Wondering how us athlete types are able to stay on the healthy food wagon 100% of the time? Guess what–we don’t. Ok, maybe I shouldn’t speak for all of us, but personally I just cannot eat perfectly all the time–it’s just not realistic. I love food. Chocolate, wine, pizza, beer, the list goes on. Part of the reason I run is to have a little wiggle room to partake in these indulgences and still be fit enough to call myself an athlete.
So after a cycle of strict Paleo where I felt the best I’ve felt in awhile, I fell into a little funk of going back to work (teacher!) combined with Halloween, and inconsistent running to top it off.
I recently turned myself around to the point where I don’t even want to see another Snickers bar anymore. I now crave healthy foods and am on the road to feeling fantastic once again.
Even with Thanksgiving tomorrow, I’m in a place where I want to enjoy my favorites in moderation–not overindulge on sugary treats. I also happen to think traditional Thanksgiving dishes lend themselves to plenty of healthy choices–just take it easy on the pie!
Step 1
Identify delicious healthy food. Not bland boring ‘healthy’ food (think rice cakes and such) but find the full flavor, healthy fat, real food. Figure out what works and be sure to always have it on hand.
I know that I always need homemade mayo and avocado because they make chicken so much more flavorful and exciting.
Step 2
Once you’ve figured out the healthy foods you actually love, be sure to always have them on hand. I almost didn’t want chicken the other night because I didn’t have my mayo and didn’t have eggs–huge meal prep fail, but at least I made a good decision and prepared chicken anyway. It wasn’t as satisfying, but I’ll consider it a lesson learned!
Step 3
Stay away from the sugary treats. I can speak from experience when I say one leads to two, and two leads to more, and before you know it your body is craving the next sugar fix. Don’t let your yourself go down that slippery (sugary) slope. Invest in healthier alternatives like individually wrapped dark chocolate squares, raisin and almond mix, or coconut chips. I also try to sip green tea at night to combat any cravings.
This works for me, and hopefully these strategies can work for you too. We are all a work in progress, but being self aware and finding strategies that work are key to living a fit, balanced life.
What works for you?
Thanks for visiting our Wild Workout Wednesday link up! Each week I link up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, and Nicole at Fitful Focus to bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us for a wild workout each week by reading along or grab the button and link up if you have a fitness or healthy living post to share!
Linkup below if you have a workout, fitness find or healthy recipe to share! Just make sure to link back or grab the badge and we’ll make sure to spread the inspiration around 🙂
Stay in touch!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+
I definitely agree that the if you eat sugar regularly you will crave it more! I think by eating mostly unprocessed foods and very little sugar I generally crave healthy foods- but its always good to save a little room for some treats!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…7 Tips for Returning to Running after an Injury
Everything in moderation! Halloween was hard…I had to save my kids from all the snickers! Lol
Michelle Homan recently posted…3 Simple Steps to Crave Healthy Food
Once you’re able to get the sugar cravings under control, eating healthy is a lot easier!
Definitely! Going Paleo really taught me about sugar, and I totally notice how eliminating is makes me feel so much better and crave healthy food at the same time.
Michelle Homan recently posted…3 Simple Steps to Crave Healthy Food
Even when I eat really well, I still need a bite of something sugary or chocolate everyday 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for the link up
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Baby It’s Cold Outside! Winter Running Tips
That’s why I have dark chocolate squares always on hand! I read about a pro runner that has a square after every meal, so we’re good, right?? 😉
Michelle Homan recently posted…3 Simple Steps to Crave Healthy Food
I think the FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU is the most important tip. Because, let’s be honest: if you don’t like it (like, my mom HATES Brussels Sprouts with a passion unknown to mankind), you aren’t going to enjoy it or stick with it. You just have to find your gateway foods that are healthy but that you like, and then make those foods/dishes increasingly healthy. Like broccoli cheddar soup? Try making it with a lighter milk, more broccoli, and less cheese. Then try the broccoli as the star, with a drizzle of what would be the soup base.
Also>>>> SEASONING IS EVERYTHING
Yes! I have realized that seasoning makes a huge difference, and I’m making an effort to incorporate it into recipes more!
Michelle Homan recently posted…3 Simple Steps to Crave Healthy Food
It’s so true… no one can eat perfectly all the time! But keeping healthy food around that you truly love is a huge help!
Great tips! My #1 is not to keep certain foods in the house. Out of sight, out of mind!
Awsome – this gave me so much clarity
Yes, Healthy foodis very important for our body
You gave some great tips! Keeping certain Healthy Foodout of the house is my number one rule. If you don’t see it, you won’t remember it!