Intuitive Eating While Pregnant

Hello there! I thought I would just do a little update about what Intuitive Eating has looked like for me while pregnant.

I am currently 7 months pregnant. (WHAT!?)

First things first, I am so grateful I went into this pregnancy when I did, with the mentality I’ve had, and the relationship with food I’ve built, thanks to Intuitive Eating.

They break up your pregnancy into the “1st” “2nd” and “3rd” trimester for a reason! Each trimester was completely different for me, so I’ll break down each one.

FIRST TRIMESTER

First 6 weeks, I felt great. I was doing BBG, HIIT, STRENGTH TRAINING, intense workouts. I remember sharing the surprise with my mom, she said, “Are you feeling sick yet?” I said, “No! I think I’m one of the lucky ones!!” Literally… the next day… while doing a workout with my sister… suddenly, I. could. not. breath!!! I was huffing, unable to talk, out of breath, doing simple step ups – without weights!!

Needless to say, that day was the beginning of my, “7 Hell Weeks.” I was very nauseas. I had extreme food aversions. I could not eat anything. I was absolutely miserable. I bought the nausea wrist bands, EVERYTHING ginger and lemon… I did it all. Nothing worked! I lost about 10 lbs… all my muscle I worked so hard for – gone.

Thanks to COVID-19, I was able to just sleep and lay in bed all day everyday because my work. Jake was able to help out a TON (aka: grab walmart pickups for the random food cravings) due to his school being cancelled.

Anywho- that/s what my first trimester looked like, ugly.

I just kept telling myself “listen to your body.” My body was not wanting food, and as hard as that was (I was feeling worried that I wasn’t “getting enough nutrients”) my doctor would remind me, that the baby is so dang small, it really doesn’t need all that much food at all. She told me if all I can do is nibble on crackers, cereal, or bread all day, that is enough. Right now is survival mode, and the little “poppyseed spec” doesn’t need all the nutrients until later in the pregnancy. So that’s just what I did. I also continued taking my prenatal. Somehow (?) I made it out alive!!

SECOND TRIMESTER

They call this the “Golden trimester” for a reason!! I was able to start exercising again! That made ALL the difference. Moving my body to feel good, doing what I CAN to get those endorphins going, my heart pumping, was so exciting.

I went from intense HIIT workouts 6 days a week pre- pregnancy, to 30 minute walks, 3-5x’s a week. Weights were out of the question. I did what I could and that was enough. What an awesome mentality to have, right?!

Lets all have and keep this mentality. “Do what you CAN – that is enough.”

Food – I was still having some food aversions, but slowly getting my appetite back and that was joyous. McDonald’s burger and fries? Yes please.

THIRD TRIMESTER

Here we are now! I am now unable to exercise like I was in the second trimester, but boy am I able to EAT. Finally! I have missed food! However, my stomach is smaller and squished… so while I finally have an appetite, I get so full so fast! C’mon! Ha ha 😉

GALLBLADDER FUN

Intuitive Eating is all about, “anti diet.” I have spent many years, eating whatever, not worrying about macronutrient contents so much. However, I am at a point now where I need to pay more attention for physical reasons. My gallbladder has been acting up, and all I can do right now is eat low fat. Surprisingly- I feel 10000x’s better! My body functions incredible on this type of diet.

I am not counting my fat intake, however, I am conscious about making sure I have as little fat as possible. This has helped me immensely feel physically better.

I’ve realized its totally possible to eat in a way that you physically feel great, while also intuitive eating. If there is a certain diet that makes you feel physically better, apply that diet while applying intuitive eating.

Q: “What about Binge eating? Doesn’t “dieting” lead to binge eating?”

There are a lot of things that “lead” to binge eating. Food isn’t one of them. Its your relationship with food that is the concern. One main factor that leads to binge eating is guilt. Feeling guilty about your body size, guilty about food, guilty about your diet, guilty for over eating. When you cancel the guilt you can very easily cancel the binge eating.

BODY IMAGE

My body image is at an all time high. I have never loved my body more. I have never “cared less” about what my body looks like. I have already experienced a 30 lb weight gain before I was pregnant, and so I know how to lose unnecessary weight & get back in shape. I’m not worried. I am trying to live as fully in the moment as possible while pregnant. My body right now is a daily reminder to me of what’s most important in life and what life is truly all about- *hint* it’s not all about looking like a model, its not losing weight, its not about having a smaller appearance.

Intuitive Eating has made me focus on my health, babies health, mental health and focus 0 on my appearance. I hope everyone can have this outlook while pregnant! (Also while not pregnant!)

Hope you have a great day! Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed a little update!

Cara

3 Tips to Get You Started: Intuitive Eating

Hey guys! It’s been a minute since I’ve blogged! However, I am now graduated and out of school, which means I finally have the time on my hands to just sit down, write, blog, and not feel guilty about not studying- ha ha!

 

Intuitive Eating can seem like a daunting and confusing lifestyle switch! Here are some 3 tips you can start applying today to get your started on becoming an Intuitive Eater.

1.      Don’t be afraid of hunger.

I asked a client to describe what hunger feels like to her. She paused and replied, “you know what… I’m not even sure! I don’t think I’ve ever really felt hunger. I’m just always eating I guess! What an interesting question….”

Start now by allowing yourself to feel hunger before you eat. Embrace hunger! (No- don’t go to the point of feeling famished, or starved) But allow that initial feeling of hunger. You will then start learning what foods you actually want and like.

Many of us have been taught to follow certain ways of eating, “must have this” or “this is always the better option, must eat that” or “I am suppose to eat this much protein after a workout” or “its lunch time so I better eat.” This can lead us to feeling stressed and anxious, and we find ourselves eating because we SHOULD not eating because we are HUNGRY.

