Empower Your Wellness: Embracing Structure for Lasting Results

Contrary to popular belief, true freedom is not found in indulgence or lack of restraint.

Instead, it arises from the disciplined pursuit of what is truly good and life-giving. In the context of wellness, this means making intentional choices that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.

I know that the pursuit of wellness, many individuals, particularly us ,busy mothers, often find ourselves struggling to strike a balance between our responsibilities and our health.

This challenge can be even more pronounced, as I try to navigate my faith commitments alongside my desire for personal well-being.

However, amidst these demands, I founded a powerful tool that had helped in 2021 which provided a structure and foster freedom in my wellness journey: Bright Line Eating.

As I embraced the discipline of Bright Line Eating in 2021, it became transformative. By adhering to the bright lines, I free myselve from the endless cycle of dieting and guilt, finding liberation in the simplicity and clarity of my eating plan.

Moreover, by prioritizing my health, I honor my divine calling to steward my body as temples of the Holy Spirit.

 In September of 2021, I stumbled upon Bright Line Eating, and it proved to be the missing piece in my wellness journey.

Despite trying methods like intermittent fasting and Whole30 eating, those stubborn extra 20 pounds seemed unwilling to budge. However, discovering Bright Line Eating unlocked a new level of understanding about the science behind sugar and flour's impact on my brain.

What truly resonated with me was the structure that Bright Line Eating provided. It offered a clear framework that freed my mind from the constant decision-making about what to eat and how much.

No longer did I have to expend mental energy on planning meals or resisting temptations. Instead, I could focus on other aspects of my life knowing that my nutrition was taken care of.

The four Bright Lines of Bright Line Eating became my guiding principles, leading me to true freedom in 2021:

1. No sugar.
2. No flour.
3. All portions are weighed or measured.
4. Only eat meals, no snacks.

Following these lines brought a sense of liberation I had longed for in my wellness journey. By adhering to these guidelines, I regained control over my eating habits and found peace of mind knowing that I was nourishing my body in a way that aligned with my goals.

Bright Line Eating not only helped me shed those stubborn pounds but also empowered me to live a healthier, happier life.

 Understanding the Struggle:

As Catholic moms, we face a myriad of demands on our time and energy, from caring for our families to participating in our faith communities.

Amidst these responsibilities, self-care often takes a backseat, leading to feelings of frustration and guilt. Additionally, societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards can exacerbate these challenges, further complicating the journey towards wellness.

 Bright Line Eating, developed by Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson, offers a structured approach to nutrition that focuses on establishing clear boundaries ("bright lines") around food choices.

By defining strict guidelines for what to eat and when, It provides a roadmap for success, helping individuals overcome cravings, regulate their eating habits, and achieve sustainable weight loss.

So as a Catholic mom, this structured approach aligns seamlessly with the principles of discipline and self-control espoused by my faith.

By adhering to the bright lines of Bright Line Eating, I was able to cultivate a sense of order and purpose in my wellness journey, anchored in my spiritual beliefs. 

 After experiencing a setback and stop have that structure in my wellness with BLE, I found myself back at square one with those familiar stubborn 20 pounds.

While I'm grateful it's not the 60 pounds I initially shed during my wellness transformation in 2017, it's still disheartening.

Feeling my best isn't about a number on a scale; it's about honoring the divine gift of my body as a temple of the spirit.

This conviction led me back to Bright Line Eating (BLE), where I discovered a newfound discipline and a deeper sense of self-care.

During my first time with BLE, I realized that my struggles with food were intertwined with broader areas of my life. I wasn't just nourishing my body; I was nourishing my soul.

The structure of BLE freed me from the constant mental chatter about food choices and portions, allowing me to focus on nurturing myself holistically.

This Lent, I felt called to return to the four Bright Lines with renewed dedication. I committed to adhering to them to the best of my ability, viewing it not as a restriction but as an opportunity to prioritize my well-being and spiritual growth.

To keep myself accountable and to share this journey with others, I've created a Facebook page called Bright Line Catholic  as a way to started documenting my own progress.

My hope is to be surrounded by a supportive community of like-minded Catholic women, who have embarked on this journey towards holistic wellness infused with the spirit of mercy and grace.

Together, we strive to align our physical health with our spiritual aspirations, recognizing that true wellness encompasses body, mind, and soul.

I invite you to join us on this journey and to invite the Holy Spirit to guide you on your own Bright Catholic Life (with or without Bright Line Eating)

Together, let's embrace discipline, find freedom in structure, and pursue wellness as an expression of our faith and devotion.