Since spring is known as a good time for cleaning, I guess it’s time to knock the cobwebs off the ole blog again, friends.
For quite some time now, I have just not been happy with my body because I just didn’t feel or look like I wanted to. Given life circumstances in the last few years, excuses came fluidly as to why I wasn’t making healthier choices for myself. I would halfheartedly attempt to “be good” and then fall back into ways that I knew weren’t the best for me, but, frankly, they were easy and comfortable. I was letting food be a comfort, a vice, a crutch…just not good things for me. And, I just didn’t feel like me. I wasn’t getting out of the rut, so it was this cyclical thing of feeling disgusted with myself and perpetuating the issue.
A couple of friends mentioned various forms of “intermittent fasting” and I kept hearing about bone broth being a gut healer. So, I started to get interested in that and did some research including asking said friends how they did it, etc. Two of the friends I talked to did somewhat different methods, but both were HAPPY with the results. I decided to give it a try and, basically, made my own plan according to what I discovered as I researched intermittent fasting.
One month ago today, I put all the excuses and bad habits aside and I went all in on intermittent fasting. Basically, for me, this means that I limit my meals to between 12p-7p each day. Before each meal, I take organic/raw apple cider vinegar and drink a cup of organic bone broth. Then, I eat two healthy meals per day. This took some getting used to because I am, and have always been, a breakfast lovin’ girl. I still cook breakfast for my family every day, but, at least for now, I’m not having breakfast. The first several days, my body was like “Hold up! What is going on here?!” But, it only took less than a week and I got used it. Anyone who knows me knows I love my coffee, so I do still have that in the mornings. I add just a TEENSY bit of half/half and some organic stevia as not to “break the fast.” I can have water, tea or coffee in the mornings, but just nothing that will break the fast. What I’ve been doing on my plan is having LOTS of salads and having lean protein and veggies. For my two meals a day, I’m trying to eat as clean and healthy as possible. I’m not super strict, but I’m basically avoiding starches, carbs, sugars, most grains, all alcohol, and limiting dairy. Essentially, I’m just taking away the things that, really…I don’t even NEED in my diet. And, I couldn’t be happier with how it’s working for me!
This is a very personal thing, but I no longer weigh myself. I found years ago that the scale went beyond motivating into almost an obsession. I made a decision that I needed to focus more on how I feel and how my clothes fit me as opposed to a number on a scale. I’m now one month into this plan and I cannot say how much weight I’ve lost, even though I know I’ve dropped some pounds, but I can say that my clothes fit so much better and I’m into the size I usually wear and not a size up. I’ve also been able to buy cute new spring/summer clothes in my former size. Also, I haven’t had to take any sort of antacid or reflux medication in a month’s time!! MORE THAN THAT…I feel amazing! My energy has picked up and I just feel BETTER. It is hard to put into words, but I just feel like me again. I don’t feel sluggish or blah, I don’t dread getting dressed because I’m not sure what fits…it’s blowing my mind, really! I am all about non-scale victories, personally, and the successes I’m having on this plan are tremendous for me!
I know this plan isn’t for everyone, but it’s been a game-changer for me. Not only did I finally find my MOTIVATION, but I’ve also found my DISCIPLINE when it comes to sticking to it. Early on, I will admit, it was challenging for me. My body WANTED breakfast. But, I dug down and reminded myself that this body has fat to burn for fuel and I would not cave before 12’noon. I’ve also battled cravings like crazy. For some reason, the cravings tend to come on strong in the evenings. I mean…y’all, I even DREAM about food! This tells me I am battling an unhealthy fixation with junk, no joke. Not to pat myself on the back too much, but it’s seriously taken some “want to” and some sheer determination to stick to this, but I’m very PROUD of how far I’ve come with it. Going beyond motivated into disciplined has really helped me to get to a place where I feel WAY better than I have in quite some time!
Now that I’m at the one month mark, I’m considering adding a healthy breakfast back into my day at some point. With the weather warming up (HOORAY!!), I know I’ll need to walk/exercise in the mornings and I want to properly fuel my body for that. And, I really don’t believe that intermittent fasting is a lifestyle that I could attain long term. BUT…healthy eating IS something I can do long term. That’s not to say I won’t have a treat now and then. That’s not to say that this southern girl won’t have a biscuit every so often. Let’s be honest, I’m not bypassing the goodies 24/7 for life. BUT, my hope and desire is that I’m breaking bad food habits and that the norm for me will be healthier/cleaner eating and continuing to feel better as a result.
To be honest, I wasn’t even sure if I should write or post this, but then I thought about how I can’t possibly be the only one who has struggled with body image and dealt with food being a crutch in my life. So, I’m sharing not because I think this is the “one size fits all” plan for the whole world, but because it’s worked so well for me. The two sayings above have been strong motivators for me too. I honestly want to print them and post them in my house as constant reminders. Going forward, I don’t want to fall back into constant bad habits and I want to keep excuses swept aside for the betterment of myself.
If, like me, you’re looking for a change and/or a starting point for something to help you feel better and this interests you, please feel free to reach out to me and I’ll share what’s been working for me. I am, by far, not even remotely an expert. I just know that this has legitimately been the best thing I’ve done for myself in awhile and if I can help anyone else, I am happy to do so. I believe we all deserve to feel good about ourselves and this has been a boost to get me to a better place in a lot of ways.
Happy Wednesday, y’all…
Kelly