You guys, life is so weird and funny.
It is morning here and already I've had a home visit for foster care, several good belly laughs at Jen Hatmaker's newest podcast with comedian John Crist, made breakfast for three kids and two adults, done the school run, and pondered some really huge things I'm praying about. Oh, and had homemade quiche and quinoa granola.
Just a normal morning. Really, that about sums up my life right now. It's days full of deep laughs, eyes sometimes a bit teary, moments of rare quiet mixed with constant chatter from all three of my kiddos. Just such a mix it's hard to even sum up.
I usually find myself wanting to wear a shirt or hold a sign that simply says "it's complicated." My favorite phrase currently (with the exception of the #byefelicia world my twin and I share). It just works y'all. It would cover so many answers to questions I get on a daily basis.
A topic that "it's complicated" also covers? Food. I am here to just share my own thoughts and story because after posting my latest healthy food pic on IG (I'm "therosylifeblog") I had a few comments and messages asking for more advice.
Long story short-I have been in love with food my entire life. It just delights me. There's a certain line this can cross where food not only becomes a hobby and passion, but an emotional eating outlet. I have crossed that line enough times to where this is a habit/battle I face head on, more so in different seasons of life than others. From my teenage years throughout my twenties I was very focused on being skinny enough. (ugh, can we just quit with this thinking already?!) I was eating your typical "get skinny" diet: low-fat options and not enough in general. As I inched closer towards my 30's I started to pay much more attention to healthy recipes and blogs and even quit sugar. I *started* to get that what goes in determines how we feel, not just how we look. The first BIG decision I made where I really felt different from a food choice, regardless if my size changed or not was quitting the sugar. However, as I dived deeper into the healthy food world I was still experiencing gut and joint/body discomfort as well as dealing with ruptured cysts frequently, and very bad endometriosis. Just quitting sugar wasn't enough of a change.
A little over a year ago I found myself 15-20 pounds heavier, with severe neck, back, and body pain, at the doctor being told I needed to have surgery for endometriosis. Something had to give.
That's when I started going to the chiropractor, who also happens to be a doctor for health in general. For you locals, I go to Generations Health and Wellness.
He suggested I try eliminating sugar, dairy, processed foods, and bread/pasta/etc. I was SO desperate (not even able to make it through a photo shoot without pain) I did it. And I reflected back on the past year when I thought I was eating healthy (like eating greek yogurt dip) and it started to click that my extreme gas (tmi) and bloating afterwards was from THE DAIRY. (duh)
So basically through trial and error I have figured out how to still be a foodie and explore it with passion, but also eat to keep my energy up, my moods level, and my gut/head/body happy.
That is my health goal, if I had to put it in words. For me, I have figured out that a diet of veggies, protein (this is a BIG one for me!), fish, fruit, and limited processed stuff works. I have a very busy life (as do you!) and just cannot afford to feel bad day in and out. My three kiddos and sweet husband and the foster care world and #allthethings need me around and in good shape. This keeps me pretty accountable to sticking to my goals. If I eat poorly and end up feeling bad as a result, the others around me suffer too because I am just not my best self.
Things I still struggle with and maybe will always have to face head on? The scale, because our society is stupid and crazy about those numbers on the scale and it is engrained deep in me to care. There, I said it. I do think it matters some. Last year my weight inched up and up and up because I decided I was going to stop caring about the scale altogether and never, ever stepped on it. When really the scale does say a bit about our health. Not the whole story though.
Emotional eating is something I struggle with occasionally too, mostly during my time of the month. (tmi, but really I doubt any guys read my blog, lol) Also, the foster care world is big and sometimes very stressful and most people are in the general public are clueless about all that goes into it. Another trigger for me at times. Basically I'm saying I am a work in progress. And will be for the rest of my life because life "is forever tries."
I always feel kind of weird posting about food because I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression and think I have this figured out completely and that my choices always line up with my blog words. THEY DON'T! For example: One afternoon this week we were running around town all day. I packed a boiled egg for a snack/lunch because that's all I had time to grab and was planning on eating something healthy again once I got home. But y'all, I had already eaten the boiled egg and wasn't going to be home for HOURS and the kids were getting a special treat lunch at Chick-fil-a. So what do you think I did?! I got the Chick-fil-a and it was delicious! Then I had a smoothie and veggie frittata later that night. Balance.
As for how I practically make these choices happen with little ones and such a busy life? It is ALL about planning ahead. I make menus one week in advance and then grocery shop from those ideas. OR, if I haven't made a menu I grab plenty of beans, protein, veggies, eggs, etc. at the grocery store and make meals from it during the week. For example: I cook a whole chicken in my crockpot a couple of times a month. Then I have about two meals worth of meat and at least 4 jars of chicken broth left over for soup.
I also do food prep once or twice a week. Things like cutting veggies, making a quiche or frittata, making granola, or putting a chicken in the crockpot. I think about/prep for dinner in the afternoon typically before I start the school pick-up. Some things I just buy, like my favorite RX bars. They taste like a treat to me and are great for all the car time I currently have. Also, Beanitos and kombucha for life.
I also try to drink a ton of water each day. I would say this has been the biggest game-changer for my health. And you all, it's free and easy to do. Get a water bottle you like and drink up! That's it. I eat WAY more junk and way more food in general when I haven't had enough water in a day.
I am a HUGE cookbook person and this helps me stay motivated.
Like I read them for fun. Almost daily. If I get spending $, it's going towards a cookbook most likely. (who needs shoes?!)
Some of my favorites?
2.) Everyday Detox
3.) Good Clean Food
I also like THRIVE magazine for healthy recipes that you can find at Natural Grocers, some Barnes and Nobles, and Whole Foods.
I like to follow healthy gals on IG too. I just shared those in a recent post but let me know if you want recommendations!
If you're looking to start a new, healthier way of feeling and living, I wouldn't get overwhelmed and try to do everything at once. That has never worked for me. Instead, maybe try cutting out extra drinks and just sticking to water for a week or two.
Then you could try having a processed treat or fast food maybe once a week, instead of several times a week. Or try switching your breakfast to one filled with protein so you stay full feeling longer. Like having soft-boiled eggs (my fave) and two pieces of bacon, with sweet potato hash browns.
Maybe try eliminating a food that you notice makes you feel poorly. Or if you're as desperate as I was, you could try eliminating a whole host of things (like sugar, dairy, etc.) and mostly stick to veggies, nuts, eggs, fish and chicken, and fruit diet. There are really a thousand ways to end up with a healthy you. I certainly don't have it all figured out. But man do I feel SO much better this year than last. I feel like I got my life back.
What else do you want to know? Is this topic as big a one for you as for me?
Sara, thank you for sharing! I think the hardest part about making changes is that there is such an enormous amount of information out there and it gets overwhelming. I think the advice to make one change at a time, is great advice. When we try to jump in and get on the same level as those who live a totally healthy lifestyle, we instantly feel defeated. So, to combine that with your question about what we want to see on the blog - my answer would be maybe one post a week about a few healthy foods you've made that week and how to make them. And, I hope you won't feel guilty! We all struggle with this, so some simple advice is always great to have.
ReplyDelete