This time I mean it....

How many times have you said that in your life? I've said it too many times to know. I'm doing things a little differently this time. I don't mean it. I'm just going with the flow. I'm going to see what happens. I'm not going into this with any unrealistic expectations or unwanted heartache. What ever happens will happen and I am just going along for the ride. I'm tired of disappointing myself. This time will be different because I'm not playing by the rules. I'm just making them up as I go. Today is day 5 and I've already lost 9.4 lbs. I'm not going to sit here and pat myself on the back. I'm just going to relax and enjoy the ride. Well, I'm off to the gym. I mostly go so I can use the massage bed but while I'm there I might as well use the treadmill right?

-Penny

Juicing: Day 4

It really only gets hard at night time. That's when the hunger and desire to eat crap kicks in. I have managed to not give in to temptations thus far. It's hard though. I've been having weird dreams lately. I blame the juicing but its all good. I feel better now that I have gotten up and started doing things around the house. I've noticed that I have a lot more time on my hands now since I'm not grazing (eating) all day. Which is good. You don't really realize how much food consumes your life until you take a break from woofing it down. I'm not feeling that crazy spark of energy yet. I think my body is still trying to get rid of all the toxins. I'm not going to give up. This is more of a life change than a diet. I will eventually incorporate plant based foods. This is more of a jump start to eating healthy and getting my body used to what it should be doing. 

I am going to Universal in September and I want to be able to walk the entire amusement park with out feeling like I am going to pass out. These are the little things that people take for granted. The ability to walk what seems like endless amounts of time. I wonder if there are any juice bars in Orlando. I figure there has to be. It is a major area. Planning ahead is something I like to do. I'm more of a tentative planner because I get that things happen and you have to change your schedule. It is nice having options because you did some research. 

It's almost the weekend. I can't wait until Monday to share my new weight. =) 

Juicing: Day 3

     Already on day three huh? Last night was harder because I kept thinking about unhealthy food. It the thought gets stuck in my head then I usually go for it but I didn't. I was able to resist temptation and stick to my juice and water. I think that will be the hardest part about all of this. I've been reading about how other people juice and doing what works best for your life. I don't want this to be some fasting. I want this to be the beginning of a new healthy life. So as the 60 days come my habits will change. Some people juice twice a day and eat plant based food for dinner while other people juice m-f and eat plant based food on the weekend. I don't exactly know how this will all work out for me but I know I want the next 60 days to be filled with healthy decisions. For me, since I've never been taught how to live a healthy lifestyle I figured juicing would be ideal while I pick up some helpful hints along the way to incorporate. I'm having to re-educate myself on what is right and wrong in terms of food. I haven't the slightest idea of what else is healthy out there besides salads and even those can be unhealthy.

     Part of me feels like a failure to begin with because I allowed myself to get to this point. I'm 29 and only now I am learning about how to be healthy. It's pretty sad and pathetic. I'm glad that I'm doing something about it now. I could have waited until I was much older and by then I'd probably have so many medical issues it wouldn't be funny. As of right now I'm not on medication for anything. I am able to walk and explore the world. Some people can't do something as simple as walk. I count my blessing all the time. I just keep having to remind myself of this while I am going through this process. I have a lot to be grateful for. Life is amazing!

Juicing: Day 2

      Well, yesterday went well. I mostly juiced carrots and pineapples. They were amazing! I didn't have the pineapple until later in the evening. I'm trying to do the 70 veggie / 30 fruit combo since fruits can turn to sugar and that's not exactly what I'm looking for. Today I am going to add cucumbers to the mix. Hopefully they will yield more liquid than the carrots. I bought 3 bags and I used all 3 bags but it was worth it because it tastes so good. I woke up with a slight hung over feeling but water is helping with that. Day one out the door! Day two here I come! I don't have any cravings for real food yet. I mostly just want to lay down and relax with my puppy. He is being a cuddle bug today. =) I am resisting getting on the scale. I am the type of person who would step on it everyday just to see it move. I promised myself I will wait the full week before I do step on it. Right now that is the hardest part of all of this.

