Choices One at a Time

I've been wanting to transition into a clean eating diet for some time now.  Last month when I suffered a virus that knocked me off my feet, I took it as an opportunity to start fresh and eat clean from that point forward.  It was fairly easy to start, considering I had spent most of the first week on ginger ale and crackers; I wasn't craving anything too heavy or complex.  The second week I tried to eat all natural foods and focus on more lean protein, vegetables and fruit.  I could already tell a difference in how I felt after eating something too rich or with too much dairy.  The Easter Holiday was a final confirmation that my body had already become accustom to eating lighter, simpler meals.  I didn't indulge in many casseroles or hardly any desserts but felt horrible the following day from eating more than I had been. 

          I haven’t completely adopted the “clean” eating diet that many of us see on fitness networks and professional profiles yet, but I have tried to focus on making wiser, healthier decisions every day.  I make sure I drink more water and choose vegetables and fruit over snack items, like crackers or popcorn.  Even in such a short time, I have been able to notice that I no longer crave junk food but am actually repelled by it somehow.  I can also tell a difference between when I am full and when I am eating because I am use to eating those portions.  This past week I focused on eliminating as much bread as possible as well as condiments and salt.  In three short weeks, my body has learned to crave bananas and almond milk instead of cheese and chocolate.  Semi-sweet food tastes really sweet now, as compared to before when I could eat a really sweet food and crave more sugar. 

          It’s not that I hit a wall and realized how bad I was feeling on a day to day basis, but I had seen great results out of our AdvoCare products and knew that I could feel superior if I would match my diet with my supplements and exercise.  Entering week four, I am not only feeling better on the inside but feeling more confident in how I look on the outside.  It’s so motivating to keep pushing forward when you reach a point of progress and get excited to see even more advancement in the future.  I admit there have been times of trial, like when a friend enjoys Taco Bell while I eat an egg white omelet, but sticking to my efforts and focusing on my goal continues to assist me when making choices.  I have already seen great results in three weeks so I know if I keep moving forward that in three more weeks, I will feel and look even better.  At some point the craving for a chocolate brownie, compared to the reality of how I will feel after eating it, doesn't measure up. 

          Lastly, another change I made in my daily routine was to put away the scale.  I haven’t weighed myself in over a month.  I know where I was back in February and I was fine with that.  I wanted a smaller number but didn't need to focus on my number for any medical reasons so I put away the scale and use that motivation to eat better and exercise regularly.  I started thinking about how many times I have stood on the scale and felt motivated by a number; not many.  Usually, even if I was happy with the number, I would think about a smaller number.  So instead of connecting my worth with my number, I would connect my worth with Jesus Christ and motivate myself through His Word and how good I felt because of making good decisions.  I’d encourage others that want to start living a healthier lifestyle to do just that.  Start living a healthier “lifestyle”.  Start out slow, make healthier decisions when picking foods, stock your house with healthy foods and healthy activities and also, get outside.  Turn off some of the electronics and spend time with family or friends outdoors or in a sports complex.  Go on a walk, take a day trip to the mountains and hike or try out a new yoga studio with a friend.  It can’t be a one day trial and don’t let yourself get wrapped up in mistakes you make along the way.  Every day is different along with every choice.  Move forward and don’t focus on what’s already been.  If you’re looking for additional information on living healthy and dealing with the emotions that come with our weight and body image, I would encourage everyone to read “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst.  I am just about finished with the entire book and can’t wait to share once I complete it.