For years, I was always on a plan. I knew exactly what I would be eating for the day. It was a rotating calorie plan that would include anywhere from 123 grams protein, 136 grams carbs (60 grams of starches, 70 grams of veggies and others), 29 grams of fat (good fat per day was 14 grams, residual fat was 15 grams) on low days to 142 gram protein, 157 gram carbs, and 33 grams fat on high days. I would always divide this numbers to make it 5 meals. A starch serving for me was 20 grams and I could have 3 a day. A fat serving for me was 14-16 grams and I could have on serving per day.
Yes, I counted that down to the tee every evening and would pack my food for the next day.
I did 40 minutes of cardio 4 times a week. No two cardio workout could be the same. I had to do them based off a cardio parameter. I would have a “9-10″ day which was super intense, complete lack of breath, etc. Running did not count. I would have two “8-9″ days that was more interval in nature. Then, I’d get one “7″ day. Ya know, easy walking on a treadmill at 15% incline (not that easy).
I’d have specific plans for weight lifting. I’d typically lift 4 days a week depending on the plan. I had the exercise, rest time, sets and reps down. The reps/sets would switch up each week and my lifting plan would change every week.
I did this for about two years. It was hell. I began to hate plans with every inch of my body. I binged towards the end. A LOT.
This would have been fine for a shorter period of time had I was competing in a bikini or figure competitions. That’s what my plan was…it was geared towards competitors. But, was I competing? NO. I became obsessed with looking perfect and looking like I was competing.
I took progress pictures every month. Ya know, the typical front/side/back. I’d take them and judge myself. I’d pick apart my body and what was wrong with it. I’d analyze them.
I took a lot of impromptu pictures in the mirror of my back or my abs. I was always paranoid that they would be gone, so I checked them every.time.I.looked.in.the.mirror. Those pictures gave me proof that my abs were indeed there. I could breathe easier. Life revolved around those abs.
Sadly, I took a ton of these. I needed that reassurance they were still there. I have some of biceps, back, triceps, shoulders. You name it.
I was obsessed. It led me into some depression, gave me anxiety and I became a hermit of myself.
I quit seeing friends. I didn’t want to put myself in situations where I would be tempted to eat bad. Heaven forbid I miss a workout. I can’t tell you how many times I turned down a dinner out because of the food and the fact that I’d have to miss a workout.
But, now, it’s different.
I’m on a “No Plan” Plan.
My plan now includes breakfast like this…
Peanut butter. Bacon. Honey. Bananas. Two slices of bread.
Trust me, that would have never been on the plan before.
It includes meals like this…
I see no protein “source” in this…all I see is peaches, bread, and peanut butter. Aka: a nutritious breakfast. Not having protein wont’ kill you. That’s my plan now.
It includes things like this…
There’s also lots of healthy stuff..
My workouts are no longer dictated for me. I do what I want and when I feel like it.
I’m not afraid to take a workout outside now and do some trail running and stop for a break 
I’m not afraid to do a less intense workout like Core Fusion if I feel like it…
Fun classes like Zumba are great cardio. I don’t have to run sprints for it be a “workout.” Although, I still LOVE sprints and do them often. I just don’t have to.
This was my Zumba class on Halloween. Some people dressed up Why hadn’t I thought of that?
I considered wakeboarding to be my workout for the day…that would have never happened on my plan.
Hell, sometimes, I just dance for a workout…
And now…I take pictures to celebrate parts of me that I love instead of taking pictures of myself to tear me down and nit-pick at parts I didn’t love.
Like my booty…:)
Or, I simply take pictures when I feel pretty.
Personally, it feels better to celebrate myself than to break myself down.
My “no plan” plan also has lots of time with friends and loved ones…
I’m now no longer afraid to have a beer or two. Sean actually said to me on Sunday after our Halloween weekend how much more fun I am. He said…
I always used to worry when we went out that you wouldn’t have any fun and then I’d feel bad. Before, it never seemed like you wanted to be out. You always seemed stressed or something. I could tell you had a lot of fun this weekend.
Those comments remind me that I’m moving in the right direction with my life.
