This year is all about transformation. A week ago I started the Whole 30 eating plan. Basically, I’m only eating meat, fruits, vegetables, eggs and nuts. So far so good. I admit it gets challenging sometimes, but I’m committed to seeing it through until the end. When I feel like giving up, I remember why I started the program. Here are the three reasons I’m committed to completing the Whole 30.
1. Discipline Defeats Depression
I’ve spoken to many people who battle depression. Several mention that they feel better when they are in control of what they can be in control of. In other words, people who have a daily workout routine, or people who organize their schedule with meticulous time management, or people who need to have an impeccably clean/organized home always say it is being in control of this very behavior that brings them to a safe, healing place. I am starting this year off by being disciplined with my eating. I hope that the end result is a consistent disciplined change in the way I eat. Here are 12 ways to boost your self-control and beat depression.
2. Diet Defeats Depression
We’ve all heard the saying, you are what you eat. While there is no proven diet that prevents depression, it is clear that people feel better when they eat better. Food is a trigger for many people. Food can trigger guilt, low self-esteem and even depression. I literally gained 100lbs. while pregnant with my almost 9 year old. I still haven’t gotten all of the weight off but I’m proud that the majority of it didn’t stay on. When people ask me how I lost the weight, they almost always can’t believe the simple answer I give. I just thought I was thin and that caused me to do things that thin people do. The weight just went away. Think about it. When you think you’re overweight you do what overweight people do. You don’t move, you eat the wrong things and you ultimately become disgusted with yourself. I didn’t necessarily change the way I ate and I definitely didn’t exercise. I just changed the way I looked at myself. Powerful; I know. But with the Whole 30 I am consciously doing more than thinking about it. I’m making a decision to really change the way I eat. With this change, I hope to see a dramatic difference in my overall mental health. I will definitely keep you posted on the progress I make with my diet pass the completion of Whole 30.
3. Acknowledging Accomplishments Defeats Depression
Often times I’m guilty of not giving myself the credit I deserve for things I’ve done and for things I do well. If you know me, you know that I don’t like the spotlight. Ironically, almost everything I do well requires me to be in the spotlight. I’m using completing the Whole 30 as a stepping stone to allow myself to rejoice in my accomplishments. Trust me. When I’m finished, you will hear about and I will not underplay the accomplishment! Give yourself credit and help smash depression.
This Year of transformation isn’t going to be easy. I’m going to need each of you to help me. Changing my diet is only the first step. I believe that I will leave 2017 better than I entered it. Let’s work together to be our best selves in 2017, and as always, let’s press on together!