Yes, I am a cheater of fabulous quality splurges and I like to re-define the term as a "treat meal". I do not believe that having a fresh baked brownie now and then is cheating on my fitness program. I eat healthy the majority of the time and follow a 90/10 rule where I consume a wide variety of good carbs, lean proteins and healthy fats 90% of the time and allowing 10% for indulgences like a glass of wine or chocolate.
I will even apply the 80/20 rule where I eat healthy foods 80% of the time and allowing 20% to splurge on foods not on my typical menu. This comes in handy when on vacation or during the holidays. It is realistic to want things that are considered"bad" and I am not immune to those cravings. I will not turn down a piece of my Mom's home baked pie or biscuits with butter and honey ... are you kidding me?
When I do partake in something nutritionally naughty it has to be quality. I will not be diving into Twinkies or Ding-Dongs, or any processed junk food. I will indulge in home baked goods, whole wheat pastas, granola, chocolate and frozen yogurt on hot days. I do eat lean burgers and home made pizza as well. When I do cheat, I still want to be in control of the quality of the food. I also do not believe in gorging or having a free ticket on a cheat day to binge on thousands of calories. That is defeating the purpose of a splurge meal or day.
I do not plan a "treat day" but go by my cravings. If I want something, I enjoy it and move on. I work hard, eat clean 80 to 90 percent of the time and know that eating a slice of berry pie Ala mode is not going to break my fitness bank. I will indeed savor every bite of my indulgence and eat slowly. I do that anyway, but especially with a food I have been craving. This works for me, but may not work for you.
Having treat meals are always a personal choice as there are physiological and psychological issues to consider. Those suffering with emotional disorders that surround food may not be good candidates for treat meals and should be under the guidance of a physician and at the very least a support group. Also, newbie fitness adapters may not be able to manage treat meals just yet and succumb to past triggers and old behaviors. Medical issues like diabetes requires food monitoring and certain treats may not be in their best interest.
I utilize treat meals for a balance in life and to enjoy everything about being a fit person. I do not teach or live eating boiled fish and broccoli all the time and think that is going to sustain me. I am smart in my treats and know when to stop. I enjoy one or two times per week some sort of sweet treat or fun meal and still maintain my physique. What it comes down to is the approach to the treat meal or day and not using it as a reward for being deprived all week. Eating healthy should not feel like a burden or deprivation where looking forward to treat day to derail efforts occurs. If that is the case, a review of your current nutrition plan needs to happen. An eating plan that feels like crap will not last and send anyone running back to unhealthy eating habits. Life is too short not to eat healthy and it is also too short not to enjoy some splurges along the way.
Well…not as big as they used to be physically but my mental and emotional shoulders are definitely making up for that loss…lol.What the heck does this have to do with fitness, my life, my health…I say everything!
When you are in a position of internet personality, helping people from around the world, bravely putting yourself out there for all to see through images, videos, and opinions…well…the mental shoulders get well developed.As you know, I am a say it like it is person, trainer, consultant, coach, expert and any other name that gets tagged onto “Darla” the fitness gal.In this position, I MUST remain POSITIVE and let things roll off my back like a duck sometimes.The majority of the time, I am taken with appreciation, and thankfulness from so many for providing the hope they thought was never possible…touching to me as my purpose to help has been accomplished.
The other side of the coin can be exactly the opposite and filled with statements from people who do not take the time to know ME and jump into an attitude of sharing only judgments and negative comments.I can read through that into an unhappy soul who really wants to be healthy and the BEST, but not at a place in their life and unwilling to make that happen, and it is always easiest to lash out at someone than take responsibility for self.Really…I would like to reach out and give all those people a hug…NO…I really do…because they just need to have the encouragement and love to realize their fabulous potential.
I do not need to go into statement details but anyone who sits in my position as a fitness expert who has put themselves out there understands the lashings that can come in reference to a fit body, workouts, personal life, sharing success stories, making opinions and comments, and even recipes for crying out loud.I was taught never to judge a book by its cover and this is so important in life, but especially in what I do for a living as I see people of all shapes and sizes…and they are ALL FABULOUS!!!Could you imagine if I was a judgmental person…well…NO WAY…I could not do my job if I was running people into the ground for being too heavy, too skinny, low self esteem, body image issues, hairstyle, clothes, and the list can go on and on…how in the world would I MOTIVATE or help anyone with that mindset…I mean what in the heck is up with a judgmental mentality anyway.Who am I to judge…am I God…NO…I am Darla, the person who just so happens to come to YOU daily through different internet mediums to In Your Face MOTIVATE YOU.
I LOVE my Big Shoulders because they provide me with emotional strength and the ability to “not sweat the small stuff” in this life.They give me a very caring spirit and the understanding that negative statements usually come from people who are truly hurting, bitter from personal issues or life events not dealt with yet, and who really want and need help, but just do not know how to be vulnerable enough to let those feelings out in a healthy way to start the healing process.In my position of trainer, consultant and coach, I wear many hats, and during the times of hearing or receiving negative comments, I throw on the “coaching/therapist hat” and become the BEST listener in this moment, keying in on any details that I may be able to offer help, dig deep into who that person is, provide insight and validation, but at the same time, provide the guidance that says…HEY…TODAY is a new day and time to toss the old crap to the curb and begin a new healthy lifestyle…you get the picture.
The beautiful part about my life is that I choose to be POSITIVE in ALL circumstances,personally surround myself with people who will nourish my soul in a positive way, and lean on one of my favorite quotes that states “Life is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You Respond to It.” Does that mean that I avoid all negative people, situations, and comments in my work…of course not…this is not realistic in my position...I am surrounded by people on a daily basis physically and online who are going through things that they are healing from or do not even realize they need help with, and all that is needed are some Big Shoulders to take on the task of helping and healing.Am I ever offended by such comments and sucked down to a point of OH MY…WHY DO I CONTINUE TO PUT MYSELF OUT THERE….well…the answer is a Big Hell No.If anything, I feel challenged to help even more…I always have HOPE, always PERSEVERE, and do not believe in failure…in fact, in my opinion, failure is GOOD and a stepping stone to dusting off and becoming a better person.In this journey called life, I will continue to develop my Big Shoulders, continue to MOTIVATE…some may like me and some may not…that is OK and out of my control…but I will push forward with the cause of helping people adapt healthy lives…and for my Big Shoulders…ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!Stay Healthy~
IN YOUR FACE MOTIVATIONS
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