It's been a while...

The past few months have had so many changes. Usually, I loathe change. But I've learned to suck it up, swallow my pride, and deal. And now, I kinda enjoy change.


The past few months I've tried some different changes to my diet. I've tried a little hormone free/cage-free turkey here and there, but it didn't work out. I'm a vegetarian. I just can't do it. [I don't like eating a lot of dairy either. Bleck.] I didn't feel well, and it just didn't feel right. I don't care what health "experts" on Google say, I CAN get protein without getting meat. If my body doesn't like meat, I'm not going to eat it.


I'll be honest, my diet hasn't been so great. I have a confession to make. I love eating when I'm stressed. No no, I haven't binged and gained 30 pounds, but I have definitely eaten some Cheeze-its. (Cheeze-Its are my COMFORT.) **Warning** if you see Cheeze-its in my midst, get them away from me. ;)


Stress + No feel good = Not gonna exercise if my life depended on it. 


That simple equation has been the past two months for me. Which I hate, and am changing NOW.
I've been thinking of ways how my thinking affects my eating habits, as well as how my choices affect my eating and exercising habits. Putting yourself under tons and tons of stress isn't doing our bodies any good. We won't sleep, we crave sweets, and we aren't inspired to move around. 
I've worked at least 20 hours a week since I was 14. The past four years, I've gone to college and held down one full time job, and sometimes had a part time job along with that.  I've worked and worked and worked up until the minute I need to go home, cram in some homework, and not sleep.  The stress ate away my body so badly a few months ago I was seeing how it was affecting my work and my school. I had to make a choice and sacrifice a few things for my health. My health and my happiness is too important to kill myself.


I have a problem: I don't live. I work and go to school. 
I was discussing this with my boyfriend yesterday about how everyone works all the time just to make a living. Yeah, that is great, don't get me wrong, I hate slothfulness.  But where is the family time incorporated in our lives? Where is the time for ourselves? All we do is work work work, with no living. I am determined to work AND live. Life is too short, it really is. I mean, it's already April for crying out loud. I'm almost 24, and I feel like I'm 45. That is unacceptable. I'm a big kid, and I haven't allowed myself to be. 


I don't know how stress affects you, but sure know how it affects me. If you have symptoms that don't feel right, if you're not sleeping well, if you're muscles in your neck are tense, if you catch yourself sighing A LOT, guess what? You're stressed! Slow down! Live a little. Have some healthy fun! If you're not feeling inspired, check yourself. 


My dear friend, Erica, gave me a fantastic idea this morning...which is mainly the reason why i'm blogging (Thanks Erica :D ). The photo attached to this blog is a list of reasons why I want to run. These reasons are important and life changing to me. If you need a little inspiration, take up Erica's idea! make it creative and cute. (The brighter the colors, the more it will catch your eye!)  Hang it up on your mirror, in your room, or make a mini list and put it on your dash in your car. 

Here is mine!


Anyway folks, don't let stress slow you down. Stress is one of the highest causes of diseases today. Life is meant to be enjoyable, not worrisome. 
Like i always tell my friends and loved ones, "If you're not happy, change it until you are." Well, I need to continue to take my own advice. 
Don't settle for fat and stress, my friends. You deserve to feel good! If i can stop myself, I know you can. 


-Peace