My “no plan” plan allows me to live my life on my terms. No longer will I allow workouts and food to take over my life. Now, I eat when/what I feel like. I can now eat treats with a lot of healthy stuff in between. Now, I don’t have to do 4 days of cardio with varying intensity levels. I don’t have to do sprints. I don’t have to lift if I don’t want to. Now, lifting is more enjoyable when I do it because I want to be there moving heavy things.
I don’t care about reaching a certain body fat or having a certain amount of lean muscle mass. I don’t care about being as lean as I can be anymore. I care about happiness and health.
Someday I might want to get back on some sort of workout plan if I have some goals I wish to achieve. But, now,my plan is to be happy and healthy. To eat well and nourish my body. To have fun. To move and be active.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a training plan or nutrition plan. Sometimes it’s good and needed. Training plans are essential for races and for competitions. Nutrition plans can be good to help you lose weight or make sure you are getting in your necessary intake.
At this point in my life, I don’t need plans. I need freedom.
I want to be me. I want to feel like me. And this “no plan” plan allows me to be myself. I can finally live the life I want to live without feeling guilty.
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Lisa I love this post — I am more and more turning towards a “no plan” plan myself — life is too short to miss out on stuff because I want to avoid food situations or because I can’t miss a workout. Now I can go a few days without a workout and not stress about it — but I still get back into it because exercising helps me feel good.
I think you look healthy and beautiful and your attitude is awesome!
And you look fantastic doing it!! I really want to work on having a healthier mental attitude towards my body. I still will check out my stomach after almost every trip to the bathroom, and the new muscles in my thighs that are causing some of my tighter jeans not to fit is really stressing me out. I’m trying to deal with it though!
This makes me SO happy to read! I know the former plan you were on and I was on it too. I hated it. So much so that I don’t think I will ever go back to a formal lifting plan. It ruined that for me. I love eating carb + carb combos and bananas, and going meat free when I feel like it. If the word “macros” never crosses my lips again, I’m cool with that!!
Great post Lisa. It put a smile on my face! So nice to hear that you are happy and that workouts/food dont consume your thoughts.. Thats no way to live.. and Im on board with the no plan plan too!! YAY!
I love your no plan plan. Sometimes they’re the best ones to have going for you. Glad you’re on the right path
There are so many benefits to being on a training/eating plan of some sort. For my race training, it gave me general guidelines to follow and let me know I was training correctly for it.
But I’m with you. After a while, you’re going to rebel. Being on plan after plan after plan is stressful after a while and takes it’s toll. (One of the reasons why I ended up accidently throwing my 15k plan out the window) And you can even see it in my posts now- I’m clearly bored talking about my running. Which is sad, because I love to run.
After this coming weekend’s race, I think I’m going to reassess my workout routines and switch it up a little more instead of be so strict on what I’m doing on what day. Because, in the words of my favorite Big Bang Theory character, what’s life without a little whimsy?
You look beautiful. I really enjoyed reading your blog. I am trying to transition to the no plan plan at the moment too.
Girl….you are BEAUTIFUL!!! Your body is amazing and peace of mind and mental happinessis is sometimes worth more than the “perfect” body.
It’s great to hear that you are at a happy place in your life and that you feel comfortable in your own skin. You are a true inspiration!
I LOVED this post! I am a constant mirror checker (and I don’t have 6 pack abs) but I’m always looking to see if 10 lbs instantly showed up on my body after having a cupcake because it feels like it has. I’m still in the midst of finding a perfect balance between a healthy and obsessive plan. Thanks for the inspiration! Your newfound happiness definitely shows in how beautiful you look!
I love that you’re able to be so free and happy now!
You look amazing Lisa! My plans have gotten a lot more lenient- I don’t have specific days for specific body parts anymore, I just try to hit it at least every 3-5 days. And I don’t have certain macros to hit (well I do have a minimum I make sure to hit to keep me healthy) but somedays I feel like eating more fats, and some more carbs so I just go with the flow! I can’t wait for the day when I already have enough muscle to just do whatever but in the meantime, I’m enjoying my lifting plan!
