I think there is a misunderstanding in regard to having the health and fitness you want, while also enjoying yourself. I think many people have resolved to just “enjoy life” and give up on having the body they want. We definitely see food as entertainment and fun, and assume that we cannot have both. It is assumed that if you must implement discipline, that discipline is no fun and what is the point in having the body you want, if you can’t also enjoy your life. I promise you can strike the proper balance and have both! It takes a little time and some experimentation, but well worth exploring. There truly is no greater Bliss than enjoying your lifestyle and having the health and leanness you desire. I think one of the things you first must come to grips with, is that “eating whatever you want” is not freedom, it is in fact bondage. Not in the moment…. Not in the 5 minutes it takes you to complete eating whatever you want, no. I’m referring to all the other hours of your life that you spend dissatisfied with how you feel. Dissatisfied with how you look. Now we can all say as much as we want to, that we are happy no matter what we look like, but let’s face it…… It is just innate in us to want to be and look our very best. We always want to make our best presentation. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! In my opinion, we should want to first feel as good as we can….. Not be winded at the simplest task, be able to keep up with our kids or grandkids, just flat out be strong and capable! And also, want to hold our chin up and stand up straight with confidence because we look good!
Here’s how I conquer the discipline piece of the “balance”. Often people think my fitness comes naturally, and I don’t have to work all that hard at it. Actually it is difficult for me to implement the discipline it requires to stay lean and healthy. It takes a lot of focus and leaning on my healthy habits to overcome my temptations. Also, recognizing the trade-off for it. A lean, healthy, well performing body, versus a sluggish out of shape one. Discipline is doing what you need to do, when it’s not exactly what you want to do. Without discipline, success is impossible. Everyone has it in them to create discipline in their life and make the changes necessary to become a better version of themselves. It just takes some small changes and just getting started. When you start to see the results of your small changes, you will want to keep going and make another small change, because seeing the awesome positive affects is so fun!
The other part of this balancing act is to STOP THE GUILT! I always say “never go on a diet”. One of the reasons is because they are temporary. But the shame and guilt from imposing unrealistic goals on yourself, or allowing someone else to impose their goals for you on to you, can lead to stress and unhappiness. Feeling that you are failing or letting yourself down because you ate a cookie, or caved over a slice of pizza, can actually cause you anxiety, depression and anger. Stop the guilt. It’s easy to feel that your self-worth depends on being perfect at your nutrition and/or your number of workouts. It’s time to abandon the pursuit of perfection, and instead, time to begin to cultivate an attitude of making progress. Making changes to your habits goes a long way. But one step at a time is not only healthy physically, but also psychologically and emotionally. There’s bliss to be gained from not expecting results overnight and scheduling your indulgences. It’s about GUILT FREE LIVING. So what if you skipped your workout, you ate a half a sleeve of Girl scout cookies as a dinner appetizer. Don’t beat yourself up and call yourself a willpower wimp. We’ve drilled it into our own heads that exercising regularly and eating healthfully equals that we are “good”, while indulging in the occasional treat, or skipping a workout makes us “bad”…. and then family obligations add fuel to the guilt fire. Many adults struggle to establish ANY exercise routine because they feel guilty about taking time for themselves. Escaping self condemnation starts with giving yourself permission to occasionally indulge or give yourself a “pass”. If you plan it, you’re taking control, that way you won’t feel weak. Or if you know you’re in for a hectic work week, go ahead and schedule one fewer workout session. And if you do manage to fit in an extra one, then hey! That’s a bonus! Don’t berate yourself over a food choice. Stop the spiral of self-hate by owning up to your feelings. Instead of feeling like a failure, just recognize that while you wish you hadn’t done it, what’s done is done, and then move on and focus on how you’ll do better the next day. In some instances, remorse is good. It’s a way of facing the fact that we’re not living up to our own values and standards, and it’s a reminder to acknowledge and fix mistakes. Too often, though, guilt goes from intermittent to habitual and can even bleed into shame. Do not allow this. This is what disrupts the balance and robs us of our bliss and we end up doing nothing at all to improve and become a better version of ourselves. Implement the strategies mentioned above, and you will find yourself becoming more successful, and way happier! Fit and Well that Fits your Life Well! That’s balance! Few things are more blissful than loving your body and enjoying your lifestyle! Take it from me.. I am your coach and your friend. I wouldn’t steer you wrong!
Keep trying. Practice makes progress. Just do the best you can. I’m here to support you
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