Okay, so I’ve been doing this candida diet for just over a week now, and I still feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. This last day or so has been especially rough due to exhaustion and PMS (may be TMI, but I don’t care anymore). These two factors made my frustration with this new lifestyle that much worse. I mean, I had a meltdown when the grocery store didn’t have the specific groceries I needed – clearly not my finest moment (but sadly it’s not my worst, either).
When I first learned about my diagnosis and the changes that would go with it, my naturopath said that one of the biggest challenges of the whole deal would be mental. I’ve always wanted to be mentally tough and all that, but all of the mantras and positive thoughts in the world won’t do squat if I’m in this alone.
But… I’m not alone. This last week has been an huge exercise in trusting God for my strength, because I sure don’t have what it takes to make these life changes on my own. Every day is battling cravings for things I can’t have, and a growing frustration with trying to make do with what seems like limited supplies.
Part of my problem is that I am trying to juggle two different diets – my food allergies AND the candida diet; for example, the candida diet relies heavily on eggs, but I reacted strongly to those in my allergy panel and can no longer eat them. AAAUUGGHHH! Plus, the no-sugar thing is definitely cramping my style. This really sucks.
But you know what? I’ve had many long talks with myself this past week, and we’ve come up with some things. I may not know a lot (yet), but I figured I’d share what I’ve learned so far:
- STICK WITH WHAT YOU KNOW (AT FIRST) In the beginning, when everything is overwhelming, don’t try to become a master chef overnight. If you know how to make baked chicken breasts and steamed veggies, good for you – go with it! Salads are always a good option, as you can play around with different toppings and dressings. After you start to get your footing, then you can start to try roasted veggies or stir-fry. Don’t get ahead of yourself.
- LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. On days when you have tons of energy, be sure to use your powers for good. On days when you have zero energy, don’t push it – just do the essentials and save the rest for later. Don’t feel guilty about not being superwoman for a day or two. I’m sure even Wonder Woman took a day off once in a while!
- FIND YOUR FOCUS. If you focus on how frustrating these changes are, then you’re going to get sucked down further and not reach your goals. For me, God is my strength. As I said before, I know I don’t have what it takes to make these changes, but I know that with God, all things are possible. In addition, don’t lose sight of your goals, or as they say, your “why.” Why are you making these life changes? I’m trying to heal my gut and get healthy again – also, weight loss is a nice bonus!
- GET A SUPPORT GROUP. You can’t win this fight alone, everyone has got to have supporters / a cheer squad. My family has always been there for me (aww, thanks guys!) and as I’ve started telling a few friends, they have all been incredibly encouraging. I still haven’t told many people outside of my family and a few close friends, but I’ve realized that I’m going to need the support and encouragement of others if I want to succeed. I tend to get so wrapped up in myself and my problems, and it really helps to have someone to help ground me in reality.
- FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE. When you feel yourself spiraling out of control, find something that makes you happy. Reading your Bible, listening to music, writing down your thoughts in a journal, doing a craft, coloring in one of those nice adult coloring books (heck, a kid’s one is cool too!), cleaning and organizing, exercising… there are so many options. Find what makes you happy and revitalizes you, and make time in your day to do it. You gotta take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
There are so many more things that I am learning, but I think I’ll save those for another time. Plus, I need to get some sleep so I can wake up and crush it in the morning!
And on that note, I bid you all good night 🙂
A Special Strength 