Go Left

Mum, I don't like salad!

"Mum, I HATE salad, I don't want to eat salad!!" He says as he slams his hands down on the dining table. The youngest is hardly getting any attention because the oldest is throwing an epic tantrum over something that he hasn't even tried yet. It's really not uncommon in our house. 

I try to keep my calm. "Don't focus on the things you don't want to eat, focus on the things you do want to eat. Maybe start with some chicken." I say as I turn his plate so that the chicken is in his face and not the dreaded salad. He hates salad.

My partner is looking at me like sympathetically. I tried to tell him when we met that my kid takes salad hatred to the extreme, I am not sure he believed me. Now he does, but he insists we need to "break the habit".

This just just a normal night in our house. We try to eat our meal but the older of the two boys is continuing to discuss his disdain for salad. He chews, gags and spits it out. The younger one tries to mimmic him and we try our best to teach him it's not right without triggering the older one even further. He's very sensitive at meal time. Between bites of our own and watching the time on the clock get closer and closer to bed time, we try convince him that salad is good for you and tastes nice. the pleas fall of deaf ears. 

The meal is over, except for him of course. He is still sitting there, because he hates salad. My partner, who isn't his biological father, takes him outside onto the curb with the piece of corn that's been causing all of the issues. I can hear him arguing as my loving partner tries to convince him to just try to eat the corn. After ten minutes I decide it's my turn and I head out, I feel like I am going to battle. I am armed with my big bottle of water and I plea with him to just try to eat his corn and wash it down with water. I remind him he hasn't even tasted it yet, how can he know he doesn't like it? I should really be putting my 2 year old down to bed, but I am out here arguing with the 4 year old... The little one misses out which makes me sad. He has a small bite of corn, carries on and cries. Finally he takes a big bit, chews and swallows.....and then proceeds to vomit it back up all over me. 

Seriously, how can he control his gag reflex like that?

I GIVE UP. 

We come inside, him exhausted from screaming. Me emotionally and mentally drained. That was the last time we tried to feed him corn. 

But unfortunately scenes like that continue at most meal times. If it's not corn, it's carrot, or broccoli. Basically anything that comes from the earth. How can I, a health nut have produced that, the lolly and carbohydrate king?

My partner and I have many adult conversations about what to do, both of us stumped. Why does this child have the will of a 50 year old man? How can he, at 3 and 4 out do the will of two grown adults..? But he does. I talk to friends, doctors... people tell me he will grow out of it, I am not sure I believe them.

"Honey, he needs to be told something 7 times before he will believe it's true. We just have to keep trying, it's better for him in the long run." I know he's right, we just need to keep trying with the veggies. He's right, it's for his good in the end.

And so I dutifully place salad in front of him most nights, except those nights where I just can't handle the fight, then we eat spaghetti or noodles of some sort.

I get upset with his dad, he comes home and tells me he ate mac & cheese and pizza. I don't know if it's true but I am sitting here in front of a roast lamb and veg trying desperately to get Mr. "I don't like salad", to in fact eat his salad. Frustrating. 

More times than once, I cry. More times than once, I scream. More times than once, he goes to his room screaming. More times than once he falls asleep without dinner. 

"Iron Man eats his salad."
"First one to finish their salad is the rockin egg!"
"Salad makes you grow muscles"
"Mummy loves her salad"
"Eat all your salad and you can have dessert"
"Eat all of your salad or go to bed without dinner"
"Don't focus on the things you don't want to eat, focus on the things you do want to eat"
"You don't have to eat the salad, yet."
"We will talk about the salad once you finish everything else on your plate"
"Show me how much salad you can eat? You are such a good boy."
"I am so proud of you."
"Do you want to help me cook?"
"Do NOT spit your food out at the table."

The list felt endless. Always trying to convince him to eat his salad. Many times I wanted to give up. Many times it all just seemed way too hard. But then I would picture him, as a grown man living in an apartment on his own and think, he needs someone to teach him about food... and who better than me? And so we would go to bed, and try again tomorrow. 

And then tomorrow came. 

"Here bub, you can have a piece of corn." I say to the little one. 

"I don't have to have corn, cause I HATE corn." The big one teases the little one.

"Ruby, you don't have to have corn, but don't rub it in your brother's face. You've got to eat all of the other veggies on your plate though." I sit down with my plate which includes corn. I start serving up the Mexican chicken and rice bake. Crap... I put corn into the Mexican chicken. I prepare for the battle, to remove the corn piece by piece as I've done many meals before for him. He says nothing. I certainly don't say anything. I'm waiting for him to notice the corn. We start eating. He gets up from the table... I watch him go into the kitchen and I bite my tongue, I try not to scold him at meal time because it only creates upset. The less upset the better during dinner time at our house. 

