I had someone ask me, as I was watching them eat a yummy looking piece of homemade apple pie, “Do you ever cheat on your diet?” In other words, do you practice what you preach? That’s a good question. Trainers and dietitians will recommend the picture perfect diet and training regimen, but is it really possible to maintain this “perfectly” healthy lifestyle? My answer to you is… YES!!!I rarely eat things that are outside of a healthy diet, but I do allow myself a treat about every six months or so. What is a treat for me? Homemade chocolate brownie smothered in hot Godiva fudge syrup and topped with homemade vanilla ice cream!!! I think it’s healthy to indulge every once in a while and encourages adherence to your plan. When you eat something rich that you are not accustomed to eating… it makes you feel bad… and it serves it’s purpose… you satisfy the craving, you realize that it was not as good as you imagined, and you have a strong desire to “get back on track.”
What do I eat regularly? Grilled chicken, fish and turkey tenderloin. Sushi. Salad, fat free dressing, fresh veggies (asparagus, zucchini, sweet potato, russet potato, portabella mushrooms, bell peppers, chili peppers, broccoli), fat free yogurt, milk, and cheeses. Egg substitute, zero calorie buttery spray, whole grain bread, brown rice, couscous, hummus, lots of herbs, peanut butter, sugar free jelly, raw, unsalted nuts… I NEVER eat red meat or pork. I RARELY use oil in cooking; and, if I do it’s not more than 1 tbsp. I use fat free cooking spray. I try to limit eating out to two times per week and always pack a lunch and snacks.
You may say…”You must have a lot of time on your hands.” That is untrue. I am very busy, but I make time for the things that are important to me and taking care of my body is a high priority of mine. I have to be in good physical condition to do what I do. I have to be healthy. I can’t afford to be sick, and I have to be a good example to those who seek my services. How much time do I have? Well, let me tell you what I do first, so you can understand how much time I don’t have. I train Monday through Thursday 8am-5pm, Friday 8am-noon. I teach a group fitness class on Tuesday morning at 6am. I update my blog twice per week and I am writing a cook book. I am also in the process of producing a customizable fitness video to serve as a tool in designing fitness plans. I serve in the music ministry at my church which requires my presence there on Tuesday evening 6pm-9pm and Sunday 9am-1pm and 6pm-9:30pm. My husband and I are also taking a few classes that require attendance on Monday and Thursday evenings 7pm-9pm. I am also continuing my education through earning an additional certification, Weight loss and lifestyle management consultant. And, my husband and I are searching for a home to purchase….AND my husband and I play music at a couple of locations about two it three times a month….. NOT a lot of free time on my hands… BUT I still find time to work out every day (45min - 90 min). I get up between 4am and 5am to do so. I pack lunch every day and cook dinner every day. Dinners… I am a big fan of 15 minute meals and I can pack two lunches in 20 minutes….. So the bottom line is… you can do it. If it is important to you, you will find time. In my opinion, you should take care of your body before you take care of a lot of other things. If you are not healthy and fit, you cannot be effective in other areas of your life. Take care of you body and it will take care of you!!!
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