23 May 2009
by 
15 Comments
Looking in the Mirror
I’ve always tried to encourage you all to not feel like you have to give up on reaching your goals when you “mess up” on your journey to better health. Whether it’s missing a workout (or several) or giving in to your favorite junk food(s), I’ve told you to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back in the game, right? Each new day is a fresh start, a clean slate, and you can start over, right? Right. Well, now it’s time for me to practice what I preach. Oh yeah, that’s the hard part! <Insert nervous laughter here>
On Again, Off Again
Here’s what happened: I was moseying right along, 100% raw, and loving every single moment of it–every raw nut, seed, veggie, fruit, smoothie, juice, sprout… I was at a place in my raw food journey where I wasn’t craving processed junk (or even organic eggs or Greek yogurt–and those are two of my favorites!). I wasn’t feeling upset in any way that I wasn’t eating the same stuff those around me were gobbling up. I was at peace with my Raw Foodist lifestyle–and then it happened…. Tragedy after tragedy after tragedy hit my family (you can read all about it on my other blog).
Accepting and Loving
At first I was really, really upset with myself. Raw food is so important to me. Some of you have been telling me to stop being so hard on myself because I have eaten really healthfully for years now and have maintained a 100+ pound weight loss and a 75-100% Raw Food Lifestyle. And… you are right. Sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) I am too hard on myself. Why? Because 1) I don’t want to gain back the weight I worked so hard to lose, 2) I don’t want to slide back down the unhealthy ladder, and 3) because I really am passionate about a 100% Raw Food Lifestyle and all it has to offer in terms of health, the environment, and sparing animals from being eaten.
Climbing Back On
I am taking your advice, though, and my own. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve had to realize that I’m only human and I’m far from perfect. And sometimes in the midst of the storm, we end up comforting ourselves with food. Simple as that. It happens to the best of us. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the South, where comfort food rules: creamy mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, macaroni and cheese, moist cakes, decadent pies… Shall I go on?
Enjoying the Journey
I’m focusing on trying to find a “normal place” in life after all the recent family tragedy and am not going to be too hard on myself, or even set a date, about the 100% Raw Food. Right now, I just need to be. And sometimes that’s enough….
Have you fallen off the wagon? It doesn’t have to be the Raw Food wagon. Whatever you’re trying to achieve, it can be very difficult to stay on the straight and narrow 100% of the time so you can reach your goals. We can do this. Yes, we can. How? By taking one day–and one step–at a time. Come on, I’ll hold your hand and we’ll travel this rocky path together.
Coming Soon
- more contests and reviews
- photos and details about a pioneer festival I recently attended (including getting to meet an Editor and an Editor-In-Chief) Eeek!
- and updates from the Amish farm
So…. be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. 
Photo Credit: Andreas Solberg
It’s okay Michele, life happens! I know what it feels like to fall off a wagon (although I’ve never been a raw foodie) and it can be disheartening. Just remember that you’ve done so well for so long, and you can continue to do so! Never give up!
~Kimberlee
Kimberlee Ferrells last blog post..My Favorite Color is Purple (And Don’t You Forget It!)
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Thanks so much, Kim! I intended on comparing my raw food wagon to like alcoholics, drug addicts, etc. Really, we’re all the same: struggling to take one day at a time and not fall back into our old ways–no matter what our addiction is…
I appreciate your kind words and will take them to heart. I’m not giving up!!
*hugs*
Michele
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Bless you for actually being able to follow this for around 95% of the time! Unlike you, I am not a full believer in raw foodism though I’ve researched it and understand the benefits. My one concern is, how does one get enough protein? I’m sure it’s possible, but as it is without whey protein powder I have a hard time meeting my quota considering how active I am. But, it’s about balance right?
In other words, if you slip up and don’t follow the lifestyle 5% if the time, don’t feel bad! It’s only human to want to revert back to the comfort foods of youth, as long as it only happens once in a while it’s not a big deal. Plus, it totally makes sense since the losses you’ve experienced were intensely personal.
Have some nettle and go for a walk in the sun! That always helps me.
And think about it – you’ve come so far, there’s no way you’ll get back to where you were. You’re a much different person now because of the experience.
Katherines last blog post..Poison Oak Remedy – Homeopathy to the Rescue!
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Michele, I think you’ve been doing great. With everything that has been going on, food is the last thing you need to worry about. Making a few mistakes doesn’t undo all you’ve done, it just means you need to start doing your thing again
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@Katherine: Wow, thank you so much for such a sweet comment! I appreciate your kind words and support bunches.
Yes, I have managed to do pretty well and for that, I’m very proud.
Girl, I’ve been drinking nettle like it’s going out of style. LOL I’ve also been drinking white, oolong, yerba mate, dandelion, and others. Gotta have my tea!
As for the protein, Raw Foodists can get it in a variety of ways: raw nuts, seeds, nut butters, greens, etc. So, you’d be amazed at how much protein you can get without actually eating meat or eggs.
*smiles*
Michele
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@AlishaV: Thank you for cheering me on! I truly do appreciate it–and you!
You’re right, food is the last of my worries…
Thanks for stopping by, Alisha. Hope to see you again soon!
*smiles*
Michele
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Shining Light and sending Love to you, Michele.
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Thank you, EarthMother! I’m receiving it!!!
*smiles*
Michele
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Michele ~ You know, I am soooo proud of you for perservering through it all. You don’t have to be perfect, all you have to do it keep trying again and again. I definitely agree we can all be too hard on ourselves, but, I think it’s important to say it was ok. Life has been hard for you and you had to do what you needed to do to make it through it. Now, you have realized that is all it was and you are taking baby steps to get back to where you were before. Before you know it, each little success will turn into a big success and you will be right back on the raw band wagon!
Congrats again on the HUGE weight loss – you are successful and continue to be each day just at maintaining that loss and being good to you. It may not seem like that, but, try to remember how far you have come and that should definitely bring a smile to your face. You rock and I know you will do great even in trying times!
Danicas last blog post..Pork Carnitas w/Tomato Salsa & Mexican Zucchini
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Michele – I give you credit for being on the wagon at all! I am confident you will get right back on and continue on your way. Some comfort food in a time of sorrow sound reasonable to me, but the main thing is you have been dedicated and successful with your healthy eating habits for a long time and you will continue to be. Plus, you inspire me to reach for something healthier!
Lori, Green Gigss last blog post..4 Green Writing Jobs for the Holiday Weekend
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