My Story
During my teenage years, I struggled with a lack of confidence and a lack of understanding about my body. Unfortunately, at that time resources were limited and I felt lost. As a result, I never felt comfortable revealing my true self to others and I didn't have a positive self-image. To compensate for my insecurities, I became a people pleaser and would do anything to be liked or accepted. This included taking medication that wasn't necessary and not taking care of my body through proper nutrition. Looking back, I wish I had the knowledge and support that is available today to help me through those difficult times.
About seven years ago, I embarked on a personal journey of research when I suddenly found myself experiencing perimenopause due to a traumatic event. The onset of perimenopause and menopause can occur gradually or abruptly, depending on individual circumstances.
Despite being only 47 years old, I displayed all the symptoms that indicated I was indeed entering the menopausal phase. Uncertain of what lay ahead, I was determined not to remain stagnant in my current state.
As a mother of three, I yearned for my children to feel proud of me and not have to worry about my well-being. The weight gain of 3 stone, especially for someone who had always been petite, fueled a deep self-loathing within me that became unbearable.
Where I started
To begin, I made the decision to give up alcohol. Although I never truly enjoyed it, I used it as a crutch for confidence. However, this change led to an intense craving for sugar. I found myself waking up in the middle of the night, rummaging through my children's drawers in search of any chocolate or sweets I could find.
This behavior served as a significant warning sign, making me realize that my addiction was not to alcohol, but to sugar itself. Motivated by my own research and the guidance of influential individuals, I embarked on a journey to completely remove sugar from my diet. I discovered that sugar often hides under various names, making it important to be vigilant when reading food labels.
The most challenging part of this process was dealing with the withdrawals. It took three weeks of perseverance, but I can confidently say that I have never looked back. My taste buds have undergone a complete transformation, and now I only indulge in sugary treats on rare occasions, such as when I dine out at a restaurant. Interestingly, I have noticed that whenever I do consume sugary food from a restaurant, I experience what I can only describe as a "food coma." It leaves me feeling utterly exhausted. This observation further reinforces my commitment to maintaining a sugar-free lifestyle.
Overall, the journey to break free from my sugar addiction was not without its difficulties. However, my unwavering determination and the positive changes I have experienced have made it all worthwhile.
“My goal is to help young girls/ women in avoiding the negative consequences with unhealthy eating habits. Helping gives me a sense of purpose and self-worth. I want to share the knowledge I have gained from my own life’s journey rollercoaster.”
Learning about sugar has led me to uncover more about the detrimental effects of processed food on the body.
Consuming processed food can leave the body feeling sluggish and unsatisfied leading to cravings for more.
To when I explain this concept to my children, I use an analogy "Would you spend the entire night watching TV while snacking on dried spinach or indulging in a box of Maltesers or a a tube of Pringles ?"
They look at me like I’ve got two heads but once I’ve explained to them that certain brands of crisps can contain up to 34 different chemicals and additives, which can leave us wanting more, and it’s not their fault .
This cycle of craving and indulging can lead to feelings of guilt, something that we should never experience.
To ensure that my day starts off on the right I prioritize breakfast and provide my brain with the necessary nutrients it needs. I firmly believe that starving the brain is harmful much like how plants wilt if not watered regularly. By nourishing my brain, I set the day for functioning properly.
Efficiency is key to me, especially when it comes to food preparation. As we all have limited time these day .
So my meals are quick and easy and I have discovered various hacks that allow me to achieve this . Eat a lot but just prioritize consuming the right types of food.
While I don't engage in extensive exercise routines, I do practice Pilates at home through online classes.
This allows me to save time that would otherwise be spent commuting.
I appreciate time is crucial in all aspects of life so for instance, I incorporate cold showers into my routine, which only take two minutes.
Learning the correct way to do this at certain times incorporated with breathing by having attended multiple Wim Hof courses for the sake of my mental health.
These courses have not only been enjoyable but have also provided incredible health benefits, along with the benefits of red light therapy for both the mind and body.
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