Eating Organically

I completed my 15-day fast, and to be quite honest, I snuck some hummus in there around day 12. Overall, I’m proud of my accomplishment because more than anything, I “get” how much control I have over my food choices and that cravings are evil tricks of the mind.

Since then I have committed to shopping and therefore eating organically. It has not been as hard as I imagined, but it demands that I organize my time well in order to cook more often. It also means more meatless meals, which is an adjustment for my family, but they are taking it all in stride.

Folks often associate an organic diet with a huge budget, and although  grocery store prices are marked up, I have found the best resource in my local farmer’s market. Buying it direct saves money and you will find tons of seasonal produce and other groceries, including eggs, breads and grains. For those things I can’t find at the farmer’s market, I’m leaning on Simply WholesomeSprouts and Trader Joe’s to provide.

I’m three days shy of making this diet change a 21-day habit and I’m looking forward to what I discover about myself, my body and the healing nature of the foods I’m eating. As for my skin? It’s on its way and I believe as long as I stay consistent, I’ll see the progress I want.

2012: A New Year, A New Me

I decided to not make any resolutions this year, but to continue to move forward with decisions I have made for my life. One of those decisions is to live a healthier lifestyle. I would blame this on the need to drop some pounds, but I’m more vain than that. What triggered this choice is my current battle against the onset of adult acne.

I’ve never had acne before and all my life have had nice, clear skin. I come from a family of women with this trait and when I started to break out, I didn’t panic since I knew how to treat and care for my skin. However, these breakouts were different; they didn’t clear up quickly using my usual methods. I tried facials and eventually tucked my tail and went to the dermatologist. I was prescribed an antibiotic, but was overwhelmed by the nauseating side effects. I went back to try something else and was prescribed a drug I had never heard of before. Through some online research I discovered this drug had worse side effects, including “drug-induced lupus”. I definitely was not putting that in my system.

It was then that I decided to focus my attention on how to clear up adult acne naturally. I learned that the origins of acne lie in both my kidneys and liver not being to do their jobs effeciently, and that in order to correct this my body needs to be detoxed. I thought about this: what had occurred over the past year to fill me up with these high levels of toxins?  The answer: Plenty. Working full-time, running my own business, and being wife and mother is a serious load, on top of daily occurrences that cause stress that I don’t consider, like driving in crowded LA streets. Dealing with different people, different personalities, and different issues in a high pressure environment was more than enough to bring this on. Now it’s time for me to correct it.

I’m starting this year with a physical and mental detox and continuing with the exercise plan I implemented in 2011. For the next 15 days, I will be eating only raw fruits and vegetables, and juices made from both sources to bring my body back to center. This won’t be an easy task, but as my husband always reminds me, nothing worth having ever comes easy. I am committed to this 15 day fast – no matter how hard it gets I won’t break. I’m excited to see how the body can heal itself with food and even more, I’m looking forward to seeing my complexion improve. Additionally, I’m purging myself of 2011 stresses – especially those things that aren’t personal to me. My focus is making me a better me so I can reach my highest potential as wife, mother and entrepreneur.

What changes are you making for your life in 2012?