Joining a New Team--A Wholesome, Inspirational, Healthy & Joyful Life

Hello to all of you! I joined this team a few months ago and have been "deciding" to be part of it ever since. So, today when I'm going to Ft. Lewis to have a complete Fitness Test, I "decided" it was time to come out of that phase and introduce myself to the Team. Also, I observe myself giving my heart to others more and more, relying on the Spirit of the Universe to give me the needed support and ideas. So, I'm also introducing all of you to the Team in case you want to check it out.

Actually, I'm in a phase where I'm drawing back from Spark. Don't get me wrong here! Spark has given me this renewed energy and slim body that I am SO VERY grateful for. I AM BEYOND GRATEFUL FOR SPARK AND SO GLAD I FOUND THIS WEBSITE WHEN I DID. My blood pressure, anxiety, and weight were extreme and I needed Spark so much. It took me double hip replacements, recovery and personal training, and about a year to lose the 45+ pounds with Spark. All of that has changed my life and my day-to-day philosophy immensely.

It's just that I've been in Maintenance now for 3 1/2 years, and I want to reduce the time I spend online and figure out a way I can be most effective in my life the rest of the time. I've found that now on Maintenance, I don't have to be so focused in on how many calories, fruits and vegetables, glasses of water, fitness minutes, etc. It just happens. I am weighing myself regularly and frankly, I splurge when I want to. I exercise when my body says "Go", which is almost every day.

The spot I'm in is wanting to go on my own with menu planning and grocery shopping. I'm leaning toward more vegetarian and vegan meals. I find the Spark Meals helpful some of the time, but without enough variety and non-meat emphasis for me. As a retired person now, I get money twice a month and want to plan menus and go shopping only at those times. I think I can do it with the tools of my cookbooks, online recipes, and then check myself from time to time on Spark.

Maybe this will explain it: In 1980, I wrote and published a collection of favorite recipes I had collected as an Army wife called "When the Cupboard Is Bare". That book was indexed by ingredient...for instance, mushroom soup instead of Eggs Benedict. I still cook that way, even though now mostly with a microwave and crockpot. I find Spark's instant breakdown of major nutrients so very helpful, but not their suggested meals.

You'll probably see me still. I'll likely blog when something special happens. Like the 5K race I'll walk on Saturday. (I almost hate to tell you, since my son Eric is going to run 74 MILES in a straight up and down race on the same day.) Whenever I have something to say...you know.

Hugs to all of you! I do appreciate the support of the Spark Community....even when I'm going on my own.