When it came to my diet this past week, you could say it didn’t go very well. After coming back from a weekend trip visiting my folks, I barely had time to plan healthy meals and what not. so I ate lots of PB&Js because it was the easiest lunch to make—especially since all my free time has been dedicated to trying out a new yoga studio near my apartment. Still deciding if I like it; I’ll keep you updated.
Anywho, I’ve been feeling guilty about eating these PB&Js, while also eating some pretty carb-heavy meals every night. Sure I was doing yoga almost every day, but my body still felt very blah. I knew I wasn’t treating it the way I “should,” so I started to feel guilty and even emotional about the whole thing. It took every fiber of my being to not hop on the scale and see how much I’ve gained…because I knew that wasn’t going to go anywhere pretty for me.
So if course, as I sit down to write out a new newsletter for my week, I couldn’t help but think about the word “balanced.” I mean, I’m all about being balanced and healthy. But I think I was so focused on the healthy side of it that I forgot how enjoying myself, or even just planning simple lunches like PB&Js, are also part of it.
Now since living balanced is my current mantra (see my Instagram hashtag #ilivebalanced for the journey), I figured it was time to pull up the definition of being “balanced” and how that applies to my everyday life. Here’s what I found:
Balanced
- Keeping or showing a balance arranged in good portions
- Taking everything into account, fairly judged or presented
- (especially of food) having different elements in the correct proportions
You know what that definition doesn’t say?
- Be perfect at everything
- Always be healthy
- And make sure you do both of those things no matter what
This week I just did a quick run to the grocery store to grab some necessities so I could make some of our easy go-to dinners. I was so drained on Sunday night that it was best for me to do something simple for my breakfast and lunches. So PB&J and a banana will do. That was me “taking everything into account” and “keeping a balance” by focusing on what was important (which, at the time, was me resting). Yes, I did eat more carbs than normal for myself this week—but that doesn’t mean I give up completely. I just accept that life requires balance, and balance means allowing myself to enjoy things free of guilt. Sometimes that means a bowl of ice cream at night or a week where I eat PB&J for lunches. I never promised to live a perfectly healthy lifestyle. Just a balanced one.
So in conclusion: What is your story, and where are you learning balance? Share on the hashtag #ilivebalanced on Instagram and follow my newsletter for tips on a healthy, happy, and balanced week ahead.
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