Decision Day + 7

Last Saturday I made the decision to do something for myself that seems drastic to most, impressive to few and difficult to all.

Some responses I've received when telling people:

"WHY????"
"NO SUGAR???"
"ARE YOU CRAZY?"
"I get that you're giving up the grains.  BUT WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP SUGAR?"
"I hate veggies"

And some nice ones:

"That's great!  I felt better when I didn't eat sugars and starchy food.  I should do that again."
"Wow, I'm impressed."
"You're a lot stronger than me, that's fantastic."

"You didn't eat dressing on your salad?  I can't believe you could do that!!!"    (haha, ya it's called "hmmm, I love the taste of lettuce & spinach")

I've also gotten a lot of questions from people because it seems like they just can't understand or believe it.  Like it's just a foreign concept.  And I've had to defend it a lot.  But I expected that.  Because, to be honest, it was easy for me to understand the need to drop processed foods and sugars, but even last Saturday morning I was still resisting the health benefits of dropping the sacred "whole grain".

So now we are at DD+7.  Well technically 6 days since I started this.  I had to party on Saturday night of course.  And I can tell you that I feel GREAT!  I've had a few hiccups where I've not planned properly and forgotten to bring food with me.  I've also eaten a few products I didn't want to eat during the week (cornstarch, a little flour, a little processed food, bit o' sugar, etc) but I also made it clear to myself that this wasn't about cutting it out completely but a journey to that place.  

With, of course, the allowance of some slips - both accidental and very much on purpose.   I mean come on!  If I can't have a treat now and again, this will be something I won't be successful at in the long run.  Plus, I have to admit, I'm a good baker.  I must have cookies & sweet rolls in my future!  Or else.  Just in moderation, right?  Plus if I don't have cake & ice cream with my grandma on birthdays, she'll kill me.  If you think I'm joking, you don't have a grandma.

I do feel some longing and desire for the treats in this house - we have some chocolates that make me weak.  And when I'm hungry, I crave bread products.  But it's not overpowering and it's certainly easy to say no.  I think I've helped myself by still eating some starchy foods such as sweet potatoes and also fruits - pears & apples.  If I feel a craving coming on I just grab one.  Plus I am eating a little rice and legumes.  And lots of veggies.  So I'm not depriving myself of carbs.  Just not candy and sweets. 

But my stomach feels so much better!  No heartburn!!!  No upset stomach (except for the first two days while I adjusted).  And yes, I'm "regular".   And yes, I feel good mentally and physically. 

What's for lunch today?  7 sprouted grain bread (find it in the freezer section!) and Chicken Salad.  Yes, I'm eating lunch at 3:30 p.m.!  Oh, is that why my belly is growling?  Right...