I started the For The Glow Detox yesterday, and felt inclined to share a few tips I use in managing my sanity, curbing my cravings and abstaining from licking the chocolate off my child’s face.
First of all, close your eyes, take a deep breath…and let that sh*t go. Let your struggles in the past subside, focus on the present, and know this…you are worth it. And you can do this.
The weeks leading up to the Detox, I had let my willpower fall to the wayside. It literally felt like I was making every poor choice possible – sugar coated molasses cookies, cheesy pizza (with a side of breadsticks), wine…oh way too much wine.
Wait, what? I know what you’re thinking…but you blog about living a healthy lifestyle. You are absolutely right. But I am a real person, and the holiday’s just got the best of me. Here’s the thing…I love my blog (and you all) so much that I end up writing/editing/instagramming when I should be taking a bit more time for my self (i.e. taking my own advice). I’m so focused on future goals that I lost sight of the present, which in turn meant I lost sight of true nourishment – good, clean food. This stuff gives you energy, gives you life, gives you a whole new perspective when done right.
…And this is why I am doing a Detox – it really is a total mind, body, soul experiment that I so deeply crave. I need to feel better. I want to feel better. I’m sick and tired of being tired. Or overwhelmed. You with me?
Okay so now we started the Detox, and crossing our fingers we don’t starve to death.
First of all, I am no stranger to a detox, cleanse, diet, challenge, etc. but For The Glow is different. It has given me life, I swear. I literally felt the change the very first day. This sh*t is real. It’s amazing.
I wish I could give you all the details…but I can’t. You’ll have to check out the For The Glow Detox when it becomes available again – put it on your bucket list!
What I can give you are a few snapshots into the fuel I am putting into my body. The above photo was my breakfast. And it was divine. It felt pure, it felt clean…and it gave me energy.
Lunch was full of color, flavor and again…energy.
Before I give you a glimpse of my dinner, I will confess I had 1 cup of black coffee with a dash of stevia. I normally drink two cups per day, and it is whole-heartedly recommended in order to truly heal your body, caffeine should be removed during the Detox (and maybe forever). I just love it so much…it brings me comfort (yeah, I know we’re working on cutting the tie between emotion + food)…and remember I am a real human being…so that’s that.
So onto dinner…another heaping dose of sexy greens & zucchini noodles (best.thing.ever). Gorgeous, right?
Okay, so now you’re wondering….where are my tips yo? How do I handle a detox?? That’s just it. You don’t. You embrace it. Embrace the flavors, the smells, the feeling you get after you’ve taken the last bite. Once your sugary palate is clean, it allows you to truly taste & enjoy food.
But really…I do have a few words of wisdom for you :)
- Stay busy. No joke, I scrubbed my house on Detox Day 1. Like took a magic eraser to my walls clean. I was so distracted by my task that snacking didn’t even cross my mind. I also attribute my overzealous cleaning-craze to the major energy boost the Detox was giving me. If you’re stuck at a desk all day, complete a project that you’ve been putting off. Find something that will keep your mind (and hands) busy. Trust me…there is always something to do. Now is that time.
- Remember when I said I would give you tips on how to not lick the chocolate off your child’s face? Well, then don’t give them chocolate! Get the crap out of your house and if your husband, roommate, etc. is not on board, then ask them to store it in the garage, their room, someplace you won’t feel tempted. (Disclaimer: I am fully aware as a mom, that a cookie or some other ‘treat’ makes all the difference when attempting the grocery store with toddlers. In fact, the bakery gave my kids each a cookie yesterday…but I have been feeling sooooo good, that the temptation was completely gone. So just trust yourself, okay?)
- Find a new book, playlist, podcast, etc. that inspires you. It felt kinda kismet when on the very first day of the Detox, You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero become available in my Overdrive library (I’ve been on the wait list). This book is life-changing. I am consumed with this audiobook (you can read here why I’m obsessed with audios). It is helping fuel my journey, my purpose, the reason I’m doing THIS. If you’re unfamiliar with Overdrive, it’s a free app that allows you to borrow audiobooks from your local library. Genius, I know. And did you read: FREE? This can also play into the ‘stay busy’ method. I listen to it in the car and become so enthralled in it that mindless snacking is sooooo last year. Not in 2016 babe.
- Modify. Modify. Modify. If there are 5 smoothie recipes on your Detox, and you only like 3 of them, then just keep drinking 3 of them. If something on your plan makes you gag, then don’t do it. Do what feels right, just keep it clean. The For The Glow Detox involves a huge Facebook resource community that is super helpful if anyone has questions. If your Detox is just something you found on Pinterest, then find a buddy or a group to do it with. It helps to work together and relay advice to one another.
- Use the Detox as a chance to overhaul your entire life. Dig deep and not only cleanse your body, but cleanse your soul. This is the time to redefine your relationships. Snuggle more, listen closer, and truly feel the love that surrounds you. THIS will help you get through the Detox. I promise you will be more aware of everything and everyone.
- Workout. Don’t push it, but at least move every day. Yoga is perfect during a Detox. Just get those endorphins going. Sweat out yesterday’s stress. Breathe in good energy.
And I leave you with this. Find people with like minds and like goals. Your tribe will help get you through. Trust me. (Hi Jenny! Thanks for being my person.). ♥
XoXo Portia
*Not all exercise/nutrition programs are suitable for everyone. Check with your doctor before beginning any fitness/nutrition program to avoid/reduce the risk of injury. Exercise at your own risk. Portia will not be responsible or liable for any injury sustained as a result of using any fitness program presented and/or discussed on Obsessed by Portia.