I've been wanting to chat about the health part, (A BIG PART), of my lifestyle for a while now. For weeks I've been talking myself out of such a thing. I'm not a skinny girl, so isn't it kind of weird to talk about my body like I'm about to?
I've decided that this blog is the perfect place to address such a thing. This little spot on the WWW is where I share my life, the things that make me who I am, and most importantly, my passions. If hearing out a girl with cellulite talk about diet and exercise sounds crazy to you, feel free to peace out.
My struggle with weight has been just that, a complete struggle. For years my weight has been a roller coaster, and I've never felt confident in my own skin. Not ever. What I've learned is that most women, AND men, share that. I think we'd all change some things about ourselves physically. Some things, we can't change, but we can all change more than we do.
Four years ago, I started dating Sammy, and he taught me how to love myself for the first time in my life. His life coaching taught confidence that I carry in my personal life and absolutely my professional life. Before dating Sammy, I didn't own a pair of shorts. No joke, it was that bad. I don't know if I'll ever loooove my legs, but you can bet I own a zillion pair of shorts and short dresses now.
My relationship with food has been one of self pity. It's an embarrassing thing to acknowledge, let alone type, let alone publish. Here's the thing, when I eat a bunch (read: binge) of junk food, it's because I've "had a long day", "Sammy's in a different time zone", "I'm stressed", "It's the weekend", "I deserve it". UM... I feel sorry for myself much? I'm willing to bet the same goes for many of you. I do NOT deserve to binge on chips and dip for working hard. What the heck logic was I using?
Two months ago, I started working out with a personal trainer. Rachel is so incredible, and I'm beyond thankful she's a part of my life. We've become close friends, and she's seen me make faces of struggle that canNOT be cute, yet still loves me. I've always wanted to weigh a certain number, look a certain way and feel differently about myself. The difference this time is that I don't only want that, I'm just so totally over feeling the way I have. Enough is enough.
Now I'm on a roll and I'm never going back. We are given ONE body. Most of us should be so lucky to have two working legs to even be able to go for a run! I am done taking my body for granted, and done polluting it with disgustingness.
I've tried a paleo lifestyle in the past, but when Sammy left this year, it was back to chips and dip. It wasn't long before weight skyrocketed and I realized what you eat in private everybody sees. Two months ago, I started paleo again. Buh BYE grains, dairy and yes even red velvet cupcakes. Now, there have definitely been some cheats, (screw you pizza), but I have absolutely adapted the lifestyle of eating clean, and being active. I don't dare have anything in my house that isn't paleo, I shop colorful produce and organic grass fed meats, I drink so much water, and only splurge on alcohol in moderation with red wine or tequila. I meal prep, and pack my lunch now, which is actually saving me money like woah. I stopped taking cabs to work, and walk to the train twice a day, again, saving money like WOAH. I'm significantly more optimistic and energetic post workout. It is undoubtably medicine. I'm thankful for the like minded people in my life that tolerate my paleo text message pictures all day everyday and even more thankful that you send them back. Yes, Sammy I'm talking to you.
What are you waiting for?
Love, AJ
P.S. If you have ANY questions about paleo or would like to hear more about health and fitness on the blog, please feel free to leave a comment or message me privately using the contact page! And if this post interested you, make sure to come back tomorrow for more!