I haven't seriously thought of, approached, or contemplated a new blog post since January. While laptops, computers, my fingers, and keyboards have certainly been present in those 10 months, my zest for writing about all things fitness were set on the back burner. With a new, high-stress job, a lower back that would rival a 90 year olds and a couple of cross-state moves, I was left with many questions about my new identity and not a whole lot of time to answer them.
A lot happens in 10 months. Especially with the delightful trifecta of situations listed above. During my last blog post in January I was living in New Hampshire, working at a Steak and Seafood Restaurant and looking for a career oriented job. I had ample time to do whatever the hell I wanted. For me, that was working out for a few hours of the day, reading fitness blogs and magazines, cooking my clean foods, making fun recipes, taking pictures of my dog and working for a few hours a night. My hardest decisions were chunky or smooth and triceps or quads. Life was GREAT.
Overnight I moved to Boston, began a fast-paced job where 12 hour days were the norm, and wondered why I had ever responded to that damn job ad. No longer did I have time to contemplate if I should have 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter...if I had 30 seconds it was lid off, spoon in, get that fuel down. I would workout before work or after work, or between work, taking any time I could to get it in. I was in over my little noggin and thought longingly over the days when I had time to peruse stage bikinis online. Real life hit me like a dumbbell to the head.
A few months into this real life escapade, my increasingly sore back became rather immobile. I woke up sore and went to bed wincing. As a competitor, I love feeling muscle soreness...this was muscle wrongness. With limited workouts, long days, and sincere fatigue, I became unhapy with myself and rather frustrated with this foreign body I was living in. My workouts were my source of happiness, a way to break up the day and relieve the stress that had piled on my deltoids...now they were decreased to Physical Therapy exercises, stretching, and eye rolls.
I was left with the question..."WHO AM I?!"
My perceived identity was shifting and I was not the happiest little camper about it. A considerable part of who I thought I was was changing- I could no longer PHYSICALLY be the girl who worked out for 2 hours a day and had a competition every season (God forbid.)
I could no longer measure my fitness success in squatting a heavier weight, sprinting a faster mile and completing more pushups than I had before. I wasn't able to get up at 5am, whip on my sneakers, and shoot out for a quick run. Each "workout" (yes air quotes because I'm still a taaad disgruntled) consisted of a lengthy amount of foam rolling, stretching, and PT exercises that took a substantial amount of time and didn't result in a whole lot of satisfaction.
Such, such, trivial problems in the world. I understand, realize, and acknowledge that. My "problem" is potatoes to so many others. However, it's all relative. In order to make myself the best individual I can be in the world, I needed to come to peace with the situation. I've decided, and am absolutely still learning everyday, that this is one heck of a life lesson.
So I've answered: who am I now?
I am lucky.
I am a woman with a career who has never worked so hard in her life. I am a daughter to the most incredible mother in the world. I am the best friend of over 15 years to the most passionate, hilarious soul in the universe. I am the girlfriend to the sweetest, gentlest man I've ever met. I am a mature adult who can slowly pay off school loans that I never thought I'd be able to afford. I am a clean eater who loves whole, real food and sharing this dedication with others. I am the owner of a smile that I love sharing and helps on the days when I don't want to grin. I am hilarious to no one but myself with a sense of humor that keeps me giggling when the internal light gets a bit dim.
I am a student of life and health, of recognizing that well-being is whole-being.
And ultimately, this journey is teaching me that I am strong-
physically as I've always desired and now mentally, as I've always been meant to be.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
These Hips Don't Lie-Rockin' the Off Season Groove
My workouts have never been better, my energy levels have never been higher, and my jeans have never been tighter.
Three months into my off season and I'm really gettin' the groove. I'm finding that with each day, each meal, and each workout, it can be just as rewarding as the process of prep. For those who aren't familiar, an off season is a period of time to recover from prep-mode, replenish the body, and hopefully grow and improve so you look DIFFERENT and BETTER at the next show.
