An entire week has passed, and my juice feast is going well. After I wrote my last post I continued to think up excuses to stop early, and came to an important realization - I rarely stick to things for long. When things get to be too much, I'm more likely to create an exit strategy than to work through it. Sticking with the 40 days will be an important exercise in working through rather than walking away.
So far I'm getting into more of a groove when it comes to prep in the AM. I'm using the vita-mix/nut milk bag method, and now that I've got the hang of it, mornings are a bit smoother. While getting up at 4am is less than ideal, it's lovely to have a quiet house for my bible study. Today I even woke up before the alarm, which I'm hoping is a sign that my body is responding well to the increased nutrition. Hunger has been a minimal issue, I'm finding satisfaction with my 4-5 quarts of juice, which has been very suprising. My energy is up, but the true test will be when I switch to a busier station next week. So far I have not told anyone what I'm doing, although I'm sure my partner has noticed all I drink is homemade juice. I don't think my husband has even quite caught on (sad, huh?). My little one has started to enjoy sharing juice with me, mainly the fruit-based ones. However, I plan on slipping in some green leafies with his apple and grape juices. Some extraneous thoughts to come .....
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A New Direction
I've been hesitant to post the changes I've made because putting it down 'on paper' means that I am committing to it. However, after some reflection today, I feel this is a good thing. There have been so many things on my mind recently, in addition to past issues shaking loose, that I've been feeling completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed, frazzled, out of sorts, and dazed. This state of mind has not been good for any part of my life, especially for being the hands-on and plugged in mom that I strive to be.
After much introspection and prayer, I was left with the conclusion that I need to step back from trying to figure it all out right now. Instead, I needed to take a length of time where I can slow down, reflect, and be still. No decision making, setting dates, or endless planning of every minute detail. For 40 days I will be pushing decisions aside and going about my daily life with awareness and inward thoughts. For 40 days I will be fasting (feasting?) on juice, and following along with a bible study that will help facilitate my progress.
Today is day 5, and it's been a bit of a bumpy road already. I have come up with many reasons already why I should cut the fast short - it takes too much time, it could be expensive, I'm not ready to handle the detox, I don't want to deal with the feelings that will be coming up. This morning I awoke phlegm-y, headache-y,and cranky. I thought perhaps this was a sign I should break the fast. After thinking it through, though, this was not a sign to stop, but a sign of detox. I examined my motives and thought through what I would do then - and all I could think of was going to Raising Cane's for some chicken fingers and garlic toast. Hmm, not a healthy plan. Seems to be my cravings are talking, not my spirit.
I'm still working out the details and trying to figure out how it's all going to work out. Rather than a juice fast, I'm following more with the juice feast protocol as I have an active job and an active 2 year old (who still nurses). It's important that I keep my calories up, and balance my nutrition by adding flax oil, etc. Being back on day shift is a bit of a challenge, as I'm not much of a morning person. Crew change is at 6:30am, so I'm having to get up at 4:00am in order to make my juices, clean up, and get dressed for work. I'm also finding there is a learning curve to juicing - some things don't combine well, and some don't keep well over the course of the day.
While I am having some very nice moments, there have also been some negative feelings that are bubbling to the surface. I'm trying to accept those as a part of the process, confront them, and let go of them. I think I've pushed down and held on to many negative emotions for far too long, and it's time to clean house.
After much introspection and prayer, I was left with the conclusion that I need to step back from trying to figure it all out right now. Instead, I needed to take a length of time where I can slow down, reflect, and be still. No decision making, setting dates, or endless planning of every minute detail. For 40 days I will be pushing decisions aside and going about my daily life with awareness and inward thoughts. For 40 days I will be fasting (feasting?) on juice, and following along with a bible study that will help facilitate my progress.
Today is day 5, and it's been a bit of a bumpy road already. I have come up with many reasons already why I should cut the fast short - it takes too much time, it could be expensive, I'm not ready to handle the detox, I don't want to deal with the feelings that will be coming up. This morning I awoke phlegm-y, headache-y,and cranky. I thought perhaps this was a sign I should break the fast. After thinking it through, though, this was not a sign to stop, but a sign of detox. I examined my motives and thought through what I would do then - and all I could think of was going to Raising Cane's for some chicken fingers and garlic toast. Hmm, not a healthy plan. Seems to be my cravings are talking, not my spirit.
