Redefining ‘Normal’
By Kelly - Nosh and Nourish
I never wanted to be one of those people. You know, the ones who let themselves go once they get married. I don’t think I did that intentionally; but, I definitely didn’t get myself in check year after year that I gained weight. I always ate *pretty* healthy, but eating just an extra 100 calories a day can lead to a 10 pound weight gain per year.
That’s about right… 7.5 years of marriage x 100 calories a day = BAM…75 pounds!!!
I was perpetually unhappy.
Dear hubby was unhappy seeing me unhappy.
It was a vicious cycle that needed to be broken.
My only regret is that I didn’t “wake-up” to this fact sooner.
Thankfully I did have an ‘aha’ moment – looking into this sweet face (Babycakes at 8 days old):
I chose to FINALLY be healthy for her. I wanted to show her what it looks like to have a healthy relationship with food, to use it as fuel for strength (not for comfort or numbing pain). I wanted her to grow to love her body and KNOW 100% that she is beautiful, loved, and enough. And heck, I hope someday she’ll be a positive influence in others’ lives as well – friends who will no doubt struggle with these same issues. How awesome would it be for HER to be a catalyst and encourager in others’ lives to live the happy healthy life too?!
I want her to dance and jump and smile with glee.
I want her to feel the amazement of accomplishing a long run.
And if possible, I want her journey to be easier than mine.
True long-lasting weightloss doesn’t come easy and it can’t come quick. It has to be a complete shift, a complete lifestyle change, if you are going to maintain it. You have to redefine “normal.” If you quickly lose 20lbs but immediately go back to eating “normal” again, the pounds creep back on…which is why so many of us have struggled with “yo-yo” dieting over the years. Lose the weight, eat how we did before and gain it back, lose the weight, gain more back, etc. I’m here to tell you, there is life after a Reboot, and it can be an amazing one!
Our “new normal” includes:
Lots of healthy veggies from our garden:
Lots of veggie juices:
A few of my favorite are: Pink Kale Juice, Golden Goddess, & Mean Green.
Golden Goddess Recipe:
Yields 32 ounces
• 2 Golden Beets
• 3 Golden Delicious Apples
• 8 Golden Apricots
• 5 Carrots
Lots of hummus and sweet potatoes and bell peppers!
Lots of exercise:
Regular 2-3 mile runs, Playground Strength Training, & Stroller Lunges!
AND Lots of smiles!
Question: What does your “normal” include?