Bless you for this post! I’m sure it helps many either reaffirm why they live healthy for the fun and energy of it…or motivates those stuck in that rut to do so. And I have NO IDEA what plan you could possibly be referring to. LOL
You are such an inspiration! I’m making my way to a ‘no plan’ plan, too. Life is too short to spend energy worrying about workouts and food. This is my body, my time on earth and I want to enjoy it. I know what makes me happy, what makes me feel energetic and healthy. I need to live my life for the now, not fight myself to get to some ‘unknown’ point of ‘fitness’.
You are a knockout in every single picture. And I totally agree, once I stopped obsessing about every little thing I ate, I was 100% happier. And I’ve never been thinner! Well, maybe back in high school but you know what I mean.
Love, love, love! Amen, amen, amen! I want every woman in the country to read this post.
lisa, i LOVE this post.
you look amazing now too..not really any different from before either.
and i THINK i know what plan you’re referring to too… if it’s what i’m thinking it’s something i tried to do and hated.
I love this post! Annnd I love you
I’m so happy you’ve found such a comfortable place with your relationship to food and working out! CONGRATS!
How is this?! I was like grinning from ear to ear reading this entire post! It is so easy for us to get caught up in our image when it comes to working out. And it’s true that once we do reach a goal, the fear of then losing what we worked so hard to attain sets in!
I didn’t take pics, but I def became obsessed and checked myself out in the mirror way too much after training for certain fitness goals. So not cool. There are much better things to with our time. Looks like you found what your limit is – congrats to you for that but mostly congrats for having the nerve to share it with us!
Your “no plan” plan sounds great to me! Like Jamie, I know the plan you mentioned. I already had issues with food going into that plan and the new rules made me even crazier. I’m slowly learning how to be more “normal” (for lack of a better term) about things, but this has definitely been a journey for me. I’m not quite on the “no plan” plan YET, but I’m getting better. Great post, Lisa! I <3 you!
I love it! I am currently on the “no workout plan” workout plan. I hate feeling pressured to do some sort of exercise because I “have to”. I love exercising, but somedays I don’t feel like running–so I don’t. Walks, cardio classes, yoga will all suffice
This post just brightened my day
I’m glad you shared that “story.” That’s a horrible way to live- not to judge, but from the sound of it, you were so confined. It’s scary. I’m glad you’re on a “no plan” plan!!!
Great post!!!
GREAT post. I love your attitude!
Good for you! What a great, balanced place you’re in now. xx
Great post. I think your happiness shows through this post. I think it’s great to be able to live freely and happy. Sometimes we judge ourselves too much instead of enjoying everything we do for our bodies.
I forgot about that dance video! HAHA! Love it!
Lisa, you seriously, seriously ROCK! Obviously those competing for a marathon or competition have to be very strict and have a regimented schedule, but life is certainly more than counting macros, calories and dissecting our gym efforts on a daily basis. You have such an awesome approach to health, and perhaps it took you being on the opposite side of the spectrum to come to realize and appreciate how important it is to enjoy life without obsessing over food…an inanimate object.
Dining with friends and family is one of the great things we do for entertainment and enjoyment and life really is too damn short not to enjoy cake on your birthday or a glass of wine and a dessert to celebrate a new job or success. Eating a dessert or piece of pizza does *not* make someone unhealthy and actually makes them *more* healthy in my eyes because that’s really LIVING. Who wants to live their entire life on a diet? Certainly not I!
I think you are BEAUTIFUL and you look so fit and healthy and, most of all, HAPPY! That right there is what it is all about.
PS- I’ll probably always think of you now when I hear MJ’s “Black or White” HAHAHA!
Haha, you posted this the same day I posted about getting ON a plan. LOL
Love it.
You have come so far, and I love learning more and more about what it is that makes you who you are and what you’ve been through.
PS: LOVE the very last picture.
You’re beautiful!
I’m digging the plan-less plan. I think it’ll keep you in a much happier place!
Inspiring post…you are beautiful the way you are and don’t need to obsess!
You look great – love your no plan plan! I think it looks great on you.
And I see what you mean about your strongly dictated plan making you hate planning all together! LOL
Wow, what a great post! I have recently started reading your blog and am so addicted to your honesty. You are a beautiful, strong and confident woman; a great example to all to love themselves. I still struggle with having the ‘treats’ and fun food worried what will happen to my shape, but I’m inspired by your healthy attitude. Thank you.
