How Cleansing Can Create Self-Doubt
This is a guest post by Sara Grove; read About the Author below to learn more about her work.
Four years ago, I co-founded Raw Food Magazine. It was exciting. I was learning so much about food and nutrition. I lost weight, my energy levels skyrocketed, I had found the secret to look amazing, feel amazing and eat as much as I wanted (as long as it was just uncooked fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds).
There was just one problem. The deeper I went into the world of raw food, the more inadequate I felt. As I read more books, consulted more gurus, tried more programs, I became riddled with self doubt.
As someone who loves sports, travel and adventure, I never thought much about what or how much I ate. I was super active, my body did all the things I wanted it to…life was good.
After a few years working in the raw food industry, I began to analyze my intake very carefully and my diet became healthier than ever before. My days were filled with smoothies, salads and sprouts. It was great! Sort of…
Instead of feeling proud of the variety of fruits and veggies I had introduced into my diet, I felt ashamed of craving pita and hummus. I started seeing my cravings as a sign of weakness. When I caved and ate something truly horrific (think cereal or–God forbid–cookies!) I felt guilty. I made up for it by switching to green smoothies only for a few days.
While it started as an innocent journey to better understand how food affected my mind and body, the “cleansing” process became addicting.
I didn’t feel like myself anymore. I had anxiety about going to restaurants, potlucks or parties. What would I eat? How would I justify my choices? What would people think?
The truth is, when most people start to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, they do feel great. And, that’s wonderful! But, it can be a slippery slope.
As 2015 draws to a close and many of us take the opportunity to reflect and set new intentions for 2016, I urge you to choose your goals mindfully.
First, I want to share a mindset I believe is essential to set truly healthful resolutions. Then, I will share the three ways I intend to cleanse in 2016 (and they have nothing to do with food.)
You Are Not ‘Unclean’
Before you decide which diet program, cleanse or fitness plan you want to try in 2016, I want you to know this: You are not unclean.
Are you carrying extra weight you wish would go away? Those pounds do not make you dirty.
Have you received a diagnosis or are struggling with a chronic condition? That does not make you unclean.
There is nothing shameful about being overweight. There is nothing dirty about disease. Fat and germs and cellulite and pimples and poop… it’s all part of being alive.
Before you set your New Year’s Resolutions, please, breathe this truth into every cell. Say it to yourself out loud, write it on your mirror, make it your desktop background.
You are beautiful, radiant, perfect and spectacular in every way. Already. Without doing anything differently.
If you want to make changes, do it because it feels wonderful. Make changes that bring you joy, abundance and fill your life with love. Make changes because you are compelled, energized and thrilled by them. Please NEVER make a change, set a goal, or start a ‘cleanse’ from a place of not being enough.
You are enough. No matter what you weigh, what you eat, or what other people might say. You are enough. No matter what. You are enough.
Got it? Good. Now, that we’ve got that covered, here are three cleanses I will be doing in 2016.
Cleansing Your Mind Of Negative Self Talk
My restriction diet for 2016 is not for my body, but for my mind. I am giving up self-doubt, self-criticism, and selling myself short. No more ‘too fat,’ no more cringing at photos of myself, no more thinking I’ll be good enough when…
Instead, every time I think or say something critical about myself I will replace it with a compliment. I’m already a few pages into my new Affirmation Journal and it’s pretty spectacular to see in writing all the beautiful things I think about myself. (Even if you don’t believe them at first, you will.)
Cleansing Your Community of Anything That Doesn’t Support Your Best Self
Entering the new year, I resolve to choose my community wisely. That friend who tends to criticize me and question my choices
No need to return her phone call. The exuberant gals of all shapes and sizes I met at the climbing gym? I’m definitely making a point to spend time with them!
I’ve already unsubscribed from every newsletter that doesn’t support my values. I’ve blocked sites that promote an unhealthy body image or make me feel inadequate. I’ve even “unfollowed” accounts that don’t communicate with authenticity and I am replacing them with sources of love and inspiration (like Maddy Moon.)
Cleansing Your Home of Anything That Makes You Feel Not ‘Enough’
This year, I want my external environment to reflect my internal environment. I actually started this process last week. I started with the closet.
Every piece of clothing that doesn’t make me smile and feel like a total goddess when I put it on is going to charity. Those pants that are a little too tight but I keep telling myself I will fit into them again very soon? Gone. The blouse that everyone tells me is super cute but is seriously uncomfortable? Donated. I don’t want anything in my closet that doesn’t make me feel awesome about my body, right now, not what my body might be like if I lost ten pounds.
Next I’ll cleanse my bathroom. No more cake-like foundation that covers my natural complexion. Out with toxic skincare products and in with sticky notes filled with affirmations posted everywhere.
I’m cleansing my kitchen of rules, limits, shoulds and shame. Out with the food scale, in with my favorite snacks (dried figs, cacao nibs and hummus!)
Room by room, I plan to turn my home into a personal oasis, filled with what brings me joy, calm, and comfort and nothing else.
***
Take it from someone who has tried every cleanse in the books: if you really want to get healthier in 2016? Start by saying nice things to yourself. Start by surrounding yourself with positive people that support you no matter what. Start by making sure your home feels safe, joyful and reflects your values.
Let’s make 2016 a year we eat things that make us radiantly happy, do things that fill our souls with mirth, spend time with people who lift us up, and love ourselves every step of the way.
Are you with me?
Leave a comment below to share your intentions for 2016!
About the Author of How Cleansing Can Create Self-Doubt
Sara Grove is the Co-Founder and CEO of Raw Food Magazine where she aims to bring messages of self-love, abundance, and joyful eating into an industry known for rules and restriction.
Sara believes food is just one piece of a happy, whole life, but it can be a powerful place to start the conversation about true wellness and balance. When not working to reframe the raw food world, Sara loves all things outdoors: climbing, kiteboarding, surfing, backpacking, biking, snowboarding, canyoneering, and anything else that tickles her fancy.
Follow Raw Food Magazine on Instagram, Pinterest, or online for ridiculously yummy, satisfying recipes (think cheesecake, not celery juice).
P.S. We will never tell you you have to “become a raw vegan” to be healthy, I promise.