The past two weeks have been wonderful. As you may know, I began a “cleanse” which is really turning into what I hope to be a lifestyle change. Clean eating makes me feel so good. And my workouts? The best ever. I’m thoroughly enjoying truly taking care of my body.
Not to mention, I forgot how much I enjoy cooking. Yes, some days it feels a little tedious, but I have cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, for almost 14 days straight. I’m learning new techniques, how to make chopping efficient, and that julienning just about anything takes forever.
It’s helped me find balance.
I’ve woken up early to make sure I have enough time to prep both breakfast and lunch. I’ve drank an entire Nalgene of water before I even get to work (which means I’ve peed like three times already). When I cook, I’m disconnected. The boyfriend just puts on some music, and we work together to prepare the delicious meals. It feels great.
I also wish I had a bigger fridge.
The whole, fresh, natural and simple ingredients in each dish have also helped me realize that simplicity is better when integrated into my whole life. If I’m not eating all of this extra crap, why should my life contain any extra crap at all?
Over the past 2 weeks, I’ve reorganized. I’ve developed a plan to limit multitasking and help me focus on one task at a time and write down any extra thoughts that pop into my head while I’m completing a different task (usually, I’d switch gears and complete it right then).
This “cleanse” takes planning. Each Sunday, I’ve spent about two hours prepping and planning — printing a grocery list, printing recipes, planning workouts and other activities meant to de-stress. It’s been time consuming, but I’ve totally loved it.
So, as we dive into February (yes, February, when the heck did that happen?), these two words are my theme:
Simplify. Balance.
Also, if you want to check out all the deliciousness I’ve been eating, head over here. 🙂
The true test is during travel. Can you keep up the eating and work outs while traveling? I always fall short during those times.
…maybe more so, kids.I want to do this stuff when I have children but cooking every meal? Going to the gym?
It’s hard Adam but it can be done. My wife and I prep every meal for our kids so it makes it easier to put us right in the mix. Not to say we don’t treat ourselves every once in a while but for the most part we stay on track.
Now traveling is difficult but what I’ve been doing for the last three trips is stay within a maximum I set for myself going into the trip. I know I will more than likely drink at some mixer but I try to stick to one or two glasses of wine at the open bar instead of the 4 or 5 beers that was the usual back in the day.
With food on trips I just try to be true to what I’m trying to accomplish. I let myself have a tiny indulgence here and there but not the whole trip.
I really do think it’s all about planning ahead. When I travel, I know I’m going to be eating out. I look at menues before I commit to a place to ensure there’s something healthy I can eat. I always bring my workout stuff, but sometimes I just don’t have the time. In those cases, I try and walk everywhere else. It’s easy to hop in cabs, but you see more of a city you’re visiting anyway if you try and walk.
What else is key is letting the people you’re traveling with know you’re watching what you eat. If you communicate this, they may be less likely to suggest the pasta place or the drinks each night.
As far as with kids, etc… I’m not there yet! Will cross that bridge when I get to it 🙂 BUT, as I’m creating habits now, hopefully those habits can stick through any big life changes. That’s the goal at least!
Thanks Adam and Derek!
Thanks Derek! You certainly have experience with that so I appreciate the feedback. It goes back to taking that conscious effort to plan and know what will be done or what our limits are and then sticking to it.
I love hearing that parents take the time for their kids in this decade in that way. You’re building some great habits for your kids as they grow older. 🙂
This is wonderful. Good for you for taking charge of doing what it takes to accomplish your goal. Sometimes it takes a little work, but eventually it becomes part of your healthy lifestyle.
Thanks, Lauren!! I’m really feeling the best I’ve ever felt. Thanks for the encouragement and support!
Love it, lady! These are changes I need to start implementing into my own life and it’s awesome to hear how well it’s all going for you and that you’re feeling awesome as well. So proud of you!
Thanks, love! You should absolutely try some of these things. I STILL feel great and can’t quit! 🙂