Brynn,
Thanks! I’m glad you found the post helpful. It took me a long time to realize that a treat will do nothing to your body! Enjoy them when you decide to have them! Your body will still look great!
You look great keep up the balance
I LOVE the no plan plan! I love you zest for life and it sure is good to have you back happy and healthy. You look awesome!!!!
I will NEVER have a plan like I had before. I have a lifestyle. Plain and simple!
Loved this post and I especially loved you dance moves!!!
Great post lisa! I love your attitude now! It makes me soooo happy and excited for you to see you like this!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is crazy how easy it is to get obsessed with a food and fitness plan. You are so strong and beautiful and I love your new plan of just being healthy and happy! You are a great example to so many people! I am going to follow your lead and try to be a little more relaxed about my exercise! Thanks, again!
I’ve only commented once or twice, but I’ve been a reader for a while. Posts like these are the reason why your blog is quickly becoming a favorite. I do that whole ‘check-abs-every-time-I-pass-a-mirror-thing’ and I know it’s obsessive and unhealthy. If I feel like I don’t look as skinny as the day before it destroys my mood and I complain to my boyfriend. It’s getting ridiculous! Your post is very inspiring.
I think since I’m less strict on myself, on my body, and with food I’m much happier overall. I know my actions and restrictions and obsessions really took a toll on me and my boyfriend. My boyfriend can see it as well and has helped us tremendously.
I was on a similar plan. In order to lose 100 pounds, I counted calories and worked out religiously. After maintaining that weight loss for over 2 years now, I’ve gotten better about “lightening up.” I’m not as strict. I still count calories but I splurge once in awhile.
You’re in such a happier place. I hope you continue on this plan
The return of the dance video!!! Love love love. What a fabulous post and congrats on getting to a place where you can just LIVE and love the life you’re living
That sounds a lot like my plan! Honestly, how is self-criticism productive? It’s much better to focus on your whole complete life, and to approach food as nourishment and exercise as fun. And hey, you look even better than you did before!
This is a fabulous post! I never followed training plans until I began running. Right now I’m not training for anything, so I just do what I want. It was weird to adjust to, but so liberating. You continue to exude beauty, strength, and happiness!
We have simalar legs. But they look better on you!
I noticed that too! But, I don’t agree they look better on me! they look great on both of us!
Lisa,
I don’t think I’ve ever commented before? Anyway, I am a frequent lurker and I just had to say something with this one. I am so inspired by your attitude, your body, and your perspective on life. I’ve struggled a lot in the past with the same sort of issues, and I still am struggling to an extent. It’s amazing to see real life examples of how truly embracing your body and your health can be done. You are seriously beautiful girl
Tat
Thank you
. Keep at it. Keep remembering what you want out of life and how you want to live and your struggles with food, etc will slowly diminish!
I’m right there with ya! I’m on definite no plan, plan. Especially lately. I 100% go with the flow and it’s amazing. Feels so good! Great post!
You are hot.
Were you doing SOS? I did SPT. Sounds exactly the same.
Yes ma’am! I was on SOS lifestyle!
I am on a “kinda plan”, to lose what the no plan route did for me
I know what I need to do, just eat in moderation and be active.
Good luck!
http://katrinemartine.wordpress.com/
Exactly. That’s just what you need to do. You don’t need a plan–just a lifestyle
Everyone pretty much said it, lisa. You rock that “no plan” plan. I really admire you and its very inspirational to read this. I think I’m still in the “plan” mode although not as rigid. I never counted protein or carb grams, but worked out way too much and avoided dates with friends because of food. I guess my real goal is to have no goal, and eat what I love (and REALLY love cause no one REALLY loves lettuce! ). Thanks for reminding me why I read your blog!
This post means a lot to me. I was in the exact same position –skipping plans with friends because I would eat unhealthy or not be able to work out. Sure I didn’t have any fat to pinch, but I didn’t have any fun either. I’m slowly getting back to the “I can have a little squishy part as long as I can have pizza and beer with my friends too!”. It’s a much better way to live:)
i am in absolute ah over this post. not only does it reflect so many of the things i went through but also makes me realize…that i’m too moving in a better direction but not giving myself enough credit. i applaude you for your hard work and the things you have achieved to simply enjoy your life. I wish you were going to fb; i would lovvvve to meet you!
