Food Freedom

Lately I have been reading about food freedom and what that looks like. I am a few days away from finishing the Whole 30 program. It has been quite a journey but one that I feel is important. Cravings have mostly gone away and I feel good about myself in such a way that I haven't felt in awhile.

Reading about food freedom, I think about how certain foods that have an effect on people and including myself. For me I feel like sugar is definitely a go-to when I want to be in a good mood but the reality is that it's only a temporary. I think the same could be said about alcohol. I don't really need alcohol to socialize. Yet I know people who use it as a crutch. Food can sometimes influence how we think and feel. It can also effect our health in ways we don't even think about. 

Food has an impact on us and I think for me it's been helpful to stop and reset in some ways. Even though I am on a Whole30 diet, I have come to the realization that I am sensitive to peaches. I also realize that I don't like meat as much as I used too. I have tried a few good recipes but they have been underwhelming. I think most meat just taste bland and maybe the reason it's hard to let go for some people is that we are addicted to the other things we add to the meat to make it more tolerable. As much as I love sweets, I want to be more careful about what I eat and I feel like committing myself to following a healthier lifestyle.

As I finish out my Whole30 journey, I found out yesterday I have Achilles tendinitis. I knew I had some issues with my foot but I am glad to finally get a real diagnosis. The only uncertainty I have now is whether I will be able to compete in a marathon at the end of the year. I have a few weeks that I need to rest but I will be miss a few days of training, too.  I am hoping the recovery process goes by quickly and I can catch up before the big race. 

As I rest though, I will reflect on health, running, and other goals for the year. It's been quiet a journey and I feel proud of what I have accomplished. Sometimes it's good to do a mid year check-in and evaluate the progress being made. I have never been as committed to my health or fitness as much as I am now.

What kind of progress have you made toward your goals? Are there minor things you need to tweak to close out a strong year? Is there one overall goal that you would like to focus on before the end of the year?