My healthy-living-crazie journey started in college when I developed an exercise addiction and started running out of pure enjoyment. I had participated in sports throughout my childhood, and even ran track in high school, but back then, I hated running. I never enjoyed it. In college, however, I started to get into a rhythm and then I sort of went on sabbatical after I got married back in 2002. Not because nutrition and exercise were no longer appealing, but rather, I admittedly fell into the marriage slump of apathy and indifference. I slowly started gaining weight and before long I was jumping up and down in order to fit into my largest pair of jeans, and it was not working anymore. I remember crumpling up into a ball and crying my eyes out because of what this kind of condition can do to someone emotionally, let alone physically. It was then that I determined I was going to make a change.
In 2006, a few coworkers and I started to cut out processed foods, white - processed sugars & flours with empty carbs and the results were unbelievable. I mean, it was amazing. Not only was there a significant physical change, but my energy was up, my headaches were gone, my skin was radiant…I felt and looked so much better than I did in my college youthful days. I started seeing more results after I would run and believe it or not, I honestly just wasn’t interested in the chocolate and cookies anymore. I mean once in a while I would have a few, but I could seriously just leave it and not feel like I was missing out on anything.
In the past I feel that there has been a serious lack of education about nutrition and exercise and overall healthy living; now it has really begun to pick up. There are talk shows dedicated to educating their audiences on the benefits of certain foods and the dangers of obesity. Pediatricians are starting to offer workshops for children and families. A food revolution has begun in the schools and is being introduced to childcare institutions. Nutritionists and dieticians are now regarded more seriously and even the holistic world is making their dent. The contemporary day and age is very much different from the world I grew up in, and I’m excited for it. There are definitely ideologies to critically chew over and warning signs to beware of, but at least the awareness has led to action
Where am I now? Well it’s been a journey since then, obviously with the two little guys and attached hormonal cravings, but I like to think that I continue to place priority on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with both diet and exercise. We have started to make healthier eating choices as a family, and exercise is a vital component in our mission towards healthy living. It is just so much more than the shape that we take on the outside; it keeps this overall machine of our body running ~ emotionally and physically ~ and just spills over into all aspects of our everyday life. It's encouraging when we can motivate each other - friends and family - to take on this mission. With all of that said, as I eat clean and wholesome foods, and take my kickboxing class, I still love my ice cream, dark chocolate and my friend’s home made banana chocolate chip cookies!
{Disclaimer: I am not a registered dietician, nutritionist or a certified personal trainer (yet). This blog contains my own opinions, experiences and personal research. I am interested in sharing this information with readers but please consult your doctor or other medical professional when it comes to your needs and concerns. By no means is what I post meant to be taken as professional advice.}
