TOP: LULU LEMON C/O TROLLEY SQUARE
BOTTOMS: C/O KOHL'S
BRACELETS: ALEX AND ANI
For the last three years I have struggled with gaining and losing weight back and forth. I have blogged about this many times. For me, weight has always just been an indicator of how healthy I am being. While I want to look good, I care more about how healthy I am. Even if I looked good in my clothes, losing and gaining the same 10-15 pounds back and forth is not healthy.
Growing up my parents always fed us very balanced meals. I didn't even have to think about it, good food was just given to me. We hardly ate out, and soda or candy was literally a treat, only being enjoyed a few times a month for a family movie night or birthday party. I was the epitome of health; eating right, and extremely athletic, playing up to three sports a year! Going off to college and making my own meals I felt like I could do whatever I wanted. Considering I was still young and very active, this didn't really affect me much. But that behavior was obviously not going to last forever, and eventually caught up with me.
I am an extremist, eating incredibly healthy, or completely falling off the bandwagon. This summer I feel like I hit my low in regards to my health. I started the year off great, losing thirteen pounds. But once I hit a good "goal weight," I fell into those same patterns of "Alright, I am good, I am done." The rest of the summer I just had a hay day enjoying myself. One night while out of town I became extremely sick. It was a very painful night, and I realized it was because of my poor nutrition choices. My body was done. Over it. I remember thinking, this is because of YOU. It was such a low point for me. The pain lasted for hours, and while I won't go into all the gory details, it was an extremely painful but effective lesson. I realized that I needed to make a change, a big one.
I am an extremist, eating incredibly healthy, or completely falling off the bandwagon. This summer I feel like I hit my low in regards to my health. I started the year off great, losing thirteen pounds. But once I hit a good "goal weight," I fell into those same patterns of "Alright, I am good, I am done." The rest of the summer I just had a hay day enjoying myself. One night while out of town I became extremely sick. It was a very painful night, and I realized it was because of my poor nutrition choices. My body was done. Over it. I remember thinking, this is because of YOU. It was such a low point for me. The pain lasted for hours, and while I won't go into all the gory details, it was an extremely painful but effective lesson. I realized that I needed to make a change, a big one.
I learned that You. Are. Never. Done. giving your body what it needs. While food can be an enjoyable thing, ultimately it is our fuel. I wasn't giving my body what it needed to thrive, let alone live comfortably. I know that balance is the key, but finding a way to implement it in a lasting way over the years has been a challenge. This is the time of year where I usually pack on the weight, and I want to make sure this year is different. I guess I am trying to start a new years resolution now, kind of get a jump start to January? Like I mentioned before, I have never really had a problem staying active, but I want to make sure I continue that as well as start making better choices in regards to my diet. Has anyone else found some "secret" to maintaining the balance for the long haul? I have started to take note as to when and why I over eat and eat something really unhealthy back to back, I figured that is a good place to start? BAH!
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I'm literally in the same position as you!! Especially the extremist part. I'm either all in or all out. Agh. I don't know how to change, but we can figure it out together!! I'm launching a new blog Jan 1st all about this stuff! fitaday.blogspot.com!!
ReplyDeleteStephanie! I am so excited about your new blog :) I will def be a reader. And yes, we can figure it out together!! haha
DeleteI've found that changin little things every week. Like start off by just drinking more water and swapping out whole wheat items for white flour items or sweet potatoes for regular potatoes. Things like that that you turn into lifelong habits. Every week tack on another addition (an extra serving of veggies) or subtraction (no sugary treats in the house) that's how I started and after a while my kitchen was full of healthy foods and I had many good habits. I still usually eat something yummy once a day. But only ONE cookie or ONE fruit snack. That's just how I've done it and I feel that this way a healthy lifestyle is much more attainable.
ReplyDeleteI only let myself eat sweets and delicious beverages on the weekend. Every other day I eat healthy, whole foods, & drink only water. It may not be fitting for others but it helps me stay in moderation while still indulging in some delicious treats. I also eat gluten free and have for almost 2 years now. While difficult, it does make me feel better. :)
ReplyDeletelove this! i totally let myself go my freshman year of college and i have been dedicated to health ever since. my weakness is eating a lot of bread! haha it's just so good. you really are never done, thanks for the extra motivation for this week!
ReplyDeletexoxo, kiely
Oh girl, I am with you on the bread. I stuff my face with it!!!