Example, eating when I should eat, “it’s lunch time, better eat something! or eating what I should eat, “Having carrots and hummus because that’s the right choice.” All these rather than eating when I am hungry and filling my hunger with foods I enjoy.

2.      Stop and eat! Don’t run and snack.

Eliminate the constant on the go snacking. If you’re hungry, sit down and eat. Again, sit down. No grabbing food while running out the door, or to keep you busy. Constantly snacking sky rockets our insulin levels, and we find ourselves honoring our insulin levels not necessarily our hunger levels. Also our brain doesn’t register ourselves as “already eaten” if done so in a hurry.

Try having one Power Meal a day. This will keep you satisfied and fuller longer. A Power Meal includes protein, complex carbs, a little bit of fiber and a little bit of fat. Take 10-20 minutes to eat.

If snacks (fruit snacks, granola bars, crackers, pretzels etc.) are the only thing that sounds good, maybe you’re not hungry. Don’t deny yourself snack, just save snacks for after your meal.

3.      Eat to Satisfaction.

When you sit down for a meal, ask yourself, “On a scale of 1-10, how hungry am I?” When you get halfway through your meal check in with yourself. Ask, “How much more do I need to eat feel satisfied and sustained for the next 3-4 hours?”

Stop eating around a 5-6. This is a little past the point of fullness. This all sounds silly and tedious, but I promise, the more you do this, the more “intuitive” it will be. Eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re satisfied takes focus off of food and turns the focus to your body, and fueling your body energy that it needs.

 

Well- that’s all for now! Shortest snippet I’ve ever written about Intuitive Eating. There is so much to it, that one sentence truly can lead to a novel… However, I just wanted to keep this short and sweet and give you something to start working on and trying out now. Hope these 3 tips help!

Don’t be afraid of feeling hunger, when you do feel hunger, sit down and eat, and when you are eating, make sure it is a satisfying experience.

Did you like this post? Please leave a comment and let me know! I hope to start blogging more frequently.

Aloha,

 

 

Cara

A 10 Day Social Media Fast

“Participate in a 10 day social media fast and any media that may bring impure thoughts to your mind. The affects may surprise you.. what do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression.” -President Russell M. Nelson

I kept a little “record” of my 10 day social media fast. Here it is!

DAY 1:

• Today I deleted the Instagram app off of my phone. Along with SEVERAL more apps. If I don’t use them regularly- I deleted them!

• I finished listening to the rest of General Conference! Such amazing talks, I’m so glad I listened to them.

• I went through and deleted junk emails and unsubscribed from 50 plus email subscriptions (how in the world do all these places have my email anyway!?)

• I organized my pantry! Holy smoly, I can’t stop walking into my kitchen just to look at my pantry. I threw out lots of foods, spices, and boxes.

DAY 2:

• FINALLY organized bank stuff

• Today while walking to my car from the gym (long walk because its at a University) I walked to my car with my head up, and realized how many people were walking with their head down.

• I’m realizing that I am not constantly being entertained.

• I feel the spirit right now. Really strongly. Jake is in the room on the phone with family laughing, I’m on the couch reading scriptures (trying to read The Book of Mormon by the end of the year) and there is soft classical music in the background. This moment right now. Is so peaceful… I don’t get these moments while scrolling through Instagram.

• I’m wondering, “How do I even have time for social media? Because it is being used during moments that could be used to reflect. It’s good to be bored. It leads to reflection thus inspiration.”

DAY 3:

• Had a very inspiring dream last night. Probably because the last thing I saw before going to sleep wasn’t my phone.

• The word, “peace” keeps coming to my mind today.

• Jake and I laughed all night long! Hahaha we opened up his, “memories box” and read through his journals when he was little boy. Sooo cute!

• Tonight Jake and laid in bed reading! I read my scriptures then read a super fun and yummy recipe book (anyone else like reading recipe books???) I haven’t missed social media! Its nice, we were in bed by 10:00.

DAY 4:

• Usually right now, after class, is when I go to my car and make a post on what I learned in my Body Image class. But nope! No social media! Instead I read my cousins email! He is currently serving a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Louisiana! (what a cool place!?) I was reading his letters he’s been writing. (He writes one letter a week and his mom forwards them to all the family) His letters are so good! I really felt inspired to just be a better person reading them. I also wrote him an email.

• I still had time in between my classes so I read some research! Awesome research on Body Image, Health At Every Size, and Eating Disorders. Reading about how Positive Body Image and Eating Disorder are completely different. I love reading different perspectives, it widens my vision and deepens my understanding in what I believe. This journal article is probably my absolute most favorite I have read! (If you want it, shoot me a message and I’ll send it to you 🙂

• Incredible. This was probably the greatest 10 minutes I’ve had all week. All at stop lights. 3 different stop lights.

Stop light #1

I’m at the light, and 2 punk kids crossed the street in front of me. (Yes. I judged them.) Big baggy pants down low, tattoos all over, hats sideways, big overly sized t-shirts, just your typical looking, “punk kids.” There was a blind man crossing the street coming the other way. I noticed he slowly started to veer more and more off of the crosswalk and into oncoming traffic. The light turned green. I was in the front. The blind man was now in front of my car in rush hour traffic. I didn’t go, (obviously) and neither did the car next to me. I was praying that no one would honk because it would scare and startle the sweet elderly man. I was about to get out of my car to lead him back to the sidewalk, and suddenly the two “punk kids” (that I totally judged) turned around and with big smiles both took the elderly man by the arm and lead him to the sidewalk. I teared up.1- because I learned my lesson not to judge 2- because it was such a tender Christ like moment I got to watch. Seriously, those 2 kids were and are angels.

