Day 20 of 30

2/3 of the way ALREADY!  It feels like I just started the challenge not too long ago and it's already zipping by so fast.  It's funny how my attitude towards this new lifestyle has changed so dramatically.  I dreaded the days in the first week, and I resented not being able to eat what I wanted to eat, but now.... it doesn't matter.  I feel really good inside and out, and I know for a fact that my mood has just been significantly more stable despite external stimuli.

I used to go through these crazy ups and downs and my emotional landscape was like an unexplored minefield.  Part of it had to do with my hunger and low blood sugar and just busy days and a lot of stress, and part of it had to do with personal things that affected me in many negative ways.  I felt like it was a crushing burden, and sometimes it still feels that way, but I think with the combination of the whole 30 challenge + the adoption of a yogic lifestyle, I have found that I can manage my demons a little better.

Today is a day of reflection.  I enjoyed my casserole, tossed in a little bit of the crispy carnitas and warmed it up.  Munched on some deliciously sweet bell peppers and tomatoes and topped off my meal with a satisfying small handful of sweet sweet grapes.  The flavors of food.  The textures of food.  It's amazing how much we miss all of it when it's buried under all those artificial sweeteners and preservatives, when it's so processed you can't even pronounce half the ingredients.  I definitely have a new found appreciation for what makes those natural life giving calories so delicious.  I'm curious to see how my taste buds will react when I crack open that box of Frango dark chocolate mint that I've left on the counter since the new year.  I'm curious to know if I will relish the sweet semi bitterness of the chocolate and bask in the sugary goodness of the morsel, or if I'll be overwhelmed by the sweetness and immediately feel sick to my stomach.  hm.  maybe I should wait on that.  I don't want to ruin my return to chocolate!

So on this ridiculously cold day, I wish you all a warm night-- a soft fluffy kitty by your side, a huge warm all enveloping down comforter, or a person you can cuddle up with to keep each other warm.

til next time, EAT WELL and BE WELL!!