Included in this are nom noms, also known as NOMS, or to the lay person, food. Just as food plays a vital role in prep, if you do a proper off season, noms are key. In the past I let my insecurities get the best of me and worry I'd gain weight after a show (hi my name's Naive, what's yours?). I'd jump into crazy-cardio mode, neglect the weight room, and eat a few saltines after a workout thinking that these little squares of air would maintain my stage body. Now I have gotten a little direction and far, far larger goals.
I used to worry that if I fully embraced an offseason I'd go cray cray with pizza, ice cream, cheese doodles, and nachos. Apparently I thought my tastebuds and cravings would change as well. No. I've said it before, I'll say it again: if you're used to eating clean foods, you'll enjoy clean food. Now I'm just eating more of it. Potatoes, oats, whole wheat bread, and my personal lovers, Sir Peanut and Lady Almond Butter are all on the docket and helping me feel like a spitfire of a broad.
These clean foods work for me. For others it IS a time of pizza and nachos (and yes I have my cheat meals). But I have found that this makes my body, mind, and mentality feel on track and so, so motivated.
It can be just as rewarding as prep. When I throw up dumbells I couldn't have imagined lifting last prep, I get a thrill. When I take jeans out of the dryer and do the incredibly attractive wiggle dance to get them over my growing derriere, I think of how my donk will look onstage next show. When I try on a New Year's Eve dress and my shoulders look like they could rival Tom Bradys', I smile at the thought of a well proportioned silhouette.
It's different but with the right mindset, can be just as rewarding.
So my jeans are tighter yes. But this offseason I've found that with focus, determination, the right mentality, and proper guidance, these hips aren't the only thing growing...my smile and goals have certainly gone up a couple sizes as well:)
Three months into my off season and I'm really gettin' the groove. I'm finding that with each day, each meal, and each workout, it can be just as rewarding as the process of prep. For those who aren't familiar, an off season is a period of time to recover from prep-mode, replenish the body, and hopefully grow and improve so you look DIFFERENT and BETTER at the next show.
Included in this are nom noms, also known as NOMS, or to the lay person, food. Just as food plays a vital role in prep, if you do a proper off season, noms are key. In the past I let my insecurities get the best of me and worry I'd gain weight after a show (hi my name's Naive, what's yours?). I'd jump into crazy-cardio mode, neglect the weight room, and eat a few saltines after a workout thinking that these little squares of air would maintain my stage body. Now I have gotten a little direction and far, far larger goals.
I used to worry that if I fully embraced an offseason I'd go cray cray with pizza, ice cream, cheese doodles, and nachos. Apparently I thought my tastebuds and cravings would change as well. No. I've said it before, I'll say it again: if you're used to eating clean foods, you'll enjoy clean food. Now I'm just eating more of it. Potatoes, oats, whole wheat bread, and my personal lovers, Sir Peanut and Lady Almond Butter are all on the docket and helping me feel like a spitfire of a broad.
These clean foods work for me. For others it IS a time of pizza and nachos (and yes I have my cheat meals). But I have found that this makes my body, mind, and mentality feel on track and so, so motivated.
It can be just as rewarding as prep. When I throw up dumbells I couldn't have imagined lifting last prep, I get a thrill. When I take jeans out of the dryer and do the incredibly attractive wiggle dance to get them over my growing derriere, I think of how my donk will look onstage next show. When I try on a New Year's Eve dress and my shoulders look like they could rival Tom Bradys', I smile at the thought of a well proportioned silhouette.
It's different but with the right mindset, can be just as rewarding.
So my jeans are tighter yes. But this offseason I've found that with focus, determination, the right mentality, and proper guidance, these hips aren't the only thing growing...my smile and goals have certainly gone up a couple sizes as well:)
Monday, December 3, 2012
Merry Nom Noms!: friends, festivities, food, and fitness during the holiday season.
'Tis the season for cookie platters, eggnog, buttery rolls, and that never-ending basket of candy canes at work (who HONESTLY ever craves a candy cane? You eat them because they're always packaged separately and look lonely). Friends and family gather, wine bottles are opened, and the holiday parties are endless and filled with treats.
I thought about writing how this is a testing time where healthy choices are difficult but necessary and how holiday parties are not an excuse to indulge. Bah humbug. Instead I think the message of balance and moderation is an important one at this time of year.
