New Beginnings: Week Two

The excitement of the change wore off this week but I am happy to report that clean eating is becoming more of a habit.  I am continuing to experiment with different dishes and vegetables.  What I didn't expect is the change I feel towards food.  I see it more in the light of nourishment; a source of energy.  I don't find myself constantly thinking about food anymore and must admit that I'm shocked. I've heard that this happens, but to have this happen so soon is truly amazing to me. It may be a sign that I was truly ready and prepared for change.

This week brought on a new challenge of reminding myself to eat.  I don't know why it is that I rarely feel hungry; maybe my stomach is shrinking or maybe I don't recognize the new hunger signs.  Either way, I don't think about food as much as I use to.  I utilize MyFitnessPal to keep track of the amount of calories I eat and the majority of days I end up trying to find something to eat just to reach my 1200 calorie mark.  It also doesn't take much for me to have that full feeling.  So I have to continue to be mindful of this because I don't want to "starve" my body.

I have had more sugar cravings this week but no headaches.  It isn't so much that clean eating eliminates sugar because there is raw sugar and honey.  I have just chosen not to use much of either because I do have a concern about exchanging one addiction for another.  The good thing is I've gotten use to drinking plain tea and when I have a craving usually almonds fulfills it.  I don't feel like I've given up sweets either.  I know that if I really want something I just have to get in the baking mood.  The Internet has plenty of "clean" baking recipes.

I am so proud of myself.  I've learned so much but mostly that food does not have control over me as much as I believed.  I am giving this my all and have had to make major changes in my life to accomplish what I have thus far.  Meal planning is a MUST.  It is part of the reason why I don't have to consistently think about food because I already know what I will be eating.  This coupled with exercise has been wonderful for me.  I don't feel sluggish or heavy.  I push myself more because I've conquered something that I really thought I never could.  I'm no longer the sweet queen and am glad to pass that crown on...

What's your motivation?

With the month of January behind us it seemed reasonable to reflect on those goals we set for the New Year. By now people are starting to inch back into their old routines (for one reason or another). It has been an interesting for me, as I've talked with people about their goals and even as I've assessed my own. Here's what I have come to realize:

(1) We all do things for different reasons. For example, while I REALLY need to lose weight that wasn't my motivation for working out and it wasn't even the goal I set. My goal was to make myself a priority. Working out (of course) just happens to fit in with that.

(2) It is okay to fall off the bandwagon but it is NOT okay to stay there. Life is about being tested so of course anything that you are trying to change is going to be hard; so hard that you may fall off. That isn't the problem. The problem comes if you don't work to get back on track. Personally, I hate failure. Failure to me is one not even trying to succeed. Therefore, be done with that pity party and get back to it.

I've found that once you find what truly motivates you, it will become that much easier to accomplish that goal. For some a bad diagnoses, not fitting into clothes, or the death of a loved one isn't motivating but SOMETHING is and only you can find it.

The best part is if you are still breathing then it is not too late. Here's to you pressing through and not giving up. You can and will succeed but faith without works is dead so GET TO WORK!

Of course don't forget that while your on your way...SHOW SOME LOVE