Ebb and Flow

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Morning! 🙂 Regular blogging shall now resume.  The holiday weekend was lovely, but I’m sure you’re like me and have a TON of catching up to do at work now!

 

Let’s get to it, shall we?

 

For breakfast, I made a double serving of oatmeal and drove the dish over to my Dad’s RV park in South Carolina.

IMG_6206

In the mix (for two people):

 

  • 1 banana
  • 1.25 cups oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Brown sugar
  • Pecans

IMG_6209

My portion:

IMG_6211

So, not only am I buckling down work-wise this week, but I also think I need to get a little more mindful about being healthy.  I feel like I’ve been kind of fumbling around since the marathon and really need to focus on getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, doing yoga, taking time to relax in a mindful way (i.e. writing in my journal instead of mindlessly watching House Hunters on repeat), eating enough vegetables, and laying off the alcohol (I had way too much to drink at our celebratory dinner on Saturday night). 

 

I see a healthy lifestyle as something that ebbs and flows – you can’t be on top of it all the time (‘life’ stuff just gets in the way sometimes).  To me, there is no sense in feeling guilty about it because that’s just so counterproductive.   I’m in a bit of a physical and emotional ebb right now, but I also know that it’s in my power to turn it around.  It’s a cycle, so I’m sure I’ll be feeling better in just a few short days if I focus on living the way I want to live.  I don’t think you should demand perfection (nor is that very fun or even possible), but I do think it’s important to be mindful when you sense you’re in an ebb.

 

On that note, off to seize the day!

{ 76 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin November 29, 2010, 11:02 am

    I’ve decided to refocus on being healthy, too. I think its too easy to get caught up in the holidays and for me exercising and eating well go hand-in-hand. I have so many celebrations coming up this month that I want to focus on being “good” as much as I can when I don’t have other stuff going on!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans November 29, 2010, 11:02 am

    We often forget that being healthy meals more than eating veggies and going for daily runs! I always get into a bit of a lull between the major holidays. We still have to go to work but there is just so much to do!

  • erin fugal November 29, 2010, 11:05 am

    carpe diem!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair November 29, 2010, 11:06 am

    I completely agree with you! My healthy lifestyle goes up and down. I don’t think anybody can be 100% healthy all of the time! I really want to refocus myself for the next couple of weeks until I go home for the holidays when I know a lot of my healthy habits will go straight out the window!

  • Nadine November 29, 2010, 11:09 am

    Sundays have been an eating problem for me for a while–meaning that when Sunday hits, I want to eat whatever I want, in any quantity, ALL DAY LONG. I finally realized this week that I got into this habit when training for a half marathon this past Spring. Sunday was long run day. I always came home hungry and feeling that I “deserved” whatever I wanted. Now I know how I gained 5lbs (or so) while training. And now I can turn it around. Sunday does not need to be food fest day!

    So I hope you will be sharing more about the books with us. I loved reading your brief post on Facebook, but I’d like to know a bit more. Let us share in the experience with you.

    In the meantime, here’s to appreciating today and getting out our slumps–no matter what they may be.

    • Caitlin November 29, 2010, 11:13 am

      Oh thanks for the book support! I promise more is coming today or tomorrow. I have a big conference call today and then I’ll do a formal announcement.

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow November 29, 2010, 11:12 am

    Awesome reminder girl! I was just posting about that earlier today from a slightly different perspective. I used to be an off or an on girl. Either I was striving for perfection or I was off the healthy aisle and living in nothing but indulgences.

    Finding that balance, the middle road has been the best part of my life! And now, I can go with the ebb and flow of life…it’s always there so rather than fight it, I just adjust when needed and always search for balance. 🙂

  • Sarah for Real November 29, 2010, 11:17 am

    I completely agree. I’ve been hitting the middle for a while now. Not totally on my game but not terribly off my game either. I want to crank it up a notch to prepare for my ski vacation in a few weeks! Gotta be my BEST self 😀

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) November 29, 2010, 11:19 am

    This is a great post Caitlin! I agree it is important to recognise that a healthy lifestyle is all about balance- ebbs and flows included! 🙂
    Carpe Diem! 😀

  • Janae jacobs November 29, 2010, 11:25 am

    Great post! I love your definition of health and I could not agree more with you! I am with you, I need some more veggies, sleep and yoga:) Have a great Monday!

  • Julia @ Brides Up North November 29, 2010, 11:26 am

    Hi Caitlin! Looks like you had a great holiday weekend. Its been super snowy here in the UK – I nearly got stranded in Dublin last night! Luckily I am back safe!

    Julia xxx

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday November 29, 2010, 11:28 am

    That’s a good outlook. If you don’t see it as an ebb and flow then you might feel like you’ve failed if you’re not on top of your health all the time.

