Living a lifestyle, not a lie

Today on Facebook, I saw this picture: (caution, there are curse words)

Source

Does anyone feel like this? 

Sometimes when we set goals it feels necessary to share those goals with the people around us; co-workers, family, friends. I think we tell ourselves:

Self: "Telling people that I am working on losing weight will hold me more accountable" 

People around you: "Oh another diet...cool."

Unfortunately, our willingness to work on changing our lifestyle is not always perceived as a lifestyle change, but sometimes perceived as a diet, or a work out kick. 

Changing your lifestyle is hard!!! Friends, family and co-workers are awesome but they shouldn't hold the sole responsibility of holding you accountable for your lifestyle changes. Don't make a lunch choice because you fear the judgement of others based on your proclaimed goals, make a better lunch choice because it's a step in changing your lifestyle. 

A lot of people think of a diet as this: 

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Obviously, agonizing over sprinkles is trivializing how difficult it is to make smart choices and figure out what a balanced diet means. 

An Example:

Last night Marty and I cut into this chocolate peanut butter filled egg I bought from Harry and David. It looked a little like this:

After eating some of it and storing the rest, I sat down to track my food. I saw that if I tracked the egg I would go over my calorie goal for the day because I hadn't exercised. Part of me really didn't want to track the food. I thought: no one cares that I ate some of that egg, it's not like I have any friends on MyFitnessPal, what does it matter? 

I had to stop these thoughts, because to me it feels like I'm keeping secrets. Secret food is not good food, it's a behavior pattern that inhibits me from being transparent about my lifestyle and doesn't make me feel good. 

I don't feel BAD for eating some of that chocolate egg. I did go over my calories. I did track my calories. 

Secret food, or secret candy is not a good habit.

Friends, you still ate the calories. For me, candy is part of a balanced lifestyle, I really like sugar and have an insane sweet tooth. If I don't include sweets in my daily, yes daily eating, I will binge on sugar. 

Today, I am encouraging you to live a lifestyle, not a lie. What are things that you need to include in your lifestyle that are unique to you, things that you can share with others without having to feel ashamed?

Me:

I like candy.

I will not exercise every single day.

Sometimes, I eat taco bell.

I don't hate myself for the food I eat.

I need to track my food to hold MYSELF accountable.

People who judge me based on what I eat are not people I want in my life.

I found this meme and really liked it:

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Now don't take this to mean that cookies and sugar are what should make you feel better, but I think being balanced and feeling good about your choices, even if it's cookies or cake is okay. 

Remember, you're trying to live a lifestyle, not a lie. No one is perfect.

Questions of the Day:

What are things that make your lifestyle unique?

Do you eat secret candy?

Do you share your goals with friends, family or co-workers?

Things I love about Oregon

On the flight home, I kept thinking about all the things I love about Oregon and really wanted to share them with you. Promise this will be my last post about my Oregon trip :)

One: Every other car is a Subaru Outback...and sometimes a Forester

Seriously, the Subaru is clearly the Northwest's favorite car. I'm sure there is some kind of research on it. Source

Two: They have awesome parks

Want to go hiking in the woods in the morning? Oregon's got your back...but beware, it can be cold.

Have kids? Oregon builds awesome tree houses and look-outs for 20 somethings to pose for pictures children.

Three: Healthy food options

I'm not vegan like Alex but it you are vegan or have a lot of food allergies, Oregon is your place to dine out. Between restaurants and health food stores you will be able to eat delicious and healthy food.

This Almond milk from Califia Farms blew my mind. I will do everything in my power to make AZ stores carry it.

Four: This place

I don't know how you feel about your undergrad institution, but being back on campus made me appreciate how much I've grown since I graduated and how wonderful my undergrad experience was. Source

Five: Best breakfast and brown rice in the world...okay at least in Oregon

Okay, Breadboard is amazing. Eggs benedict was my go to meal in college but I went a little out of my comfort zone and tried french toast on their amazing multigrain bread with apple cinnamon syrup. AMAZING!

Okay, it doesn't matter what you put on it, this brown rice is awesome! This brown rice helped me transition from the delicious white rice variety. If you're in Ashland go to Mihama's, it will change your rice eating destiny.

Six: Pears the size of your head...and baby pears

Want a pear bigger than your face? Go to Harry and David. It will be delicious, huge and amazing! Great part? You don't need to go to Oregon to get one of these babies. You can order them online. Success.

Seven: This Lady

No matter how many years we spend apart, this lady will always be my best friend. Through good times and bad, crazy ideas, and new dreams, Alex has always been there for me. 

Questions of the day:

What's your favorite place?

Ever try almond milk?

I like Almond milk but Califia Farms almond milk is something else.