Intuitive eating and exercise are ubiquitous within the healthy living circle—and for good reason.
Let me disclose that I’m not a trained fitness or nutrition professional, but even I can attest (mostly from personal experience) that a diet and exercise routine too regimented and predictable isn’t very good for you.
I think most people would agree.
Thus, “listening to your body” has become the aspirational refrain within this community.
But what does it really mean to “listen to your body?”
Over the years, I’ve fallen on both ends of the spectrum: I’ve been too sedentary and dependent on “convenience” foods and a diet with too little variation, and I’ve also teetered on the edge of obsessive exercise and a “perfect” diet that left almost no room for intuition and pleasure.
One can assume that neither of those situations = “listening to your body.”
The thing is, though, “listening to your body” is different for every. single. person.
No 2 individuals have the exact same physiology, calorie needs, activity levels, skill levels, and genetics. So why does our society seem hell-bent on selling a one-size-fits-all “solution?”
I’m not entirely sure, but I bet it has something to do with human nature. With our desire to fit in, avoid struggle, and feel as if we’ve accomplished something worthwhile.
And yet, sculpting our fitness routines into something that is neither enjoyable nor healthy will never get us there.
Adding scoopfuls of collagen peptides to our coffee (I’m sorry, but, no…) and taking up carb cycling because some body builder at the gym spoke incessantly about it will not get us there.
Busting our asses for hours at a time in a concrete box while drinking protein-infused water will not get us there.
For me, especially lately, listening to my body looks a lot like this:
Taking a week-long break from the gym to nurse a head cold and a sore back.
Continuing my monthly massages, even if they seem self-indulgent to others
Allowing myself to take it easy—and showing myself compassion—when my body and mind feel crushed from the weight of stress and anxiety
Cutting back on nightly glasses of wine because, well, alcohol is a depressant and it kind of makes me feel icky
Moving as much as I can during lunch, even if I return to my office a sweaty mess (going to invest in some of those body cleansing wipes…)
Looking forward to a workout when my body craves the endorphins and challenge…
…but knowing when to stop (like when those box jumps get the best of you and destroy your shin) and walk around the track instead
Nibbling at my breakfast and lunch when my appetite just isn’t there—while knowing that my calorie intake will balance itself in the end
An extra rep or minute of cardio—not as punishment, but as a challenge to myself and an opportunity for growth
Lying down savasana-style on the floor to breathe and focus
Scrambled eggs and buttered toast for dinner instead of forcing down what was initially included on our “meal plan”
Exercising because my body craves movement, not because of obligation
Eating a balance of foods that fill my body with nutrients and less nutritious foods that fill my soul with joy
What does it mean to “listen to your body?” #sweatpink #fitfluential Share on XSo tell me…
- What is one way you listen to your body?
- What is the most ridiculous health or nutrition trend you’ve heard lately?
I NEVER regret staying home and eating something simple like a salad or sandwich, but there have been plenty of times I’ve regretted going out to eat (eating too much, drinking too much and spending the money). I try to remember that every time I’m tempted to just go out instead of making something at home.
Yeah. More often than not my body craves simplicity and staying in, but unfortunately I don’t always listen.