We will meet one day! I’m sure of it!
And yes, give yourself more credit. You deserve it.
see?? THIS is exactly why you are STILL a HEALTHY BLOGGER. It does not get more HEALTHY than this! This kind of balance is what leads to a more relaxed and HAPPIER life.
and… You’re Beautiful !
This almost made me cry. I am in my room with my roommates, though, so I didn’t want to make a scene. Sean’s quote really struck a cord with me. Brad has been with me through my ups and downs with dieting and exercise and the whole time he was telling me that I don’t need those things to be beautiful or healthy. I already am those things. But, I never took to heart what he said. Now, I am on that path to seeing myself as beautiful. I have stopped counting carbs and protein grams and I am just eating balanced meals. I just recently tried to be sort of vegan again, since I can’t eat dairy anymore (until I get these digestive issues figured out). But, I noticed that my body wasn’t doing well without the animal protein, so today I ate chicken and felt so much better. Listening to my body really does pay off. I now go to the gym and take BodyPump again because I enjoy working out with others and exercising to the awesome music! The same goes for my 5:30 am spin classes – I go because I love the atmosphere of an early morning workout when not everyone and their brother are awake.
Anyway, I love this post, as well as all of your posts! I am not on a diet per say, I am just trying to eat a more balanced diet. I know with regular, healthy exercise and eating I can achieve the strong, fit, and healthy body that I am made to have and that I want to have, 6 pack or not.
I do still struggle with trying to get rock hard abs…but, honestly…it’s probably not going to happen unless I do something drastic and unhealthy. However, I am hoping that by balancing my meals and regular cardio and strength training. , I can get a nice flat and firm stomach. Also, I think that once I get my digestive issues figured out, my tummy won’t be as bloated as it can be sometimes.
ha! ha! I love your dance video! I love to dance. I break out the dance moves all the time even without music. My boyfriend thinks I’m crazy ridiculous!
Also, I love Orange Leaf. We went for the first time the other week. It was magical!
Lisa! I am soooo proud of you girl! Keep it up. I am living by that too.
Great post. There’s nothing wrong with a plan for reaching a goal, but I think the way you live your life the majority of the time needs to be a way that allows you to actually LIVE it. I’ve never been on such an extreme lifting plan like you have but I know the feelings that make me want to stay home and hide from real life so that I can stick to my calorie count or workout plan for the day. Those feelings suck. You looked gorgeous back then, but you look just as hot right now!! I love love LOVE that dress in the booty shot.
i’ve been on the no plan food plan too! that’s partly why my blogging took a bit of a backseat…thinking about food all the time and analyzing everything i ate didn’t make me healthier – it actually drove me nuts! embracing this mentality means i get to go out to sushi tonight with my girlfriends without thinking twice about it, which is the way i WANT to be!
You are one HAWT mama! Seriously I want that booty!
I used to get mad at myself because I wasn’t “a runner”. I would beat myself up and tell myself I wasn’t “healthy” because I wasn’t some marathon-running beast. Like you, I’ve made peace with myself and it feels so good! Life isn’t about the things we exclude, it’s about what we include! And for me, that’s as little time on a treadmill as possible ; )
beautiful post Lisa. This is so graet and I am SO beyond happy that you have come to a place of love with your body. I feel like I have ‘known’ you for so long, from the 02 forums and what not and i have been with you every step of this journey. I couldn’t be happier for you! I totally agree that nit picking is never the way to be happy with yourself. Sure I am training for a competition and a little more rigid with my food and workouts but i will NEVER be one to make this my life. It is just a part of my life
aw I really love this!
Oh sweet girl, this is the best post I’ve read in AGES. What amazing insight into your past and your life today and how your want to LIVE and not be controlled by food and workout. Your words resonate with me since I’ve experienced similar control in the past and I think you are brave and strong to be so honest with yourself…and with all of us who read your blog. Now all I want to do is meet you and give you a big hug!!!!!
Lisa, I love everything about you and your No Plan Plan.