I'm still working out the details and trying to figure out how it's all going to work out. Rather than a juice fast, I'm following more with the juice feast protocol as I have an active job and an active 2 year old (who still nurses). It's important that I keep my calories up, and balance my nutrition by adding flax oil, etc. Being back on day shift is a bit of a challenge, as I'm not much of a morning person. Crew change is at 6:30am, so I'm having to get up at 4:00am in order to make my juices, clean up, and get dressed for work. I'm also finding there is a learning curve to juicing - some things don't combine well, and some don't keep well over the course of the day.
While I am having some very nice moments, there have also been some negative feelings that are bubbling to the surface. I'm trying to accept those as a part of the process, confront them, and let go of them. I think I've pushed down and held on to many negative emotions for far too long, and it's time to clean house.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
EEK! Time to re-assess.
A bit over 6 years ago when my mother died in a very tragic manner, no one would let me drive. I had errands to run, a prescription to fill for an excruciating migraine, and an 8 hour drive down to meet with family in order to prepare for more travel. My family and my boyfriend at the time spoke and decided that I would not be allowed behind the wheel. I was not hysterically wailing and crying, instead I was stunned. When you have spent years building a wall around your heart to deaden the feelings, it takes more than a few hours for that to break. At the time I was offended by my loved ones who apparently thought I was going to wreck a car in my grief. I had lived with grief for many years before she finally pulled the trigger, and had a clean record - why were they so worried today?
Two evenings ago on my way to work, my heart heavy and mind racing, I suddenly realized I had just traveled 20 minutes down the wrong road. I had already made a couple of wrong turns that I had corrected quickly. What was wrong with me? I had driven to this same station for the past two weeks now, it was not as though I didn't know the way. I had not been driving erratically, had followed the posted speed limits, shifted gears smoothly, and yet I'd gone off track and too far down the wrong road. Years ago my family had worried I would crash a car, when the more accurate result would have been that I would have gotten lost.
This situation has proven to be a metaphor that I can no longer ignore. While I have many achievements under my belt, and seem to be steering my life well, I have indeed been lost. Six years later I have looked around and realized I've been going the wrong way. Over the past week, many feelings that had been firmly entrenched have shaken loose. It's been a long time coming, but has been a shock to my system nonetheless. The main catalyst has been my son - as a mom, I can not function with a cold, closed heart. Perhaps I could, however, he simply means to much for me to allow that to be how he grows up.
In the past, when I've had glimmers of raw emotion and self-realization, I've simply picked up and moved. I've ended relationships, allowed friendships to fall away, quit jobs, moved all over the country - anything to prevent fully experiencing any difficult emotion. I've blunted the ups in order to avoid confronting the downs. Right now, the wall is starting to crumble, light is beaming through the cracks and exposing areas of my heart that have been buried for a long time. I have to either repair those cracks and build a stronger wall, or tear it down completely. I realize the choice I need to make, if not for myself, but for my family, most especially my son.
Big changes to come, stay tuned.
Two evenings ago on my way to work, my heart heavy and mind racing, I suddenly realized I had just traveled 20 minutes down the wrong road. I had already made a couple of wrong turns that I had corrected quickly. What was wrong with me? I had driven to this same station for the past two weeks now, it was not as though I didn't know the way. I had not been driving erratically, had followed the posted speed limits, shifted gears smoothly, and yet I'd gone off track and too far down the wrong road. Years ago my family had worried I would crash a car, when the more accurate result would have been that I would have gotten lost.
This situation has proven to be a metaphor that I can no longer ignore. While I have many achievements under my belt, and seem to be steering my life well, I have indeed been lost. Six years later I have looked around and realized I've been going the wrong way. Over the past week, many feelings that had been firmly entrenched have shaken loose. It's been a long time coming, but has been a shock to my system nonetheless. The main catalyst has been my son - as a mom, I can not function with a cold, closed heart. Perhaps I could, however, he simply means to much for me to allow that to be how he grows up.
In the past, when I've had glimmers of raw emotion and self-realization, I've simply picked up and moved. I've ended relationships, allowed friendships to fall away, quit jobs, moved all over the country - anything to prevent fully experiencing any difficult emotion. I've blunted the ups in order to avoid confronting the downs. Right now, the wall is starting to crumble, light is beaming through the cracks and exposing areas of my heart that have been buried for a long time. I have to either repair those cracks and build a stronger wall, or tear it down completely. I realize the choice I need to make, if not for myself, but for my family, most especially my son.
