healthy living

And now I’m dieting..

/ christinaparisi / Leave a comment

After doing a month of no alcohol, I was inspired to keep going on my healthy living path.

I knew, however, I’d need some guidance, beyond my healthy, fit husband who helps me stay motivated simply by being himself.

But before I could even ponder my options, the Universe responded to my energy! A research group I’m part of asked me to be in a pilot project for a major weight loss program.

Um, yes please! I wholeheartedly accepted and began this week.

Now, I can’t speak on the actual program, signed a NDA, but I will say it involves a lot of healthy eating, exercising and high moderation of wine and salty snacks – two of my loves.

It’s going… okay. Rough start, I won’t lie but I’m getting the swing of things. Two thoughts have strongly stuck out to me –

  1. I thought I struggled moderating wine… uh, nope. Moderating carbs is not only WAY HARDER but I found a truth about me – I have a true addiction to soft pretzels, kettle chips and sharp cheddar cheese. Well, that and I’m a MAJOR snacker and that stuff adds up QUICKLY.
  2. I drink 64 ounces of water by the afternoon, out of habit and desire, so that part was really easy for me. But what isn’t easy is eating leafy veggies multiple times a day. Damn… that’s where I’m going to struggle….

If you have any helpful hints when it comes to dieting and redesigning your eating/living habits, I’d love to hear yours!

Quitting Alcohol For A Month – I DID IT

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First and foremost, I’d like to give BIG THANKS to all of you who came along with me for the past four weeks – supporting me, checking in and sharing your own stories.

I used it all as a crutch as I walked on this path with urges in the shadows.

I know it sounds cliche but this was one of the best things I think I’ve done for my body. And it’s not all in my mind. Here’s an interesting article about the benefits a body gets from going a month without alcohol… pretty dang cool if you ask me, not to mention the other benefits you get as well, like saving money and time.

But it’s not easy. (Like most things worthwhile.) For me, the hardest part was actually starting. The beginning felt really long but by the third week in, my brain began to think differently and that’s when it got really good. Not gonna lie, though. Temptations were a big part of the process so if I can offer any advice it’s to prepare for those with a strong network of support, a fierce mind-over-matter-determination, and a willingness to see your ugly side so you can do something about it.

But what I think can really help anyone considering going dry a month (or more) is if I be incredibly honest about my experience, so here goes. I’m going to do it as a pro/con list. ***Fair warning though, I’m not going to hold back…

PROS

I lost 5.5 pounds, as the scale tells me so consistently.
My sleep has NEVER been better; and by that, I mean I don’t wake as much, it’s more restful and mornings feel way more vibrant.
I pee A LOT less.
I spend more time with my husband doing active activities. Rather than go to a happy hour, we opt for a bike ride.
Mental clarity is way sharper.
My skin is glowing, according to my husband.
My face doesn’t look bloated, according to several people.
My allergies got better. Not sure how, but they did.
According to my app Dry Days (thanks for the recommend Judy!) I have saved almost $250 dollars. (!!!)

CONS

A few days in, you get bloated. Like, really bloated.
Agitation is the name of the game. You will have to allow yourself to feel it.
Sadly, your bowels get way out of whack. Constipation city for the first few weeks.
Depression hits on weekends (and randomly at 2 in the afternoon on a Tuesday.) I binged TV shows that held my interest and made me laugh (Schitt’s Creek & The Golden Girls) and read a shit ton of books. (4 just this month!)
I felt A LOT less social.

That’s pretty much what I’ve come up with. If anymore pop into my head, I will add. But as always, thank YOU for joining me and I’d love to hear about any of your experiences :)

Quitting Alcohol For A Month – Day 16

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I really want a glass of wine, but I’m not gonna do it.

That’s been something I’ve been dealing with lately and this whole going dry thing has really put my self-discipline to the test.

There are so many lovely moments to have a glass of vino, from enjoying it with hearty pasta dishes to sipping a glass by the roar of the Pacific Ocean, from relaxing with a drink after a long day to toasting alongside others after a hard week comes to a close.

But what I’ve realized is that those things don’t NEED wine. Wine just compliments them.

So, I’m resetting my brain essentially to see alcohol for what it is – a most delicious treat that needs to be handled delicately.

Even if one isn’t addicted, it’s very easy to abuse drinking. And the pandemic had made it far too easy for me to indulge…

So, this is where I’m at.

Day 16 dry and feeling pretty damn good… despite the urges.

Thanks for coming along with me!

Losing 20 pounds – post 11

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My weight loss journey is moving forward smoothly!

I’ve decided to continue not checking the scale right now. A friend of mine told me it’s best to not look initially because my body is changing, as it builds muscle and reduces fat. And since muscle weighs more than fat because of its greater density, the number on that stupid scale can be deceiving and greatly reduce one’s confidence when they need it most so scale, back off!

She also mentioned it’s best to just see how I feel with the changes rather than focus on the number and you know what? She couldn’t be more right!

I truly feel my body become stronger. Bike rides with my husband have never been easier as we navigate the hills along the beach route we take. And at work, I can carry much heavier boxes than I have ever been able too. Also, I feel better after a workout. It takes me through my day in a way little else has before. It provides a boost and right now, as I finish my novel while still working all my other jobs, I need it!

My birthday is on the 14th of this month and right after it, I’m taking two weeks off of all booze and most sugars. I may be grumpy but my body needs the purge to reset and start new and better habits. Stay tuned for that one….

And as always, thank you, dear readers, for your support and encouragement. It means the world to me and helps me move forward in a more positive way.