Is It In You?

Today is our last day in Miami. We've been here for two weeks and I'm definitely ready to move on. Nashville is next and I'm excited to go and check it out since I've heard really good things about it. It's unfortunate we are only there for three performance days so I won't have a lot of free time, so I guess I'll just have to go back sometime. So this kind of diet "cleanse" that I'm on is actually working out really well. Basically I don't eat meat, dairy (except some plain non-fat greek yogurt in the morning), and eat only whole grains, and only on occasion. My diet consists mainly of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and fish. I feel healthier, I don't overeat, I haven't gotten any heartburn, and I've trimmed down and started putting off that winter weight I gained. The main goal is to re-train my palate and refresh my diet so I'm not used to eating all the bad-for-me stuff from break. Does this make me vegetarian? No, I don't think so. I'm not opposed to eating meat, in fact, I really like meat, but I'm just being more conscientious about my food choices and what I'm choosing to put into my body. Meat every once in a while is fine, especially if I'm at a good restaurant or it's organic meat. I am trying to put only good food in my body. There is so much crap out there in the world that it's hard not to, but if I know I'm making an effort, then I can feel good about myself. Last night we went out to Denny's after the last show, and I felt inclined to go because it was the sub trombone player's last night so I wanted to be social. I ordered one of their light meals which was egg whites with sauteed vegetables and new potatoes, and felt pretty gross afterwards. It's just made with so much oil and stuff that my body isn't used to, and made me regret eating there. It's hard on the road to try and eat healthy, but if my friend Kate can be vegan on the road, then I can be more picky in what I eat as well. I definitely miss pasta and baked goods, but mostly just pasta and baked goods I make myself. I don't feel as bad eating that kind of stuff when I make it because I know exactly what's going into it. I guess what this "cleanse" is teaching me is that I can choose not to put preservatives and other crap into my body. There are things I can buy and eat that are healthy and natural, and if I make it myself I know that it is better for me than if I buy it. I guess the point of this post is that I've been inspired by my friend Kate to choose to eat well and healthy and fill my body with good food all the time. And really, what's better than good food? On the menu this week: Mushroom and lentil stew, tilapia coconut curry, baked cinnamon donuts and mexican hot chocolate (my splurge item), and a vegan chocolate coconut cake for Kate and DJ's birthday. Happy birthday to my favorite vegan!