Ummm….oops! My post I had scheduled for earlier today accidentally published late last night instead. Looks like you got a three-fer here on FFF yesterday! I have lots to talk about anyways so it works. Did you miss those posts because they published so fast? I started something I’m excited about and need some suggestions for workout music!

Moving on. So, last night I was yet again unable to participate in the Fit Blog Chat of the week. The topic (courtesy of Monica) really intrigued me, however. It’s interesting to see what has changed over time in this topic, as I have let my food rules go.

Q1) Does when or how much you exercise impact what you eat? How?
When I exercise doesn’t really impact what I eat, but how much I exercise certainly does. I have to fuel properly for my activity. When I follow a regular exercise program, I make certain that I eat enough quality foods. I tend to crave healthier things when working out consistently as well.

Q2) What do you eat before you work out?
Right now, its usually my Chobani + apple snack like I mentioned yesterday. I typically like to have something lighter about an hour or so before I begin my workout. That equates to a snack with faster acting carbohydrates (like fruit) and protein (the yogurt).

Q3) What do you eat after a work out?
Right now, I work out after Peter gets home from work. That means I go workout, then come home and immediately prepare dinner. So whatever we have planned for dinner is my post-workout meal. Before I would have never let this happen. Post workout needed to be a protein shake with BCAAs (proteins for muscle recovery added in) and it would be the only time I “was allowed” to eat anything with sugar. Check out this flashback photo!!!

Q4) Do you eat more indulgently if you have exercised or plan to? What's your treat meal?
Nope. Like I mentioned above, I tend to eat better when working out regularly. I have more energy and want to keep that feeling. I enjoy the whole package of caring for my body – moving and eating nutritious foods. I used to equate eating treats with the calories I could burn in a workout. Now, I fit in treats when I want them…not because of the workout I did (or didn’t do) that day.

Looking at these questions I realize how far I have come. In my past, I planned workout nutrition to the tee. My food and workouts were so closely intertwined that I easily was sucked into the all or nothing mentality. Workout and eat good. Don’t workout and go hog wild with food. Or the opposite – don’t workout and don’t allow food….until I still end up going hog wild with it. I had to do things perfectly and follow all of the recommended guidelines.

 source

Now I want to focus on fueling myself throughout the day and believe that will sufficiently work for my exercise. When I train for a more serious event, like my possible goal for a half much later this year, I will then of course make sure to find fuel that works best for me pre and post workout. But for general fitness? It’s no sweat anymore. Pun totally intended. 😉

Question of the Day – What about you? Do you have specific things you do for pre/post workout nutrition? How does your eating relate to your exercise?

Before I begin, please note that no guilt went into the making of this post.

Yesterday morning I posted about getting back into a normal routine and wanting to focus on keeping up healthy habits. I also hoped to start gaining momentum in reaching personal post-partum fitness goals. Last night, I told you all how great the day went and the exciting news of getting back in the gym. Undoubtedly those all were great things. Then, after dinner I succumbed to an old, not so great habit.

A friend from the mom’s group brought us another meal last night. The meal included some dessert – a container of homemade mini chocolate chip cookies. Aka a total weakness. Peter & I brought the container to the couch to chill with us after the kiddos were in bed. Then we proceeded to snack snack snack.

source because i forgot to take any pics

I want to be clear. I’m not upset about eating some cookies. Without a doubt I knew I would have some when she dropped them off. The “confession” I refer to is a bit of frustration over the mindless state of the eating. I didn’t overeat. I didn’t eat my emotions. But if I have dessert, I want to savor it. I would have much rather taken out an appropriate portion and taken the time to truly enjoy each bite versus eating a larger amount without really considering the taste.

I don’t feel guilty about any extra calories or think I ate “bad” yesterday. On the whole, I ate extremely well for my body’s health yesterday. The mindless munching was only a slight hiccup and does not negate the good decisions I made for myself yesterday. Could I have made a more satisfying decision in how I consumed the sweet little chocolate chip morsels? Sure. I didn’t because I’m only human. I can’t (and DON’T) expect myself to be perfect. I can only do my best.

Sometimes my best includes reacquainting myself yet again with practices I strongly believe, like eating with intention. I hope to share all those experiences because they are real. So, my point in this little “confession” is not really a confession at all. I don’t write with the hopes of justifying or castigating myself. I put my fingers to the keys to reflect that struggles, no matter how minor, do exist for everyone. But at the same time, they aren’t everything. Look at them; learn from them; move on.It’s the only way progress can happen.

Question of the Day – After receiving a few general requests, I would like to do a Q+A post on breastfeeding. What questions do you want answered?