One Month Ago

[Matt Donahue]

Strange how a month can seemingly change your life. Last month at this time, I was like most Americans. Eating crap because I was on the go, taking my blood pressure medicine because that was my safety net for all my bad decisions, and generally just feeling tired, sluggish and miserable all around. Then I woke up one day and said, Screw it!. Nothing can prevent me from being healthy except me. So, I made some drastic decisions that day. I stopped taking my meds that day. Probably not wise but I am still here to talk about it. I swore off fast food, all caffeinated drinks, and have had nothing but water, smoothies(green, of course) and adapted the raw/paleo diet. The energy levels I have experienced in the last few weeks alone have been mind blowing. Not only to me, but my kids, my co-workers, and my wife. She is not a big fan of the raw meat part, but she keeps her tongue in check because she sees a whole new me. Not only that, I have lost close to 20 pounds and just feel so much better about myself.

It made me think how simple it is to change something when you put your mind to it. Now, after work(which for me can be 1 in the morning), I go to the gym for a couple of hours and run, walk or lift. A month ago,  I would have prob stopped for a late night wretched burger or some other fast food item and been sluggish for the next half a day. Now, I get home, decompress, sleep for a few hours, get up with the boys, get them off to school and start my day. On top of that, I have seen major improvements in recovery when I am participating in my 2 favorite hobbies(hockey and karate).

My career challenges me as I am a chef in a cooked food restaurant, but it is truly amazing how different things taste to me now. I know I will not be 100% all the time due to tasting requirements, but I cannot tell you how amazing I feel. And I do not regret my past decisions. I guess we all went through that phase and now we can use our current way of life as a testament to the dangers and horrors of processed garbage that we have been putting in our bodies. What is most satisfying to me is that my 8, 10 and 11 yera old boys are seeing the changes and asking me questions. They make think I am crazy, but it is the best thing I can do for them as their dad is to educate them on what they are really putting into their bodies(as if anyone knows everything that processors put into the food).

Finally, I would have thought that the person that I am today is a lunatic. Funny how a month changes your outlook on something this important.  I'm glad that I made this step in my life and I am glad I found you ladies and gentlemen to keep the support level high. I have been experimenting with smoothies and as I type, I am enjoying a smoothie made with one large handful of baby spinach, 1 Granny smith apple, one orange, raw honey and 2-3 mint sprigs. Deeeeeelicious. Keep it up everyone and happy blending

[nathalie carles]

I also cook for my guests (I manage a guest house) and I fee I am not alone anymore when reading your post!!!

tasting is soooooooooooooo challenging for me. In summer....it's ok but in winter!!! At a certain point I didn't taste anymore but that is not good, you forget the salt or some ingredients are not balanced...you have to taste.

Anyway it is good not to be alone!! Thanks.

[Peggy Speir]

Excellent.

 

I too am a chef, and keeping raw is challenging. I know I will never be 100% either, but I try to stay the course as best as I can. It is constantly checking in with myself and feeling this great that helps me keep on the path.

Go get 'em, tiger!!

[Karen Sands]

Wooooo Hooooo!  Now your Rawkin!

[jill anderson]

I enjoyed reading your posting:)u inspire me:)

[Janet Carol Ryan]

Cheers!!!

[Janet Carol Ryan]

I jumped through the portal (love that Gill!) nearly 2 years ago and my oh my how life has opened up in so many wondrous ways. Keep stepping on the good raw road Matt! 

[Mae Jardine]

Good for you, Matt!  Have a great weekend.  That green smoothie sounds like it looks, tastes and smells tempting enough to get your boys interested in taste testing your creation. 

[Maureen Griffin]

Congrats Matt -well done and all the best as you go forward. It's a journey with twists and turns and each one unique!

[nathalie carles]

Fabulous post!!!! Very inspiring!!! You're on the right track!

[Bette Bliss Shaw]

Great story Matt! Good for you. Yes, what a great example for your kids. They will never forget it and might, one day, end up with the most amazing health because of you! We do make ripples in the pond when we set the example.

Keep it up!