Too much of a good thing can definitely be bad. Although it sounds like crazy talk, too much creamy and delicious peanut butter is grounds for an upset stomach and possibly worse. Same goes for exercise; an excessive amount can be and is detrimental to your body.
Some how, some way, we can find a special balance for healthy living, but how? Well, for me, it's a work in progress. Having just been told to lay off the gluten and dairy has added an extra hurdle in my race to find a balance. Not a big hurdle, mind you, since my diet consists mostly of fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, fish, and lean meats. But it's an obstacle nonetheless.
Greek yogurt is the hardest thing to omit. I could polish off a 32oz. container of Plain, Non-fat CHO in one sitting! Share? Unheard of! I've cut out organic skim milk and only use unsweetened almond milk and sometimes soy. As for the Greek yogurt, my consumption is greatly reduced, but I still have some every so often.
| This used to be a work week's worth supply.... *insert sad face* |
My biggest issue now is the constant stomach/digestive issues I've been having. I thought it's all related to my gluten and/or dairy intolerance, but I still get pretty bad. Sorry, Kelley, and anyone else around me!
Anxiety can be a major culprit of upset stomach issues and I think this is part of my problem too. I let work and life issues worry me way too much. Why is that? We have this life to live and I need to learn to just enjoy each moment without worrying about the past or future. If you have any tips that don't include drugs or alcohol, please share.
Along with changing parts of my diet, I am trying to find a balance with exercise. I feel I must workout everyday and the routine I'm following doesn't seem enough. I find myself adding extra stuff before or after and constantly searching for more ways to get my heart going. This, of course, compounds the stress and anxiety; one more thing for me to work on.
So, my habits that I thought were good in the past, have contributed to my gluten intolerance, me feeling burnt out physically and mentally, and having crazy digestive issues! How "good" is that?
What I ultimately want is to be able to have TIME to do everything. I want to enjoy peaceful time with my wife, Kelley, just watching a movie and visiting with our families. All while not being so concerned about what food to have or take along or how I will be able to fit in a workout.
Progress is being made, I think, and it seems to be a day to day thing I will deal with. To the others out there, how do you tackle these issues in your life? Don't get me wrong, I'm not just some unhappy guy drudging through life, I do enjoy life and spending time with Kelley and others, but I need to MORE.
Good and bad habits aside, I think it's time for a little something we all know and enjoy....What I Ate Wednesday! Thank you, Jenn, for creating and hosting these awesome WIAW events! I've still been lacking in the picture taking department, so I'll post some new and some recycled photos.

Breakfast
Egg white omelette with bell peppers and goat cheese; Navitas Naturals Cocao powder infused coffee
Lunch
Green cabbage and spinach stir-fry with egg whites; green tea with stevia; Chocolate overnight oat crisps
Dinner
Cucumber and red pepper salad with sliced smoked turkey deli meat; Coconut protein granola; my own version of STUFT Mama's Coconut Cookie Dough Crumble. I made mine creamier and added more protein powder, peanut flour, pumpkin puree, unsweetened almond milk, and cottage cheese. So basically, it's not a crumble and the only thing similar is some coconut flour. But it inspired me!
So, things aren't so bad when you have good, healthy food and the comfort of a loving wife and family. Luckily, I have all of those, so everything will be fine here.
How do you cope in times of stress and anxiety?
Any tips on relieving gastrointestinal distress?
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Navitas Naturals Cacao and Lucuma Powder; it ends this Friday, 9/21!!
Happy WIAW, Have a Great Week!