One of the neatest thing I have discovered through our healthier journey is that the better I eat – more fresh, more organic … the less “hungry” I am. The cravings really subside and frankly I don’t have to fight them, they are just not there. When I am “eating right” I don’t have cravings and don’t binge on junk food.

On the other hand … when I don’t eat right, the junk food monster cravings ATTACK! Last week I was invited to speak in New Orleans for the local chapter of the American Marketing Association. So Toi flew in with me and we made a weekend of it – after all, it was our 21st Anniversary — a little celebrating was due. We overindulged compared to our “new normal”, but compared to our last trip to New Orleans, we ate and drank quite moderately in portions, but ate very little of our “new normal” healthy fare.

A Typical New Orleans Meal - Deep Fried and Smothered in a Sauce or Roux

That said, after 5 days of typical New Orleans fare, my health-o-meter took a little dip. Couple that with the abundance of Halloween Candy and its been a tough week. To get ourselves back in the groove we have been starting each day with 32 ounces of water and a fresh juice each morning. We have also restocked the fridge and fruit bowls with lots of healthy options, too.

It’s almost like starting over, truly. I didn’t undo 6 months of hard work in 5 days, but mentally, it is a serious reset – one that I am willing to make to get back on track. And there are moments where it doesn’t feel easy – but I do know that it’s worth it. I’m worth it.

I want to live a long, happy, healthy life and to do that I have to make my health and nutrition a priority. That doesn’t mean I have to always be PERFECT … or that when I’m not, I’m DOOMED forever. It’s kinda like riding a train. When you ride a train – the train stays on the tracks (barring dire or unexpected circumstances).  The only way to get off the tracks is to get off the train. But it’s just as easy to get RIGHT BACK ON. So if you find that you’ve hopped off the train at the Junk Food Station – just pack your fridge full of the right choices and hop right back on the train – the ride may be bumpy – but it’s so worth it – and so are you.