First, have you read my July “Move it in the Morning Challenge”. My goal for July will be to get in the habit of exercising in the morning 4 out of 5 days during this week! Can’t wait for the challenge.
So, lately, I’ve been questioning everything I used to believe in terms of fitness, health, and food.
I used to be very regimented in terms of workouts. I lifted weights anywhere from 3-5 days a week depending on what specific plan I was on. I did anywhere from 4-6 days of cardio (most around 30-40 minutes) with varying intensities. Some days I would call a 7 (easy), other days were 8 (moderate) and 1-2 of those days were a 9 (intense). If I missed a day on my “plan”, I felt guilty. I was scared my body would all of a sudden lose all the muscle I gained and I would soft and pudgy automatically. I enjoyed this regimen for about a year b/c it was so new to me, but it quickly got old.
Let’s go to food. I ate 6 small meals a day. But never felt satisfied, always felt hungry bc these meals were so small. Even if I WASN’T hungry for a meal, I ate anyways b/c it was part of the plan. I ate tons of whey protein shakes and not many healthy carbs or veggies. I wrote in a journal and would label each day as “Good” or “bad” according to how I ate.
This was how I used to eat: (taken from an old journal)
Meal 1:
4 egg whites with salsa and green peppers
1 apple
1 tbsp pb
slice of ezekial with sugar free jelly
Meal 2:
Whey with flax oil
Meal 3:
Ground turkey burger with a veggie medley
Meal 4:
Whey with flax oil
Meal 5:
Protein crepes plus slice of ezekial (protein crepes are egg whites mixed with protein powder)
This way of eating wasn’t at all healthy or balanced. And If I didn’t eat like this, the day was labeled as “bad.” Sure, I looked phenomenal, but I didn’t feel phenomenal. I felt like a prisoner to these rules and fitness plans and regimens. But, I had no idea how to live any other way.
I thought that being healthy WAS working out like that and eating like that.
Now, everything is changing. I’m more of an intuitive eater now. I eat things that are “unclean” sometimes. I eat a piece of chocolate after lunch. I will never touch Flax Oil again. I will never drink whey mixed with water again. I won’t eat a snack b/c it’s time and I think balanced eating is the best.
I’m finally starting to rethink how I feel about exercise. I’m still holding onto old regimented plans that I used to do. There is nothing wrong with these, but I am just TIRED of them. I’m tired of having a plan. I’m tired of feeling like if I don’t lift 3-4 days a week that something in my body will turn to shit.
Then, I came across these wise words from a very sexy man who made me rethink how I view exercise…
From all the photographs of a buff Mc- Conaughey running on the beach, you would think he has quite a grueling fitness regimen. But McConaughey doesn’t do anything as a regimen. Everything is organic, a path with diversions welcome.
“I’m not a fitness nut, actually,” he says. “It just shows up in the magazines all the time because I’m outside. Growing up, we had a rule in the family: If it was daylight, you had to be outside. You weren’t allowed much television, you weren’t allowed to stay inside in the daylight, so you had to get outside and go play or build something or go swim in the lake. I was pretty athletic in everything I played. Active, active was the thing. Then, you know, going on the job that I have, I have the ability to take care of myself.
“I’m always doing something different,” he continues. “Sort of the creed I go by is: Just break a sweat, somehow, every day. I don’t have to go to the gym an hour a day. Maybe, I’ll say, ‘Hey, for this two weeks I’m going to crank out 200 push-ups a day.’ I don’t care if I do 200 before 10 a.m., I don’t care if I do 200 after 6 p.m. I don’t care if I do 20 an hour, just through the day. I’m not going to go to the gym if I’m going out with my girl dancing, because I’m going to go dance and break a sweat. I don’t remember the last time I’ve been to a gym. I’d just rather pick a point and say, ‘Instead of driving over five minutes before, let’s leave forty-five minutes early and jog over. What’s important in his workout, as well as in his life, is variety.
“But that’s another thing about my fitness regime. A purist I’m not. I believe that things like Sonic and sweets or whatever, the pleasure is good for you. So whatever you dig. I mean, I can’t eat a burger every day, but if I’m wanting to pull into an In-N-Out [the famed California burger franchise] out here off the I-10 on the way to Palm Springs, I’m going to do it, I’m not a purist. I love food too much. I love the taste of good food. I love good red wines too much to say, ‘Hey, I’m cutting that out.’ I would be bored. I love to eat, I love good smells, I love to cook. If I’m going to eat a big pizza tonight, I may chunk on an extra mile on the jog tomorrow.”
