Live Metanoia

Real talk? I currently weigh more than I ever have. It’s not something I’m proud of, and I don’t think you would think, looking at me, that I weigh as much as I do… I carry it well…gross. And before you keep reading, let me clarify this isn’t a body shaming post or anything like that. 

Also, I am not a nutritionist or health guru- yet, I barely have a clue what I am talking about. 

I told myself years ago I would never weigh over a certain number I had in my head. I know, I know the number shouldn’t matter, or muscle weighs more than fat, or you’re beautiful the way you are, or whatever platitude that justifies the fact that I am not taking care of my health the way I should. The way I need to. 

But what does one do to start back on their health journey when there’s so many articles on health and advice out there on the great internet that you just end up overwhelmed and in analyses paralysis?

Well if you’re like me you stress about it, freak out, listen to too many health podcasts while simultaneously trying to move your body at least 30 minutes a day and drink all the water. You have no idea where to start but you will fumble with your running shoes anyway. 

They say eat less, burn more calories; but what’s a calorie deficit? What is resting calorie burn or does that count? What about the daily amount of consumption for your body specifically? Cardio or weights or both? Strength training or endurance? What about supplements and BCAAs and protein powders?

What about food? Protein, carbs, fat? If it fits my macros? Paleo, Keto, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or dairy free?  Just breathing air as you cry in the corner and stuff chocolate down your gullet? There’s so much information out there that preaches ‘Hey this works!’, but does it work for everyone or only some people?

I just want to do what’s best for my health. Like my joints, and organs, and bloodwork, and gut bacteria, and all the things. Hormones, and thyroid health, and mobility, and all that too. But how do I start? Honestly, I am to the point of talking actual health classes or signing up for personal training courses or consulting a nutritionist just so I can figure it out. 

Some things I have learned so far though from this ‘back to health fitness journey is;

Water is good for you. Your body needs that mess, so if you’re not drinking half your body weight in ounces in water a day, you are 99.9% dehydrated (this is a made-up statistic, but it’s probably true). Yes, that’s a lot of water. Yes, you will to go the bathroom every other hour until your body gets used to it. But people, the benefits and common sense of consuming it are amazing! 

            Processed foods are evil. They are, no matter how good they taste. Do I still have some every now and then? You bet your snack cake I do. But however, I have been cutting back on the processed foods and snacks, and let me tell you, when you eat healthier those things start to taste horrible and they cause your stomach to rebel against you. Total rebellion. And let’s not talk about the chemicals that are in those suckers. Oh, the poison we consume for the sake of sugar high. Real food makes you feel good. Makes your stomach happy and balances you out. Real food is good for you. 

            Moving your body is super important. Most of us sit for our jobs. And that’s not good for our posture, spine, and muscles. Getting up and moving around is super important for your health, physically and mentally. In the words of Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, “Endorphins make you happy!” Moving literally changes the chemical balance in your brain. How cool is that? Let me tell you, I have never regretted a workout once it was over. Did I cuss through the hard ones? Maybe. But was I glad I finished it in the end? You betcha.

I’m currently doing a mix of machine weights, dumbbell workouts, and some cardio using a treadmill or row machine. It’s nothing crazy, and I don’t usually go over 30 minutes on the cardio workouts or over one hour on the weights. I just don’t like super long work outs, and there’s other types of workout I like, but not available in my area or cost offensively too much. So, you do what you can with what you got. Go outside and walk. Play in your backyard, stand up and do some jumping jacks, take the stairs, anything. Just move.

These things have helped me realize that hey, I didn’t gain the weight I have over night, and I won’t lose it overnight either. Also, Instagram health influences are full of crap and to not believe everything they say just because they look healthy. And women have been influenced since birth to obtain a certain type of beauty and the struggle to break that brainwashing is one of the hardest and most freeing things a woman can do.

Next, it’s gonna be hard. You will fail some days, but if you keep trying, keep moving, keep eating the gross green stuff that people call vegetables, you will make a change. I’m not staying for everyone to go out and start running 5k’s; that’s crazy and I’m not a psychopath, but I am saying is to get off the couch for 30 minutes and move and drink the life liquid every once in a while.

I am hoping to touch back on this topic at the end of 2020, the dumpster fire that it’s been, and have good news, and more fun stuff about my health and fitness journey! 

My Journey Continues,

Kaycee