FAREWELL, MY BELOVED BREAD!
When I was 27 years old I landed an amazing job teaching high school level history in Napa, California. I was basking in the luxuries of wine country, with my very own gorgeous, rent-free home to live in - provided by the boarding school! My sanctuary was set right along the shores of the Napa River, which snaked and twisted away through vineyards and lovely countryside. But the splendor of my new situation was severely overshadowed as I faced the frightening task of teaching history for the first time to students who looked much older than I (and dressed way better!).
Surely it could have been worse but if you have ever taught before, especially to juniors and seniors in high school, they can sniff out insecurity like nobody’s business! And, like a cat with its prey, they find immeasurable pleasure in toying with little, anxious you. So, what on earth does this introduction have anything to do with bread??? Because it was at this time in my life I believe I became truly enlightened when it came to my health, especially in terms of bread products.
It was an accidental discovery, actually. But there, in the most delicious, decadent, and elegant dining hall I have ever experienced at a school, I came to the difficult discovery that my morning routine of bagels and cream cheese were severely messing me up. On days that I would eat mostly protein and whole food carbohydrates such as eggs and fruit, my performance in the subsequent, post-breakfast lecture was often done very well. However, the days I ate my beloved bagels I would find myself stammering in forgetfulness, despite that I had been practicing since 5 am that morning. I also experienced dramatic energy crashes and intense hunger.
Thus began my first true training in discerning which foods gave me energy and which foods took away my supply. It was heart wrenching at first, as I watched others delicately spread their cream cheese on their warm, toasted buns. I would look down at my herbal tea and yogurt plate with pangs of frustration, ready to jump ship into a splendorous sea of everything, sesame, and poppy seed. But... then I would remember the sharks lurking in those waters… No, I had to perform.
Here is where it gets good. What started out because of insecurity actually turned into a miraculous discovery! When I eliminated all bread products from my diet and limited my intake of grains and flour-based sweets, I started shedding the pounds! Friends were starting to notice… heck, I was starting to notice! My energy levels rapidly increased to where I could actually get up at 5 am without crying, and I would never have considered myself to be a morning person before that. I even started jogging! Suddenly, an entirely new reality literally came into shape before my eyes, and I have never eaten bagels on a regular basis since. Now they are a luxury treat, a treasure friends bring from the heart of New York, or an honorary guest at a holiday brunch.
I have now found amazing ways to supply my cravings with rich substitutes that GIVE to my body instead of TAKE. I never use traditional bread for sandwiches and do not miss it, and I never eat cold cereal which, in my opinion, is very misleading even if they claim to be the healthy way to go. I am excited to share this experience with you as a way to stimulate your interest in order to dive in with an attitude of discovery. Thinking “outside the box” when it comes to comfort foods takes time and a willingness to explore new alternatives. Give it a try. Some you may like, some you won’t. But if greater levels of energy are what you seek, with the additional benefits of shedding pounds, then I encourage you to dive in.
Bon Appetite!
©laynewhitley, 2010. Article may be reprinted with permission.
Layne Whitley, Food & Weight Loss Coach, helps clients lose weight, eat healthier, and feel great… naturally! To get your FREE e-book on lasting weight loss and receive her weekly recipes & success mindset articles on reaching your wellness potential, visit www.laynewhitley.com or email her at coach@laynewhitley.com.