Like this:

Day 60 of my juice feast here, which in some ways feels like a big deal and in others is just another day.

It’s hard for me to fathom that I’m 2/3rd through with the whole 92 day program. I’ve been sharing with some interested folks about this experience and the sentiments include the fact that I feel the best I’ve felt as an adult: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Physically, I’m down over 30 lbs, I have more energy and I just feel “cleaner,” overall just better. I know this process has made a big impact on my overall health specifically in terms of my b.m.i. and toxic load, which are directly related to my pre-conception goals. This was a big motivating factor going into it and has kept me focused as I’ve seen results.

I hit a point a week or two back that my weight loss became noticeable to others. It was funny because I was asked about it a few times within a few days which resulted in a joke to my inner circle that it must have been the 30 lb mark where it became noticeable.

Around the same time, I realized that my clothes (specifically my size 14 pants) where suddenly it seemed just ridiculously big on me. So, in desperation one morning I pulled out some seven-plus-year-old don’t-think-I’ll-get-back-into-but-I’ll-optimistically-hold-onto-anyway size 10s CK jeans (with no stretch) and hesitantly put them on–only to find they fit. This made me realize that I had to go out and buy new clothes, in smaller sizes. Fortunately, I was able to do so with my awesome little sis, who was so endearing in her amazement of my physical changes and complimentary of my new body in some new size 8 (with a bit of stretch) jeans.

I’m still doing acupuncture twice a month and have added back in more exercise and physically supportive things for self-care and rewards (rather than food, which I used to use). I’m also meeting with a potential new personal trainer this weekend, much less boot-camp and much more fitness dou.la. I’m looking forward to that.

My wife as taken to asking where her wife went and calling me skinny, which I’m not,* but comparatively it’s been a big change.

Mentally, I feel more alert and clear-headed. In the past my memory has been a real challenge for me and I feel that it’s been much less of a topic of joking and/or frustration between C and I recently. I’m currently taking a bunch of l.c. related prereqs including occupational safety, med.ical documentation and nutrition (especially interesting/challenging because it’s based on the US.DA model) and while my penchant for procrastination is still there, my ability to focus and get through the material is a great benefit right now with the mid-term deadline looming.

The mental changes related to my physical body have also been noticeable. One example is during the aforementioned sister shopping trip I tried on a size large in yoga pants only to find that I am no longer that size that I’ve worn for years. It was mind-boggling I suppose my mental changes have been slower than my physical changes and my mind has not fully “caught up” with this new version of my physicality.

Emotionally, I was really concerned as I’ve had issues with food intake (or lack there of) impacting my mood. I feel that juicing has been a more steady form of calorie intake (it generally takes me awhile to finish off a quart, so it stretches out the intake time).

Usually at this time of year, as we head into our rainy season, I feel slower and lower emotionally, but this year I’ve embraced fall and the coming winter and haven’t felt the panic of potential seasonal affective disorder.

Feeling better physically has also had a great impact on my body image and self-esteem. This feels odd to say/write, but I’m really proud of myself and feel confident that if I can do this, I can do almost anything to which I set my mind. I’ve been told that all my life, but now it’s tangible.

In terms of my relationship, I feel more content and more open. The amazing support of my unbelievable wife is more than I could have asked for, and humbles me. Her kind words and reassurances keep me grounded.

Spiritually, I have a hard time describing the changes, but I guess I can sum it up by saying feel more calm. I’ve begun to re-introduce yoga and meditation. I made the decision a few weeks back to do a 10-day mediation retreat in December and I’m really looking forward to the intense focus on my internal workings. While I view this experience has having a holistic impact, I know that it has been more body than mind/spirit, and I see this as the next step in my journey.

 

 

______

* I’m still technically overweight with a BMI of 25 as of today. It’s so crazy for me to realize that in a couple more lbs I’ll be within the “normal” range for bmi.

Advertisement