  • E.M. November 29, 2010, 11:29 am

    So well put and such a perfect time of year for this post! After the carte blanche of the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m truly looking forward to refocusing. Congratulations on the book news!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate November 29, 2010, 11:29 am

    I like your outlook. I’m definitely in the ebb right now too. With finals coming up, I think I’ve practically lived off of pretzel m&ms and any other junk food in my apartment. :/

    • brianna November 29, 2010, 11:46 am

      finals for me too–peanut m&ms and dark chocolate!

      • Annie November 29, 2010, 4:48 pm

        Pretzels and honey mustard.
        Whoo hoo finalzzzz!!

        I love the brown sugar and pecan combo in the packed breakfast. Sounds yummy.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman November 29, 2010, 11:29 am

    I agree with that totally. But usually during the holidays my healthy practices are more ebb than flow.

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations November 29, 2010, 11:30 am

    Ebb and Flow is a great title for this post. I think we all tend to ebb and flow… the important part is recognizing when it’s time to pay a little closer attention. It’s not always easy, but it is quite possible.

    Wishing you a very productive day!

  • Heather November 29, 2010, 11:32 am

    Great post, exactly what I was thinking this morning. I need to get myself back on track…I don’t feel guilty about a thing, but I also know it’s time to buckle down!

  • Jillian@ Reshape Your Life November 29, 2010, 11:33 am

    I completely agree with this post! No sense in getting down on yourself if you fall off the healthy bandwagon for a couple days. Just do your best to be mindful and make better choices next time! 🙂

  • G November 29, 2010, 11:36 am

    “To me, there is no sense in feeling guilty about it because that’s just so counterproductive.”
    Thank you for this reminder – I am working really hard on adopting this philosophy in my life!

  • Ashley November 29, 2010, 11:38 am

    I know it’s different since you don’t work at an office, but does your healthy lifestyle ever cause people to give you crap? I have a friend at my office that I sometimes work out with & both of us have noticed that people from work will sometimes belittle our workout routines & healthy lifestyles – it’s often in a friendly joking manner, but it’s also kind of rude. Do you ever have to defend yourself for not drinking/going out more, for not always hitting up happy hour, for working out/running so frequently and for having it be such a big part of your life, etc?

    • Caitlin November 29, 2010, 11:47 am

      A little bit especially with old acquaintances who I used to engage in lots of unhealthy habits with (like binge drinking). I generally don’t feel the need to defend my choices though and recognize that people often project their own healthy issues onto others. I’ve posted about the coworker issue before, check out http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/best-posts under “Healthy Lifestyle” posts

  • tina November 29, 2010, 11:38 am

    omg… i am in the same funk! definitely need to turn the healthy energy back on! more yoga, less alchy! 🙂

    but sometimes you gotta fall off, it makes getting back on so much more meaningful! 🙂

    can’t wait to hear more about the books!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) November 29, 2010, 11:39 am

    I’ve been pulled in many directions lately, and not taking the right amount of time to keep myself in shape (mentally, physically, emotionally).. I like the way you look at it. Not permanent, just need to focus more to get myself back on track.

  • Shanna, like Banana November 29, 2010, 11:40 am

    I hear ya on the getting back to healthy. I am craving vegetables and light food like no one’s business. And I could easily do a few hour work out just to feel less lethargic!

  • LindseyAnn November 29, 2010, 11:44 am

    Thank you for acknowledging the ebbs and flows! I’m ebbing and flowing all over the place lately! One week, I’m putting in great mileage and eating well, the next I’m having too much delicious beer and skipping workouts. I’m really working on getting my focus back, and I’m hoping registering for my next half marathon will help me with that!

  • Laura November 29, 2010, 11:46 am

    Caitlin,

    I love this post! You put it perfectly. Life is all about ebbs and flows. That’s what makes it interesting!

    Sidenote – I’m curious about your celebratory Saturday night. You didn’t post about it! Was that on purpose? If so, I apologize for prying!

    • Caitlin November 29, 2010, 11:49 am

      I just didn’t take any pictures of Saturday night. 🙁 Sometimes I need some time away from the camera – it happens rarely but it does happen 🙂 I didn’t not blog about it because I was drinking, though – I feel fine admitting that yes, sometimes I do drink and yes, sometimes I do overdo it. 🙂 I just wasn’t in the mood to blog yesterday.

      • Samantha @ Mama Notes November 29, 2010, 3:33 pm

        probably good to not blog when you’ve drank too much anyways. ha! 😉 I’m kidding!

  • Jodi November 29, 2010, 11:48 am

    Caitlin – i couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m in the middle of bit EBB right now! But you’re right, it’s all about reconfirming your committment to yourself and being forgiving. I like this plan! 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat November 29, 2010, 11:49 am

    I agree! Looks like you’ve got your morning off to a good start. My attitude is a little on-again, off-again lately with some aspects of life but like you said, it’s ok not to be perfect!! 🙂

  • Alexia @ Dimple Snatcher November 29, 2010, 11:50 am

    I love your healthy lifestyle philosophy.
    I still learning to forgive myself in realizing that I won’t make the best health decisions every time and that I have to let go of guilt and work to do better next time.

