7 Reasons to get moving That Have Nothing To Do With Weight loss

I started writing this post over a year ago. I’ve since put it on the back burner multiple times. Not because I didn’t have time and not because I no longer thought it was something worth sharing. I set it aside because I didn’t feel like the kind of person who should be preaching this kind of message. I don’t have it all figured out so I hesitated to share, but after being reminded multiple times by various self-help books that my story is worth sharing, even when it’s stil a work in progress, I’ve decided to share. It’s something I’ve struggled with and still fight against and want to help others feel less alone. So here goes.

I used to hate working out. But even though I hated it, I was obsessed with it. I was obsess to the point that if I missed a workout, it gave me anxiety. It gave me anxiety because I was so fearful that I was going to gain weight. I was fearful that if the number on the scale increased by 2 pounds, my worth would decrease. I bought into the lie that if I took up less space in the universe I was worth more. That belief lead me into a long struggle with an unhealthy food and exercise relationship that took a long time for me to recover from. 

In high school I was overweight and wanted to care about exercise, but I really didn't. My first year of college I started to get into exercise as a means to lose weight and quickly came to view it as a punishment. If I ate more calories than Myfitness Pal would allow me, then I would force myself to do a workout video that I didn't enjoy or walk 5 miles to burn off my overindulgence. If I had a donut I would calculate the exact number of minutes I had to spend on the treadmill to burn it off, even before I finished eating the donut. My view of exercise was obsessive, sad, and all around unhealthy. I dreaded getting to the gym because in my head, working out was what I HAD to do to maintain a particular number and ultimately my worth. 

Although I am so thankful that most days this is not the way that I view exercise now, but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a battle. Choosing to stop letting that number define my worth is a daily choice that isn’t always easy to make. Equating a number with my worth is still a thought that crosses my mind, but each day I’m trying to find motivation that is deeper and more meaningful than taking up less space.  I hope this bring your some encouragement and allows you to find your own motivation to move your body that has nothing to do with weight loss, because you are worth so much more than a stupid number. 

1. To feel strong 

Exercise makes me feel strong. The first time I remember actually feeling strong was during an Orange Theory workout where there were a lot of high inclines used on the treadmill. With every additional incline increase I felt my legs work harder and harder. When I was done I had this "I just did that!" feeling and it's something I go back for again and again. Feeling strong while working out allows me to celebrate my body and what it can do rather than view it as a punishment. 

2. To Have More Energy

For me, if I don't workout, I feel sluggish throughout the day. I shoot to workout 5-6 days a week and the days that I take off, I notice a significant decrease in my energy early in the day. On those days even if I don't do a formal workout I try to incorporate movement in some form, walking, running, biking, etc. to keep my energy where I'm used to them. It becomes something I genuinely miss because it makes me feel so good! 

3. To start a positive cycle

When I exercise I crave eating healthy. I want to eat healthy so that the next time I workout I can feel strong and not sluggish. By choosing to move my body I create a cycle of positive eating choices and movement. Moving leads to better food choices and better food choices lead to me wanting to move my body more. 

4. To Increase confidence

I'm not talking about increasing confidence because you finally start to have a gap between your thighs. I'm talking about confidence in your ability. Working out can force you to do things you thought your body couldn't. Pushing past those barriers reinforces what a bad ass woman you are and makes you feel like you can conquer the world. 

6. To Manage Mental Health 

Whether it's stress, anxiety, or depression, exercise can help. I have definitely experienced all three of these and can definitely vouch for the effectiveness of movement in managing them. If I ever wake up feeling anxious, getting to the gym helps me take a chill and remind me that everything is going to be okay. It allows me an hour to step outside of my worries and focus on myself. I've had times where I have woken up feeling down and going for a run may not have always fixed my problem completely but it has always perked me up at least a little bit. 

7. To Just Feel Damn good

Exercise endorphins are real, people! And they feel so, so good! The main reason I keep working out is because it always makes me feel good. Moving your body, whatever way you choose, will always make you feel better than if you lingered a little longer on the couch. I have never regretted a workout. 

Cozy Carrot + Lentil Stew

Soup is my jam. It’s one of those things that the longer it hangs out in the fridge, the better it gets. I mean, obviously it has its threshold before it gets objectively less good, but you know what I’m saying. I love whipping up a big batch on Sunday nights (or Monday!) and then using it as my lunch for the upcoming week. If you’re into that too and you’re looking for a new soup to change things up, I’ve got you. This soup is full of a good balance of plant protein and veggies. It’s hearty, warming, and will keep your fueled throughout your crazy week!