"Mummy, I want some corny."

"You want corn?"

"Yes."

"Okay love, of course you can have corn." I plate some up for him. 

"This is yum.' he says as he tucks into it. I stare at him. My partner calls on the phone to tell me he is on his way home soon.

"You're never going to guess what Ruby is eating." I say. I text him a picture.

"CORN! Good on ya mate. You're super." After a brief conversation, I hang up the phone. Still amazed, we eat our dinner in peace. A pleasurable meal, amazing. He needs a few reminders to eat, but mostly he does well. 

He looks at the bowl of salad on the table. I often  have a "serve yourself" bowl of salad when the kids are here... just in case.

"Can I have some?"

"Sure! What do you want?" 

I let him use his fingers to pick the bits of salad out that he wants to try. 

He eats 4 cherry tomatoes, 3 pieces of radish, a couple of pieces of carrot, a cooked tomato, 2 pieces of rocket and he even tries an onion... which he washes down with some water, "because," he informs me, "it's a little bit spicy". 

And in that moment, I don't think I have ever been more proud of him. 1 year it's taken us, almost to the day I expect... but seeing him chow down on some healthy food and follow it up with a dessert of cashews has got to be one of my most proud mother moments ever. 

I didn't think he'd ever get there. I thought, I am going to give him food aversions for good. He is going to hate me. Anything I do here gets undone at his dad's house. I am fighting a battle I can't win... but honestly every moment was worth it. In a previous life (before I met my new partner), I would have accepted the behaviour of salad hatred... but I put down our success to my partner's diligence in keeping me on track, reminding me what was important and okay, on my occasions; bearing the load when I was going to explode with frustration. 

They need to be told 7 times (or 700) before they believe it's true, but salad at every meal will help them become accustomed to a healthy life. 

 

Meatless Sunday

Last night we had a beautiful Meatless Sunday roast.... okay, I can hear you saying. "No way, my husband is a bloke / I am a bloke, meat is needed!!!" But I am here to tell you that isn't the case. 

My partner is a man's man, grew up on a farm and loves his food and meat, but he thoroughly enjoyed his Meatless Sunday. My tricks for a successful meatless dinner; 

1. Have 2 or 3 different dishes to give variety 
2. Use lots of herbs to boost the flavour 
3. Roasted onions give a nice meaty flavour and can trick you into thinking you are getting something with meat 
4. The more the better, when it's meatless - don't be afraid to give a pretty large serve. But keep it clean, don't smother anything in butter or cheesy sauces. Let the veggies speak for them selves. 

Meatless Sunday Menu: Roast Pumpkin with Dukka Yoghurt Sauce & Watermelon, Radish and Mint Portuguese Salad

Roast Pumpkin with Dukka Yoghurt;

Ingredients:

• 1 pumpkin of your choice 
• 4 onions halved 
• 2 heirloom tomatos quartered 
• 1 small tub greek yoghurt
• 1 tbs Portuguese seasoning 
• Dukka

Preheat oven to 180 c. Place a splash of oil in the bottom of a metal baking dish. Put in pumpkin face down, place onions around it. Sprinkle onion with pepper and bake for 30 min. 

In a separate metal dish place tomato, sprinkle with pepper, no oil. Also put into oven for 30 min. 

After 30 min, flip over the pumpkin and increase heat to 220. Place back into the oven for a further 20-40 min depending on the size of the pumpkin. 

In a small bowl empty the greek yoghurt and add about 3 tbs water. This should make it a "dressing" consistency. Add more water if required. Stir in 1 tbs Portugese seasoning. 

Remove pumpkin from oven and carefully transfer onto a serving board with the onions and tomato scattered around. Drizzle a small about of dressing over the top. Sprinkle the serving board and pumpkin with Dukka to taste. Reserve the remaining dressing in a bowl to serve. 

