Spirit will channel at the weirdest times. Last night For dinner I wanted thick and hearty, Creamy and fresh. So I decided on Creole flavored Pinto beans w/ fluffy Wild Rice topped with Sour Cream & a Spicy Pico. It did not disappoint my tastebud at all.
While I was enjoying this meal I started thinking about how I got here. Technically I was raised on a garden diet, but also lots of soul food, fried foods. As I had gotten older, I grew my own desires for processed foods and extreme alcohol abuse.
I soon found myself quite frumpy and unhappy with my body, mental health and diet. In efforts to lose weight and “fix’s myself” I tried personal trainers, supplements, pills, fads, south beach, no carb, keto etc., all short lived and with very limited success.
One day I decided that my diet - was mine and mine alone. It was jus as personal as my relationship with my mate - it was my body and my desires. Though I wanted to make changes - I knew these changes had to be for me only. They also needed to be something that I could live with daily, without feeling punished as so many fads leave us.
Often to make changes we feel we have to be dramatic, or they have to be drastic changes made instantly. Or that we must cut off all of our old to become new. What if I told you allowing a natural gradual change is best, it is more sustainable and also supported by spirit.
Slowly over the course of two years I started to make changes. My body instantly toned, my stomach flattened, my energy levels improved, daily I gained clarity. This pushed me forward to go at it another day. If I had a slip, it’s ok because from the start I intended that there would be slip ups as I am human, and I can simply start right back.
Now four years later and for the most part I eat mostly plant based, I also eat in season so I get to enjoy the array of different foods at their peak. I drink when celebrating, but no longer daily. I do eat meat maybe 1-2 times a week and I enjoy regular sour cream, cheese, honey and eggs (just limited). Every now and then I’ll enjoy a strong cleanse or detox normally 4- 5 times a year.
Eating and drinking this way allows me freedom. I don’t feel restricted and it allows me some fats, lots of protein and keeps me at a healthy weight. This is how I maintain myself, my body and mental self care.
I say my a lot because I urge you to find what works for you. Decide the lines where your health, body and mental meet. Stop following the rules of everyone else! Yes I urge you to feed your body and soul how it desires to be fed.
I really want to stress that you should not starve or restrict yourself, it puts you in a place of lack mentally. Often I will recommend you to start with a strong detox, to reset your pallet and body (but this is not permanent normally done the first week to 21 days). Of course you must use self discipline, after a good detox to get started I recommend you decide what you can and cannot do without. Then simply add more good & healthy foods to your balanced diet. Soon you’ll find yourself eating more healthily, and as you shift your habits, your mind will shift as well.
Up until now I have been talking about food. However you can use this technique of adding “more good” - when going through transformations in just about any area of your life, or when trying to change your habits for the better.
Example you want to change your social circle? You don’t have to get rid of your older friends or family simply start by limiting. Then start adding more of the friends you would like to see in your life. The change will happen automatically as you will start to limit your time naturally with your older group of peers and spend more time with your new peers.
You may want to stop watching/ social media so much. Use discipline by adding more good activities, or different goals. As you complete these new tasks you will automatically limit your television/ social media time. etc.
I urge you to consider ways that you can change your life by simply using discipline with self and adding more.