It's not often that you get to have your aunt's garlic mashed potatoes or your grandma's cinnamon strudel (neither of these things personally apply to me but they sound lovely and if you can relate I'd like an invite). Some foods are simply tradition and regardless of the calorie count, incredibly special. Unless you're a competitor and dieting for a show coming up (bless your soul), there's no reason not to enjoy some of these exciting things.
I have a few suggestions for these holdiay parties and food-based get-togethers. Just some tips I have found to work that enable me to enjoy these times while also feeling happy about my fitness lifestyle:
*(p.s. these asterisks are intended to be snowflakes, clever, and quaint)
*Eat Something Before you Eat: before you go rock your socks off at your work's holiday party, have something at home that is healthy and somewhat filling. Oats, almonds, a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter etc. If you arrive famished, you'll be "that guy" with his elbows out, hogging the ham and cheese platter. Don't be that guy.
*"And I'll Have a Water": when you're boozin' it's easy to let empty calories rack up and an illusion of hunger often ensues. Make sure you're drinking water with each beverage to stay hydrated and fill your bod with some high quality H2O that will keep cravings at bay.
*Bring a Dish to Share: I made some peanut butter protein bars for a Christmas party last year that were a HIT. Me, myself, and I LOVED 'em. Bring something relatively healthy that you truly enjoy and will eat when a second slice of pie will bust your seams open. While I may not have perfected my protein bars, you may have something deliciously healthy to share with others (and I'll take that recipe please).
*Go for a Walk: I'm not talking after your feasting like many suggest (although that's great). Usually after I attend such functions I'm tired, full, and wanting a couch with some netflicks. What I mean is go for a walk, take a bike ride, or get in a quality gym sesh BEFORE the party. When you start the day with something healthy, you're more apt to continue like-minded decisions throughout the day.
*Wear something flattering: when you like how you look in the mirror, you're more likely to treat yourself right.
*Plan for Tomorrow: Prepare your meals and write down your workout for the next day. If you wake up the following morning still stuffed and without a plan, it's easy to get down and reach for unhealthy options. Have fun for a night knowing you have the tools ready to be back on your A-game the following day.
These are just a few things that I have found to help during what can be a tricky time. Remember most IMPORTANTLY: it's a time to enjoy the company of others. Focus on the music, the laughs, the stories, and the friendship. Food is fun and should be enjoyed but instead of rivaling Santa's belly, give yourself the gift of health, confidence, and the merriment of moderation:)
I thought about writing how this is a testing time where healthy choices are difficult but necessary and how holiday parties are not an excuse to indulge. Bah humbug. Instead I think the message of balance and moderation is an important one at this time of year.
It's not often that you get to have your aunt's garlic mashed potatoes or your grandma's cinnamon strudel (neither of these things personally apply to me but they sound lovely and if you can relate I'd like an invite). Some foods are simply tradition and regardless of the calorie count, incredibly special. Unless you're a competitor and dieting for a show coming up (bless your soul), there's no reason not to enjoy some of these exciting things.
I have a few suggestions for these holdiay parties and food-based get-togethers. Just some tips I have found to work that enable me to enjoy these times while also feeling happy about my fitness lifestyle:
*(p.s. these asterisks are intended to be snowflakes, clever, and quaint)
*Eat Something Before you Eat: before you go rock your socks off at your work's holiday party, have something at home that is healthy and somewhat filling. Oats, almonds, a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter etc. If you arrive famished, you'll be "that guy" with his elbows out, hogging the ham and cheese platter. Don't be that guy.
*"And I'll Have a Water": when you're boozin' it's easy to let empty calories rack up and an illusion of hunger often ensues. Make sure you're drinking water with each beverage to stay hydrated and fill your bod with some high quality H2O that will keep cravings at bay.
*Bring a Dish to Share: I made some peanut butter protein bars for a Christmas party last year that were a HIT. Me, myself, and I LOVED 'em. Bring something relatively healthy that you truly enjoy and will eat when a second slice of pie will bust your seams open. While I may not have perfected my protein bars, you may have something deliciously healthy to share with others (and I'll take that recipe please).