Stop light #2

The very next light I saw a nice looking, clean cut, middle aged man dressed up in a very nice suit. He was happy and smiling. He looked smart! He was a with a teenage boy at the temple. The boy did not look like he could be his son…. the middle aged man must of been this kids church leader. The man was pointing to different buildings, enthusiastically. The kid with him was making facial expressions like, “wow! no way! cool!” You could see him asking questions. What stood out to me, was the kid looking up. He was looking up to this man… in every way. How neat. This man taking the time to be a role model for this kid.

Stop light # 3

I saw on the corner, outside of a restaurant a lady with her husband. They were waiting to cross the street. The lady leaned down and grabbed something for another lady in front of her. She must of dropped something. How awesome? Yes I’m a people watcher, and yes I go on Instagram during long stop lights, so without Instagram to distract me at the stop lights, it was amazing to see one kind act of service after another. I find that the times I go on Instagram the most, is when I have nothing to do. So its fun to see the things I see when I am bored.

• UMMM OKAY WHAT IN THE WORLD?! HURRICANE MICHEAL!? Yeah, so I miss out on  world events without social media!! So sad! Didn’t even hear or know about it until the day after.

DAY 5:

• Today at work I played games with the patients instead of going on my phone. At work when the patients have free time, we go behind the desk and take our little “breaks” from work. Which consist of like 5-10 minutes on our phones. Instead of going on my phone, I played cards with patients! It was fun! We laughed and joked and had a great time.

• Reading The Book of Mormon every night has been hard sometimes! I get home from work at 11:30 exhausted.

• I find as I discipline myself to read my scriptures, disciplining myself to do other things comes easier… such as wake up early, workout daily, get studying done.

DAY 6:

• Detoxed the house in between classes instead of posting! Got a lot done! No distractions! Got 7 boxes ready to donate! 7!

DAY 7:

• I baked! Homemade treats galor! So fun baking again! I love baking. Fun to find the things I do when I think I am “bored.”

• I cheated a little… I went on Instagram. I didn’t see or read any posts. I’m in a detox mood, so  I went straight to my “following” and unfollowed 600+ Instagram accounts. Nothing personal towards anyone in particular. I just feel like I was getting too much information. Do I really need 900 different peoples opinions? Do I really need to keep up with 900 peoples lives, food, day, and workout routine? No.. It’s just too much for me is all.

DAY 8:

• Came home during my class break to organize and clean the house again! Detoxing every part of my life and it feels so good! My rule of thumb right now is to only keep things in my life that bring me joy and value. Even the simplest things such as a t-shirt.

DAY 9:

• Listened to Christmas music today.

• Feeling the spirit very strong this morning.

• During the day I get excited to go to bed and read my scriptures.

DAY 10:

• Well the social media fast is done!
• I don’t miss it, and I’ve kind of forgot about it.

What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit?

Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy?

Have any of your priorities shifted just a little?

Reflection: This was a fast, so it wasn’t meant to be forever. It was meant for me to take a step back, and see how my time is spent in those moments I normally go on social media. I noticed that the only time I have to go on social media is on-the-go and when I am bored. Side note: I realized that this is why I am not very consistent in posting on my Health account:/ I also knew that I could have easily just downloaded a game on my phone, or gone on Pinterest instead of social media. I could have found another way to distract and entertain myself during those “on the go” or “bored” moments. But I didn’t want to cut corners.

I wanted to be bored.

I wanted silence.

And it was often in those moments that I allowed myself to be bored, that I gained deep inspiration and felt that inner and higher level of happiness. Joy and gratitude. I felt the pure love of Christ more throughout my day.

Why Intuitive Eating sometimes leads to weight-loss. Calories Vs. Hormones

Dieting.

Dieting restricts. Ex: Keto, restricts bread. Macro, restricts calories. Paleo, restricts processed food. Vegetarian- restricts meat.

All diets have one thing in common, restriction. If someone finds that the Keto diet worked for them, and they lost weight it is most likely due to the restriction of calories. KETO is not the “magic” behind the weight-loss. One can not eat 5000 plus calories, not exercise, and lose weight, all because none of those calories were carbs. The Keto diet inadvertently restricts calories through cutting carbs. Do you see what I’m getting at? Calories. Diets find a way to help people eat less calories. Less calories = lose weight.

***keep reading, I’m not saying we should count calories just making a point.

“The thing about restricting what, when, how or how much a person can eat is that it always indirectly ends up restricting the total number of calories that they eat. Everyone indirectly convincing you to do things that indirectly cause you to eat fewer calories.” I could tell you to eat nothing but cereal for one week, call it the The Lucky Charm Diet. Will you lose weight? Yupp.

Because less calories in, and more calories burned equals weight loss. Its simple. Its science. And lets be honest, you’re not going to want to eat 20 bowls of cereal a day. This is indirectly leading one to eat less calories.

How did Kevin Smith lose 17 Ibs on the potato diet? Through only eating potatoes. AKA: through restricting all other foods, eating less calories.

Did Kevin keep his weight off? No. Will you keep your weight off on my Cereal diet? No.  It’s fine though, you’re not a loser, because 95% of diets fail.

Why?

Why is it so hard to merely eat LESS calories than we burn and keep the weight OFF? We KNOW the science. Why can’t humans just simply follow science?

Answer: Hormones.

