Even though I’m a self proclaimed health freak, I’ll be honest and tell you know that my desire to be super heathy and on top of my fitness game ebbs and flows. I’m sad to say that I’m feeling a serious slump in my desire to focus on greens and clean eats. That’s not to say I’m eating pizza and french fries every night, but when I’m at a dinner party or out to a meal with friends, I haven’t been saying no to bread, wine, dessert, etc etc. You know those weeks, right?
One of the ways I stay out of these slumps is by having something in the future that I want to feel my best for, like a beach vacation or a big race. I just so happen to have a big race right around the corner and know that if my eating continues the way it has, I’m going to feel weighed down and sluggish come race day. With my Chicago marathon 24 days away, I’m jumping back into a Paleo-style eating routine with intense workouts to match. I’ve said this before and maybe haven’t quite followed through, but now the race is really almost here and there’s no more time to waste.
To get back on track, I make sure my kitchen is fully stocked with healthy options. Last night I hit up Trader Joe’s on my way home from work so that my kitchen would ready for many home cooked meals.
[cooking up a big batch of food for the week: almond and cashew crusted chicken and coconut curried cauli rice. also please note the size of my stove, ugh. seriously can’t wait to one day have a real kitchen #nycproblems]
I’m also keeping a Google Doc of my all workouts and meals, here’s a peak at the format:
[I know an Rx Bar is a not a proper lunch, let’s ignore that line]
If I have a friend also trying to jump on the healthy habits train, we’ll do a shared google doc and keep each other on track with the above chart.
I wish that I had a beach weekend to keep me motivated but the marathon will have to do. From past experience I know that when I eat right, my workouts are stronger, I have more energy and my overall attitude is improved. I can’t say that my training has been the most stellar and therefore I need to do everything in my power to be feeling my best by race day.
[A look at my training schedule. Looks like I’ve been really good at not missing a rest day! I’ve been trying to run 3x a week but a very tight calf muscle has me sore and in pain for days after each run, resulting in 2 a week. It’s not ideal but I don’t want to be injured on race day, still figuring out what is best here.]
I always want this blog to be honest and for my readers to know what my days are really like. I don’t want to fool anyone into thinking I eat healthy all the time and workout nonstop, this post should prove that.
If you’re feeling a similar slump, take a look at why and what you have in the future to keep you motivated and on track. Maybe you don’t have a marathon or beach vacation in the future and therefore aren’t motivated. If that’s the case, plan a vacation, sign up for a race, give yourself that push you need to feel your best. And as I say this, maybe you feel great at the beach no matter how you eat. I wish I felt that way but I don’t…if you do, more power to you!
And lastly, to jumpstart a healthy week, a morning workout is a must. By starting your day with a sweat session you set yourself up for success. After all that work, you’re less inclined to eat unhealthy as you don’t want to undo all the hard work you put in. To get myself going this week, I made sure I was up and out the door for a morning workout.
[waiting for class with all my hydration essentials, water + coffee, because it’s so early!]
If i’m going to have a healthy day, it has to start strong and a sweat session is the perfect way to do that. Yesterday’s start with 7am conditioning has got me back on track and here’s hoping it continues!
Do you have any tips to share on staying motivated and healthy? If so, leave them below!
