My New Mantra

With all the BodyPump rehearsing I've been doing over the past month, one would think my body would be making some serious changes. And it was, for a brief moment of time.  And then the week of Thanksgiving ominously approached and threw all self control and diet discipline out the window.  

As a poor college student, I have been neglecting my health due to improper funds and moderate to excessive stress levels.  In order to not spend all my money on fresh food at the grocery store, and to fulfill my stress-induced desire to eat only menacing carbohydrates, I have been living off of bread, peanut butter, more bread, and pizza. Let me tell you, my body is not happy with me.

Over the weekend I resolved that I would start anew on Monday, with a completely clean diet.  No more empty carbs, processed food, or sugary drinks.  I went to the grocery store on a mission to only tend to the produce section and meat and dairy aisles.  Success. 

I know a lot of people who opt to do cleanses after binge periods (like Thanksgiving week) but I have never been one to be able to stick to a "cleanse" nor do I think they would be completely appropriate for me.  I like food too much, and I like making choices when it comes to what I eat.  I did find, however, a diet plan similar to a "cleanse" from Women's Health that only permits what I like to call "clean foods."

(Here's the plan I will very vaguely follow for at least five days if you're interested in reading it. Thanks to my girlfriend Lauren for sharing!)

It basically allows for a moderate breakfast, small lunch, and moderate dinner, and two light snacks.  Not so bad, right? No processed foods, no unnecessary carbohydrates, no sugary drinks. 

Like I said, I'm not one for strict diet or detox plans, so I will definitely be accommodating the plan for the way I know my body works. 

I would like to say that I started yesterday, but my teacher brought us pizza for lunch. And as a Jersey Girl, I can't refuse pizza.  And as a College Student, I can't refuse free lunch.  Thus, temptation won, and I had a slice of (cheese-less!) pizza. Woops.  However, my boss did provide us with cookies and candy at our staff meeting last night (mind you, I work at a gym and our staff meeting is an hour workout) and I confidently declined. That's a start, right?!  Not to mention, I am holding myself to the not-eating-after-9pm challenge I regularly give myself. I just hope I stick with it for a considerable amount of time - I feel better already :o) 

This will be my mantra:

Who's with me?? 

And just for the record, I don't want this post to come out whiny or self-loathing, or even as advocating for any sort of "diet" for self image purposes alone. I am generally a confident girl, sometimes a little extra push in the form of public sharing is good motivation for healthy living! And for that, I am an advocate.