Yes I did!!I found love and in the most of the unexpected places. That kind of love that gives one a sense of belonging. But before I pour you some tea , I will let you in on a couple of things.
One of the biggest yet most liberating journeys I have embarked on thus far is knowing thyself. That aspect of getting your body running at optimum point is amazing. I wouldn’t call it a mastery of sorts but learning to listen to it, when its had too much, or when it doesn’t work with A ,that was step one of it. The second step was information; I am a big believer of order stems from acting from a point of being informed. The third bit of it was acting on that knowledge to execute what you’ve got to.
With that said, I always joked that I was a fruit bat right from the very beginning before I got to know that it was a legit name for what I was expressing. I am the kind that always questions plenty in life, not the upfront kind of questioning but more of looking deeper into common aspects. Therefore I have always believed that fruits deserved a bigger portion of rather than the smallest corner on the balanced diet plate. A more serious serving rather than as a starter or dessert. Don’t get me wrong , I am not out to bash anyone for handling nutrition differently than I do, quite the contrary I am a believer of everyone embracing their uniqueness. I wondered why they would give them such a side show and whether everyone actually experienced the surge of energy I did, the easy digestive process that comes with no discomforts. At that point when I realized I was onto something I got so excited. I have always believed that when God created us He didn’t place us in a system that required calorie restriction of us to maintain our health. The bible reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Most High, I look into it as a task upon us to keep it in good shape . Therefore whatever you eat should be in consideration of whether it will be of good use or out to build to its dysfunction. For us to serve Him well we need to have our bodies at a point of efficiency, with much vigor to step out as workers in His vineyard.
As I digress/o\, we are born into a nutrition system that has been there and unquestioned over time. The basic knowledge on nutrition covers all aspects of nutrient sources and have us believing that the said are the only plausible options for the said nutrients. In my quest to understand more about this lifestyle before I dove in, I came across a starter pack guide, the 80/10/10 diet book by Douglas N Graham. This book shed a lot of light and I stepped forth feeling very empowered. Immediately I got done with it I purposed to embark on this lifestyle, one that placed importance on carbing up.
A simplified summary; Douglas Graham was basically talking about being vegan, yes Vegan . On your plate of food, 80% should be carbohydrates, 10% protein, 10% fats. This made me realize that vegetables had much more to offer and being vegan wasn’t enough, one had to be eating a balanced meal as well.
So where’s this love I speak of? I challenge you to do a day or two of fruits and vegetables only, those who’ve done a Daniel kind of fast can attest to it. You feel lighter, more energetic and for those with a love for good food, your portion control plate should be tossed out of the window. You eat to satiety not to being full therefore you are still comfortable after a meal and no cravings to haunt you later.
The simplicity of this lifestyle had me sold, carbs are your friend and not your greatest undoing! The surge of energy is all that and so much more! I totally got ridden of bloating and my tummy region keeps getting smaller I’m even amazed! My meals can be as simple as boiled maize and a serving of vegetables, a big fruit bowl, a big bowl of rice as well. When creativity kicks in a little bit more fancy salt and oil free or minimal salt/oil cooking options come to play. I dislike am still working on falling in love with running (any great tips are greatly welcome) so the knowledge that all I needed was to stay active keep walking was great. I am no longer feeling like working out is heavy on me, the idea that even a 25 minute workout is as good, what is not to love about that? Food goes through the system quite quick combined with constant water intake (currently at 3-4.5 liters a day) that energy is so amazing! Oh did I mention the glow that comes with it and brighter eyes? That feeling that your body loves you back for the decisions you’ve made concerning what you put in your mouth is amazing.
Let us be real though, will it be easy? Far from it but after such a great experience you’ll want more of it.
• The water retention will go, you’ll not need an alarm clock to snooze a couple of times before you get up ( early to bed phrase works here as well. At least 7 hours of sleep or so).
• MANY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE DOING, nothing is closer to the truth as this statement.
• It will be important to surround yourself most likely on social media with people that are of the same lifestyle. Our mind takes in much more than you’d think over images that we come across during the day. They plant seeds in our system that results to manifestation of things, so if you surround yourself with people posting what you are breaking away from sooner or later you might realise you are back at it. Even so there is a greater sense of belonging that comes with knowing you are among like minded people. Having your NO stronger will be necessary because we live in a world where people are quick to reject something just because they aren’t familiar to it.
That said, that’s how I found love, in addition to the unconditional kind of love from Christ.
Hoping this helps you out,to the one who’s been feeling like its time for change or getting back on track.
I’ll write up over shopping hacks next, how to land those massive fruit or vegetable hauls on a student or limited budget.
I will be glad to handle any questions you’ve got.😋
Lots of love ❤️❤️
NB: The above is in no way professional guidance in any sense. They are views and observations I’ve gathered from my personal experience.
HIGHCARBLIVING 