Big changes to come, stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
What Day is it Again?
Being mama to a 2 year old means being up and awake when he is. Although I'm currently on night shift, I have to switch back to normal hours on my days off in order to keep up with the kiddo. So some days I am left wondering, "What day is it today? What was it I was going to get done today?"
Ok, perhaps not some days. More like most days. Today is definitely one of them- is this day 2? 3? 4?
No matter the number, here is my check in for the cleanse ....
Mind:
Presently, I'm a bit aggravated. Over the course of my marriage I've found that most of my attempts towards healthier habits have been chided by my husband, and if I've stuck to them long enough, they've often been sabotaged. I've finally reached a point where I have stuck with my habits for long enough, and gained enough knowledge to where the sabotage is less likely. Yes, there are always sodas, white breads, cakes, cookies, and assorted sweets in the house (much to my chagrin). However, it is a rare occasion that I will be tempted by these 'foods' anymore as I've found great (healthy!) alternatives, and also have the consequences of par-taking close in mind. The energy slump, the migraines, and overall dulled feelings are just not worth it for a processed sweet.
Alas, my husband is quite offended by my veggie habits. He prides himself on his mastery of cooking assorted meats and probably (I say probably because he will not admit to as much) harbors hurt feelings that I no longer enjoy his culinary endeavors. Therefore, he will not try any of my own veggie creations, and usually will mock them. Were it just the two of us, this would not be such an issue. Yes, I would still worry about his health as I do now - I love him, I want the best for him, I want him around for many years. Greater than this is the 3 foot monkey who wants to be just like Daddy. I have learned so much about the importance of nutrition for growth, immunity, and disease prevention. It's a big deal to me that my son eats well, and I see nutrition as the top way we can influence his current and future health.
So when Dad sits down to a high fat burger on a white bun and nothing else, and monkey sees, there is little consideration for the healthy meal mama presents. I had heated some SunBurgers - to be served on my little mans favorite whole wheat pita for him, and romaine for me - made some carrot-tomato catsup from Kate Wood's Raw Living (two of his favorite veggies), and steamed some broccoli for dipping.
Had it been just me and the little man, he would have tried most of it, and probably just used the broccoli as a vessel to get carroty-tomato goodness into his mouth, then dropped the spears on my plate. Instead, he grabbed a white bun and started eating it before I could even serve his meal, and that's pretty much all he was interested in eating. Monkey see, monkey do.
Thankfully, tonight my husband decided to at least spare the drama where he sits down to a plate of cookies and a glass of cow's milk as he usually does every night, both of which my little man cannot have. The processed cookies are a no-go (says Meanie Mama), especially before bedtime, and he's been off dairy for a while now due to tummy troubles and frequent ear infections. This leads to one unhappy little man when he tries to go and share. I do wonder what happens when I am not home, as I think there is a reason he gets so very upset when Daddy does not share.
Really, I have no idea how to deal with this situation. My husband is a grown man and is responsible for his own nutritional choices. He grew up with a body-builder father who instilled "protein is the most important food" into his head, and was also raised under the medical model that nutrition really isn't that important. I can understand the latter, as that is what I was taught in school. It was only until having my son that I started taking nutrition research seriously, and my eyes have been opened. When it comes to the health of my son, I have a hard time closing my eyes again.
Body:
I've been having green smoothies or juices in the afternoon when I wake for the day, usually followed by some fresh fruit. Yesterday I scored and found a carton of organic cherries at Wal-Mart - so delicious. For lunches at work I stick to a big salad and some sort of dried fruit/nut combo later on. I usually skip having a meal when I get home in the morning from work as I like to go to sleep straight away. On days off I'm enjoying trying raw soups and other creations such as zucchini lasagna or homemade spring rolls.
Today I'm lagging a bit in the exercise department. Rather than stay up and do a video, I'll probably try to get to sleep early so we can hit the gym in the morning. I just downloaded some high energy songs that I'm looking forward to enjoying on the treadmill.
Spirit:
I'm enjoying my quiet times and taking more time for reflection. This is desperately needed, as I've neglected my spiritual life for a while now. Just as I want to model health eating for my son, I want him to grow up with a Mama who is centered and grounded in her faith. I've started to feel a tugging for community recently, and realize this is another area where I have neglected myself. My rotating schedule makes it hard to join groups, but it's something I need to do. All or nothing are not the only two options.
