addiction.

[detox day 1] 

So this week has started out on kind of a funny foot. It's Friday- and the weekend is ahead. I had some what of a mid week crisis, if you will. I want change. I'm craving it. I need it. I need guidance, in some new direction. Sometimes we are searching so hard for something we can't find it, cause were missing all of the signs, that could be right there. But were too busy looking so far ahead. 
Well slowwwwwwwwww down young grass hopper ;) 

I know, from my own experience- I am anxious and impatient. I will jump at the word your trying to find to end your sentence. But, I have been really trying not to do that. (It's kinda a weird story, I used to finish my teachers sentences in 2nd grade and she always appreciated and thought it was funny/sweet, that I knew exactly what word she was looking for ...ahem, didn't know later on in life this could be quite annoying to some.;) Any who! Part of that anxiety quite possibly be enhanced from the coffee I chose to love dearly, and drink every morning. The funny thing is, when I say coffee every morning... You probably think of me as some serious coffee addicted drinker. Addicted, yes. Coffee lover - yes. But I only need about 4-5 sips of my full cup of half coffee, half coconut milk... and I'm through. Because mainly, I feel it in my body. And my mind realizes I need no more. I don't think I need to take a blood pressure test to know, that I have a highly sensitive reaction to coffee. I noticed yesterday, after having those 4-5 sips... later in the day, I just don't feel as good as I think I possibly could. And- I'm sick of it, to be honest. You know, we all get addicted to things, Salt, Sugar, Caffeine, Alcohol. Etc, these things are hard to shake. Believe me! This is not my first attempt at dropping coffee, let me tell ya. BUT, it is my first awareness towards taking care of my heart- from this caffeine aspect. Spiking my blood pressure... is not good.  Not good at all my friends! Not good. I have a history of heart problems in my family as well. Thats a red flag. These things are already in my blood. It's my choice- to go along with the cards dealt to me, or shuffle again. And I'm no conformist. I'm a shuffler! (is that even a word ? ;) Haha. You get my drift ! What is something that is an issue in your family- that your currently going a long with,t hat you don't necessarily like that your doing? Well figure it out. Shed light on it. Then take the road to saying goodbye to that. Were gonna change. And this is how.

So, to lose a habit. loose a craving, etc....Well. the truth? Some think it's 21 days, to form a habit. It's truly not- it's 66. :o Yeah. Thats a lot. But it's ok! Were doing this my way. And I need to take a few baby steps here and there! This is already enough of a big baby step! 30 days. Yes. You know how much I love '30 days'. Now after the 30 if I want a coffee, I can have one. BUT if I don't. Then I'm continuing on for another 36. :) Regardless- I'll carry on with the other 36 days, even if I do have a coffee on day 31. It's ok to have a little something everyone in a while. It's about not doing it so much though. This is completelyyyyyyy for health purposes only. Otherwise- I do not find ANYTHING wrong with coffee. Although, I think people with ANY heart condition should stay far away.

With all of this talk about Heart Care. <3 I must touch on the Salt subject. Now that is a danger zone. I have been doing lots of research lately- on heart health. Prevention, etc. Sodium needs to be put in the spotlight hands down. Basically you need to put your sea salt shaker in the pantry and keep it there. Do not add to anything. No, not even veggies. And stay far away from boxed foods. Make sure you buy black beans, sodium free. And also veggie broth.  Also- I suggest only using Braggs liquid aminos. And truly using only 1/2 tsp. All that stuff is dangerously high in sodium. Very very bad for you. I'm taking a deeper look into all these matters for myself. I don't consider myself- using salt that much. But I sometimes don't notice in the slightest. I wouldn't think Black beans in a can would have salt, cause it isn't necessary. But for some reason it does. So my tip. pay attention!

Stick to fruits, vegetables, lean protein and grains. Don't add salt, it truly does not need it.

Ok- I hope this is helpful guys and gals! <3 wishing you the best!

(By the way, 2nd picture- is of one of my daily oatmeals. I'm on day 3 of GF. Oatmeal is still saving me at breakfast time :)

[detox recap]
[no caffeine, no added salt, no added sugar]
gluten free & vegan since feb 5th.