So let's put this into perspective. Pretty much, if someone is sitting around at their computer and is wondering about people who eat everything in sight or are curious about the topic of eating everything in sight, Google lets them know -- "You should know Katelyn. Go visit her website." And you know what I have to say about that? That yep, that sounds about right.
The past few days weeks have been particularly rough. I don't know if it is stress, increased exercise, or what, but my appetite has been insatiable. I seem to have lost that little bit of will power I had mustered over the past few years and have been indulging in unhealthy foods to my hearts content. I have put a little bit of weight back on and I have been struggling to control myself from going on small binges of junk food whenever and however it becomes available. It has caused me to become a bit stressed and upset with myself, and as a stress eater, well -- that just creates a terrible cycle. And as we all know, I am not the first person to have this problem.
So what do you all do out there when you get into this habit or rhythm or just have an off-week (or few weeks...) of eating healthy? Does anybody have any advice or suggestions for getting back on track? Most of my fellow food and eating bloggers out there in internet world are gearing up for bathing suit season with stricter-than-usual diets and extra time at the gym. Yet, I'm over-indulging in far too many frozen yogurts (covered in candy toppings), Sam Summers, and extra-large portions.
I've heard from my many people over the past year and a half that have told me that I've been inspiring to them in trying to get healthy, but now is my turn to call out to you all and get some help in the form of inspiration. Would love to hear from you all out there :)
When people "fall off the wagon" in regards to their exercise routine and eating choices, they often beat themselves up. As you discuss, this can turn into a shame spiral, with guilt driving you to eat more or poorly, and then feeling guilty for eating more.
ReplyDeleteThere is a comparison that I heard that has really helped me to avoid this cycle: think of a healthy diet and good exercise routine like brushing your teeth. If you skipped brushing your teeth one day, would you then hate yourself for it and say, "Forget it! It's not worth brushing my teeth anymore." No, you wouldn't. You would just say, "Oh crap, I forgot. Better remember to do that (and maybe I'll brush them even more thoroughly today...)." By thinking of diet and exercise in this way -- as a healthy habit -- you can let go of a lot of the associated baggage that becomes a real hindrance.
I'm about ten years into my journey of healthy habits around diet and exercise now (this was preceded by eight years of very unhealthy habits). I lost about forty pounds and completely altered my body and metabolism and, much more importantly, my mind and spirit in the process. I still struggle. In general, be gentle with yourself. A couple of "off" weeks will not undue all of the great work you have done.
You go, Katelyn!
Best,
Liz