Don't Force It, Feel It

by Michelle Pfennighaus
March 01, 2011

Featured from Michelle Pfennighaus

As this month's guest editor, Michelle Pfennighaus shares simple advice for finding your balance in the articles below.

Stepping Off the Sugar Rollercoaster

Nutrition

 

Getting to Know Michelle Pfennighaus

 

 

Revamping your diet in 3 easy steps

Nutrition

Man, I hate the gym. I just do. I'm not a runner, not a weight lifter. But I remember a time when I forced myself to go to the gym every day. People thought I was really dedicated, but I hated every second of it. And I didn't see results in my body. I was like, why isn't this working?!

I tried to eat healthy. I bought pre-packaged, fat-free snacks and told myself I wasn't allowed any pizza. I wasn't any happier. In fact, I was miserable and constantly battling cravings.

What a sad existence! Why would anyone stick with a healthy lifestyle if it means being miserable all the time?

I guess we don't. We give up. And then we beat ourselves up over it. It's an abusive cycle of "I'm not good enough."

Here's the secret: Your body wants to move and feel fabulous. But how you make it happen is totally up to you.

For instance, I simply don't like the gym or group sports. I never have! But I love to dance. So that's where I started putting my energy. I went to dance class, and it was a fantastic workout. But it was more than that – it was super fun! Dance reconnected me with my body. Walking by a yoga studio one day, I decided to give it a try. And it was awesome! Yoga put me in the best shape of my life. Plus, yoga does wonders for my mind and stress levels. Here's the best part: no one has to remind me to go to yoga. I don't have to bribe myself to go to the studio. I want to do yoga. I enjoy it. And that's why I stick with it.

The same goes for how I eat these days. All the "healthy" food in the supermarket was gross to me. Uninspiring. But then I remembered – I like to cook! Duh! Why was I buying frozen dinners anyway? Because the box claimed it was healthy? Homemade food had to be better than that, right?

Photo uploaded to Flickr by hynkle, some rights reserved.

Getting back into cooking felt so good. I got to be really creative in the kitchen and I was proud of the meals I made. Just like yoga and dance, it was actually fun. I've experimented with different foods and learned what makes me feel the best. Those boxed TV dinners are a joke. My food is awesome! Again, no guilt required. No bribing myself. I want to eat this way because I enjoy it – from the chopping and roasting to the flavor and energy I get from real, whole, clean food.

Your body wants to move, wants to feel energized. But what works for me may not work for you – after all, no two people are alike. So start experimenting today and find what you love.