A Little Insight...

Recently I have received a couple of emails and a few comments from new readers asking me about my food philosophy and healthy lifestyle. I thought I would dig out this information I put together about a year or so ago and re-post it for those of you that missed it the first time around. I have really put a lot of thought into this over the last couple of months since I’ve really gotten into the food porn and become aware of my desire for healthy balance. I am very excited with where my journey has led me so far, and look forward to venturing forward to see where it takes me!


I was never what anyone (other than me) really considered overweight. It was just one of those cases of getting older, getting a desk job, and getting complacent in the fact that I wasn't very active. My clothes got tight, I was always tired, and life outside my apartment was somewhat passing me by.Three summers ago I joined a recreational rowing team with some girlfriends and that was my first venture into what I can now call an active lifestyle. Prior to that I had attempted a few yoga classes and had a failed gym membership at the Y. I just hadn't ever had a ton of motivation and because I wasn't ever "sporty" (I'm still a clutz with very little coordination!) I thought physical activity would never work out for me. Boy was I wrong!

Once we started rowing I really felt the effects of the 20 or so extra pounds I'd starting toting around after 5+ years at a desk, so I decided that it was definitely the time to do something about it. Better than waiting to become really overweight and have more troubles, right?

So my Weight Watchers journey began. I chose WW because it seemed doable and wasn't completely restrictive. I started out at 173+ lbs....so set my goal to 150 lbs. It should be noted that I am 5'11" so this is well within my healthy weight range. The initial 10 lbs just about fell off because my eating habits became so much better (hello portion control!), but then it took me almost a year to get the other 13 pounds off (I know now that my body was craving more activity). Once I hit 150, my body immediately went right back up to 153lbs and I've fluctuated around there ever since. I'm perfectly happy with that, but occasionally get back on the bandwagon for that elusive 150. I still follow WW to some degree...averaging food points in my head and planning my meals each day helps keep me on track. These days I am much more about choosing healthy options and real food (but it does help to know off-hand how many points that banana bread/chicken strip/bowl of clam chowder might be when I'm looking to indulge).

After rowing ended, my girlfriends and I took up non-contact kickboxing (Muay Thai). This was a hardcore class twice a week taught by a champion female martial artist that kicked our asses! We learned moves and skills we never could anywhere else. I realized that I am a lot better at these things than I ever thought and I really owe my new found love of fitness to that class and our instructor. I had to give it up when I moved across the country, but I missed the activity in my life (and the muscles in my arms!) so that is when I decided to join a gym and consult a personal trainer. From there I took what I learned and started pairing it with fitness information I found through my own research, and mainly from other bloggers. I have also found other local bloggers who are on the same path and together we have taken on hot yoga, hiking, frequent lunches, and fun times (and a sick love of all things lululemon).

Some days (weeks!) it's tough to feel that groove that gets me moving but by Embracing Balance I can remember to keep it real. It's a great journey. And who knew? If you'd asked me about working out or eating healthy even 5 years ago I wouldn't have known where to begin. Look at me now!