Going without this and that…

If you are a long time reader of this blog, you will know that I frequently go through periods of giving things up for a certain amount of time. Most of the time, it has something to do with food or drink or both. Well, sometime in the recent past, I came along a blog where the woman gave up something each month of 2011 and I thought that was a neat idea. I’ve adopted it for 2012. The idea behind it is to pick something more difficult each month.

I like the idea of “going without or being without” for a period of time. I like the idea of changing my patterns and getting away from filling my immediate wants and/or needs. Invariably, the going without will render a good learning or two…if one is to pay attention.

What have I done so far?

Well, for JANUARY 2012, I gave up eating bagels. I am generally not a huge bagel eater, but during the month of December, I found myself eating about 4 a week. Always with Peanut Butter. Why? Cause it was 1) damn good 2) convenient to work 3) warm, yummy food in the cold winter mornings of Atlanta

The first few days of January were tough…getting used to NOT having the Bagel be an option. Most of the month my breakfast food consisted of yogurt and granola. I was glad to get away from the heaviness of the processed bagel. And happy to have a new replacement in some yummy greek Chobani yogurt. I tried for the first time in October at a friends place and loved it! All natural, non-fat and has 16g of protein per serving. I love mixing this with granola from 1) Alon’s Bakery in Atlanta or 2) Blue Bottle Coffee in SF. Blue Bottle makes some of the best granola I have ever tasted.

On the days, I didn’t have granola/yogurt, I opted for a banana and some raw almonds. By mid month, my bagel cravings and thoughts had vanished! In fact, I have not had a bagel since. Just haven’t had the craving or desire.

FEBRUARY 2012 — I chose to go without CAPPUCCINOS for the month of February. Again, if you are a follower of this blog or follow me on twitter you will know I love a good cappuccino and have one in the afternoons about 5 days a week. I have regular coffee in the morning and usually a cappuccino in the afternoon. I like the afternoon boost, love the taste and delight in sitting at a cafe late in the day for a good cup. Even if I have to take it ‘to go’. I like the ritual. And, HOW can you NOT love it simply for aesthetic purposes?

We are now on Feb 20th…9 more days til I can have one again. I will say this: going without Cappuccinos has been more DIFFICULT than the bagels. Been having some serious cravings and came close to giving in last week in route to Lake Tahoe…but, I stuck with it. Doesn’t it matter more when you REALLY have the craving and RESIST? That’s the point!! So, what have I had in place of afternoon Cappuccinos? Coffee. Just regular coffee. I figure I am also saving at least $1.50 each time I have coffee instead of cappuccino. That’s at least a savings of $7.50 per week and $30 for the month. Hey, $30 bucks is $30 bucks. I’m saving money and going without one of my truly favorite things; one of my favorite delights.

I believe come March 1st, I will truly appreciate the Cappuccino back in my hand…

If you’d like to tag-along and give something up for March, let me know. We can be blog-supporters. I already know what I’m going without for March and it has nothing to do with food or drink. Stay Tuned.

Cheers!