I can't play volleyball like I used to. I can't run without my knees hurting. I can't take long strenuous bike rides because I don't have the energy. When I get in a new season of setting goals and committing to being healthier, I sometimes find myself falling into the "I can't" trap: focusing on all the things "I can't do." However, when I reflect on the seasons of my life when I’ve made positive progress, I'm usually focusing on all the things I CAN do, even if they're SMALL things.
A month ago, I shared with you that am jumping into a new season: postpartum weightloss in this new chapter of my life with a baby, two older children, and a business. I'm taking you all along on the journey so that we might journey our seasons of change together, as a community. As promised, here's my two week update and action plan.
This week I'm committed (with the help of my accountability partners) to get rid of the I can't's and I'm going to focus on one thing I can control-- what I put into my mouth. With a lifetime of experience to look back on, I admit that I'm always healthiest when I focus on eating plenty of vegetables.
So, this next two weeks, here's my plan:
- Shop and chop—I think in the thick of having a brand new baby, I’ve forgotten about this one. Shop and chop means I give myself an extra 30 minutes to wash (and dry) and divide the fruits and veggies after I go grocery shopping. For example:
- I slice up the oranges
- Tear romaine lettuce leaves (tearing instead of cutting prevents the leaves from browning early)
- Cut up celery
- Divide cherry tomatoes into smaller portions
- Scrub and divide carrots
- Clean up baby red potatoes
- Peel the over-ripe bananas and put them in freezer-safe bags in the fridge for smoothies and banana bread, etc.
- Also, I'm committing again to getting into the routine of my weekly prep list below (found on p. 58 in Living Wellness for Growth Groups, purchase it on sale here!)
2. Start with veggies and fruits FIRST- before I reach for the crackers, I'm going to slice carrots and red peppers, to use with the guacamole. Before I reach for the dark chocolate chips, I’m going to reach for the medjool dates.
3. Leftovers- I'm going to make one meal that can turn into several—for example, crockpot shredded chicken can be made and used in multiple ways such as stir-fry, tacos, or chicken pizza! If you’re going to take the time to cook, make it count.
Honestly, these last two weeks were a little discouraging with (lack of) progress and "I can't's," but I have hope that these next two weeks will be better! I'm looking forward to hearing your plans and goals as we move into October!
Blessings friends!
Ashley Darkenwald
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses or disease. Please always check with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional or fitness program or before making any nutritional/fitness changes.