Six months ago, I made a lifestyle change. I chose to give up meat. I knew that I had a hard time digesting meats, especially red meats. So, I knew that I had to make a change in my way of eating, in order to feel better. Not to only feel better when I ate, but to feel better about myself too. Eventually, my goal is to be a vegetarian, but right now, I love fish, shrimp, and sushi! I don't feel horrible after eating those things, my stomach doesn't disagree entirely with them. But I am happy that I have incorporated more fruits and veggies into my life, and soon I will be lessening the amount of processed foods as well.
For me, this isn't just some "special diet", as some may call it. Some people were very supportive, and some... not so much or even at all. Saying that I wouldn't stick with it, or last long with this "diet". Let me explain something. This was NOT a DIET. This is what you call a lifestyle change. Why? Because life is worth living for a lot longer than predicted. But here's the thing, not everyone is cut out for a different lifestyle. Everybody's body reacts differently to all kinds of things. I should be able to change my habits, for the betterment of myself.
Have I ever craved a big juicy burger, or a big piece of steak, or the popular item of bacon that is on everything? Yah, sure I have, but it isn't worth the health risks to enjoy those things. I remind myself that what I am doing is worth it, and I move on. It's not worth getting sick over.
Of course, I ended up in the hospital after having dinner at a Mexican restaurant... but here is the kicker, I also had ice cream right after at Cold Stone Creamery. Love their ice cream, but not worth it anymore. All the fat and grease from the food I ate, solidified by ice cream (chocolate, fudge, and brownies)... what a disaster I put myself in. One of those nights that I had let myself go and ate too much crap. Nobody wants a trip to the hospital to be a reminder as to why we want to live differently. Don't wait until that point.
Among other things, I also gave up soda and alcohol. Have I had a soda since then? Of course. I have had a couple in the last 5 months. Despite being surrounded with so many great sodas, it also is not worth the health risk. I don't mind a ginger ale every once in a while, or a sip of rootbeer. Or if I hadn't had my caffiene that day, then Pepsi was the way to go. It doesn't happen a lot, I think I have only had 1 20oz soda since I gave it up.
Alcohol, also because of the health risks that go along with it. It was great getting drunk, or drinking for a buzz, but it was also getting out of hand. So, I stopped drinking and it helped to give up soda because I loved Rum and Coke. I have had maybe 2 drinks since then, but it was a Strawberrita (sp) and a Mike's Hard Lemonade. Woo. I am just better off without it.
I haven't lost much weight since giving these things up, but I've noticed a change in the way I feel. More energy, more focused, I don't get sick as often as I used to. The hardest decision I have to make, is what kind of food to eat when I go out. If I go to the right places, it's not so difficult. The worst part about loving pizza, was loving to eat it with a soda. And what about Rootbeer Floats, huh? Who doesn't love those?
I would rather die happy knowing that I was able to live a longer life, just by choosing a different habit. I love food, but not enough to die for it.
