If you decide to embark on the same (or similar) 10 Day Challenge as I have- here are a couple of suggestions that I believe will make it easier for you.
Know the end result is “just the beginning”. In other words, when you have completed 10 full days of eating nothing but whole natural foods, do NOT retreat back to those old habits that you have strived to leave behind. Gently introduce other healthy foods…and eliminate those that no longer serve your body well…but don’t go crazy, still enjoy your favorite foods..but now- in moderation.
Having said that, hopefully your taste buds have grown accustomed to the taste of “real” food (unprocessed or cooked). Don’t deprive yourself of that snack or meal that you absolutely love because it is not a whole food nutrition- just make it an “occasion” and not a way of life. By doing this you shouldn’t feel a bit deprived. When you are deprived or believe you are, that is when you may go on a binge.
When you begin your ‘10 days’ make sure you have all the foods you need on hand as to avoid hunger or being without a meal. In addition, if possible, limit accessibility to the foods that you will not be able to have but absolutely love. (for me that was having no wine in the house, and no cheese and crackers!)
If you happen to go off your program in one meal or snack, no worries, simply get back on track. Whatever little steps you are taking to improve your diet and overall health, they will add up in the long run. The worse thing is to beat yourself up and feel “guilty”. Don’t do it!
I ran into a situation last night that made the “challenge” well, “literally a challenge”- and it wasn’t that I was deprived- I just “felt deprived!”. We went to my folks for dinner and then had my daughter and granddaughter also join us for the night. I was surrounded with the aroma of foods that I love and would have eaten, including before dinner cocktails and dessert after dinner….. not to mention popcorn late at night with my granddaughter. I stayed true to the program, but I realize that if a good rule of thumb is if you don’t need to socialize or have meals with others, then it is best not to put yourself among temptation. Honestly, I loved my meal of a large raw salad and Lentil Chili….it was very satisfying- it was just that I “felt” deprived. No need to put yourself in that situation if you don’t need to…and thankfully today is day 9 and I won’t have too many more of those opportunities- by choice.
A great book that I love and highly recommend is “Living Foods For Optimum Health” by Dr. Brian Clement. I read that for the first time back in 1999 when I spend 3 weeks at Hippocrates at their living foods institute. An easy read packed full of great information and inspiration….
Until later….