*Go for a Walk: I'm not talking after your feasting like many suggest (although that's great). Usually after I attend such functions I'm tired, full, and wanting a couch with some netflicks. What I mean is go for a walk, take a bike ride, or get in a quality gym sesh BEFORE the party. When you start the day with something healthy, you're more apt to continue like-minded decisions throughout the day.
*Wear something flattering: when you like how you look in the mirror, you're more likely to treat yourself right.
*Plan for Tomorrow: Prepare your meals and write down your workout for the next day. If you wake up the following morning still stuffed and without a plan, it's easy to get down and reach for unhealthy options. Have fun for a night knowing you have the tools ready to be back on your A-game the following day.
These are just a few things that I have found to help during what can be a tricky time. Remember most IMPORTANTLY: it's a time to enjoy the company of others. Focus on the music, the laughs, the stories, and the friendship. Food is fun and should be enjoyed but instead of rivaling Santa's belly, give yourself the gift of health, confidence, and the merriment of moderation:)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
My Life, My Passion.
I've been in my offseason now for a month. After enjoying a few days of exciting pictures, a glorious tan, and deserved treats, I entered the inevitable transition into the other half of this competition lifestyle: improvement season. This transition is always hard as the big picture is a little fuzzy and the goal in mind doesn't have a specific calendar date to it.
This transition is a hard one for my body and an incredibly difficult one for my mind. For a couple weeks both my body and brain feels puffy as it tries to sort through the new weight it's carrying: on my body, really quite little...on my mind, pretty darn heavy.
I want to be incredibly honest for myself to grow as a person and to hopefully help others if they experience this as well. I want to talk about it to really share my appreciation for this lifestyle.
I have dealt with food apprehension and an eating disorder for most of my life. While I have been fortunate enough to reach a point of general satisfaction with myself and my body most of the time, my uncertainty flares up during this transition. For an individual like myself, someone who thrives on control, deprivation, and restraint; being in prep is comfortable. I love challenging my body in a way that feels psychologically "right." This may not make sense to a lof of people but it is a part of me that I deal with.
The transition into an offseason is difficult...it involves more food and some weight gain, less cardio, and more freedom. This is very much welcomed by "normal" people. This makes someone like me a bit nervous. What I am realizing each and everyday however, is the NECESSITY of it. Understanding that my body needs this is vital for my long-term success as both a bikni competitor and a healthy invidual.
If I hadn't found this "hobby", this passion that drives me, I don't know where I would be in terms of my health or psychological status. It is very easy for someone like myself to fall into unhealthy eating, depletion, and weight loss. But I have goals. And I have an ultimate dream that doesn't have time for such things. I want SO badly to be a successful bikini competitor and fitness model that I can't do those harmful things.
These goals may sound petty or superficial but I thank God that I have them. They save me each day that I feel insecure and don't want to eat. They save me each time I step on the scale and see a higher number. They save me each time I doubt the necessary days off from the gym.
I write and talk about this lifestyle so much because it is fun and at times, even comical. As you can see now however, I also talk about it because it saves me from the darker parts of myself and helps me grow to a place I wasn't sure I'd be able to reach. I believe in it whole-heartedly and with sincere passion.
It's a continuous battle but one I know I'll win. My insecurities are far, far smaller than my dreams. I hope others that relate to this feeling take comfort knowing that they're not alone. With each rep, step, bite, and smile, we'll reach our goals. This lifestyle has been a life saver for me and I truly hope I can help others reach this point of appreciation and peace that I am continuing to achieve:)
This transition is a hard one for my body and an incredibly difficult one for my mind. For a couple weeks both my body and brain feels puffy as it tries to sort through the new weight it's carrying: on my body, really quite little...on my mind, pretty darn heavy.
I want to be incredibly honest for myself to grow as a person and to hopefully help others if they experience this as well. I want to talk about it to really share my appreciation for this lifestyle.
