We. Must. Stop. This.
And yes, it's possible.
Introducing...
the difference between a diet and a lifestyle
Movies, TV shows, magazines, they all emphasize and highlight "24 day juice cleanses" or 2-week workout plans to a better booty. This is one primary reason why I despise the media. They sexisize (is that a word?) the idea of losing weight in such a confined amount of time, yet they never fill you in on where to go after you're done with their plan. Crazy, right? So because of these fads, girls (and perhaps boys, too) have these warped mentalities that it's possible to lose 20 pounds in a week. And they try it out, absolutely hating it because these diets require you to survive off of carrots and green smoothies. No body ever tells these people that this way is hell, and falling for it will lead to distress and major health problems in the long run. Perhaps I am overexaggerating a bit, but seriously - it's a shame how the idea of a healthy lifestyle is pummeled by the media's portrayal of "fit".
Prime example, OK magazine.
Alright, this isn't gonna be a rant about the media, I promise. However, the media does fuel this topic. I once was a victim of the "new year, new me" spiel, and as most people, I failed. I ate my fruits and veggies for a few weeks, and fell back into old habits. Why? Because lifelong habits can't simply be broken by the turn of a new year. A habit of healthy eating and exercise takes WEEKS, or even months to become a second nature to some people. Like me, now, for example: the gym isn't a chore - it's built in to my schedule on a daily basis because I know it's something that must be done and that I enjoy doing. Or my meal-prepping on Sunday's; it's not a chore when I know it's beneficial and worthwhile.
*Disclaimer: I am NOT hating on the "newbies" at the gym in any way. I think it is absolutely fantastic that people are making an effort to get in shape. However, I just believe it's sad when these people lose motivation after a month of seeing only little changes. Change takes time - it doesn't just happen over night.
Back to my point...
People should be utlizing the beginning of a new year to change their lifestyle, not just their current diet or exercise habits. Yeah, I learned this the hard way. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere.
So here's my message to you: make a plan, and stick with it. But do me a favor, and don't make your plan impossible. If you've never done cardio before, don't make your cardio goal an hour each night. Believe me, you will hate yourself. You really want to aim for a lifestyle of healthiness, not just a month or two of it. Once you create small, baby-step habits, things will come easily for you, and a healthy lifestyle will commence.
If you want a slice of pizza bigger than your hand, go for it. It's a lifestyle, not a diet.
As I've said before, I was never a healthy kid. I shoved fudge rolls down my throat and watched endless hours of Disney channel like it was my job (which, in a way, it was). After moving to Burlington, VT, yes, the healthiest city in America, I changed my ways around and look at me now. Yeah, I'm not some skinny little twig, nor do I intend to be. However, I feel freaking great, and that's all I need. When we go to restaurants, mac and cheese isn't my first choice. At birthday parties, 5 pieces of cake doesn't even cross my mind. Because of my lifestyle, I have forced my own mentality to be healthy. So, it's completely possible.
Yeah, it takes time. It takes dedication. And, to be honest, it may take some tears.
But it is so worth it.
Rant complete.
Enjoy some random photos now.
First meal prep of the year ft. my sister
Selfie because leg day, yah.
So train ya stems, kiddos.
Until next time...
Lynds
