In short, my food and health philosophy can be summed up in one sentence:
“Eat close to the ground, and move.”
Here’s how my journey to a healthy lifestyle evolved:
Growing up, I really could have cared less about what I ate, as long as it tasted good! My health, my weight and the thought of staying active in life never concerned me. Upon starting college and faced with cafeteria meals, cheap fast food restaurants, and a busy schedule, a realization was made: I could not keep eating anything I wanted while staying healthy, and at my ideal body weight.
Comically, I soon married my husband Erik, health exercise science major. Though he loved me and my fast food ways, as I began to see my jeans no longer fitting, my energy levels declining, and how my husband never wanted the greasy food that I did, I started to think just maybe he was actually onto something with all this healthy food/working out stuff. Thus … my journey into eating clean, and living actively.
From Taco John’s to Brussels Sprouts
When switching my diet from "I eat whatever I want whenever I want" to "clean, fresh and healthy", I didn't just all of a sudden go cold turkey and start eating clean, unprocessed, real foods. It wasn't ever that easy for me. I had to take little steps, a couple things at a time. I was in this for the long run. It wasn't just going to be a diet to loose weight, but it was about finding how to eat healthier long term.
From Couch to Gym
Having not been any kind of athlete whatsoever, I was extremely intimidated by going to the gym, and all things working out because I felt "bad" at it and I didn't know what I was doing. I was somehow convinced everyone would stare at me and secretly make fun of me knowing I just didn’t belong there.
Long story short, my husband convinced me to go to the gym with him. He became my personal trainer, teaching me what I should be doing at the gym. Each time I went, I became more confident and realized that no one else actually cared what I was doing there!
It’s all sinking in
Surprisingly to me, I began to really enjoy these changes in my life, and I was astonished at how much better I felt eating healthy foods, and being more active. I began reading tons of articles on health and nutrition, reading from my husband's nutrition textbooks, and just couldn’t get enough. I wasn't sluggish anymore, had way more energy, and a lot more confidence in myself.
Where I am today
Overtime, I grew to really appreciate the quality and taste of good organic and local foods. Not only does it taste good and support local growers, but it helps to preserve and heal God’s wonderful creation too!
"It's never too late to be what you might have been."
-George Elliot-