Dieting is stressful. Dieting consumes and fixates the mind on the very thing we can not have. Whether it be bread, cake, a granola bar, candy…. Wave a toy in front a toddler and say, “you can’t have this.” What is that toddler going to be thinking about? Same as humans. DON’T PICTURE AN ELEPHANT DANCING. What are you thinking about? Probably an elephant dancing. Wild guess 😉

Deprivation, restriction, not honoring your bodies individual needs equals, not happy hormones.

“Calories matter, but hormones matter more. Calories don’t control metabolism —hormones do. Calories don’t determine what type of weight you will lose and where you may lose it from — hormones do. Calories have little influence over hunger, cravings, energy and mood — but hormones do.”

Intuitive Eating puts hormones first, and naturally the calories second. The irony about Intuitive Eating… is that when one is not focused on, “what one should and should not restrict” in regards to food, but rather focuses on how one feels, 3 things happen:

1. You may inadvertently end up consuming less calories.
2. You are not stressed, hormones are finally put first.

Intuitive Eating helped me create, “The CARA diet.” A diet that works for Cara. Her needs, her energy levels, her exercise routine, her stress, her schedule, her taste buds, her cravings, her hormone levels. I highly encourage everyone to dive in to the book Intuitive Eating. It will help you find YOUR diet, and what works for you.

If one is trying intuitive Eating, and it is still stressing them out, it’s probably because they are still very fixed on the appearance of their body and their weight and can not get past the first step of Intuitive Eating. I highly recommend Intuitive Eating. Whether you are ready to give up your diet or not. All principles can only benefit you and help you find, YOUR diet.

Hormones > Calories

My #transformationtuesday. The Real Benefit of Intuitive Eating.

Your weekly #transformationtuesday #beforeandafter weekly reminder.

 

This Easter was one to remember. 🌷☀️ This experience may seem small and silly to some, but to me it was big!

I was able to enjoy candy, without eating more candy. 🍬🍫

 

Until now, being around candy & baked goods was seemingly “dangerous.” If I had 1, it turned into 1 handful, then the bag was gone, but then I’d have more, then I’d feel BLEGH & then I’d think the, oh so common thought, ☝️ “Starting clean Monday!” 🙌

 

🏃🏼‍♀️🏋🏼‍♀️ The next day would consist of what I now call, “punishment workout.” Working out to burn off the excess, “calories.”

 

If this ⬆️ wasn’t my behavior, I instead would think, “*no candy.” ❌🍬 And I would avoid it, telling myself, “I’m so good” for being sugar free. Others would also call me, “so good” for not having any. I literally thought that *this was my, “willpower.”

 

🤷🏼‍♀️ It seemed so common. Candy restricting or candy binging. There were even MEMES about it on Instagram… making fun and light of my eating disorder behaviors… and other people did it to.

You either, 1- Not have any candy 2- Punish yourself for having any. Seemed pretty normal to me.

 

⭐️ This Easter, as I have now applied Intuitive Eating for 18 months, I have accepted, learned AND experienced freedom from all these distortions around me…

 

I haven’t had one Cadbury egg or any candy this Easter. I had a couple m&m’s… but that was it. I wasn’t restricting myself, I wasn’t restricting at all. I just didn’t want any. I knew I could have it. I gave myself 100% permission. And I didn’t want it. At all. Any of it.

 

I enjoyed some homemade baked goods for dessert, but there wasn’t that distorted thinking of a cinnamon roll being, “good or bad.”

 

All of it, gone.

 

✋ I don’t post this to boast or say that Eating no candy was an, “accomplishment.”

 

⭐️  The accomplishment was, I was present. In the moment. No food talk, no mind games, no shame, just pure enjoyment for the day. Free from food.

To be honest, this wasn’t just an “Easter accomplishment.” This is how I live everyday, more in tune. More present.

 

Intuitive Eating has made me more present in the moment, this is the real benefit.

Intuitive Eating has made me enjoy life more. ❌No talking about calories, (with friends or in my head) ❌No more comparing my body. ❌No more worrying about my appearance. No more food talk.

👉 Because those things don’t matter….. No matter WHAT size you may be, they don’t matter.

 

❤️ Your heart matters. Your worth matters. Your spirit matters. Your relationships matter. **Those things matter.

This weekend has been one of the greatest weekends I have experienced in my life. Top 3 in the book of Cara’s Life, ha ha. But no, not because of this experience, but because of something greater than myself that I wouldn’t have been able to be a part of, if I were caught up in dieting. (See my last blog, “I Know a Peace I’ve Never Known.”) I don’t think I would have been able to be in tune with My Spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the people around me, if it wasn’t for Intuitive Eating. Dieting wraps oneself up in oneself and food. I have come to find, that a life of dieting keeps life revolved around appearances and food.

Intuitive Eating is freedom from this.

There are so many experiences, and important people in life that will pass us by if we continue to keep our focus on our body and food. If we continue to diet.

So what does this have to do with “before and after pictures?”

A point I would like to end on is, I don’t need a before and after picture of my body to get a point across. I did look different last year, and the year before that, and the year before that… but my appearance has nothing to do with this change I have had. 

 

Comparing myself to myself 1 year ago in a picture simply has one focus, the appearance of my body…

 

I believe that no matter what point one is trying to make, they can make it without comparing the appearance of their body. Because the appearance of your body is not important.

You’re more than the appearance of your body, Remind everyone around you. Because although “Food talk, Calorie talk, Dieting talk” all may seem harmless to you, it can be hindering to those around you.

 

I Know A Peace I’ve Never Known.

“All I know is it feels like coming home. I feel like a child sitting at his feet listening to his stories. I feel a closeness to him like I’ve never known. I know a peace I’ve never known. I could cry tears of thanks all day.”

