Now that JC is a little older, COVID had been around a while, and my PhD work is done, I have been able to add back into my life another area of interest - human performance research. I have always enjoyed helping others achieve their goals, and I have had the chance to do that a few times in the running arena. It has been quite a while since I focused on trying to optimize my own performance, and to be honest I am tired of carrying around this extra 10 pounds that came from having a child and ticking over into the 40s. I tried going back to Weight Watchers which helped me lose 20 pounds about 15 or so years ago, but it simply isn't working for me this time around. I can blame hormone changes or aging, but doing that does not get results. Besides, I insist on seeing this as a learning opportunity. It reminds of something I read many years ago in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey that really stuck with me:
“Suppose you wanted to arrive at a specific location in central Chicago. A street map of the city would be a great help to you in reaching your destination. But suppose you were given the wrong map. Through a printing error, the map labeled “Chicago” was actually a map of Detroit. Can you imagine the frustration, the ineffectiveness of trying to reach your destination? You might work on your behavior—you could try harder, be more diligent, double your speed. But your efforts would only succeed in getting you to the wrong place faster.”
I feel a bit like while I was busy living, someone did some major revamping of the road system that is my body, and I am still trying to follow that old, now inaccurate map. Time for me to update that map!
While researching, I came across Dr. Brittany Robles and decided to plunk down the little bit of cash she asks for to get her nutrition plan for postpartum. I am way past postpartum, but this body of mine feels very different than it did before having a child so I figured I would give it a shot. Dr. Robles focuses a lot on eating healthy foods rather than cutting out certain ones. In fact, she never tells you not to eat certain items. There is no counting of calories or points. She does make suggestions on what you should consider skipping (mostly processed foods). She addresses you as beautiful momma and tells you that you matter. The first two weeks, she gives you a list of 3 things to include in your diet daily (level 1). The next two weeks, she adds in 3 more things. By the time you get to week 7 (level 4), there are now 12 items listed daily, and not all are focused on food. She also throws in some bonus items after level 4.
I made it through level 4, and feeling very empowered, I found myself wanting to continue to tweak my food choices. I also began marathon training and felt I needed a nutrition plan focused on my individual needs so I signed up with OnPoint Nutrition. I now, for the first time, have a nutrition coach. It really boggles my mind that I spent years working to improve my running by focusing almost exclusively on running plans and only peripherally on nutrition. I am interested to see how this plays out!
I am also deep into reading Roar: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life by Dr. Stacy Sims. She focuses specifically on women's physiology, hormones and aging. Eureka! I feel this subject in my bones, and I love and share her passion for helping women achieve their optimal performance.
Other sources I am currently using to help in this process: Kodiak, Hello Fresh, Picnk, Volcanica (decaf Ethiopian Yirgacheffe!), a food scale, OSMO Nutrition, FitDesk, Active Life Chiropractic, the Centerville Salt Room. I am in no way paid by these companies nor by the folks linked anywhere in this post. No (wo)man is an island.
Vitamins I am currently taking: Iron Water (doctor's orders), B12, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Probiotics
