I consider myself pretty knowledgeable regarding physical fitness, health, and nutrition.  However, I am not a professional nutritionist, doctor, or trainer.  Like most of you reading this blog, I just want to be healthy and happy, but I have other priorities that distract me from eating well.  This leads me to gain weight, have less energy, and feel down about things in my life.  Getting on a diet plan can be useful for giving you suggestions on how to eat better and excercise in a healthy way, but what all good plans do most effectively is to give the member checkpoints, goals, and a little peer pressure either from other dieters, friends, or family.

In general, I am not a "diet" person.  Honestly, if I stayed exactly the same weight I am today, then I would be totally fine with myself.  While I am not going to win any male swim wear contests any time soon (I have no tan anyways), I can and do look good in my every day clothes.  The issue for me is not with my confidence in how I am today, but in preventing what could happen to me tomorrow if I don't watch my health now. 

My Dad passed away in his mid 60's from the effects of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  My Mom has had a double by-pass and currently has type 2 diabetes in her mid 60's.  Some people believe this makes me "genetically" inclined to have similar problems.  I am of the belief that while I may be more inclined to these issues because of my genes, I am not assured of having these health issues if I keep myself healthy through diet, excercise, and stress management. 

This is America: Home of the Super Size Extra Value Meal.  My job requires me to be sitting in front of a computer 10+ hours a day at the minimum and brings plenty of stress along to boot.  My diet plan, and my blog, is a form of therapy for me to keep me focused on living a LONG, FULL, and HEALTHY life.  My blog is called "Eating For Life" for this very reason. 

I just joined the Somoma Diet this week because 2 or 3 different friends suggested I try it.  It sounds great from the description.  My basic understanding is that you eat things that are healthy and flavorful, but watch the portions a little better.  It is based off of the Mediterranean style of eating.  Anything that makes me eat less processed food, better portions, and encourages a little wine sounds like something that is sustainable for the long run to me.