Something happened between Christmas and New Year's Day. It's like I simply let go. Literally. I ate anything (and everything) that passed within 37 feet of me and prepared snacks of carbs, wrapped in carbs, dipped in butter. If the stuff that faux movie theater butter was around, I'd likely dip it in that too. It's like I became a human garbage disposal and raised my greasy fingers in defeat.

Sure, the holidays can have that affect on people, but this type of behavior causes me to spiral. I grew up as an obese kid, lost weight in junior high, gained 20 pounds my senior year of high school, yo-yo dieted through college…yes, there's a pattern here. I've struggled tremendously with my weight, but it mostly stems from my relationship with food.

I'm unabashedly obsessed with it.

Sometimes blog readers will email or leave comments about my weight and it causes me to flinch. Like their words punched my chest. Positive or negative, it affects me because what people say is the very way I criticize myself. I, however, have noticed if I have a healthy relationship with food, I care less about others' opinions.

After a two-week food binge, I decided to make 2014 a year of responsible control. In order to develop a healthy relationship with what I eat, I needed to strip away the power it had (okay, has) in my life. I researched various juice cleanses and stumbled upon Nekter after my client, Jenna, recommended it.

I started a seven-day cleanse last Monday and I couldn't be happier. Yes, it's been very hard, but it's changed the way I view meals. I drink six juices a day (just over 15 pounds of fruits and veggies) and I've added a half of an avocado because I'm still working out. I realize I have a long way to go, but this experience is teaching me how to take control of my health and let go of my darkest criticisms.

Here's to hoping for a positive year filled with healthy decisions (and the occasional splurge) along the way.
j*