I have dealt with food apprehension and an eating disorder for most of my life. While I have been fortunate enough to reach a point of general satisfaction with myself and my body most of the time, my uncertainty flares up during this transition. For an individual like myself, someone who thrives on control, deprivation, and restraint; being in prep is comfortable. I love challenging my body in a way that feels psychologically "right." This may not make sense to a lof of people but it is a part of me that I deal with.
The transition into an offseason is difficult...it involves more food and some weight gain, less cardio, and more freedom. This is very much welcomed by "normal" people. This makes someone like me a bit nervous. What I am realizing each and everyday however, is the NECESSITY of it. Understanding that my body needs this is vital for my long-term success as both a bikni competitor and a healthy invidual.
If I hadn't found this "hobby", this passion that drives me, I don't know where I would be in terms of my health or psychological status. It is very easy for someone like myself to fall into unhealthy eating, depletion, and weight loss. But I have goals. And I have an ultimate dream that doesn't have time for such things. I want SO badly to be a successful bikini competitor and fitness model that I can't do those harmful things.
These goals may sound petty or superficial but I thank God that I have them. They save me each day that I feel insecure and don't want to eat. They save me each time I step on the scale and see a higher number. They save me each time I doubt the necessary days off from the gym.
I write and talk about this lifestyle so much because it is fun and at times, even comical. As you can see now however, I also talk about it because it saves me from the darker parts of myself and helps me grow to a place I wasn't sure I'd be able to reach. I believe in it whole-heartedly and with sincere passion.
It's a continuous battle but one I know I'll win. My insecurities are far, far smaller than my dreams. I hope others that relate to this feeling take comfort knowing that they're not alone. With each rep, step, bite, and smile, we'll reach our goals. This lifestyle has been a life saver for me and I truly hope I can help others reach this point of appreciation and peace that I am continuing to achieve:)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Fun Size Math: The Tricky thing about Treats
For me, there is nothing humorous nor entertaining about a "fun" size Snickers bar. Caramel, yup like that. Peanuts, yes of course. Chocolate, well I am a woman. Yet when these things are combined in a pinkie-sized packaged I do not find them comical.
How about those mini Reeses cups? Peanut butter and chocolate. I'm fairly positive these items will one day play a vital role in eventual world peace but when they are presented to me in the size of a large ladybug I quite honestly just get annoyed.
Why? Because these things aren't big enough to satisfy a hummingbird. Just as soon as you start to enjoy the deliciousness on your palate, the melting chocolate dancing on your tastebuds, it's gone. That's it? Oh wait, no, for a serving size you get one more, bringing your grand total of consumption to 1/12 of fulfillment.
Now here comes the tricky part: usually those "fun" sized treats just came from a BAG. Filled with MORE treats. Dont' lie, we've all done "fun-size math": "well, 2 bite-size treats is approximately 1/6 of a full candy bar so according to basic candy math I can have about 27 more."
Fun-size math happens all too often during this upcoming holiday season. One bite of something turns into an outrageous display of over-consumption. Especially for those of us who restrict ourselves until this time of treating occurs. Another example of this basic math: "I eat clean 90% of the time. So 2 cute little jack-o-lantern sugar cookies is really just 1/15 of what I deserve."
If only it was that fun.
Here's the thing about serving sizes: they were invented for a reason. Some evil man in a lab coat did the actual math and came up with these silly numbers with our, ugh, HEALTH in mind. Damn him.
Now, as someone who couldn't quite grasp basic geometry (what the frig is a rhombus?) but was a master at fun-size math for years, I've learned a few tricks. Get your index cards ready:
1. Drink water. Yes the is the most over-used tip in all the women's and men's health magazines but guess what, it's true. Goin' for another nacho? Take a sip of that aqua.
2. Add some bling to that water. Make it seltzer water. Throw in lemon wedges. Limes. Put in crushed ice (crushed just feels ballin'). Throw it in a wine glass. You will instantly feel like a healthy superstar.
3. Ziplocs. Bring baggies of almonds, carrots, celery, walnuts, apple slices with you everywhere. Friends offer you a twix? Oh no thanks, I've got my trusty bag of awesomeness right here.
