This week, the Eat. Live. Be. crew is talking about a favorite healthy change that we’ve made over the past few weeks. You know, since starting the Eat. Live. Be. revolution. When I checked in with Sarah on what this week’s topic was (because she has a crazy memory like an elephant that saves me from doing something practical like looking something up), I may have cursed her a bit. I thought today was our monthly status recap. It wasn’t – look for that next week. “Who the heck came up with this topic?!” I asked, secretly hoping it wasn’t me. Phew, it wasn’t. It was her.
I thought this was a tough one. I have lots of fun little changes I’ve made over the past few weeks. Over the past year even. But a favorite? Oh the pressure. It took me a little while of serious thought. But then I had it. For me, it’s the renewed commitment to working out. This isn’t something that has happened since we started Eat. Live. Be., of course. For me, it started last January. But as anyone who works out regularly can tell you, there’s little that beats that feeling you get after a work-out. Just ask Joanne.
You feel invincible. Full of a heady, take-on-the-world rush. Like you can do anything. And you can. You really can. Working out sets you up for the next 24 hours of your day. Energizes you to deal with problems head on. Gives you the confidence to tackle anything.
A lot of my work-outs are at the end of the day, and I’ll be honest, sometimes I’m dragging myself to the gym or a class. But after that hour? I am completely revitalized from the inside out. Ready to get through the “witching hour” of dinner, bath and bedtime with the kids. Energized enough to slog through a few extra hours of freelancing deadlines after the littles are in their beds.
And just as important than that? The regular work-outs help me examine every bite I put into my mouth. Because as I’m banging through a one hour class, with sweat literally stinging my eyes, no way do I want to undo that hard work by eating something that’s less than good for me. Why would I do that? Not a chance.
For me, making the connection of working out AND revamping my diet was the magical spark that made it all work. It hasn’t been easy. It took me a long time to get here. A reader last week asked what made *this time* different. I have been meaning to answer, but I think that’s a greater topic than an add-on here, so look for it later this week.
I spied this quote and accompanying picture on Tara Whitney’s website today and it has instantly become my new favorite quote. Reminds me of that quote, loosely paraphrased, that says only a fool expects a different outcome when they keep doing the same thing. This is a great mantra to live by and apply to all areas of life. Whether it be your work-out routine, learning to deal with kids who are throwing icicles from second story windows (don’t even get me started) or you’re looking for love. If you want a different ending, change the storyline. That’s pretty much been my life the past year or so, and challenges notwithstanding, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, go on and see what favorite healthy changes my Eat. Live. Be. co-horts have been celebrating:
- Sarah Caron from Sarah’s Cucina Bella
- Joanne from Eats Well with Others
- Maris Callahan – In Good Taste
- Chris Arpante – Melecotte
- Faith – Blog Appetit
- Kristen – Dine and Dish
- Jenna – Stop, Drop and Blog
- Casey – The Starnes Family
- Patsy – Family, Friends and Food
- Tri-Fit Mom
- Claire – Cooking is Medicine
- Allison – Sweet Flours
- Jen – NJ Epicurean
- Leslie – The Hungry Housewife
- Rivki Locker – Healthy Eating for Ordinary People
- Claudia – Journey of an Italian Cook
- Jennifer Schulz – Lick-a-Plate
- Sarah Rogers – Sarah’s Sweet Creations
- Denise and Lenny – Chez Us
Project 365
January 31, 2011, Photo #31
I didn’t take out my camera until 7:30 tonight. It’s been that kind of day. Even though the darn boys wouldn’t sit still for a clearer picture, I caught a snap of them midway through a BeyBlade competition after dinner.
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You’re so inspiring. You really are. I’m glad to know you. Hopefully I can have a renewed spirit for working out once I can breathe again!
That quote is so inspiring and so is your post. Getting back in the routine of exercising does a body good. Keep it up!
That’s usually when I work-out, too and I feel the same. It just really gives me extra energy. In fact, sometimes when I workout in the morning, I get to the end of my day and feel like I’m supposed to work out even though I already have! I have worked out in the early morning before and it gives me energy for my day…but I have found that (especially when I quite often don’t get sleep every 4th night) sleep before call is more important than working out…especially if I’m going to be up all night.
So glad you have found renewed enjoyment in working out…keep it up!
I just want you to know that I started crying when I read this post. I just feel (a) so touched that you mentioned me especially since YOU inspire ME constantly and (b) that quote. I just feel like it’s speaking to me. I keep getting stuck in this cycle of being really good and then binging a little on crap. Why, I don’t know? i think I need to hang that up on my wall though. Thanks Cate. Totally made my morning. :)
You’re definitely a force to be reckoned with for Eat Live Be! I wish I could have just a fraction of your motivation. I am working out, and it’s getting better, but it’s still a chore, for sure. If I could just get my butt out of bed to go in the AM, I think it would be a lot better. :)
Love the quote… going to post it on my door for the students to ponder.
Beyblade is a new one on me.
I know what you mean about dragging yourself to the gym and then feeling great afterwards – well sometimes!
I went yesterday and took a class called Muscle Pump with Fidel and didn’t think it was doing anything – WRONG – so stiff today! But can’t wait to go again!
I know what you mean about exercise and not wanting to undo the hard work with making a bad food choice. It’s often tough to get the workouts in, but it really does feel great!