Just a few words from Sabrina… I can’t thank Heavenly Father enough for this experience. I feel very humbled to have this opportunity of meeting Sabrina at this time.

If you’re reading this, you probably know I have an Instagram account, @thehealthylifeisgood. This is where I post my thoughts on Health. I view “health” a lot differently than I use to, and I have a passion to share what I believe is, “Real Health”.

“Health is Physical, Mental and Spiritual.”

While the physical health is crucial (exercising our bodies, eating real foods…) Our spiritual and our mental health are just as of equal importance, and need just as much focus and attention as our physical health.

“Living in the world, not of the world.”

What does this mean?

The world’s focus is Image. Appearances. Bodies. Becoming physically fit is, “of greatest importance.” While our Physical Health is important, we can be physically fit, without centering our life on our image and the appearance of our body.

One afternoon, I was in the library studying while listening to classical hymns on my headphones. Next thing I know I’m crying as I reflect..

Classical hymns can be dangerous! Ha ha, just kidding. But this unexpected feeling, was indescribable. All a sudden I was submersed in this overwhelming feeling of warmth and gratitude. I texted Jake, trying to share my gratitude, and explaining how I felt so undeserving of this joy and this love… this peace. I tried to describe it in my journal that night, but I couldn’t. I was just overcome with gratitude for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my faith, my husband and for my Heavenly Father.

That night I got this idea, I told Jake how I wanted to start living, “the missionary schedule.” I wanted to wake up at 6:30 am. Exercise for 30 minutes. Read scriptures for an hour. Share the gospel with everyone I see. And be in bed by 10:00. I shared this with Heavenly Father too. I wanted to be a missionary. I wanted to share the Gospel again!

Although, the idea seemed great in the moment, my school schedule made this “missionary schedule” rather impossible! But the beautiful thing is, Heavenly Father still answered the desire of my heart….. which was to share the gospel. Give this gift…

I know that God hears us. He knows the desires of our hearts. I believe that. I believe he will answer the true desire of our hearts.. always.

Sabrina reached out to me over a year ago on Instagram. We chatted back and forth here and there. One night when Jake was out of town I couldn’t sleep, (nothing new) ….

I hopped onto Instagram and started chatting with Sabrina. Next thing I know, we started talking about life. (With her permission to share….)

“I was at the end of my ropes. I was in Barnes and Noble and I was praying to God for some sign. Something that would tell me I was meant to still be here. So I got the impression in Barnes and Noble to start my Instagram account back up. I didn’t want to, but I got on, feeling worthless. I looked at dieting stuff and thought, ‘I’ll never looked like them, I’ve tried before and its never worked.’ I always felt like a burden and no good to anyone. What’s the point? All a sudden there was your account. I started following you and things just made sense. So I messaged you and the rest was history. I know God put you on my path for a reason. You literally saved my life.”

I felt “flattered” for a brief second, then confused. “but what did I do? What reason would Heavenly Father send Sabrina to me?”

This was when I realized that, “I” was not the reason.. Sabrina’s life wasn’t saved that night so she could meet “me.” I heard something tell me, “share the gospel.” It was immediate and clear. So I did.

“Hey, have you heard of ‘Mormon’s’ before?”

I thought, why not just get to it. We DM’d back and forth on Instagram for hours and hours that weekend. (*It was meant to be that Jake was out of town.) Gods timing is perfect.

It’s not uncommon for someone to have heard, or read misleading information on “mormon’s.” I cleared the air, and explained how we aren’t necessarily, “Mormons.” It’s a catchy, nickname the world easily identifies us with. We are first, and foremost Christians. We follow Christ, and this is what our religion is centered on, Jesus Christ.

We started talking about God, faith, and life.

She was asking good questions, and learning quickly. She had a desire to have God more in her life. He knows the desires of hearts.

I called and found the missionaries in the California area. They met with Sabrina the next day. (What great, obedient missionaries they must be!) The Elders gave Sabrina a copy of, The Book of Mormon.

She read all the way to Alma that first week! Her thirst for knowledge, and excitement for the scriptures was inspiring to both Jake and I.

She was taking her Book of Mormon to work, and sharing it with all her friends and family, letting everyone know, “I’m going to be a Mormon.”  She was finding God.. and it was the most beautiful thing to witness…

The second lesson, the missionaries asked her if she wanted to, “follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized.”

She agreed! They made a baptismal date for today! Friday March 30..

Sabrina got baptized tonight 🙂

I wish more than anything I could be there, but I couldn’t find flights, and get work and school off at the rate of her testimony take off! So I’m not complaining about that. 🙂  I got to FaceTime in on the baptism, so thank goodness for Technology!

I am so proud of her, and I am so grateful. I testify of the reality of God. He is in the details of our lives. My heart is just full. BEYOND full. “My cup filleth over…” And that is undeniable.. No one can deny true Joy. “I know a peace I’ve never known…”

Throughout this experience, I would forward her excitement and testimony to my family. My mom sent me a text, “tell Sabrina her testimony is strengthening mine…” The whole month of March I felt like I was on my mission again. It was incredible..

When we share. We strengthen.

My heart melts reflecting on this past month of March. It was truly a blessing for us to be a part of Sabrina’s “Spiritual Journey.” Joining in on lessons over FaceTime with the missionaries. Hearing about her experience of first stepping inside the church building, receiving answers to specific prayers and mostly, her spiritual experiences she was having while reading, The Book of Mormon for the first time.

She testified of her love for Nephi’s  and his courage, the scriptures, and Jesus Christ… Everything. Watching her faith grow… I was reminded of the purpose of life. I was reminded of how grateful I really am to have a place to go every Sunday. Truth I’ve grown up with.

