Pages

Saturday, August 23, 2014

My thinking has been reset

So my birthday is next Saturday!! Woot! bring on the celebrations!! Normally I am looking forward to an awesome cake or sweet treat. This year though I am looking forward to spending time playing and having fun with my friends. One of the best things that has happened after my 21 days no sugar sweets challenge is I no longer crave them!

There is plenty of research that shows SUGAR is addictive and just as hard of a habit to break as any other substance. The first few days weren't too bad. But after about 7 days the headaches and withdrawals started. I didn't quit though, I pushed through. After about day 10 I saw light at the end of my headache tunnel! My head cleared up, my moods stabilized and POOF the cravings subsided.

Here's a few things I'm noticing. When I start to have sweet treat cravings (especially chocolate) I realize I am either dehydrated, low on the fat intake, or craving a rich experience with another person (like a fun night out or just some fun period). I realized this the other day when I was craving a piece of chocolate, when in reality I was needing to vent some frustrations with my hubby. After about 10-15 minutes of venting (maybe less) my craving was completely gone!

As a health coach I teach about primary foods and relationships are one of them. If we are lacking in relationship connection our body will communicate with cravings. Mine is sweet treat cravings. So, instead of giving in to the craving I will connect with someone, either an adult or a kid. The craving is then gone and I can move on. If the craving continues I will drink some water, have a piece of fruit, or a spoonful of either peanut butter or coconut oil.

Long story short, for the birthday celebration I have specifically said to the hubby no birthday cake or treats! I am looking forward to the focus being on fun, friends, and family! A lot has gone into this transition and it hasn't happened all at once. I share this to hopefully empower someone else to make a positive change in their life!

What positive changes are you making in your life? How are you accomplishing those? What changes are you noticing? What challenges?

To learn more about how I can help you in your positive changes please contact me at 801-518-2964 or holisticallyhealthy14@gmail.com....or comment on this post :) I look forward to hearing your comments!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Big results, small changes

I completed a 21 day no sweets challenge and ended it with smores while we were camping. They were delicious! However the next day....complete disaster! We arrived home from camping and I had a complete meltdown. I was out of control! All of my frustrations and let downs over the past few months exploded out of my mouth. My wise 6 year old realized what had happened the day before said, "Mom you have had way too much sugar." I smiled at her, and then at my husband, and stated, "She's right." And then came more tears...because all i want to be is normal.

What I have realized is I'm my normal. And that includes a couple food intolerance's, hormone imbalance, and a difficult time getting pregnant. Do these make me less important or beautiful? No. And this is hard to accept. I get frustrated because I see people who get pregnant on "accident" and we are spending hundreds of $$$ to get our baby (and spent a pretty penny getting our beautiful 6 year old here). At the same time I try to be loving and accepting and not bitter.

Each situation is different and each person handles their situation differently. Each person grieves differently. It sounds weird to me to say I am grieving over this situation but that's what happens when things don't turn out the way you expect them to.

So, how am I accepting this situation? I focus on my blessings. Here's a list of the first 10 things I can think of that I'm grateful for:
1. My physical strength
2. My spiritual strength and belief in God.
3. My friends and sisters
4. My wonderful husband who is SO patient
5. My beautiful daughter.
6. The beautiful children in my life
7. The opportunity I have to serve others through health, fitness, health coaching, nutrition, spirituality
8. My parents
9. Good food
10. The ability I have to be physically active.

There are so many things in life to be grateful for, even in the darkest of times.

To learn more about how you can gain balance and light in your times of darkness, email me at holisticallyhealthy14@gmail.com or call me at 801-518-2964 to schedule a free health consultation!

Saturday, August 9, 2014

10 days into My 30 Days No Treats challenge

Today is day 10 of my 30 days no treats challenge. I'm starting to feel better and more clear headed. The cravings are still there but I"m not giving up.

What foods am I eating to deal with the cravings? I eat fruit instead of sweet, especially frozen fruit like bananas. The combination of cold and sweet really kicks the cravings in the butt! I am also using peanut butter as a fat. Peanut butter has always been a favorite of mine and I"m glad I can have it :) And lastly, lots of WATER! I find if I'm dehydrated i crave more sweets. In order to combat them and overcome them I drink lots of water. I feel so much better being well hydrated and am enjoying the accomplishment of keeping this commitment to myself.

How is exercise helping? Being physically active gives natural endorphin's. The feel good after a workout reminds me why I take care of myself inside and out. I would rather feel good being tone and strong with good cardiovascular endurance then cave into a treat. Plus being physically strong I can be physically active with my family and friends.

My relationship are changing too. I would rather connect with people through activity then food. That was one of my intentions when I started this challenge. I was getting tired of connecting with people through food engagements. I find the connection more satisfying and fulfilling when I"m not stuffing my face but focusing on the beautiful face across the table or next to me!

The 30 day no treats challenge ends the day before my 37th birthday. I have told my friends and spouse I want to have a party without cake or treats. I want to have fun games and activities! I enjoy connecting with people through fun not food because I can focus on the person I am communicating with, not the food on my plate.

How can you change your eating to deepen your connection with yourself or others? Please post your comments below! I look forward to hearing your ideas and experiences :)