Ok, perhaps not some days. More like most days. Today is definitely one of them- is this day 2? 3? 4?
No matter the number, here is my check in for the cleanse ....
Mind:
Presently, I'm a bit aggravated. Over the course of my marriage I've found that most of my attempts towards healthier habits have been chided by my husband, and if I've stuck to them long enough, they've often been sabotaged. I've finally reached a point where I have stuck with my habits for long enough, and gained enough knowledge to where the sabotage is less likely. Yes, there are always sodas, white breads, cakes, cookies, and assorted sweets in the house (much to my chagrin). However, it is a rare occasion that I will be tempted by these 'foods' anymore as I've found great (healthy!) alternatives, and also have the consequences of par-taking close in mind. The energy slump, the migraines, and overall dulled feelings are just not worth it for a processed sweet.
Alas, my husband is quite offended by my veggie habits. He prides himself on his mastery of cooking assorted meats and probably (I say probably because he will not admit to as much) harbors hurt feelings that I no longer enjoy his culinary endeavors. Therefore, he will not try any of my own veggie creations, and usually will mock them. Were it just the two of us, this would not be such an issue. Yes, I would still worry about his health as I do now - I love him, I want the best for him, I want him around for many years. Greater than this is the 3 foot monkey who wants to be just like Daddy. I have learned so much about the importance of nutrition for growth, immunity, and disease prevention. It's a big deal to me that my son eats well, and I see nutrition as the top way we can influence his current and future health.
So when Dad sits down to a high fat burger on a white bun and nothing else, and monkey sees, there is little consideration for the healthy meal mama presents. I had heated some SunBurgers - to be served on my little mans favorite whole wheat pita for him, and romaine for me - made some carrot-tomato catsup from Kate Wood's Raw Living (two of his favorite veggies), and steamed some broccoli for dipping.
Had it been just me and the little man, he would have tried most of it, and probably just used the broccoli as a vessel to get carroty-tomato goodness into his mouth, then dropped the spears on my plate. Instead, he grabbed a white bun and started eating it before I could even serve his meal, and that's pretty much all he was interested in eating. Monkey see, monkey do.
Thankfully, tonight my husband decided to at least spare the drama where he sits down to a plate of cookies and a glass of cow's milk as he usually does every night, both of which my little man cannot have. The processed cookies are a no-go (says Meanie Mama), especially before bedtime, and he's been off dairy for a while now due to tummy troubles and frequent ear infections. This leads to one unhappy little man when he tries to go and share. I do wonder what happens when I am not home, as I think there is a reason he gets so very upset when Daddy does not share.
Really, I have no idea how to deal with this situation. My husband is a grown man and is responsible for his own nutritional choices. He grew up with a body-builder father who instilled "protein is the most important food" into his head, and was also raised under the medical model that nutrition really isn't that important. I can understand the latter, as that is what I was taught in school. It was only until having my son that I started taking nutrition research seriously, and my eyes have been opened. When it comes to the health of my son, I have a hard time closing my eyes again.
Body:
I've been having green smoothies or juices in the afternoon when I wake for the day, usually followed by some fresh fruit. Yesterday I scored and found a carton of organic cherries at Wal-Mart - so delicious. For lunches at work I stick to a big salad and some sort of dried fruit/nut combo later on. I usually skip having a meal when I get home in the morning from work as I like to go to sleep straight away. On days off I'm enjoying trying raw soups and other creations such as zucchini lasagna or homemade spring rolls.
Today I'm lagging a bit in the exercise department. Rather than stay up and do a video, I'll probably try to get to sleep early so we can hit the gym in the morning. I just downloaded some high energy songs that I'm looking forward to enjoying on the treadmill.
Spirit:
I'm enjoying my quiet times and taking more time for reflection. This is desperately needed, as I've neglected my spiritual life for a while now. Just as I want to model health eating for my son, I want him to grow up with a Mama who is centered and grounded in her faith. I've started to feel a tugging for community recently, and realize this is another area where I have neglected myself. My rotating schedule makes it hard to join groups, but it's something I need to do. All or nothing are not the only two options.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Weighty Issues
My first day on the cleanse went well, and I had a rather slow night at work. I'm hoping for the same tonight, but we shall see.
This afternoon as I was getting up and ready for the day I realized that losing weight was not *the* motivating factor for this cleanse. The main idea is to improve my health, gain energy, wellness, and perspective. While losing weight would be nice, it's not the end all and be all. I decided that in celebration of my intentions, part of these three weeks will be staying off the scale.