I am grateful and humbled to belong to, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

It’s a church with structure, set up for us to learn, gain knowledge, and become what our Heavenly Father sees what we can become.

We all have so much great potential within, and I believe that its through becoming “spiritually fit” that we find that great potential.

I know that Heavenly Father is aware of all of his children here on earth. He is aware. He is involved in the details of our lives. He knows the true desires of our hearts.

I will never forget this experience….. Who would ever of thought I’d actually say that I am grateful for Instagram?! Ha! It made a stranger a close friend.

I consider the Gospel a gift. I truly feel undeserving of it at times, but then I am reminded that it is a gift that is meant to be shared.

What a beautiful weekend. Baptisms, General Conference, and Easter. I’m in tears!! (insert bawling face emoji here- Sabrina don’t laugh!) I just want to tell you all from the bottom of my heart that there is a God, he is loving and he is close. We are all brothers and sisters on this journey of life together. Life & mortality is controlled by time. But our spirits are infinite.  I better end this because I could go on an on, and I have, and I’ll keep repeating myself.

Hope you feel so much warmth and love this beautiful Easter weekend!

Why I Walk 10,000 + Steps A Day. Inspired By The Maasai.

I’ve been adament about getting 10,000 + steps 6/7 days of the week for the past 2 months. I thought I’d answer a few questions! Why the focus? How do you get them in? When did you start? and who are the Maasai people you keep talking about?

How it started:

Intuitive Eating focuses on 10 principles. During one week of every month, I pick a different one to focus on. The month of June’s focus was, “Exercise to Feel the Difference.”

A friend of mine referred me to a Documentary called, “In Defense of Food.” I loved it.. (Highly recommended.) Something that stood out to me was when Micheal Pollan said, “Fat is now our issue. The healthiest people in the world, the Masaai, live off of nothing but cattle blood, beef, and milk.”

“Interesting.” I thought, “The healthiest people in the world eat meat? They aren’t vegan? They eat dairy? Sounds like a high fat diet…..” I decided to fact check it. Turns out, WA-LA. It’s true! I spent a few hours researching more, and more….

The Maasai

The Maasai. Photo: Matt Crypto

The Maasai people, are located in East Africa. They live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, their diet does, in fact, consist of the cattle blood, beef, and milk.

The Maasai’s diet is just as full of fats as the diet of people living in the West, America. Unlike Westerners, however, the Maasai do not have many problems related to lifestyle diseases.

What? I wondered, WHY? HOW?

Since heart disease started to creep up in the 1960’s-1970’s, America began to be interested in the Maasai people. We did several “studies” on the Maasai people, only involving questionnaires. The conclusion we made, as to why they were so healthy was, “they do a lot of high intensity exercising and running.Their performance is of an athlete.”

However, we couldn’t have been more wrong.

Just now, the DANISH have conducted a study, involving trackers (kind of like a FitBit) put on the Maasai people, to track their daily activity.

Turns out, the Maasai don’t run much.

Surprisingly, the measurements show that the good health of the Maasai is not due to intense physical activity all day long. It seems that moderate but constant physical activity explains the health difference between them and Westerners.

What is the difference between America vs. The Maasai?

They walk. A lot.

Although America’s and The Maasai’s fat intake are the same, the Maasai don’t have any of the heart diseases, or diabetes unlike Americans, and this is why.

“Most of their everyday physical activity is in the form of walking; very little time is spent running, which may not correspond to most people’s image of the Maasai.”

This study has shown us, that the Maasai move a lot more than we do.

“On average, the Maasai move 75 percent more than we do in the West” 

The measurements also showed that while the Maasai move considerably, the intensity of their movements is low.

The only “high intensity physical activity” would be found during their ritual celebrations throughout the year, where they engage in high intensity jumping during dancing.

So there you have it! That’s why I started walking, everyday. So much more I could say about it, but that for another blog.

Thanks to my friend for the Documentary recommendation, which let me to ask questions/fact checking, which lead me to understanding the importance of getting my 10,000 steps in daily, walking, and moving.

It’s that low intensity moderate walking and moving, that will burn the calories you need in order to not store unneeded and excess fat. No matter your high intensity workout you are already doing daily, we need the benefits of walking 10,000 steps daily.

The Average American walks 4,500 steps a day. 

Now you know! I challenge you all to 2 things.

1. Walk

2. Question more.

Keep an open mind, and question what you read. Do some research. Learn something new. We all have potential, so fill your life with growth.

Physically. Mentally. Spiritually.

Sources:

In Defense of Food: Micheal Pollan

The Maasai keep healthy despite a high-fat diet: Irene Berg Peterson

“What’s wrong with my body?”

 

Mindset.

This is one of the most important tools when it comes to accomplishing our goals and taking care of ourself.

“Mindset. It’s the driver of our choices and is responsible for our progress and lack of progress. Every decision we make is coming from our state of mind in that moment, whether it be a positive or negative state of mind. ” -Elizabeth Benton

(true) Story: A women lost 50 Ibs! However, she was still not feeling comfortable to go to the beach and wear a swimming suit. She said, “I want to be able to walk on the beach with confidence and feel positive.”

My purpose in this blog is to explain how this has nothing to do with weight loss and everything to do with the WAY you’re viewing your body. Your mindset.

Some things are bianary. They’re either black or white. One of the things that are bianary is the way we think about our bodies. You either come from a place of..

1) Seeing what is wrong with your body

2) Seeing what is RIGHT with your body.

When someone says, “I can’t wear a swimming suit because of my thighs.” or “I can’t dress cute because I’m gaining to much weight.” Your mind is coming from a place of “what is wrong with my body.” 

