JENNIFER JOHNSON_FINAL POST 02-07-11

[Jenny Fab]

This last 30 days has been emotionally difficult. I was surprised at
how petulant and downright cranky I felt when deprived of my feel-good
foods. Almost at the end now, I feel a measure of control over my
binging habits that I have not known in nearly a decade.
I learned my body needs way more protein than I think it does and it
yells loudly and painfully when it doesn't get what it needs. I am
grateful for the knowledge imparted to me by Lynn Severy; I changed
things up and immediately saw results.

The first two weeks were pretty hellish. Week three I stabilized a
bit, but still had serious issues with sugar. I have learned that I
cannot have sweets around me or I will eat them. That’s just the
truth. I think that may change in the future as I become more and more
accustomed to not eating cakes and pies and cookies, oh my, and as i
allow myself to have if my body actually wants it. That is the beauty
of all of this- I have learned to slow down and listen to what
nutrition my body actually is asking for and that has made the most
difference of all. I have been made more aware.

I am surprised to say that after increasing my protein intake and
being very aware of how I am affected by that, my cravings for other
no-no foods have decreased dramatically and my energy levels have
climbed. While I will not adhere to a strict Paleo diet, I do not
think I will go back to eating the way I did before either. I feel
lighter and not just by pounds because that has been a small loss
only. I have learned a deeper appreciation for the taste of vegetables
all their own.

Mostly, I just believe in myself that I can and do have control over
what I put in my body and that my emotions do not have to be a
deciding factor in that. I also have gained an understanding of the
fact that will power is not limitless and I need to make good choices
regarding how hard I tempt myself. I have also learned not to belittle
or shame myself when I really do just want to eat a whole can of beets
for dinner or eat half a cookie when I wake up.

The Challenge has been a good one and I think some people I know may
have been inspired by watching myself and my roommate Jesica (who is
patient and kind and has way more will power than I do) struggle
through these 30 days and come out the other side in better shape
mentally, emotionally and physically than when we started. I know
Jesica inspired me just as the other participants have- it has been
priceless to read everyone’s posts and know that while I felt like a
crazy person, I wasn’t alone at least.

Thank you to everyone, CFT and to Lynn- you are a gem.
-Jennifer Johnson