Zebra Files 9) Being Realistic

Being Realistic-No Other Choice

Let’s Be Honest

So, yesterday, I posted my ideal diet moving forward. Ready for some real talk though?

I work 40+ hours each week. I moonlight as a performer. I have a huge yard and an HOA. I’m a mom and partner. I’m an activist, and author. My time is limited (as I’m sure most people can relate).

Not eating processed foods requires cooking from scratch, a lot. Like, every single meal, a lot. Like, never eating out because you can’t trust it, a lot. A lot a lot.

Meal prep is an incredible tool, as is meal planning. They have their limitations though. Fresh ingredients rot faster. I’m going to be creating a LOT of dishes.

Eating to fuel my health is different than eating to lose weight.

Fasting isn’t particularly good for me. It sends me into craving cycles- powerful craving cycles, that jeopardize my ability to continue. This cannot be about punishing and restricting myself. This is about giving my body what it needs for me to experience the best health possible. This is about tuning in and listening to my body. This is about loving myself, having my own back, and giving myself what I deserve.

Tired of being Gaslit?

Not eating until I get home from work is no longer a game plan. I need to eat when my body signals hunger. It’s hard to cook and work. It’s hard to listen to your body when you dissociate and hyperfixate.

I’m going to need some emergency foods that still follow my “Yes” rules.

Sugar-free gelatin cups, precooked taco meat, to make 2 minute salads, olives. Too bad I’m allergic to avocado. I do have some processed meats (kielbasa, deli ham, pepperoni, sausage) that are quicker than raw unprocessed meats, but really I should stay away from these.

Burger patties, and tuna/mayo on celery are 10-20 minute solutions.

When I lay it all out like this, it seems doable, except that it’s taken me more than a week to write this simple blog post. A plan like this is a lot when you’re at your best. I need this because I’m NOT at my best.

So what do I do?

I’m going to start by giving myself grace and time. I want to feel better and be better and this is going to be a long road. I also have concerns about trying to heal the things going on in my body while we’re still trying to figure out what they are. I intend to make all kinds of lifestyle changes to heal myself- but I need to know what’s wrong first.

Needless to say, I’m still working on the plan, and trying very hard not to be intimidated by my elephant right now.