DeleteThis is so spot on! I'm currently at the point where I can still pretty much eat what I want without gaining weight, but it's catching up with my stomach BIG TIME. I've been having such bad stomach problems for the past few months... and I know I totally need to start eating better... but actually doing it just doesn't sound fun... but I know my body is totally craving better foods! I should try the juice cleanse that you reviewed!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it didn't hit me until I was about 22 years old. Then everything changed...
DeleteAnd if you are looking to start a juice cleanse or something I HIGHLY recommend them! Probably THE best flavor out of all the many juices I have had and tried.
Lovely top! You look amazing<3
ReplyDeletehttp://helloitsjoann.blogspot.com
-Joann
Oh thanks JoAnn :)
DeleteI'm in recovery from an eating disorder, and figuring out how to fuel my body in the right way has been SUCH a journey (and at times, a nightmare!) for me. What I can say is that sticking to a routine has been a game changer for me. I have a cannon of good, healthy foods that I love and keep stocked at my apartment, and I don't buy junk. I look forward to each meal but space them evenly so that I never feel either too full or too hungry. Staying even keeled and never stuffed or famished has been a game changer for me, and (tmi alert) making sure I get enough fiber and probiotics to stay regular. The better I do at sticking to my routine and not mindlessly eating, the better I feel! I also keep a food journal, and have for a long time (I love the lose it app). I never feel hungry, but I'm always ready by the time mealtime comes around. I eat a very healthy amount of calories to maintain my weight, exercise daily, and keep my focus. Some days are better than others, but the practice helps a ton! You're amazing girl. Thanks for being so inspiring! XO
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so open and honest Danielle! You nailed it right on the head about keeping it even keeled. That is my exact issue. I am either starving, or busting at the seems I have eaten too much :( And not TMI, I have to be aware of the same ;) I think setting up a strict routine it is great, it has worked for me in the past. I think my biggest challenge right now is all my coworkers go out to eat all the time and it's become more of a social thing then a fuel my body thing... You sound like you are really on the right path!!! I am excited to follow YOUR journey!
DeleteI love this post! It's true you are never really done! It's not about going on a "diet" for a few weeks it's a lifestyle change. One thing I think is important is not depriving yourself from certain foods, if you are constantly telling yourself you can't have something it might make you want it even more. Instead try portion control, moderation is key!
ReplyDeleteI've had a lot of experience with fluctuating weight and I know a ton of people who have had the same issues because I used to have an eating disorder. Obviously it was a sucky life and I finally got to a place where I'm happy with my weight, no matter what it is, lighter or heavier, which probably sounds crazy but I swear it's true. Now, I just eat healthily-ish (haha i'm in college and poor) but I eat what I want and I dance for exercise when I feel like I need some exercise in my life. I'm totally not saying you need to do the same thing too, but if you want your weight to stop fluctuating and not have to worry about what you eat all the time, just trust your body and it will take care of you, and your weight will eventually settle at a healthy place for it! Which if it's more (it might not be) it will not be much more and even if you notice, no one else will, guarantee it. You always look like the same size to me! Anyway, I feel like I could write paragraphs more in response to this post and answer your questions with my experience but that would be a very long comment haha. But if you ever wanna talk about this stuff email me (kikicbrownee-at-gmail)! I love talking about it. Good luck, you are awesome! i love reading your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI am trying to get into a workout routine aswell. While I don't have problems with the quality of my meals (I eat really healthy, everything whole weat , lots of veggies etc) I struggle with the quantities. I always have double breakfast and in general eat as much or more as my boyfriend who is 20 cm taller and 30 kg heavier than me. My biggest problem is the sweet tooth and this is where I really slack. I am able to eat a glass of Nutella in 3 days by the spoon. Hello diabetes... So I'm with you in that struggle.
ReplyDeletehttp://elmundodesophie-sparkle.blogspot.com.es/
Very true. You have to keep up and keep at it. Learning this lesson as we speak.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
www.rebekahkoontzsite.wordpress.com
Oh I hear you girl! My weight yo-yo'ed for years and it was not fun!
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote about this on my blog if you want to have a read:
http://annaventures.com/c-l-e-a-n-s-i-n-g/
xx
My dad lost 40 pounds and has kept it off for 10 years. He says "my diet is my diet." I have watched my dad bring home different types of healthy foods that were advertised. He searches until he finds something he likes. That way he can enjoy the sweet things in life like desserts, but also have those healthy snacks and proportions for the rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteI have tried "my diet is my diet" and I love it. I exercise at least 30 minutes a day and eat what I want. I have trained my mind to listen to my body. I take notes on foods that make me sick and foods that make me feel really good. I hope you find a food lifestyle that you love. Remember "my diet is my diet" is a lifestyle, not a limitation