Bridgette Watkins

While I have not been able to reduce refined sugar intake each day of this challenge, I was able to reduce it several days and still noticed a few differences (also comparing this experience to other seasons of reducing refined sugar). I know my body quickly reverts back to craving refined sugars if I've consumed them more often in a season. While I don't like thinking that I could be addicted to sugar, I know that's how the brain works, and I plan to continue this goal of less consumption for a while longer to help my body change its pattern of craving sugar!
Trying to be extra mindful about reducing sugars reminds me how easily my body wants it. But, it's helpful knowing this pattern so I can reason with myself in the moments when my body desires sugar. Throughout this season of less sugar intake, I can tell I have more energy overall and even desire healthier foods.
Ah...while sugar will most likely be a near addiction throughout life, it helps when I keep the perspective that it's my duty to steward my body well to then be able to use my body to help throughout the world!

My husband and I have been reminding ourselves the phrase "we eat to live, rather than live to eat." While working from home (in my kitchen, as that is one of the two table working areas we have), it has certainly been more difficult to eat mindfully and set aside the time just for meals. I am grateful we try to eat together instead of always eat while we work. When mindful eating, I am more grateful for the means to even be eating in the first place, and that space has helped me listen better to my body about when to be done, instead of "mind-less-ly" eating while focusing on another activity. I remember in an undergrad Psych class, my professor told us he spent 20 minutes eating 1 raisin (good thing he liked raisins) in order to practice mindful eating and really try to think about the texture and flavor. I haven't tried that yet!

I've appreciated hearing and seeing all of the available food companies are able to give to others in this time where resources and money may be low...It has been great seeing the support of food banks across the country providing for their communities and beyond. I can certainly support these food banks to provide food to those in need rather than have it wasted.

While meditation and prayer are usual practices for me, there's always variation in focus. This usually depends on if I keep the same practices of what times I meditate, where I meditate, and my focus each time. I want to practice keeping a similar habit so that focus comes more naturally each day. I of course reflect that meditation is a consistent practice and will continue to be such. There's grace in how the time goes each day, and doesn't need to be perfect!