It has been several weeks since starting this new way of eating/living/cooking and I have to say, it is getting easier and I am really loving everything about it. I feel great.
I have started to enjoy smoothies several times a week. I have been making them with protein powder and unsweetened almond milk, fruits, greens, whatever. They definitely keep me satisfied for the morning (or evening) and are just the thing. I am banging them out in a 23 year old Osterizer that Nguyen and I got for our wedding. It is butt ugly, but works just fine. I have, however, ordered an upgraded blade to help crush the ice better.
The things I thought were going to be a challenge with this way of eating have proved to be easy. I was worried, for example, about cravings. Nope. None so far. Nada. I was worried about giving up grains, breads, beans, etc. Hasn't been difficult. And the truth is, I am living in moderation ville. If, for example, I go to your house for dinner and you are serving lasagna, I will load up on the salad, have a small bit of lasagna and enjoy every bite. I am not going to whine about my 'diet'... just eat and enjoy.
For weight loss, it is pretty slow. I am up a couple pounds from water weight gain today, but so far have lost somewhere in the 12 lb. range. In a day or so I will get a more accurate read.
So, why has this been so easy? I can't really say. I think part of it is DEFINITELY physical. The reality is that sugar and carbs are incredibly addictive and by eliminating them from my diet, I have eliminated the source of cravings. I have also, pretty quickly, retrained my taste buds, so now even the tiniest bit of sweetness is very pronounced for me. I can taste it in sauces, for example, when before I wouldn't have noticed. My palate is getting used to other tastes. Bitter, for example, is a big star for me these days. I love bitter greens, bitter coffee, bitter tea. I have also developed a fondness for sour. Mix those together and we are really talking. (Kale with red wine vinegar anyone?)
I think part of this has been easy for emotional and spiritual reasons too. On some level, I was just, well, ready, to stop being out of control and miserable. I have wanted to be at peace around food for so long, but couldn't get there when I was in the grip of addictive obsessive eating. I guess I had to hit a sort of bottom before finally realizing that I needed to change.
So, what are my fears? Oh, boy. I have been in this place before and fallen off the wagon with a crash. My biggest fear is that I won't be able to sustain this healthy lifestyle. That something will throw me off kilter and I'll pick up the pint of Ben & Jerry's and be off to the races again. It really scares me.
But something feels different this time. I am not sure what. I wonder if God has finally broken through my steadfast resistance and begun a healing work in my heart. I would like to officially thank Him if that is true. Lord, please let me stay open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. I pray that I will never want to hurt myself with food. I can't predict the future... but for today, I am so happy and grateful.
Hmmm. Time for a smoothie?
No comments:
Post a Comment