Health At Every Size

Since I became a personal trainer last October, I've been primarily wanting to focus on getting people healthier. Don't most trainers? That focus has led me to making some drastic changes in our own household - to include cutting out most processed foods. Even while doing this, I've gained weight. This makes me beyond frustrated. If you follow this blog, you'll know just by looking at it that I'm not working out as much as I was this time last year. That's a BIG part of my weight gain. So, I'm responsible for that one! That being said, I'm really struggling to be "ok" with my body. I say ok with it... I'm even further from being HAPPY with it.

After getting my initial certification, I decided that I wanted to get a specialty certification in Weight Management. I'd learn something for myself and I'd be able to pass along information to my clients. The first two sections of the certification were "old news" and I flew through them without giving any of it a second thought. Currently, I'm reading "Non-diet Weight Management: A Lifestyle Approach to Health & Fitness". Truth be told, this is probably the book that I've been most excited to read. Why? (news flash!) Because DIETS DON'T WORK.

In Chapter 2 of the book, they introduce a term called "Health At Every Size (HAES)". What does this mean? Well, basically it means that you should accept yourself for who you are, where you are. It means taking strides to be HEALTHIER, not necessarily THINNER. It's trying to get rid of the notion that healthy = thin. Changing societal views. 

It got me thinking. I'm not happy with myself at my current weight. But why is that? 

1. I'm slower than I was in all 3 of my sports. Is that because of my weight or my lack of training? I know the answer is "lack of training". 
2. The clothes in my closet reflect me 20 lbs ago. Easily changeable - change the clothes!
3. I don't like the way I look in pictures. This is the one I REALLY need to work on. Accepting me for me. Knowing that my body isn't a full reflection of who I am. 

If I can't move past these things and apply HAES to myself, how am I going to be able to do so with my clients? In a way, I'm glad I struggle with this. It'll make me a stronger trainer/mentor for my clients and I'll be able to identify with them a little more. 

The book also talks about a "non-diet" approach. Basically, making lifestyle changes instead of diets. Really embracing every change that makes you a little healthier - one change at a time. I really try to focus on this with my clients, but I know I'm not perfect. This reminds me to be more focused on it. Celebrate the changes that promote health and not to dwell on the ones that don't (or to try to redirect the ones that don't to things that will be more healthy overall).

What are your thoughts on "Healthy At Every Size"? Do you struggle with loving yourself for who you are - no matter the size? What steps could you take to start loving yourself today?

Luray Sprint & International Triathlons... better known as a 4 mile run

So, this past weekend, I was supposed to do the Luray Double. International tri on Saturday and Sprint tri on Sunday. Except, I didn't. We've had a pretty busy couple of weeks and I decided that I just wanted some down time.

So, we went to Luray, I picked up my race packets (cause well, I did pay for them) and I skipped the races. I didn't even bring my bike to maybe do the races.

We camped at the Luray KOA - which was AWESOME. We'll be back there for sure. Surrounding the KOA are fields... lots of cow fields... and rolling hills. Perfect for our 4 mile training run. So, Jon & I did our run on Saturday morning in the rolling farmland of the Shenandoah. It was beautiful. I loved every second. Took an Island Boost just before the run and it was perfect. Too bad the next run won't be as pretty!

Pretty!

Island Boost Awesomeness!

Have you tried Island Boost yet? If not, why?! Contact me for a sample. If you have tried it and need more, use code: TRIFROG when you buy 10 packets and get 1 packet free from www.islandboost.com. (Has to be the Island Boost site, not REI.) What are you waiting for?! Go get your Boost!