 

Watermelon, Radish and Mint Portuguese Salad

Salad Ingredients: 

• 1/3 small watermelon cubed 
• 100 g radish chopped into various sizes 
• 1/4 shallot finely sliced 
• 2 green bits of green onion finely sliced
• 3/4 cup cooked quinoa (any colour)
• 3 stocks broccolini diced 
• 2 handfuls mint leaves chopped 
• 1 - 2 handfuls leafy green of your choice - I used beatroot leaves - chopped 
• Danish Fetta to garnish 

Dressing: 

• 2 tbs avocado oil
• 2 tbs greek yoghurt
• 1/2 lemon juice 
• 1/2 tbs Portuguese seasoning 
• 3 greens tops from green onion 
• 3 tbs water
• 3 cloves roasted garlic (I just wrapped the garlic in al foil with a bit of macadamia nut oil and roasted with the pumpkin above) 

Place all dressing ingredients into a blender, nutribullet or food processor and blitz until combined. Set aside. 

In a large bowl place all ingredients for the salad (except Danish Feta), pour over salad dressing and mix with your hands. 

Put into a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of Danish Feta. Done! 

 

We've got the power... They stock what we buy...

Make your vote count!

One thing we should all be very clear on, is the fact that grocery stores are stocking what we buy. Sure, grocery store will stock what is economic and profitable  - they are a business, but they also need to stock what they think consumer wants. Having what the consumer wants is why we go into the store in the first place after all. 

Wait, hold the phone, they are stocking what we want? That means we have the power (queue music). In fact, every time we go through the grocery store check out, we vote. Every time an item is scanned, we are voting for what we want to see more of.

If you build it, they will come... In 2014, Walmart, America's largest grocer began stocking organic milk... why? The PEOPLE wanted it! 

Walmart's own research showed that 91 percent of its shoppers would purchase affordable organic products if they were offered, Sinclair added.

Lets take a walk down memory lane (close of this post includes some images from my journey)... I've always been health conscious. If I look at what I've eaten over the years though, despite my best attempts, I was doing it all wrong, mainly because I was told to do it wrong!  

I used to eat lots of low fat dairy, I thought that is what I should eat to keep thin - WRONG!
I also used to watch calories, eating things that were low in calorie but also fairly empty, store bought granola bars, low calorie cereals.
I also used to eat a lot of processed meats for convenience - FULL of SALT!
And then there is the corker, fast food.. man did I love my fast food.
But, I exercised too... and look, most of the time I did the "right" thing as a result I was fairly trim. 

But over the years I entered what I call procreation zone... at the time my ex husband and I both had good desk jobs, but we were leveraged to the ears in debt and trying our best to get on top of it. We were also trying to have kids which was an emotionally taxing process to say the least, never mind the onslaught of emotion that comes once you finally have kids. We finally made it through trying to have kids and then we were single income, financially we were under pressure... what gave, healthy eating. 

It's only in the last few years that I have started to really focus on what I am putting into my shopping trolly. There are so many benefits to filling up your trolly with the right food to begin with; 

1. If you have the healthy stuff, you will eat it. It is very unlikely that as a grown adult you will die of starvation if you have perfectly healthy food in your house. 
2. If you don't have the unhealthy stuff, you can't eat it. What a relief it is to walk into the kitchen and know that there aren't going to be any unhealthy treats that I have to say no to! 
3. Spending money on preventative health becomes habit. I walk around the outside of the grocery store first, starting with fresh produce, then meat, then dairy, then cleaning product, then the middle isles. Why - well as I go through the shops and fill up my trolly with the things that I know are good for me, quite frankly I can see the dollars adding up. Therefore, by the time I get to the middle of the grocery store, I know I've spent close to or over my $250 per week, so do we really need that box of cereal? Or could we have eggs and veggies instead? 
4. Meat. You should always have enough veggies in you house to do a meatless day. Breaking down meat is hard for your body, and trust me, it will appreciate the opportunity to have a rest from meat and carbs. Challenge yourself to a couple of meatless days. Look for one of my meatless posts for some complete dinner meal ideas if you're stumped. 
5. If you are buying the right things, lots of fruit and veg, organic grass fed meats, organic free range eggs, minimal dairy and very little processed foods, you are telling the grocery store this is what you want. Have you ever been to a grocery store in a lower socioeconomic area? Next time you are, check to see if they have an organic isle. Then when you are in a more affluent suburb, check to see if they have one, and check out the size of it. When people buy it, they stock it and I am telling you that there is a world of benefits to buying organic, free range and grass fed. 

Man, I really didn't want to bombard you with information and I had not planned on writing about free range, organic and grass fed. But I can't leave you hanging. If I had to give you five reasons why you should buy free range, organic and grass fed, here they are; 

1. TO KEEP THE CHEMICALS OUT: OF THE AIR, WATER, SOIL AND OUR BODIES

The average conventionally grown apple has 20-30 artificial poisons on its skin, even after rinsing. Cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world. Using 25% of the world’s total insecticides – they end up in the clothes we wear, the products we use, the soil and our waterways.

