Making healthy changes seems simple on the outset. Certain facts are undeniable. Water is good. Greens are good. Too much sugar ain’t too good. Balance is good. Moving your body is good. But then it gets pretty grey. Don’t eat too much food, but definitely eat enough, but not this, unless you have it then, oh wait that’s bad now, jk it was fine, op no still bad, ok a little is cool. Dairy sucks, no wait it’s good – just eat tofu – wait stop it’s gonna kill you now. Stop you’re eating too much, oops I was kidding you’re actually not eating enough and you’re not resting enough. Do some cardio, not THAT much cardio, ok I didn’t say stop doing cardio.
Ok, that’s a little dramatic, but even still nutrition and diet advice gets so complicated so fast. When you’re not seeing big changes you might expect it’s so hard to pinpoint why with about a million different variables to chose from. Except I think there is one that we forget most of the time, or at least I know I do. It’s time.
Maybe in some cases people will see dramatic night and day changes if they cut out certain things or add in certain things, but I have a suspicion that for most of us these things just take time and patience and persistence. I think we can all accept that on a logical level but isn’t there that tiny part of everyone who does a killer workout and is slightly bummed when they don’t see abs in the mirror the next morning? (but, c’mon, you gotta check just in case)
So it’s been three weeks of the Whole 30 and the sugar cravings are virtually gone, my late night snacking is reserved only for times when I’m hungry and my meals leave me much more satisfied. For those reasons alone I FEEL a lot better, mentally and physically. Food feels more like fuel, delicious satisfying fuel versus a crutch for my anxiety or boredom or straight up habits. Oh and I’m a lot less bloated too!
But, because there’s always a “but” a small part of me was hoping to see some bigger changes ie in the pants fitting better department. I want to say that out loud because I’m a human, too. My self esteem and body image wouldn’t be recognizable to the girl I was five years ago, but who doesn’t want to feel better in their favorite jeans? I’m human. But because I’m only human I still need to remind myself to logical and patient. I do believe that the habits I’ve made and broken have set me up for long term success.
Wake up Georgie! Your blog is freaking called “IN IT 4 THE LONG RUN” miracles don’t happen overnight. Embrace the progress. Celebrate the victories and keep doing yo thang. Next week I’ll be talking about my plan for post-Whole 30, but for now….
here’s what I ate:
Breakfasts… smoothies…erryday.
Lunches & Dinners:
Your Turn:
- No specific questions, I’d just love to hear your thoughts about being patient with your health
Let’s Stay Connected
- Facebook: In it 4 the Long Run blog
- Instagram: @Init4theLongRunBlog
- Twitter: @init4thelngrun
- Pinterest: /georgiemorley
For more recipes, food prepping tips and veggie awesomeness subscribe below:
0
I think there is so much conflicting and complicated health advice that it can be frustrating. Especially when results aren’t immediate. I think that about yoga…”I’ve been at this for a year, why can’t I do a handstand?” But I have made so much progress and I need to see that big picture. And once again I want to hire you to cook for me 😉
So true – I know I forget to step back sometimes and look at the big picture, but it really can help. If I get to move to Miami I’d cook every meal <3
It’s amazing how hard we are on ourselves…I totally understand how you feel when you don’t see MORE, but look how much you’ve accomplished and how much better you FEEL. And your EATS look amazing…all about those smoothies and can I tell you how addicted I am to that damn sunflower nut butter. Love ya and thanks for being REAL! XOXO
Your comments always make me feel so much better. I keep reminding myself that I’m building a foundation before the house.
And yeah the sunbutter is even better than I imagined! So simple but so good.
Oh my gosh – PREACH! Your first paragraph is hilarious and soo true .. so much contradicting info out there. It can be a lot!!
And like you said — persistence is key! I think that’s honestly the biggest barrier people face — or at least, for me — when trying to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Say you do great with meals/workouts for a week and feel on top of the world… but then the scale doesn’t budge. It can be discouraging!
I’m starting a month of Blogilates tomorrow and as of today, my abs are .. fluffy, to say the least. I feel like I’ll be checking the mirror every day to see if anything is changed, but I need to remember to keep my eyes on the prize and be patient. Props to you for having the mentality to stay ‘in it for the long run’ — good things take time, and it sounds like you’re on the way to where you want to be! 🙂
Haha yeah the first paragraph was a lil dramatic but it’s crazy digging through all the BS you hear every day about health. I guess I’m just learning how to just do me. – Your comments are always so encouraging. I’m glad we’re on the same page about persistence. On one hand it’s a blessing because it means you can make mistakes too and as long as you keep going in the right direction you’re good. Goodl luck with operation Abs! Even if they’re not visible a strong core can be such a great foundation for so many types of fitness.
Great post Georgie! I think the fact that you don’t eat processed foods is amazing in itself! Even if you’re body doesn’t look exactly like you want it to on the outside, your insides such must be happy:) And seriously, I gotta start adding toppings to my smoothies!! I’m on a smoothie kick right now, but mine look so lame compared to yours…YUM!
Thanks so much Faith! THE most important thing to me is how I feel and I hope it radiates out (eventually) – Toppings will change your smoothie game fo’eva!
I understand this completely! Logically I know it doesn’t happen overnight… but I always crave the instant gratification! 🙂
Glad I’m not alone! I guess that’s why it’s so satisfying in when you do see changes because you know how much work it takes.
It’s easy to get frustrated when you suddenly put on a pair of pants and they feel tighter. Even though it often takes longer to fit back in those pants, it took time for them to get tighter. Recognizing this is important because you can use it to reflect on the differences in your diet/fitness since you last felt comfy in those jeans. Recognizing those bad habits could be just what you need to get you back on track.
That’s really great advice Bethany. So often the bad habits are slow to creep in and sometimes hard to notice until you hit a roadblock (aka those damn jeans).
Wow those smoothie bowls have me salivating! I did a whole30 as well and am starting it again tomorrow. I feel best eating no processed foods and my energy was through the roof, so I am giving it another go!
That’s awesome Kerri! So great to hear you had such a good experience with the Whole30
okay, that introduction is SPOT. ON. perfect. love it. wish it weren’t true, because i’m feeling that struggle right now.
on another note, did you notice excluding vs. including dairy after your 1st and 2nd Whole30:?