While I'm slender right now, I've struggled with my weight for the past 5-6 years. Where I live and work (deep south, EMS) I'm even considered downright skinny. When I was small, up through high school I was actually quite thin, never minding what I ate. In the latter years of high school hormones, significant stressors, and food as comfort started changing my body. I started putting on the pounds and was fairly heavy by the end of freshman year of college. I can still clearly remember one jerk of a doctor looking incredulously at my chart during a check up at that time. He had just finished saying that I looked about 5 pounds overweight, then he flipped the page. "175?! 175?! Woah. You need a diet - just start giving up eating chips." I just sat there and looked at him thinking, "but I don't eat chips."
Since then I've been up and down, hanging around the mid 160s when eating poorly. After switching to a plant-based diet, I've stayed around the mid 140s. At 5'9, that's a good place, but with a small frame I could afford to ditch some fat and gain some muscle.
Mainly, I want to get off and stay off of the diet rollercoaster. I've tried: weight watcher's, atkins, south beach, nutrisystem, and medi-fast. Nothing has worked for the long term, and I've always been off put by the reliance on processed and packaged foods.
A whole food, plant-based, high raw lifestyle is what makes sense in terms of my long term health.
This afternoon as I was getting up and ready for the day I realized that losing weight was not *the* motivating factor for this cleanse. The main idea is to improve my health, gain energy, wellness, and perspective. While losing weight would be nice, it's not the end all and be all. I decided that in celebration of my intentions, part of these three weeks will be staying off the scale.
While I'm slender right now, I've struggled with my weight for the past 5-6 years. Where I live and work (deep south, EMS) I'm even considered downright skinny. When I was small, up through high school I was actually quite thin, never minding what I ate. In the latter years of high school hormones, significant stressors, and food as comfort started changing my body. I started putting on the pounds and was fairly heavy by the end of freshman year of college. I can still clearly remember one jerk of a doctor looking incredulously at my chart during a check up at that time. He had just finished saying that I looked about 5 pounds overweight, then he flipped the page. "175?! 175?! Woah. You need a diet - just start giving up eating chips." I just sat there and looked at him thinking, "but I don't eat chips."
Since then I've been up and down, hanging around the mid 160s when eating poorly. After switching to a plant-based diet, I've stayed around the mid 140s. At 5'9, that's a good place, but with a small frame I could afford to ditch some fat and gain some muscle.
Mainly, I want to get off and stay off of the diet rollercoaster. I've tried: weight watcher's, atkins, south beach, nutrisystem, and medi-fast. Nothing has worked for the long term, and I've always been off put by the reliance on processed and packaged foods.
A whole food, plant-based, high raw lifestyle is what makes sense in terms of my long term health.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Day One
It's after midnight, so the cleanse is officially on. I'm up and awake, with plans to get some laundry and cleaning done while my guys sleep. Ideally I'll fit in some quiet time and perhaps even a PM pilates video before hitting the sack around dawn.
Mind:
Goodness, what a mess. Thoughts swirling, emotions flaring, indecisiveness running amuk. The day was mostly even keel, but evening hit with the usual stressors - trying to prepare a healthy dinner while taking care of the kiddo, getting ready for the next day, feeling partnerless while the hubby sits and watches tv as I buzz about. I must admit to anger and impatience. I am at a loss as to how to communicate in any other way that I need some help in the evenings - turn off the violent cop show! feed the hungry toddler! participate in the family! Nothing doing, I realize that the change is going to need to come from me, whether I like it or not. I tend to procrastinate getting dinner started and wind up with a toddler who wants. mama. NOW. So a more stable routine is definitely in order. As is a more patient attitude.
Body:
Shared a vegan pizza with my little one for lunch today, and made some lovely veggie spring rolls for dinner tonight. To celebrate my new Vita-Mix I had made some tahini, and used that to make a tasty spicy dipping sauce for the rolls. I'm currently sitting down to a goji berry tea - just a few berries wrapped in cheeseclothe and steeped in hat water. Tastes lovely. I'll be saving the berries to add to my waking smoothie. The plan is ~ nap at dawn, wake up with the little monkey around 7ish and have a green juice. Back to bed around 9ish, wake again around 3pm. Waking smoothie of fresh aloe, valencia orange, and blueberry, then some fresh fruit as I head to work around 6:30. I'll pack a lunch and aim to eat it around midnight, some salad with avocado packed in my beloved tiffin. Perhaps a Larabar around 4am if I'm up and my tummy is rumbling, and lots of water between meals. When I arrive home around 8am the next morning I'll have some tea and head to bed. I have heard many people discuss how much improved their rest is when they do not eat directly before bed, and this is something that I'm going to test for myself.