4. Make your treats healthy meals. Craving a McFlurry? Make a shake with protein powder, banana, stevia (a natural sweetener), and ice. Put crushed up pieces of rice cake in. Need a pizza? Toast a whole-wheat tortilla and load it with veggies. I could go on and on with these things, let me know if you need more.
5. Write down the workouts you did the past week. Put it right next to your plate. Glance over at your hard work whenever you start to feel weak, no one wants to see their efforts disappear after a regretful weekend.
These are just a few and I would be MORE than happy to share others. Treats can certainly be tricky and it takes some time to figure out what works for you. If a fun-sized Milky Way is enough for you, bless your soul. If not, try some of these tips and remember that feeling and looking your best tastes about 9 zillion times better than a bag of candy.
It can be difficult at first but you gotta trick those treats and remember that the best costume is a healthy body, natural energy, and of course, a satisfied smile.
How about those mini Reeses cups? Peanut butter and chocolate. I'm fairly positive these items will one day play a vital role in eventual world peace but when they are presented to me in the size of a large ladybug I quite honestly just get annoyed.
Why? Because these things aren't big enough to satisfy a hummingbird. Just as soon as you start to enjoy the deliciousness on your palate, the melting chocolate dancing on your tastebuds, it's gone. That's it? Oh wait, no, for a serving size you get one more, bringing your grand total of consumption to 1/12 of fulfillment.
Now here comes the tricky part: usually those "fun" sized treats just came from a BAG. Filled with MORE treats. Dont' lie, we've all done "fun-size math": "well, 2 bite-size treats is approximately 1/6 of a full candy bar so according to basic candy math I can have about 27 more."
Fun-size math happens all too often during this upcoming holiday season. One bite of something turns into an outrageous display of over-consumption. Especially for those of us who restrict ourselves until this time of treating occurs. Another example of this basic math: "I eat clean 90% of the time. So 2 cute little jack-o-lantern sugar cookies is really just 1/15 of what I deserve."
If only it was that fun.
Here's the thing about serving sizes: they were invented for a reason. Some evil man in a lab coat did the actual math and came up with these silly numbers with our, ugh, HEALTH in mind. Damn him.
Now, as someone who couldn't quite grasp basic geometry (what the frig is a rhombus?) but was a master at fun-size math for years, I've learned a few tricks. Get your index cards ready:
1. Drink water. Yes the is the most over-used tip in all the women's and men's health magazines but guess what, it's true. Goin' for another nacho? Take a sip of that aqua.
2. Add some bling to that water. Make it seltzer water. Throw in lemon wedges. Limes. Put in crushed ice (crushed just feels ballin'). Throw it in a wine glass. You will instantly feel like a healthy superstar.
3. Ziplocs. Bring baggies of almonds, carrots, celery, walnuts, apple slices with you everywhere. Friends offer you a twix? Oh no thanks, I've got my trusty bag of awesomeness right here.
4. Make your treats healthy meals. Craving a McFlurry? Make a shake with protein powder, banana, stevia (a natural sweetener), and ice. Put crushed up pieces of rice cake in. Need a pizza? Toast a whole-wheat tortilla and load it with veggies. I could go on and on with these things, let me know if you need more.
5. Write down the workouts you did the past week. Put it right next to your plate. Glance over at your hard work whenever you start to feel weak, no one wants to see their efforts disappear after a regretful weekend.
These are just a few and I would be MORE than happy to share others. Treats can certainly be tricky and it takes some time to figure out what works for you. If a fun-sized Milky Way is enough for you, bless your soul. If not, try some of these tips and remember that feeling and looking your best tastes about 9 zillion times better than a bag of candy.
It can be difficult at first but you gotta trick those treats and remember that the best costume is a healthy body, natural energy, and of course, a satisfied smile.
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Bathroom Trick
We've all had nights where a continuous face-off with the refrigerator is more annoying and distracting than the current Dancing With The Stars playing on the tube. Open the door. Close the door. A General Electric tango both irritaing and engrossing. The mini lightbulb just serving as a disco ball in this late night dance.
