Run like Phoebe

Do you remember the Friends when Rachel and Phoebe go running.  Phoebe kinda runs like a crazy person and Rachel is embarrassed.  Then she tries running like Phoebe and it is so free spirited that she loves it.  Oh in the movie Hitch when Hitch is teaching Albert how to dance.  Albert doesn't listen and does his own thing,  he dances however he feels.  I swear I need to do that.  Just do my own thing and be free.  Instead I run like Rachel and dance like Hitch.  All it gets me is sore muscles and shin splints!

Can you imagine what life would be like not caring what other people think.  Not being on a constant diet to make sure you fit in with everyone else.  Honestly I like food.  Okay I love it.  I love food so much that I majored it in twice!  Once for culinary, to get the good stuff.  Then for nutrition, to get the healthy stuff.  I love food so much that I am constantly thinking about my next meal or what I am going to cook.  I love going anywhere there will be food and get disappointed at places where there isn't any!

You know what.  I am not ashamed of that either.  We need food to live. Of course I want to make sure I am making the right choices but I don't want to deprive myself and then feel bad when I eat something yummy.  Can you really go through life without chocolate, ice cream, or potato chips?  I know I can't, in fact I would put all three together!

It's about balance.  I know I feel better when I eat healthy and can always tell when I have had too much chocolate.  Yes there is such a thing.  I choose to live a healthy life but not a deprived life.  How do I do this?  I eat very dark chocolate.  It helps to satisfy my chocolate craving in a healthy way.  I am talking very dark chocolate like 70% cacao or cacao nibs.  Did you know it is good for your heart and can help lower blood pressure, your brain by increasing blood flow, is full of antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins. (fitday.com)

When I crave ice cream I do one of two things, depending on what is in my freezer.  If I have frozen bananas I will mix those with cocoa powder (or chocolate protein powder), milk, and powdered peanut butter in a high speed blender.  This combination makes a delicious "milkshake".  If I don't have frozen bananas I will just add some ice cubes to the other ingredients.  I make this protein shake every day, sometimes for breakfast!

If I really want to eat out at a restaurant but am trying to be healthy (and who are we kidding, save money) I will look for a recipe to make what I am craving.  The internet is an amazing place where you can find your favorite recipes, make them at home, and make them healthier.

I choose to not care what others think about me (okay so I am still working on this one!)  I am opening up my life not only here but on youtube.  If no one reads what I write or watches my videos that is okay, but what if someone learns something.  What if someone is encouraged?  What if they find hope, or motivation?  You never know the impact you can have on someone else.

So I choose to run like Phoebe and dance like Albert.  I choose to eat my extra dark chocolate with all natural peanut butter.  I choose to try to make a difference.  I choose to be me!

What are somethings that you would do if you didn't care what other people thought, if you didn't follow the crowd?


Dark chocolate info found at:
6 Health benefits of Dark Chocolate: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate.html