What a healthy and FUN attitude! THIS is the attitude towards fitness and health that I want. I want to be able to wake up one morning and say “Hey, swimming sounds nice.” or a kickboxing class, or a bodyweight circuit, or weights, or running, yoga, workout DVD, WHATEVER. If I’m becoming more intuitive with my eating, why shouldn’t I be doing the same with exercise?
One thing I love about the blog world and me being in that world is that it’s opened me up to new ways of living..better ways of living and it’s forced me to question how I live my life.
So, my new motto is…
Do something active that makes you sweat everyday.
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This is quite possibly one of my favourite posts EVER!! And what makes it even better is if I read the Mr McConaughey quotes with his lovely voice in my head LOL!
I definitely know what you mean about the regimen thing, and it’s a weakness for me too. In terms of food, I’m so glad I was able to break it and get out of eating the same thing over and over again. I think it’s great that you’ve changed your motto – you’ve inspired me to make sure I keep things interesting too!
Yes, his voice makes everything a little better doesn’t it?
. I’m glad I can inspire you–I know you do me 
What a wise man and YOU are wise for listening to your body. It seems like you and I are in the same place mentally with being done with the rules and schedules. Good riddance!
You’re such a great person and I wish ya much health, happiness & success!
Yes! Considering we have been on VERY similiar plans and programs for the past two years, I KNOW you understand and I am glad we are finally changing our attitude and outlook on what is healthy for us.
That is a great way to look at fitness and exercise. I think half the problem in America today isn’t that we don’t go to a gym it is that we sit in front of a computer all day and then come home and sit in front of a TV. I love his attitude to get out and MOVE!
Yes–for some reason I never considered it “exercise” unless I was at the gym. That is NOT true. Being active is exercise. Moving is exercise.
Yes, exercise intuitively…it’s the only way to keep it a lifestyle.
Great post.
Love, Love, Love his post. Maybe one of the best ones I have read. I really like it. You hear alot about food and diet but nobody really talks about excersize.
Sweat every day!!!
Just what I needed to hear! I just got out of the gym and I only ran 2 miles because my knee (old softball injury) was bothering me. I was pissed that I cut my workout short thinking, like you, that my body was going to automatically turn to shit.
So glad I read this! I’m going to turn it around and instead of saying “I cut my run in half and ONLY got 2 miles in” into “Hell yeah! I just ran 2 miles!”
I love the idea of exercising intuitively. Sometimes when I’m at the gym I daydream about how people stayed fit before there were ellipticals and treadmills or how kids stay so fit just going outside and playing. Thanks for inspiring me to quit daydreaming about it and just do it!
I was thinking these EXACT thoughts this weekend! Love this post!
Now I don’t need to put it in words
I too thought of Matthew’s accent while I was reading
I’ve actually read that quote before from good old Matty (about sweating every day) and remember thinking how simple yet kind of profound it was! Love his philosophy! And I also love how you pointed out that we should exercise intuitively as well. So important to remember!!
I’m so happy that you have been making so much progress towards living a healthy and HAPPY life!!
You said it all perfectly! Isn’t the positive effect the blog world has on us amazing? It is the reason I am doing so well today. Keep on blogging!! 
P.S. Just read your comment on my blog and for Luna flavors try the White Choc Macadamia! It’s veryy sweet. Also if you liked Berry Almond you might like one called Toasted Nuts n Cranberry too!
Great post!!! I love the idea of scrapping all of the traditional rules about exercise and instead just focusing on MOVING in ways that feel good and refreshing!
Oh my goodness- everything you pretty much said is SO me. & I don’t mean the good things. I’m all about eating @ a certain time (8:45/ 9am= breakfast, 10:30am (if I’m hungry)= morning snack, 12:30pm= lunch, 3pm= afternoon snack time, & dinner is usually 7:30pm) so regimented. I’m trying to let go of all of that..it’s hard..but I feel as though it is step by step. I loved this post..and I agree- I love the idea of breaking a sweat everyday- right now I’m a bit OVERLY into the MUST break a sweat…a good, hard sweat…everyday- I’m trying to be a bit less ‘by the book’ if ya know what I mean.