2. TO PROTECT FUTURE GENERATIONS

The average child receives four times more exposure than an adult to at least eight widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food. Choosing organic ensures we are protecting the health of our children and the health of the planet we are leaving behind.

3. TO ENCOURAGE INNOVATION

Organic producers are leaders in innovative research, they are leading the way, largely out of their own pockets, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimising agriculture’s impact on the environment.

4. TO SUPPORT A TRUE ECONOMY

On the surface organic foods might seem more expensive but conventional food prices don’t reflect hidden costs (paid through our taxes). These ‘hidden’ costs include pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and cleanup, and environmental damage. For example the un-factored environmental and social costs of irrigating a head of lettuce is $2 to $3 more than what you pay!

5. TO PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY

Mono-cropping is the practice of planting large plots of land with the same crop year after year. This lack of natural diversity of plant life leaves the soil deficient in natural minerals and nutrients – chemical fertilizers need to be used to replace them. Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice something different: a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity.

- See more at: http://www.tomorganic.com.au/top-5-reasons-choose-organic/#sthash.EID9tBMX.dpuf

Super Sunday breakfast!

If your house is anything like mine, Sunday means family breakfast! Now, im American so I love love love my pancakes.... But alas in a quest for health I'm trying to stay away from the sugar and the maple syrup. BUT I won't be giving up my pancakes, try this recipe out and see what you think!

Savoury Pancakes with Eggs Your Way!

Ingredients:
1 medium sized sweet potato - grated
1 largish zucchini - grated
1 spring onion diced
1/4 cup coconut flour (I use coconut flour but you could use any healthy alternative to normal white flour
1 egg
1/4 avocado per person
Eggs your way to top
Pepper to taste
4 cherry tomato per person cut
Small handful of thinly sliced spring onion to garnish
Macadamia nut oil

Very easy to make!btakes less than 10 min!

Gently mix sweet potato, zucchini, onion, flour, egg and pepper in a bowl with your clean hands. Heat pan and put in about 1 tbs oil. With your hands make little patties with the mixture. You should get about 4-5 from the mix.

The mixture will be somewhat pourus. Place parties into warm pan. Cook oh high for about 2 min both sides. Reduce heat to medium - low and continue to allow to cook through. Once the patty feels firm through the middle it's cooked.

I cook "eggs your way" and put it on top of the party to serve. Scrambled, poached or over medium will all taste great.

Garnish with avocado, tomato, sliced spring onion and pepper to serve - yum!

Food and the power of Meal Planning

So lets talk food...

Much to my partners dismay, one thing I am not very good at is meal planning. Funny thing that because normally he hates having a plan but for some reason when we are talking food, all he wants is a plan. 

There is an element of power in meal planning. It reduces waste and gives the family some transparency on what will be consumed during the week and makes shopping easier. For me though, I find it difficult to commit to doing a meal plan, food is such a passion for me that I like to "go with the flow". I really enjoy the challenge of opening the fridge to see what is there and coming up with some strange concoction. 

I do however have one of these;

It's just a meal planner and you can get them most major stores in Australia, mine is from KikiK. When I do use it, I write it out and put it on the fridge.

Planning allows me to do things like take into consideration the days we are travelling for work plus I can keep track of how many I am feeding on any given night - somewhere between 1 - 6 mouths! Inevitably that creates efficiencies and lets me control the grocery bill. 

You also get the benefit of ensuring that your families diet is balanced. There are plenty of ted talks that discuss the merit of being a weekday vegetarian and the impact that consuming large amounts of animal product has on not only your health but the environment. A meal plan gives you the ability to check for protein balance. 

Now when I do decide to plan I can sometimes be a bit of a control freak, so what I will do is write out breakfast, lunch and dinner - for kids and adults. Breakfast and lunch for adults will normally include Isagenix and dinner will be a family dinner for everyone. 

Ends up looking a little something like this; 

 When I am writing my meal plans, I often refer to some of my favourite recipe books. I don't really follow recipes verbatum but I really enjoy the inspiration that they give me. Pete Evans and Luke and Scott are my go to's for healthy recipes and then I have a few Master Chef and MKR cook books that I also love. 

Through Go Left, I will explore some of my favourite recipes for my family. I hope that you you are able to use them in your own life and enjoy the experience of cooking healthy. 

