Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Getting Honest With Your Food

I didn't want to write this post because then I would have to admit I've been lying to myself a little at a time for years. But it's time to get honest, honest about the food I'm putting into my body.  I tell myself that if I workout more, I can cheat more on food and then still expect to lose weight.  It doesn't work that way.  Only 20% of weight loss is working out, the other 80% is what you eat! I'm not one to count my macros, it works great for many but I don't have the time or the brain power to keep track of it.  However I eat mostly healthy. Anyone on that diet?  (laugh) The Mostly healthy eating plan?  Then I blame my fluctuating weight gain on water retention, medication, or "it must have been the dairy." Those excuses don't get us very far.

The word HONEST keeps popping up in my news feed. Nothing like a good dose of guilt to make you rethink your eating habits. I ordered a hamburger at a restaurant and then thought "I'm lying to myself!" Usually the dialogue in my head rationalizes how much I worked out that day so I can fudge a little on calories. I can eat this big hamburger because I will do more at the gym the next day.  I changed it to a bunless hamburger, no fries. Suddenly I'm relieved that I didn't lie to my body. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you will follow a food plan a 100% every day. I'm honest about treats too. I'm going to have 2 cookies, but for real only 2 cookies. Then add in the water factor and ask yourself are you really drinking enough water? It comes down to this, changing eating habits takes time. It's not an overnight transformation. But part of that process is taking responsibility for your eating and exercise goals.  

Here are a few tips that have helped me.

When starting a new eating plan, get a support group. Be accountable to someone. I'm in a couple of groups. Just because I teach fitness classes doesn't mean it comes easy.  I have a couple of inspiring people I follow on Instagram.  They have to be motivating, real and good common sense. 

Meal prep if you can.  I have a small fridge and not a lot of space,  its not always easy for me to meal prep but my instapot has become a lifesaver for quick healthy meals. Take snacks with you. If you  are going to be out more than 2 hrs, pack a snack. We all have very busy schedules. Carpooling, running errands, work, and so much more. So instead of stopping at that fast food drive through, just pack a small lunch box and be prepared.  

Don't fall for the latest and greatest fad diet. The simple truth is you need "real food".  If you can't decode the ingredients, then pass on it. Make sure you are eating the right calories for you and your lifestyle. I started tracking my vegetables and protein again because I wasn't eating enough protein to sustain my workouts.

As far as the "right" workout goes, find a workout plan that motivates you. I'm not a runner, I'm bored at mile 2! I've tried, then I go get my bike. The winter gets tough for me so I do more workouts from home if I'm not teaching fitness classes that day. Are you someone who likes working out with a friend, or is it your me time? Just remember 2-3 days a week of strength training and 4-5 days of cardio.  Because at the end of a workout I'm not looking in a mirror to see how good I look, I'm asking myself how I felt after my workout.  Honesty works with this too. Did I really put in the effort I wanted to? I can't expect change if I'm not putting in the honest work. 

Having said all that, do not beat yourself up for imperfection!  It's what makes us relatable and real.  Nothing I said in this post is pressure to look like someone that came out of a magazine. It has everything to do with living a long, healthy, happy life. We all have this amazing ability to take care of others, its in our nature, but we have got to take better care of ourselves. Give yourself permission.