A Healthier You

TTDJan20

I love talking health and fitness.  It truly is one of my passions.  I love sharing with other homeschool moms what I have learned along the way and how I fit it all in being a homeschool mom to 6 children myself.

A lot of women have the misconception that they need to starve themselves, deny themselves certain foods, exercise for hours, or follow a stringent program.  That is not true!  My heart is to bring women the freedom they need and deserve.  Media has played such a role in how we view ourselves. The so-called “No Fad Diets” plague us homeschool mamas because our jobs can be rather sedentary.  We fall prey to these programs hoping for results.  For many, results are seen, but healthier eating habits, and exercising is really the key to weight loss.  There isn’t a magic formula, just perseverance and hard work.  Making good choices at every opportunity.

Many moms feel overwhelmed by all the choices our there.  Many have jumped on a bandwagon and then later realized it was too difficult to keep and wind up feeling defeated.  Feeling like you are a “prisoner” of your food is not the goal of being healthy and fit.

As a fellow homeschool mom who has broken through, I can tell you from experience that being healthy is so much more than a number on the scale and the food that you eat.  It is a relationship with your Savior, it is a heart that is so intertwined with our Creator,  there is no room for anything else.

What we eat is important to feeling healthy, exercise is extremely important, not only for weight loss, but also for an amazing level of energy to accomplish all that God has for us as homeschool moms each day.

I am here to dispel the misconceptions.

You can’t eat that.

For so long we have been fed the lie certain foods are bad. I am old school in the thought that sometimes a piece of chocolate cake is just what you need.  I do believe that if you are eating well 80% of the time, you can enjoy all foods.  Eating well means that we are balancing our plates, careful of portions and making sure we are eating yummy fruits and vegetables with our meals. Not all sugars are created equal.

Some great white sugar alternatives:

  • Raw Unfiltered Honey
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Real Maple Syrup
  • Sucanat
  • Dates
  • Date Sugar

You can’t eat a real dessert.

A real dessert for me is made with butter and sugar.  Yes, you can eat this.  I am not saying to eat the whole thing, but one serving isn’t going to ruin your goals of weight loss.  As a matter of fact, it just might help.  My reasoning behind this thought is this, if you are trying to substitute your craving with something that is a healthier version, it sometimes lacks the flavor or texture you are seeking. You then wind up feeling bad, eating more and then eating the real thing.  So, eat the real thing, it is okay, just not everyday.  Finding a balance in the yummy sweets you desire is key.  By making a few adjustments to your recipe, you can have a delicious, healthy alternative.  Even if all you do is substitute out a couple ingredients.

Don’t eat carbs.

If we are going to lose weight and exercise you NEED carbs.  We again have been told that carbs are bad.  If you aren’t eating carbs, you do not have the energy you need to workout.  If you do workout, you will lose muscle unless  you have the carbs your body needs for fuel.  Carbs are what fuel our body with the energy we need to workout.  Protein is used after a workout fuels our muscles.  Don’t skimp on the carbs.

Some examples of good carbs:

  • Whole Wheat Pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Brown Rice
  • Barley
  • Bulgur
  • Wheat Berries
  • Popcorn
  • Whole Grain Breads

You can’t eat your carbs and protein at the same time.

Of course you can. There is no proof that eating them separate is beneficial.  Here is the key, it has to be in portion and whole grain with fruits and vegetables.  Having a chicken sandwich isn’t bad.  A grilled chicken breast with a whole grain bun loaded with yummy veggies is a great lunch or dinner.  You can eat your protein and carbs at the same time.  Your body needs it for fuel.  A balanced meal is key to staying satisfied and fueling our body with the energy we need to take care of our families.

I have to workout for hours, at a gym, with equipment.

You don’t need to workout for hours.  Unless you are running a marathon, you can get in a great workout in 30 minutes or less.  The effects of an intense 30 minute workout can have lasting metabolism burning affects up to 24 hours after the workout.  Not only that, but being  busy homeschool mom, I needed to find something that I could do at home, and fast.  By moving through a workout that focuses on many different parts of the body at the same time with little rest or breaks, allows me to get my heart rate up, keep it up and still burn fat and keep that lean muscle that I desire.

We have to remember to give ourselves grace.

Are you making changes this New Year to be healthier? 

Blog Bio PicKatheryn Foudray is a homeschooling mom of five daughters, ages 2-11. She and her husband Bret live in Sahuarita. Join Katheryn online at The Healthy and Fit Homeschool Mom for daily workouts that are under 30 minutes and will leave you feeling great.  You will also find weekly challenges that will help you adopt a healthier lifestyle.  She also shares her real life homeschool adventures that will surely leave you laughing and encouraged. www.thehealthyandfithomeschoolmom.com