Why I don't Follow Food Rules

I’m at a place in my life where I can honestly say I don’t feel one single morsel of guilt for something I eat.   And it feels amazing to be at this place. 

But not too long ago I was living in a food obsessed world.  I was obsessed with controlling what and how I ate and dictating whether or not a particular food item was good or bad.  This past February I was living alone and quite depressed and lonely.  I decided to lose those pesky 10lbs (that never really exist…only in my head) to have something to do to fill my time. 

Diets always start out good.  You have the best intentions to be healthy and perfect with your food with the hopes of shedding weight and feeling better about yourself.  However, they always backfire.  They become obsessive, strict, and just unbearable.  At least this is what happens to me.  I get to the point where food is all I think about.  It’s my best friend.  And my worst enemy.   And honestly, that’s a sad reality to be living.

Luckily, I was able to shake myself out of that funk.  I don’t know exactly what helped me, but I was able to see that what I was doing was unhealthy and just plain dumb.  I was inflicting this misery on myself…and for what?  A smaller number on the scale?  I was actually more depressed at a lighter weight than when I was a few pounds heavier.

Since that depressive February, I have not dieted.  Have I had the urge to? Eh, once in a while I’ll have a thought of “I wish I looked like that”.  In fact, I thought this watching the “Bachelor Pad” while looking at Melissa Rycroft.  But the thoughts pass and my life goes on.  I will never look like her.  Ever.  And I am fine with that.

When it comes to food I have no rules.  I don’t decide what I am going to eat ahead of time.  I don’t plan out my meals in advance.  I don’t count calories, carbs, fat grams, or protein.   I just simply eat.  I eat when I wake up.  I eat when I am hungry.  Sometimes I eat only because something tastes good. I eat nutritious food.  I eat food that is considered incredibly unhealthy by most (example: Sunday I went to a Fair and had fish n’ chips, a piece of pumpkin role, and I also had donuts that morning).  I eat what I am craving and I eat what makes me happy.  I EAT.

There is no method to my madness.  There is no method to my lifestyle.  I’m at a place in my life where I am happy and feeling great.  And I think it has a lot to do with self acceptance and giving up some control and just going with the flow. 

My advice to anyone who is struggling with food is to try and give up those food rules.  Stop trying to stay within a certain calorie limit.  Our bodies don’t require a specific number each day.  I am an example of that.  I weigh the exact same as I did when I was 20 years old (I am now almost 26) and my diet changes daily.  There are days when I eat like it’s the end of the world and I can’t get enough.  And there are days when I simply graze.   There are times where I eat ceral for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Or days where I eat half a pizza and call it a night.  My point is that if you listen to your body and cravings, it can balance itself out.  

The same goes with exercise: listen to your body.  Have you seen my exercise log? I take many days off and enjoy them!  I don’t do crazy workouts daily.  It’s just not what I am craving at this point in time.  Can that change? Sure! My workout interests always change.  But I still always listen to my body in regards to what I want to do and what I will enjoy. 

Stop the “good” and “bad” lists of food.  Just have one simple category: Food.   I promise, life is a lot less stressful when you can just go with the flow and eat what you want.   I am not saying to completey abandon any thoughts of nutrition.  After all, my blog is about healthy living! I am a big advocate of whole grains, fiber, fruits, veggies, supplementation, etc.  But I am also a fan of ALL food and finding a balance that suits YOU. 

Question: Are you currently following any food rules?

Non-Food Related Update:

I got a new job!  I have been working at a vitamin store for the past couple of months.  While I have enjoyed my time learning about all things supplements, I was not happy in the retail environment.  My passion is with fitness and health promotion and I am excited to say that I accepted a position as a Fitness Specialist for a company in Cleveland, OH!  I am beyond excited to start!  I begin October 1st!  I am getting back to my roots in wellness programming, personal training, and teaching group exericse classes.  

I hope you all have a great night! 🙂