So many of you may not believe me, or think I’m being dramatic, but my diet over the past few weeks has not been quite up to par. I know this because I haven’t been feeling myself, and I’m experiencing a lack of sleep, lack of energy, and quite honestly a little bit of a lack of motivation to fix it. Combine all this with the lack of an intense exercise program due to Covid and the gyms being closed (or I’m still afraid to go!) I can imagine I’ve gained a pound or five. I do run everyday, however this just does not seem to be enough.

I have to be realistic and except the fact that age comes into play, but that cannot be an excuse!And if I’m being honest with myself – I have given myself alot more slack in terms of what I’m putting into my body, and I’m feeling it! For example, things that I slowly took out of my diet over 5 years ago, corn, legumes, wheat, starch… I slowly started to incorporate back in, mostly in situations where I have to make a compromise because we are eating out again, I’m cooking for my husband and/or it is just tempting and I’m just craving it. I think the effects of doing this has started to compound because now I feel is it affecting me not only physically, but also emotionally. Overall my diet and exercise routine appear great, even extreme to some – but this experience has taught me that once you get your body into the shape where you feel good and strong ALL THE TIME and then feel like you’ve backed off – it doesn’t matter what is normal or extreme to everyone else, it’s your body and mind and you have to listen to what they are telling you.

One positive that has come out of backsliding a bit is that now I know for sure what I’m putting into my body surely does affect the way I think and feel. Sooo back to basics. Back to purely clean eating. If I can’t put an ingredient on my counter and if I am considering something that is packaged, and I cannot understand what an ingredient is or pronounce it – it does not go into my body. No more white starches, processed flours, corn (tastes great but not digestible and high glycemic index), etc… I’m going back to purely plant based to include nuts and seeds. The one thing I never brought back into my diet is dairy so no worries there. 

Another place I struggle because I do exercise a lot and I am getting older is a lack of protein. This is an area I will be studying and will be sure to incorporate and report on as I learn.

But my lesson for myself, and for you today, is to set yourself up for success. First thing in the morning grab all the healthy ingredients out of the refrigerator and put them in sight. Don’t allow yourself to think about what you want to eat just make the decision you’re going to eat what’s in front of you. Do this three times and boom – now all you are craving are those healthy foods. It’s simple science! 

Oh, and one more tidbit of advice, put the wine bottle away after a glass and a half – and drink warm lemon water before bed and when you wake up!!!