I’ve got a secret. I’m like the cat who swallowed the canary, and I’m bursting at the seams to share.
I’ve put on a few pounds this winter. Five to be exact, or sometimes only two depending on the day.
Do not be alarmed by this. I’m most certainly not. It goes with the territory of living in a cold weather climate. It’s my body’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s really cold here, so we’re going to hang onto some of that. A little extra isn’t going to hurt.”
This time of year, I crave heartier, heavier, and richer foods, which is pretty natural. I also know come spring and summer, those pounds will melt away like they never existed because it’s seasonal weight.
“So why am I telling you all this?” you gently inquire, at least I hope you’re gentle about it; this isn’t Fifty Shades. I don’t respond well to commands.
To which I pleasantly respond, “I want you to know you don’t need to obsess over the number on a scale. Your weight is going to fluctuate on a near daily basis and definitely on a seasonal basis.”
So long as you’re in a healthy range, there is nothing to worry your pretty little head about. I also want you to know I’m human too….in case, there were any doubts, and if there were, I don’t want to know what you were thinking.
So, I’ve watched my weight fluctuate this winter. I’ve seen the number go up, I’ve seen it drop down and then bounce back up again. I’ve watched all of this passively too, meaning I’ve done absolutely nothing about it.
I haven’t curbed my eating. I haven’t upped my exercise, and in the evenings, well I’m downright sloth like. I did tell you about the cold and dark that is Ohio, yes? Oh, only a hundred times now. Well it’s cold and dark, which makes me lazy at night.
I’m like a bear, hibernating for the winter, although I’d like to think I’m a cute little bear who dances and wears a tiara, and not one of those circus bears either because that ain’t right.
While I’m in hibernation mode, I happen to be doing a lot of eating. All kinds of food too. I’ll have carrot juice one day and Mexican the next. I’ve no qualms over eating a pile of French Toast followed by a plateful of veggies.
You see all of this deliciousness was made with real food, not food like substances, so I do not feel guilty for eating some of my more decadent choices. Not even a shred or a smidgen. Alright, I just wanted to say smidgen; I think it’s a cool word. I’m sure you’d agree. Try it in a sentence today; it rolls off the tongue.
The moral of today’s post comes by way of pictures because you know what I see when I look at all the photos above. Balance, harmony, moderation, symmetry. So despite the extra seasonal pounds, I know I’m doing something right.
What is balanced eating to you? Do you think you’re a balanced eater, or is it something you struggle with? There’s no right or wrong answers, only honesty.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
February 19, 2013 at 9:52 AMAwesome post, Meghan!
I think you’re spot on with balanced eating and gorgeous foods!
And definitely with this whole dark Ohio thing.
Can I just comment that I was hearing the Grammy’s show performance of The Weight in my head?
Meghan says
February 19, 2013 at 7:14 PMThanks Kirsten. I thought it was time for a balance and moderation post, and I’m glad you liked it. So many times people are all about excluding things like sugar, carbs, grains (and even meat, although mine is for different reasons and I may eat meat again someday), and that’s not me.
I still haven’t watched the Grammy’s. Oops, it’s on my DVR just waiting for me. With everything going on getting ready for my brother’s visit, I didn’t get to it.
Brittany says
February 19, 2013 at 1:38 PMSooo since I am being honest, I have noticed this 5lb gain since quitting my job in October. I blame not moving that extra 8hrs a day, because I am still active..but I am sitting more than I did before. To say this hasn’t bothered me would be a lie, but I love this post and I am going to continue to stay positive and know that come summer I will have my ideal body back. 🙂
Meghan says
February 19, 2013 at 7:15 PMHang in there because once the warm weather comes, it’ll drop like nothing. You’ll crave lighter meals and move more. My weight does this every single year and so long as I haven’t gained crazy weight, I’m not gonna worry about it.
jessiebear says
February 19, 2013 at 2:13 PMI LOVE this post. I hardcore struggle with accepting seasonal weight gain. Stresses me out way more than it should!
Meghan says
February 19, 2013 at 10:05 PMI think it’s something we all struggle with in the winter time so I wanted to put it out there. There’s no shame in my game.
Shut Up & Cook | The Attainable Gourmet says
February 19, 2013 at 3:22 PMI couldn’t agree more. If I’m okay with a 2-3 lb weight fluctuation I can pretty much each and do what I want. What’s most important to me is how I feel, do I feel like I’m toned, are clothes fitting the way I want.
All good things in moderation. Including moderation.
🙂
Meghan says
February 19, 2013 at 7:16 PMAin’t that the truth! I love that saying.
Jessie says
February 19, 2013 at 9:54 PMGreat Great post, my friend. You nailed what balanced eating is all about! No matter if you gain 10 lbs or 20, you’ll still be beautiful!!!! 🙂
Meghan says
February 20, 2013 at 5:02 PMThanks Jessie. You’re a sweetheart, although I don’t plan on gaining 10 and certainly not 20. Five is good though.
Stacey Belasic says
February 21, 2013 at 12:27 PMHi there! I’ve been so busy lately and haven’t kept up with your yummy posts…this one was one I read and I thought it was great! It was nice to see you are human (haha!) and especially nice to view all those amazing food pics!!! Yuuuummmy!!!! Oh and relating to another post, I would so “like” your FB page if I was on FB, but I am not…sorry!! 🙂
Meghan says
February 23, 2013 at 10:24 AMI know you would Stacey. Hope things get a little less hectic for you. 🙂
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
March 2, 2013 at 1:00 AMI love this post, Meghan! And actually, I think it’s just what I needed to hear right now. It’s not something I really talk about on the blog, because let’s face it, no one wants to listen to me whine, but I’ve been having a bit of a tough time this winter. It’s cold, it’s gloomy, my friggin’ knee hurts, motivation is a completely foreign term to me right now, and how do I cope with all of this? I eat. Annnnnnd since I’ve been seeing the man-friend, that only gives me more VARIETY to eat! I gained some weight around Christmas, but I’m back down now, but it’s not the same…I’m much “softer” than I used to me…and I totally blame my stupid, mother-frickin’ decrepit joints for keeping me from doing what I want in the gym! 28 years old and already falling apart…please, I’m a lame horse…just put me out of my misery now! *eye roll*
Meghan says
March 2, 2013 at 11:38 AMActually I’m glad you loved it and for the exact reasons you shared. It’s literally why I wrote this post. To reach people who may be beating themselves up over a couple extra pounds and more decadent food choices. We live in seasonal places, we are seasonal creatures, and our weight will reflect that. It’s only natural, so hang in there and don’t feel too guilty because come spring time, all the extra pounds will fall off and your motivation will return 100%. You gotta love yourself for who you are at this moment in time (says the girl hating her own braces), not what you want to become or who you plan to be. True story; now I need to go look in the mirror and come to grips with my metal mouth. Heed my own advice so to speak.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
March 3, 2013 at 10:46 PM“You gotta love yourself for who you are at this moment in time, not what you want to become or who you plan to be.” <- Best quote EVER! Seriously girl…read this back to yourself every day until you love those braces!! *hugs*
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
March 2, 2013 at 1:02 AMTo answer your question…geez Heather, way to go on the sob-fest…I DO think I eat relatively balanced…I just have a harder time during the winter. I definitely crave more “stick to your ribs” sort of foods when it’s cold out! Can’t wait until the warm weather comes and I can start stuffing my face with fresh berries! 😀