Week 4

It is so hard to believe that I have been doing this diet for 4 weeks already! Seems almost impossible. The last time I did a hard core diet, I was dying to eat normal foods. It was torture to see things Icouldn't eat and I never stopped craving foods. This time around the cravings are rare. They pop their ugly heads up once in awhile, but I usually slap them with a large dose of protein or fresh veggies. That seems to do the trick. I miss coffee, but after a few "cheats" with organic decaf coffee I am ready to be done. I have noticed that it makes me ill within 10 minutes. So ill in fact that I wonder if I am getting the flu. Last night it hit me that the coffee was the culprit. Unfortunately that means I am done with it for good. It is sad, but the benefits completely outweigh the fact that I won't be able to enjoy a cup now and then. Tea will have to become my new coffee.

This new way of eating and living was hard to adjust to at first. I have now set into a nice stride. The foods are exciting and flavorful. It is exciting to prepare meals. I can't wait to take my first bite of something new. It is an adventure every time we sit down to eat. I can honestly say I don't want to go back to my old ways. I have learned too much about our diets and what foods are doing to us. There is no way I am willing to subject my poor body to that again. It will be a process to figure out budget friendly foods. By no means has this been an inexpensive change. I am slowly finding new ways to navigate through the whole foods world. There are coupons, discount websites, and sales to maximize on. Anyone who knows me understands the draw to find the cheapest way around this! It is somewhat of an obsession. Keeps me on my toes I suppose.

My health is improving. Each day I feel stronger, less fatigued, clearer, able to tackle much more than before, and just over all healthier. My body is changing dramatically. My skin is clearer, my hair shinier, and my teeth are whiter and brighter. I have lost weight unintentionally, but in places I could not touch with exercise. It seems strange, but I feel like my body is building muscle without really trying to do so. My mind is sharper, breathing clearer, and my aches, pains, and muscle stiffness are getting milder. Headaches are becoming a thing of the past. This is such a blessing. The struggle with anxiety and depression are almost gone. I find myself forgetting that these were problems I faced. These things were my daily reality for too long. Years have passed since I felt healthy and alive. I am finally getting a glimpse of what that is again! For any of these benefits I would do this diet! It is amazing what a few weeks of eating right can do for your body and mind.

It is an up hill battle for now. I know that the time will come when I no longer feel like I am climbing. Each day feels less strenuous. It is exciting and continually motivating. I am thankful that I have a family that is so supportive of me. Too supportive at times! My children constantly monitor my food, making sure everything I put in my mouth is ok! It is annoying at times, but it shows me how much they really care. I am thankful to my hubby for putting up with all the changes. He is a good sport and eats most of the food I make. I am so blessed!