Whole 30: Day 15 – Self Care is a Must
Today is Day 15, meaning that I’m halfway through Whole 30! It’s been a great last 15 days filled with new recipes, new cooking gadgets, detoxing, quicker recoveries in workouts, and no stress from having to figure out what I’m going to treat on each week haha.
Overall, these last 15 days have been easier than the first couple Whole 30’s I did. Having my husband do it with me has made it easier, but I’ve also just learned more with each Whole 30 I do such as what food products are acceptable, where to eat out when we go out for lunch or dinner, etc. This 3rd round of Whole 30 has empowered me to say no to cravings that will not support my goals or body, and say yes to foods and practices that will support me.
Choosing to Keep Going
Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve had some intense and random cravings.
For example, we passed by this one gas station on the way to my parents last night and I had a strong urge for a sugary, orange slice that you can buy from the gas station. Really? A orange slice? It’s crazy what happens when you tell your body and mind NO to sugar. However, I must confess, my cousin brought over a piece of cassava cake (heavy cake made in the Caribbean) to my parents house last night and my brother, mom, husband, and I were like “Oh man, that looks so good” – thanks guys. I wanted that cake, and I wanted it bad.
Yet, despite my desire to have that piece of cassava cake, I’m trying not to focus too much on what I’m going to eat after these 30 days, because I feel that it takes away from the Whole 30 experience. By doing that, it will become easy for me to start treating the 30 days as a “diet” or “challenge” that is only for a short period of time, instead of as a lifestyle.
I want the principles I’ve learned on Whole 30 to continue for the rest of my life. I want to continue to choose whole, real foods for me not because it gives me a great body or great results in the gym. NO! I want to eat these foods because my body was designed to eat these foods, that these foods were created to give my body the nutrients it needs to survive and thrive. I want to say yes to these foods because they are delicious and fun to mix with each other to create artistic dishes. I want to eat these foods because I was meant to.
Learning the Importance of Self-Care
Furthermore, after 15 days, I would have to say one of the biggest concepts I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. With self-care, I mean exactly what it says – taking care of myself. I’ve learned that not only do I need to take care of my body with the right food and activity, but I need to take care of my mind, spirit, and soul.
So here are a few things I’ve done in the last 15 days to celebrate myself and take care of myself:
- Sleeping 7-8 hours each night (if I didn’t do that one night, make up for it when I can)
- Personal Grooming (cutting my hair, regularly grooming it, getting a pedicure, using coconut oil on my skin and hair)
- Taking vacation after a busy season of work (this is huge for me to intentionally rest when no one else is on vacation! By doing this, I’ve had time to sleep in, study, clean and organize, have extended times of prayer and bible study, and relax more with Tomy)
- Feeding my relationship tank by spending time with loved ones
- Flossing (hey, sometimes you just forget to)
- Exercising (this cares for my social, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health)
- Stretching and mobilizing (my muscles have thanked me for it)
- Extended times of prayer and praise/worship
I only have one me, and you only have one you. It is important that we make it a priority to take care of ourselves holistically and value our entire being.
What is one loving thing you can do for yourself this week? How can YOU show yourself love and value by caring for your self?
Whatever that one thing is, go and do it. Self care is a must. No questions asked. You have value and if you haven’t told or shown yourself that already, it’s time you do.
P.S. Here’s a new recipe I tried today (but no honey, organic apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar, cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes, and a half cup of organic chicken broth in addition to the coconut aminos) – Delicious!: Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
