Okay, all of you who mentioned mixing hot chocolate and coffee together are genius! I will have to try that soon. Sounds delicious.

And, I know you all don’t really care, but I’m too happy to not share – the car is finished and gone! Peter’s friend stopped by last night to pick it up after Peter got everything fixed for him yesterday afternoon. Oh, thank goodness. Now I can hopefully have my husband back in the afternoons and weekends.

Last night, like most Tuesday nights, I participated in the #fitblog chat on Twitter. I really enjoyed last night’s discussion as its something I feel incredibly strong about – Is Diet a 4-Letter Word?

The first prompt for discussion helped me realize something. The word “diet” finally does not bother me. Now, I simply use it as a way to describe my eating habits instead of something I need to “go on” or do to lose weight. I think the difference lies in whether or not we view diet as a noun, aka our dietary style, or as a verb, aka “I’m dieting right now”. In my opinion, the verb dieting is not healthy and implies deprivation or making changes for a set period of time instead of for life.

Something about the chat helped me reaffirm myself. After I give birth, I will work hard to take care of myself so my body can get back to a place where I feel strong and optimal in my health. A “diet” will not be part of that. I will simply return to the ways of eating I know suit me best because it truly is my personal eating style…my lifestyle…my “diet as a noun”. That means the way I currently eat, being okay with pregnancy cravings and all, is still part of that lifestyle and can fit into the big picture just fine. A few months out of my lifetime = a blip on the radar = nothing to worry about. In short, #fitblog chats will really get you thinking. 😉

All of this reminded me of an article a friend recently shared as well – “6 Food Mistakes Even Healthy Eaters Make”. Funnily enough, the list all sounds like actions that go along with being on a diet.

• Eating extra added sugars found in popular “health foods” – Things like yogurts, cereals, bars, or even breads can have way more sugar added than originally thought.
• Not getting enough fat – Our bodies need fats to function properly and they help keep us satiated.
• Eating only egg whites – To me, this ties in with eating fat, but the article also mentioned missing out on other important nutrients of which egg yolks are a quality source.
• Waiting too long to have breakfast – Important to refuel after not eating for an extended period and help keep energy levels stable.
• Missing a post-exercise snack – Helps body with recovery.
• Relying on processed/packaged “diet foods” - Not as many nutrients.

Some of the article shares old-school ways of thinking that I don’t completely agree with, but on the whole I can agree that those types of actions can hinder achieving a balanced eating style suitable for life. I agree that taking steps against each of those could improve my eating habits. Luckily, I have no problems with most of them…with the exception of the added sugars one. I know I don’t pay attention to that and likely consume quite a bit extra sugar because of my lack of awareness. Seems like it basically boils down to eating a variety and abundance of wholesome, natural, un-processed foods. Sounds like duh, but it definitely takes practice. Eventually though, those habits become our diet. And not diet in a 4-letter-word way either.

• Does the word “diet” have a negative connotation for you?
• Do you agree with that list of “healthy eating mistakes”? What would you add, subtract, or sub out on the list? Do you struggle with any of the ones mentioned?

Morning! I feel so much better this morning. Still not great, but much better. I sadly don’t think I will feel great until after this pregnancy finally brings baby B to the outside world. It’s a long time to go not feeling like yourself. That whole aspect sure has worn me down by this point.

I used to classify myself as a healthy living blog. I loved to share tidbits on healthy eating, fun workouts, and finding the balance to fit it all into a truly fulfilling life. Then, pregnancy came. Certain habits became more difficult to upkeep at the same level.

A week ago, workouts were ripped from my life until after I recover from delivery. And last night, any semblance of healthy eating vanished.

Remember how I didn’t feel like going to the grocery store yesterday? Well, I didn’t go. When dinner time rolled around we dug into the freezer and pulled out a frozen pizza.

Remember how on Sunday night all I wanted to do was kick up my feet, watch Eclipse, and have a Blizzard treat I had been craving, but couldn’t because of the danged car Peter had to work on? He made certain my evening involved those 2 things last night.

So, healthy living blog? I can’t workout and I ate my fair share of “junk food”. I guess I’m just a blog. Or maybe not. My tagline does state “…because life is more than diet and workouts”. And I believe that. Life changes. We face different circumstances at different times. All we can do is our best for our current situation. That is healthy living in my mind. Right now my “healthy living pendulum” is swinging far left – less motivation, less fitness, less energy, less desire for vegetables, less positivity, and less confidence. That sounds right for an 8.5 months pregnant gal. I know it will eventually swing far right, though. I’m ready. I just have to hang on so I can get the chance to enjoy the ride of the upswing again.

• Do you go through phases in your healthy habits?
• How do you describe healthy living? What makes you consider a blog a “healthy living blog”?

ETA: I really am doing well today and do not feel guilty or upset with my night last night in the least. I hoped to express with this post that I understand all I can do is embrace my current state...and that I still believe its a healthy thing to do. Also, you all ROCK with the quotes you've been sharing!!