You know those times when you decided you were going to "eat healthier" but you didn't clearly define exactly WHAT you are going to eat or HOW you were going to do? There is no real plan... that can get stressful. Because the minute you see that ____ then you want it and now you are consumed with the idea of everything you can't have. Like for me, if I was offered a donut during that time that would be stressful, as the internal dilemma... "But I want it :)" begins. Without outlining my plan clearly so that I know exactly what I will and will not include in my diet, I set myself up for failure and the stress that comes when these occasions arise. Just the failure alone is enough of a tragedy because it leaves people feeling hopeless. Good intentions without clear direction will often times cause failure which leads to the statement I've heard many times- "I've tried everything and nothing works" or "every time I try to eat healthier/loose weight, I fail." Truthfully, while there is a long list of reasons why people fail at countless attempts to eat better I feel the main reason is not because there is a lack of willpower, but rather a lack of planned execution. Take this detox. You would think that drinking only strait green juice for vegetables and fruits for 2 strait days would be harder than "eating healthier", but I have found that because I knew exactly what I was going to do, it has caused me little to no stress at all.
Day 2: This was a difficult day because I had little to no energy. You will note that vegetables and fruits are low in fat and protein :). I had a lot of brain fog and couldn't recall things very well. I even had trouble recalling simple everyday words... like "computer." I think I described it as "the large lilt up box you type things on." You know that feeling you get when your on the verge of getting sick... that achy, weak, kind of sweaty feeling that makes every sensory experience way hypersensitive ... that's what it felt like all day. Noises were louder, my skin was more sensitive, and I would notice weird things like the feeling of water as it goes down your throat... strange. Around 5pm I crashed, and every time I stood up I would get dizzy. I attribute this just as much to eliminating toxins as not having fat and protein in my diet. I started taking fish oils and I could feel the effect within a few hours as I felt less lightheaded and not as hungry.
These symptoms remind me of a few years ago when I didn't used to eat breakfast- I would get really tired, and half way through the day I would crash and then crave carbs. Many people are reactive eaters because they eat a lot of simple carbs (bread, cereal, granola bars, refined grains) and sugar. The carbs and sugar are not good fuel sources, and are rather like gasoline on your energy fire... they catch on fire and give you energy fast and then suddenly.... its gone and your left hungry and tired. Then your body thinks to itself "my blood sugar is really low, I'm tired... what will give me energy NOW", and then you get cravings for refined carbs and sugar again! And so goes the story of roller coaster energy levels and reactive eating habits... its a vicious cycle and usually starts with breakfast, or the lack thereof.
Day 3: I am feeling pretty good today. I started yoga and I couldn't really do many moves because I would get dizzy and have to stop as every thing got dark and my vision got smaller and smaller. I had more energy and my mind was clearer. I still had some trouble recalling things, but It wasn't as bad as day 2. I don't think I was hungry all day. I drink the green smoothies during the day and have more substantial foods at night, and while I felt tired later in the day I wasn't comatose at 5pm.
Look for the green smoothie recipes to try one for yourself!
