-Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministry
That is me. The woman in skinny jeans battling food.
I was a chubby kid and always thought I was fat through high school. I developed an eating disorder, then overcame it (Thank you, Jesus!). I began personal training after college. But, I was never lean enough. Never fit enough. I feared clients thinking I was the fat trainer. I delighted in finally fitting into a single-digit-sized-skinny jean. As if it made my life more complete.
And, still, 5 years later, I battle food. Food. A measly, inanimate, quickly-fading cluster of molecules. It's a relentless distraction. Sometimes I even think food is evil. But, it's not. God made it and gave it to us to consume and enjoy (Genesis 1:29, Psalm 104:15).
I used to tell people I don't struggle with food or body image any longer. I've learned that's not true. I was avoiding situations where I would have to face my issues. Now, returning to the fitness industry- personal training, making meal plans, cooking for clients, etc.- I am faced daily with the choice to love myself and my body regardless of all opinions and to give myself grace to be at my present fitness level while balancing a pursuit of improved fitness. It, too, can be a relentless distraction.
Wasn't life meant for more than workouts and dieting?!
Yes. It was. Life is meant to be a joyously amazing adventure! And fitness and eating well are part of the journey. We are to practice self-control and discipline, knowing it's acceptable to eat a piece of chocolate cake, but freedom to choose what is best long term, not just self-gratifying in the moment.
(Side note: In no way am I saying it is wrong to eat chocolate cake. If you decide cake is the best option for you, fine. Do not beat yourself up about it. Sugar has negative effects on the body such as insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, brain fog, fatty liver disease, and more. But it is your choice. If "living a little" means eating chocolate cake, again, that is your choice. Do so without shaming yourself.)
"It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory. A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Proverbs 25:27
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it"
Hebrews 12:11
"'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be enslaved by anything."
1 Corinthians 6:12
The key is finding balance. How do I enjoy life and go to dinner with my friends while maintaining my fitness goals? Am I really depriving myself by passing on dessert? A change in your approach and mindset is vital to make long-term changes. You don't have to go workout. You are blessed with a body that can workout and, while many people do not have such liberties, you do. Eating healthy is not deprivation. You choose to eat well and avoid foods that are not beneficial because you love yourself well enough and want to feel great so you can live a rewarding life.
As I finish this blog post, I am invigorated and encouraged to stop battling food and change my mindset. No, I am not fitness-model ripped, but I'm a damn good trainer and I am totally invested in the progress of my clients. I do not deprive myself. I eat clean because my body feels great and I can do all God has put me on earth to accomplish when I feel well.
Now it's your turn. How can you change your mindset and approach your meal plan and fitness routine with positivity? Please comment below. I would love to hear how you will keep your chin up, stick with your healthy lifestyle, and be a positive influence on others with your new attitude and approach!
Live fully, love wholly, rejoice daily.
KC
xoxo
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