Crispy Skin Salmon, with Pea Puree and Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Ingredients: 

• 1 pc salmon with skin per person 
• 1/2 cup forze peas per person
• 1/2 shallot per person
• 1/4 avocado per person
• approx 6 baby mixed colour carrots per person 
• 2 spring onion per person 
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (double large groups)
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (double for large groups)
• Sea salt and fresh pepper to taste 
• Avocado oil 
• Macadamia Nut Oil 

1. Roughly chop the shallots and place them into a pot (not a pan) to brown off with a small amount of avocado oil. Brown until golden. 
2. Once onions are browned, place the frozen peas into the same pot with 1/2 cup water, cover and allow them to boil until peas are tender - you may need to add more water. Set aside. 
3. Wash or peel carrots. Place them into a pan (not a pot) with a small amount of water. Turn them on to cook. 
4. Use your barmix stick or food processor to make a pea puree. In whatever device you are using mix the  cooked peas and shallot, you may need to add a 1/4 cup of water. Once mixed add avocado and continue to mix. Set aside. 
5. Cut the spring onion into small batons. 
6. Carrots should now be cooked - to al dente or slightly under soft. Drain off excess water and return to heat. Add a small amount of macadamia nut oil and spring onion. Pan fry for approx 1 min. 
7. Add balsamic and agave and reduce heat. Allow this to make a glaze stirring occasionally. 
8. Pre heat a large pan, add a small amount of macadamia nut oil. Place salmon skin down. Allow to cook skin down on medium to high heat for approx 3 - 4 min depending on thickness. Turn and look for 2-5 min depending on thickness and desired wellness. I do mine for about 2 as I like some pink in the middle. More on how to cook salmon here. 
9. Plate up as pictured above - okay you might wish to do something a little bit prettier, I was having fun with shapes! All up this recipe should take you less than 15 min to cook. Easy done. 

60 + days

For me it it is hard to believe that it has been over 60 days since I decided to take the plunge to do Isagenix. 

In that time I must admit that I have gone through a whole range of emotions from; 

"Yep this is working" to 
"These people are crazy I just want to eat like a normal person" to
"Crap, I've got no time for breakfast - oh, I will just grab a bar! I love Isagenix." to
"Oh no, I am one of those shake people"  to
"I'd really like to get more people onto this, it works well"

Clearly you get the idea, lots of emotions. I am not really a "go with the grain" type of person. Skinny jeans and I took ages to become friends. I don't think I am ever going to be down with the hipster glasses and I don't go to festivals. And there is no denying that there is a culture of hipness that comes with Isagenix. My brain naturally wants to object. But nevertheless I have been relatively committed to using Isagenix in my daily life and low and behold the other day I was standing in the kitchen at work when someone said to me "have you lost weight?". 

That got me thinking. It has been some time since I really tracked how I was going, I see myself in the mirror but I am not sure that is really the same thing. So I decided to take some happy snaps and let the images decide... this is what I found...

And there it is, there is no denying that there is a difference there. What is pretty awesome though is that although I should be, unfortunately I have not been really doing much physical exercise and I've been travelling a lot which means I am not 100% committed to Isagenix, but still the difference is there. 

At the time I signed up, it was promoted to me that I would "feel like a could has been lifted", unfortunately that's not really happened but I think that has more to do with just having too much on. In relation to the fog, I wouldn't say I am feeling better or worse than I was before but I do feel more confident as a result of the weight loss... and I feel like I have a healthy option in times where convenience would normally get the best of me. 

So now that I have tried and tested and seen some results I feel like I am ready to promote people coming along on this journey too. I've re named my blog to "Go Left", because sometimes when things don't go right, it's time to go left. My blog is going to shift a little and become more about life. Different tips and tricks that can help with life, profiles on people, reviews of books, sharing knowledge, reviewing cook books and documentaries, providing ideas for things to do with children, ways to show your partner that you love them, things to do to help a friend in need... a modern day Martha Stewart. 

Watch this space.... exciting times ahead!

Everything in Moderation..... but what about abstinence?

Success, what is the secret to easy success? Is there even one?

For a quite a while I have been interested in the reasons behind why things actually end up happening. Why people make a decision. Why they do or don't do something? Why they do or don't follow though...? I like to understand the emotional and intellectual side of decisions and while I am no psychologist, I don't really accept that someone ever does something without subconsciously processing hundreds of different mini decisions. All of these little decisions take up valuable mental energy.

