The Sweat and Sweet Philosophy On Food
- Grace
- Nov 28, 2016
- 4 min read
Here at Sweat and Sweets, we aren’t going to blow your brain with the newest studies about superfoods, the effects of sugar, or sweeteners, or whatever is popular on Facebook for causing cancer. Actually, we are pretty much going to avoid counting calories as much as we can altogether. Instead, we are just going to simplify all of the micro-science into the real and true basics. Food is food. Food is fuel. Shell gas stations may offer a different premium gasoline than BP. Citgo may be the best. We are not going to get into that. We don’t know what kind of car you drive.
What you put into your body matters. Everyone is going to have a different path to nutrition just like everyone is going to have a different path to fitness. If you are into eating a pizza, we are not going to tell you it needs to be gluten free. If you want a hamburger, we won't tell you that it should be on a piece of soggy lettuce instead of a bleached white bun. Those are all options. We are going to love on them all equally.
You’re a vegetarian? Cool. Do paleo? Great. Eat out every day? That can work. We don’t actually care what path you choose. We won’t argue why one is better than the other. We will be here to support you as long as it is healthy. (So look elsewhere if you want us to support your cupcake only diet.)
We are here to share with you, not tell you what to eat. Listen to your body to determine what food is going to be right for your goals. Almost all food can be good fuel in moderation. It’s the moderation that is the hard part. Has anyone tried NOT eating a whole row of oreos? Have you ever turned down a free dessert?
If your goal is weight loss, eating a box of Joe’s Doughs for breakfast every morning and sitting at your desk all day is probably not the best way to go about it. What you eat is part of your fitness equation. When I was a swimming 25+ hours per week, I did worse than just doughnuts every morning. What you consume will either make your health and fitness goals easier or harder. Very few foods are inherently evil besides eggplant and sauerkraut.
I am not sure if there is a unique diet that has not been invented yet. Vegetables and proteins are pretty standard food groups to focus on for weight loss. Let’s be real though. We are all human. Sometimes we need that second breakfast or that fifth glass of wine after a long day. Remember, you NEED that. Unless you have the mental resolve of a monk, you actually need to consume your cravings for your sanity. You need to maintain your balance SO THAT YOU CAN reach your goals.
If you find yourself sacrificing your happiness for your fitness, you are going to fail. We promise you. As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, you cannot succeed at fitness or health without being happy. This is supposed to be hard work. Not torture. You will break. We all have those days where the floor is lava. Staying in bed can become the only goal in life. We have all sat with a pint of ice cream, a tube of cookie dough and a bag of ruffles watching whatever was next on the “watch next” list on Netflix. IT HAPPENS. It is SUPPOSED to happen. What we don’t want you to do is feel bad about it. Enjoy those days. That is what they are for. Embrace them. Appreciate them. There will be more. Now find your balance. If you have fitness goals, lay them out. If you have health goals, one day, or one week should not change them. GET WHAT YOU NEED AND GET BACK TO YOUR GOALS!
YOU know your goals. Maybe you need to gain weight - or just maintain. Not everyone is on a weight loss journey. Maybe you need to run further. Maybe you’re trying to hold your breath for 12 minutes to get your name in the Guinness book of world records. We don’t know your goals, neither does any other blog or fitness magazine. Only you know your goals.
All we ask is that you challenge yourself and be true to your needs. Set realistic expectations. When you take those days where you need to put your stomach’s happiness first, fully appreciate being there. We promise you will find patience, motivation, and feel more energized to stick to your journey if you do.
I don’t have a perfect body. I will run a half marathon for shrimp and grits and a shiny medal (see right). I will sweat for sweets. I have a constantly evolving and changing, yet healthy, body and a happy mind.
With Love,
Grace.
Grace B.
Founder of Sweat and Sweets
Grace is a Chicago area native who grew up on the beautiful north shores of Lake Michigan. Walking before she learned to crawl, her path was always just that, hers. Even as a twin she developed her own individuality and personality that has been the driving force for her success.
From Chicago, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Hawaii, and now Charlotte, Grace’s journey has taken her many places. Swimming the 100m, 200m backstroke and butterfly, she competed on division-one swim teams throughout her collegiate career.
Grace continued her fitness life as a triathlete, marathon, and half-marathoner with a quest to complete a half marathon in every state before she turns 30. Trained in Olympic style lifting, she has always tried to develop a diverse fitness skill set.
After working as a project manager for 3 years, Grace traded in her hardhat and business clothes for sweatbands and Nikes when she moved to Charlotte. Grace made it her goal to share her love for adventure, health and fitness, to help people live happier lives. New to Charlotte, this journey will be as new for her as it will be for you sharing all of the Sweat and Sweets.
Comments