So tomorrow marks the two-week mark of our friendly "detox." What a great experence!
Matt and I both have battled serious sugar cravings the last three nights...I'm not sure if it's from habit or circumstance or whatever. So last night we gave in...we both had a bowl of sorbet. I've also had a few handfuls of dried cranberries the last couple nights too....not your usual sugar addictive food, I know, but hey this is full disclosure!
The real challenge now comes in moving forward. I still haven't chewed any gum and I am of the new opinion that gum is just a habit that I don't really need anymore. I also think that coffee is one thing I can have only every so often....well, we'll see. I am notorious for thinking I can add something back "occasionally" and then "occasionally" becomes "more frequently" and so on and so forth.
I did feel a little guilty last night...not so much about the content of the food but more so about caving in to the habit of eating before bedtime. Well, today I'll choose to celebrate my progress and not my perfection!
I am so grateful for my understanding and appreciation of good, nurturing food and what a difference it makes in my life. Also, how damaging sugar really is and feeling the difference without it.
Moving forward!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Befriending Ourselves
I have said before and always known that I am my own worst enemy. Somewhere along my journey I developed a lot of personal criticism. Maybe you know it...that nasty voice that tells you to stay home, don't try, don't even bother...
I really only became mindful of this voice about four or five years ago and every since has been a journey to turn down its volume. This year I'd like to have more self-compassion. And like anything else, I have to practice.
When I was younger, I wouldn't participate in anything in which I couldn't excel. How dumb. Now in my adult/parenthood I think it's great for my spirit to try any and all things because I have an interest...even better if I'm not that good...it reminds me of my humaness and at the end of the day, what does it really matter anyway?
We're all like a beautiful garden that doesn't need anything else planted or added, it just needs cleaned up, cut back and have the weeds removed every once in awhile.
A lot of time I think I need something in order to do something else. But I had this realization yesterday that I am fully equipped to do whatever it is that I'd like to do...I do need more of anything...I just need less of those qualities that hold me back...self doubt, anxiety and fear to name the biggies.
What great news!! Suddenly I realize that I've created every hurdle in my path-my rigidity is the problem, not my circumstances.
It's Day Seven of the detox and I hope that the elimination of coffee and abundant sugar is reason for all this "mental clarity" and focus. I can't remember a time in my life when I could remember, think and create so easily. I have suspected that sugar and coffee exacerbate my existing anxiety but now I have proof!
It's also quite amazing to realize how much a slave I was to those substances! Gum included. Just...let...go. I feel such a sense of freedom. And I'm sleeping so well...so restfully.
I'm eager to see how much better I can feel after another week!
I really only became mindful of this voice about four or five years ago and every since has been a journey to turn down its volume. This year I'd like to have more self-compassion. And like anything else, I have to practice.
When I was younger, I wouldn't participate in anything in which I couldn't excel. How dumb. Now in my adult/parenthood I think it's great for my spirit to try any and all things because I have an interest...even better if I'm not that good...it reminds me of my humaness and at the end of the day, what does it really matter anyway?
We're all like a beautiful garden that doesn't need anything else planted or added, it just needs cleaned up, cut back and have the weeds removed every once in awhile.
A lot of time I think I need something in order to do something else. But I had this realization yesterday that I am fully equipped to do whatever it is that I'd like to do...I do need more of anything...I just need less of those qualities that hold me back...self doubt, anxiety and fear to name the biggies.
What great news!! Suddenly I realize that I've created every hurdle in my path-my rigidity is the problem, not my circumstances.
It's Day Seven of the detox and I hope that the elimination of coffee and abundant sugar is reason for all this "mental clarity" and focus. I can't remember a time in my life when I could remember, think and create so easily. I have suspected that sugar and coffee exacerbate my existing anxiety but now I have proof!
It's also quite amazing to realize how much a slave I was to those substances! Gum included. Just...let...go. I feel such a sense of freedom. And I'm sleeping so well...so restfully.
I'm eager to see how much better I can feel after another week!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Up and Running
Well, I feel good. Three days without chewing gum or any added sugar and I feel like I can accomplish just about anything. I mean, that's partly true.
I have a mild headache and I'm still pretty irritable. It feels like all the toxins that were stored in the far recesses of my body are finally finding their way out. It doesn't feel great. I know that irritability, headaches and flu-like symptoms are all side effects. When you give your digestive system a vacation from processed foods and sugar, it's able to really clean out the system. I already feel lighter and cleaner.
