Hello luvs,
Looks like some of you live nearby your family and some of you live far away. As with Lori and I we live far away from our family. At moments it is fine but other times it gets difficult to be far away. I am really close to my family and currently we are going through a rough spot.
While the parents have been here Lori and I took these past 4 days off from working out!
Now I am not here to make excuses, get upset at myself, or dwell on it. I know I needed the break physically and mentally. I have been working so hard for a few weeks now non-stop, so this mini break has been really nice! By having the parents here helped me to really enjoy my time with them and enjoy each day to the fullest!! YAY
It used to be very difficult for Lori and I to take DAYS OFF from working out. But this past year we have realized giving our bodies a break every now and then is a good thing! I know working out is always going to be apart of my life, because I LOVE IT! I love the way I feel when I am done exercising but I also value the importance of breaks.
I will admit though I do feel guilty every now and then for not working out everyday. I think we all have that mental battle from time to time. I am proud of myself because I do not stress as much from taking days off! I know it happens…life happens….and I know I will get back on track.
What is your view about working out? Have you noticed any benefits from taking a few days off from working out? Do you notice a better change in your workouts when you take a few breaks now and then?Are you more focused and ready to get back in your routine? Or is it hard for you to get back into working out from taking a few days off?
I am excited to start working out again tomorrow with Bodyrock.I needed this break from everything and now I feel recharged ready to go!!
One thing, besides not working out, that Lori and I have been doing differently while the parents were here was not eating as much ‘raw’ living foods as we normally do. It was not planned, just happened. We have been eating more ‘cooked’ foods and we have been fine with it! Sometimes my attitude is what has to change not the circumstances.
My stomach has been doing fine and I have not noticed any major problems! I am surprised how well I handled a little more cooked foods. Although, I am not sure how long term I could eat these heavier cooked meals (for me) because sometimes I would never really get that hungry feeling. I noticed I felt more full! I am not sure if I am explaining this the best. The one thing with eating a more high raw diet has really helped me to control my appetite and understand my body more. I think I am getting closer to finding the right balance of ‘cooked’ vs ‘raw’ foods in my diet! My body seems to like a little bit of both 
Everyday is different and I like that. It is not about being perfect but for me it is about finding the right balance!
Today’s lunch was a mix of raw and cooked
Socca, lentils, tomato and cucumber
I have been enjoying some meals with a mix of raw and cooked foods. My tummy has been handling it well
I really enjoyed this simple yet tasty and satisfying lunch.
As I mentioned Lori and I are going through some real rough personal/family situations and learning to not stress about other things and just focus on “life issues” is important. We value and our grateful for our family and the life we have now!!
Till next time,
Michelle
Pure2Raw Twin
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I had something similar to that for dinner last night! I struggle with not working out, but I try to find a balance when I don’t get the chance to do an actual workout…like go for walks or do something physically active with whomever is visiting. I hope things are ok with you two! I am sending good vibes your way! Have a good night…both of you!
Thanks Sarena! Taking long walks is a great idea
I’m so glad you’re finding that sweet spot of taking rests between workouts. I’m convinced that it’s important to have rest days – and my husband is an exercise maniac and used to coach, and says the same. I’ve also burned myself out from not resting enough. But especially if you’ve had an eating disorder, it becomes very tempted to get addicted to it – and I’m so glad that you enjoy it so much!
Those lentils and tomato look scrumptious! I have a little hankering for cooked lentils (part of my middle eastern heritage) and may make some one of these days.
So glad you had good times with your folks – and sending you all good wishes and blessings for getting through whatever rough times.
with love,
Ela
PS – just posted another raw no-sugar cookie recipe – would love your thoughts too!
Ela you are the best
I will check out your recipe and let you know!
Sending you two lots of love. If you need an escape to say, Toronto. Just let me know. Accommodations are extremely cozy but the continental breakfast is awesome
Oh Veganlisa you are the best! That is so sweet of you to offer, I will definitely consider it
HUGS
Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers – I know you are both strong ladies and will get through the difficult times together!! xoxo
I can really relate to your feelings about working out – I used to feel so guilty if I missed even one day of working out. I have totally found a new balance in my life and am not working nearly as much as I used to. I have actually found that working out less has done more for my body then when I used to be so obsessive. Your body definitely needs rest days!
Luv you girls, thinking of you and sending you lots of strength xoxo
You write such wise words: changing your attitude when you can’t change the circumstances… That is such an important and healthy outlook! I only wish i could offer such good advice in return, but I am thinking all good thoughts for you! (and i absolutely think rest days are necessary for body and soul!)