Even if you think you are "simple minded" and easy to come by decisions, there is still so much happening inside your brain that you might not even be aware of. Like a duck treading water, and that water treading is taking up some of your mental energy! (maybe you need a e+shot! lol)

One of my favourite authors, Gretchen Rubin wrote a brilliant book on habits called "Better than Before". In this book she explores habits; how and why people do things (obviously I loved it!). 

Two key traits she discusses are; Abstainers and Moderators 

You’re a moderator if you…
– find that occasional indulgence heightens your pleasure–and strengthens your resolve
– get panicky at the thought of “never” getting or doing something

You’re an abstainer if you…
– have trouble stopping something once you’ve started
– aren’t tempted by things that you’ve decided are off-limits

Prior to reading "Better than Before", I'd never really been able to verbalise these two very basic differences that I believe she points out so well, and probably there is a very good reason....... It comes down to one phrase;

"Everything in moderation."

When talking about wellness, how often do we hear that phrase? It makes me question, is "everything in moderation" the only answer.....? Sometimes, it seems that way. 

Of course there are plenty of examples of abstinance in our society. Clearly abstinence has it's place. But as a moderator myself; abstaining, to me, tends to bring to mind abstinence from addiction or virginity even! I often associate abstinence with more complex subject matters; rarely does it bring to mind abstinence in a way of supporting me to easily make a daily decision.... but that's moderator thinking. 

So, I truly believe that abstainers and moderators exist and further to that I believe that having a basic understanding of if you are an abstainer or a moderator can go pretty far in helping you reach your wellness goals.

It's all about your mindset and playing to your strengths. Not setting yourself up to fail. "Everything in moderation" just might not be the answer for you... and if it's not, that is okay!

An abstainer says; "I've been cheating so much lately. I've really been so naughty. It's just too hard to stop"
A moderator says; "Who says I'm  are cheating? I am just knowingly making a poor heath decision. It's not cheating, it's a choice and I've made it."

An abstainer says; "I've already eaten so poorly today, I may as well enjoy this" as they hoe into a some cookies and brownies.
A moderator says; "Hm, I  like brownies. I know I am going to pay for this, but I am making a decision that this is what I want and I am going to enjoy these brownies, YUM!"

The abstainer, for the most part, will struggle to walk past a temptation in the beginning. But once they make the decision that 100% committed, they will often be able to hold strong for a long period of time without even rethinking their decision. This can, and often does result in huge wellness success....Unless of course, at some point they decide MAY their previous decision is no longer valid and change their decision (but that's a whole other topic!).

While the abstainer may end up with more dramatic or remarkable success... The moderator seems to have more ability to assess each decision based on merit. Resetting the clock is easy and the moderator can normally change mid day, mid week or mid month. Versus the abstainer who may need to start in the morning, on a Monday, or on the first of the month. 

While neither of these "ways" is right or wrong, it is by having an understanding of these concepts that we can work within our natural framework to strive towards wellness and make it feel EASY!

I am a moderator, and the 30 day Isagenix challenge for me meant that I still ate when I wanted to eat. If I craved something or knew I really wanted something I have it, maybe just a little... but I still had it. 

The love of my life however, when it comes to food, he is a TOTAL abstainer! Two days into Isagenix and he went completely cold turkey!! And while he finds it to be a bit of a struggle at the start, he also knows that this is just his "pain period" and in a week he will be able to walk past the greasy food and not even spare it a thought. Me (the moderator), even during Isagenix week 1, I could have 4 or 6 chips and dump the rest into the bin because I am satisfied after just a few. The all or nothing abstainer would struggle to do that. They COULD do it, but it would go against their "grain", and ultimately exhaust them or make them feel like the decision itself was difficult.

Abstainers CAN moderate. And Moderators CAN abstain, it just FEELS harder to do the opposite. 

Good news is, once you make the decision to look after your health, it doesn't have to really be hard.

So you're on the wellness journey already....If you've gone all or nothing, and it's seeming really tough - try to loosen up a little and see how that feels. Don't be so rigid. Be kind to yourself. Maybe you're really a moderator when it comes to wellness...?

By reverse, if you've been trying to gradually make a change and that's not working, try to go all or nothing. Maybe you're actually an abstainer? Be tough. Be strong. PUT DOWN THE COOKIE! Now, and don't touch it again! 

Knowing your inclination is not about making excuses, it's about stepping outside of yourself and figuring out what method will work best for you, you've been living with yourself for years, I bet you already know the answer! 