I'm hoping my edginess dissipates over the next week or so.
This pattern of eating is such great practice for disipline. It's necessary for me to set boundaries for myself. It's working! And it's really not about restriction at all. It's about mindfullness and self nurturing and giving myself what it needs. So often I feed a hunger that has nothing to do with need of food.
I'm eager to continue. It's certainly empowering in other areas.
Miss the mangoes though. And here's Matt with a thought or two...
Day three hasn't been nearly as bad as day 1 & 2...And the positive flow is remarkable. I'm kind of a low-will-power person and I can't see any reason not to do this and see it through. I feel better and the person I see in the mirror is --pick a cliche-- more alive...
Nicole does a wonderful job making sure this process is fun and full of good food. I couldn't do this without her dedication. I'm too fearful to start, too lazy to cook all that she does and too wishy-washy to push it through, but with her, it's easy to have a partner in this silly game.
At least the caffine/sugar-withdrawl headaches are receeding...but seriously, I'd quit tobacco everyday over the withdrawl from caffine and sugar and whatever else, my body is screaming out for...
Goodnight Moon!
I have a mild headache and I'm still pretty irritable. It feels like all the toxins that were stored in the far recesses of my body are finally finding their way out. It doesn't feel great. I know that irritability, headaches and flu-like symptoms are all side effects. When you give your digestive system a vacation from processed foods and sugar, it's able to really clean out the system. I already feel lighter and cleaner.
I'm hoping my edginess dissipates over the next week or so.
This pattern of eating is such great practice for disipline. It's necessary for me to set boundaries for myself. It's working! And it's really not about restriction at all. It's about mindfullness and self nurturing and giving myself what it needs. So often I feed a hunger that has nothing to do with need of food.
I'm eager to continue. It's certainly empowering in other areas.
Miss the mangoes though. And here's Matt with a thought or two...
Day three hasn't been nearly as bad as day 1 & 2...And the positive flow is remarkable. I'm kind of a low-will-power person and I can't see any reason not to do this and see it through. I feel better and the person I see in the mirror is --pick a cliche-- more alive...
Nicole does a wonderful job making sure this process is fun and full of good food. I couldn't do this without her dedication. I'm too fearful to start, too lazy to cook all that she does and too wishy-washy to push it through, but with her, it's easy to have a partner in this silly game.
At least the caffine/sugar-withdrawl headaches are receeding...but seriously, I'd quit tobacco everyday over the withdrawl from caffine and sugar and whatever else, my body is screaming out for...
Goodnight Moon!
Friday, January 7, 2011
And Away We Go
Matt just went to lie down and I quote, "Nothing quite like a sugar and caffeine withdrawl headache...
Need I say more..."
I'm so proud of him...
I can count on one hand the number of days since the age of 15 that I haven't chewed gum. Today was one of those days. I can't believe I did it, quite frankly. My cravings to chew a piece of gum must have numbersd in the dozens today. And not eating anything sweet after dinner? Nuts.
I totally commiserate with the millions of people who attempt dieting. It's. So. Hard. You have to change your habits, your attention, your whole relationship with food. All I know is the first step is attention and mindfulness. If you can master your attention then you can master the universe. Well, your own personal universe, that is.
I want a piece of gum. I need a piece of gum. I am so used to popping a piece of gum into my mouth after I eat. I have ran many many miles while chewing a piece of gum. I need gum because my mind is so used to having it. Go figure. Distraction, breathing...it really does work. And you know what? I Don't need that piece of gum. It's the end of the day and the earth is still spinning and I'm still here.
I'm eager to break this habit.
I have a bit of a headache and I'm a little cranky. Otherwise, I already feel better. Plenty of energy even without the coffee. We ate quite good food. I feel nourished. And certainly accomplished.
If we can overcome ourselves, we can overcome anything.
Need I say more..."
I'm so proud of him...
I can count on one hand the number of days since the age of 15 that I haven't chewed gum. Today was one of those days. I can't believe I did it, quite frankly. My cravings to chew a piece of gum must have numbersd in the dozens today. And not eating anything sweet after dinner? Nuts.
I totally commiserate with the millions of people who attempt dieting. It's. So. Hard. You have to change your habits, your attention, your whole relationship with food. All I know is the first step is attention and mindfulness. If you can master your attention then you can master the universe. Well, your own personal universe, that is.
