I have thrown in the towel...I have given up on my 'raw only' way of eating. I am just too dam cold. I have given it my best for 10 days, but enough is enough. When a juice cleanse seems more appealing then eating raw...it is time to reassess. I have been cold the whole time I've been eating this way. Adding spicy peppers has not helped. I am convinced that it is the time of year that is making this impossibly difficult for me. In the spring and summer...no problem.
Last night is when I finally gave in. I was wearing two sweaters and boots as I went to prepare dinner. Trying to figure out what to eat that was cold of at best room temperature had become a chore. I cut up some beets, carrots, onions, garlic sprinkled with a little olive oil, and fired them into the oven. I then made brown rice and green lentils, and a version of a dragon sauce. I put everything into a bowl, poured the sauce over and tucked in. It was the best thing I have ever eaten in my life!! Or a least it seemed that way at the time. My sons ate the same thing, and loved it. One meal...for all of us...what a treat!
So here is the new and improved plan...vegan, yes...raw vegan...not all the time. Listening to my body, and what it needs, has always been a challenge for me. I become so strict with myself that I become deaf to my needs. Or I just blindly and mindlessly eat whatever is available. I finally heard my body asking for warmth...it was the right thing to do for me. I am allowing flexibility as well as sensibility to direct me. No hard and fast rules...just a conscious attitude.
For me, food needs to be a pleasure and a gift. It cannot be attached to restriction or severely defined rules. That was fine during the juice cleanse...the cleanse was not a way of life...it was a temporary measure, used to heal me...which I believe it did. Now the real world way of eating is where I must find my feet. Yes, I want to experience a lot of raw, but I also want to experience comfort, warmth and gratitude for what I eat. My search for balance begins...
THE ABUNDANCE BOWL
That bowl looks awesome, and super healthy as well. Good for you to listen to your body - with temperatures hovering in the -25c range you need to nuture yourself with warmth - loved ones and that lovely meal. You are on a great mission of discovery and I applaud your resilence and flexibility.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rhonda :)
DeleteBy listening to your body you are doing the best you can! Way to go Leeann xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired a lot of people, including myself:) Thanks for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteOn day 42 of my juice cleanse, I am preparing to end this extreme measures. I am pleased I reclaimed my health and I am motivated to eat well. I too need some warm food. I'll see what tomorrow brings when I get on the scale for the first time in three weeks. I know the news will be good. Way to go for all you have accomplished and continue to accomplish. Balanced eating is the key. I know it is time to end my cleanse because this week has been the hardest. I am craving EVERYTHING! Again, blessings on your sweet head and heart for accompanying me on this tremendous journey.
ReplyDeleteIt has been my pleasure Muriel, couldn't have done it without you :)
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