Today you get a double post! Aren’t you just the luckiest! Since it is the end of the month, that means that it is Foodie Penpal reveal day.  Foodie Penpal was started by Lindsay over at the Lean Green Bean and is a fun way to try new and delicious things with others across the country. If you would like to participate or just want some more info, you can head over to Lindsay’s blog and check out all the official guidelines.  This month my pen pal was Lauren and she did a fabulous job with my box! Included was:

1. Spicy Moroccan Sauce- GREAT in soups and stews, which I am now making more of with the cooler weather

2. Rosemary and Black Pepper almonds- My husband really enjoys these as a tasty snack

3. Four Fruit Spread- I haven’t had a chance to try this yet but I am sure it will be fantastic

4. Almond Butter- I love any and all nut butters, so this of course was a favorite

5. Gluten-free Cinnamon Raisin Bread- This was made and devoured immediately!

6. Various spices- I love my herbs and spices and these new ones have been fun to try out!

Thanks again Lauren, this was a great box!

On one of my daily blog readings, I came across a piece of advice that struck me.  I don’t remember which blog it was or even the main point of that particular post (I read a LOT of blogs).  The author stated, “Trust your body, it knows exactly what it needs and it will let you know too”.  When I first read it, I really didn’t pay much attention.  I have heard this advice many times before.  In fact, I often tell you to listen to your own body and to pay attention to the signals it sends you.  But as the day went on, I really started thinking about that advice and the word that really got me was trust.  Trust your body.  I realized that I don’t know if I fully trust my own body, at least not yet.

Let me explain.  It is one thing to listen to your body, your stomach growls, you know you’re hungry, you put food into your body.  That is fairly simple.  But do you trust your body to choose the right food?  Do you trust your body to eat the right amount of food?  Do you ultimately trust that your own body is telling you that it needs?  I have had a very tug-of-war like relationship with my own body and food over the years.  Many times I would just eat anything at anytime because I was bored or just wanted the taste of food.  This whole cycle of overindulging and eating food that wasn’t good for me created a very strained relationship between me and my body.  When I decided to finally start eating better and improve my health, I honestly did not trust myself or my body to make smart decisions food wise.  I literally had to throw out all the processed junk food in my pantry and refrigerator because I knew that I would not be able to trust myself around those things.

It has gotten easier over time to say no to the food that does nothing to keep me healthy.  I avoid certain aisles in the grocery store, I don’t make certain foods, and if I go out to eat, I don’t even look at certain parts of the menu.  Sure, that sounds like I trust my body, but in reality, I’m still a little nervous that I will go back to my unhealthy days if I fully trusted in my body to tell me what it needed.  What if I misinterpret the signals?  What if I think my body is telling me it needs something that I don’t want to eat?  This may sound confusing and silly, but because of my past, I have a hard time with these things.  But I’m also starting to realize that my body is smarter than I give it credit for.  Because I have been feeding it the best possible food and treating it as healthfully as possible, my body knows that it doesn’t need nor want any of the food that I used to crave in the past.  I’ve also learned so much these past few years when it comes to nutrition and health, which also contributes to continuing to eat well and live healthfully.

I’m learning more and more to really trust in my body to tell me what it needs.  Some days are better/easier than others, but it is all a part of the process.  Being healthy isn’t a sprint to the finish, it is a longer and slower journey, one that you have to make mistakes and learn from them.  Will I ever be perfect? No!  Obviously that is impossible and not expected of anyone.  But I will get better and continue to be as healthy as possible.  If you’re going through the same trust issue I am, just remember: be patient with yourself, give yourself time, and don’t be too hard on yourself.  You will get there, I promise!

Have a fantastic Monday and a great rest of the week!