Day 8: "Am I Doing This Right?"
Pondering peanut butter anxiety, the protein debate, and the practice of sitting with uncertainty.
“The honeymoon phase” is officially over, and the “optimization brain” has moved in.
Week 1 went well, I’m on the path, took the challenges in stride, and continue to refine the process. But here on Day 8, the quiet confidence of Day 1 has been replaced by a flurry of questions. If you’ve ever started a health journey, you know the ones.
The Peanut Butter Paradox
This week, I made WFPB cookies. The entire recipe contained only 1.5 tablespoons of peanut butter as the sole source of fat. In the grand scheme of a whole-food lifestyle, this is a win. But that old voice started whispering: ‘Is this too many calories? Am I overdoing the dense foods?’
This is where the ‘Empowered’ part of my business name has to kick in. Am I eating the cookie for a snack because I’m fueling my joy and satiety (Natural GLP-1!), or am I eating it to avoid a feeling? This week was about learning the difference between ‘high calorie’ and ‘high value.’
The Protein Rabbit Hole
Then there is the noise. I’ve been reading the differing opinions on bumping up protein for fat loss and muscle retention. One expert says X, the other says Y. It’s enough to make anyone want to say WTAF?! My go to steadfast people say, “no” and the newer voices along with some data say a resounding “yes”!
As an alignment coach, I’m reminding myself: Data is better than dogma. This week isn’t about finding the perfect protein ratio; it’s about watching how my body feels after fueling and how my energy stays stable.
The Week 1 Takeaway:
Alignment isn’t a straight line. It’s a constant recalibration. If I’m eating a few too many calorie dense foods right now and still feeling empowered, energized, and present, then I am exactly where I need to be. It is a tricky tightrope trying to not gaslight myself because I truly FEEL great with no energy surges or dips so I am choosing to go with that feedback for now.
I’m realizing that my brain wants to count calories to feel in control, but my body just wants to feel nourished. This week is about learning to trust the latter.
I'm currently observing how my muscle recovery feels and how my BMI changes when I lean into adding more whole-plant proteins. I'll share the data as it comes in.
The “Am I Doing This Right?” Tapping Reset
After pondering and sitting with what came up, I decided to use my tool of choice, tapping, for a reset.
If you would like to tap along to the audio, click here:
Side of Hand (The Setup): “Even though I’m worried I’m not doing this perfectly, and I’m afraid I’m missing something important, I choose to trust my body’s feedback over the noise.”
Eyebrow: All this noise about what I “should” be doing.
Side of Eye: This fear that I’m getting it wrong.
Under Eye: The pressure to have solved this by now.
Under Nose: All this data and all these opinions.
Chin: What if I just listened to my body instead?
Collarbone: Releasing the need for a “perfect” plan.
Under Arm: I am safe in this transition.
Top of Head: I am empowered, committed, and exactly where I need to be.
Take a deep breath. Check in to see if that “swirl” feels just a little bit quieter.
Really powerful post, Leslie 🌺