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Day 40: Mindful Steps and the Path to Delayed Gratification

 
A close-up of the soles of modern athletic shoes, showing the complex tread pattern for grip and stability. The blend of pink and gray on the rubber provides a stylish yet functional design, with various textures and shapes that contribute to the shoe's overall traction and durability. The focus on the soles offers a glimpse into the design considerations for active footwear, prioritizing both performance and aesthetics.

Welcome back to my personal blog towards better holistic health!

A Walk of Awareness

Today's workout, a meditative walk on the treadmill, turned into an unexpected lesson in mindfulness. Halfway through, I noticed an unevenness in my stride, a direct result of my right shoe wearing out. This observation led me to decide to reserve my current pair of outdoor shoes for treadmill sessions and begin the hunt for new shoes for my outdoor adventures. It's fascinating how mindfulness during exercise can extend to even the wear of our shoes, reminding us to pay attention to the tools that support our journey. 

The Lesson of Patience

Today's lesson on delaying gratification struck a chord with me. The analogy of saving for a vacation versus indulging in an immediate purchase illustrated the value of patience and long-term thinking beautifully. For me it's a reminder that the most rewarding outcomes often require us to wait, to persevere through the desire for instant satisfaction. This concept was tied back to our fitness and nutrition goals, emphasizing that the changes we're working towards might not be immediately visible but are worth the consistent effort. I appreciate that this program doesn't say oh you will see results right away, lose X lbs in a month or whatever other marketing that is out there. Real consistent change is hard, it takes work, and it takes time.

Reflecting on Our Habits

As we reviewed our habits to date, I've noticed significant progress and some areas for improvement. The Waterpik routine is now a seamless part of my nightly ritual, a small but meaningful victory. Eating slowly has become increasingly natural, allowing me to savor and enjoy my meals more fully and I find that I am well hydrated all day now with the drinking throughout my meals vs before when I would drink separately from them.

However, eating only when hungry and stopping when satisfied remains a challenge, particularly with meals that are either too delicious or not satisfying enough. It's a delicate balance that I'm still learning to navigate and I'm trying to be patient as a lean into trusting my body more. I have read that it can takes months or longer to not eat by the clock or finish all the food on our plates instead of stopping when satisfied so I'm embracing that timeline as best I can.

Surprises and Preparations

This week's recap included surprise videos from the coaches, offering valuable insights and preparing us for the next habit: incorporating protein into every meal. The suggestion of bean pasta as an easy-access protein was a revelation, expanding my understanding of how versatile and varied protein sources can be and I have tracked down some chickpea pasta to try with the family.

Another profound video discussed the concept of letting go of food guilt, emphasizing that there are no inherently "good" or "bad" foods. This perspective is liberating, challenging us to rethink our relationship with food and guilt. It's a powerful reminder that our overeating habits are often tied to emotions and perceptions, not just the foods themselves. It's funny how people will say oh I shouldn't have this food, it's so bad for me, or I should have more of that food it's so good for me everyday without anyone blinking at those phrases. 

Day 40 Reflections

Today has been a day of introspection, learning, and planning. The journey of mindfulness extends beyond just our eating habits to every aspect of our lives, including how we approach exercise and even the maintenance of our gear. The lessons on delayed gratification and the deep dive into our dietary habits have provided much food for thought, reinforcing the idea that this journey is about long-term change, not immediate results. 

As I look forward to the new habit of incorporating protein into every meal, I'm reminded of the importance of patience, persistence, and the willingness to let go of ingrained perceptions. Here's to the next step in this enlightening journey.

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Location: Canada

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