It all starts with a MINDSET, and being aware enough to ensure that you're doing things in the way your mind is programmed to do them. This awareness will ultimately save you valuable mental energy and maybe even lead you to some easy/eaier wellness success.

Are you an abstainer or a moderator? Find out below;

http://gretchenrubin.com

P.S. People can moderate somethings and abstain others. For example, I can easily moderate food and health, but I struggle to moderate highly emotional feelings. I'm open to them, or closed to them, no in-between. So make sure that if you are assessing if you are a moderator or an abstainer, you are doing it in the context of the decision you are trying to make. Do this to keep setting yourself up to succeed. 

 

One proud Missus

I've got to say that today I am one proud missus. My partner, who I believe is most handsome, trim and study man ever... has decided to doing Isagenix 30 days. 

I think what I find most attractive about the fact that he is going to do this, is; 

• As someone, who like me is an anti Isagenix crusader, I know that this is taking a lot of open-mindedness for him to try and want to succeed
• I am still in awe that I have a partner who is so willing to try new things that I believe might be good for him, I didn't even have to nag him to do it! 
• I KNOW the strength that it takes to adhere to an Isagenix plan and I am so proud that he has the willpower to do this

I have no doubt that he is going to blitz his way though and in advance of his birthday month month he will surely end up feeling fantastic. Of course I am expecting that he is going to get some great physical results too - just an added bonus (wink).

Anyway, I am beaming with pride - that's all! 

Day 30

Day 30 and really I have so much to say. Firstly, I get the distinct impression that Day 30 will extend into day 60, 90, 120, 150 and on and on and on.... WHY?

Isagenix is my new McDonalds. 

To be fair I'd actually given up on McDonalds some time ago, but it's my new convenience food. 

Look, I've read most of the articles; Choice, bionicafitwarrior.com (although don't even get me started on the horribleness of this posters attitude towards things), Amazon, Live Strong, Steady Health etc. And yes, there are some valid points in these articles. But the reality is that normally the advice for maintaining a healthy life is;

1. Eat in moderation
2. Eat as many fruit and veg
3. Limit sugar
4. Limit fat
5. Avoid refined carbohydrates
6. Exercise daily

How many of us are really doing this 100% of the time. I know I am not. How many people who know and make that statement.... and then ALSO stop at McDonalds when convenience is required.....? Or grab a bag of chips.....? How many people in the 21st century don't use some form of convenience food?

I know I make bad decisions at times, even though I am well educated on what choices I SHOULD make. And further to that most of the time when I am not making the best health decisions, it isn't cause I don't want to... it's because sometimes, life does get in the way. Personally in my life, some level of convenience is required.... And THAT is where I've found Isagenix to be so helpful. 

At the outset of this program, I found resistance to the idea of replacing a meal with a bar or a shake. But during my time doing it, I've realised the freedom it's given me during my day to do other things. I've not been into a cafe unless I'm entertaining clients. I've not been down to fast food because I don't have time for a more healthy option. I've only ended up eating in the work canteen when I've forgotten my Isagenix. I've gone out to lunch in social situations, yes... but I've not done it on my own. 

In hindsight I realise that it is moments when I am on my own that I make my more questionable decisions regarding food choices. Should I have chips with that, eh who cares, I'm splurging alway, I may as well go all out? Weak Moments. 

These days I have some Isagenix in my bag, when I am under the pump at work, I grab my bar or shake my shake and voila I am done. 

Personally I don't think "I am so starving I can't wait for the day to be over." Honestly I feel quite satisfied. Is Isagenix magic, or is it just the right product for me? I don't really know the answer to that yet. 

So, do I think that Isagenix is the answer for everyone? No. But do I think that it has a part in people's lives, probably. I am opting to continue with the program and I am now discussing it with others because it has helped me to see the times that I turn to convenience and it's helped me see that when it comes to convenience, Isagenix is not even the "lesser of two evils", but perhaps to be considered as a choice that we have based on our current technological age. And without question, in my mind; it is more healthy than fast food and to be honest most quick and easy cafe options.

Another great thing I've found is that I am spending less time at the CHEMIST! I am one person who has always believed in the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal remedies. It's funny because some of the nay saying articles that I've found about Isagenix have referred to Isagenix's "self funded studies". But let me ask you this, if someone talked to you about the powers of;

• Green tea
• Hibiscus
•  Pommegranet 
• Turmeric
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B

Would you be aware of the studies that suggest the benefits these herbs / plants bring to the human body? I would hazard a guess that most of us are. These are some of the ingredients that Isagenix uses in it's products. Where I am going with this is the fact that since I've been on Isagenix I've spent less time pursing my home remedies with concocted naturopathy. I've spent less time AND money buying vitamins. With Isagenix, there is a range of vitamins, I order them and they get delivered to my door, easy peasy.

