30 Days Without Junk Foods

Most times, it’s always easier to say something than to have done it. This is because words are easy to be uttered, but when it comes to taking actions then the real deal strikes. I can remember the last time I tried a challenge of such. Tagged “No Soda September”. I was at first finding it easier to adjust because I already made up my mind to get it done no matter what it took.

The first week was a success and then I realized that even there is nothing as bad as avoiding drinking all of these soft drinks. Water, milk, tea, and coffee, are even more preferable and healthier.

Not until the second week, I tried as much to take precautions and avoid falling for the temptation that comes from those soda drinks. Not until one day when I was out with my boss and then we went to work on a farm. It was a tedious one that very day under the scorching sun.

At the middle of the work I was asked to go get something to eat and drink, my boss ordered coke drinks alongside and asked me to get something of my choice. I was already drained and dried. I chose to opt for cold water despite knowing how unhealthy it might be for me.

Hey, Is there cold water? I asked the kiosk owner. Buh his response was No!. I knew I had broken myself already. I don't want to take something hot or ordinary while staring at the chilled Coke I bought for my boss.

Give me one Coke there, so chilled, please! As I gosh it down my throat. I broke my challenge that day. 😆 But ever so I have been so mindful of taking soft drinks, instead I try as much to go for fruit juice, yogurt, coffee drinks, or water. It just happens occasionally when I drink soft drinks.

A few months ago, I stumbled across an update from a doctor on X. He happened to update the pros and cons of taking Junk and canned food. But this is something we take in daily. At times it happens to appear inevitable.

I was at a family friend's home some days ago and then I was served a meal, it was wheat and Melon stew. I had my first pinch of it and then felt some odd taste from the stew. I knew something was missing. It doesn’t taste like usual. I had to keep my composure and make sure I finished it up. Then I questioned them about why it tasted differently. They told me that they don't add seasonings to their soup. But why?? It wasn’t that bad, it would have tasted better with seasonings in it.

She told me that they replaced seasoning with fermented locust beans. Yeah!! I quickly agreed to that because I also loved the taste of the locust beans in it. It means if one thing doesn’t work out healthy then there could be some replacement to it.

Afterward, early last week I took it upon myself to do well and stay away from junk and canned foods. But the challenge was what are my replacements?

Eating fresh foods, more vegetables, replacing canned food with natural sweeteners like honey, more palm oil than vegetable oils, more fruits in place of baked foods, and also eating more homemade foods instead of fast food.

The countdown has begun and today is five days into this mission. I hope it’s something I can get away with and see what impact it will have on my health and lifestyle.

---