Spring cleaning is not only for the home. It should be for your diet too.
I don't mean "diet" as in restricting calories or saying no to carbs. I mean diet in it's literal definition as "the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats." So the next time you reach for a handful of potato chips you're welcome to say that they're a part of your "diet". Please use this joke at the next party you attend.
This weekend I received a Facebook group invite for a "spring cleaning" healthy eating challenge. My first thought was "pffft - I know how to do that, why should I join a 'challenge'?". Then as I reached for the "meh, it's kind of paleo" dried cranberries that are really just full of sugar, I decided that joining in wouldn't be such a bad idea.
I often say that I'm "90% Paleo", meaning that I leave a bit of wiggle room for alcohol and cheese, and then anything else I don't want to say no to. But as a general trend I avoid grains, dairy and sugars because since I've cut them out I feel a million times better. This week of clean eating is intended to poke holes in the "wiggle room" that I allow and see how much wiggle could be adding to my jiggle. (if ya know what I mean!)
3 huge mega keys to my planned success this week are the following:
1. Drink WATER like it's my job! Or... like it's my blog... since you know where priorities are.
2. PLAN snacks, don't scour co-workers drawers for munchies. This is how wheat thins "happen".
3. Meal prep + PACK meals rather than go to the cafeteria (also saves me all the dollars).
The awful thing that I noticed just on my very first day is that when I got "bored" I'd crave something sweet. Like an afternoon coffee, a mint from our admin's desk or tapping into the gross leftover valentine's candywhat?. And instead since I was mindful, I opted to go fill my glass of water instead. How many calories have gone down this way out of boredom when a quenched thirst was all my body was searching for? I shudder at the thought.
Monday was ultimately successful, especially that I went to Costco after work and didn't even look at what samples they were serving. I walked in, headed straight toward the gum, took a selfie of how much willpower I was exercising then and walked out with self respect and happy feels.
This could be the first step of a twelve step clean-up program. Thankfully I'm going up the stairs rather than down them... am-i-right, Melissa?
I often say that I'm "90% Paleo", meaning that I leave a bit of wiggle room for alcohol and cheese, and then anything else I don't want to say no to. But as a general trend I avoid grains, dairy and sugars because since I've cut them out I feel a million times better. This week of clean eating is intended to poke holes in the "wiggle room" that I allow and see how much wiggle could be adding to my jiggle. (if ya know what I mean!)
3 huge mega keys to my planned success this week are the following:
1. Drink WATER like it's my job! Or... like it's my blog... since you know where priorities are.
2. PLAN snacks, don't scour co-workers drawers for munchies. This is how wheat thins "happen".
3. Meal prep + PACK meals rather than go to the cafeteria (also saves me all the dollars).
The awful thing that I noticed just on my very first day is that when I got "bored" I'd crave something sweet. Like an afternoon coffee, a mint from our admin's desk or tapping into the gross leftover valentine's candy
Monday was ultimately successful, especially that I went to Costco after work and didn't even look at what samples they were serving. I walked in, headed straight toward the gum, took a selfie of how much willpower I was exercising then and walked out with self respect and happy feels.
This could be the first step of a twelve step clean-up program. Thankfully I'm going up the stairs rather than down them... am-i-right, Melissa?
Thanks for inviting me to the challenge my dear friend, Gretchen! You're an inspiration!
What are you guys doing for spring cleaning?
Also, linking up here:
25 comments
to start, love your shoes :)
i'm right there with you, it's always the mid-day munchies at work that get me, and the coworkers drawers full of snacks. I've found it helps if I drink tea between 2-3, and keep a drawer full of healthy snacks... but I won't lie, the candy pumpkin in the middle of our work pit is my worst enemy.
Oh that Costco selfie <3 Girl you have so much will power I am such a sucker for samples but I have been to Costco in a little while since the last time I went and almost shanked someone....you remember that conversation....Mark has had to go but when you send them he comes back with Biscoff cookie spread....can't win. I agree bored eating sometimes is really just your body wanting water....sometimes though I really need a cookie bahahaha hope you have a great day! xoxoxo
Oh that Costco selfie <3 Girl you have so much will power I am such a sucker for samples but I have been to Costco in a little while since the last time I went and almost shanked someone....you remember that conversation....Mark has had to go but when you send them he comes back with Biscoff cookie spread....can't win. I agree bored eating sometimes is really just your body wanting water....sometimes though I really need a cookie bahahaha hope you have a great day! xoxoxo
when i first started my journey, i cut alllll that shit out and man, that was freaking HARD. but after two years of 100% strict clean eating - i'm talking NO CHEATING in those 2 years - i've finally decided to loosen the reigns this year. this means that i allow myself some "bad" food if i want from time to time; i will eat 5 pieces of chocolate covered almonds after lunch and i'm good with that. however, after all that time of not eating shit, i just don't want it anymore and it really makes me second guess my thoughts..."do i really want to eat that or am i just bored?". most of the time, i just put it down and walk away with not a care in the world.
i also think it has to do with the 2390823897437 gallons of water i drink every day that helps keep me full.