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad November 29, 2010, 11:52 am

    So true. It all evens out. No need to stress all the time!

  • Erin @ small things November 29, 2010, 11:53 am

    I work as a counselor with college students and one of the messages I’m always giving is that when you think about being in balance picture yourself on a tightrope. Sometimes you lean a little further this way, sometimes that way to maintain your balance. It’s fluid movement-never static. And you always know when you’ve leaned too far in one direction while on a tightrope…can you feel me ground below?
    🙂
    kudos to you for ebbing and flowing.

  • CarrieBeth November 29, 2010, 11:54 am

    i’ve always loved that phrase “ebb and flow” 🙂 i’m right there with you! after some thanksgiving festivities, it feels good to buckle down for a while in order to prepare for the next ebb of life.

  • Amanda (Eating Up) November 29, 2010, 11:56 am

    I think the key is to finding a good balance between celebrating food and celebrating yourself!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day November 29, 2010, 11:57 am

    Just what I needed to hear this morning. And with that, I’m off to have a very productive, peaceful, and healthy day.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun November 29, 2010, 12:01 pm

    I certainly believe in the ebb and flow of a healthy lifestyle. I’m feeling the ebb right now I guess with not as much as my normal motivation while at the end of this pregnancy. I know its temporary though and I will be back raring to go with workouts, craving healthier foods, etc soon enough. We have to be mindful, but not beat ourselves up for having down times too. Fabulous post as usual my friend. 🙂

  • Val @ Balancing Val November 29, 2010, 12:04 pm

    I think the ‘downs’ of health are very important. There are important lessons that we learn from them and it makes sure there is balance in our lives.

  • Anne @ Life is a Joy November 29, 2010, 12:06 pm

    Healthy life = moderation. The concept that yoga is a “practice” has crept into my life in other ways, helping me get away from a perfectionist attitude. Recognizing what is good for you and when you are ebbing a bit too much is important. Good friends also help keep you on track!

    Wow — I didn’t log any food from Thursday to Sunday — that break really gives me energy to get back into things. I found I didn’t overeat, listened to my body and just relaxed. A great Thanksgiving.

    have a great wonderful and productive day!

  • Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life November 29, 2010, 12:07 pm

    SO true and your blog constantly reminds me of that 🙂

  • Katie November 29, 2010, 12:08 pm

    Really great post. I agree that the right thing to do is to respect yourself through the ebbs and flows and realize its a part of life, but also realize that you can move the flow back along!

  • Mabelle @ Latina Health Diaries November 29, 2010, 12:30 pm

    This post makes a whole lot of sense!! I agree with what you said about how everything is a cycle and things will go back to normal when you focus on living the life you want to live–so true!! Also, that there is no point in feeling guilty as we have to be able to adjust to life but that we should also be mindful. To me, is all about making a conscious effort to lead a healthy life at least the majority of the time but always leaving some room for the wonderful randomness of life :0)

  • Sarah November 29, 2010, 12:37 pm

    Healthy living is a journey, not a destination. Unfortunately, you always have to keep the car in drive.

    I also wonder if you’ve had so much going on lately (professionally with the books, personally with the move, physically with the marathon) that your mind and body is just overwhelmed right now. I hope taking the day off helped!

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? November 29, 2010, 12:41 pm

    I completely agree. For me, a healthy lifestyle includes going a little off track every now and then. It keeps me from going crazy! 🙂

  • Lisa November 29, 2010, 12:44 pm

    It was kinda nice taking a break from blogging this weekend. I just chilled, watched a lot of movies and relaxed!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table November 29, 2010, 12:48 pm

    It is comforting to know that I’m not the only one! ‘Tis the season, I suppose.

    I am just focusing on getting some form of exercise every day and eating as cleanly as possible throughout the week to balance the weekend festivities. And I am asking Santa for moderation this year. 🙂

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) November 29, 2010, 12:54 pm

    I know how you feel! I’m currently in rest mode due to both of my IT bands flaring up. I feel completely lazy and I feel that my eating has suffered as a result. I’m hoping to start running again mid-week but it’s driving me crazy!

    Sometimes life gets in the way, and we just have to roll with the punches! 😉

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine) November 29, 2010, 12:56 pm

    I love your views on being healthy and I agree. I know I haven’t been very healthy lately (lots of sugar/desserts/Indian take-out) but now I’m making conscious efforts to eat more fresh produce and get back on track. The beauty of a healthy lifestyle is that you can be back on track in just a matter of days and your body will forgive you. 🙂

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine November 29, 2010, 1:02 pm

    I’ve been feeling exactly the same way lately. It’s great to be able to have fun and not feel guilty about unhealthy choices, but at a certain point you just have to recommit yourself to the habits you know will make you feel your best. Good luck getting back on track this week- I’m right there with you!!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) November 29, 2010, 1:03 pm

    Thanks for the reminder! Everything evens out. That’s what I remind myself of!

