Working out doesn’t mean I don’t love my body. It doesn’t mean I don’t love myself. There is this notion that those who strive for fitness and a healthy lifestyle are doing so to fit in with some picture perfect body the media tells us we should have. Maybe some are. But I am here to speak on behalf of those of who simply just want to be healthier.
Everyone will have their own reasons for being healthy, mine are my kids. Not only do I want to live as long as possible for them, I want them to learn by example. I want them to see the choices we make and follow a healthy lifestyle too.
Being healthier means exercising. Being healthier means having healthy eating habits. It doesn’t mean that I am starving myself or restricting myself from all the things I love. It’s all about balance. It’s about me being able to understand what my body needs for nourishment while still indulging when I want as well as when I NEED TO.
The majority of the week my husband and I are conscious of what we are eating. We include vegetables in all our meals and always seek the healthiest options available. HOWEVER, some days we have to opt for a drive-thru, and some days we WANT to opt for a drive-thru. We are human!
I workout because it’s good for me-not just my body but also my mind & soul. I workout because when I release stress through exercise I yell less. I workout because all those good hormones rush my body & make me happy. I workout because when I do my anxiety is at bay. I workout because it is good for my person as a WHOLE. Loving my body means loving all of it- the loose tummy, the jiggly butt, my toes, my heart, my head, my brain, all of it.
You can love your body and still want to work on it. You can love yourself and still want to better yourself. Life is about evolution and growth.
