Happy Wednesday, friends! Today I’m sharing some lessons I learned as I struggled to find what workout style and eating style worked for me. Before I found my true balance, I certainly tried my fair share of diets and workout styles. Some things ‘worked’ and others didn’t, but here are a few of the key lessons I’ve learned throughout my fitness journey:
1. There is no ‘one way’ to get to your fitness goal.
I’ve tried going keto, vegan, low-carb, low-fat, you name it, I’ve done it. It wasn’t until I stopped eliminating foods and starting allowing myself to eat all foods in moderation (via macro counting) that I felt emotionally connected to my mind and body. While some ways of eating and working out may work for one person, that doesn’t mean it will work for you. There are many ways to get to where you want to be, so focus on you and your journey.
2. You shouldn’t compare yourself to others. Everybody and every BODY different.
3. It’s more than okay to feel uncomfortable and to make mistakes.
I’ve tried lots of diets and tricks that I read in magazines and all over the web. Some of them *worked* and I was happy, but most of them just contributed to the cycle that got me right back to where I started. If I hadn’t made these mistakes, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today. Make mistakes…they will pay off in the long run.
4. You are more than your body.
There is SO much more to you than your physical appearance. While I think it’s great to have a physical goal for yourself, don’t let that take over other parts of your life. Fitness and nutrition isn’t everything and if it starts to become that, you need to reel it in a bit. You should enjoy every aspect and every second of your life!
Now you tell me…
What lessons have you learned?
What was your workout this Wednesday?
These are great lessons. I think I have a really similar journey to you…I tried restrictive eating for so many years and sure I lost weight, but was I healthy, happy, or feeling good? No way. And I was constantly frustrated and sad and wanting to eat/drink things that I just wouldn’t allow myself. I think the biggest lesson I have learned over the years is that it takes trial and error to figure out what works best for me and makes me feel the best and most confident. And I have found that at least right now, that is a mixture of super healthy meals during the day, indulging a bit more in the evenings, and even more so on the weekends, coupled with 5-6 45-60 minute workouts each week that vary according to what part of my body feels like it needs it the most that day. I’m sure this will change in the months and years to come, but it’s good for now, so I’m happy! My workout this morning was 20 min cardio (treadmill & stairclimber) and 25 min glutes. Love this post!
AMEN, girl. Trial and Error sucks, but it does help. You can truly learn what works and what doesn’t first hand. Im the same way- I indulge on the weekends and sometimes during the week, but keep a strong balance and it makes me feel good!
I learned that I do not have to eat meat or chicken or even fish to get protein and learned why the feeling that they made me feel sick and bloated was something I could respect and elimate things from my diet that make me feel emotionally and physically bad.
That’s great, Jean! Feels good to learn what works and what doesn’t work.
Fantastic lessons! I think a big lesson I’ve learned is to realize that it’s ok to take it easy some days. Also, I’ve learned that my workout routine doesn’t have to resemble other peoples to be healthy.
Those are great lessons too! Listening to my body and realizing rest is better than pushing myself has been a big one for me too.
Love, love, love all of these! So true about everyone being different – I want so badly to love yoga because it’s super trendy here in LA and it also just IS amazing, but for some reason I can’t get into it and that’s totally okay.
I chose to skip my workout yesterday because I’m working on listening to my body and I went for a walk so I could listen to my podcast instead! No regrets 🙂
Oh my gosh, girl I’m with you! I could NEVER get into yoga. Not my thing and that’s okay! Good for you for listening to your body!
Love this one, Carrie! Healthy living is NOT one-size fits all, so we each have to figure out what works for us. 🙂
Absolutely! So important.
I agree with all of these! I have learned that my body needs fuel not only to grow, but to thrive in and outside the gym!
Yes! Great lesson there, too. You have to feel energized and good inside and outside of the gym!