No Naughtiness This Year!

“The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.” ― Caroline Myss.

We are already in the second month of the year, and it has been an extremely challenging start for me. To say I am battling with my ailments right now is perhaps putting it too glibly. I would even argue it is somewhat of an underestimation. I have needed to take time off work to get myself back to a point where I can function at a normal level. I cannot remember getting so bad with my eczema that I needed to take some time out of work to recover physically. But hey, we are where we are!

Out with the sugary and salty snacks!

Part of my health regimen is to make sure I am consuming the right foods so that my immune system can ward off any unwanted attacks from outside sources. I have eaten healthy since around 2012. However, I have always gifted myself little treats at the weekend for my “good behavior.” So, this could mean a nice big bag of chips, maybe some chocolate cookies, and lots of coffee. This year is different. There is simply no room for all these naughty treats. Now more than ever, I have to tackle my eczema head-on! Something is attacking my immune system right now, and I just cannot shake it off.

Eating clean to help my eczema

So what am I doing to fight this? Well, I am eating super clean. And I mean SUPER CLEAN! Essentially, I live on a pescatarian diet — lots of fruit and vegetables and, of course, fish. I haven’t even come close to cheating or having the occasional refined sugar/saturated fat snack. And do you know what? It has been easy. Not even been tempted. I suppose it says a lot about how determined I am to beat this. For me, it is all about state of mind. Once you get through the first few days of eating clean, it actually becomes addictive. My body is no longer craving all the naughty snacks I mentioned above. Instead, I am fueling my body with foods rich in fatty acids and high in antioxidants and vitamins.

A typical food day

A typical food day now starts with a blueberry, banana, and avocado smoothie. It is so easy. I prepare the ingredients at the weekend. I cut up and freeze all the fruits and vegetables and in the mornings just whack them in the Nutribullet. Mid-morning, I might have an apple or just hold out for lunch. When lunch comes around, I have smoked salmon salad which consists of spinach, red cabbage, red onion, grains, and obviously salmon.

I sip on herbal tea or water throughout the rest of the day, and in the evenings, I have maybe seabass with broccoli and carrots or something very similar. I have eaten like this since the beginning of the year, and normally this would be more than enough to get my skin well under control. This year is different. My body is not right. I will not give up, though. I can see my skin trying to heal, but it will be a long road ahead. It is a case of buckling up, keeping on track with everything, and being patient.