photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc
It’s been 7 days since I began my journey to South Beach. The week has been up-and-down. It’s been exhausting, calm, turbulent, and cleansing. I feel different. Better? Yes. Has it been easy? No. The beginning of the week was the most challenging and emotionally taxing. Even though I started the week with a new direction, I felt the ever persistent winds pushing against me, restraining forward motion. Throughout my journey, it was essential to change direction often so the gust wouldn’t push me over or drown my efforts. I made it past the storm, I think.
Now it’s Sunday, and I have a week of clean eating, without caffeine, alcohol, breads, pastas, fruits, sugary things, chocolate, or cheating under my belt. I feel so many things; however, first and foremost, I am proud of myself. I know another 7 days are waiting to challenge me but I am prepared and ready for the many non-planned challenges that can easily side track my journey. It feels good to victoriously exclaim my preparedness because even though I thought I was prepared last week, I had to also convince myself that I could achieve my desired goal of starting and staying on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. Today, I confirm and celebrate that I DID IT (well, half of it at least).
Tomorrow starts week 2 of Phase 1, a continuation of the strictest part of this eating plan, and once again my menu planning is done, my shopping is done, and I am aware, clear and ready regarding how to get through another tough week. When I was at the grocery store this morning, clutching my list, I felt empowered. I am no longer swayed or lured by every label lurking from past eating habits. I scampered down the forbidden aisles, confident, unfazed, and clear in my mission to healthy eating. I no longer have a relationship with these foods, these ingredients, or these overindulgent sugary products. You are not the boss of me, anymore.
This week allowed me to break a pattern with foods that no longer enhanced my life. These foods were holding me down, making me feel and be unhealthy, and causing guilt, shame, and sadness. In only 7 days, I have changed. I am making positive decisions. Even though it is still hard, very hard, and sometimes even self-doubt peeks through my window or taps at the door, I know I am moving in the right direction. I’m not sure what the scale says yet, and I guess, it doesn’t even matter so much right now. I’m feeling better and better each day. I’m drinking so much more water. I’ve added fat-free, organic milk into my daily routine (those who know me, understand that I really don’t like milk). The food I am cooking for myself and our family is colorful, flavorful, and healthy. I am exercising. I am pushing myself. I am doing what I intended to do, and that’s live a healthier life. Hoorah!
Seven more days, that’s it, that’s all. I can do it. You?
Congratulations!! That’s a lot to let go of at once! I applaud your strength. I have a hard time letting go of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, and I know if I tried getting 8 hours’ sleep it would help, but I gave up on that.
You sound strong and aware….you can do it for the next 7 days, too!
Thanks for the inspiration to make some changes.
Hi Julia, and thank you. I’m strong but it’s hard. I am constantly reminding myself that I can actually achieve this goal. I really needed to make these changes. I was heading down a bad path that I did not want to go. Thanks again for stopping by and for commenting.
Yay Nikki! I’m so proud of you! You have a nice notch on that belt and will soon add more! Keep up the fabulous work – it’s a great inspiration and has even gotten me thinking a lot about my food choices, which has been great! See you at spin!
Awww,Seema! Thank you. Can’t wait to spin-it-out early morning style. I hope I remember to change out of my pj’s.
COngrats Nikki. We are here for you and see firsthand how strong you have been. We are proud of you. See you at spin!
Thank you, Jodi (insert juvenile giggle here)! I’m so glad I have you and Seema by my side, motivating me to be strong and better. Hooray for us, and for our new found exercise plan.
Great to hear that it’s going so well! You’ve got this second week!
Thank you, Kathy! I hope “I’ve got this second week”. I’m feeling hopeful but know that things happen all the time. I just need to be secure that I can do it, and do it well. Thanks for your support.