Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. In the Christian tradition it is also the first day of Lent.
In years past I have given up potato chips, alcohol, chocolate, meat, caffeine, and Facebook.
This year I am adapting a new eating plan. One I hope I can continue for life.
If you've followed my blog much, especially in the early years, you might have picked up on my fascination with monks. It's still there! But the last year or so, I've been focused on my supporting my son through his addictions and legal issues, my daughter with the birth of my granddaughter, my mother in caring for my father through his stroke, diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and prostrate cancer, and the birth of my son's son, my grandson.
A lot going on here. Plus, still trying to find the real, authentic me somewhere buried in the heap.
Luckily, I had the strength and clarity of mind to realize my last church job was not a good fit. Not only do I need to focus my energy on my own self care, and being a loving, caring support person for people in my family, but I need to be in a place where I feel my authentic self is worthwhile, and I am not only visible, but valued.
Now that I am out, I feel I can breathe easier. There were many, many good moments in my last church job. Mostly the people of the church.
The money was pretty meager, but in my life, the loss of that paycheck will be felt.
So for Lent this year, I am not only adapting a new eating plan, I am going to remove Starbucks from my life. Gulp.
I have already begun. Today, I filled my thermos with hot water and an Earl Grey tea bag.
If I feel the need to stop and ponder on my journey to Portland, I will stop at the library or the gym.
My eating plan is based on the Mt Athos Monastery Diet:
Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays will be my fasting days. On those days I will eat a vegan diet. No dairy or meat, no sugar, fast food or junk food.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays I will eat a moderate diet. I will add in a bit of dairy and meat, especially fish and chicken, but still refrain from sugar, fast food and junk food.
Sundays will be my feast days. I will allow myself to eat essentially what I desire, but still within moderation.
Everyday I will still practice intermittent fasting, but I've opened my window. I will on most days stop eating by 5:00 p.m., but allow myself on fast days or special occasions to eat by 6:00 p.m.
https://www.womanandhome.com/health-and-wellbeing/the-mount-athos-diet-126094/#:~:text=Why%20fasting%20on%20the%20Mount%20Athos%20Diet%20is%20different&text=',and%20they%20don't%20snack.
It's a beautiful, sunny day outside. I can feel the winds of change. And they are soft, warm and full of hope!!
Happy Tuesday!
Love,
Zita
P.S. I am still exercising every day, but still haven't gotten back to hooping. But yesterday I managed a Qi Gong session in the gym locker room!
In years past I have given up potato chips, alcohol, chocolate, meat, caffeine, and Facebook.
This year I am adapting a new eating plan. One I hope I can continue for life.
If you've followed my blog much, especially in the early years, you might have picked up on my fascination with monks. It's still there! But the last year or so, I've been focused on my supporting my son through his addictions and legal issues, my daughter with the birth of my granddaughter, my mother in caring for my father through his stroke, diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and prostrate cancer, and the birth of my son's son, my grandson.
A lot going on here. Plus, still trying to find the real, authentic me somewhere buried in the heap.
Luckily, I had the strength and clarity of mind to realize my last church job was not a good fit. Not only do I need to focus my energy on my own self care, and being a loving, caring support person for people in my family, but I need to be in a place where I feel my authentic self is worthwhile, and I am not only visible, but valued.
Now that I am out, I feel I can breathe easier. There were many, many good moments in my last church job. Mostly the people of the church.
The money was pretty meager, but in my life, the loss of that paycheck will be felt.
So for Lent this year, I am not only adapting a new eating plan, I am going to remove Starbucks from my life. Gulp.
I have already begun. Today, I filled my thermos with hot water and an Earl Grey tea bag.
If I feel the need to stop and ponder on my journey to Portland, I will stop at the library or the gym.
My eating plan is based on the Mt Athos Monastery Diet:
Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays will be my fasting days. On those days I will eat a vegan diet. No dairy or meat, no sugar, fast food or junk food.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays I will eat a moderate diet. I will add in a bit of dairy and meat, especially fish and chicken, but still refrain from sugar, fast food and junk food.
Sundays will be my feast days. I will allow myself to eat essentially what I desire, but still within moderation.
Everyday I will still practice intermittent fasting, but I've opened my window. I will on most days stop eating by 5:00 p.m., but allow myself on fast days or special occasions to eat by 6:00 p.m.
https://www.womanandhome.com/health-and-wellbeing/the-mount-athos-diet-126094/#:~:text=Why%20fasting%20on%20the%20Mount%20Athos%20Diet%20is%20different&text=',and%20they%20don't%20snack.
It's a beautiful, sunny day outside. I can feel the winds of change. And they are soft, warm and full of hope!!
Happy Tuesday!
Love,
Zita
P.S. I am still exercising every day, but still haven't gotten back to hooping. But yesterday I managed a Qi Gong session in the gym locker room!
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