Diet, Cheating, and Clean Eating

What Discipline Do You Practice?

Many of us choose to use the words "diet" and "cheating" in the same sentence when it comes to discussing healthy food choices. But as for myself,  I choose to practice moderation, portion control, clean eating (Not putting junk in my body) and, creating my healthy lifestyle along my journey. The truth is, it all depends on what you desire most. What are your priorities for your health and your perception of achieving your goals along your journey?

I personally, have always been a very physically active female; however in my past, my biggest obstacle always revolved around food. I have spent many years trying many quick fixes, diets, and carving out my cheat-meals because I thought it was all well deserved. And, as a result of my struggle with my hearts desires and my self-imposed restrictions, I had created a very unhealthy relationship with food.

I acknowledge the fact that for some of you, it can  be very challenging to make healthy choices with what you choose to put in your body. Many of us have a family culture that gathers around food, and many of us just flat out enjoy the flavor of certain foods. I experience both. Either way, whether it is a personal battle, a family culture, and/or your pallets desire...the topic of food can be sensitive topic and tied with emotion!

Along with emotions, we have constant images and information thrown at us about science and research about the next best thing. Well, my next best thing and consistent truth that remains for me is:
1. Calories In, and Calories Out
2. Body Translations: Our bodies have been created to communicate to each of us, our individual body requirements, and to purge what is not healthy for us.

Reflecting on what is true to me, let us begin with my number one truth. I do not calorie count, however, this statement holds true to me because of my frequent physical activity. I know that my body requires more calories to sustain my energy to perform my desired physical activity with balance. Also, I know some of you workout solely to cancel out what you chose to eat and/or drink ( I myself am guilty of this at times). Which, this brings me to my next topic of truth. Even when I fall into this cancel-clear mentality with my food choices, my body communication always remains!

We are all individually different when it comes to food/fluid allergies, tolerance, disease, and just simply not a healthy choice. So, this brings us back to my conclusion with the following questions: How dedicated are you to creating your healthy lifestyle? Do you have your strong-will and tools provided to create your healthy balance? Are you intuitive with your body communication?  And, are you committed to respecting, honoring, nurturing, and strengthening yourself as a whole?

"You only have one body to work with, so treat it right and become the best version of YOU, allowing yourself to indulge and enjoy life every once and a while!" (Molly Galbraith) Choose to love yourself and create your positive self-talk. Do NOT trash talk yourself and create a guilt/shame when you make unhealthy choices. We are only human, and we can all learn from are mistakes! So, be in-tune and listen to your body. A healthy lifestyle is a journey; it is a created path, and not just a destination!

  

Above is a clean and natural healthy choice I created to satisfy my sweet tooth 

~ Mango Lime Sorbet

Very easy to make, here is the recipe: Frozen Mango, Fresh Lime Juice, and Honey. Blend in a food processor and regular blender until texture is smooth. I also recently added some fresh watermelon and it sure was yummy! I hope you give it a try and ENJOY!!!!

"What Goes Down Must Come Up!"

I CREATE, YOU CAN TOO

Many of us have heard of the saying, "what goes up must come down." Well, I desire to share my perspective of just the opposite! "What goes down must come up." I will share with you a few experiences of my own and before I close, you will receive a great new (to me) exercise to engage your whole body taking you down and up again.

I personally have always been an individual who seeks for more, and did not always find what I was looking for. Just as in all life circumstances, we create our journey. And, we may have many destinations throughout our journey created. In reflection on my past thoughts, choices, and actions...I have experienced many downs, resulting in many ups.

A few examples are as follows: My lack-of efforts and clarity in my past education rose me to the top with a well-rounded education, and into a career I am passionate about. My past lack-of willpower and struggle with food has given me awareness, wisdom, and my power to create my healthy eating lifestyle. And, a few years ago my health was at it's worst. I was full of disease, symptoms, pain, and hopelessness. Now, my health has returned and I am feeling stronger and healthier than ever before! "Your greatest weakness shall be your greatest strength!"(Robert Tennyson Stevens)

So, whether it be your motivation, energy, willpower, actions, or thoughts that are down...have hope, take measure, and create your destiny with upgrades. When we align our intentions with our commitment, we can manifest miracles!

To create our healthy living, strength, wisdom, and balance is required: Spirit, Mind, and Body. Below is a great workout move you can try to strengthen your foundation and upper body to rise!    ~Be safe

Side Lunge with Upright Row

Position A: Create your alignment and balance with your breath. Belly pulled in, core engaged, shoulders back, and chest out.

Position B: Step out, lunging to your side and keeping your feet parallel to eachother. Keep your bum back, knee behind your toe, chest out, and head up. As you push off to rise, create your upright row.

At night we go down and in the morning we rise...below are a few workouts to recharge yourself before you start your day. Enjoy!