Keep on Keepin' on!

First time using this blog thingy in a while, I think I'll give it a shot so that I can keep myself accountable to my goals for a healthy life!

It has been eight months and one day since I went back to being a pescetarian, and I feel great! It isn't hard for me to give up meat, especially when there are so many amazing seafood options, even in a landlocked state! I learned how to make breaded tofu to go with the chicken teryaki I made my husband. That was fun. (:

It's also been eight months and one day since I started the natural-sugar-only thing (shout-out to my awesome Aunt Ruth for her inspiration!). Oh boy, it's been a challenge. I think I did pretty good, with only a few minor relapses, up until our wedding in May. Man, that cruise really got to me! I confess, I gave in to a whole lotta desert. Even since then, my motivation has been up and down. However, I am bound and determined to finish this year strong! Every day is a new day, and I am learning to let go of my addiction to sugar. Let me lay out the rules for myself once more:

No  white sugar/brown sugar allowed. It's rough. But no worries! According to the regulations my aunt set in place for me, I eat things with 6 grams of "normal" sugar or less (say goodbye to my favorite BBQ sauce); as for natural sugars, I am allowed to use alternatives such as stevia, honey, grade B maple syrup, dark chocolate (watch the 6 grams though), and coconut sugar. As for the exceptions that I've tailored in for myself: sugar alcohol (found in those "sugar-free" chocolates for people with diabetes) is okay; so is Splenda, and anything like unto it.
 Breathe in--- breathe out. 

Now, as far as exercise goes: Jacob and I try to exercise five times a week for thirty minutes. Sometimes, we do really well! The hardest part is waking up and getting moving, but we can do it. We went swimming this morning, and running yesterday. I plan to do abs and push-ups every day, with one day of hardcore strength training every week.  

Remember, it's not a diet, it's not just exercise. It's a lifestyle, and it is my choice. I will not think of these choices as limits on myself, but as guidelines that free me. I believe this lifestyle will bless me to be able to live my own personal Word of Wisdom, taking care of the stewardship of an awesome mortal body that Heavenly Father has blessed me with, and keeping me healthy enough to spend my life in service to those around me, especially when it comes to my family, future and present. 

I am thankful for a loving husband who helps me climb mountains and stuff. (: