I know what all of you are thinking, “Oh here she goes, another article about being healthy. I have read about 1,000 of those before.” Yes we have all read a ton of health articles but this one is a little different. I want to be honest…hence the name of the blog.
Before I get all up in your business I want to preface with, I know there are a lot of emotions when it comes to talking about health, especially with women. I know some people struggle with emotional eating, depression, lack of knowledge and health issues. I am aware that what I say may seem a little bit forward but sometimes we need a good swift kick in the rear to get us motivated. My intent is never to hurt anyone’s feelings or make you feel discouraged. I also do not think beauty is defined by a number on a scale. I think that we should take care of our bodies because it not only benefits us outwardly but inwardly as well, it also benefits those around us.
So let’s begin. Why is getting in shape and eating well such a struggle? Why is it so hard to say no to that piece of cake at 12 a.m. Why are moms great at eating their vegetables yet when it comes to your kids eating them…oh sorry I hurt your toes? No, really it seems like the more I talk to moms the more I hear things like that. Here are the top 5 reasons, I hear, why moms do not either eat well or exercise and why I think we need to bury these excuses in the ground. (With our tennis shoes on *wink*)
1. I am too busy. I am too tired
Okay this is probably the excuse most women use when they do not workout. Yes, life is very busy with children, jobs, husbands, appointments, play dates and all kinds of other things. Yes, working out does take time out of your day. Yes, life is hectic. There are days when I have to drag my butt off the couch. There are days when I feel like my whole body is screaming, “Go back to bed you crazy person!” There are days when no amount of caffeine gives me the boost I need. Okay hear me out. I sympathize with these excuses but I do not find them to be very valid ones. It is a little bit of a cop out excuse to me. Let’s be really real with ourselves for just a minute. How often do you play on your phone, make time to bake, sew, draw, sing, paint your nails, sit on Facebook and watch TV? *crickets* OH yes I just went there. Now I know there are days when we need to rest as well (see Clean up clean up everybody…SHUT UP BARNEY I’M TIRED). I am not talking about those days. If “I am tired” is always our excuse it just starts to sound like “I am too lazy”. Believe it or not when you feel the most tired, working out will probably be the best thing for you. You will wake up your brain, get your blood moving, release some endorphins and curve those nasty sleepy sugar cravings. You will always make time for things that seem most important to you. If you want to get in good shape it is very possible to cut out 30 minutes 3 days a week.
2. It is hard work.It hurts.
I think this is the most comical of all excuses. I just want to say, “DUH”. This has been my sister’s excuse and I always giggle and shake my head. Yes exercise hurts. Your lungs will burn, your legs will burn, sitting will hurt, and stairs will be a nightmare. Oh, let’s not even begin to explain the agonizing moment when you have to use the toilet. I mean for real, it is easier to just let your legs go and fall onto the thing. Exercise is a most unpleasant experience at times but let’s be honest with ourselves ladies how many other things do we do that are painful? Let me name a few; waxing any body part, especially your lady parts, heels, curlers, tight jeans, piercing our ears, tattoos and the list goes on and on. How are we dedicated to walking in 3 inch heels for 2 hours but not a 30 minute run? I mean those fancy heels will look even better with some great calves to match. I was being a little funny there but I am serious. Pain will not kill you just make you stronger. Your heart will thank you and you will begin to see results.
3. I have tried it and it doesn't work
Okay I have heard this before. People start working out and when they don’t get the immediate result they want they just give up. This is a hard one. Every body is different. No two hips are alike. No two butts are the same. What may work for you may not do a thing for me. You may love Zumba but boy I hate it. I have to sweat and cry to see results but some people just have to walk 2 miles a day. I do not think this is a bad excuse, I think it is a misunderstanding of exercise and eating well. You could work out 1 hour a day, 6 days a week but not change a thing about your diet and you will see little results. You could also cut out sugar, white flour and fried food and lose 5 pounds in 2 week but if you do not exercise, you will probably plateau and become frustrated. Being healthy and fit is 80% diet (what you eat) and 20% exercise. It is not about a fad diet, low carb diet, low sugar diet, no soda diet or any other “diet”. It is about eating whole healthy food. It is about being dedicated. It takes time. Losing 1 pound a week is healthy. It is a slow process but you will feel better doing it. Keep trying and keep making smart choices and you will get there!
4. I like food too much
Okay I enjoy food. I would go out on a limb and say my husband and I are “foodies’” for sure! We love all food. We try anything. I adore cooking! I say this because that is no reason for me to indulge on all the unhealthy food in this world, without a care, just because it tastes good. Oh did I mention I work in a steakhouse full of yummy food. Yes I do! Yes, I take out cheese fries to tables and think, “oh yea that looks delicious.” I am a huge bleu cheese fan. I could live off of fries and potato chips if they wouldn’t kill me. Loving food is not a total weakness. The trick to loving food and staying fit is to say “no”. I know it is a hard thing to do sometimes but you are very capable. You are not a weak minded human being. You are a strong, brilliant, quick witted and did I mention, gorgeous person. You can say no to a piece of cake. The cake will not care. You will thank yourself later. When you really want something unhealthy try the one bite rule. Just take one bite and then grab a piece of fruit or a spoon full of peanut butter. No, do not grab one bite of everything. Don’t buy food that you know you shouldn’t eat. If it isn’t in your face it will not make its way into your mouth. Here is how I let myself eat the food I love but that doesn’t love me.
Don’t eat except on your once a month cheat (see I even made it rhyme for you)
· Fried food
· Things covered in cheese
· Desserts that you know are a no go
· Soda/Super sweet tea/super sweet coffee
· Smothered and covered in butter
· If it tastes salty it is too salty
· Carbs are great just not at every meal and try to do whole grain
5. My husband/children won’t eat anything healthy
Alright, first of all you are the parent. Yep I said it. You have control of your child’s eating. In fact you are the only one who can control their eating. Yes your child may throw themselves on the floor and act like that green bean will be the death of them but, they are half your size. Pick that stinker up, put him in his chair and tell him to eat or be eaten. Okay maybe not… nope, that sounds about right. I am so serious! I know listening to whining and crying is no fun but that is part of parenting. You tell your children to do things, not because it is always fun, but because you know what is best for them. Aiden spit out brussel sprouts the first time and he still had to eat another one because, if he didn’t eat at least three he would spend the night at the table. Guess what? He loves them now. He makes funny faces when I make something new and a little different but he eats it because, he knows there is no option and I do not run a buffet. If your child can bully you into making them chicken nuggets and mac and cheese every night; there is more of a problem than just a picky eater. I am sorry if your toes are bleeding.
Okay, secondly, husbands are a little harder. You can’t shove a spoon into a man’s mouth and say eat it. So I am going to speak to the men. You can call them over to the computer if you would like. It will be brief. I will “kindly” say all the things you have wanted to say to them.
Men! Stop acting like eating something healthy is not manly. It is not manly to expect your wife to cook all that fattening food while she is trying to lose 10 pounds. It is not kind or loving to refuse to eat what she made because it simply does not taste like meat, cheese or potatoes. It is not taking care of your family to eat what you want and end up with heart disease and possibly leave your children without a daddy. It is not manly to be on medication for high cholesterol all because you can’t say no. It is not manly to be lazy. Take care of your selves. We love you and want you around for many more years to come and we worry about you. We want you to be healthy.
Okay that was a little harsh but sometimes it needs to be said. Now that we got all the harshness out of the way let’s focus on helping them make better choices. Encourage them to eat well, make things they like and ask them to at least eat a few bites of healthy food so they can get used to it. Do not buy things they do not need to eat. At least they will be eating less junk. Love them and express how much you care and I hope they will begin to try new things.
Now this last bit is to all the ones who struggle with emotional eating problems. I want to tell you that you are amazing. You are a strong person and are capable of saying no, and for some saying yes, to food. Life is hard and sad sometimes, life becomes stressful and overwhelming. Find hope and encouragement in friends, family and support groups. Find the strength to tell someone that you need help and accountability. I believe Jesus is all joy and comfort, so I will also say that find hope in Christ. He adores and loves you and created food for great purpose, but that purpose was not to hold you captive. Run to him. He is all you need and all you will ever need. He loves you for you and he loves you even when you feel unlovable. Listen to words of wisdom from people who love you and know you are able to conquer any issue you may have. It may seem shameful to admit any type of problem to someone but it is well worth it. It is worth being free.
I hope this encouraged, called out and helped anyone who needed that good swift kick. *wink*
I apologize for any broken toes or wounded egos
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