morning.  I am still trying to find the winning combination though. Pictures will accompany the next entry, hopefully.

Alan Foster writes: I stepped on the scales again this week and I couldn’t believe it. I’ve lost a total of 12 pounds since starting this journey, down to 213 from 225. Just to be sure, I put my glasses on and got back on the scale for a second look. I haven’t done anything different over the last few weeks, but I have noticed my smaller meal portions are now satisfying. In fact, I recently sat down to a bigger than normal meal and didn’t have the desire to eat everything on my plate and have seconds. Now that was satisfying.

Alan Foster writes: I just returned from a three-day golfing vacation. I put my diet aside for the trip knowing that the opportunity for too much food and drink would overwhelm my desire to be smart about my eating.

Thankfully, I was wrong. I managed to eat smart without hindering the activities. I drank lots of water and managed to get in a little gym time in addition to walking between many of my golf shots instead of riding the cart. I didn’t lose any weight since last week, but I didn’t gain any either. Wish I could say the same about my golf handicap. Unfortunately, it went up.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: It seems that I am blogging at least twice a week but as I view my days, I am not keeping up with that time frame. Only yesterday it was Jan.1; today it is April 20. Where has all of the time gone? I am in a routine of eating right now. When I fall off the wagon, my body rejects the food and my tummy clenches up. I have cramps and get a bit lightheaded. The remedy, eat something raw quick!

I have a pocket full of wholesome nuts always within reach and some crispy snap peas to entice my palate. I have not gotten on a scale again yet but my clothes look like big bags surrounding my frame. I promised that I would not get any new things until December. At that time, this quiet caterpillar will emerge a renewed butterfly.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I have decided that I want to “live simply” so that I can “simply live.” I am not sure where I heard this motto, but for my life now, it seems to fit. I want to shed things that are unnecessary and cluttering to my existence. My children, of course are not in this category, as they make my life worth living.

Each day I speak with my oldest, I am reminded just how truly amazing he is. When I look at my youngest, I want the best I can offer and more. They push me to be what I can be and the woman I am inside. They see a loving mommy who can kiss the boo boos and make everything better. That is what ultimately want for them , to make things better.

So far, I am down to 190 pounds and holding steady. I have been walking in the neighborhood where I am staying and doing completely raw foods 80 percent of the time. I still have to deal with my addiction to cheese and coffee.

A mean-spirited person emailed me and told me my definition of “having curves” was a nice way of saying I was obese. I thanked him for his rudeness and said that I was at peace with who I am. Some time later, he viewed my business profile and saw who I was, read the dispatches that we have been doing through the year. He apologized and said that I was an appealing woman and carried my weight well. This was a smile for me and validation that sometimes we are so quick to judge prior to knowing the full truth. Keeping focused with my raw foods!

Alan Foster writes: My last blog indicated I was going to attempt the “17 Day Diet” as outlined in the book by Dr. Mike Moreno. Well, last week reminded me of why I don’t like diets.

Last week was my 25^th wedding anniversary and as with most celebrations, there’s food involved. Needless to say, I fell off the diet a time or three. Perhaps this week will be easier. But I think I’ll keep it to a 7-day diet.

Next week, I’m going on a 3-day golf trip with some old work buddies. The only green tea I hope to see is the green tee on which I’ll be standing!