Sure, I like to post pics of super healthy breakfasts and me jogging 2 miles at 29 weeks pregnant. What you don't see is a picture of the pepperoni and dessert pizzas I picked up one night after telling my husband, "I just want to eat trash and watch a movie." Social media is funny that way. Due to the fact that we get to choose what everyone sees about our lives, we are able to filter out the imperfections, and present our best selves. The downside to this, however, is that we often view the beautiful lives of others, and falsely believe that it is the true description of their lives. This leaves us jealous, depressed, and more disconnected than ever.
So here I am, busting out the truth.
In my mind, I have this picture of who I want to be health-wise. This girl that has no sugar in her home, creates beautiful organic meals every day from her garden, and has no cravings for junk food. She additionally does yoga, running, and strength exercises daily, all while caring for her 4 month old baby, cleaning her chemical-free home, and supporting her husband with gentleness and respect...
Sadly, I'm afraid this is the picture I put forth on social media. And it's quite possible that some have even felt jealousy, depression, or personal disconnection because of my posts. That thought saddens me. What I've come to realize, is that health is a journey, and a very personal one at that. My journey began in college, when a close friend shared about how God showed her that the way she treated her body affected her spiritually. I began to dive into Scripture, and these words leaped off the page at me:
"Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food."
~ Isaiah 55:1-2
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." ~ Philippians 3:18-19
God suddenly opened my eyes to this reality that my body belonged to Him, and I was to honor Him with it. Healthy eating and exercise took on a completely new dimension. This wasn't just about fitting into a certain size, or looking like Heidi Klum. This was about WORSHIP! (Of course I know these verses are metaphors for how God's people are to fill themselves with His Spirit, rather than earthly desires. But the literal meaning of the words apply as well.) So I began to learn more about nutrition and exercise, and I suddenly enjoyed them. However, this understanding came after about 19 years of picky eating, an extreme love of ice cream, and pathetic non-athleticism. Seriously, you guys. I'm not exaggerating. One of my famous quotes is, "If my life is ever in the hands of my athletic ability, I'm doomed." And when it comes to healthy eating, let's just say I ate my first salad in college. I had a long way to go.
And I still do.
On this health journey of mine, I'm learning to give myself some grace. For instance, that night my husband and I ate loads of pizza and watched a movie? Instead of just throwing up my hands and saying, "Oh well, forget it, I'll just eat crap all week," I thought, "You know what? That pizza was scrumptious... And it made me feel like dooky. I'm gonna take that into account next time I want to binge on pizza." And I moved on! One more example: Last summer I started looking into essential oils. I loved the thought of using them for my family's health and well-being. But I thought, "I can't use essential oils until my diet is perfect. It would just be pointless otherwise." Eventually, I realized food perfection was a long way off, and went ahead and ordered the oils. And guess what? I LOVE them, and because I'm using the oils, I'm even more motivated to make other healthy choices.
You see where I'm going with this? It's really easy to make excuses about healthy choices, and to use black and white thinking. None of us are suddenly going to wake up and be America Ninja Warriors. It's a journey, with one small healthy choice at a time. So whatever it is that you've been wanting to try - a clean eating challenge, a yoga video, an essential oil - go for it! And when you slip up, just keep on trucking! You can do it!
So yeah, I'm a fake health nut. But it's alright, I'm getting there. ;)
~ Tarah
