I’m not one for New Years resolutions but I am all for making goals and finding a way to make them happen. For quite a while now I haven’t been feeling my best and if you follow along you might have seen me mention dealing with depression. It’s been rough and lonely and I’ve been desperately wanting a way out. I’m exhausted, depleted, anxious, stressed out, foggy-brained, and all around unhealthy – mentally and physically. Now, I’m not here for a pity party, but I am ready to make some changes. I think I’ve known all along what it all comes down to is food and exercise but for some reason it’s taken a while for that light to really come on, for it to click. I generally don’t write about these things, not because I’m afraid to discuss them, but more I’m afraid if I put myself out there and fail, and then my failure will be public. And no one wants to admit failure. (Especially not a depressed, anxious perfectionist.) But, I’m human and I’m putting it out there. I don’t like who I am anymore and I don’t even want to get back to the old me. I want to get to the even-better me. The best me. The happy, healthy, clear-thinking, loving, kind, energetic, calm me. She must be in there somewhere.
I happened to come across a movie called, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” (Yeah, that’s about how I feel.) It’s a documentary about two guys who go on a juice fast for 60 days to reboot their systems, clean everything out, and start over on the right track. I’m not one that thinks there is only one way to do things but rather that there are many right ways and you just need to find the one that works for you. I’m a perfectionist, a details person, and a lot of the time if I can’t do something exactly the way I think it should be done then I just don’t do it at all. That’s mostly how I feel about food. I like it, in fact I love good food, but I also hate it… because it confuses me. I want to do it “right” but my brain goes on information overload and then it’s all too much and I just stick with what I’ve been doing. Which is clearly not working. But juicing, for 15 days, 30 days or maybe even 60 days. I think I could do that. It’s simple. Simple is GOOD. Maybe in that amount of time the fogginess will lift and I can focus enough to find a way to eat REAL food. Take it one step at a time and begin a journey to finding that even-better me person.
I know it’s not going to be easy and there’s a good chance I might turn into a crazy, crabby, mean and moody person when I first start. Convincing your body to give up the caffeine and processed food it’s addicted to, letting go of that overstuffed feeling, dealing with hunger and cravings – yikes! I think that’s going to be the biggest hurdle. But I’m so done. I don’t want to feel this way anymore and I’m ready to do what it takes. A juice fast for 15-60 days might seem totally crazy and extreme but to me it sounds simple and simple is really what I need right now. I can’t wait to feel good.
I know to get started I need to get a juicer (obviously) and I’m thinking I’m going to get the Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt Juicing Machine
I’ve done a juice fast before, but that was only 72 hours. I’m excited for you to feel better! We miss you and the kids! If you need anything at all, I’m home almost all day everyday and live only a mile away from you. XO
Thanks E, I really appreciate it. We do need to get together. I’m mostly trapped at home a lot but hopefully I can get some energy and motivation back to get back in the swing of things.
I think it’s so true that our bodies get addicted to junk food, especially fast food! When I stop eating desserts for awhile, I then no longer crave it anymore.
I don’t know much about juicing except some people have had good results, but I’ve never known someone on a complete juice diet. Have you also looked into adrenal fatigue and yeast overgrowth in you gut. Both will also make you feel like you are describing. Our family has struggled with both of these. Ah, I don’t want to add more confusion to the topic. So I’ll say good luck! Keep us posted.
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I saw that documentary too. Please let us know your progress and good luck!
Juicing is SO, SO, SO good for you! I’m trying to go “vegan” and cutting out all sugar and most meat and seeing what difference that makes in my energy. I’m not doing it for dieting, I’m just doing it to try to boost my energy levels.
I’d love to hear more about your experience!
I’m currently trying to convince my parents to get a juicer. LOL
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I haven’t seen that one yet, but I bet I’d love to see it. I’m on Nutrisystem right now and lost 16 pounds so far!
Lisa Weidknecht recently posted..Sweep of the Day
Oh, I have really wanted to try juicing. You might be the inspiration I need to do just that…
deb recently posted..Pecan Biscotti
I’ve never tried juicing but it sounds interesting. I’m curious to see how it works out for you. Good for you for doing something about how you’re feeling! So often we just stay in that rut and it takes courage to move out of it and change. Good luck!
Erika @ Musings From a SAHM recently posted..TGIF Giveaway Linky – January 27, 2012
I am so afraid of juice cleanses – I love juice, but I need the emotional and mental fulfillment from substance…good luck to you! I will check back and see how it goes!
Jenn @therebelchick recently posted..The “I Can’t Sleep” Chain of Events
I know juicing is so good for you. My MIL even juiced for her dog when she was dying and it helped her live another year or two.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers recently posted..Parmesan Chicken #Recipe
Those look yummy! Thanks for sharing!! I want one now! =)
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I saw that movie too and it made me want to get fruits and veggies pronto!
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First – I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. HUGS, mama. Second, I’ve honestly never heard of a juice diet like this, but it sounds delicious and it has to be so good for you! Can’t wait to hear how it’s going… I bought Steve one of those little single-sized blenders for Christmas and we have yet to use it, but the goal was to make healthy drinks!
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