I’ve decided to refocus on being healthy, too. I think its too easy to get caught up in the holidays and for me exercising and eating well go hand-in-hand. I have so many celebrations coming up this month that I want to focus on being “good” as much as I can when I don’t have other stuff going on!

carpe diem!

Sundays have been an eating problem for me for a while–meaning that when Sunday hits, I want to eat whatever I want, in any quantity, ALL DAY LONG. I finally realized this week that I got into this habit when training for a half marathon this past Spring. Sunday was long run day. I always came home hungry and feeling that I “deserved” whatever I wanted. Now I know how I gained 5lbs (or so) while training. And now I can turn it around. Sunday does not need to be food fest day!

So I hope you will be sharing more about the books with us. I loved reading your brief post on Facebook, but I’d like to know a bit more. Let us share in the experience with you.

In the meantime, here’s to appreciating today and getting out our slumps–no matter what they may be.

I’ve been pulled in many directions lately, and not taking the right amount of time to keep myself in shape (mentally, physically, emotionally).. I like the way you look at it. Not permanent, just need to focus more to get myself back on track.

Thank you for acknowledging the ebbs and flows! I’m ebbing and flowing all over the place lately! One week, I’m putting in great mileage and eating well, the next I’m having too much delicious beer and skipping workouts. I’m really working on getting my focus back, and I’m hoping registering for my next half marathon will help me with that!

Caitlin – i couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m in the middle of bit EBB right now! But you’re right, it’s all about reconfirming your committment to yourself and being forgiving. I like this plan! 🙂

I love your healthy lifestyle philosophy.
I still learning to forgive myself in realizing that I won’t make the best health decisions every time and that I have to let go of guilt and work to do better next time.

I work as a counselor with college students and one of the messages I’m always giving is that when you think about being in balance picture yourself on a tightrope. Sometimes you lean a little further this way, sometimes that way to maintain your balance. It’s fluid movement-never static. And you always know when you’ve leaned too far in one direction while on a tightrope…can you feel me ground below?
🙂
kudos to you for ebbing and flowing.

I think the key is to finding a good balance between celebrating food and celebrating yourself!

I certainly believe in the ebb and flow of a healthy lifestyle. I’m feeling the ebb right now I guess with not as much as my normal motivation while at the end of this pregnancy. I know its temporary though and I will be back raring to go with workouts, craving healthier foods, etc soon enough. We have to be mindful, but not beat ourselves up for having down times too. Fabulous post as usual my friend. 🙂

Healthy life = moderation. The concept that yoga is a “practice” has crept into my life in other ways, helping me get away from a perfectionist attitude. Recognizing what is good for you and when you are ebbing a bit too much is important. Good friends also help keep you on track!

Wow — I didn’t log any food from Thursday to Sunday — that break really gives me energy to get back into things. I found I didn’t overeat, listened to my body and just relaxed. A great Thanksgiving.

have a great wonderful and productive day!

Really great post. I agree that the right thing to do is to respect yourself through the ebbs and flows and realize its a part of life, but also realize that you can move the flow back along!

Healthy living is a journey, not a destination. Unfortunately, you always have to keep the car in drive.

I also wonder if you’ve had so much going on lately (professionally with the books, personally with the move, physically with the marathon) that your mind and body is just overwhelmed right now. I hope taking the day off helped!

It was kinda nice taking a break from blogging this weekend. I just chilled, watched a lot of movies and relaxed!

I know how you feel! I’m currently in rest mode due to both of my IT bands flaring up. I feel completely lazy and I feel that my eating has suffered as a result. I’m hoping to start running again mid-week but it’s driving me crazy!

Sometimes life gets in the way, and we just have to roll with the punches! 😉

I’ve been feeling exactly the same way lately. It’s great to be able to have fun and not feel guilty about unhealthy choices, but at a certain point you just have to recommit yourself to the habits you know will make you feel your best. Good luck getting back on track this week- I’m right there with you!!

love this advice! why feel guilty? what’s done is done. every day is a new opportunity to live your best life 🙂

I’m trying remind myself that I need to be more mindful, especially around the holidays. It’s so easy to fall into the “it doesn’t count, it’s the holidays” trap.

congrats on the 2 new books!

This was just the post I needed. I have been feeling apathetic, eating a lot of crap, and not working out as much. Good to know I’m not the only one that has ebbs and flows.

Ok, WHERE did you get that claypot? I have been looking for one just like it.

What a great post! I agree that there are definitely ups and downs in every healthy lifestyle. I’m currently trying to work my way back up. It’s been difficult with grad school but I know it can just be a matter of making time for working out (if only, for a stress reliever).

Thanks for this post! I love your outlook- I think too many people see holiday “healthiness” in a far too polarized way.. Either not caring about staying healthy at all or obsessing about every last sugar cookie. It’s all about the balance and knowing when your body needs a little extra activity 🙂

i <3 you.