Enjoying Yourself: Health versus Happiness

In my line of work, I am constantly listening to others talk about their eating habits. I hear people talk about how they have cut everything enjoyable out of their diet completely and others who binge eat with little self control. The only thing I can think of when I am hearing these stories, is why????

The way I see food is that it is fuel; and just like you wouldn't put sludge in your gas tank, you shouldn't put crap in your body. Now with that said, there are those foods out there that make me happy in a way that nothing else can, trigger foods (mostly ice cream). Because I know these foods will basically bring me to my knees, I try to avoid them as much as possible or at least substitute them (ie. frozen yogurt or frozen protein shakes).  

When I do allow myself the real thing, the last thing I'm going to do is worry about how bad it is for me. Some people say that forgoing that cup of full fat, creamy, cake batter ice cream from Handel's , is showing that I have full control of my actions and would commend me for such a feat. However, do I really want to be laying on my death bed wishing I had gone with my favorite ice cream instead of celery sticks?

Always skipping what you want to eat does not put you in control of your eating habits, it puts FEAR in control. When fear is controlling your life, it makes your foundation weaker, allowing for cracks (impulse eating) to take over. Being able to identify your triggers is major. Being able to allow yourself a small portion of your trigger once in a blue moon mean you have mastered the art of balancing health with happiness.


***If you have any specific questions, email me and if I don't have the answer (rare lol) I will find someone to give it to me :)

Food Challange: Taste the Rainbow

Here is my first food challenge, and it's pretty simple. Try to get as many colors of food on your plate throughout the day. I have a saying at work- the richer it is in color, the better it is for you. Each color group provides a different nutritional benefit. 

Red: lycopene and antioxidants  

Orange: beta-carotene, immune health

Yellowish Orange: vitamin C, detox

Dark Green: folate, healthy cell building

Green: Indoles, luten, detox

Whitish Green: allyl sulfates, cancer fighting

Blue: Anthocyanins, antioxidants

Purple: reservator

Brown: fiber, bowel regulation 

For more information about benefits, see the glossary

**Before making any change to your nutrition or fitness routine, please consult with a physician, nutritionist, or personal trainer**

Monthly Update 1

I know it seems like I'm skipping ahead but I actually started my journey 3 weeks ago today. So here are the stats:

• Weight: 138.6 lbs
• Total Loss: 3 lbs
• Number of workout days: 4
• Average workout duration: 45 mins
• BMI: 21.39
• Body Fat Percentage: 27.4%
• Favorite activity: Using Sworkit at the end of my workout, nice way to cool down 
• Goal: 23% Body fat
• Biggest Triumph: making it to the gym while I was sick
• What I need to improve on: Impulse eating- I probably would've weigh less had I not broke down and eaten that Cinnamon Crunch bagel with cream cheese yesterday

Three pounds does not sound like a lot but I can really feel the difference. My pants are fitting looser and I am having more energy. Also, hopefully the slow progress is because of muscle gain. Plus this picture helps put it in to perspective 

This is only one pound of fat so I have loss 3 of these!!! Kind of gross right? haha

Hopefully I will be able to perform a Body Composition Analysis on myself next week to see if I have made any progress with my Body Fat Percentage---Fingers Crossed :)

My first post

My first post- Yaaay! 

So I'm Derica and I'm from Baltimore. I LOVE food, but I don't always like what food can do to my body.
Recently I have come to the realization that I need to start taking care of my body now if I want it to perform properly in the future. However, I know I can't do this by myself, so I have decided to keep an account of my journey.

Through this board, I will post my results (successful or not), encouragement, and answers to any questions. I will not judge food choices or condemn any specific food, only offer suggestions and provide facts. I will regularly have question/answer posts and you can feel free to email me with specific/ private questions.

Before I go, here is some background on me:

• I am a Biology major (with a health/nutrition focus) entering my last semester 
• I currently work at a weight loss center as a Certified Weight Loss Counselor
• I love to eat, dance, cook, be with friends, and shop

Good Luck! And remember that not trying has a 100% failure rate!