it is well {with my soul}
I actually just posted this on Instagram this morning, but figured I’d share it here as well. This is something that has been on my heart and mind all weekend…
Sometimes I feel like it would easier if this wasn’t true - if life just happened “to us” and that was that. But the truth is that we all have a bigger + fuller purpose - it’s just a matter if we choose to accept it. Saying yes isn’t always comfortable or easy (currently learning that), but look at the lives of people around you who fully know their identity and calling, and living accordingly. It’s not because they’re part of some elite group, it’s because they just said “yes.” (I’m thankful to be surrounded by a ridiculous number of those people, ha.) That goal/idea/life you think about all the time is there for a reason, so what are you going to do with it?
it is well {with my body}
Real talk - I’m working on gaining muscle + losing a few extra pounds before summer. I’m always hesitant to say that because I feel like a) I’m always saying that (ha) and b) it’s almost become taboo in the blog world. It’s like, is it possible to love your body + feel beautiful, and still want to make some changes? I personally think yes, and that’s what I’m doing. Especially since I’ve been getting into fitness more than ever, I want my hard work to pay off!
You guys have seen me go through the whole Paleo journey late last year - doing the Whole30 then trying to maintain a Paleo-esque style of eating for a while after that. While I definitely got a lot out of doing Whole30 and think it’s an amazing program, over the past few months I’ve learned that a Paleo style of eating actually isn’t for me. Health-wise, I think it’s amazing, and probably the closest to how one should eat (I’m not an expert, though, so don’t quote me on that). But the honest truth is that I love carbs and sugar way too much, and I’d rather be “less healthy” in those areas than forfeit what I truly believe is one of life’s greatest pleasures - eating!
So what’s my plan? I’ve been doing the whole “eat whatever I want in moderation” thing, AKA Flexible Dieting. And you know what? It’s working! And not just in the area of losing weight. I feel great - physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. I’m not saying that you can’t feel that way on a more specific eating style, but I’ve realized that this is what works best for me.
For the first time I started tracking my meals so I have at least some sort of accountability. I’m using MyFitnessPal, and it’s been really helpful. I’m not really focusing on meeting my macros 100% (yet) because I’m just trying to get out of the whole clean eating mentality. If Flexible Dieting is something you’re interested in learning more about I highly suggest checking out my girl Brittany Lesser - she’s my guru 😉
I’ll probably be posting more about this! Is that something you guys are interested in?
Any other flexible dieters out there?
I’m all about flexible dieting and use MyFitnessPal off and on too. I agree that losing weight is such a taboo topic but I too am working on losing weight for a variety of reasons. (1) I put on 15 pounds when I moved to a new city. Eating my feelings of loneliness too much! (2) I just don’t feel healthy. (3) My clothes don’t fit and I can’t buy new clothes! (4) I run much easier and faster at a lighter weight and I’m trying to beat a half marathon PR. I definitely want to read about your journey as you lose weight! (And add me on MFP if you want!)
xoxo
Thanks for this comment - always good to have someone who can relate/on a similar journey! I’m keeping MFP private for now as my busy schedule lately has made my meals quite shameful hahah, but if I ever make it public you’ll be the first person I want to share with 😀
Ya girl! That’s what I’m all about with my clients
While I don’t track now since I don’t have any goals, its a GREAT way to work towards any goals you have!
I’m a huge fan of the 80/20 lifestyle and tracking calories. I know a lot of people don’t like calorie counting but I’ve found that using things like MyFitnessPal really keeps me accountable for what I’m eating and keeps me from snacking on bad things! I’ve also found that you can do anything 80% of the time and I like to think of it as more of a lifestyle change than diet. And to answer your question, I too think it’s totally possible to love your body and still want to make changes for the better! Good luck on your journey!
Totally agree! Thanks for this comment!
I use my fitness pal as well! And for sure am a flexible dieter… saying no to sugar & carbs is impossible for me!
Love Brittany! Her YouTube videos are one of my favorites to watch! I’m actually researching flexible dieting this week and instilling it soon - I’ve done Paleo and Zone, and they just don’t work for me (especially on the mental aspect!). I bought Krissy Mae Cagney’s flexible dieting book today (which - today only! - is on sale for $10…originally $34 with the code ‘blackiron’). I’m so excited to dive in! I’m also looking at getting in touch with the people at Eat to Perform. So yes! Please talk about it - I’ll be following a similar journey!
Awesome! How do you like that book so far? Even though it’s “flexible” I could probably use more guidance than I have right now haha
Great to know other people are trying a similar thing
Sorry for not getting back to you as quick as I would have liked! I am loving the book so far, and really think it is exactly what I need. Doing Zone and eating paleo played mental games with me, which ended up being more negative than positive towards the end. I’m still in the early part of the book, but would definitely recommend it. I’m also getting information from Eat to Perform as well, since their mission is flexible dieting as well!
My fitness pal is a great app! I’ve used it on and off for the same purpose. But be careful because I’ve had it get very obsessive with counting calories. If you’re a competitive person (like me, ha), it can easily turn into a challenge…..and then turn unhealthy.
Good for you for figuring out what works!
Good point! I’m usually pretty good with that stuff, but I def don’t want to use MFP forever!
First of all, I love that quote you posted. So, so true. And second, LOVE YOU! Seriously, no need to be 100% spot on with macros. That’s the whole point of being flexible. I know I won’t track forever, but it’s definitely a great place to start. It helped me break free of the clean eating obsession <3
Seriously - so thankful for YOU! You’re one of the few that really inspired me to switch things up. I just can’t do the clean eating thing haha
I guess I’m a flexible dieter and didn’t know it!
hehe awesome 😉
I am allll about that flexible dieting. I actually just posted about it yesterday. Using the myfitnesspal app lets me make a goal, stick to it, and still get to eat a cookie or Easter candy if I want to. 😉 And I agree with you — you can totally love your body and still want to make changes. I’d love to meet someone who isn’t that way.
Totally! And ironically I’ve found that planning/tracking my meals is actually more freeing in ways. As long as the treats are planned, there’s zero guilt involved 😉 Whereas when I was trying to eat paleo, cookie = failure. Ain’t nobody got time for that.