As I started my new 30 day mind and body challenge I was full of hope. I had my meal ingredients purchased and organized. I’d made human connections in my Facebook group and had all my tools loaded on my phone. I downloaded Headspace and my ten day meditation plan to ensure I worked on my stress levels. I downloaded Pilates workouts to supplement my workout plan since I still can’t get my broken toes in running shoes. All set!
The first three days were considered a cleanse, or reset. Lots of organic green veggies and fruit. Tons of water. The plan calls for a gallon of water a day, which I know is ridiculously dangerous. Yes people, too much water can be dangerous. It can mess with your electrolytes and put stress on your organs. I drank as much as I could and shot for 60 ounces a day.
The first two days I had a mild headache, which I attributed to lack of my morning cup of coffee. Day two I got to try quinoa. That was a big mushy, messy fail. I threw it out and tried again with less water. I ate quinoa and mangoes the next day and it went slightly better.
I told myself going in that I, the pickiest eater ever known, would at least taste every darn recipe I was given. No preconceived opinions allowed if I’d never in my life tried the item. This decision was tested on day 3 when I was called upon to eat red beets!! Oh my gosh I have serious texture issues and those slimy red beets we’re going to be a huge challenge. Here’s the lunch menu I was given –
1 6″ sprouted while grain tortilla
1 tbs homemade hummus (yum)
Shredded red beets
2 tbs feta cheese
arugula
Spread hummus on tortilla. Add remaining ingredients. Roll and enjoy.
Excuse the foil as I was on the go. Now, the red was a lot for me to deal with as was the first bite. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or hated it but I thanked God for the feta and ate it. Phew got through that hurdle. Imagine my dismay when this darn wrap appeared on my lunch menu for the next day. Ugh. I put a little less red beets on the next day and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Day 4 I had to try Bok Choy. Never ever would I have tried that! But, I said I’d at least try everything. I steamed it with carrots, added some turkey bacon. Actually it was a refreshing salad dinner that my daughter joined me in eating. Not bad at all.
Week one is now in the books. I’m down five pounds, which we all know is water weight. I’ve done my meditations daily and my workouts. I was true to the menu as I want to evaluate it. In complete transparency, I attended a retirement party yesterday. My food choices were good, but not the planned meals. And, I did have a complete and utter love affair with a bowl of Lays. Guess the saying is true, “Nobody can eat just one.” I had some help, but definitely indulged.
I was feeling kind of bad about that when I got a text from my daughter. She said, “Your skin looks great in that picture you shared. I may have to do that cleanse.” Those kind words bitch slapped me back on the plan. Five pounds and noticeable glow were quite motivating.
Today, I’m prepping my shopping lists and previewing my meals. I only see one test this week – Salmon. Remember, I have color and texture issues big time. Orange/pink fish are a double whammie. There is a vegetarian option that is offered that I may have to take. I have until I hit the market to decide.
Stepping outside that comfort zone is critical to success. If we truly want different results, we have to do different things. Hope your new year had gotten off to a healthy and happy start. For me it has and now I’m off to drink more water. Have an awesome week.
Reclaiming My Health 