(& you!!)
Thanks for this post Lisa- love it
I think that Matthew is brillant…I’ve actually read this article before and I thought that everything he said really hit home.
I used to be SO regimented as well with exercise and eating. And since I’ve lightened up on both (it took me a really long time to get to this place) I feel better than ever and haven’t gained an ounce. If anything I am way more toned by doing yoga and walking than I was by hitting the gym 7 days a week for 1 hour minimum. I am 1 pound more than I was before I had my daughter 5 years ago…not bad at all!
Great post!
Great philosophy. I used that idea last week when I was home with Snuffy. My usual workouts were out of the question. So, I took her on 25-35 min jogs with me. I did HIIT with the jogging stroller lol.
Yes I love this post and his quote! I have been thinking along these lines as well. The other day someone asked me, why do you run so much? My immediate answer was, because it’s fun. It made me proud of myself to answer it like that rather than months ago feeling embarrassed for having to say because it helps me maintain my weight. In the past months I have really tried to make the decision to go out and do exercise because I truly enjoy it and I just love to be active.
I love this post – I definitely used to go through the same thing, and now listening to my body usually just comes naturally, and I’m more thank thankful for that. Energy is through the roof as well, as you mentioned – it’s so good to feel this way, and looks are NOT everything, nor do they define my happiness.
i have to agree, this is probably my favorite post youve done!! and hats off for you for being so honest and incredibly talented/amazing <3
i love how u kept ur food lists from back then, its such a good reminder of where uve been and what u thought was right for you at the time.
im going to take ur advice and start rebelling more, my meals NEED to be switched up and i need to get out of my current food rut.
ur simply fabulous love <3
xoxo
WOW I LOVE THIS!! def my favorite post- isnt it sad how we treated our bodies like that? and our MIND. goodness.. you are so rigth.. we gota LIVE and if we dont work out, so what? tommo is a new day!
Hey LISA!!! We love the motto girly. And we can relate to the whole cold turkey diet you used to have. We were crazy “health freaks,” and would feel would have small unbalanced meals that would not make up for all the calories we would be burning in the day. But hey any excercise is better than none. It looks like you have a postive outlook now.
Mr. McConaughey put it perfectly. I wish I could just be active all the time but work gets in the way of that
So exercise it is for me. Its good though that you aren’t adhering to a strict whey protein shake drink plan anymore. I was never a big fan of taking whey. I’d so much rather eat real foods.
And holler to you girl for eating intuitively!! That’s too awesome for words. Seriously. I hope to be more that way someday too. I think I’m getting there. I’m no longer eating on a “said” schedule and I do feel HUNGER now! Woo hoo.
LOVE that motto!! I used to be very strict with my running every day. And then I had a knee injury and I’m lucky if I can run two miles a month. Ugh! But it has taught me to be flexible with my workouts and to appreciate hiking, biking, and swimming more. So now, as I slowly add the jogging back in, I am more willing to be flexible and try new things. And it is SO much fun to have that variety!
I like this view and on exercise and I like the view of Matthew in the picture. Thanks
This is an AWESOME view! I’ve always had the thought with food that I can eat what I want, but it all needs to be in moderation and taken in with thought, not just mindlessly. I don’t mean that I just shove myself ful with junk food, but if I am in the mood for icecream, I’ll take a spoonful from the freezer.
The exercise thought of just being outside when it is daylight, wow that would be hard. I wonder what the heck I would do for that time. I’m not a kid who can just go play kickball. This definitely is something to think about and I wish you the best of luck!
hey lisa!
i know i haven’t commented in awhile but i’ve been following and had to comment on this because this post was awesome! i love your new outlook and if matthew mcconaughey follows that and looks like that – it must work! lol..
this past year i’ve really been trying to listen to myself and not give myself a guilt trip every time i don’t exercise like i was “supposed” to. it’s hard but such a better way to live.
funny to know how so many of us relate even though at times it seems like no one will understand!
Suddenly I have a whole new level of respect for Mr. M.