The peanut butter is still there...interesting. You'd think it could help you out and move behind the wilting lettuce...at least that way you wouldn't have to stare into it's glorious, chunky, brown eyes. And hey, there's that leftover pasta that, like a good Italian, has aged extremely well. These foods stare at you until you close the door, slink back to the couch, and look over your shoulder, walking away from a former lover. J'adorelafrigator.
ALRIGHTTT FINE. You leap off the couch and grab a spoon, a silver white flag of defeat. Wave it wildly as you yank open your lover's arms...err refrigerater door. Grasping the peanut butter jar you twist the top to get that nutty beloved undressed and sink your spoon into the substance that has surely been crafted by the angels above.
STOP!
Uh what? You're kidding. I'm 97% that if I don't put this spoon in my mouth right now I will die. The feeling so intense that the thought of NOT eating it at this point is just rediculous and impossible.
I present to you, The Bathroom Trick. I drink a lot of water...and coffee...and tea. 10/10 times if asked if I have to pee, I do. It's just a fact. So when I have a spoon, a fork, or a hand in something that I KNOW my body doesn't need, I put it down and go to the bathroom. In the 90 or so seconds it takes, I realize I haven't died. Imagaine that. The chances of me going back to that jar has greatly decreased as I remember what an incredible and rewarding thing willpower is. The Bathroom Trick saves me time and time again when that darn refridgerater is pissing me off...so..so punny. And true.
Yours may not be the "Bathroom" trick. Perhaps it's the Mailbox Trick: EVERY time you are about to annihilate food you don't need (and will feel bad eating after), take a walk to the mailbox. Or maybe it's the Brushing Teeth Trick. Or the Check Your Car's Mileage Trick.
The point is, choose something that will take 90 seconds (bonus points if your mailbox is further away) and just DO it. No thoughts, just do. Pick something, that one thing, you will do everytime. Whatever it is, it just needs to get you out of the kitchen in that very particular, exact moment of potential weakness, and give you a short period of time to remember what the difference between want and need is.
Like I said it doesn't matter what the trick is as long as it works. I happen to think mine's particularly "relieving" but maybe I'm a little biased;)
The peanut butter is still there...interesting. You'd think it could help you out and move behind the wilting lettuce...at least that way you wouldn't have to stare into it's glorious, chunky, brown eyes. And hey, there's that leftover pasta that, like a good Italian, has aged extremely well. These foods stare at you until you close the door, slink back to the couch, and look over your shoulder, walking away from a former lover. J'adorelafrigator.
ALRIGHTTT FINE. You leap off the couch and grab a spoon, a silver white flag of defeat. Wave it wildly as you yank open your lover's arms...err refrigerater door. Grasping the peanut butter jar you twist the top to get that nutty beloved undressed and sink your spoon into the substance that has surely been crafted by the angels above.
STOP!
Uh what? You're kidding. I'm 97% that if I don't put this spoon in my mouth right now I will die. The feeling so intense that the thought of NOT eating it at this point is just rediculous and impossible.
I present to you, The Bathroom Trick. I drink a lot of water...and coffee...and tea. 10/10 times if asked if I have to pee, I do. It's just a fact. So when I have a spoon, a fork, or a hand in something that I KNOW my body doesn't need, I put it down and go to the bathroom. In the 90 or so seconds it takes, I realize I haven't died. Imagaine that. The chances of me going back to that jar has greatly decreased as I remember what an incredible and rewarding thing willpower is. The Bathroom Trick saves me time and time again when that darn refridgerater is pissing me off...so..so punny. And true.
Yours may not be the "Bathroom" trick. Perhaps it's the Mailbox Trick: EVERY time you are about to annihilate food you don't need (and will feel bad eating after), take a walk to the mailbox. Or maybe it's the Brushing Teeth Trick. Or the Check Your Car's Mileage Trick.
The point is, choose something that will take 90 seconds (bonus points if your mailbox is further away) and just DO it. No thoughts, just do. Pick something, that one thing, you will do everytime. Whatever it is, it just needs to get you out of the kitchen in that very particular, exact moment of potential weakness, and give you a short period of time to remember what the difference between want and need is.
