Just sharing a few of the mini-observations I have made as I begin IE:

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Yes, I have had a bit of a heyday with foods that I have previously denied myself.
Example: Classic Coca Cola. I just love this stuff and had allowed myself about 2 real cokes per year. Well, I finished off a 12 pack in about a week and enjoyed every sip of it, but noticed it really hit the spot when I was really thirsty after either exercising or doing yardwork for at least an hour. I have calmed down with this and in the past week have only had about 2.
I save it for when I really want it, because that is when I know it will taste the best and be the most satisfying.

I've tried a package cookie or two, wedding cake, french fries and am not really all that excited about them, kind of yucky actually.

I am enjoying potato chips. This hasn't quite subsided.

FOOD KICKS

This is somewhat related to forbidden fruit. I previously avoided bread and nut butters.
I was on a kick of eating sandwiches for breakfast and lunch for about one week.
Breakfast was a sandwich of whole wheat bread, almond butter, and blueberry jelly.
Lunch was a sandwich of whole wheat bread, full-fat co-jack cheese, sweet pickles.
I thoroughly enjoyed these until I ran out of all the ingredients and just didn't feel I wanted to repeat the menu.
That started my new favorite breakfast....2 eggs scrambled with grated cheese and a can of V-8. Also, don't ask me why, but sweet-sour stuff just tastes great to me right now. I also started eyeballing my veggies again but now realize they were fluffy fillers that were just tiding me over....not really satisfying my hunger.........although I agree that they definitely have a place and love them.

NEW EXERCISE PROGRAM -- "STEP AWAY FROM THE SCREEN"

For some reason I have been drifting away from formal exercise programs in favor of accomplishing things. This varies from very physically demanding like yardwork. moderately demanding like cleaning and shopping, and minimally demanding like organizing, crafts, and food prep. I have been trying to get away from TV and the computer... away from the virtual world and into the real world. I just think doing this is going to be more satisfying, more stimulating and less overwhelming.

Plus, I am enjoying line dancing as much or more than ever. I am more relaxed and playful about it. I think this is making me a better teacher and possibly better dancer.

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

I have read lots of articles about how we are supposed be nice to ourselves and positive when we look in the mirror....even make an exercise out of it by finding one good thing....etc. etc.
Wow, for some reason, this has actually happened without my making an effort.
Who knew that could happen after years of being so self-critical.
I actually thought I looked really nice when I went to a wedding recently! Amazing. :-)
I actually loved my hair! Never hurts to have a "good hair day." I actually noticed that my outfit was quite striking, in a good way!
I liked the way my top fit and thought that broad shoulders and bust filled it out to give it a shape. With this self-acceptance, I did not feel needy. I could just relax and have a good time.

Which brings me to ......
BEAUTY AT ANY SIZE, ANY AGE

At the wedding, I noticed how women of all sizes (there was quite a variety of sizes) looked so nice. They were well-groomed with clothes selected to flatter their coloring and body proportions. One of the most beautiful faces there was a 79 year old women that has recently found "the love of her life" for the very first time. She has quite a few wrinkles that I had noticed on previous occasions, but with the sparkle in her eyes and beaming, joyful smile, energetic enjoyment of the occasion.......to me she was beautiful. Radiant is the best word to describe her. Although she was appropriately dressed and well-groomed, the beauty truly did come from within. I'm now a believer.