From the category archives:

diet

Vacation-stress and the planning of Zen, a.k.a.: My July Resolutions

by Elisa on July 6, 2011

in diet,exercise,health

Whoa! July really sneaked up on us, didn’t it? How did it get here so fast? Where did June go? I’d like a do-over, please.

Aaargh! I am not ready for July! Our vacation is quickly approaching, and I am nowhere near bikini-ready, and that’s causing me to freak out a little. Or a lot.

Tell me, how would you feel if I told you “Hey, you know what? how about we also organize a high school reunion while you are on vacation? Or maybe a nice reunion with all your ex boyfriends?” What’s that? No friggin’ way? Ha! Exactly. Now you get how I feel about going home on vacation.

Imagine if once a year, instead of having a relaxing time to look forward to, you had to prepare for the chance of meeting up with old school mates, old neighbors, old friends, old boyfriends… which brings me back to aaaargh!

Ok, clearly my first resolution for this month should be

1. I will NOT freak out about my upcoming vacation.
Instead, I will do my best to see it as something to look forward to. Gorgeous views, lovely beaches, plenty of opportunity to take photos, the chance to spend time with my family, and hello! Italian shoes on sale. Focus on the positive!! I don’t have to see anyone I don’t want to see, and if I do see them, I most definitely shouldn’t feel like justifying myself for anything. If they are not in my life, why does it matter what they think?

I think Dr. Seuss had it right when he said “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

So enough. I am done caring about what other people might say, I am done preparing for a vacation as if I was going to war, and my last read (the one I told you about here) inspired me to approach things differently, which is why I have decided that

2. I will stop punishing myself with these ridiculous, constant diets and instead focus on eating wholesome foods and consuming reasonable portions. And if I have a small treat now and then I won’t kick myself for it, I will simply enjoy it and then go back to my healthy eating.

Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. I am done feeling bad about not being perfect all the time. I am done kicking myself for having a cupcake with a friend. I refuse to run for the hills screaming “aaah! CARBS!!” when I feel like munching on a carrot or having some brown rice or quinoa. And I am done with those damn protein shakes. It’s summer, damn it! Let me bite into a juicy peach without wondering how many calories are in it.

I no longer want to be perfect. I simply want to feel good. And I no longer believe that my worth is linked to my weight – hurray!
So f@!* Tracy Anderson and her promises of a “teeny tiny body” – just thinking about her workouts and her speeches makes my blood pressure shoot up.
I need a workout that makes me feel strong and empowered, not one that makes me feel anxious and like I am not good enough. Which is why, starting this month

3. I will start practicing yoga again. The deep breathing, the variety of poses, the stretching and unwinding, the mind-body connection… aaah, I feel more relaxed just thinking about it :-)

What about you? What do you want to accomplish this month? Share your goals in the comments below – or, if you decide to blog about it, add your post to the Mr. Linky, so I can find you and come cheer for you!

 

 

 

 

Image credits: 1. n/a; 2. imgfave; 3. Athleta; all via Pinterest.

{ 17 comments }

Kicking my own butt into gear

by Elisa on December 30, 2009

in diet,humor,ramblings

Dear me,

The time has come, sweet cheeks. Seriously, the time is really really overripe. It’s time to start tightening the belt without suffocating, time to stop looking like a more fashionable version of Jabba The Hut. Time to stop giving the Michelin man a run for his money, time to stop scaring yourself every time you walk in front of the mirror coming out of the shower.

It’s time, girl. I know, I know that chocolate is hard to give up. Especially Swiss chocolate. But you live here, it’s not like you have to apply “Carpe Diem” to the chance to eat Swiss chocolate, it isn’t a one-off.

And I know you can be strong and curb your enthusiasm for Starbucks drinks for a little while. Although admittedly, it might be a little longer than a little while, because let’s face it, it’s been a long time coming.

But you won’t be alone. Your best friend is already doing her crazy thing. And no doubt many of your friends will join you in  your efforts to defeat the bulge once and for all, as part of their New Year’s resolutions. And you could easily join the latest challenge in the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans. In fact, why not do just that? You know everything is more fun when done in group, even stuff that wasn’t that much fun to begin with, like drinking meal replacement shakes twice a day. Or getting back into exercise. Because let’s face it, the idea to do 20 minutes on the elliptical right now sounds just about as appealing as slicing off one of your ears. So start with something else. Start with the Wii Fit. Or with the EAS Active. Or really, with anything that can keep that needs-its-own-zipcode, too-large-for-your-jeans, flabby ass moving for 20 minutes.

Yes, 20 minutes. Stop being so damn picky and shoot lower. You don’t have to do everything perfect from the get go. Start smaller, and chances are you might just get smaller, too.

And don’t think I can’t see you there, looking all thoughtful. Don’t even think about a “last hurray” meal! Ok, do you need tough love? Let’s do that. Think of what happened this morning. You tweeted it too. What? Carrots work better than whips with you? Fine. Let’s count the reasons why it would make you happy to be, oh, say a good 2 sizes smaller? Let’s.

- Skinny jeans.

- Sexy lingerie.

- A much bigger selection of fabulous clothes to shop for when you go to Italy next spring, or to New York next summer.

- Confidence. Can’t put a price on that.

What? Need more? Two words: Shopping.Spree.

Remember the shopping spree you were promised when you finally hit your goal weight? That’s going to happen, girl. Now, go on. Jump on that elliptical, and then you can start making the list of stuff you’d buy. ’cause there’s nothing wrong with counting those chicks, as long as it gets you going ;-)

And you? Are you going to join the challenge?

Rethink Your Shrink!

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