A friend came to me seeking health and nutrition advise last night. Mind you, she's much younger than me, but I've known her since she was in kindergarten. She's in her 20s now. Talented musician, funny, beautiful, educated; wants to lose a bit of weight and is seeking some help from myself, [(your nutrition guru)justkidding].
She explains to me about her anxiety, lack of motivation, depression issues, and issues with over eating. She has been seeing a counselor for help with her depression/anxiety/low self esteem.
It was at that point that I knew this wasn't a simple 'here's how many calories you should be eating, here's what your macro ratios should be, here's what you should be doing in the gym.' This is a matter of getting your brain fixed. Your brain always comes first. You cannot force yourself to go to the gym or eat healthy when your brain is asking for help elsewhere.
The struggle with depression is so real. It's one of the most debilitating feelings in the entire universe. If you don't receive proper help for it, it will control every aspect of your life. This includes your motivation, ability to sleep, your diet, etc. We all know this, it's common sense. The 'just get off your ass' just doesn't work in these cases. It's more than that. It's not a lame excuse, it's very real.
I suggested perhaps she may want to see a counselor or therapist who specializes in eating disorders. Over-eating is a disorder not commonly talked about, but is also a very real thing, and an actual medical diagnosis. Your diet (no, not going on a diet) needs to be in order for your body to start its' journey towards health. Without a proper diet, your body will not process and function the way it should, which just screws your metabolism. Pro tip: don't screw with your metabolism.
So, I know many people, myself included, who have struggled and/or continue to struggle with depression/anxiety. You know how hard it is to want to keep in shape. There is not many worse feeling than forcing yourself to work out and/or eat well. It's such a process, but when your mind has the correct vibes- when you have your depression and anxiety and stress in check- you're most likely feeling awesome and ready to exercise and eat well.
Some of that got me thinking on a similar realm last night. Sometimes you just realize you are not invincible no matter how good of shape you are in, no matter how well you eat, no matter how good of a person you are. I know that sounds so fucking negative, but it's reality. Things like cancer and other sicknesses and random accidents, they can happen to the best of the best. We're all gonna struggle with something in life no matter what the consequences.
I need to remind myself of that sometimes. I think a lot of people do. it brings you right back down to the real world.
I know I am on this 'natural' living kick and I really enjoy it. It's really exciting for me and aids in my mental and physical well being. That being said, it's certainly not for everyone. I'm an opinionated person, so I say and post a lot of things that reassure me in my mind that what I'm doing is exciting and right for me. I feel that it aids in my ability to stay healthy and fit and treat my body the best way I can.
Do I think it's going to save me from all the evil and sickness in the world? No. Do I feel like I'm doing my part in helping the environment and utilizing the amazingness of nature's real products? Yuuuuuuus I'm a pretentious douche, I know.
Any damn way, keep your brain happy, and the rest can fall into place when your brain lets you know you're ready. Also, don't live too cautiously.
I hope that all kinda makes sense. It's late, I'm detoxing, and I'm on my period...so just...do what I said.
