Mindful Journey To Wellness

By now the Christmas decorations are down and we are almost 2 weeks into 2014. I had some health challenges this past year and decided to change my diet drastically and make a New Year’s resolution to lose 15 pounds. Yes wellness counselors do get health challenges like the rest of the population. So I am becoming my own coach. My wellness program consists of no dairy, meat (eggs, poultry and fish is ok), gluten, soy, grains, beans, legumes, caffeine, alcohol or sugar. You must be asking what the heck you eat. Doesn’t sound like a lot of fun? Well I decided to share. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of transitioning to this.
Day one after New Year’s I was motivated. I was going full speed ahead. That was great till the weekend rolled around and I wanted to go out to eat. No Japanese food too much soy and rice, Mexican too much beans and corn, Greek too much meat, dairy and pitas. Next my beloved Thai where I love the pad thai was a no no because of the noodles. Chinese food was next which by the way is really boring if you don’t use the sauces. You get the picture the list goes on and on. Then there is watching my husband and friends have drinks and food that I love and smack their lips as they are dipping the bread in olive oil. I am a wellness counselor but I am also a foodie. I love food. Good food but I am not a saint. I eat organic and I eat very well but I do enjoy my cheat now and then whether it be a piece of chocolate, a glass of wine, pizza or some chips (healthy ones of course).
What I found is what I’m made of is more than giving in to pleasure or habits. Its takes a lot of fortitude and courage to move through this wellness plan. Oh yeah did I mention tears and bad moods. Of course this is all part of it. I deserve this or that constantly runs through my mind. Oh well if I only had it in moderation but as humans we know that little eventually gives permission to let go. So as I sit here eating my roasted brussel sprouts or kumquats as a snack I realize I can do this. My lunch of Thai coconut carrot soup (see my recipe section ) was amazing so satisfying. This food tastes good and I know it’s healthy for my body not just to satisfy a quick urge for something. It’s a journey and I will have good days and bad days. So far so good I will keep you posted.