As far as exercise, on days when I'm working I am not going to put pressure to squeeze anything in. When it's the first day back on night shift, I tend to wake up earlier and may go for a run or fit in a video, but I consider that a bonus.
Spirit:
Church today was great. I couldn't get us out of the door in time to make it to bible study, however. Worship was right on, and the sermon resonated with me. Tonight I would like to start a daily devotional using My Utmost for His Highest to jump off.
Mind:
Goodness, what a mess. Thoughts swirling, emotions flaring, indecisiveness running amuk. The day was mostly even keel, but evening hit with the usual stressors - trying to prepare a healthy dinner while taking care of the kiddo, getting ready for the next day, feeling partnerless while the hubby sits and watches tv as I buzz about. I must admit to anger and impatience. I am at a loss as to how to communicate in any other way that I need some help in the evenings - turn off the violent cop show! feed the hungry toddler! participate in the family! Nothing doing, I realize that the change is going to need to come from me, whether I like it or not. I tend to procrastinate getting dinner started and wind up with a toddler who wants. mama. NOW. So a more stable routine is definitely in order. As is a more patient attitude.
Body:
Shared a vegan pizza with my little one for lunch today, and made some lovely veggie spring rolls for dinner tonight. To celebrate my new Vita-Mix I had made some tahini, and used that to make a tasty spicy dipping sauce for the rolls. I'm currently sitting down to a goji berry tea - just a few berries wrapped in cheeseclothe and steeped in hat water. Tastes lovely. I'll be saving the berries to add to my waking smoothie. The plan is ~ nap at dawn, wake up with the little monkey around 7ish and have a green juice. Back to bed around 9ish, wake again around 3pm. Waking smoothie of fresh aloe, valencia orange, and blueberry, then some fresh fruit as I head to work around 6:30. I'll pack a lunch and aim to eat it around midnight, some salad with avocado packed in my beloved tiffin. Perhaps a Larabar around 4am if I'm up and my tummy is rumbling, and lots of water between meals. When I arrive home around 8am the next morning I'll have some tea and head to bed. I have heard many people discuss how much improved their rest is when they do not eat directly before bed, and this is something that I'm going to test for myself.
As far as exercise, on days when I'm working I am not going to put pressure to squeeze anything in. When it's the first day back on night shift, I tend to wake up earlier and may go for a run or fit in a video, but I consider that a bonus.
Spirit:
Church today was great. I couldn't get us out of the door in time to make it to bible study, however. Worship was right on, and the sermon resonated with me. Tonight I would like to start a daily devotional using My Utmost for His Highest to jump off.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
And so it begins ...
Good morning lovelies, it is 0220, my guys are sleeping peacefully and the house is quiet as I try to unwind. I always adapt quickly to the night shift schedule that I rotate through every four weeks, and tend to enjoy the alone time .... yet regret my night owl ways when I'm awoken by (a very cute) 2 year old early in the morning.
Over the past few months I've been changing and tweaking my diet and lifestyle in an attempt to move closer to a healthy, high raw, plant based diet. After soaking up lots of info via books and web, I've had it in my head to embark on a 21 day cleanse. A bit of Kathy Freston mixed with Kris Carr is what I'm going for - losing the "big five" (alcohol, gluten, refined sugar, meat/dairy, caffeine), bumping up the raw, adopting healthy habits. Already I rarely drink, and have mostly eliminated meat and dairy. I have also been victorious in dropping my coffee habit! Now the chocolate, breads, and sweets habit - not so much. They make vegan s'mores now, for goodness sake. My goal is to go raw for breakfast and lunch, and have dinner be 75:25 raw:cooked.
There are several healthy habits I'm looking to gain, and I'll be going into depth on some as I go along. They include: consistent exercise, daily quiet time, daily reflection/journaling, not eating before bed, and giving thought to food combinations. I do have more ideas, but am attempting not to put too much on my plate (literally and figuratively), and instead allow things to progress naturally.
