It has been two months to the day of the beginning of my juice fast. What a journey this has been. I have plateaued multiple times and have have a couple of cheat meals now. I've moved past a "diet" to a new lifestyle and I feel like a difference person. Now I realize two months is not really anything to brag about but it feels more like 6 to me. I'm 1 lb from my goal on the scale, but I'm not as concerned about the numbers anymore as I am about how my clothes are fitting and how I am feeling. And can I just say.. I FEEL GREAT!
About a month ago, I had started working out some and doing the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and it helped me blast through one plateau with the weight loss, but again I plateaued and decided I would give running a try again. I say "again", because I used to be a runner. Like 6 years ago, I ran almost every single day and I was in the best shape of my life and I loved it. But then I got a job as a nurse and stopped doing any form of exercise. Exercise and I have had a love/hate relationship ever since.
So, back to the running. I have been running again for about three weeks. I started with some run/walking at the beginning, but I have shocked myself with how quickly I've been able to end up running the whole time. Today was a milestone for me. I ran 3.6 miles at a decent pace (Decent for me anyway) and I felt like I could have kept going. It was enjoyable. There were times I actually smiled during my run. Those endorphins I have heard so much about during exercise... well I actually experienced them. I look forward to my runs now. (except when it's on the treadmill. BORRRRRING)
The healthy eating is still going well. I'm to the point now where I splurge every now and then for a meal but the food isn't controlling me. I'm still learning to listen to my body and stop when I feel full instead of continuing to eat because something tastes amazing. This lifestyle is doable. There are things you can get at restaurants that are reasonable. And it's ok to leave leftovers on your plate. I'm learning to live without sweet tea and McDonalds at every meal. As a matter of fact, I haven't had anything to drink other than water and coffee for the past two months. Pretty sure that's a record for me.
This has been one of the best decisions of my life. The decision to get my health under control, to eat better, and to exercise regularly. I haven't felt this good in years and I'm so thankful that I'm in the place I'm in. It's a process and I'm still on the journey, but it's a really good journey to be on.
