I hate diets. Like honestly… they give a bad taste in my mouth *subtle pun*. No, honestly, I just don’t like them. I don’t like the words “healthy” or “diet”, I avoid them. But, I’m also caught in the cycle of wanting to be fit, healthy and happy; and if diet and exercise will provide that… I fall in to that trap. Then a week, or if I’m very committed, a month later I’m back to my old self. That’s where a new revelation has come in.
It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change.
It has to be. In order for things to work and last, to really make a difference it has to be a committed lifestyle change. It’s not about how long I can do it, or how quickly the changes can happen, it has to be a lifestyle change for the desire of a better life. A better me. A better health. I don’t want a diet or fad, I want a balanced, happy life.
And so, I’m making changes in my life. I’ve tried a number of things and this has been good so far.
I’ve cut out gluten and diary… or should I say: I am focusing on eating whole foods. Loads and varieties of vegetables and fruits, proteins like eggs, chicken breasts, thighs, and wings, bone broth, beef patties, carnitas, tilapia, salmon, and shrimp. I enjoy some seeds and nuts as well, and a few scattered grains (wild or brown rice, only). I'm visiting farmers markets to find locally grown produce. Buying new vegetables I have never cooked, eaten, or even heard of. I’m on a journey of loving my body through the food which I eat. A journey of loving food by nourishing my body and making myself feel good. No more foods or quantities that make me sick or cause me sadness. No more foods that deplete my energy. That steal the life out of me. No more food that make me hate eating. This is a new journey, a beautiful journey. And I’m taking you along with me! Well, I’m inviting you to join me.
Blogging my journey is going to help me… explore new things. keep myself accountable, but also, to find others who struggle feeling alone. This journey of cultivating a lifestyle that will best nourish my body and soul is hard. It’s challenging. The world, people and our own minds tell us we’re doing it wrong, we’re wrong for making these changes, but what if we need to make these changes? What if cutting out all gluten is the best decision for me? What if not eating refined sugars (white sugar, brown sugar, etc) is the best choice for my body? What if not eating dairy - cheese, milk, and ice cream - is health altering? Just because someone else feels it’s not the best choice for them, doesn’t mean it’s not the best choice for me.
The best choice for me.
We have to stop with the comparison game… we’re our own people with our own mind and body. We know ourselves best. We know what causes us pain most. We know us most. I know me most.
Making this choice is rough, but a week in and I’m feeling amazing. I’m creating a more equally balanced mood. My fatigue is being squashed by higher energy levels. The balloon is deflating… I am not bloated all day long. I don’t enter a food coma after every meal. My body is fueled and working better. Things are moving… and they’re moving up! This lifestyle change also incorporates 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can look different each day. Somedays I do upper body weights, others I focus on my lower body. Sometimes I go for a walk only, play tennis, take a bike ride. Whatever it is. I am moving my body. every. single. day. I am nourishing my body with wholesome food. every. single. day.
I am eager and excited for this journey. There is no time limit or finish line… it’s a lifestyle. This is my new life. It’s a life of balance. Balanced meals. Balanced moods. Balanced exercise. Balanced rest. Balanced fun. Balanced hormones. It’s a steady incline. A steady growth. Somedays will look better than others, but everyday will get me closer and closer to living out my true authentic self.
BE WHO GOD MEANT YOU TO BE AND YOU WILL SET THE WORLD ON FIRE. - St. Catherine of Sienna
I am working to be who GOD created me to be and I invite you on this journey with me. Maybe you need that extra push of encouragement. Maybe you need to know. you are not alone. Hi friend, I’m so glad you’re here with me.
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