While my intention is to gain optimal health, it is becoming very clear to me that I've been neglecting my emotional and spiritual health. I am wife, mother, daughter, sister, healthcare provider ... and yet am so out of touch with plain old me. A move away from friends and family, a stressful (yet equally wonderful) job, relationship stress, unresolved past issues, and one energetic toddler have thrown me a bit out of whack. In my single days, supressing emotions, self-destructive behavior, and work-a-holic-ism were my survival mechanisms. Now, it's time to move past that and start living as a whole person. I want to be balanced and present for the ones I love and so my path has lead me here.
Today will be Day Zero, a day to reflect on my goals and ease into the cleanse.
Mind:
My mind is swirling, and my reflex is to stomp it all down and find something to distract. Instead, I am attempting to allow the thoughts to flow and putting some down in writing.
Body:
Nutrition ~I am sitting in front of an empty bowl, one that was previously filled with NewmanO's. Yummy, non-dairy, and yet purely sugar. Natural refined sugar is still refined sugar! Today I will forgive myself if I do not eat as well as I would like. However, I have some beautiful produce in the fridge just begging to be juiced and chopped for a salad. Homemade spring rolls are the plan for dinner.
Exercise ~ this will probably hit the back burner, as I have piles of laundry and will most likely be using my son's nap time in order to rest, myself.
Spirit: Sunday! Time for some fellowship and worship. I've realized lately that I am really lacking in community, and so I am hoping to overcome any sleepies I may face in order to attend the pre-service bible study. Connecting with people on deeper level has never been a strong point for me. Very much an introvert I prefer few close confidants to large social circles. And yet, I am realizing that over the past couple of years I have pushed away even my close friends. Time to start chipping away at some of those walls.
Over the past few months I've been changing and tweaking my diet and lifestyle in an attempt to move closer to a healthy, high raw, plant based diet. After soaking up lots of info via books and web, I've had it in my head to embark on a 21 day cleanse. A bit of Kathy Freston mixed with Kris Carr is what I'm going for - losing the "big five" (alcohol, gluten, refined sugar, meat/dairy, caffeine), bumping up the raw, adopting healthy habits. Already I rarely drink, and have mostly eliminated meat and dairy. I have also been victorious in dropping my coffee habit! Now the chocolate, breads, and sweets habit - not so much. They make vegan s'mores now, for goodness sake. My goal is to go raw for breakfast and lunch, and have dinner be 75:25 raw:cooked.
There are several healthy habits I'm looking to gain, and I'll be going into depth on some as I go along. They include: consistent exercise, daily quiet time, daily reflection/journaling, not eating before bed, and giving thought to food combinations. I do have more ideas, but am attempting not to put too much on my plate (literally and figuratively), and instead allow things to progress naturally.
While my intention is to gain optimal health, it is becoming very clear to me that I've been neglecting my emotional and spiritual health. I am wife, mother, daughter, sister, healthcare provider ... and yet am so out of touch with plain old me. A move away from friends and family, a stressful (yet equally wonderful) job, relationship stress, unresolved past issues, and one energetic toddler have thrown me a bit out of whack. In my single days, supressing emotions, self-destructive behavior, and work-a-holic-ism were my survival mechanisms. Now, it's time to move past that and start living as a whole person. I want to be balanced and present for the ones I love and so my path has lead me here.
Today will be Day Zero, a day to reflect on my goals and ease into the cleanse.
Mind:
My mind is swirling, and my reflex is to stomp it all down and find something to distract. Instead, I am attempting to allow the thoughts to flow and putting some down in writing.
Body:
Nutrition ~I am sitting in front of an empty bowl, one that was previously filled with NewmanO's. Yummy, non-dairy, and yet purely sugar. Natural refined sugar is still refined sugar! Today I will forgive myself if I do not eat as well as I would like. However, I have some beautiful produce in the fridge just begging to be juiced and chopped for a salad. Homemade spring rolls are the plan for dinner.
Exercise ~ this will probably hit the back burner, as I have piles of laundry and will most likely be using my son's nap time in order to rest, myself.
Spirit: Sunday! Time for some fellowship and worship. I've realized lately that I am really lacking in community, and so I am hoping to overcome any sleepies I may face in order to attend the pre-service bible study. Connecting with people on deeper level has never been a strong point for me. Very much an introvert I prefer few close confidants to large social circles. And yet, I am realizing that over the past couple of years I have pushed away even my close friends. Time to start chipping away at some of those walls.
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