I want a piece of gum. I need a piece of gum. I am so used to popping a piece of gum into my mouth after I eat. I have ran many many miles while chewing a piece of gum. I need gum because my mind is so used to having it. Go figure. Distraction, breathing...it really does work. And you know what? I Don't need that piece of gum. It's the end of the day and the earth is still spinning and I'm still here.
I'm eager to break this habit.
I have a bit of a headache and I'm a little cranky. Otherwise, I already feel better. Plenty of energy even without the coffee. We ate quite good food. I feel nourished. And certainly accomplished.
If we can overcome ourselves, we can overcome anything.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
You can't clean the floor with a dirty mop!
Happy New Year, 2011!
My family and I just returned from a week-long vacation in Florida. Lots of sun, lots of vacation and lots of indulgence! This of course, was Christmas #2. And really, despite my profession and level of training I usually loosen my clean habits quite a bit after Thanksgiving. This year was quite loose. Maybe it was the huge release after my nuptuals at the end of the September.
Regardless of the intricate rationale, my body has certainly had enough and I am ready to return to my natural, clean roots. I decided to eat an elimination diet for two weeks followed by a longer abstinance of all that haunts me: chocolate, gum and even dried mangoes. The next few weeks will also include, more meditation, yoga, journaling and reflection. Less media, input, and inflammation.
And in no small order, my husband has decided to join me.
I cannot articulate how eager I am to get started. I'm not worried too much except maybe a bit about the no gum part...I am sure that all the artificial sweeteners in the gum that I chew has added up and poisoned by brain (so that's what's wrong!!!). Also, I will miss the coffee first thing in the morning.
But it's not about what I'm taking away. It's what I'll gain: energy, insight and more love and compassion for my physical self. We should all treat ourselves to the highest qualities we can.
Alright, didn't do so well getting to bed early...progress not perfection I suppose. And now a word from the Title sponsor...
This is the husband...and I quote...
"Counter any symptoms of comfort-food withdrawal with creative snacks. Try 'baklava oatmeal'. "
Um, no, I'm not going to try that...I like Baklava and I kinda like oatmeal...but never in my wildest "creative snack" would I put those two together...
By the way I've chewed tobacco for 16.5 years and while its been on and off since 2008, we all know its been more on. So its been a week (cause I'm good like that) and the cravings are just hitting. And now no sugar. Or Beer. Or coffee. At least there's almond milk! (which IS GREAT. If you're not off the dairy, you're missing it)
So enjoy my tobacco-induced comfort-food withdrawal over the next couple of weeks and if anyone has any ideas on "creative snacks", please let me know.
My family and I just returned from a week-long vacation in Florida. Lots of sun, lots of vacation and lots of indulgence! This of course, was Christmas #2. And really, despite my profession and level of training I usually loosen my clean habits quite a bit after Thanksgiving. This year was quite loose. Maybe it was the huge release after my nuptuals at the end of the September.
Regardless of the intricate rationale, my body has certainly had enough and I am ready to return to my natural, clean roots. I decided to eat an elimination diet for two weeks followed by a longer abstinance of all that haunts me: chocolate, gum and even dried mangoes. The next few weeks will also include, more meditation, yoga, journaling and reflection. Less media, input, and inflammation.
And in no small order, my husband has decided to join me.
I cannot articulate how eager I am to get started. I'm not worried too much except maybe a bit about the no gum part...I am sure that all the artificial sweeteners in the gum that I chew has added up and poisoned by brain (so that's what's wrong!!!). Also, I will miss the coffee first thing in the morning.
But it's not about what I'm taking away. It's what I'll gain: energy, insight and more love and compassion for my physical self. We should all treat ourselves to the highest qualities we can.
Alright, didn't do so well getting to bed early...progress not perfection I suppose. And now a word from the Title sponsor...
This is the husband...and I quote...
"Counter any symptoms of comfort-food withdrawal with creative snacks. Try 'baklava oatmeal'. "
Um, no, I'm not going to try that...I like Baklava and I kinda like oatmeal...but never in my wildest "creative snack" would I put those two together...
By the way I've chewed tobacco for 16.5 years and while its been on and off since 2008, we all know its been more on. So its been a week (cause I'm good like that) and the cravings are just hitting. And now no sugar. Or Beer. Or coffee. At least there's almond milk! (which IS GREAT. If you're not off the dairy, you're missing it)
So enjoy my tobacco-induced comfort-food withdrawal over the next couple of weeks and if anyone has any ideas on "creative snacks", please let me know.
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