Looks a little silly huh? This silly little image is the best visual I could create to describe what it looks like to lead a life restricted by food all the time. You are a prisoner. You can’t go out to a fun, new restaurant because you do not know how much something weighs, or “if it fit your macros”, etc. If you have ever participated in one of my nutritional challenges (Project X or Bear Necessities) or met with me one on one, you know I beat this concept in the ground. Please, bear with me as I (attempt) to explain this little image better…
For starters, I’m NOT giving you an excuse to indulge in all the things 24/7. Do NOT go back and say, “Karen said to live my life and to not be restricted by foods all the time”. I’m not saying that. I’m simply saying be smart. Eat clean when its just you or there is nothing special to attend/recognize/celebrate. And then when it is time to enjoy goodness covered in chocolate, then do that GUILT FREE. If you know you have a wedding on Saturday night where there is going to be goodness covered in chocolate with a side of adult beverages, stay strong that week, eat clean or restrictive (however you want to word it), then go to the wedding and have a drink or 2, dance your tail off and then get back on track the following day (not Monday, the FOLLOWING day), GUILT FREE (thats the tricky part). I PROMISE you can still get the results you are looking for by doing this. When you are setting up a plan wether it be alone or with a professional, make sure to take this into consideration. What events do you have coming up? What keeps me from throwing in the towel? This decision will be a game changer for you and your success.
But Karen, what about food allergies. Don’t be ridiculous, I’m not talking to you. Don’t eat stuff that causes hospital visits. Duh.
I’m not knocking those that are eating to achieve something “short term-ish”. I know success comes with a little sacrifice. And I DO applaud those people. I just feel like your mental state is also something to consider and should be just as important as a macro count. Just ask any bodybuilder who is on there fifth chicken and rice meal for the 20 day in a row, yikes.
All in all…DO NOT let food or a silly “diet” keep you from enjoying a slice of Grandma’s 90 Birthday cake, or a champagne toast at Dad’s retirement party, or sharing a bottle of wine while catching up with your best friend, or any exotic foods/travels that you will only experience once in a lifetime or … or ….or….
BUT should you want to be prisoned by food….can I have your piece of wedding cake?
