Because I care...

I am taking the time to share some questions I received this past week.  I am going to respond to these based on my truth. The way I choose to live is based on books and by advice given from people who I respect.  I take what I think I can do and it is a trial and error from there.  As you read my answers to these questions ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you whole heartily believe in the step?
2. Can you happily be committed to your choices no matter? 

How you "stay" fit with your family? 

1: I train first thing in the morning.  I have for the past 7 years and that way nothing gets in my way. You will learn to like the mornings, because missing a training session feels worse. Yes, it hurts to get up and train after being woken up numerous times by little ones.  But it feels worse to miss a workout. Also, that is why there is coffee.

2. Stay active with your family throughout the day.  To be active does not mean you have to sweat. A bike ride, a walk, a game of tennis, throwing and catching, hula hooping, the list is only constricted by your imagination. Just DON'T sit, unless you are have a hobby like reading or knitting. 

3. Be each other's support system. My hubby encourages me and allows me time to do what I need to be balanced. On the flip side, I give him his time. Communication and a calendar really helps to make this part effective.

Do you still eat within a calorie bubble?

1. I like "Myfitness Pal," and I use a food scale for all meals. I change my allowance based on my training.  The more I run, the more eat. I feel restricting too much leaves you feeling miserable and depleted.  This will not last long and you will find yourself binging. 

2. I keep a written table for what my meals are.  I use grams of protein, fat, and carbs but allow myself to have variation for what the source is.  For example, I know that dinner consists of 30grams protein and 15 grams carbs. What food I eat varies. 

I keep this posted on my fridge so I see it all the time.  

3. Remember the more muscle you have the less "restricted," you have to be. This will be discussed more in a future blog.

You can see what I mean with this part by looking at my February post called "No Matter What,' for more detail about my written table. 

How often do you allow bad foods? Or do you try to eat everything healthy or healthy alternative?  

Peanut butter, oh peanut butter how I love thee. Yes, I like peanut butter. I like chocolate, I love chocolate. So... I eat PB2 chocolate because it is low in calories and gluten free. Peanut butter on days where I run 8 plus miles, I really don't care how much peanut butter I eat. I do not eat out and I can't eat "bad," foods. My body will reject the foods and it breaks down my immune system. NO ONE is PERFECT 110% of the time. The girls you see with six packs have an off season.  That is why they have a "Pre- contest diet." I allow myself to enjoy the "splurges," because causing yourself stress is just as un-healthy as eating "un- healthy." I make sure to lift heavy the next day and use that food for fuel, not as a self pitty party that I "over ate." My cheats are PB2, peanut butter, and occasionally popcorn that I make at home in our popcorn maker. I will share this recipe  later this week. You will have less temptations to eat if:

1. You stay on an eating schedule. 

2. Eat good carbs. 

3. Eat healthy fats. 

4. Have a meal replacement shake or protein shake, especially if you workout. 

When you are on your way, making gains, seeing changes, and getting stronger you are more motivated to resist temptations.  Social get togethers can be hard, so 

1. Eat before you leave. 
2. Offer to bring a dish (some thing you can eat).
3. Look for whole foods, fruits make excellent desserts.

I am not perfect and I do not know everything...I am never satisfied and I always want to do better. Once, you get that drive inside of you, that hunger, nothing will stop you. You have to live it 24/7 and  love living it 24/7! 

I titled this one "Because I care," for a few reasons.  I care if my friends are unhappy, I care if my friends aren't meeting their goals, and I care when they ask me a question.  I am not just going to shoot out some quick fake answer, I am really going to put behind it a true answer that I believe in.  My way is not the only "right," way.  I am not going to stress if you choose to do something else...if it works for you do it, if not than change to something that will.  Just keep working at it! 

Sleep, pray, eat, train,

Kima