It’s been a hectic two weeks. Between my husband’s work schedule and mine, we have been run ragged. Late nights and early mornings seem to be a regular part of the schedule these days. Throw in some unexpected problems (like the tractor breaking down) and the stress gets unbearable.
Fortunately, my husband and I just completed a detox. We had been planning to do one for a while now, but his work schedule was just too chaotic. We like to do a detox several times a year to clear out some of the toxins we invariably pick up from our food, water, and environment. It is very hard to live completely clean when the very clothes you buy likely have toxic chemicals in them; from the way the cotton is processed to the dye used on them, we are exposed to unsafe chemicals.
I do what I can to make better choices. I drink filtered water and filter my shower water. I avoid the use of plastic water bottles by using a metal thermos. I rarely buy new clothes. I think organic cotton is too expensive, so I buy regular clothes. I avoid processed food at home, and only eat out once a week. I buy organic food whenever it is available and affordable. Still, we allow ourselves to splurge once in a while.
After a few months, we both agree that we are ready for a detox. It helps us sleep better, and gives us more energy. You can find out more about the detox we do, on my webpage at https://www.yourtotalhealthexperience.com/events/.
With my work schedule being so crazy there has been little time to spend with my husband, just hanging out. Last weekend, we went into town to run some errands, and realized we forgot to eat lunch before we left. So, we decided to stop for lunch at Cracker Barrel.
They have so many meals that I consider comfort food. For a while, all I ever ate was the chicken and dumplings. Not something you might expect a person who is dedicated to healthy living to eat, but I do allow myself to cheat on my diet. Lately though, I have been stuck on their Reuben sandwich.
Corned beef and sour kraut are major staples in the north east; so is chicken and dumplings. I guess that is why they are my version of comfort food; they remind me simpler times, when I was a kid.
I used to be big on eating desserts, but have really lost my taste for it in recent years. Everything seems to have way more sugar than it used to. All that sugar burns my throat and makes me feel gross afterwards.
But let me tell you, Cracker Barrel makes a carrot cake that is very similar to my own fabulous recipe. It is so moist and flavorful that it is my weakness. Especially, I think, because it is seasonal.
My husband and I split a piece of yummy carrot cake that day. It was definitely too sweet, but we powered on through! Comfort food for sure. I’m pretty sure we took a nap when we got home.
Of course there are better ways of dealing with stress, but few are so yummy! That is the whole premise of the 90-10 rule. Ninety percent healthy, wholesome food and ten percent not so healthy food will keep you from bingeing and feeling guilty.
Since life is so busy, unpredictable and stressful right now, we are committed to another detox in November. It really makes us feel good. In the meantime, we will just keep doing what we can, putting out fires where necessary, and taking a little time for ourselves.
Last Sunday, we went fishing. We wanted to have a fish fry, but we only caught a couple fish that were big enough to keep. I can’t complain about any of it though. It was a perfect day to be on the lake. Perfect weather, and we did catch fish. It was a great way to relax with my husband.
Yesterday, we took a couple of hours to fish on the river that borders the back of our property. It is always so calming and beautiful back there. The dogs love to swim and run around smelling all the smells that dogs are so interested in. I am lucky that I have a little retreat literally right in my backyard.
Well, I hope that you have a great week. Over the next few weeks, take time to consider the presidential candidates carefully. Be committed to vote, because your voice matters. Pray that a clear leader be revealed, and pray that whoever becomes our next president be an instrument of our Almighty God.
Proverbs 11:14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
