Breakfast, Day Forty-Eight

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 1 tbsp Smart Balance peanut butter
• 1/2 tbsp Smuckers sugar-free strawberry jelly
• 1/2 oz whole almonds
• 1 apple

I actually packed this meal up (after photographing it) and brought it to my morning class. When friends were talking about what they wanted for breakfast (specifically going out for breakfast sandwiches), another friend mentioned that he'd had a PB&J sandwich and we all got into a discussion of how really, it's a well-balanced meal and a great way to start your day.

I mentioned to everyone that I've been on this diet for a while now, and I actually found myself taking a lot of pride in it, considering how much it really is helping me stabilize my moods and get so many of the health benefits I was looking for. It was surprising how much a few people were impressed by it - to me it doesn't seem like a big deal since I just follow a meal plan, but when you say something like you don't eat sugar unless it is naturally in food, it sounds more austere than it really is.

I also thought about how even if I'm not wild about the progress of my weight loss (or gain), I am extraordinarily pleased with committing myself to eating right, and I am experiencing health benefits beyond belief on a daily basis. What's more, getting myself in the habit of eating right now will help me avoid future health problems, live better, and live longer. I'm really happy to have started this journey.