This week I’m incredibly motivated to commit to my Lenten vow to follow a more cleaning eating sort of lifestyle. Think the Whole 30 and paleo movements, only will a little less… trendiness. It’s really more along the lines of eating the way people did a hundred or years ago when we didn’t have Snickers, Lay’s potato chips, and microwaveable meals at our beck and call. It’s also more along the lines of eating foods that aren’t going to cause some serious health problems. Also? Think of it as the human body doesn’t need chocolate cake and latte to survive on a daily basis, and I’ve got the willpower to abstain from such things for over 40 days and nights. And since I’m hardcore, I’m doing this 45 days and nights — I only subtract my daughter’s birthday from this equation here!
Here’s what the menu’s going to look like: chicken , turkey, fish (blech!), eggs, green veggies, fresh veggies, frozen veggies, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, water, broth (veggie, chicken, turkey), herbal teas, hot lemon water, sweet potatoes, white potatoes (which come from the ground, so there!), maybe some beef or pork here and there, possibly some rice. Ultimately, I’ve got a lot to work with. Here’s the tricky part — what it’s NOT going to look like: no chocolate, no coffee, no tea, no alcohol, no refined/ added sugar, no flours of any sort (not even gluten free), no processed foods, no dairy, and basically no fun. I’m unsure of my precious almond milk at this point — it may or may not get “technicality” status. I may or may not play around with different foods that have a reputation for causing inflammation or intolerances.
Over the course of Lent, I’m going to access how I feel. My goal is to replenish my body and increase my energy. The focus is mainly on what’s going in my mouth, but I do plan to incorporate more movement in my daily routines. I may find that I’m more motivated and energetic while eating healthier foods. And of course, we can’t leave out that this is a Catholic ritual, so therefore I’m also setting a goal to do penance here. Watch out, Wednesday! I’m ready for you!
