fuel for the fire
as i start in on month three, i’m starting to notice that i’m eating a whole lot better without trying all that hard. i think in recent history, i have been a reasonably healthy eater, but much of that was premeditated. meaning, i would think about whatever workout or event that was in the next day or so and plan to eat accordingly. this also often resulted in a binge on ice cream or doritos at some point. i also ‘rewarded’ myself a whole lot more (see ICE CREAM). but with workouts and events pretty much taking up most of 2010, i’m finding that i’m consistently eating well almost without thinking about it. i have some sort of tough (for me) workout several times a week, so what used to be a conscious decision to fuel a workout started becoming a habit at some point. my body feels good when i put whole food in it. seems obvious in theory, but its a whole lot more meaningful when you can actually feel the difference. as such, i find myself trying more and more new things, many of which, end up taking up permanent residence in my kitchen, taking the space of former staples like ice cream, crackers and diet coke.
i still eat crap. i have a sweet tooth that i can thank both my parents for. and it demands attention several times a day. and savory crap is just as important to me. and let’s not forget my ongoing love affair with wine, beer and jameson, shall we? (maybe one day i’ll give these things up entirely, but i honestly don’t see that happening. not any time soon, anyway. we’re all about honesty here, aren’t we?) but, i have been pleasantly surprised to notice that i make sure i’m stuffed to the brim with whole foods before i cave to any of those. i toss a handful of spinach on just about everything hot. my plate is usually covered with veggies of all types and colors. snacks are nuts and fruits. extra veggies added to everything. what i find is that if i do go for the sweet treat or glass of wine after dinner, its more of a third of a glass or a pinch of chocolate chips. enough to satisfy me, but definitely not responsible for making me feel full. snacks? i eat an apple or a handful of almonds. if i still want a piece of candy after that, i totally have one.
nuts, oats and greek yogurt, by the by, are INCREDIBLE. they keep me so full for so long. and can be added to ANYTHING, i swear.
the result? i’m full longer, have way more energy, my skin looks better, my body is physically looking better as it builds muscle and performs better for longer. all these positive results make me sure that this is a habit that is forming (and hopefully sticking around). they tell me that i’m healthy and strong. and that i’m doing what i set out to do: honor, respect and thank my body.
in a week i will celebrate a birthday. i am determined not to let it be a scary milestone (i tend to ‘freak out’ at birthdays). i’m determined to be happy that i’m entering the last year of my twenties (OHMYGOD,WHAT!??!) strong and healthy with my best foot forward…
…at which point i will fuel my body with canned beer and chocolate cake. and lucky charms.
philly2010.livestrong.org/annejuliet
last weeks update.
