Five Things I’ve Learned on My Wellness Reboot Journey… So Far

January has been a month of firsts for me.

It marks the first time I walked home in the rain without an umbrella (which I actually loved quite a bit). The first time I listened to Les Surfs (and am now obsessed). And it was the first time that my health and wellness became the main priority in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I love being active and feeling healthy but I have never put my health at the very top of my list. For someone that is constantly on the go with a big cup of coffee in hand, I feared it would be nearly impossible. I observed people who led incredibly healthy lifestyles and they all seemed to possess a sense of willpower that I just didn’t think I had. Not to mention the energy and glow they had! How did they do it? So on January 1st, I started my wellness reboot. For the first two weeks of the month, I ate a completely raw diet, slept at least eight hours a night, stayed away from acidic beverages (including coffee and alcohol), stretched like a mad woman, and drank at least 2-3 liters of water a day. Here is what I’ve learned:

1. Listen to your body, it’s trying to tell you something. This is the truest thing that I’ve learned thus far. Our bodies are always speaking to us, but are we always listening? To be honest, sometimes I just try to ignore it or find a quick fix, but this wellness reboot really got me in tune with my body. I could hear what my body was craving, whether it was more rest, more water, or certain types of food.

wellness reboost pepper

wellness reboost zucchini

2. It’s not about willpower or strength, it’s about attitude. In the past, I always seemed to approach resolutions to be healthier with a sense of doubt. Often I felt defeated before I even started. Quite simply, I just thought that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I used to look at all of the things I couldn’t do, as opposed to the things that I could: I can’t have coffee. I can’t have chocolate. I can’t have fun. Can’t can’t can’t. Well, this time around I flipped my attitude. I can be healthier. I can try new foods. I can feel my body changing. Just altering my perspective has allowed my wellness reboot to be a lasting and fun thing. And, if you happen to slip up like I have a few times, remember that another healthy opportunity is right around the corner.

wellness reboost carrots

wellness reboost water

3. Playing around in the kitchen is quite fun. When you’re eating raw vegetables and fruits for 14 days, you start to get a little creative with dishes. For someone that does not fancy cooking as much as my friends think I should, I found the kitchen to be an amusing (and gratifying) place to be! I frequented Pinterest and raw restaurant menus for ideas for dishes to make myself. I even learned a few things about myself: I actually like raw zucchini, alfalfa sprouts are the best add-in to any salad, and just one Kalamata olive satisfies my salt craving. After about five days of eating raw, I could start to really taste the flavors of each vegetable or fruit. Trust me, grapes have never tasted so sweet. And I make a great raw chocolate banana milk shake.

wellness reboost veggies

4. When in doubt, drink more water. This has been my answer to pretty much any wellness-related question. Dehydrated skin? Drink more water. Headache? Drink more water. Chapped lips? Drink more water. Feeling sluggish? Drink more water. Cramping muscles? Drink more water. I could go on all day! Drinking more water not only adds a natural glow to your skin, it helps digest food which is an extremely important thing when on a raw diet. I had a hard time digesting raw food a few weeks in and drinking more water helped aid in digestion. It also helps keep chronic kidney stones at bay, as it allows the kidneys to function properly and eliminate effectively. I mean, let’s start a Drink More Water campaign, right?

wellness reboost water

wellness reboots water spots

5. Stay flexible, change as needed. Because I was more in tune with my body, I was able to make appropriate and effective changes to my wellness plan. Long distance running became more of a challenge for me and my body started to crave protein. After two weeks, I added different types of beans to my salads. Black beans are my favorite to add — their soft texture make for a good substitute for meat. Plus they are packed with antioxidants, protein and fiber. Black beans are also a great source of manganese, vitamin B1, magnesium, iron and phosphorous. After I added more protein and iron to my diet, I started to feel more energetic and got my run back!

I know a lot of you are focusing on your wellness this year. I would love to hear what you are learning and how you are staying in tune with your body!

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9 years ago

Drinking more water! That’s my 2015 intention, too. I think listening to the body and really keeping the body’s needs as a focus is so key. (For sleep too!)

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

9 years ago

This was a much needed post, thank you! All your points are very valid and true. Especially the one about the ‘attitude’!
This year I’m focusing on my mental wellness and that starts by being honest to myself and not feeling guilty about everything I do, and by starting a journal and meditating, things that I stopped doing years ago. About the part that you wrote about the kidney, flax seeds are a great supplement and they help the kidneys too!
Looking forward to your upcoming posts!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Decadanse

rae
9 years ago

I LOVE the idea of a wellness reboot and it was great to read about the things that you realized while on this journey. Anything we can do to make ourselves healthier on the inside and out are things we should take the time to do.

Rae | love from berlin

9 years ago

Our bodies are our own personal temple. Live heathly, be heathly, feel heathly. Keep up the good work and drink more water!

The Savvy Heart
http://www.thesavvyheart.com

9 years ago

I really need to start drinking more water. That’s the one thing that’s so easy for me to forget even if I have a full water bottle at my desk!

http://shopnowrunlater.com/

Gabby
9 years ago

My eating habits did a huge 180 this year as well. I was diagnosed with GERD and gallbladder sludge in December and if it wasn’t for that I would still be eating Wendy’s constantly and not paying attention to my body’s needs. It’s been awesome so far using all of the recipes you’ve posted and actually sticking to a strict diet. I’ve slipped a little bit, but for the majority of January, I’ve stuck to it. Thanks!

fp joanna
9 years ago

Gabby, I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis but that’s great that you’re focusing on your health. A radical change can be challenging. — keep up the hard work and good luck! xx

9 years ago

When you were eating completely raw, did you ever get really bloated? I tried eating raw once for a few weeks and realized it doesn’t work well with my body. I was also drinking at least 2-3 liters of water per day too, but it all felt very hard on my digestive system. How ever I am a high carb, plant based vegan and feel more energized and better than ever :-)

fp joanna
9 years ago

Hi Maddie! Why yes, yes I did. I added overnight oats to my daily diet and that seemed to help a little. However, after the two weeks of raw food, I added quinoa and black beans. I also started steaming my spinach and kale which made it easier to digest, for me. Everyone reacts differently — I’m so happy that you found a plan that works for you and that you are feeling great! xx

9 years ago

I have been eating raw for 6 months now. For me some of the bloating seemed to be an initial reaction that occurred due to the change and my body cleansing a bit. The only time I feel bloated on the diet now is if I overdo it with cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, etc.). This is where fruit helps out. Just a tip from my experience. If you are looking for more raw recipes check out my blog!

http://www.radiatetheday.blogspot.com