A few years ago, I had this “ugh” feeling. This “I look horrible in every picture,” “I feel awful in all of my clothes,” “my whole body just kinda hurts every day,” feeling.
Women are hard on themselves this way. I remember looking at myself in the mirror two years ago thinking “I’m such a mess,” when I was actually at one of my physical peaks. I’ve tried “changing my lifestyle” a lot. I’ve tried tedious plans, I’ve tried restrictive plans, I’ve tried plans that require an amount of attention that I just don’t have. I’ve tried them all. There have been very few times I’ve had support while doing it, but when I did have someone to cheer me along, I did very well.
One of my favorites was the approach where I just had fun, and I experimented, and I made it my “thing.” I did what I wanted, I tried new things, and it was really the birth of this blog.
I shared my inspiration, my goals, my setbacks and my full-on failures. I shared times that I felt hopeless, hopeful and proud of what I did. I shared everything, and I think that’s why it worked – I talked about it to anyone who would listen (and everyone who wouldn’t).
Yesterday, I got so fed up with what I was doing. I was laying on the couch and I was asking myself why I wasn’t making time for this anymore. How my workout schedule fell by the wayside, why I didn’t take the time to care about myself anymore. I got so busy making time for everything and everyone else, that I just kinda blew it for me. I hate everything about that.
Last night in a fit of insanity, I threw away every single thing in my kitchen that wouldn’t aid to my progress. Cake mix and frosting? Gone. Condiments I didn’t make myself? Gone. White Pasta? Not sure why I had it since I never eat it, but gone. White Sugar? Gone. Butter? Gone. If it came in a box of any kind, it’s GONE. I threw it all out.
So, here’s to hitting the re-set button. To making the effort to check-in every day. Here’s to setting 7 alarms on my phone to remind me when to eat, and when to work out until I build the habit and I’m used to it. Here’s to being fully aware of how I’m fueling my body, and to still having those days where it’s 1000% okay to eat a slice of cake or drink some wine if I want to. Here’s to throwing out what doesn’t work, and starting fresh. Here’s to doing it because I want to do it for ME, because if I want anything for myself, it’s to be healthy, full of energy, and proud to be me.
5 Responses
Have you ever heard of calorie density? You should read this: http://www.forksoverknives.com/the-calorie-density-approach-to-nutrition-and-lifelong-weight-management/
Not about eliminating things per se, but rather about choosing which foods provide the most nutrients per calorie. I think you’ll enjoy.
I’ve never heard of that before. It’s really interesting! I have started to adopt a more plant-based diet, but this puts it into perspective.
I really like this article. I am considering losing weight and exercising more in 2015 also. I need to cut down on the sugar I intake, though with my busy schedule I think that may be hard when always on the goal. Would love to help make both of our goals achievable in 2015 and if there is an opportunity for friends to do it together, then I would love to do it alongside a great friend.
Hope all is well.
Jeff
That sounds awesome, Jeff! I would love to get together and maybe go for a run, or do a fun group activity! It’s so hard to break the sugar habit, but I’ve heard that if you go 21 days with no sugar, you can get rid if it forever. Try replacing white sugar with plant based sugar like truvia. It’s yummy in small amounts, and much better for ya! 🙂
Good for you! Is Bryan on board?