Friday, February 29, 2008

My thoughts on food and eating

Something dawned on me recently: I eat healthy.

I don’t know when I finally realized this since I’ve been “dieting” on and off for years. Trust me folks, I have tried almost every diet out there. Some with excellent results, others, not so much.

However, just recently, it hit me: I. Eat. Healthy.

Sure, I would love to be naturally “skinny” and slender. But I’m comfortable in my skin these days. I’m by no means over weight yet I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been.

I guess a lot of me being comfortable has to do with where I am in life. I’m happy. I’m confident. I have a good level of self-esteem. I know who I am. I’m proud of myself for where I am in life. And yes, I enjoy food.

Ya, my stomach isn’t flat – if I’m not wearing the right jeans, you can expect to see a muffin top under my shirt. But you know what? I like bagels. I like wine. I like beer. I like brie. I like cake on special occasions. I don’t eat these things every day by any means – which is actually a shame.

When I go grocery shopping I buy:
Fat free yogurt, broccoli, apples, bananas, granola, chicken breast, lettuce, cream for coffee, honey, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, low fat cheese.

I never buy cookies, cakes, sweets, junk, chips, or deli meat.

I eat healthy and if my body isn’t “perfect” then I guess that’s just how I’m made.

I realize that I need to make more of an effort to exercise, but this is for my health, and not to look a certain way. I need to run to stay healthy, to keep my energy levels up, to keep my bones strong and to retain my muscle. I don’t need to run to lose my occasional muffin top although I suspect that eventually that will take care of itself too.

I have surprised myself with this recent acceptance of my body. I honestly thought that I would have been killing myself trying to look a certain way for the wedding. I’m not, and I’m not going to. I’m happy and I know that I’m eating right with the occasional treat, and I’m enjoying life this way. With a muffin top.

4 comments:

aandjblog said...

I was just thinking the same thing recently. I've noticed changes with my body recently, possibly gain a couple of pounds. But I'm not unhappy. If anything I'm happier lately.

I am excited to go back to Goodlife though, I enjoy their classes. I'm not going to stress myself out if I don't make it to the gym though.

Anonymous said...

You should be so proud--I'd love to reach that acceptance one day.

Betsy Mae said...

You are 110% right and I hope you always feel this way. Heathy is all that matters. Sooooo good to 'hear' from you again, it's been a while.

Sarah said...

WOW!!! What a great post! That is AWSOME!! I am sure there is no better feeling than to finally be accepting of your body. That is a point that I would LOVE to get to someday!