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Day 97: Reflections, Active Recovery, and Gardening Joys

Lettuce and citrus trees on a patio table with a couch in the backyard after the rain



Hello, everyone! Today’s reflections bring a mix of dietary insights, personal accomplishments, and continuous learning from the PN program. It’s been a day rich with activities and self-discovery, being present to try and make sure that I am making every moment count.

Nutritional Deep Dive

Today's lesson in the PN program revolved around evaluating our intake of healthy fats. For me, avocado oil has been a standout this week, both for cooking and as a delicious addition to sandwiches and wraps in the form of guacamole. It's not only versatile but also incredibly easy to incorporate into my diet. While I'm exploring its benefits, I’m also keeping an open mind about experimenting with other oils in the future.

Celebrating Weekly Wins

One of the biggest triumphs this week has been managing to stay on top of my workouts, despite the challenges posed by my PCOS, lack of sleep and my period. This week I really focused on ensuring that each meal was balanced and nutritious helped tremendously, as did keeping fresh groceries in rotation, with three deliveries this week, which has been crucial in keeping my energy up and supporting my dietary needs.

Reflecting on Fullness and Eating Habits

I'm still navigating the challenge of feeling full and learning to eat slowly. It’s a process, particularly when fatigue and mood swings complicate the focus on mindful eating. However, I'm adapting by taking smaller portions and avoiding seconds, which has helped manage my intake even if it's not the perfect solution yet. It's amazing to me that I am the only person in my house who has this issue, until the Precision Nutrition program brought me into these habits, I never noticed. I had a couple of meals that had some food leftover so that's a win for me this week especially.

Tracking Meal Components

I'm on day two of tracking my components of meals. I see that yesterday I was pretty balanced when I count the checkmarks in each column for protein, veggies, carbs and fats. I'm checking it off after I finish eating, not before making food as I just am trying to be aware vs use this for planning this weekend as the coaches suggested to us.

Clearing Out and Moving Forward

Today’s active recovery was combined with a thorough purge of winter and spring clothing that no longer fits because it is too big. It felt liberating to clear out space and donate these items, making room not only in my closet but also in my mind for new beginnings. It was interesting how this also prompted my hubby to go through some of his clothes and do the same when I was finished. 

Muzzle Training Progress

Muzzle training with my dog has seen significant progress today. She’s getting much more comfortable with wearing it, and I'm thrilled to see her accepting this adjustment so well. She is letting me put it on her, walk with me, sit and then get her treat. I'm sure that this will continue and next week I want to try and get her outside with it as well so that by the time we get to the vet she has had it on a few places.

Gardening and Outdoor Activities

This morning's unexpected warmth at 17°C at 9 A.M. offered a perfect opportunity to sit on the patio furniture, sip my tea and then repot my citrus plants and enjoy some time outdoors with the dog in the backyard. My husband joined me for a short neighborhood walk with the dog before the rain set in, which was a delightful addition to our day as he isn't always feeling up to being able to go on these shorter walks with his leg. 

I am going to replant my blueberry bushes that I have here and add a few more that I have ordered to be delivered from Costco - they have a three variety pack that has six plants and combined with the ones I have here should be a good assortment. Blueberries do better with different types of bushes around them according to the experts. I also ordered new open-bottom planters, which should help them thrive despite our clay-heavy soil and I hope that the ones here don't go into too much shock with that move.

Dandelion Dilemma

The appearance of dandelions on the lawn kickstarted an afternoon of weeding. While it might feel like a small victory in the grand scheme of lawn care, removing them helps other plants like grass and clover flourish. Our family's approach to "No Mow May" supports this, letting the grass grow to benefit the ecosystem including the bunnies and pollinators that come. Half of our neighbours do the same, the other half have already started mowing their lawns last week and it's only April in Ontario!

Each activity today has reinforced the importance of listening to my body, staying active in ways that respect my current state, and continuing to nurture my surroundings just as I nurture myself. Thank you for sharing in this journey of growth and self-care. Here’s to more sunny days and successful gardening ahead!

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Location: Canada

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