I recently wrote a letter to the people who signed up for the Health Edit Foundations Program which lists the steps I feel are important when preparing for a Health Edit. I wanted to share them with all of you whether you have signed up for the program or not, we are all on this journey together.
When making any lifestyle changes, it’s important to remember that change is hard. I’ve had many different changes in my life, and when I’ve laid the groundwork physically, emotionally, and spiritually first, I was successful. Most everyone has had something happen in their life that led them to the decision to live a healthier lifestyle.
For me, it was in 2002, when I had West Nile Virus (WNV). At the time, the medical community knew very little about WNV, and was not able to predict that patients could have residual effects. I felt very alone then because there was sparse information out there on gut health.
There was nowhere to turn for guidance. I experienced extreme stomach pains, headaches, and suffered from depression and anxiety resulting from the condition. I left Mississippi for London the summer after I had WNV and was fortunate to stumble upon (God had my back) a naturopath and nutritional therapist. They identified that I had a bad case of candida albicans, and this is when I started my health journey. I was given a prescription to completely avoid sugar, take strong doses of probiotics, eat fermented cabbage daily and incorporate whole foods into my diet.
It took me over a year to start feeling myself again, but I improved immediately after starting the recommendations made by the naturopath. I learned that we know our bodies better than anyone else, and decided to stop relying solely on medical professionals. Ultimately, we have the power to heal ourselves. I find that our culture lacks patience and demands quick fixes, but there is no quick fix for becoming healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s a daily practice that will never end. I will always have work to do.
Maybe today is the day that you decide to make a change. It doesn’t have to be the first of the week, the first of the month, or the first of the year. It doesn’t have to be drastic; one small change can lead you toward the big change you are aiming for.
It’s important to prepare for a Health Edit, so you’ll mentally be equipped to stay consistent with it.
Here are the steps I feel are important when starting this process:
1. Identify your long-term goal and make it your mantra every day. When you lose focus, come back to this.
2. Prioritize coaching calls and group accountability (staying active in Facebook Group, etc).
3. Prepare Prepare Prepare. Set aside time one day a week to review your weekly schedule and plan your meals. The act of writing it out will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
4. Along with preparation comes meal prep. Do not be afraid to eat the same foods over and over, the main idea is not to overcomplicate it. If necessary, start small by only focusing on protein. Identify a time every weekend where you can plan out meals for the week and think about how you’re going to feed your family, so that what you’re making fits your guidelines and works for everyone.
5. Organize your pantry and refrigerator to make meal prepping easier–and remove any temptations or trigger foods. Make sure to stock your pantry and freezer for on-the-go and last-minute meals.
6. Get others involved! Invite a friend or family member to join this journey with you for accountability. Having someone to talk about the daily struggles or wins is important.
7. Don’t let one bad meal ruin your day. Allow the next meal to get you back on track.
8. Change is hard. Practice patience and give yourself a little grace. You’re not going to be perfect, but consistency is key. Every day is a chance to start fresh and learn from the previous day!
9. Learn to say no. Let this be your time to focus on your health.
10. LASTLY… You’re on a journey. Progress, not perfection, is what we’re after.
Remember what is true for you and where your value is found. Extend grace to yourself and others during the process! When you have hard days, remember why you decided to do this, and know that with discipline and commitment, progress WILL be made!
“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it still hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens”
“Every thought we think Is creating our Future”
In loving memory of Louise Hays (1927 – 2017) Your words and affirmations will live in infinity. May you Rest in Peace in the next dimension of life. Thank you for your inspiration and love.
Lots of Love,
Virginia
