I posted this image on my facebook wall, and was shocked at
how much feedback I received. I didn’t
realize how many people struggle to find balance in their health and fitness
life. The struggle is real.
I have not achieved the perfect balance, but boy am I closer
than I was a few years ago.
A few years ago, I ate oatmeal for breakfast every single
day. I ordered a salad when I ate out
every single time. I worked out five
days/week without fail. I did AT LEAST 1
hour of cardio every workout session.
Working out took priority over everything. When I did indulge in unhealthy foods, I went
overboard, which resulted in feeling awful, which made me disgusted with myself
leading to extreme dieting for the next three days until that number on the
scale was back down to where it “should be”.
On the off-chance I missed a workout, the guilt ate me up. It would be
all I could think about and I would be in a bad mood all day. I weighed myself every single morning, and
the number on the scale set the precedent for my attitude and actions
throughout the entire day.
Writing this out and re-reading it makes me sad for that
girl. It’s not that I was perpetually
unhappy. I was a very happy, positive,
fun person, but the control that fitness had over me was ugly and
unhealthy. The guilt I would feel was
unnecessary. My heart goes out to those
women and men who are still caught in this nasty cycle.
I also want to be clear that not one of those things I
listed above are wrong (except maybe the extreme dieting part). What’s wrong about my lifestyle back then was
my attitude and heart behind all of those actions. The actions by themselves are pretty good
habits, but the control I gave each one of those actions and the lack of grace
I gave myself is where the problems lie.
I can honestly say, I don’t know what changed in me. Pregnancy and breast feeding was a huge
catalyst for adopting a healthier balance.
Doing what was best for my babies helped me put everything in
perspective. Also, after training for a
figure competition in 2009, my eyes were opened to the extreme behaviors I
practiced to accomplish that feat which turned me off completely from living
that way.
So what does a healthy lifestyle look like now?
- · I work out from home for 30 minutes/day at the MOST using some incredible Beachbody DVDs like PiYo, T25, and P90X3.
- · My goal is to get 4-5 workouts in per week. Some weeks, I only get 2-3 in and guess what…I don’t beat myself up for it! Victory!
- · I try to make more healthy nutrition decisions than unhealthy.
- · I don’t count calories, but I do my best to eat whole foods.
- · Shakeology has been a big part in me eating healthier and getting the nutrients my body needs everyday.
- · My husband and I try to eat very healthy in the home, so that when we do go out to dinner once or twice a week, we readily and happily INDULGE!
- · I no longer have rules for what my workouts MUST look like. My goal is to be active whether that’s chasing the kids around the yard or going for a walk or playing beach volleyball…it all counts!
I encourage you, my friends, to give yourself grace. Keep working to walk that fine line of
contentment and becoming a better version of you!
Do you struggle with finding balance in your health and
fitness? I would love to talk to
you! Connect with me on facebook or
leave a comment below!
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