There are a whole host of words out there; 470,000 entries in the unabridged (English) edition of Merriam-Webster's dictionary. Because language is fluid and ever adapting, that number is by no means finite.
Some of these words could be considered lofty: generous, unselfish, benevolent, magnanimous, altruistic, munificent, charitable. Some of them are not so: greedy, gluttonous, avaricious, grasping, covetous, voracious, piggish, indulgent, intemperate, materialistic, insatiable.
I would like to say that the word that resonates with me is one from the lofty list, and I am happy to add that it isn't from the lesser list either. For me, the word that tops my thoughts is SKINNY.
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will remember a few posts from the past year which refer to parts of my issue. For those who may be new(ish); This one is a bit tongue-in-cheek; this next one is the whole truth.
I thought I would bring up my word association for two reasons. The first being that some very kind readers commented on my last post that I looked skinny (or skinnier). I'd like to say thank you sincerely for that! However, you could have commented "you look like a skinny crack whore" and I still would have taken it as a compliment, because my mind would have shut off after I read the word skinny.
Today's truth is that I AM a little skinnier, and for now I have jumped off the metaphorical mental Merry-Go-Round. I did a significant amount of research on macro and micronutrients and the benefits of juicing/blending as well as making some small changes in my daily life. Just like all those years ago when just giving up regular soda and stepping over baby gates made a difference, so too are the small changes I made this past couple of months.
Pineapple, peach, red kale, collard greens and Anutragrain |
I bought myself a Blendtec blender (sort of like a Vitamix) and have been making a whole fruit/greens smoothie for breakfast every morning. I change up the fruits and greens during the week so that I can get the most out of every drink. I even make power "red" smoothies that include beets and ginger for powerful kidney and liver detoxification (which is helpful since I certainly haven't given up my wine!). This one small change has added about 20 times the amount of vegetables (and thus micronutrients) I had previously been consuming and removed one of my major stumbling blocks.
I also began exercising regularly again. I am 100% certain that this is the key that unlocks the door to change. It regulates those damn hormones like nothing else does and changes the body composition better than just losing "weight". I have no weight loss goal this time, either long term or short term. I am just changing the way I live to be healthier than I was before. Nothing ever changes if nothing ever changes so I made the choice to change. (Again)
Skinny is just a six letter word after all...it isn't a goal, or an ideal, or a better than me place to be. It. Is. Just. A. Word.
XO,
Alyssa