Daily confession…I fell off the Reboot Wagon last night. Suffered a bit of a sugar hangover today from the cookies and wine I had at an event for Austin High parents. What was I thinking?  The cookies were from Randalls…not even homemade! Oh, well, today is another day, so let there be a clean slate!

This Tuesday morning I began my day with a “Detox” tea. Citrus doesn’t agree too well with me, so I always opt out of the lemon water, choosing a caffeine-free tea instead. My husband, Todd, is trying his best to be a reboot supporter/guinea pig, so he’s been along for most of the ride. He and I made a smoothie with coconut water, banana, frozen organic berries, spinach, and Hemp protein powder. This is our stand-by recipe.

Aren’t you loving this cooler weather? My friend, Laura and I went for a short run around the 3 mile loop on the trail. She and I joke that our weekly runs are more for therapy than exercise! I cherish my girlfriends, and being outside on a fall day!

When I waltzed my sweaty bum into my house, I was hungry for protein. I made another go-to, which is 1/4 avocado, 1/3 cup brown rice, sea salt, ground pepper and apple cider vinegar dressing. I keep handy this dressing because I use it all the time (mix EVOO, apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard). Lots of cranberry water for me today and off to the shower!

Today I had a business lunch and didn’t want to cause attention to myself by taking a picture of my plate, so you’ll just have to imagine the most gorgeous Ahi tuna salad on greens with almonds and melon. Delicious! Later in the day is when I get “snacky” because my kids are coming home from school and wanting food right away. I had and apple with almond butter and more cranberry water. Pre-dinner snack was a green juice.

After running the kids around, I had a fantastic kale and roasted chicken salad with walnuts, cranberries, raising, onions, pepitas and flax seeds, tossed with my apple cider dressing, and with a side of pinto beans.

Feeling much better about my choices today, but also not so concerned about my decision last night to indulge in a glass of wine with my husband and friends at the Parent Mixer. (Could have done without the cookies though!)

Aspects of the Reboot I’ve found the most difficult: Taking time for self care has been the toughest part for me (and the technology turn off…more on that later). There aren’t enough hours in the day to incorporate a bath, dry brushing, oil pulling, etc. I’m trying to make one self care intention per day.

Aspects of the Re-boot I’ve enjoyed the most: Digging up all my little body wash bottles from hotels and all the assorted beauty/body products I’ve bought over the years. I’m putting them all to good use, smearing, slathering and soaking in all of them finally!

A couple things I’ve learned about myself over the Reboot: Turning off technology 30 minutes before bed has been a convicting exercise for me. I told my husband that it would probably be very challenging for him to commit to this part of the reboot. I, on the other hand, would surely not have any problems with this. Well! I sure was taking a High and Mighty stance on this topic. How wrong I was! Todd has seamlessly transitioned into reading his book at night before bed, while I seem to be frantically typing away on my computer until right before my bed hits the pillow. Yikes! Embarrassed to admit how I thought this would be so easy for me…and difficult for my husband…not so!

Tips & tricks that have helped me: I’m trying to be more mindful of whether or not I’m actually hungry. I’ll ask myself what food/drink will fuel me the best for what’s ahead in my day.

New findings: Carbs (even brown rice) tend to make me crave sweets. Veggie juices give me energy.

Quality of sleep? Interestingly enough, I tend to sleep more soundly when I eat a vegetarian dinner. Animal proteins at night make me have a restless sleep.

Energy level and mood during the day? When I’m eating clean, I have so much more sustained energy throughout the day. My mood is also positively effected by abstaining from processed foods and sugars.

Spiritual aspect I’ve enjoyed: Self care and reflection are critical to my state of mind. When I have quiet time in the morning to pray, journal, and get centered, my entire family benefits. Read and loved this quote: “Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit.” -Unknown