Day 8 self sabotage, but getting back on the horse and back to day 1

[Kelly]

Yesterday should have been day 8 of my juice fast, but I failed:( I work in retail, so I normally work weekends. But, usually when I have a weekend day off, that's when Ken and I like to go out for breakfast or lunch, something we normally can't do. So, yesterday was the first day I had off from work at the same time as Ken since I started the juice fast, and I was just overwhelmed with the urge to eat, and go out and enjoy ourselves. My mind still unfortunately associates food with joy, laughter, love, and all that other good stuff. It also didn't help that Ken has been off his juice fast for a few days, and that we were meeting his family at Disney for the Halloween event. I wasn't too bad at first. I decided early in the day that I was going to break my juice fast, and I told him that I was going to do it right. Even though I wanted to go out to breakfast and eat all kinds of bad food. So when we went to the market I got a green smoothie at the juice bar. Within an hour my stomach was killing me. So, I was terrified to eat anything else, afraid I would end up in the bathroom all day (sorry if it's TMI). But, my stomach started to settle down, so before we headed off to Disney I got another green smoothie, still determined to properly break my fast. I was doing okay with the cravings and overwhelming feeling to eat until we got to Disney and meet up with his family. Of course, as soon as we meet up they all wanted to grab dinner. I finally broke and I got a hotdog and fries:( And that just started the downward spiral. On the drive home we even stopped by McDonalds. I'm just so disappointed in myself. It wasn't even worth it. I was loving the juice fast. I felt so great, and the food I ate wasn't even that good. It just sucks that I let myself get into my head like that, it amazes me that I was able to talk myself out of doing this juice fast anymore, just because some little part of my brain was screaming "I want to eat!"

However, even though I messed up my juice fast yesterday, I'm getting back on the horse today! I really want to continue this at least for another 7-10 days. I may not be able to do the original 30 days that I planned, but I am determined to start this over. I was feeling so good, and I was doing really well with the weight loss as well (down 11lbs, whooohooo). The biggest obstacle now, other than my own self sabotage, is going to be the fact that Ken is not doing well at all. He has fallen back into his old ways. I really think he truly has a junk food addiction and I don't know how to help him. He says that he really likes the raw foods that we make and really enjoys eating them, but that he enjoys a big mac more! But, I have to stay strong for myself and remember why I wanted to do this juice fast in the first place, no matter what Ken is eating next to me.

[Lynn B]

Kelly, I have been on and off a raw food diet and have done many juice fasts over the last 13 years. At 26 I had chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalga. I was a mess from a high fast food diet. When I make a conscience decision to  follow a raw food diet and juice fast I don't count the days that way if I do have a day where I crash and burn then I just keep going. Everyday is a new day. Your going to have those bumps in the road and expect to be surrounded by people eating a standard american diet. My son (25) just completed his first ever 10 day juice fast and he is back to eating his usual diet but with some exceptions, a lot less dairy, no soda and he is eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and that is what is real for him. Hubby just keeps eating the same old food despite is health issues but he is supportive of my efforts. I am doing my own thing and loving it. I hope all is well with you today.

[Tamar]

I really hear how disappointed you are in yourself right now, but try not to be too hard on yourself.  Remember there is no failure, just feedback and opportunity!  Your 7 day fast and your 11lb weight loss is quite an accomplishment and I celebrate you!

[InTheRawWithTiffany]

Just tell hubby to not to eat the Big Mac in front of you! LOL!

[Mae Jardine]

You have received very good encouragement and advice here, Kelly.  So I will just say, "Congratulations for getting right back on the horse today."  Hugs,

[Victoria Smith]

It isn't failure if you learned something from it.

A few things I noticed: First, it helps to have a specific plan. Instead of just "I'm going off my juice fast today", plan out exactly what you will be eating. If you know what restaurant you will be going to, you can pull up their menu on the computer and see if they have anything you want to eat. And/or bring your own food in your purse or a little collapsible cooler. Carrot and celery sticks, apples, bananas, oranges, dates & other dried fruits, and nuts can last all day w/o refrigeration. There are also raw food bars you can buy. I always keep one in my purse for emergencies.

The other thing I noticed is you seem to have a "all or nothing" way of looking at eating. There is a HUGE gap between juicing and eating hotdogs and fries. So in other words, even if you have to break your juice fast or eat something that isn't raw, always pick the healthiest choice available. Like Sassafras said, McDs has salads, fruit, and smoothies.

My third observation was that you seem to know that eating raw is good for you and makes you feel good and you may have noticed that eating junk makes you feel bad and tired. But do you know the long-term consequences of eating that way? For me, the thought of being sick is enough to scare me into only eating healthy foods. I want to live a long and healthy life and look and feel as good as possible and that is my motivation.

I have a friend who had cancer, got it cured, had another cancer scare (was benign) but she still smokes, drinks alcohol and soft drinks, and eats junk food. I had a talk with her a few days ago and said I love her and want her to be healthy and then I asked her how, after all she's been through, she still eats that way. First she just said, "Because I like it." I said, "So you would rather risk going through surgery, chemo, etc so you can momentarily enjoy the flavor of something when there are much more delicious fresh fruits and vegetables that could keep you from getting cancer". She said, "Oh I don't think what I do or don't eat has anything to do with me getting cancer." My mouth just dropped open, but then I realized a lot of people don't know that. I asked if she would read a book - Crazy, Sexy Diet by Chris Karr (especially easy to read because she's a really fun gal) and she said she would. There are lots of other books and DVD's that will also inform and motivate you (and Ken too). Check out the media room here. Maybe you could watch some of the videos together.

Good luck!

 

[Dianne K.]

You did not fail! You made it 8 days and I would use the word fail too when I didn't meet my own goals in my past with juicing and whatnot. We self sabotage with the word fail-as if it's a bad word,but when others see that word they freak. Just jump back now and get on with your journey,you can do it!

[Sassafras]

My extended family often wants to meet up at McDs.  I just try to grab one of their fruit smoothies and that seems to keep me satisfied.  And if that isn't enough to keep the hunger wolf from my door then I just do one of their salads w/the grilled chicken and if that is too much and I really don't want the meat I will take it off and take it home to either the dog or to make a stir-fry for the meat eaters at my house. 

 

Life is a series of opportunities.  Today's food choices present you with new ops!  Yeah for you deciding to keep trying to do the best for your health.