This all started when my dear mother told me she was picking up a few hobbies for the new year. She was going to try a new recipe every day. She was going to sort family pictures. She was going to take a knitting class...and not only learn to knit, but knit scarves, blankets and sweaters for the homeless.
As thrilled as I was about my future baby blankets (yes!), this left me feeling a little lost. I began to think about my hobbies. I enjoy reading, cooking, running, baking, traveling...but I have always enjoyed those things. They bring joy to my life every day, but do they challenge me? Do they stimulate growth in my life?
Maybe, but they needed some pizazz. I needed to spice up my hobbies. I was thinking these things as I pulled fresh, homemade hummus out of my refrigerator, cut up bulk carrots for dipping, spun fresh lettuce clean for a salad, and cut up manchego cheese from our local fresh market. I displayed my spread artfully on a platter and watched as my hungry husband emerged from his man-cave and smiled broadly at my masterpiece.
"Honey, I love you."
And then, it hit me. I married a man whose life depended on healthy eating, daily exercise, adequate sleep, and controlled stress. I married a man who most women see as their punisher, their nemesis, or their guilt tripper. I married a personal trainer...and I was happy!
Now, I must say that Mr. PT is a well balanced, educated, happy person who fits my personality like a favorite t-shirt. But more about him later.
The truth of the matter is that I married a personal trainer and am not only surviving, but loving life! The best part about it? I never feel restricted at meals, and I never feel like I HAVE to exercise. I am at a healthy weight, I can run 5 miles easily, and, as my mother says, "I feel good today!" In fact, I feel good most days.
I talk to a lot of people (mostly women) and read a lot of articles about people (mostly women) who struggle, labor, and battle with their weight. They want to be thinner, toner, sexier, and stronger. Not only do they want those things, but they want to do it faster, and they want it to be easy. In fact, they really would love for it to be a byproduct of their current lifestyle!
Well, I am here to say that this is something that EVERYONE can achieve. You just have to find out what works for you. And in case you were wondering...
NO...you don't have to be married to a personal trainer.
YES...it took me a while to figure this out.
YES...as life changes, so does your recipe for a healthy lifestyle.
Which brings to me to my new, improved, bedazzled hobby. I am writing this blog for my personal growth, but also, to show others how healthy eating and exercise can be a lifestyle, not a diet plan.
I will focus mostly on recipes and meals, since exercise is more of Mr. PT's area. And please don't think I'm only going to eat nuts and bolts. I am a firm believer in eating healthy, quality food from many food groups. But you will not see any Lean Cuisines, Hungry Helper, or Luncheables. As my mother says, "those taste like drugs."
As someone who, over the years, has tried, hated and inevitably failed many diets, I end with a quote from a psychologist, a profession dear to my heart:
"The best diet is the one you don't know you're on." - Brian Wansink
