You are Stronger than You Realize

Yesterday I yelled my way through a 2 minute plank hold. It was especially difficult this time because it came at the end of what had already been a very arm and shoulder heavy workout, so my upper body was really feeling it. But I refused to put my knees down or raise my hips up; I kept yelling and I kept holding. I assure you working out won't always be quite so difficult, but even when it is, we have the power to dig deep and find the strength to keep going. Fighting through that pain is how you get stronger. This is true emotionally as well, we always come out stronger on the other side of trying emotional times. Things that are difficult really show you what you're made of. You are strong enough to get through anything life throws at you. But for starters, you're definitely strong enough to get through a 5 minute workout.

​Today's is...

5 minutes of: 
10 mountain climbers
5 side to side pushups
5 burpees
5 (on each side) side plank knee tucks
AND Bonus: 1 minute plank hold after the 5 minutes are up.

​Try it with me, it's only 5 minutes.

I'm having a difficult time today. I don't want to drone on about it, I'm going to go food shopping and pick out some fresh produce and ingredients to make myself some healthy, nourishing meals. I always feel better when I really make sure to not just eat, but to really put thought and care into the meals I prepare. I greatly consider the nutrition information for packaged foods before deciding if it is worth putting into my body or not. An enormous ingredient list full of a variety of different sugars and chemicals? Back on the shelf it goes. A product with only a couple natural ingredients I can read in under 10 seconds? I'm more likely to choose something like this, but let me look further and see if it has any protein or fiber and how high the sodium and sugar contents are. You should be eating/choosing foods to eat not just because you're hungry and want it, but because they will provide you with nutrients that will satiate and satisfy you and keep you healthy. Try to ask yourself why you're choosing the food you're about to eat or purchase. Is it just because it tastes good? Or will it really fill you up and provide you with necessary nutrients too? Sometimes, of course, there are those things you've just got to have, no matter how unhealthy they may be. Just as long as you're mindful of not doing this all the time and not doing it at every meal, you're doing great. It's all about moderation and being aware of what you're eating and why. You don't have to drive yourself crazy scrutinizing every little thing, but just pay a bit more attention. You might be surprised by some ingredients you didn't even know you were eating! But being aware and knowledgeable goes a long way to helping you easily make better choices.