A Journey

I think I've mentioned before that I recently "swore off" processed foods. I settled on this challenge back in June and it's been one hell of a ride. I've never felt better! I have a ton of energy, my mind and body have changed for the better and even my skin looks brighter. It's increased my vitality in more ways than I'll know.

Earlier this week, due to stress and hormones, I could not stop thinking about a sweet treat. It consumed me. I just wanted a damn cookie! So, on my last Whole Foods run, when my will power was particularly low, I picked up these.



I came home and had a couple. Although it was the fix I was looking for, it put me into an emotional tailspin. Have I failed? I love challenges. I love testing my willpower. I secretly think that my willpower is one of my greatest strengths. So, eating these cookies, I immediately started questioning everything. Am I weak? Can I not handle it? Eventually, this turned into making negative statements about myself. I’m a failure. I’m worthless. I have no control.

Well, I’ve overcome. I realized that I can either sit, whine and eventually give up or I can accept that I ate something processed and realize that it’s not the end of the world. I decided to give myself credit for everything I have done so far. Hell, for even trying this whole challenge.

I accepted it. I forgave myself. And I moved on.

See, the thing is, eating a diet of organic vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes and cutting out the processed junk does not happen overnight. It’s a journey. I’ve always been an “all-or-nothing” girl and realizing that this is a lifestyle and a journey was a breakthrough. Changing the way you think about food and your priorities overall is a life altering thing. It takes time. It’s a journey.

Another thing; It took me a while to blog about this. I think I was embarrassed. But, I realized that nobody is perfect. And none of my (three or four) readers expects me to be perfect. I think honesty is way more powerful than perfection.