The Fit Lady

I don’t “cheat” on my diet. I don’t have cheat meals or cheat days ever.  I don’t diet, I do eat fast food and I also maintain my ideal weight. So, how do I manage to do that?

I never do well with depriving myself of anything especially food. Deprivation is almost guaranteed to lead me to irrational overeating.

It can, however, be a struggle to find balance especially with so much conflicting information out there.

What “They” say

The fitness industry does a great job confusing us about what we should and shouldn’t eat, when to eat, how much to eat, what supplements and shakes we need to consume, and that’s just the beginning.

“They” know we are self conscious and struggle with our body image more times than not so they are out to cash in on us. It is not hard to do. Think of the foods and anything else you’ve bought recently with hopes of getting closer to your dream bod.

Your body has the answers you are looking for

What does that mean? You need to learn to tune in to what your body is telling you. It’s job is to communicate with you when its hungry, full, and even what types of food will bring it to optimum health.

Don’t be worried if your senses are dulled this can be easily changed. Our body trudges along with us and does the best it can with what we give it. It strives to heal us as quickly and efficiently as it can.

As soon as we start to pay attention to even the subtlest signal we begin to give our bodies time to catch up with damage control and garbage clean up.

What my body says to me

My body clearly tells me three very important things.

Sleep
Eat
Don’t Eat

When you tune into these three signals your body will thank you in all the ways you were hoping for with those vitamin purchases. No one can sell you this information. Everyone’s body and daily schedule is unique. What works for me won’t work for everyone. Only your body can tell you what it wants.

Here are some hints

1. Our bodies thrive on routine.
2. Our bodies crave consistency.
3. Our bodies love to be pushed beyond its limit. No need to train for a marathon, find a physical activity you enjoy and work to improve on it.

Just a few ways your body will thank you…

No bloating, more energy, less winded, mental clarity, weight loss!

I eat candy and french fries, drink soda and eat brownies for dinner at times. I don’t eat fat free or diet anything. Food is not associated with a reward or a treat. I don’t punish myself for eating “bad” food by killing myself in the gym or starving myself in hopes to get back on track.

Punishments and rewards only confuse my body.

If I choose to eat brownies for dinner my body may tell me that wasn’t the best choice. I’ll feel snacky, I won’t sleep well, I may wake up starving the next day and unsure of what to eat for breakfast to feel my best. This is how our bodies prompt to make better choices.

Some days my body wants a lot of fat and that’s when McDonald’s hamburger and fries fit right in.

Have you ever wondered how that one skinny girl you know seems to be able to eat whatever she wants and never gain weight? The feeling of health is addicting! She stays tuned in and helps her body do its job to keep her feeling her best. The thin body is just a side affect. Vanity isn’t her goal. Being in good health offers freedom to do all the things she enjoys the most including eating whatever she wants.

So how do you stay thin while eating fast food?

Eighty to ninety percent of what I eat I make at home. I don’t have any hard rules about this. I eat what I like when I want. When you treat your body well you will begin to feel great. Focus on this feeling and soak it up. It can take time to adjust and conscious effort but will be worth it. I’m usually totally satisfied with a small fry and a small hamburger from my favorite fast food joint sometimes I want more sometimes less. Eating intuitively is freeing.

Sometimes I crave fast food and not denying myself is key.

Where to start

1.  Start with getting enough sleep if you are not already. Sleep deprivation makes it very hard to hear your body’s signals.

2.  Try intermittent fasting. Read my post here to learn why I love it. This will help you become in tune with your ‘hungry’ and ‘not hungry’ signals.

3.   Laugh and enjoy life with those you love. Feelings of guilt and deprivation will diminish with time and practice as you begin to enjoy the freedom that comes with intuitive eating.