Hate What Brings Death

I have been struggling lately with a decision that I did not want to make. I've been solid in the "no caffiene, no processed sugar" resolve I've committed to for 2010. The funny thing is that there are a whole lot of unhealthy things you can indulge in without caffiene or processed sugar. Is it not part of our human nature to find a way to gratify ourselves even while playing by the "rules"? I watched a slow progression over the past months until suddenly I find myself rejecting what is wholesome and life-giving and embracing what is destructive and life-taking. I've seen more indulgence in pizza, french fries, easy foods and less reaching for fresh veggies, water, vitamins and weight-training.

I decided a week ago to begin again as I did this past January with a "fruit, veggie and nut cleanse" for 3 days with the progressive introduction of food groups as the days go on. When I emerged from this altered diet I would dismiss yet another unhealthy food from my lifestyle. I was aiming for the french fries. I bought all sorts of produce and began with breakfast but my body and will rebelled and by lunch I was eating a burger and fries. Needless to say, I didn't follow my plan.

Why was I struggling? I know better than to get all crazy and obsessive. I just contented myself with the progress I have made so far and decided to wait out this struggle. I determined I would take action but it has to be heartfelt or I wouldn't stick to it.

Today as I was listening to some excellent motivation material (completely unrelated to physical nutrition) when I realized my problem. It was the hindering factor that kept me enslaved to my other habits and until I conquerored it, I couldn't successfully give them up.

You see, I still see a plate or carton of french fries as a friend. They are crunchy, hot, salty and then soft inside. They are stimulating and comforting. I might not be able to have a soda but I can enjoy those fries. I don't see them as the enemy that they are to my health. I don't hate them enough to say "Why would I want to consume this nutritionally dead and even destructive food?"

I hear the seeming voice of reason in my head saying, "Do you have to be so extreme? What about the 80/20 rule?" I understand the concept of moderation but it seems to work better in theory than in practise. Some foods for some people defy balance. Some foods are so appealing that they slowly draw your affection away from other better foods until they are all you crave. They are the enemy of nutrition and need to be kicked to the curb where they belong!

So now that I have located my heart and my wrong thought process, I am ready to declare war on this enemy to my goal of a healthy lifestyle and am making myself accountable to you. No more fries or other deep fried foods. I recognize that while they taste good and others may occasionally indulge...they are at cross purposes with what I desire which is a healthy, nutritionally dense diet that helps me age gracefully and be vibrant for many more years to come!