Motivation

So I've noticed that there are a lot of times in my life, since starting this new lifestyle, that I feel really down. Whether it's about the rigidness of the lifestyle or the amount of stuff you just cannot eat anymore or what. There are so many times that I just want to grab a slice of pizza, or eat a huge bowl of white pasta with alfredo sauce, or eat a basket full of bread and doughnuts. Doesn't that all sound so yummy? But then I have to sit back and think to myself... "is it worth it?" or "have I been following the paleo guidelines?" If the answer is yes to either then by all means GO FOR IT! But if you hesitate for even a few seconds then it's just not worth it. Think about the hard work and effort you've put in; do you want that precious energy to go down the drain for no reason at all? Just so that you can waste it on that few seconds of binging or sugar high? There are so many different (and just as good!) alternatives to sweet treats that we all know all too well. For example, if you really have your sweet tooth on that day grab a piece of fruit. Yes, they're more packed with carbs than a lot of things but in the long run that is better for you than a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (all downed in one sitting).

Below is a link to things you crave but yet what your body is really telling you you need:
http://www.naturopathyworks.com/pages/cravings.php

That can be a huge lifesaver. Next time you think you're craving something look at this chart to see what you're really craving.

Now, I would like to take the time now to clear some things out of the air. For starters, I have said before, but I will say again that I am not perfect. I'm human just like everyone else and I do not stick by my diet to the best of my abilities. But I put forth the effort and work ethic that is needed for it and that is a key thing. I may have a nice treat once a week, but I "budget" for it during the week and after that treat I go hard on my workout and diet the following days. SO I am not telling you not to give in every once in a while, I am simply advising one to not get in the habit of giving in - because then you're simply not maintaining your healthy lifestlye anymore. Also, I am not here to force anyone to make better decisions and make them feel horrible about their diet or bash anyone. And you can sit here reading this blog saying to yourself, "F*** that. I love my junk food way too much." That's fine with me. As I have said to my boyfriend numerous times, "it is your body, not mine." I am simply here to let the world know how worth it is to get up and make a change. No one has a gun to your head saying run a mile or I'll shoot. The choice is yours. And once you do make the decision to truly work at it, you honestly don't want to go back to how it was. Yeah, it is easier. But no one said this would be easy, I only said it would be worth it :)