Okay, FOR REALS, the absolute best way to start my 2018 was with the juice cleanse that I did with my dad and sister. We did 3 juices a day filled with Kale, Spinach, Ginger Root, Lemon, Cucumber, Broccoli, Celery, apples, and oranges. I cannot deal with the texture of the juice, so I added frozen mangos and pineapples to mine. SO GOOD! A few of the days I would go to our local fresh juice spot and buy one so it still felt special 🙂

2017 was by far the most unhealthy year of my life. My eating habits along with being so sedentary left me with nasty vertigo, HORRIBLE heart burn, and bloating. In addition, I had a foggy brain along with being extremely sluggish and tired all day. All of that was  just physical side effects, emotionally, I felt a lack of self respect and pride because I was not taking care of myself.

My wake up call came to me the last week of December. I was lying in bed and all of the sudden I had, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”, screaming in my head. I then saw myself in a hospital bed. It was as though I saw a picture of where I was headed if I didn’t take control of my health.

I immediately sent out a group text to my family seeing if anyone wanted to start the year with a 5 day juice cleanse and my dad and sisters jumped on board. So we decided, January 2-6, we would detox with juice and then for the next 5 months have a weekly weigh in so that we would have accountability with eating healthier this year. One of my sisters and I decided that if we lost 40 lbs. by June 2nd, we would go on a shopping trip.

So, with accountability and motivation in place, I was ready to kick 2018 in the teeth!

I sit here on the 10th feeling better than I have felt in years! More energy, hydrated skin, clarity of mind, no bloating, no heart burn, and no vertigo. In addition I have not had a head ache in about a week which is a huge statement because of how frequently I used to get them.  The motivation for me to eat healthy is not in numbers on a scale, but how good I feel. For now, I am juicing still 1-2 meals a day and then eating a healthy protein the other meal. I just discovered the Instant Pot and my life is forever changed. The other evening I was running late but needed to eat dinner. I threw in a piece of frozen salmon with water, lemon juice, and some salt and pepper. Within 15 minutes I was eating a piece of flaky and delicious salmon! I am all about convenience, so now I can have healthy food conveniently! Such a game changer! In addition to eating healthier, I have started the Made To Crave Devotional. Every morning I read an entry and it really helps set the pace for the day.

S0, there you have it! I hope that you can be encouraged and inspired! If I can do it, ANYONE can do it! We have one body, it is so important to take care of it.

Always remember, Accountability is essential! Round your peeps and cheer each other on! Make 2018 your healthiest!