I’ve been traveling for work this past week (hence why this post is so late) and that trip threw into relief everything I’ve been doing over the past 8 weeks.  Traveling is the least optimal time to try to maintain healthy patterns: your environment is unstable, you’re eating out a lot, your schedule is bizarre, and you may or may not have access to exercise equipment, so this was a real test.  How’d I do?  Not amazing, but not bad either.  Somewhere in-between, which seems to be a theme for me.

There was a lot of eating out and a lot of stress.  The hours were very tough: 10-12 hour days, on your feet nearly the whole time.  This makes you tired, sore, hungry, and stressed.  And there’s a lot of socializing too, so every night ended with a big dinner and wine.  Within that, however, I tried to make healthy choices.  I had Clif Bars and raw cut veggies for snacks, and cheese and crackers.  For dinners, I tried to have veggies as much as I could.  But let’s be honest: there were some unfortunate instances with cheez-its (I love a good cheez-it) and too much wine to decompress, and some bacon.  As a consequence, I’ve gained 2 lbs, according to the scale this morning.

How do I feel about that?  Not great, but I’m not beating myself up over it, and that, right there, is the true victory.

I got into this challenge to find balance and beat my perfectionism; to make food a neutral entity, not an enemy.  And I won. I know that this is a temporary setback.  I’m already back on target today with a Clif Bar and yogurt in the morning and a salad for lunch.   I’m going rock climbing tonight and swing dancing tomorrow.  I have big plans to start a wellness program that will incorporate yoga and meditation into my schedule on a regular basis, plus plans for cooking and dancing classes.

Just because I couldn’t be perfect in the most challenging, imperfect of situations doesn’t make me a failure.  I did the best I could, and that was good enough.

Things I’ve learned/helpful tips from the underground:
- Planning is everything. You are far more likely to be successful at maintaining healthy patterns if you plan out a general idea of what you’re going to eat, go to the grocery store, buy what you need, and prepare it. We are all bad at choosing healthy food when we are stressed, busy, or maxed out. Also, always have a gym bag ready to go. A little planning goes a long way.
- It’s a project. Make time for it. This is very hard, if not impossible, to do on the fly.
- Seek out variety. You are far more likely to stay engaged when you have options. I hate being bored, and I’ve noticed that it’s sometimes worth it to shell out an extra buck or two to get salad and soup from the fancy deli. They have more options than I can reasonably make, and I look forward to eating healthy, more than I would if I ate the same thing repetitively.
- Try something new. You’ll engage your brain as well as your body if you try a new exercise class or activity. Like I said, I’m trying out rock climbing tonight and swing dancing tomorrow. I’m excited about both and ready to go.
- Be flexible. If Plan A doesn’t work, try plans B, C, D, etc. until you find one that does. Going to the gym not happening? Do a workout DVD, go for a walk with your partner or friend, or crank up the music and dance around. Forgot to pack your lunch? Opt for a light option at a local restaurant. Find ways to make it work for you.

I’ve gotten so much out of this challenge.  I was saying to a friend the other day that food holds so little power over me now because I’ve learned to work with it.  I eat mostly healthy, and still have some room for indulgence.

I’ve also stopped freaking out when I don’t exercise or eat perfectly.  If I had known at the beginning of this challenge that I was going to end up at the end of it the exact same weight I started, I’d have gone postal, wringing my hands at how much of a failure I am.  But that is, in a word, bullshit.

I feel better.  I am better. I’m less anxious, I’m more fit.  I’m starting to get some shapely muscle because I’m actually challenging myself to lift heavier weights.  I’m creating a full-body exercise program that will make me fit all over and won’t injure me.  I’m incorporating balance into my diet, so that it’s mostly healthy and nutritious, with room for decadence.  I’m looking into taking an anxiety management class and more meditation so that I can find inner peace, a sustainable unshakable calm.

I am changed because of this challenge.  And I am grateful.