Over the weekend, I went on a girls trip with my mom and sisters. We had a beautiful trip. The weather was absolutely perfect. Our cabin was the cutest as you can see from the picture here.
I was reflecting this morning on my personal growth.
Let’s take a look at 2019 me.
Going on a trip like this, I would have been stressed over the thought of trying to be healthy and very anxious about losing all control around food…. (I had a track record of binge eating….especially in settings like these). I would have stressed over every meal, wanting to know all of the places we were going (so I could look at the menu ahead of time). I would have been obsessing over what we were packing/cooking at our place; wanting to eat as “clean” and “perfect” as possible.
Now, let’s take a look at 2022 me.
While there was some planning ahead on my part, there was not a hyper fixation on food. And being honest, I did still feel small triggers of anxiety….that part of me is still sensitive from time to time…but here’s what was different.
My sister and I talked through meals before the trip so that we had a general game plan of when we were cooking and going out to eat. However, anxiety wasn’t driving me. Instead, I put into practice all of the habits that I’ve been working on for years now.
Just because I’m on a trip doesn’t have to mean that all of my habits are out the window.
Habit #1: Healthy breakfast. I prioritize a nutritious and filling breakfast, even when I’m not home. It makes all the difference in my energy levels and how “snacky” I feel throughout the day. My sister brought packs of instant oatmeal and I brought protein powder and peanut butter. These three things make a quick, balanced breakfast.
Habit #2: Pack protein-filled snacks. When I don’t eat enough protein, I get munchy and tend to over eat/feel yucky. I packed some protein bars and RX bars.
Habit #3: Mindful eating. I’ve been working on mindful eating for the last three to four years now. I have learned that I can indeed trust myself around food. I have learned that when I practice habits 1 and 2, it is easier to eat sugar and other goodies in moderation. I am able to truly listen to my body and stop when it’s had enough.
I didn’t stress about eating out at restaurants or the “unhealthy” snacks that would be available on the trip. I focused on eating my breakfast and snack AND if I wanted those other things I ate them. I stopped when I was full/when I’d had enough. I ate a protein bar and I had chips and salsa. I had my oatmeal with protein and peanut butter for breakfast and I had a s’more later.
I love being able to look back and see this growth in my life. It’s been so FREEING to enjoy food. My personal journey has played a huge role in how I show up as a coach to my personal training clients and in my online nutrition program, EatWell. I’ll be doing a special promotion for this program Monday, October 24th- Wednesday, October 26th 2022.
If you’re interested in learning more, follow my business page on Facebook or join my private Facebook community, all the information you need (including the link for sign up will be shared there). If you request to join my Facebook group, please mention reading this blog post in the membership questions.
With love,
Liv
LivWell by Olivia Dykes 