There was a time when food consumed my thoughts. What I would eat, what time I would eat it. There was a time when I was scared to eat carbs at night. There was a time when I forced myself to eat broccoli or cauliflower for dinner every day even though I hated the taste. There was a time when I would eat fruits ONLY after a workout because any other time would make me fat, right?
I'm glad to say that things have changed!
One thing I've been doing lately is tracking my macros. And what I've found is that I usually end up able to eat more than I thought! I try to keep things pretty simple and have an approximate calorie goal for the day. I'm currently eating higher carbs and calories on workout days, and a little less calories and carbs on off days. Nothing too complicated. I still have one "treat / off- meal" per week, but will also allow myself to eat whatever I want throughout the week if the opportunity comes up. I may not continue tracking macros, but for right now it's working for me.
I was at my mom's house the other day to see my sister and niece, and I ended up staying for dinner, and guess what I ate? A Sloppy Joe sandwich(my favorite meal as a kid!!) and creamed peas! A year ago I probably wouldn't have let myself do that if it wasn't my cheat meal. But you know what? I was still just as lean the next day. It fit my macros, so I didn't sweat it! And it was delicious.
Don't get me wrong, most of my meals consist of lean proteins, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates in appropriate portions, but I do I allow myself to have treats here and there throughout the week. I'll have a Skinny Cow or a Pop-Tart or Sherbet ice cream after a workout once or twice a week, for example. I'm not one of those people who won't let anything "bad" touch my lips, cuz guess what? I like "bad" food!! Yup, I said it. I'm not going to lecture you on how bad processed foods and sugar are for your body and all that. If you're active and lifting weights, eating mostly healthy, natural foods, you'll be okay if you have a cookie every once in a while, trust me.
Eating in this way keeps me sane, and it keeps me from overdoing it on my cheat meals(most of the time!) because I don't feel like I have to completely stuff myself with all the things I "can't" have during the week. Yes, I have gained a slight bit of bodyfat(because I've increased my calories), but I'm fine with it. I'd rather have a bit more bodyfat and be able to eat this way. And I can still look healthy, fit, lean and strong even without ripped abs!
I'm glad to say that things have changed!
One thing I've been doing lately is tracking my macros. And what I've found is that I usually end up able to eat more than I thought! I try to keep things pretty simple and have an approximate calorie goal for the day. I'm currently eating higher carbs and calories on workout days, and a little less calories and carbs on off days. Nothing too complicated. I still have one "treat / off- meal" per week, but will also allow myself to eat whatever I want throughout the week if the opportunity comes up. I may not continue tracking macros, but for right now it's working for me.
I was at my mom's house the other day to see my sister and niece, and I ended up staying for dinner, and guess what I ate? A Sloppy Joe sandwich(my favorite meal as a kid!!) and creamed peas! A year ago I probably wouldn't have let myself do that if it wasn't my cheat meal. But you know what? I was still just as lean the next day. It fit my macros, so I didn't sweat it! And it was delicious.
Don't get me wrong, most of my meals consist of lean proteins, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates in appropriate portions, but I do I allow myself to have treats here and there throughout the week. I'll have a Skinny Cow or a Pop-Tart or Sherbet ice cream after a workout once or twice a week, for example. I'm not one of those people who won't let anything "bad" touch my lips, cuz guess what? I like "bad" food!! Yup, I said it. I'm not going to lecture you on how bad processed foods and sugar are for your body and all that. If you're active and lifting weights, eating mostly healthy, natural foods, you'll be okay if you have a cookie every once in a while, trust me.
Eating in this way keeps me sane, and it keeps me from overdoing it on my cheat meals(most of the time!) because I don't feel like I have to completely stuff myself with all the things I "can't" have during the week. Yes, I have gained a slight bit of bodyfat(because I've increased my calories), but I'm fine with it. I'd rather have a bit more bodyfat and be able to eat this way. And I can still look healthy, fit, lean and strong even without ripped abs!
I have the same philosophy- little treats are not going to hurt anything! They help keep you from pigging out. I eat an ice cream cone almost every night because I loooove ice cream. If it takes me a *little* longer to reach my goals because of this, oh well. Having that treat is worth it to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about balance, instead of most people's extreme all or nothing approach to nutrition. It's the reason I've been able to eat healthy without "falling off the wagon" for the past 8 or so years!
DeleteI think strongman training helps a lot with my nutrition, because I'm burning so many calories. I have 'bad' food almost every day (something about the summer time makes me want ice cream and burgers!), but I swear I'm getting leaner. Any time I start stressing about food or purposely trying to lose body fat is when I don't see results. When I just chill out and give my body what it asks for, it rewards me.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true, Tara!
DeleteThank you so much for this post...It was exactly what I needed to hear where I am in my training. I want to be healthy and confident with my body, but I think most importantly, I want to be happy! I tend to obsess about food and nutrition to the point where it hinders my ability to be. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think this is a very common struggle, and my goal is to show that there can be a balance and that you can look a certain way without being super strict/obsessive with your nutrition. I've come to realize that trying to look perfect stresses me out more than anything, and that is not healthy. thanks again!
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