I typed the title for this post and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” started playing in my head. I supposed it stands to reason a wee bit, since yesterday was Epiphany – the twelfth day of Christmas. It was also Downton Abbey Day, which was cause for celebration. I’m a wee bit of a fan. 
Getting back on track (I’m fond of track-jumping, if you hadn’t noticed), today is day six of my Herbivore training. Days one through five went off without any major hitches, thanks in great part to some fantastic recipes from Happy Herbivore. I’m so enthralled, I made myself a pretty badge:
Saturday, I made Vegan Creamy Carrot Soup, which was scrumptious; mild (carrots are, by nature, mild) in flavor, with a fun little kick from from the ginger and allspice the recipe called for, plus the generous amount of black pepper (white, next time) I chose to add. It was tremendously comforting and satisfying.
Sunday, I made Black Bean & Salsa Soup, because I love Mexican food, and wanted its depth of flavor and core-warming heat. Yum. I got all that and more with the addition of Sriracha. I’ll be making both this and the carrot soup again, and soon.
Since Thursday, I’ve been noticing a feeling of lightness – it’s the only term I can think of to describe how I feel, although buoyant just came to mind. My body and mind both feel more airy, which is interesting.
At one point on Friday, in fact, in the midst of a Reiki session for a client, I had to do some additional grounding to keep me on my feet. In spite of being a tad disconcerting, it’s also quite a bit cool, because it’s accompanied by a surge of energy
I have been anxious to step on the scale since Saturday, and had to do a lot of self-coaching to prevent myself from jumping the gun on my chosen weekly weigh-in day: today. The results are in, and I’ve lost 5 pounds since I began Herbivore training on Wednesday.
I may or may not have let out a little “woohoo” when I stepped on the scale and saw my new weight. Just a little one, though. I know how this works. I know I won’t see a loss like that every week, and I’m okay with that.
This journey to health is a long-term thing for me; I’m not expecting or seeking 5-pound-per-week losses, which are both unrealistic and unhealthy for long-term weight loss. What I do want is fairly steady loss, in spite of my menopausal body. So, onward.
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Congratulations Ellen! WELL DONE!! Tell me, are you eating breads? Keep on going gurl!! So proud of you. xo2
Thanks, honey! Sandwich thins – like, Joseph’s wheat and flax (similar to Arnold’s wheat and flax) – but that’s it. Now that you asked that question, I realize that my bread consumption is limited to a sandwich thin – sometimes two – each day, and has been that way for months and months and months. Interesting. xoxo
Excellent loss of 5 lbs Ellen, I should start following your recipes here. Love the icon you created too.
Thanks, Lisa! I’ll be posting recipes that I develop, as I develop them. Right now those that I’m using are mostly from Happy Herbivore. I’m a little partial to that badge; it is, after all, mostly pink.
Wholly Moses! That’s super fabulous Ellen! I so admire your strength and courage in staying fit and fighting the “battle of the bulge”. If only I had that inspiration maybe I too, would lose the 10-15 that I could lose. I just don’t have the ambition to do it. :/ You are an amazing person Ellen. I look forward to reading more about your progress! Muwah!
hee hee heeee
I may have used stronger words this morning when I stepped on that scale, Bren! lol 
Thanks for the support! I’m a work in progress, but I feel as though I’m getting closer to that sweet, fine-tuning place.
xoxo
I am super excited for you! Big hugs! Muwah!