Happy Mothers Day!

For all you mammies out there, have a lovely mothers day tomorrow! And if you are not a mammy, have a lovely day anyway :)

So, am I going to say have a lovely day but don't have any cake or chocolate? No, I won't say that, where is the fun in that?
However, what I will say is, have your treat tomorrow, but make sure to get some exercise in also. The weather forecast is looking good for the coming days, so make the most of it.

As long as you have balance in your life, you will be ok. When the your life goes off balance is when you have to stop, and rebalance again.
This can swing both ways actually. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Obviously this relates to junk food, processed food, alcohol etc., however, it can also relate to exercise and obsessing over healthy eating.

There is so much pressure everywhere now, every magazine has images of "perfect" bodies with toned tums, arms and legs. Social media is full of images of six packs, pert bums, defined arms etc., it is very easy to start feeling bad about yourself if you feel you do not match up to these images. This is when your quest for a fit and healthy body could end up in an obsession. Some people are addicted to exercise and healthy eating, but in a bad way. And do you know what, sometimes it can be difficult to see the difference between obsession, and just being healthy.

For me, I have to exercise every day, if I do not get my exercise in, I do not feel right. I feel something is missing from my day. However, if for some reason I do not get out for a run, get to gym etc, I don't beat myself up over it. I just look forward to getting back to it the next time I can.

Is that obsession ? Some might say it is, I would say not. Obsession for me is when you think about something nearly all the time, and it starts to control your life. You might start neglecting other parts of your life just to get your "fix" in. You might turn bad tempered if you cannot feed your obsession. etc.etc.

If you feel like this over something, including exercise, then address it today.  

Also, I do eat healthy 95% of the time. Do I have an occasional treat? Yes I sure do! Do I feel guilty afterwards? Honestly, sometimes I do. And that is just being honest. However sometimes I have a treat and enjoy it, and do not feel guilty. I guess it depends on the frame of mind on the day.


Anyway, back to the images of perfection we see in magazines and online. You know what, a lot of these images are photoshopped, the girls are full of tan, make and hair professionally done, have been styled professionally etc.

If this is not the case, if the people you see have genuine six packs etc, it takes a HUGE amount of discipline and hard graft. You have to sacrifice A LOT and prepare to be very cranky sometimes when you are craving that piece of toast that you cannot have.
Your family and friends will have to understand and support you, and be there for you when you get down over how long it is taking to achieve that physique you are striving for.

So, unless you are willing to make these sacrifices, can you please love your body the way it is. Sure, watch your diet, avoid processed foods and junk, exercise as often as you can, preferably 5 times a week, drink lots of water, and stay healthy. But, once you do your best, then that is good enough for me!

So, tomorrow, have a little treat, enjoy it, but just make sure that it is only a treat and it does not become a habit!