Okay...I'm going to use the D-word...DIET!!!

That's right. I said it. I'm starting a DIET!!! And best of all, I'm owning up to it. None of this "It's not a diet, it's a way of life" crap. Sure I'm going for a lifestyle change, here, but I'm not denying that I'm on the D-word. I was inspired by Papa Bear Steve who's lost over 25 pounds in the last couple of months! So, I decided to do what he's doing.

Here are the basics:

• No Sugar
• No White Flour
• No Pop
• No Fast Food
• No Junk Food
• YES Vegetables
• YES Fruit
• YES Whole Grains
• YES Lean Meats
• YES Low-fat milk products

I think you get the point. So this is basically what I'm doing, and I've been doing it since Monday. Want to know the best part? It WORKS! As of yesterday morning (two days of dieting) I'd already lost 5 pounds! I'm guessing that's from giving up the pop, but who knows? Best of all, I feel a TON better already! No more being tired all the time. No more being sick. Just being healthy. The best part is, I've kinda got my family doing it, too. I told my parents what I'm doing and they agreed to buy the food if I cook (which I love to do anyway). I think that's going to help a ton!

Oh, and tomorrow night we're having some friends over for a pizza night. Guess what I'm having...whole wheat veggie delight pizza from Papa Murphy's. Perfect, eh? Anywho...tonight I made something quite yummy (thanks to Jessica who inspired the recipe). We had Spinach-stuffed Chicken Breasts with Garlic Roasted Asparagus and Baked Potatoes with low-fat sour cream and chives. Here's my recipe for the chicken. Try it! It's SO good! (by the way, the picture is just a generic photo of stuffed chicken...I didn't take a picture of my food...)

4 Chicken Breasts
3 Cups Fresh Spinach
3-4 Basil Leaves
2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse the spinach and basil a few times until finely minced. Set aside. Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/4" thick. Top chicken with spinach mixture and cheese. Roll up tightly (you'll get a spiral of chicken and spinach). Rub the outside with olive oil and italian seasoning. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until juices run clear.

Try it out and let me know what you think! It is YUMMY! :-D