Tahira Nyabinghi writes: The earthquake which has assaulted Japan really brought my life and my goals into clarity.

I woke up appreciative that I even have food in my refrigerator and cans in the cupboard. Why is it that we react so dramatically when a catastrophe occurs but have such a difficult time staying the course during a regular day? I know how I need to eat to live for my best health. I know how to behave to reap the best rewards from my actions and to garner praise from others. I know how to decipher phrases, created documents, attend meetings, raise funds, do all of the “normal” things in life, yet I don't. Philosophy rules my day as I reach out to understand why the Earth shook and the waves crush and despair permeates the air.

It seems to become routine now evolving on this raw food walk as I try new things, experiment with recipes, take a water day or juice day. I am enjoy eating and enjoying the foods that I internalize. I recently saw a great video called “Food Inc.,” which gave me an eye opening perspective on this thing called food. I suggest it to others. What a crazy, amazing, somber day for all of us.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I am holding steady at 200 lbs. but my meal plans have expanded and my flexibility with the raw recipes has increased. I am in some great online groups and receive encouragement from others regularly. Each meal is like an epiphany and a joy of textures on my taste buds. When you experience the richness of whole food in its natural form, each grain, each seasoning, each depth of flavor explodes in your mouth and you have to sit down to get the full effect. I cannot imagine how I made it thus far without the boldness of this new path. Anyone else on the raw way who can agree with these amazing sensations?

Alan Foster writes: My body taught me a lesson last week – exercising with a stomach virus is not allowed.

Alan Foster writes: I just spent the last 3 days in Washington D.C. I’ve always stereotyped that area and its residents as being the powerful, wealthy and elite with the corresponding gluttony, over-indulgence, and not so healthy. Boy was I wrong!

Everywhere I went, at all hours of the day or evening, I observed a lot of locals outside jogging, bike riding or walking. Even on escalators, the locals would keep climbing the moving stairs instead of riding. What a nice reminder that no matter where you live, there’s a way to keep moving, stay healthy, and not give in to convenience.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I have decided that it is time to do a short fast to get myself re-motivated again.  Now, I do have fasting experience so I am not jumping into anything willy-nilly but a fasting buddy would be a great asset for me right now. I am holding steady at 200 lbs. And can envision 110 lbs in my future. 

I have visited the gym and have worked out a schedule of when to workout.  I may even have an activity partner join me in the late evening.  ocusing is my biggest priority right now.  I am not sure about tomorrow but I have also decided I cannot worry about something that is going to occur, I need to leave my emotions and energy in the present, the here and now.  I know that each step, each fall back, each small victory brings me closer to my goal.  Not just changing my eating but changing my lifestyle, how I view the world and ultimately, how I handle myself. 

In this new era, I need to learn how to take time each day for me. Carving out my day around my family has been transforming and I know by the end of the year, things will be different.

Muriel Watson writes: My aunt always jokes if it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all!  Sometimes it seems to be more reality than not.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: It is early in the morning and I am sitting at my desk, thinking about my stalled progress right now.  My attitude is upbeat but I am ready to drop more weight.

Alan Foster writes: After reading fellow blogger Muriel’s entry this week, I feel compelled to reach out to her and offer some support.  She mentions how some unexpected life issues have thrown her a curve and how it hampers her efforts to control her “emotional” eating.

Muriel Watson writes: I have tried really hard to keep pushing forward, but every time I do, I feel like life just smacks me in the face.

Alan Foster writes: Everywhere I turn, there are Girl Scout cookies! 

They’re at the office, in front of the grocery store, and even a 6-box shipment showed up at my front door (thanks to my wife).  How can you turn down a Girl Scout cookie?  Besides, it’s for a good cause, right?  I confess, I’ve given in to a few thin mints and a glass of milk but none after 6 PM.  I’m sticking with the plan of really watching the calorie intake during the evening hours...at least until the Boy Scouts show up with their popcorn.