A man grabs a piece of cake from the kitchen on a snowy night.

A Much-Needed Clean Start

My overindulgence in rich and sugary foods during the festive period has come at a hefty price for me. I knew it would, but I was determined to really enjoy the end of the year even if it meant suffering with my eczema. The intention was to be really clean and healthy, but in the end, I threw caution to the wind. You only live once!

However, the good news is that even though I have thrown out the rule book of healthy eating/living, my eczema, while returning with full force, has only appeared on my arms and wrists. Itching and sweating have kept me awake during the night, causing much damage to my skin.

Why do I resent my eczema?

There are several lesions on my wrists and inner elbows. Staying disciplined every single day can feel as if you are not living. This causes me to feel anger and resentment towards my eczema, so I fight it by eating all the foods I know are bad for me. It is like I am saying, “go on then, give me ye best shot!”

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Why do I self-sabotage?

Of course, I know this makes no sense at all because, in the end, I will be beaten up good and proper for trying to take on the mighty champion of the world, Mr. Eczema. But it just annoys me that we eczema warriors have to constantly bow down to this mentally and physically draining condition. Please, I do not advise anyone to act in this way because, essentially, it is just self-sabotage. Stupid, really, but hey, I like to throw my toys out of my pram once in a while. No doubt, I will probably regret that I have done this in a few weeks, but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

So, what am I doing about it?

No one I know finds changing their diet easy, it is not meant to be. And if it were, everyone would be doing it. Like anything, if you want to see good results, you have to put the hard work in. That is what makes it so satisfying when you see the results. So I am busy now making a diet plan for 2023. I am going to be kinder to myself this year - scheduling in some cheat days where I allow myself treats. They will most likely be on the weekends.

What's my plan for the new year?

I am in much need of a clean start, so I really need to get back on track with my diet. I am feeling sluggish and tired, which should not be the case considering I have had nearly ten days off work.

In theory, I should be completely revitalized and ready to run, jump, and skip into 2023. Essentially, my plan is quite simple. I would say that I will consume around 70% of plants and lots of water. Plenty of foods are rich in protein, omega-3 oils, and some cheeky snacks at the weekend.

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” - Mae West

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