A break is so important. If you are doing other active things like entertaining there is only so much time and energy one can expend. I think breaks are important, the only breaks I dislike are if they are from pain or injury. Boo on those.
Love the attitude change versus circumstances comment. So true!
Thanks Bitt! You are so right about taking breaks from injury are not fun, LOL
With working out, I think you have to do whatever works for you. Everyone is different, and even your own body will not be the same every single day. I find that I won’t plan a “day off” but rather just listen to my body and when I feel I need the break, I will take it without guilt. I lead a busy lifestyle and I’m always running around, which is taxing on me physically and emotionally. I love working out daily for my health and it makes me feel good, but if I feel like I’m dragging myself one day, then chances are it won’t be a great workout anyway. I say, do what you need to do and never ever feel guilty about it! The same goes for food…if you think that a combo of cooked and raw is what works best for you then go for it.
I’m sorry that you are going through a rough time right now. That saddens me because you are such beautiful people and it is upsetting to know that you are going through something hard. I know you are strong and will get through the difficult time. I’m thinking of you! xoxo
Lauren thanks for such a sweet comment, this really made our day!! Thanks!!! I totally agree with you, every body is different and needs to find out what works for them
I always feel more energized after a few days off! We ALL need breaks now and then!
I’m so sorry to hear about the rough patch. I am thinking about you guys and sending you good vibes.
Balance with working out and with food is such a universal struggle it seems, and yes, sometimes less is more. I think takeing a few days off is good (says my brain…) and I feel much more energized coming back, but I struggle with it. As for food, I am also workign on finding what works and what doesn’t. I try not to plan too much. Just eat what I am craving when I am hungry and trust my body.
such a great, honest, real post. love it!
“It is not about being perfect but for me it is about finding the right balance!”–amen! i have posted about this before, recently actually, that there is no such thing as perfect, just trying our best, doing what we can, living to the fullest but not trying at attain something unattainable!
cooked vs raw. yes, we all have to find our own balance AND it’s always changing based on seasons, moods, female cycles of life, i.e. pregnancy, nursing, menopause, etc.
love you girls!
Balance – something I believe in and strive for. After all, I’m a libra!
Breaks are great in all aspects. Maybe doing something less intense on your “off” days, like stretching or walking.
I made socca last night! Woo hoo! I overbaked it but it still was yummy. In fact, we liked the crunchy parts. ha ha! Anyway, still want to play with it some more because I like your din-din. Looks great!
Hihorosie – great idea, we need to do more yoga! Glad you liked socca…yes we sometimes over bake it bc we like crunchy sometimes too ; )
Taking days off for me is hard too- espescially multiple days off!! I’m sure your body is thanking you for it though. We bloggers tend to be a perfectionistic bunch, but it’s good to slow down every once in awhile!!
I tend to feel bad when I take a day off. Even though I know I need it. I try to take Saturday off each week from working out. I have been doing yoga now for about 4.5 weeks. I think it has really helped me focus and push myself to do things I never could do before. It is very hard to find a balance with life,school,family, exercising and everything else in between! Good for you both for taking time to spend with your family!
It’s not that I feel guilty for not working out, it’s just that my body doesn’t feel right. I have a weak, lethargic feeling if I don’t work up some sort of a sweat. I do think it’s good not to out do yourself and listen to your body. Great post!
this week has been tough getting motivated to work out. im moving next week and was on vacation last week. I have big plans for a new workout regimen when I move, and Im totally sick of the “machine” workout I have now. But YOGA tonight, and a good walk home will do me good
I have you both in my thoughts.
…In the past, I would feel guilty about missing workouts or not doing the exact workout I had planned for the day. Now I am much more relaxed about it and just try to do something active each day, and I actually feel much better about myself since the focus is on being healthy and not on the number of calories burned or a number on the scale.
I don’t have as much energy when I don’t workout on the weekdays but have no problem skipping a workout for more family time on the weekends.
All my best during your rough time, sounds like you’ve got a good plan to take care of yourselves.:)
Hope everything works out and that you both feel better soon!! xoxo
Great post! I always feel happy when I read your blog – I love how you girls just go for it. Your job, your workouts, diet, EVERYTHING! you are open, honest and lovely girls- I’m so glad i “met” you in blogworld! One day I’ll come to one of your markets
xxx
Thanks Emma! You are soooo sweet
We would love for you to come to our markets!! HUGS