  • Coco November 29, 2010, 1:10 pm

    love this advice! why feel guilty? what’s done is done. every day is a new opportunity to live your best life 🙂

  • Katy @ A Healthy Shot November 29, 2010, 1:12 pm

    Great post Caitlin! I go through the same type of cycle and I’ve been feeling like I’m in a non-healthy funk the past week or so. That stopped today 🙂

  • Laura November 29, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I’m trying remind myself that I need to be more mindful, especially around the holidays. It’s so easy to fall into the “it doesn’t count, it’s the holidays” trap.

    congrats on the 2 new books!

  • Johanna B November 29, 2010, 1:44 pm

    Sending healing thoughts your way.

  • Liz November 29, 2010, 1:47 pm

    This was just the post I needed. I have been feeling apathetic, eating a lot of crap, and not working out as much. Good to know I’m not the only one that has ebbs and flows.

  • Kelly November 29, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I have trouble when I’m in an ebb of just moving on and not letting it get to me. But this is an ebb and flow process too. I’m learning to not be so hard on myself.

    I hope you’re back and flowing soon!

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe November 29, 2010, 2:11 pm

    Ok, WHERE did you get that claypot? I have been looking for one just like it.

    • Caitlin November 29, 2010, 2:39 pm

      My dad bought it for me at a Chinese store in California – I think it handcrafted.

  • Dee November 29, 2010, 2:46 pm

    Really like this concept of ebb and flow- thanks for that!

  • Amber K November 29, 2010, 3:04 pm

    It definitely ebbs and flows! I just move along with it.

    That oatmeal looks amazingly thick and delicious! Love it.

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous November 29, 2010, 3:28 pm

    After the last few days of eating and drinking way too much, I’m actually excited to eat veggies again!

  • amanda (life in bloom) November 29, 2010, 3:28 pm

    Thanks so much for the great reminder! I feel myself ebb and flow all the time with things, and it’s nice to “hear” someone else talking about it.

  • Jen November 29, 2010, 4:26 pm

    Wow…this really spoke to me…I’m been in an ebb for a long time now. A really long time. But the hardest part is the Holidays coming up. It seems near impossible to even try to be positive or make changes or start over…I love the Holidays and wish I wasn’t so overboard now to really enjoy them more. And with work, being extremely beyond my imagination ever, stressful, it’s only worst.

    I admire your resolve.

    • Caitlin November 29, 2010, 4:43 pm

      Get your flow on! 🙂 You can do it. 🙂

  • Ali November 29, 2010, 5:17 pm

    What a great post! I agree that there are definitely ups and downs in every healthy lifestyle. I’m currently trying to work my way back up. It’s been difficult with grad school but I know it can just be a matter of making time for working out (if only, for a stress reliever).

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin November 29, 2010, 6:42 pm

    This is so true! But I like to think that as long as I listen to my body and trust it, it will all balance out in the end.

  • CarolineR November 29, 2010, 7:40 pm

    Thanks for this post! I love your outlook- I think too many people see holiday “healthiness” in a far too polarized way.. Either not caring about staying healthy at all or obsessing about every last sugar cookie. It’s all about the balance and knowing when your body needs a little extra activity 🙂

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches November 30, 2010, 12:16 am

    This post came at the perfect time for me. After having a couple weeks of more indulge eating than I would prefer, I decided that today would be the day I would refocus myself and commit to a healthier mindset for December. Already, I feel loads better. I like how forgiving you are of yourself and how mindful you are of the “ebbs and flows” of healthy living. You’ve reminded me that I don’t need to beat myself up over experiencing an “ebb” in my healthy lifestyle…which, as a perfectionist, I have an unfortunate tendency to do. Thanks! 🙂

  • Kristy November 30, 2010, 7:53 am

    i <3 you.

    • Caitlin November 30, 2010, 9:20 am

      haha I <3 you too

  • Lorin November 30, 2010, 1:50 pm

    This couldn’t have been posted at a better time. I overate every day this holiday weekend and am trying to get back to healthier eating. I am stressed because I am a college freshman and it is dead week. I just try to think to myself that I am lucky to be in college and be in a location that supposedly is the “happiest place in america” (San Luis Obispo, although that is one magazine’s point of view). Anyways, thanks for the post, sometimes you just got to keep on going to find the flow again.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life November 30, 2010, 10:34 pm

    So very true Caitlin! No one can be “perfect” all of the time. That’s just setting up to fail. I love your “ebb and flow” theory!

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