I do not have any delicious recipes to share with you this Saturday. I am currently restricting–no food shall pass my lips but vegetables, fruit, almonds, and diet shakes. Why would I torture myself this way you ask? It’s not for the fun of it, I’ll tell you that!

Here’s why. I’ve been having a super hard time eating clean since Bren was born. Through out my pregnancy, I strove to eat vegetable and keep the cheese and sugar to a minimum. I was over weight when I got pregnant and did not want the complication that come along with gestational diabetes. I did really well, only gaining 21 pounds during my pregnancy (and still generating a 9 lb. baby, whew).

Since producing that big baby boy, I’ve had no will power when it comes to sugar, fat, and bread products–read chocolate, cheese, and chips. I’ve tried but I haven’t been able to make a clean break.

This week I decided that I would take four days and just break the chains starting Thursday. I’m using left over product from when I tried the MediFast diet and supplementing with almonds, raw or cooked vegetables and a little bit of fruit.

I’m in the mist of the fury, so to speak. This is the hardest part. Two days down. I know after four days the lure of my vices will be tampered. I just need to make it through Sunday.

I’m having the most difficult time with dairy. I’m not craving sugar, which may be because of the sweetness of the shakes. And I do sort of miss the full feeling, but a big salad helps quell that. But Gah, do I really want some cheese! In fact, I must confess, I added some cheese to my broccoli Thursday and Friday night.

After Sunday, I plan on adding back beans, some whole grains (like oats) and lean animal protein. But for now, it’s this empty belly and two more days to break the cravings. It’s worth it. I just have to keep the long range benefits in mind–more energy, better role model for my son, and a sharper mind.