Where we Started
A couple weeks ago I shared a brutally honest post with you guys about my relationship to food, and it was terrifying. I didn’t know how it was going to be received, or what admitting it would mean for my food issues going forward.
It’s not possible to describe my feelings reading SO MANY MESSAGES from all of you sharing your vulnerabilities and food issues with me. I knew I wasn’t alone, but I had no idea how MANY people shared the same or similar issues. It made me so sad how many of you are dealing with food issues as well, but so incredibly thankful for this community we are building where we can be honest and vulnerable and support each other in our wins and setbacks.
My Food Issue Update
It has been about a month and half since I shared that. I really feel that by admitting to myself {and you guys} that I had a problem it has helped me take huge strides forward in my healthy eating habits. I have been so much more conscious of what I’m putting into my body. But most importantly it’s because I WANT TO, not because I feel I have to. I have been eating the foods I want to eat in moderation, not in extreme excess to smother some emotion I don’t want to face. It has felt great.
OF COURSE there have been moments where I head down the path of old habits, but I can truly say I’ve been able to catch myself before it goes too far. I’m more aware of my triggers and issues and can ask myself the meaning behind WHY I’m really reaching for that next bite. It feels SO good.
Another change that has helped my eating habits SO much is stepping back into physical activity.
Getting Back to Workouts
Not gonna lie, I got back into it stomping and crying. Literally.
I was pre-period and having my per-usual monthly emotional breakdown and Mark was like, “You need to get outside and move your body somehow.”
“I HAVE CRAMPS,” I said. “That’s NOT what it’s ABOUT. It won’t help. You don’t know anything and you smell like food! … Ok, maybe you’re right.”
TBH, I mostly left the house because I was so annoyed with him telling me what to do I couldn’t be around him lol. I was walking and WHIMPERING. I kid you not. WHIMPERING and WHINING for the first 20 minutes solid of run/walking.
But then I noticed what a nice day it was outside. And how I could hear the birds. How grateful I was for my legs and my health and ability to do physical activity. I kid you not, after close to 2 hours the only reason I finally headed back home was that my knee was bugging and my phone was at 1%. IT FELT AMAZING.
I have NEVER enjoyed running. I love being outside, I enjoy hiking. Have always hated running. But something inside me flipped that night. I’m still not out to do a marathon, but I look forward to “going on a jog” which for me still means run/walking, but I’m fine with that. It reminds me how good my body can feel!
Kayla Itsines BBG
Oh, Kayla. You beautiful, tan, torturous Australian, you. I can’t remember when I first purchased BBG but it was long enough ago that it only came in PDF form. You had to print them out and turn through them, dripping sweat, while you cursed her.
If you aren’t familiar with BBG (Better Body Guide) it is a workout guide by Australian fitness guru, Kayla Itsines.
I have started BBG at least 4 times and never made it past week 2 of the 12 week program.
In the past, always doing it because I was unhappy with my appearance, or last-minute desperately prepping for an event (again, because I was unhappy with my appearance).
I bought Kayla’s SWEAT app several months ago with this same feeling in mind. I didn’t feel good about how I looked. This would fix it.
Cut to months flying by and I still haven’t touched it. BUT now that I’ve acknowledged my issues with food, I’m EXCITED to try BBG again with a completely different perspective.
I have been following Rach Parcell’s BBG journey for over a year and recently read her fitness update. The most inspiring part for me was how much more energy has, and the confidence it gives her to tackle all areas of her life. These are the kinds of changes I’m noticing from shifting my food mindset already, and I know making fitness a part of my daily routine will only help strengthen that more.
Rachel touched on making a commitment to yourself and writing you goal down. “I will not miss a day of BBG for 12 weeks.” It’s only 3 days a week for 3 months. The full program. I just wrote that down and I’m doing it, starting today.
Technically you’re supposed to start on a Monday… but I have legit used the excuse that I don’t have to start until Monday, and never started. So I’m starting today!
Let’s Do It!
Changing my attitude towards food has already made me feel more confident and grateful for my body and all it gives me. I can’t wait to start this BBG journey to see what my body is capable of and how much better it makes me feel.
I would love to share this journey with you! Rach says one of the main things that kept her on track was committing with her friends. If you have any interest in doing BBG with me please let me know here or on Instagram. I’d love to have a group to help motivate and encourage each other!
If you have any questions, comments or BBG tips please let me know! Can’t wait to keep you guys updated.
Xx,
You go girl! I know how much determination you have and am completely confident that you will get where you want to be!