Don't get me wrong, there are still questions regarding Isagenix. And I intend to continue to blog as long as I am on the product, however after my 30 day trail, I see the benefits, now I just need to see if they can be sustained.

So now you may wonder, what about results.

The cloud: it's helped. I do feel more like I am firing on all cylinders. My mind feels that little bit more clear and I feel like I've had more clarity. But no, it hasn't been my silver bullet. I am still sluggish sometimes, I am still tired and I am still emotional. My partner claims there has been no change, but inside I feel that there has been some. I do find my focus and attention better but I suppose I am the only one that can really judge that. 

The tests: I gave up on one of the tests (the more psychological one) after a time because it was a bit depressing to do. But with the practical test, testing hunger, mood, wakeup times etc. my average score went from an 85 to a 52. If you can recall the lower that score the better, so even after just 30 ays it was a step in the right direction. 

Weight: I really don't weigh myself, but I did take photos

Week 2 v. Week 4

And all in all, especially considering my focus was not weight loss, I am pretty happy with that. 

Week 1 v. Week 4

So in summary, I am happy with the way things are going. I am going to continue and I will continue to write about it.... so feel free to tune in. 

A strange phenomenon...

Funnily enough, I think this stuff actually works! 

Some time ago I was cruising around the "Cleanse for Success" group that I was invited into when I joined Isagenix... I remember reading a post that said;

"I want to try for double cleanse days, but I fear I will miss my weekly cleanse"

Bahahah! I thought to myself, MISS a cleanse day? MISS a day where you eat nothing?!?!? WANTING to try a double cleanse day?!?!?! But as luck (yep, I think I am going to call it luck), would have it... nearly exactly 1 week on from my last cleanse day and I am missing my cleanse day...................................... long pause for effect....................

I know, right? Knock me over with a feather too, but I am looking forward to the idea of going 1 day at least, maybe 2, without food.... Not sure what is going on there, but it's honestly, truly; how I feel.  

I didn't cleanse today because I was coming off of the back of a weekend where I didn't eat the best, and I was worried about the impact of changing so dramatically. So today I focused on eating right and tomorrow starts cleanse day number 1 for the week. 

UPDATE:

Unfortunately towards the end of last week life came and got in the way of everything, including Isagenix status tracking so I've not yet weighed myself or taken measurements. Drama, drama, drama in my personal life, let me tell you! But the photos though are at least some evidence and progress tracker. Looking at them I would hazard a guess that's I've dropped a bit around the mid section and thighs / hips. There isn't as much love handle action, nor as much pulling of fabric over the legs. 

Last week, I didn't get to the gym at all so that is just and Isagenix result. I am really happy with the physical side of it. 

How goes the fog you ask? Well, this weekend we went camping, and I can honestly say I felt less drained this weekend camping than I have any other weekend in the past (and we do a fair bit of camping). I actually found myself getting through things that normally would have been put into the "too hard" basket. For example, emptying the back of the truck for Mr while he went and cleaned the bikes. Normally I would have just left that task to him, but instead; I did it myself. 

Although I am still slightly (ok majorly!!!) emotional, my head feels clear. In fact today would be one of the most productive days I've had at work in some time. And.... I do believe that my "emotional" state is largely to do with my divorce anyway. 

So far, Isagenix is getting a big tick of surprising approval. The coming weeks are going to lead me into a very busy period at work. Nearly every week I will be travelling somewhere and that means that time is going to be short. Whilst I've read some commentary that claims that Isagenix is too hard to do while travelling, I feel it will be the exact opposite for me. Although there will be nights that I will go out in group functions, I think the ease of having a shake for me for breakfast and lunch will be great! I am actually looking forward to it. 

And convenience is a huge thing. On nights when I don't have my kids because they are with their dad and my Mr is travelling, a shake or a cleanse for life really does the trick when I am on my own. Or even after I've cooked for the kids and can't be bothered cooking for myself. I've posted about it before, and I will post about it again... but it is amazing how you don't actually feel hungry, I can get to the end of the day and not FEEL the desire to eat. During the day you have  moments of hunger, yes. But mostly you do in fact feel satisfied.