When I was invited by Marcy to take part in a 40-day juice fast, I knew that it would be difficult. However, I was determined to give it a shot. I was aware that I could not give up solid foods completely, especially for that long. My will is currently just not that strong. So, I began with a modified juicing plan that looked like this:
- homemade fruit/vegetable juice daily
- raw fruits and vegetables
- eggs
- roasted vegetables
- coffee with dairy free creamer
That went okay for a short while. However, things began to go awry in the family, both here at home and with a close family member who lives states away. I found that I could not concentrate and quickly lost my motivation to juice at each meal, sometimes even at all. Then came weather, and sickness……all excuses, I know, but I’m just being real. It soon became obvious that I needed to modify my modified juicing plan even further.
What I ended up with was simple.
Juice daily.
That’s it.
My main goal was to get back on the road to health. Adding in more of the vitamins and healing properties found in fresh fruits and vegetables is one major way to do that. I have accomplished that, even if it has not been in the way I had planned or hoped.
Something else I have learned is that I still have much growing to do. I can be a very determined person. When it comes to work assignments and things that I am responsible to other people for, I try to do my best, and to demonstrate integrity.
However, I have come to realize that, when it comes to setting my own priorities or meeting goals for myself, I am quick to give up.
Emotion plays a huge part in that. As soon as something gets difficult emotionally….when I feel anger, sadness, hurt, frustration, worry……my reaction is to reach for my favorite foods and drinks. For me those happen to be coca-cola and comfort foods such as chips, cheese, cookies….all the things that go against my health and weight-loss goals.
Even though, as I come to the end of this juicing fast, I don’t really feel like I’ve been a success, I am thankful for the things I have learned. God has helped me to see the areas where I am still weak. I readily acknowledge that there are many areas where I need to lean in even more to His strength and promptings. My health needs to become a priority, both the foods that I consume and appropriate exercise.
As I move further into 2014, I hope to work towards those goals. Juicing will remain a part of my life, perhaps as a meal replacement, and definitely as an addition to meals or as a snack. I know the benefits and I feel sure that, as I allow God to meet me in my weakness, my health will continue to improve, both physically and spiritually. He is faithful. I desire to become more faithful to Him in taking care of this body He has given me, so that I can in turn care for the many blessings He has gifted me with.
What are your health goals for 2014? How will you lean in to God and His help in this area?
Wendy is a homeschooling mama to five who loves to encourage others along the homeschooling journey. She also considers herself a ‘foodie’ and is always ready to try a new recipe in the kitchen. You will find Wendy writing about homeschooling, faith, fiction, and family over on her blog, Striving to Follow Him. Wendy also shares recipes over at Southern Test Kitchen.