Absolutely amazing girl…props to you!
I just sat here and laughed out loud watching you dance to Black or White !!
What a fabulous post, Lisa. When I saw the pics of your abs that you had taken with your phone,,, girl, I DO THAT. Although I started taking pictures after I started running to show the transformation of my body over time. So it is nice to see how things have changed. But it does make me realize that, like you, I too am nit-picking my body. I can’t say I’ve ever been as regimented as you described at the beginning of your story, but I can imagine how that would totally rule your life. I do love the way a no plan plan makes me feel. I feel as long as I’m up and moving and working out now and then, who cares if I have a glass of wine !? Or that cupcake ?? As long as it’s mixed with the healthy stuff, have at it I say ! It’s my body, and I love it no matter what it looks like
Thank you !
Trust me, I’ve got some dang good moves
. haha.
Sounds like you have a great healthy attitude as well! That’s why I love blogging–so many people who spread positivity!
Gosh, words cannot express how much I relate to this post. I feel like I am at a very similar place in my own life right now. For the past 2+ years, it was important that I stay on a food/exercise plan in order to recover from my eating disorder. Like you say, sometimes plans can be good things, even necessary. But now, I am a happy, healthy person. A different person than I was 2 years ago. What I need now is what I am doing, giving myself “permission” to do what FEELS right, whether it’s in regards to food, exercise, whatever.
I’m glad this post resonated with you. Keep doing what you are doing. Keep giving yourself permission to enjoy life—I think the more we do it, the better it becomes for us.
Posts like this are why I keep coming back! Thank you for tellin’ it like it is… it can’t always be easy to be so open and honest but you do it BRILLIANTLY!
Love this post!! You are such an inspiration. I am so happy you have come this far and hope all of us can feel as comfortable with our bodies as you do. I LOVE your dance video too! That is exactly what I do when I am home alone!!
I love this post!! Your “no plan” plan sounds just right!
I spent so much time worrying about every little thing. My thighs were too big, then my stomach wasnt flat enough, my arms were jiggly. It was always something, and nomatter what I did, or how much weight I lost, I was still unhappy. I’m following a “no plan” plan quite like yours, and in turn I’ve finally stopped worrying about all those things. Life is so much better when you allow yourself to enjoy it.
You’re so amazing my friend. I love how you have it so together and at such a young age. I am always inspired by you.
I teared up at what Sean said to you. How wonderful that he gave you such a beautiful compliment.
Love you!
You inspire me. Hey, for some reason, your blog doesnt update on my feed and so I always miss it. I’ll have to check into that!
YAY Lisa, so glad to see you are living life! I remember back in the O2 journal days when you would post ab pics all the time. I’m so glad it’s not an obsession for you anymore! Feels freeing doesn’t it?
You no plan plan is working well. I alway enjoy reading you blog and you look happy and healthy!!
I’m SUCH an airhead sometimes. I totally meant to write you yesterday, I even left this post at the bottom of my screen to remember to do so.
For that, I am sorry.
This post was so deep, and it just goes to show how much I love ya
As you know, I still struggle with all of this diet/ workout/ self esteem/ kind of issues, but I am working towards my ‘no plan plan.’
I think that the comment Sean made says it ALL. Why is it SO important to not let some inanimate object control our lives. I LOVE that he told you that.
Letting unimportant things control our lives, not only affects us, but our loved ones as well.
THanks for reminding me of the importance of working to that no plan plan
Love ya!!
Your no-plan plan sounds awesome. It really sounds like you are happy.
Its all about balance, baby!
I absolutely love, LOVE this post – you sound like you are in the perfect place right now and have found exactly the right balance in life when it comes to eating and exercising. You look truly beautiful, too – like you’re glowing from the inside out. I couldn’t be happier for you!!
xoxo
for some reason, your pictures dont show up for me! ah, help!
I like that your other posts tell me posts I may be interested in, because I click on them and realize I never commented on them previously.. like this one. I really enjoyed it and, gasp, I am working on not worrying about a protein source at every meal! It’s more fun to be on that plan.
janetha @ meals & moves recently posted..ten reasons why i liked today
Hmm…you should write a post on this! I’d love to hear more!
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