Cozy Carrot + Lentil Stew

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 4 large carrots

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 1/2 cups red lentils

• 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika

• 1 can tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots and saute for 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the lentils are soft, about 8-10 minutes. If you prefer your stew to be a little thicker, continue to simmer a little longer, 15 minutes or so. If soup-like consistency is more your jam, then go ahead and turn the burner off. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top with cilantro or parsley and enjoy.

Spicy Magic Green Sauce

When Josiah and I were in Austin a few weeks ago somewhere amongst our 9 taco-exclusive meals in a row, we had some tacos at this little local restaurant. We ordered a few of the vegetarian options they offered and were about to pay when the cashier said “Oh I forgot to ask, do you want any salsa with that?”

Don’t get me wrong, I like salsa, but it’s not a necessity for me every time I have tacos, so when I heard myself say “yeah, sure” I kind of surprised myself. Without really thinking much of it, I took the little cups they hand you to grab some from the condiment station and filled it with one of their spicy options. The green color spoke to me and spicy is something I often gravitate towards so this one fit the bill. There was minimal thought put into it otherwise.

I got back to the table and decided to dip one of the chips from our chips and guac order into the salsa (again, maybe not weird for others, but not a sure-thing for me). I dipped it and immediately knew that this salsa was different. It was hardly salsa. It was more of a godly nectar sent down from above. Fate intervened and salsa, which was merely an afterthought has become a staple. My life has been forever changed.

As soon as we got home I knew I had to attempt to recreate this deliciousness and this is what I came up with. We are currently putting it on everything: tacos, veggie bowls, eggs or even just straight up dipping chips! It’s on repeat in our life now and I hope you try it and can see why.

Spicy MAGIC Green Sauce

• 1 pound jalapeño peppers

• 12 cloves of garlic 

• 1/3 cup olive oil 

• 1/4 cup cilantro 

• juice of 2 limes 

• Salt to taste

Turn the broiler on high. 

Slice the jalapeños in half and remove most of the seeds (see note). Toss the jalapeño peppers in a little oil, then place on a baking sheet. Broil until the peppers are mostly blackened and soft, about 10-12 minutes. 

Place the  jalapeños along with the garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in the base of a high-powered blender. Blend until mostly combined, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil to form a smooth and creamy sauce.

Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to a week. 

Note: The amount of seeds to remove is completely up to you. I absolutely love spicy things and I think I have a pretty high spicy tolerance, but the first time I made this sauce I left about half of the seeds in and nearly burned my mouth off. The next time I made it I ended up removing 90% of the seeds and found that was a much better level of spiciness for me. Use your own judgement, but also note that jalapeño spiciness differs from jalapeño to jalapeños so each batch may be just a touch different because the peppers themselves will be slightly more or less spicy. 

Vegan Turtles

The only recipes I’ve posted for 2019 so far are all sweet things, which totally goes against the whole new-year-new-you trend, but it just feels so right for this space right now. It reflects the heart of my kitchen because let’s face it, even though I cook 2-3 savory meals every day and cooking is growing on me more and more, my soul still belongs to baking. My first true love. It’s also true to the current theme of my kitchen, speed.

These turtles come together in under 10 minutes (maybe 20 with the freezing time) and they’re as delicious as they are adorable. If you’re having friends over and need a little something sweet , I got you. If you just like a little something-something after dinner every night (or breakfast and lunch), I got you.

Vegan Turtles

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, I like 85% cocoa or darker

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

• one batch of vegan caramel

• 50 pecan halves, raw (about 1 cup)

Place the chocolate and coconut oil In a medium bowl and microwave in short increments, 15-30 seconds or so, until they have both melted. Be careful as to not burn the chocolate.

On a sheet of parchment paper place 5 pecans together as to create a star formation (see pictures). Place about 1 tablespoon of vegan caramel in the middle of each of the stars. Next, use the melted chocolate to cover the caramel. Leave the little turtle feet and heads poking out to maintain the cute “turtle” vibe. No matter what happens though, they’ll taste good.

Place in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. Remove from the parchment paper and place in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.