TRUTH: You could lose as much weight as you want, but still be unhappy with the way you look.

Why?

Because your mindset is still a mindset of “what is wrong with my body.” Your mindset is negative. Your mindset is still in a comparing state of mind.

This isn’t a “body love” or “love and accept yourself” message. Improvement is always good. We should always be striving for improvement of course- BUT with the right motive.

Get rid of the stubborn perspective of, “I just need to lose 10 pounds. Then I’ll be happy.”

Reason being, is that isn’t really what you need. If you REALLY NEEDED to lose 10 Ib, if it was a matter of life or death. You could and would do it in heart beat. Anyone could.

So why are so many of us still, “trying to lose weight?”

1)We don’t really know what we want, and why.

2)We aren’t bringing our attention enough to it.

What did I want?

I wanted to stop worrying about, “needing to be fit. ” However, I thought the only way to improve my physical appearance, was to 1) workout 2) eat healthy.

Wrong.

My favorite quote from General Conference Spring 2017 was, “Spritual, mental, and physcial health have much in common.” This STRUCK me. I now live by this daily.

I imagine a triangle. Picture in your a head a triangle. One corner is spiritual, one corner mental, and another corner physical. In order to keep this triangle a perfect triangle, we must balance all 3 corners. If my focus is only on my physcial health, my triangle is going to look obtuse. Our goal in life is to get our triangle equilateral.

That was my answer.  I needed to stop putting so much focus and emphasis on my fitness, and physical health. As I did this, I found that naturally my body was getting fit.

Focus more on your over all life and wellbeing, and less on your weight and your appearance.

 

There are women who are a size 0 and a size 2 who are just as self concious of their bodies as women who are a size 12 or size 18. Having confidence in our bodies, is a state of mind, not a state of body.

It’s summer time. Pool parties, shorts, short sleeves, tank tops, swimming suits etc.. are on the rise! Ha ha. Don’t let your, “what’s wrong with my body” state of mind stop you from focusing on life. Literally start telling yourself out loud all the things that your body CAN do. Bring energy and positivity into your life. Train your brain.

“You can see, walk, smell, eat, breathe, hear…”

When you get your mind right, it will naturally improve your choices.

When the choice comes, “Should I eat this or should I not?” “Should I work out today, or should I not?” You will grab the apple happily over the donut when your mind is right. You might not like sugar anymore (see previous blog.) You will crave exercise, and get excited about the gym. All this happens when your mind is right. 

What do you really want and why?

If it’s to lose weight, you’ll never get what your really want. Because with this state of mind,  you will forever be trying to lose weight. If you want confidence, and to be happier and feel healthier. Try honing in on your spiritual, and mental health a little bit more. When you focus on this, you’ll find improvement with another corner of the triangle.

Stop the voices of, “What’s wrong with my body. I look fat. I look ugly. I need to change to feel happy. I’ll be happy when I lose weight.”

Focus on, “What’s right with my body. Look what I can do. I want to lift weights because that’s so awesome that I can. Wow I have muscles now. I am beautiful. Keep going. I feel great. Look at my blessings. I am so grateful.” Improvement comes in this state of mind. I promise.

It’s all about that state of mind. The size of your body isn’t inhibiting what you want, it’s your mindset.

Ask yourself, “How can I make myself feel good today?” Train you mind to focus on today, on the next 30 minutes, on the NOW.

Whether it be in meditation, prayer, or journaling. Find a place to focus on how you want to feel today. (Spiritual health)

Focus on what you want, fix your mindset, and your choices will follow your needs.

Focus on life, less on food and weight.

No, You Don’t Need To “Lose Weight” To “Be Healthy.”

HI y’all! WOW it sure has been a while since I have been on here! A lot has been going on lately, and I’m finally having time to sit and write. School, moving, finals, packing, family time, more moving, car issues, more moving, new jobs, etc. has been on the agenda as of late. However, I am happy to say that we are finally settled for the summer!

And yes, my Intuitive Eating journey continues.

Finding peace with food has been something that I can honestly say has changed my life. Interesting, huh? Who knew.

Intuitive Eating helped me realize a problem that I didn’t even know that I had before. It was a puzzle peice I needed in my life, that I didn’t even know what missing.

There is so much I can write on Intutive Eating, but I constantly am reminding myself, as I blog to keep things S I M P L E. Because that’s really what Intuitive Eating is all about. The more I get into it, the more I realize how simple it is.

Take a step back. Go back to the basics. The basics of basic.

Lately I have taken a new approach on eating. My diet (as in what I’m eating daily) has consisted of REAL food. Organic when possible. I don’t eat out. And I can not remember the last time I had sugar. (jk- Halo top ice cream FTW on Friday) Strawberries, blueberries, zucchini, sweet-potatos, mangoes, greek yogurt, eggs, avocado, honey… etc. Point is- I really haven’t had much of an “urgency” or “craving” when it comes to anything processed.

Think- fresh produce section of Walmart. My life yo.

However- the question popped into my head the other day. How did I get to the point of me craving  veggies?  How did I get to the point of wanting to eat real food? How is it that I don’t like the candy bars and sweets that I used too anymore? This isn’t part of Intuitive Eating last time I checked?

Then it dawned on me. I am simply doing it because I want to.

Through Intuitive Eating, I have been able to go back to basics. It has been a long journey! Almost 10 months now, and I have finally reached Step 10- Honor Health. Literally, when I realized this I said, “WOAH!” out loud. Because I’m amazed. My journey, really and truly worked. I made it to the last step! It really works.