That is a great way to view eating and exercise – talk about balance and a positive outlook!! Like you I was very rigid about eating 5-6 meals a day (usually the same things everyday) and if I strayed from my plan at all I’d say “screw it” and blow the entire rest of the day by eating whatever I could get my hands on until I’d “start over” tomorrow.
I’m doing my best to become more of an intuitive eater and now I really need to work on that with exercise. I do a lot of different things already (weights, cardio intervals, Jazzercise, etc) but I still feel like I HAVE to work out everyday – break a sweat, do something physical, burn calories, etc. Even on vacation I’m looking for places to jog or finding hotels with fitness centers. I’d like to be able to relax and ENJOY life without feeling like I’m going to blow up if I miss a day. It’s a work in progress!
I love your outlook…
I remember hearing that quote from him a long time ago and thinking it was so smart. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous, haha. I’ll do whatever he tells me to!
Aww I love him! I try and ignore the fact that people say he smells bad. I’m so happy for you, realizing that you didn’t like how you felt when you were eating and exercising like that. Your new attitude is awesome!
Love this post! Sweat once a day, that’s the best advice anyone can take!
I like your new motto and I think I will use that as a goal in July.
I read this article awhile back and LOVED that quote. I try to keep it in mind, since I’m trying to break those years and years of thinking that only workouts at the gym (and hard ones) are “worth it.” SO not true! I love that he doesn’t even go to the gym and, um, he looks amazing. Amazing isn’t even enough for him….god-like? LOL whatever he’s doing, it’s working!
Thanks for this reminder…it’s SO easy to get caught up in “am I doing enough in terms of workouts?” I think especially in the blog world – but we really should just be focusing on moving!
Great post! my sentiments exactly! thanks you for echoing my thoughts. i’m in the same situation as you but not as successful in breaking out of my regimented life, this serves as a reminder and a wake up call.! such inspiration! thank you!
I don’t think it’s any surprise that I absolutely LOVE this! And I had to laugh reading that old food journal. I think you needed to call for an “SOS” during that time.
Bahaha! Anyways, I think its great you want to just go with the flow with workouts. I think that is an area I am still more regimented, BUT I won’t make myself do a planned workout if I don’t feel up to it or would prefer to do something else.
SUCH a great attitude to have too! I go back and forth on having a fitness plan or not. I’m not trying to lose weight but I am aiming for some more muscle strength. I normally just wing it from day to day but I still have some guilt if I watch tv instead of lift weights. It’s a slippery slope.
I never would have expected that from him! But I won’t lie to myself, he is fine looking, so maybe I should try out his philosophy! – Vicky @ vdubb.wordpress.com
What a great philosophy! I think a lot of people (myself included somthings) view exercise and activity as a “have to do”. But really our bodies are designed to be in regular motion, not sitting on a couch or if an office all day. My fiance’s philosophy is the same as well–as long as the sun is out, he’s not inside and he moves constantly-that’s how he grew up. Mowing lawns, trimming trees, swimming, planting gardens,building fence are all huge calorie burners too =)
If that attitude can make him look that good, it must be a good route to take
Great post!
1. I must wash clothes on his abs.
2. Love your outlook. It’s so hard to fight the guilt when you stray off of an eating or workout “plan.” But in the end, it’s all about how you FEEL.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. I am glad I got a chance to read this post!
I have heard MM quoted many times saying to just break a sweat every day. I have always thought that was so healthy. I think another part of his message is that he lives in the moment, he knows that he can break a sweat in the next moment if he doesn’t feel like doing it in this one or vice versa.
Intuitive exercise!
wow what a great outlook that matthew has and he is easy on the eyes. I do love food too much to not enjoy my lfie…If I had such a regimented diet, I would be MISERABLE. I am all about eating intuatively and living a little! life is no fun if you are constantly turning down food and getting upset about it!
This is awesome! So proud of you!
I finally feel like I’m getting there too. My food has been much more intuitive (and delicious) and running outside has totally changed my views on regimented working out. I just go with the flow and my body and I seem to be working together so much better.
I recognize the SOS patterns in that diet plan you shared. Seriously I’ll never eat a lot of the things I clung to for simplicity on that diet. Whey and water? Blechhhhh
I love this, lady. I love this idea and I plan on adopting it myself. And you DO look amazing!!
i love love love this!
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