Some would have you feel guilty over how much (or what) you eat, your weight, or your workout activity. But I think it’s more important to just work towards being a healthier and happier you. Sometimes that means treating yourself, taking a break, or cutting yourself some slack, while at other times it means curbing your cravings, practicing self discipline, and pushing yourself to go a little bit harder than last time.
When it comes to working out (and other things in life), these are the words I try to live by: do WHAT you can WHEN you can WITHOUT making too many excuses.
I don’t count calories, but I do try to practice moderation and balance what I eat. I don’t obsess over the scale, but I do weigh myself once every few weeks when I’m curious. And I don’t go to the gym or workout religiously, but I do enjoy working out when I’m able to.
These days I can’t always get a run in, and I’m far from the 6-10 mile runs I was taking prior pregnancy, but beating myself up over it wouldn’t be constructive. If you know me, you know I HATE the treadmill – give me the outdoors. But working around a baby’s schedule means the weather isn’t always ideal or there’s no daylight left. So I’ve started working in treadmill time and doing strength training on days I have time and can’t make it outdoors. I don’t love it at the beginning, but it feels so good once it’s behind me. There are days I can really push myself, and there are days I have to back off and take it easy (like when I attempt a 10k on less than 5 hours of sleep and half an Ensure 😅). But if you listen to your body, you’ll know what you’re capable of in the moment.
I’m working towards getting my pre-baby body and race pace back. It’s not going to happen overnight or without effort, but by doing what I can when I can, I’ll get there.
What are your personal goals or words to live by when it comes to working out?