Tag: mindset

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Whole30 ~ “Home Stretch” ~ Days 22-30

Laurel Valdez

Here we are…Day 28 of 30 on Whole30…

Finishing up the “Home Stretch Week”.

Let’s talk positives…

-I’ve lost track of days

-I’m in a solid routine with planning/prepping/cooking AT HOME

-Skin is clearer

-Less inflammation

-More focus

-Less anxiety

-ZERO cravings

All that being said…

Guys, I’m tired!

I’m not quite sure why… 

But I have a hunch it’s either because I’m not getting in enough food/nutrients… OR…

I haven’t been working out as usual while on this elimination.

I will also tell you…

I am READY for some variety in my life.

Even though I’m not suffering from cravings (which honestly, is my FAVORITE win of this program)… 

I miss the OPTION to enjoy a sweet treat or cocktail.

It’s like anything…

When you “can’t” have something…

It seems more desirable.

One of my lifelong goals, specifically as a coach, has always been to be able to attain a solid eating/exercise routine, while also enjoying some less helpful foods once in a while.

You may have heard of this as the 80/20 rule.

I am 41 years old… 

And I have always struggled with this.

While I’m following a program… 

I rock it!

The moment it ends however – it’s hard to sustain.

I am truly looking forward to making THIS TIME different.

Unlike other diets…

This one avoids the scale and measurements during the 30 days…

Focuses on building solid routines and habits…

And tackles the psychological aspects of your eating by not allowing you to recreate anything sweet or a “dessert”… even with Whole30 compliant ingredients.

I think this is brilliant.

Truly…

By getting back into the routine of cooking and eating at home…

Ridding myself of that habit of reaching for a treat or cocktail after a long and stressful day…

And literally experiencing my body become less inflamed from these choices…

I feel and believe I am in a good head space to continue with these good habits 80% of the time!

On Day 30/30 (October 13th), I will weigh in, take measurements, and take a photo…

And I will share my results on social for anyone who is interested.

On October 14th, I will begin the “Celebration & Reintroduction” phase of the program.

I plan to reintroduce in the following order:

  • Day 31 – Added sugar – all by itself
  • Day 34 – Legumes – all by themselves
  • Day 37 – Non-gluten grains – all by themselves
  • Day 40 – Dairy – all by itself
  • Day 43 – Gluten grains – all by themselves
  • Day 46 – Alcohol – all by itself

The goal is to include the reintroduction item with every meal that day (except alcohol;))…

And then return to Whole30 for a couple days in between to see how the foods affect you.

I will also spend this time reading “Food Freedom Forever” by Melissa Hartwig (Co-creator of Whole30)… to really seal this entire experience.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on this journey.

It means more than you know…

And I love sharing the experience with you all.

You’re greatly appreciated! 

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Seeing Privilege in “The Busy”

Laurel Valdez

Lately, life has been busy!

I’ve been juggling three kiddos in two different schools, biz is picking back up with the end of summer, PTO is in full swing, after school activities and kids’ birthday parties keep our schedule full, and sprinkle in other outings and commitments with friends and family.

At times, it feels like I never get a break.

But then alas… quotes like these appear on my social…

“What a privilege to be tired from work you once prayed for. What a privilege to feel overwhelmed by growth you used to dream about. What a privilege to be challenged by a life you created on purpose. What a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for.”

~ @entrepreneurshipfacts

THIS really hit home for me.

YES, I DO think we need to factor in time for rest.

Absolutely.

But these kids I once prayed for, I have… and I am grateful.

The business I dreamt of creating is here and happening… and I’m proud of what it’s becoming.

Being a part of a group that allows me to see my kids’ regularly throughout the school day and know their teachers and staff fills my cup.

Having others to visit and places to go… brings me joy and fulfillment.

So yes, even though it all seems like a little much sometimes, seeing it as a privilege truly does shift the perspective a bit.

What about you?

What in your life tends to feel draining, yet is something you once hoped for?