However lets take it back to Step 1. I have accomplished step 1: “Rejecting the Dieting Mentality.” This includes, cutting off any outside voices from the media, friends, and family. I have ignored the phrases such as, “you should be doing this because…….” or “this is the best way to eat because……” or “this is what works because……”

One of my favorite quotes,

“It is not ethical to help someone into dieting. No matter the cause.” Evelyn Tribole.

I believe this whole heartedly now. Dieting messes with your mind. It’s as simple as that. It just does.

Through years and years of “trying” to be healthy, I realized that being healthy isn’t a “future event.”

You see, I don’t need to lose the 5 Ibs. I gained this weekend in Mexican food to be healthy. And you dont need to lose your “pregnancy baby weight” —-> to be healthy. You also dont need to lose 50 Ibs. to be healthy. AND you certainly dont need to go on a diet to be healthy. No, you don’t need to lose weight to be healthy. Being healthy is right now.

I believe, our mindset has become so distorted in this way because of the Media. The Dieting Industry wants us to believe that NONE of us are ever there. None of us “are” (present tense) healthy. The Media would like us to believe that NONE of us are good enough right now. Our teeth need to be whiter, our skin isn’t glowy enough, cellulite is bad and you definitely have too much, you’re a normal human aging, but nope you have too many wrinkles, we have too much fat in a certain areas better ‘zap’ that away, our thighs are too big.. etc.

The thing is, I can be healthy today, in this moment, right now.

I can be healthy tomorrow.  I don’t need to wait until “Monday” to be healthy. And I certainly dont need to lose weight to be healthy. You see, when we decide to be healthy now, all of that will come naturally. When you make the decision, everyday “to be healthy today” because you want health today… You find that your health actually improves with the mindset of “now.”

(Sorry if I’m totally confusing you.)

For example, what if someone told you – “all you need to do, is add a salad to you dinner tonight, and BAM you will lose 30 Ibs.” I’m pretty sure everyone would be doing this! Why? Because it’s a short-term mindset. It’s making you think, “you’ll have health tomorrow.” It’s doable. It’s realistic….

The truth is, if you add a salad to you dinner tonight, you probably wont loose 30 Ibs. (I’m sorry) However you just made a change to become a more healthier you. You are being healthy now.

Make sense?

I hope so!

I TESTIFY Y’ALL- Going on a diet wont help you reach your health goal. Maybe it will. But remember for almost 97% of people it doesn’t. Reason being, health is so much more than just food, restrictions, weight, and numbers.

Health is all encompassing. Spiritual. Mental. Physical. 

I believe my loss of appetite for processed foods, and my cravings for vegetables and REAL whole foods, comes from a craving to be healthy right now for me. Not for a big event coming up, and not to look like “her”, and not to one day “be healthy”, but for me right now. 

Remember: although I have gone through the steps and made it to number 10 on Intuitive Eating. DOES NOT mean I am finally healthy. It’s an easy, and daily choice I make everyday. 

Love you guys so much! Thanks for all the feedback! Hope you all have an amazing second week of June 2017! Happy Summer y’all!

THE EVIL CHAIN OF ASSUMPTIONS

“Happiness does not depend on what happens on the outside of you, but what happens on the inside of you.” -Herald B. Lee. 
I’ve been thinking a lot about “the evil chain of assumptions” we learned in class today! How sad that this is how we “assume.” Your appearance doesn’t determine your happiness! Happiness is an inside job.
 Ever come across “before and after” pictures? Ever ASSUME – “they’re probably so much more happier now” in the “after” picture? Ever think, “I want a before and after picture.” Hey. Stop. I know it’s almost summer. But don’t do this. 
You’re not an object. You’re not an after. You never know what INNER battles others might have had to over come to get themselves to that after picture! They could be happier in the after picture- but don’t assume it’s solely due to them losing weight!
 Why do we associate “The smaller the happier.” It’s just a picture. Don’t “assume” that just because they lost weight, and they’re skinnier- that they’re happier. I have lots of “before and after” pictures. 
However- it’s just my “appearance.” My inner struggles were worse in some of my after pictures. Anywho, some great advice I heard, to avoid thinking happiness is found in your appearance: Look at yourself as a “during.” 
Not as a before and after. There’s no final after. You are not a before and after. Like I wrote in my blog- a healthy life is never ending! Because you are not a before and after and you will never BE a before and after. We are spirits that are never ending and never done growing. 
There is no “after.” There is no “I made it.” We are eternal beings. A healthy life is daily, progressing, ongoing, goals to reach right now. NOW is your “during”. Your future is now. Your future was yesterday. Your future is built off of your during! 
Shift your focus to progression. Not a “final product”. My husband told me of a comment he heard in the gym, “the day you start working out, is the day you are forever small” This erks me. This is pretty much saying, you’ll never be “big” enough. You’ll never “look good” enough.” You’ll be forever chasing an after, to only end up with a feeling of disappointment of never being there. 
So don’t eat carrots and veggies everyday so you can wear a bikini in the summer. Don’t run away from your favorite desert because you want an after picture. 
Add more veggies because they’re good for you! Enjoy your favorite desert because you’re celebrating and making a memory. Be in the moment. 
Don’t make yourself miserable for the sake of an after picture. Because your happiness is not found objectifying yourself to look a certain way. Happiness IS found In discovering. In your new experiences. In your trying. In your during. 

Start your “during” journey now. 

Look at yourself as the eternal being that you are. With the potential you have to become. Discovering THIS is your happiness. Realize what you’re capable of! THIS is happiness. 

Stay away from the “evil chain of assumptions” Your appearance doesn’t determine your happiness!