Like I said it doesn't matter what the trick is as long as it works. I happen to think mine's particularly "relieving" but maybe I'm a little biased;)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Pleasure in the PROGRESS
When I walked off the stage on Saturday I had two main thoughts. The first, "beer me." The second, "well shucks." While the first thought was settled within a few hours (once it hits your lips it just tastes so good) the second has taken me a couple days to process.
I placed second which is a bit of a funny thing for the most obvious reasons. You were one step away from first. You were second best. One other person did "better" than you. But it's also wonderful for those exact same reasons. So close yet so far.
I was a little ashamed and upset with myself that I was even disappointed, where did all this "pleasure in the process" talk go?! Why couldn't I be estatic with an amazing weekend and pretty impressive results? I couldn't really resolve these thoughts until a couple days later when I was looking through old photos on my phone. Thankfully, I got myself one of them there smartphones right before this show last year. So I had the pictures I had taken exactly one year prior. Same location, same time of day, just one year later. I put two pictures side by side, this year and last, and it came together for me. I'm competing against myself and that's a show I hope I NEVER win.
Looking at the pictures next to each other helped me come to terms with the placement I got: I could see with clear eyes that I looked better this year and that's wonderful. It also helped me understand that this sport and even this lifestyle is never-ending. There's always room for improvement and progress.
When you see yourself putting down that snickerdoodle when you would've gobbled it up like Cookie Monster last year, pat yourself on the back. If you're not flexible, grab a friend to do it. Because you deserve it. When you lace up your sneakers for a walk outside when you would've flopped on the couch last year, give yourself another pat (or round up that loyal friend).
But take note: it aint ovah. Progress is wonderful as it means you're in a better place than before. But the thing about progress is that well, it can continue. Der. Think about what you've done so far and smile. Think about what you can do in the future and smile. This sport and living a healthy lifestyle is a personal journey that can have wonderful milestones along the way.
This past weekend was a little milestone for me. I got to see, in a specific picture, what changes the human form can make in a year through consistent healthy choices day after day. It's awesome. But I have another picture I'm going to add next year and I have some work to do to make that happen.
This journey is filled with bumps, hills, fatigue, and setbacks, but then you get a milestone. And I'm telling you, those are worth every damn pothole you come across.
I placed second which is a bit of a funny thing for the most obvious reasons. You were one step away from first. You were second best. One other person did "better" than you. But it's also wonderful for those exact same reasons. So close yet so far.
I was a little ashamed and upset with myself that I was even disappointed, where did all this "pleasure in the process" talk go?! Why couldn't I be estatic with an amazing weekend and pretty impressive results? I couldn't really resolve these thoughts until a couple days later when I was looking through old photos on my phone. Thankfully, I got myself one of them there smartphones right before this show last year. So I had the pictures I had taken exactly one year prior. Same location, same time of day, just one year later. I put two pictures side by side, this year and last, and it came together for me. I'm competing against myself and that's a show I hope I NEVER win.
Looking at the pictures next to each other helped me come to terms with the placement I got: I could see with clear eyes that I looked better this year and that's wonderful. It also helped me understand that this sport and even this lifestyle is never-ending. There's always room for improvement and progress.
When you see yourself putting down that snickerdoodle when you would've gobbled it up like Cookie Monster last year, pat yourself on the back. If you're not flexible, grab a friend to do it. Because you deserve it. When you lace up your sneakers for a walk outside when you would've flopped on the couch last year, give yourself another pat (or round up that loyal friend).
But take note: it aint ovah. Progress is wonderful as it means you're in a better place than before. But the thing about progress is that well, it can continue. Der. Think about what you've done so far and smile. Think about what you can do in the future and smile. This sport and living a healthy lifestyle is a personal journey that can have wonderful milestones along the way.
This past weekend was a little milestone for me. I got to see, in a specific picture, what changes the human form can make in a year through consistent healthy choices day after day. It's awesome. But I have another picture I'm going to add next year and I have some work to do to make that happen.
This journey is filled with bumps, hills, fatigue, and setbacks, but then you get a milestone. And I'm telling you, those are worth every damn pothole you come across.
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