The second step on my journey is to create a new eating plan.  2 weeks will take me through most of my typical plans.  Most of the things in my life happen within any random 2 week period of time.  Work, plans with family, plans with friends, and so on.  2 weeks will also give me time to do a little research and try out some recipes, despite the too-many evenings I’m not home.

   The question remains – why create a new eating plan?  First and foremost, because both my husband and my doctor suggest that I may be depressed.  There are many treatments and suggestions for depression (depending on the severity).  The at-home with no-professionals treatments include exercise, sunlight, and a change in eating habits.  Since part of the reason for going through this 31 week journey is to improve my depression so I do not need to go to therapy, treating it is one of my main concerns. 

   Secondly, I am currently fatter than I have ever been in my life, and I’m sick of it.  My husband thinks I look amazing and very sexy, and I am willing to be persuaded of such.  But I’m tired more often than I like, and I’m not as flexible as I would like to be, and sitting in certain positions isn’t as comfortable as I’d like.  So, sexy though I am, I’m going to lose some weight in order to improve my energy, flexibility, and comfort levels.

   Third, my endocrinologist found a second thyroid nodule on the cusp of being something they want to “do something about” (probably biopsy, although medication is also on the table).  There might be a 5% chance of cancer.  I’ve had cancer, though of a different body part.  I have a family history of unusual health issues, including multiple types of cancer on both sides.  Cancer is a word that perks up my ears and makes my heart race.  I was blindsided the last time I had cancer (2.5 months from “I’m fine” to getting major surgery), so I know how fast these sorts of things can go.  5% is also the approximate chance of my previous cancer returning, but for some reason, this 5% is scarier.  My follow up appointment is in 5.5 months.  Pretty much the only thing I can do between now and then that might have a chance of affecting anything is eating a diet rich in foods reported to be good at fighting cancer. 

   So, let’s kill three birds with one stone. 

   I’ve already done some research.  Those of you who are concerned about my getting a reliable source, I used webmd primarily.  If you have a better source to which I can have access, please let me know.

   I have a list of foods that are good at fighting depression and of foods that are good at preventing or fighting cancer.  There are stars next to foods that are good at both.  Not surprisingly, most of these foods are also ones that are listed for general healthy eating (by many sources).  I figure that I find recipes that are heavy on the starred foods and include plenty of the others as well.  This will probably be a radical change for me.  I have slipped into eating a lot of take-out and meat-heavy or pre-packaged meals.  Changing to an eating plan with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, and legumes will take some time.  Hence the 2 weeks to try things out and also the 3 weeks after that to put the habit into place.  It is said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit – hence the 3 weeks.

   One of my hopes is that my eating better will improve my energy and help me take care of items 4 and 5.