Eat The Chicken Nuggets
Weird name for a blog post, right? Well, once I tell you about what happened yesterday, it will all make sense.
For those of you that don't know me, I'll start by saying that I'm very passionate about health and wellness. I work out usually 3-4 days a week, teach kickboxing, and try to eat healthy. I didn't used to be that way, though. I used to work out for hours a day, just to make sure I burned a ton of calories. I used to drink gallons of water to keep myself full and distract myself from how hungry I actually was. I tried to fill up on mostly water based vegetables so I didn't consume many calories.
Even though I was super lean, I wasn't very happy- and I definitely wasn't healthy. Not only physically, but mentally. I was in a really bad mental state. Always worrying about how many calories I consumed, what I was going to (avoid) eating next, and how many hours I could work out that day.
With a lot of hard work, education about actually being healthy, and people who supported me, I was able to slowly start worrying less about calories consumed and burned. I learned how to fuel my body with the right foods and not deprive it. I learned how to maximize my workouts so I pushed my body but also honored it by taking a day or two off if I needed it.
These days, I'm all about balance. I track my macros, but I also don't deprive myself if I want a treat. I work out, but take time to rest and don't beat myself up for it. I feel happy, healthy, and in a really good place.
Now, back to yesterday. I take my lunch to work pretty much every day, but once in awhile I'll treat myself and order out. One of my co-workers wanted to go to lunch at Chik-Fil-A, which is my FAVORITE. Those nuggets and waffle fries were calling my name! So I said yes. Why not? I ate my meal prepped lunch all week, and it was Friday. Time for a treat!
Another co-worker overhead our conversation, and took it upon themselves to start lecturing me. "You do kickboxing for a reason." "You need to watch your calories." "You should eat clean." They kept going on and on about 'you should do this, you should do that.'
First of all, let me start off by saying this person has NO right to lecture me about what to eat. They've been on a health kick since January 1st, and just recently started a diet. Something that I found out can't be sustained for a long period of time. Lifestyle changes are sustainable, diets aren't. Second of all, no one should lecture ANYONE about what they choose to eat. Not only is it none of their business, but it can also be extremely damaging to someone who has gone through an eating disorder or any type of body image or eating issues. If I was in the headspace that I was a few years ago, this could have caused me to spiral right back to where I was.
I politely told them not to worry about me, but worry about themselves. They then told me that I should just "do it for the blog." And I said "well that's not realistic, because my diet and lifestyle aren't perfect." and they said "well that's what your followers want to see."
I wholeheartedly disagree. I think the people that read my blog or follow me on Instagram want to see REAL LIFE. Because real life isn't perfect. I'm not perfect - and I sure don't pretend like I am. I'm here to be real, to be honest, to be vulnerable, and to hopefully help some people along the way.
The reason for me telling this story is so that you remember to not let anyone else make you feel bad about your food choices. Never let anyone make you feel like you aren't good enough. You are doing the best that you possibly can. If you've had an off day, start fresh tomorrow. If you're struggling with bad eating habits, seek out a friend to help hold you accountable. You can even reach out to me - I'll be here for you.
If you've read this far, thank you so much. Thank you for listening to my story and for following along with me on my blog. And, thank you for allowing me to be 100% myself.
The funny thing is, that Chik-Fil-A would actually fit into my macros. But even if it didn't- who cares?! Long story short - I went to Chik-Fil-A, and I ate those nuggets. And they were worth every single calorie.
xoxo,
Carina