Juicing: Day 1

      My local Kmart is going out of business so I managed to buy a decent juicer for $13.56! I then went to Aldi's and bought a bunch of fruits and veggies. The first thing I juiced are carrots. It tastes amazing. I bought 3 bags worth of carrots and it still didn't even fill my jar. I need to keep that in mind next time I go back to the store. I bought other items like kale, plums, celery, cantaloupes, a pineapple, and I'm  sure I'm forgetting something. I never realized how much I love carrot juice. Part of me wants to mix it with the cantaloupe but I dunno how that will be. I'm being hesitant on taking risks here. I weighed myself this morning and I won't weigh myself again until next week. I'm one of those people who will weigh myself everyday if I allow it. I think I want the surprise of what the scale will say. We shall find out if I can hold back from using it. So far so good.

     Along with putting the right foods in my body I am starting to exercise this week. I start Zumba class tonight. I hope that is fun. Sometimes I get nervous meeting new people but it is good to get out there and see what happens. I plan on doing Zumba 3 days a week and the other 2 days going to the gym. I will probably take the weekends off. We'll see. Everything seems to be going fine so far. Day one isn't over yet and I hope it continues to be great.

 

                                             

Self Care

      Sometimes you have to think about yourself. This weekend was all about self care. I walked around the boardwalk and I went to the beach. I love the smell of the ocean. It was very relaxing. Sometimes all you have to do is make sure you make yourself happy. Even if it is just one thing at a time. We can't always do big events. Pick something small like time alone for 30 minutes or reading a book for a chapter or two. Today I keep this short because I am not done thinking about myself for a change. I'm off to spend time with people I love and enjoying my night.

Cleanse

       Sometimes you have to cleanse your life in order to weed out the good and the bad. This goes for all facets of life. When you're at home today take a seat in your room, kitchen, living room and look around. Is there unnecessary clutter? Is there something you've been holding on to just because? Or maybe there's a reason but deem down you know its not a valid reason. Like holding on to something someone gave you because it reminds you of them. Sure it may be a worn out tattered and torn t-shirt but hey it makes you feel good right? Maybe.... Whats more important are your memories. Things are just that things. Purging the non-essentials in your life will help you determine whats most important. Some people say if you haven't used it in 6 months toss it, donate it or sell it. Having a yard sale is a good way to make some money and meet the person whose going to have new memories with that item.

     Decluttering your home isn't the only way to cleanse yourself. Think about the people in your life friends, family, co-workers. Are there some people you keep around knowing  they aren't the best for you? Are you on a diet but people re trying to pressure you into "just one bite"? Are you trying to do homework but "come on you can finish it tomorrow" ? These type of people aren't in it for your best interest. They're usually self-centered and want what they want even if it is at your expense. It's time to get rid of toxic people in your life. It might be hard at first because those are the type of people who seem to linger around and over stay their welcome. Eventually they'll get the hint. Or you'll have to break up with them. I've have to break up with friends before. It's about as awkward as breaking up with your partner but in the end its worth it. You need people in your life who are encouraging even if they disagree. You need people who will support you even if they think your wrong. You need people who even if you are complete opposites will have your best interest at heart. And in return you will do the same for them. It's okay and frankly I encourage having friends who have different opinions from yourself. It's not okay if they try to force those opinions on you. There's a difference between saying "Hey I'm a Democrat/Republican"  and saying " Oh you're a libtard/retardican" one is factual and the other is hateful. Who do you want on your side? Watch how they treat other people whose different from them because I can guarantee that's what they're doing to you when you're not around.

     Another way to cleanse is to cleanse your mind, body and spirit. Get rid of all that negativity and self hatred. First of all you can't control other people so if someone is being stupid and acting negative don't let that influence your mental state. There's no reason to hate or be ill-full. In order to be positive you must accept that there is pain in the world. Don't try and hide it; embrace it and explore it. Being negative only brings you down. There is  no upside to it. You need to keep your mind sharp and in order to do that you have to be accepting of others and of bad situations. Cleanse your body. Treat it with the respect that it deserves. Don't dwell on the past. If you've spent the past 20 years treating your body like crap then get over it. Spend the next 20 years loving yourself and doing what you know is right. Eat right, pay attention to what your body is telling you, drink plenty of water. Do all the things you know you're supposed to do. You're not going to be perfect at it right away. Hell, you probably will mess up. Its about progress not perfection, Finally spirit. I am by far no means a missionary. I think everyone is entitled to believe in what ever they want even if that means not believing. I don't think spirit has to exclusively be a religious aspect. I think its about your inner core and being happy with who you are. Some people who to church while others meditate. It's not about what your beliefs are but more about allowing yourself to be open to acceptance. Just breathe and calm your inner self.