What tends to exhaust you…

Yet also gives you a sense of purpose?

What upcoming plans do you have that you truly wish you hadn’t committed to…

But you know those connections and experiences give you a sense of belonging?

Try shifting the perspective…

Schedule in some time for rest…

And see how different this upcoming week can look and feel for you.

Believing in us, always.

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On The Road Again

Laurel Valdez

On June 9th, I went in for a yearly physical.

Although everything overall looked “great”…

There were two things that surprised me – my weight, and my cholesterol. 

The scale is not something I choose to use often.

We’re just in a… “complicated relationship”. 😉

I will also say, I typically choose to look anywhere but the reading on the scale when at the doc.

I just prefer to go off of how I feel, and for quite a while, this worked. 

However, as much as I hate to admit it, I have not been feeling my best these days. 

So, I looked.

Yikes.

The highest number I’ve ever seen displayed after stepping on the scale.

And although the cholesterol levels aren’t to the “you need meds” point yet…

They were also higher than normal.

Now, I am no stranger to struggles around food, weight, and body image.

It actually may even be the topic of my first book! 

I’ve attempted pretty much every diet or fad you can imagine…

And I’ve fit my body into sizes 2-16 over the last 10 years.

Zooming in on the last 4-5 years, however…

I have DONE.THE.WORK to greatly improve my mindset around food and body issues…

And I just have to say… 

THANK GOD!

Because when I stepped on that scale… and saw the increased cholesterol numbers…

My response was not one of tears and extreme thoughts…

It was one of awareness and ambition.

I think we all come to a point in our lives – for me, it’s been turning 40 – where we realize we’re not immortal, and that if we don’t truly make our health a priority NOW… it’s only going to decline faster from here on out.

As a mom of three kiddos still in middle and elementary school, I desire to be present, energetic, and THRIVING around them.

And as I get older… and become an empty nester… I want to feel AMAZING so my husband and I can live out our best lives traveling the world, and enjoying our hard earned “us time”.

When I have grandkids… I want to be able to get on and off the floor with them and joke and play.

And all of those things require some shifts.

After a pretty direct heart-to-heart with my husband on the evening of June 10th…

On June 11th, I woke with fire in my belly, and a determined mindset.

But this time is different.

I’ve done the diets, I’ve done the restrictions.

I’ve done the therapy, and I’ve had the coaching.

My 25+ years of experience with the above has led me to this amazing awareness… 

Knowing what to do hasn’t been the issue.

Quick fixes…

Lack of consistency…

And remaining quiet about my journey (aka – little accountability)…

Are to blame.

And I’m here to tell you…

I’m ready to take the time, be consistent, and hey…

I’m sharing this journey with all of you!

HELLO, ACCOUNTABILITY! 😉

I share this with you now because so often, we share the final results. 

The before and after. 

We do this, because we’ve succeeded. 

It’s inspirational and less scary, because you’ve already shown up, and done the work.

But not so often do people publicly share, in real time, their journeys.

Which I always love when people do.

Because to me, seeing a health journey in real time…

The triumphs AND the struggles…

The perseverance even when it gets super hard and SUCKS!!!!!…

THAT is major inspo right there!…

And validates that all those feelings are normal.

And don’t have to stop us!!! 

I’m not making this blog about my health journey, however…

I will share updates here and there on my social pages and within my Thrive Tribe.

I read a quote a couple weeks ago that said…

“The definition of self-control is to choose the important over the urgent.”

This quote spoke to me loud and clear…

And came at the perfect moment.

And that’s what I’m going off of this time around.

Not all the rules, restrictions, and shame…

But simply choosing…

For myself and myself alone…

The “important” over the urgent.

If anyone else is currently on a health journey…

And you’d like to join our Thrive Tribe for accountability, motivation, and encouragement…

We’d LOVE to have you.

Reach out anytime!

The more we thrive together, the more we shine together!

Believing in us, always.