Cleanse Anyone?

Eating clean can be hard.  Throw in a couple of kids, a meat and potato eating husband, a full time job and a chaotic schedule in the mix... it becomes overwhelming.   Like anything else, with a strong commitment and the proper support it is not only possible, but easier then you may think.

I consider myself a healthy eater.  I have a been a vegetarian for 20 years and have recently been moving toward a vegan diet.  I make it a priority to eat clean, non-processed foods, but from time to time I slip up.  I don't slip up inhaling a hamburger, but by letting my sweet tooth and my busy schedule get the best of me.  Before I sat down to write this post, my stomach growled and I knew I had 40 minutes until my kids were counting on me to do an activity with them. In an attempt to squelch my hunger and keep an eye on the time, I didn't take 15 minutes to make something healthy, but I grabbed a few cookies!  Now I am sitting here, still hungry... wondering why I let my moment of weakness get the best of me.

Get my drift?  We have all been there.

What better time to recommit to eating clean then the end of summer?  Have you pigged out on vacation?  Attended too many BBQ? Drank too many fruity drinks in the sun?  If so...I would love for you to join me in this...

 OH SO GOOD FOR YOU CHALLENGE!

A dear client of mine turned me on to Baltimore Health Coach.  Although this company is based in Baltimore, all of their cleanses, classes and workshops are on-line and accessible anywhere.  They have tons of cool programs I am just starting to learn about as I just signed on as a member today.

I have been challenged to take their 7 day cleanse starting August 15th.

Game on!

What exactly is a cleanse?

Cleanses come in all sorts of varieties, but Baltimore Health Coach's cleanse is gentle and doable.  The cleanse I will partake in will eliminate:

• Sugar & Sweets
• Flour & Dairy
• Caffeine & Alcohol
• Soy, Corn & Gluten

Along with my commitment to the $149.00 cleanse, I will receive 3 weeks of support including:

•   Menus, recipes and detailed instruction
•   1-on-1 phone coaching sessions
•   Group conference call            

              - Call #1: Preparation

              - Call #2: Mid-Cleanse Support
              - Call #3: Completion
              - Call #4: Transition

•  Optional In-person potluck 
•  Online forum & Facebook group for Q&A

I am psyched to get started on the cleanse and to jump right into this existing community of health experts.  I think this may be just what I need to keep me moving in a positive and holistically healthy direction.

P.S.  Baltimore Health Coach recommends that anyone doing the cleanse offer up something publicly if they don't complete it.  It should be something uncomfortable if I should have to do it.  He gave an example of publicly announcing I would donate money to a politician I despise.  That didn't really do it for me, but I am having trouble coming up with something that feels inspiring.

Any suggestions?  I am game for some high stakes...because I will complete this 7 day cleanse and LOVE IT!!!

Anyone else want to come along?

Because I believe in this (and I want some company)  I will throw in a 50 minute complimentary session for anyone who joins the challenge with me!

Who is jumping in?

What exactly is self-care anyway?

When I  refer to self-care I had always assumed that people knew what I was talking about- until recently.  Last week, I facilitated a coaching workshop with a Mom's Group in Baltimore.  As the topic of self-care came up, one of the woman stopped the discussion to ask what exactly self-care was.  She went on to say that it was a topic she had only heard of recently but didn't understand exactly what IT was. Was self-care brushing your teeth?  Getting a massage? Maintaining a health weight?

Yes, yes and yes!

You often hear me (and other helping professionals) talking about the importance of self-care.  You absolutely MUST take care of yourself if you are in a care-taking role. Nourishing yourself first will ensure that you are in the proper physical and emotional space to be the best mother, wife, friend, career woman, daughter and sister that you can possibly be.  Without self-care, you will quickly run out of steam, become "snappy," resentful and down right exhausted. You will lose your mojo!

So let's back up a bit...

What exactly is self-care anyway?

In my mind self-care is broken into two distinct parts:
-Basic self-care
-Soulful self-care

Basic self-care are all the tasks associated with making sure that you are well taken care of physically.  These very basic things that you haven't given much thought about all of your life until you are stretched beyond belief as a mother and find them difficult to fit in. As I think about this list I chuckle, because as basic as they are, many a days I went without as mother of young children.
-Showering
-Brushing your hair
-Brushing teeth (flossing is optional for your first year of motherhood)!
-Proper nutrition (puffs and mac-n-cheese don't count)
-Exercise (even if it is a walk or a few push-ups and sit-ups)
-Annual pap smears
-Regular dental and vision check ups
-Regular physical exams
-Adequate sleep
-Staying on top of any medical issues

Soulful Self-Care is different from person to person.  This type of self-care is unique to your needs and preferences.  First, you must figure out what it is that feeds your soul.  What makes you feel relaxed, inspired, peaceful and happy?  Having trouble remembering?  Has it been that long?  Think back to your pre-mom days...what did you do with your "me time?"  What do you enjoy so much that you lose track of time? Are you an introvert who finds comfort in curling up on the couch with a good book?  Are you an extrovert who thrives on meeting friends for a night out on the town? Still having trouble?  The possibilities are endless, but try scanning this list and pay attention to any response your body is giving you. What feels good to you?

-Massage/Mani/Pedi
-Yoga
-Mediation
-Fixing your hair/make-up/wearing clothes that make you feel good
-Hiking/Biking/Swimming
-Team sports/gym/fitness
-Reading/Writing
-Social events
-Date night
-Music
-Dancing
-Happy hour
-Creativity/Art/Photography
-Learning a new skill/hobby
-Bubble baths
-Travel
-Spirituality
-Volunteer work
-Cooking
-Animals
-Other ideas???

Whatever it is that strikes your fancy, do it, and do it often.  I know it is hard to fit in, I know there will be guilt associated with taking the time to do it. But it is an absolute must.  You need to frequently step away from your duties as a mother to reconnect with who you are as a woman.  These breaks will give you a fresh perspective on all other aspects of your life and responsibilities.  Make it a priority to fill your tank so you can continue to be the best YOU possible. Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint, and you need to be in your best, tip- top shape to complete your journey (so you are not completely breathless and collapsing before the finish line)!

What can you incorporate into your life this week even if it is small scale to start?  Put it on the calender and treat it as any other non-negotiable appointment.

Happy YOU!

Come visit me at The Still Point!

For the month of  July, The Still Point Mind Body Wellness Spa is offering 30 minute complimentary coaching session so you can come see what it is all about.  Have you been curious about coaching?  Now is a great time to come check it out!  You can call the spa directly to make your appointment.

Not in the Baltimore/DC area?  No problem.  All phone coaching is 20% off for the months of July and August.

See (or talk) to you soon!

Warmly,

Heather