I started with cereal. It was horrible. It was one of my usual (PRE-30 Days) cereals - Honey & Almond Granola, and it was Cascadia Farms Organic. Now, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that brand. In fact, if you're going to eat cereal, that's a great brand. It's all organic ingredients, including the sweet parts, which is good. I'm not even sure if there is a preservative in it that's not organic. What was horrible for me was the sweet... it was TOO sweet for me now. I felt like I was starting my day with dessert... it just felt...well... wrong. So, tomorrow, I'll have my oatmeal with raisins, cinnamon, nuts, and a touch of honey.
For lunch, I had quinoa w/ raisins, spinach, almonds, red onion, greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a little garlic. VERY Mediterranean. A small bit of cottage cheese on the side was a nice addition.
I did not have dinner tonight. Frankly, I'm not hungry. I should eat, but I just don't want to. Instead, I'm having a nice, hot tea.
In between, however, I enjoyed more than one little Reese's Peanut Butter cup. In fact, I had 2 small ones today, along with a Reese's egg, and an Almond Joy egg. My "lady time" is coming, and I am finally able to cave to my chocolate craving. And I don't feel guilty. Whaddaya think 'o that?????
I don't want anymore chocolate. I treated myself, and now I feel as if it's enough, and may be for quite awhile.
Here is what I've learned...
- Eating fresh is expensive. I've spent almost twice on my grocery bill as to what I normally spend each month, and sadly, it was all for me. Very little for my family. Organic Milk, expensive and doesn't taste the same to me. I'll get used to it, but I miss my regular 2% milk. Can my conscience allow me to drink milk from farms that treat their milk cows the way so many farms do? Sadly, I'm not sure. I'll look for brands that are friendlier, with more heart.
- Fresh eggs from a farm and not in your grocer's case? Yep. I'm all for it and will continue. There is something very satisfying and loving in visiting the birds that seem to enjoy puttering around with each other, freely, fat & sassy, and with lots of energy. Almost smiling. They come to you excitedly. They don't run away. They are happy to see you. For that, I am grateful to my new friends Misty and Matt. May we always have a happy "Egg" relationship! (which reminds me... almost time to make another visit!)
- Cooking fresh takes time, patience, and skill... all of which I do not have enough of. You can't just open a box of something and dump it in the boiling water. Fresh veggies go quick in the saute pan, no doubt. No thawing, no prepping other than chopping, and everything cooks quickly. However, doing that 7 days in a row, and not being skilled & experienced enough to pull together new things is a downfall that I have right now. With more time, I'll find interesting recipes that I'll be familiar enough to make quickly.
- You must plan... fresh foods w/ no preservatives "turn" in a short time, so buying in bulk is out of the question, and you must plan in order to use them up before that happens. Maybe pickle the carrots, onions, tomatoes, and cukes... but that is something I don't know how to do yet. Dinners planned just for me is a tough thing to do. Most recipes are for several people, and trying to cut them back to feed just one is tough. Even with leftovers, you still have to move on them, and frankly, I was tired of the same thing as I tried to use them up.
- Be patient with yourself... some days, I was inspired to do great things. Others, I was just tired and searching for something to go with a piece of cheese. On those days, I was angry at myself.
- You can't be lazy when eating fresh, or you'll fall into the same rut as I did...
- The body has to adjust... one must be ready to feel up & down... just like any other change in nutritional habits, we have to experiment when it comes to making a change like this. I needed to allow myself to feel different and not dislike myself for it.
- Food is emotional! I love myself now for sticking with it and being good to myself, but some nights in bed, I loathed myself for wanting a big 'ol PB&J Sammitch!!! Or a box of crackers with a vat of store-bought hummus. I didn't eat it, but it's what I thought about until I dozed off.
- After awhile, cravings go away for the most part when you fill yourself with the good stuff. If I wanted cereal, I would eat a piece of fruit, or make myself a power shake with Ice cold cocoa soymilk and fruits & yogurt. It hit the sweet spot.
- Finally, I learned that this is not as far off my normal eating habits as what I thought it would be. It did cut out a few things that I usually gnosh on, and made eating out nearly impossible, but other than purchasing different brands so that it was organic, (Yogurt, milk, etc.) it is pretty much the same.
What I DO wish I could have done was more yoga this past week. My schedule is still tight, but my buns aren't!
I do love myself. I love who I've become, I love that I can follow a regiment on my own, and feel good about it. I love that my family is SO AWESOMELY supportive of these crazy things I do!!! I love that I have the best cheerleaders in the world in my daughter and my life partner. I love that I seem to have the respect of friends and co-workers, and they aren't looking at me like I'm a freak, but rather someone that is educated and knowledgeable on the subject. And I really love the fact that it isn't all about food, but it's about life. A WAY of life that includes a lot of love, a lot of dignity, respect for our world and our environment. Care for our local farmers, for the livestock, for life itself.
I am SO GRATEFUL, and I hope that more folks will join me in seeing what we can all accomplish together. I'll continue this route for as long as it feels right for me. Much love, Blessings, and Positive, White-light Healing energy to all!!!! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and maybe want to join me in the next adventure!!!!
Stacy Milheiser
Vegetarian, Optimist, Mom, Life Partner, Cheerleader, and "Prana-Mama" (and none of those things necessarily in that order!)
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