-kathy | Vodka and Soda
The "am I bored" or "am I hungry" question has been huge for me, especially in an office setting where free junk food is everywhere!! Planning ahead is a huge help too, although I hate meal prep it does save my butt from cheating and spending all my dollas.
Haha, that Costco selfie is perfect!
I've become so used to drinking water that its become my go-to for everything. I want something to drink? I drink water. I'm bored so I want to eat? I drink water. Working out? Water. Just woke up? Drink water. Then everyone wonders why I pee so much....
Anywhooo, you get used to it. Before you know it, drinking water will be second nature. Cheers!
you fucking would...
Your layout is so jazzy I love it. I just filled up my water to get on drinkin' and am eating oatmeal at my desk. I got plenty of good snacks to keep me fueled today- dried apricots, almonds, yogurt, and a healthy lunch *pound it.* I might do a post soon talking about my office snacks because they are vital and I am a healthy snack hoarder!
ohhhh now i want to wear the shoes i made too! and after this past weekend of foods I don't normally eat and more alcohol than normal I am feeling this challenge too.
You walked out of a Costco with only gum?! I am inspired.
planning is everything!! seriously. like tihis morning i had no plan so it went to whatever i can grab!
My hardest time is saying no to food at home when i'm on the couch...at work it's pretty easy for me to just stick with water and what I brought!! Sounds like you have a pretty good start to clean eating!! I also try to reward myself once a day if I've eaten well...like a child haha!
I don't really eat clean because if I want a piece of bread or cheese during the week, I'll eat it, but I try to stay away from processed foods for the most part. NO fast food with the exception of Chick Fil A or Subway in case of emergency. And a gallon of water a day is my goal!
I'm HORRIBLE when it comes to drinking water. I've tried time and time again and I do well for a couple of days then I say fuck it and go back to only pop. haah
I don't know who posted, "You fucking would." but it has me rolling.
Listen, I just ate a handful of Hershey's eggs. Clearly, my spring cleaning is household cleaning only. :)
I read this post and then went to re fill my water bottle... thanks for the reminder :)
Love the idea of Spring Clean Eating! I'm on board but I wont be visiting Costco any time soon. That place is my dietary/financial kryptonite.
Okay, I'm going to use that phrase, "Drinking water like it's my blog." Hilarious. Seriously.
For me, the best motivation to eat right is the fact that I can feel the difference--and to me, that's a strong motivation!
Why does it have to be SO hard to drink water? I am constantly trying to drink more and forgetting.
Good for you! I can drink lots of water and chew gum but it's what I do at other times that is "dirty" oops. Wait that didn't sound right but you know what I mean.
Self restraint AND cute shoes. That's my girl.
Well I suppose I unintentionally did some "Spring Cleaning" of my diet. I did a 3-day smoothie cleanse after having stomach issues for a few weeks. I felt exhausted during the entire cleanse, but afterward? I felt fantastic! And the sugar cravings subsided, and were replaced with almond butter and smoothie cravings. It was a great way to re-set my healthy eating and get me back to adding more plants to my diet.
I wish we were neighbors so you could give me all your paleo powers! I'm just not motivated at all!
I've only been reading your blog for a week but I swear we have parallel lives, ha!! "This is how wheat thins happen." No joke, that was the last thing I snagged from my coworker. That or the pretzel sticks. Either one, bad news!! I've got stash in my purse so that I won't creep into their office begging for food like a hobo. I always keep a piece of fruit or a bar bc you just never know what you'll be craving. AND GUM is such a weakness. Call me gross, but I could go thru a pack in like a day...ugh! I'm with you on the chugging water though. Definitely helps not only keeping you full, but your skin glowing, ...oh so many things. Good luck on the challenge!!
I need to eat better. But I do love my junk. I'm trying though.
Woo good for you! As I'm typing this, I'm eating a Ghiradelli chocolate bar HA! I should probably join as well ;)
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