Well, today went much better – all thanks to the BIG SALAD.  After “gaggling” down three serving of canned peaches last night at 11 pm, I vowed to eat more fruits and veggies earlier in the day to help accomplish my “New Year’s Nine” goal.  I went to one of my favorite local restaurants today and ordered up the biggest salad on the menu.  I was good and “forked” on my salad dressing and then took over half home with me, which I proceed to “eat on” all day (just like a cavewoman grazing on a wild animal).  The salad contained chicken, which was delicious and normally I would pick through a salad and eat that first–leaving NO room for lettuce, carrots, cabbage. . .pretty much everything else in the salad that does not look like meat or salad dressing.  All I could think of today was that Seinfeld episode and Elaine’s Big Salad.  Looks like that is my future.  The key is not to eat the Big Salad all in one sitting.  Think like a cavewoman, Stephanie.  (You might just make it through another day.)  That is my Big Salad mantra. . .

Now this does NOT mean I’m turning vegetarian.  I still enjoy meat.  But, I think it is a sound prediction that I will be eating less of it—along with a lot other favorite foods (chocolate, crackers, bread).  To some people, eating nine servings of fruits of vegetable probably does not sound like a big deal.  To that I say. . .have you ever tried it? I spent the weekend “practicing” and found it challenging—mostly because they have never been a first on my mind in terms of foods to put in my mouth.   I do like fruits and vegetables, but MAYBE to the tune of two-three a day.

I have worked in the health and wellness industry for many years—directly with many fabulous dietitians.  I have also spent so many hours working and taking care of my family; I have not taken care of myself.  So, I’m hoping this will be a big positive step in the quest to eat better and I firmly believe it WILL be harder than that guy Jared eating Subway for an entire year.  Of course, even when I accomplish my goal—I fully expect that he will remain more glorified because Subway has a much bigger marketing budget than an apple or a kiwi.

Why nine versus “five a day?”  Well, because even though the US government recommends a minimum of five—every dietitian I know says nine is optimal.  And, if I’m going to do this, I want to go do it as big as I possibly can.  Sort of like when I decided run a marathon.  Everybody said, “Why don’t you just do a half?  I said, “Why spend all those months suffering through the work and training and then not go the entire distance.”  So, I’m going to attempt to go the distance.

What do expect?  I expect to prove the fruit and vegetable theory right or wrong.  I’m the average American who eats like crap.  I’ve had little discipline, time or the commitment to invest in my long-term health.  I love sugar, fat and carbs.  I expect to share my journey and fully think it will be as hard as training for a marathon.  I won’t be limping, but I may be gagging down green beans an 11:59 pm to make my goal.

Luckily, I have one thing going for me—I’ve taught me kids the importance of eating fruits and vegetables at every meal or snack opportunity.  They know to eat them first and have been conditioned to choose them first automatically.  So, I have fruits and vegetables all over the house.  I started gardening like a mad woman this past summer and learned how to can, something I never thought I’d be doing.  So, I have yummy peaches, applesauce and salsa in the pantry.  To fill in, we have two Albertsons grocery stores within 1 mile of house—which is nice because they stock good, fresh produce and it is convenient.

Additionally, I’ve recently cut out soda pop, which has been my long time buddy and nemesis.  And, I’ve been adding ground flax seed to my morning cereal for about a month.

So, over the next year I will blog and use Twitter to monitor my progress.  I’ll be looking and wanting to hear from food manufacturers, fruit and vegetable grower organizations, grocery stores, restaurants, dietitians, healthcare professions, wellness fanatics and anyone who has had positive success eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables.  Send me those success stories and recipes, people!  I’m also interested in destination wellness organizations (spas, restaurants, health “farms”) that focus on teaching people how to eat diets full of fruits and veggies.  I hope to report all of this to my blog and Twitter followers.

Wish me luck and feel free to join me in the challenge.  I can’t wait to see if I will be a healthier, and possibly, slimmer person on January 3, 2010.