Resolution: it's a 10 letter word

Here's a four letter word: FAIL

Despite your best efforts, you overindulged during the holidays. Hopefully you allowed yourself the luxury of enjoying some of your family's traditional favorites. I know I did.
The difference that I make are the ingredients that I decide to use.  Organic pure ingredients with no additives or chemicals.  Pasture raised eggs. (I know that cage free, like the word natural, means nothing.)  Unhydrogenated vegetable shortening (if needed occasionally), Irish grass fed butter, sustainably and hopefully local lovely ingredients.  I do make vegan substitutions for myself, but again, that is my choice.  The multitude of comments received from family and friends was how good my cookies and other baked goods tasted.  Ingredients do (and should) make a difference.
Yes, these ingredients are definitely more expensive, but I learned to do what my mother did.  Every paycheck I buy one or two precious ingredients, starting months before with nonperishables. 
  Now what do we do?  The holidays are dwindling toward the end. The ornaments are being carefully packed away,    Perhaps the difference between you and me is that I harbor no guilt.

In the "old days" I would have been tormenting myself. No matter how much growth some of us have made, the old mental tapes rear it's ugly head and draw us back in. Now when this happen to me I yell (inside my head as I don't want to get picked by folks in white coats) "STOP". This would help redirect my thinking.  Of course in the beginning I was yelling STOP quite a bit. However, the more I did this, the more it worked for me and as time went on, I was doing it less.

  It's kind of like the story of the little boy who had a real problem with swearing. His father told him he had to hammer a nail into a block of wood every time he swore.  There was certainly a lot of banging in the beginning. As time went on, the hammering,was less...and less until no one heard a single nail being pounded.  Now, I'm  not suggesting you get a hammer and a bunch of nails. (If you think it might work, go for it.  More power to you). The concept is the same however and it will make a difference.

Another "popular" thought pattern is the "bargaining" phase. (starting to sound like the grieving  process, doesn't it?) "Ok, I've definitely blown it (that negative language again) so News Years Day, I'm definitely going on a diet". Diet:the ultimate four letter word.
Now, if the first of the year fell on a Monday that was even better!  Total clean slate.  It is destiny at it's finest. Yup, I was a wreck on the second of January and binging again. I remember saying to myself "Wow, I've blown the whole year"! Well guess what,. New Year's day is on a Monday and it doesn't mean a thing to me.    I shudder at the abuse at my own hand.

So what's the most logical way to handle this tortuous situation?
First, don't make resolutions. It is an absolute set up for failure.  I read a great piece the other day that really resonates with the way I think now.  "It's not what you eat between between December to January, but what you eat from January to December".  This doesn't suggest that you sneak off to a closet with two pounds of fudge, several dozen decorated cookies or a pan of lasagna. We're Italian, we have lasagna.  Again, those are the old mental tapes. Damn, I forgot to make fudge. 

Second, don't start by starving yourself. You body is coming off sugar and toxins. Just like any addict, you are going to experience withdrawals. That is another way to sure failure. I use a comforting healthy method of eating in the beginning and always start with a breakfast that includes whole grains, protein and fruit. The natural sugar in the fruit helps me to ease off the the jitters and cravings. I also eat small amounts throughout the day to keep my blood sugar steady.

Third.  Ease up on the negative thinking and be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to comforting things like a long bath with that new bath bomb you got in your stocking. Use some lavender scented lotion before bed as well as a couple of drops of lavender on a cloth under your pillow. Instant relaxation. Snuggle with your dog or cat. (or Ll...hippo,,,I don't judge)
 
All during January I'll be posting some new incredible and healthy recipes!

The fourth SUGGESTION would be READ MY BLOG! I will help you any way I can.
Email me and pour it all out. I will be there.
Here's to a truly blessed (resolution free) New Year.

Peace and good health,
 Sharon

ladywithaunicorn@hotmail.com