Illuminating the Path to Wellness: My Journey with Nutrition, Plexus, and the Power of a Food Journal

Winter’s chill has a way of making us crave warmth—whether it’s the comfort of a glowing fireplace, a cozy blanket, or the welcoming light of a home on a snowy evening. As I completed my second piece of diamond art, a beautiful winter scene with golden lights shining through frosted windows, I reflected on my journey toward health. Just as each tiny gem contributes to the beauty of the entire picture, each step I take in my health journey matters.

For the past several months, I have been changing my approach to physical wellness. With a diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), I have been monitoring my blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall well-being more consistently. I take metformin (in a reduced dosage, with my doctor’s approval), atorvastatin, and use inhalers as needed. But beyond medications, I wanted to explore what else could help me regain energy and maintain balance in my body. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, but I am now taking it more seriously by checking my blood sugar regularly and being mindful of my diet and lifestyle choices. Managing diabetes involves more than just monitoring blood sugar levels—it requires a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and understanding how different foods affect my body.

I started taking Plexus products in October, focusing on regaining energy rather than weight loss. Yesterday, I spoke with the receptionist at my chiropractor’s office, who shared her own experience with Plexus. She had lost 40 pounds in just a few months by using the pink drink three times a day. While her results were impressive, I quickly realized that her goals and mine were different. I have been using Active for the past six months for sustained energy, occasionally adding Slim (the pink drink) in the afternoon. However, I have since reduced my use of some of the products after realizing they were affecting my mental health. This experience taught me an important lesson: natural medicine is powerful, and I need to approach it with awareness and respect. Now, I take time to research and understand the products I use, ensuring they align with my health needs rather than simply hoping they will work.

Over time, I have discovered a combination that works for me. But along the way, I stumbled upon something even more valuable—the importance of keeping a food journal.

The Missing Piece: More Than Just a List of Foods

Initially, I treated my food journal as a simple log—writing what I ate each day. But I realized I was missing something crucial: my thoughts, feelings, and actions surrounding food. What was I feeling before I ate? Was I truly hungry, or was I responding to stress? How did certain foods affect my energy levels, blood sugar, or mood?

A food journal, much like the warm light shining from a house in winter, can offer guidance in the cold uncertainties of health challenges. It helps illuminate patterns we might otherwise miss and offers a roadmap for better choices.

The Benefits of Keeping a Food Journal

A well-kept food journal is more than just a diary of meals—it is a tool for self-awareness and transformation. Here’s why I keep one:

1. Identifies Patterns—It reveals how certain foods affect your energy, digestion, and overall well-being.
2. Enhances Mindful Eating—Helps you recognize emotional eating habits and triggers.
3. Tracks Health Changes—Useful for monitoring symptoms, blood sugar levels, or medication effectiveness.
4. Encourages Accountability—Keeps you focused on your health goals.
5. Provides Insight for Medical Care—Helps doctors or nutritionists make better recommendations based on your habits.

A Free Food Journal Guide

To help you get started, I’ve created a simple Food Journal Guide you can use. This guide includes space for:

• Meals and snacks
• Time of day
• Hunger level before eating
• Emotions or thoughts surrounding food
• How you felt afterward (energy, digestion, mood)

Closing Thoughts: A Light in the Winter of Health Challenges

Just as each bead of my diamond art contributes to the warm, glowing picture of the house in winter, each step I take—whether it’s drinking my Plexus drinks, reducing my medication, or tracking my food—adds to my overall well-being. Health is not just about what we eat; it’s about how we nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits.

I invite you to take this journey with me. Have you ever used a food journal? If so, what insights have you gained? If not, would you be willing to try? Let’s support one another in making healthier, more intentional choices—one small step at a time.

Call to Action: Drop a comment below if you’d like a copy of my Food Journal Guide or share your experiences with mindful eating. Let’s learn and grow together!

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