Hi, my name is Stephanie & I'm a meataholic

So I meant to start out this morning doing the whole heart rate/blood pressure thing, but I managed to have let the batteries die in my wrist cuff, so I decided that maybe I'll wait for a week before I begin to worry about that.  Well, that's just the lazy part of me talking, so I let another lazy part leave a message for Wayne to replace the battery.  I'll start measuring tomorrow morning.

So it's been over 24 hours since my last dose of meat and potatoes, and I haven't gone through any physical symptoms of withdrawal (sweats, sleeplessness, shakes, headaches), but I really didn't expect to.  I also don't feel any different getting up this morning with the exception of the fact that I was hungry.  Really hungry.  Hungry enough to even eat eggs for breakfast on a weekday.  I'm still feeling tired, but expect that will change as I get further along in our return from Costa Rica, since I haven't really gone to the gym since we got back.  I am experiencing plantar fasciitis (I think) in the right foot, and have been since right before the LSAT.  The pain is enough that I have stayed off of it since our last day in Manuel Antonio.  I am planning on heading back to the gym to swim, bicycle and use the rowing machine in the morning (not all on the same day).

Since I haven't really started measuring myself this morning, I will not delve to much into health issues for me until tomorrow.  Instead, I'm going to look at the DSM IV characteristics for substance abuse and dependence:

DSM-IV Substance Abuse Criteria

Substance abuse is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (such as repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household). Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (such as driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use) Recurrent substance-related legal problems (such as arrests for substance related disorderly conduct) Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (for example, arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication and physical fights). NoOk, this is  interesting.  I have had "meat hangovers" that have made me lazy/sluggish at work, and to slough off work for school, preferring to sleep instead.  And, in the midst of a burger/fry frenzy, I will drive and eat simultaneously during rush hour, taking my hands off the wheel, and my eyes off the road in the middle of a hectic, dangerous rush hour procession of crazy drivers.  And, one of the first fights Wayne and I ever had when he first moved in surrounded my lack of eating of vegetables (ok, it was a metaphor for something larger) being a game ender.  Of course, while the first two were within the last twelve months, the first was nearly 10 years ago. DSM-IV Substance Dependence Criteria Substance dependence is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period: Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: (a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect or (b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: (a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance or (b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption). Ok, so I don't meet the at least three or more criteria here over a 12 month period, although I did go on a meat fest this past weekend in order to prepare for the dearth of the product.  And I get fuller on meat in smaller quantities over time, so maybe I really should rethink things, but I am guessing I am not meat and potato dependent. Well, that's good to know - I am abusive, not dependent, so maybe this is a good initial exercise.  It certainly gives me *ahem* food for thought.  So what makes me crave the burger and fries, or the steak and potatoes?  Why does my body react with intense cravings to those delightful smells?  What is it about a crispy piece of bacon that drives me wild?  I don't know, but it is going to be interesting to find out, and it will be interesting to see if there are positive physiological changes associated with this period of abstention. Ciao for now!