Day 3: Getting into the Habit

The alarm clock went off at 6:30 as usual this morning, and I was very tired as usual. But, something magnificent (albeit small to most people) happened. I was up and out of bed by 7:05. Tired yes, but no more than usual and my headache was gone. I'm not sure if it is my eating plan or my hope that cured my headache and pulled me out of bed, but I will take what I can get. The morning went smoothly, I followed my normal ritual and even got to read a full 30 minutes  before the kiddos beckoned me, which was fantastic. One really great awareness last night is that my sinuses felt really clear before I feel asleep and I did sleep very well - no waking all night.

I was able to be very productive around the house without pushing myself too hard and this is while babysitting 2 boys. So I am marking that as a victory. As I was busying myself around the house and thinking about this change, I noticed a story I was beginning to repeat in my head, which was "I can't eat these foods because they make me sick" This is very victimizing and makes me feel both powerless and deprived. 


I then realized that I am doing this because I want to feel better and so I am consciously changing that story to, "I want to eat this way because it will make me feel healthy and energized." Maybe it seems silly, but I believe semantics have the power to completely change one's feelings about a situation, and in turn change their behavior. 

This simple shift has helped me to feel enormously better about the whole eating change. I am still not feeling steller, but I am finding myself motivated to work on projects I have been avoiding for weeks. I am also finding I can stave off some of the ickyness I am feeling if I eat something, and I love food so that's not so bad. 

Another awareness I am having is that food needs to be planned in advance if I go out. I suspect my headache got nasty yesterday in part because I went about 4 hours without eating - and possibly went into craving mode. I am a great planner - but following that plan when it comes to food is not my strong point. Good, healthy, real food takes time. And I have learned from our processed and disposable culture that it should not - that food should  in fact be easy and fast. Maybe I am alone in this feeling, but I suspect I am not.


We visited Meijer Gardens today to see the butterflies and soak in some fresh oxygen. It was fantastic! I especially loved that Charlie thought to bring her magnifying glass to see the butterflies closer and then screamed in terror when they came near her. She can be so funny. My mood and awareness were good the entire time, but I was completely starving when we were done because I forgot to bring a snack.


I have had a faint headache since about noon, but it has not really materialized into anything and I am grateful for that. Dinner was very yummy, and I feel very full. Bloated even for the first time since I started this eating plan. Just realizing now that I am not completely exhausted and it is almost 8pm, so that is good. This is all about habit and I once read that it takes 21 days to really change a habit and create a new one - so we shall see where I stand on day 21, but right now this is consuming every waking thought and all of my effort. I'm off to go and sniff some gummy bears - send me strength not to eat them.

Meals:

Breakfast -  Green tea w/agave, Cream of buckwheat, strawberries, coconut milk creamer, agave, and strawberries.

Snack -  Green smoothie (water, kale, parsley, yogurt, coconut milk creamer, pear, banana) Very yummy!


Lunch -  Leftovers from last night. (White chicken chilly)


Snack -  Green smoothie and about 15 rice crackers 

Dinner -  Gluten free linguine, creamy pesto sauce (I used rice milk), grilled chicken, and artichokes.

Snack -  Smelling gummy bears.


Water Intake -  64oz

Supplements: L-lyosine, fish oil, D3, Probiotic, antifungal, multivitamin, kelp caps, cal-mag citrate.

Energy levels: 

Morning -  Good, I was able to get a lot done.

Afternoon - Still good, able to go to Meijer gardens without feeling drained afterward.


Evening - A little dip, but feels normal for a long day. I have not daydreamed of my bed until just now.

Exercise: 15 minute walk around the block

Mood: Calm.

Changes:  Complexion looks really healthy and even rosy, and sinuses seem to be clearing.