Taking care of myself

My friend was starting this diet and she asked if I wanted to join her.  I am not much of a dieter.  I actually am slightly opposed to depriving yourself of foods that you want/enjoy.  However, getting older and facing the fact that I am not going to actually be able to exercise the way I used to, I thought I would try the diet.  I must add that I am not following the diet exactly....it is a loose interpretation of the suggested meals.  My findings so far (two weeks in to the diet) have been thus, I have lost 5 pounds and gained a new appreciation for myself.  Not because of the 5 pounds, but because of the time I have spent on myself these past few weeks.  I have four small children and rarely eat more than a peanut butter and jelly left over crust, some chips and a coffee during the day. These past few weeks I have actually spent time on thinking about what to eat.  I have carefully selected colorful vegetables and saute'ed them, added spices and seasoning, and a protein of some sort.  I have grilled and cooked for myself a plethora of things for three meals a day for two weeks.  I have begun to love this time each day.  I thought I would hate taking the time to chop and stir every meal for myself (as I seem to channel the essence of a short-order chef when I cook for my kids). So, bless my friend who made me try this diet.  I am not much of a dieter, but now it's personal.  I deserve to eat food that will allow my body to be the best mom it can be.