Bagel party, my place

Hi guys! Hope you’re having a happy Friday Smile

Things have been a little crazy over here today (family emergency last night, phone appointment with my homeopathic doctor, work) but things are back to normal-ish now.

My aunt and I had a little bagel party before work this morning Smile

bagel

A good grains bagel with hummus, lettuce and tomato, orange juice and coffee. It was uhhhmazing.

I packed up lunch:

lunch

-cucumber

-bell pepper

-chickpeas

-quinoa (1/2 C)

-mint and parsley

-olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper

-apple

salad

(also grabbed a Vega and a Larabar for snack- will eat whichever one I’m in the mood for *Vega ended up winning)

and headed to work.

I just wanted to say thank you to you guys for your intelligent and polite discussion this morning regarding last night’s *triathlon*. Honestly, I knew it was going to spark some conversation when I did it last night and when I posted it. I don’t have to defend myself to you guys because you know I love working out, and definitely need the extra endorphins because my love is away, but it isn’t with any crazy intentions. I always try to promote balance on the bloggy and do what makes me happy. Sometimes it means eating a lot of vegan cookie dough, sometimes it’s taking a nap (or two), sometimes my only cardio is shopping, sometimes it’s taking advantages of extra fitness classes for fun Smile

This morning, after reading the initial comment, I thought to myself “maybe I shouldn’t work out today, since I did a lot last night”, even though I was sitting in my spin clothes. I just had a rest day two days ago, but worried that someone would say something about working again after everything I did yesterday. I knew I felt great, I wanted to spin, so I went. And it was awesome.

This blog is about my life, not the way others want to see me live (ie work out a certain way, eat a certain way). Not everyone is going to agree with me 100% percent of the time, and I like that. Blogs are about conversation! Everyone is different. I always say to do yo thang, and just because a silly blogger is doing it doesn’t mean you have to follow suit.

It’s up to us to surround ourselves with things that makes us happy and positive (friends, family, hobbies we love, pets), but how we respond to things is our responsibility as well. I could find a way to be offended about everything if I wanted to… but if criticism or question comes from a good place, there’s no reason to make it personal, ya know?

So thank you for being awesome Smile

I’m off to one of my favorite places for dinner!

xoxo,

Gina

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42 Comments

  1. Olivia on October 29, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    Do you take any total rest days from working out?

    • Fitnessista on October 29, 2010 at 11:45 pm

      yup- just had a rest day a couple of days ago 🙂

  2. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is on October 29, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    I think that is one of the best things about blogging – the conversation and differences. When you are a writer, like you said, not everyone is going to agree with you. I think being able to hold intelligent discussions on blogs is a high point very significant to your audience. And I just think it is so important to continue to BE who you are. I could never not be who I am on my blog… bacon and all.

  3. holly @ couchpotatoathlete on October 29, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    Great post Gina — I think you have a good balance of eating right/working out/having fun/etc. I enjoy reading your blog and have never thought you overdid it — I obviously don’t know everything about you but from what I see you live a very healthy lifestyle and I appreciate you sharing that with us!

    I am super jealous of your bagel sandwich 🙂

  4. Christin L. on October 29, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    A-freakin’-men! Diversity truly is the spice of life… life would be so BORING if we were all the same and agreed on everything! I love your blog and your honesty!

  5. Allie (Live Laugh Eat) on October 29, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    I like your attitude, Gina! I am sometimes guilty of letting what I think others are thinking dictate what I do but really, it’s my/your body, we do what we want! Love you, Lady!

  6. Krystina (Organically Me) on October 29, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    Thank you for this. I recently unveiled that I was changing my eating habits on my blog and it’s been kind of stressful. I upset some people and lost some readers and thought to myself “Am I really doing the right thing? Should I not post certain things” but ultimately this is MY life. I come first, not the blog.

  7. Liz @ Blog is the New Black on October 29, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Great attitude- do what works for YOU!

  8. Kath on October 29, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    Oh my gosh, I can’t believe ANYONE gave you a hard time for enjoying a trifecta of exercise! Rock on!

  9. Emily N on October 29, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    Wow! I never would imagine ppl would have a problem with your last post. if they have a problem with your “triathlon”…imagine how they would feel about actual triathlons (no offense:). I’ve definitely had days where I did two dance classes and a run just b.c I was bored. Keep on doing whatev feels good as long as you do it in moderation and it feels good, that’s what being healthy is all about:)

  10. s on October 29, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    i personally loved your triathlon post, haha. mixing it up is the way to go sometimes, to keep things interesting.

  11. Meaghen on October 29, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    I love the way you deal with controversy! You handle it so gracefully and never take anything personally or respond in a negative way! I wouldn’t work out that much in a day, but that’s because I don’t work out as much as you do in general and don’t love it as much as you do. If I did, maybe I would want to have a triathalon of my own. I appreciate how you support everyone with how much or little they do in their lives! Have a great weekend Gina!

    • Meaghen on October 29, 2010 at 10:33 pm

      I just read the comments on the last post and just wanted to say that I read Jeannie (I think that was her name) comment and it was respectful and well worded. I didn’t want anyone to think I was one of the commenters that attack anyone who says anything against a blogger!!! I think both you and Jeannie did an awesome job at generating conversation!

  12. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on October 29, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    Family emergency, oh god. I hope everything is ok!!!

    Homeopathic doctor chat…again, hope all is well!! Sending you love, light, and peaceful vibes!!

    As for your blog being about your life, AMEN GIRL!!!!!!!
    I have to say this at least once a month on my blog. I have told you before that I get ALOT of rude, mean, hurtful comments. Lots. On everything from my dietary path to how I parent to not being a good enough vegan b/c I have a leather purse (that’s 8 years old!) but I know full well how negative comments or even just people deeply questioning your choices can hurt or just make you feel so…ugh. Like, none of us need this, want this, want to have to defend ourselves. We are all busy, and we blog to share, not to bring any sh*t upon ourselves un-necessarily.

    I knew when I read that post, it was going to spark lots of comments. And I felt for you having to field them.

    Even if people are 100% respectful, it still takes a toll to have to sit on the edge of your seat wondering what next is gonna come into your inbox. Oh yes, I understand 🙂

    Anyway I am here supporting you and cheering you on 🙂

  13. Katie on October 29, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    It says a lot about a person to want to discuss differences and to be open to people’s different opinions. I think the world needs to take a lesson from you, Gina. 🙂 You are one classy lady! 🙂

  14. Jackie on October 29, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    I hope tomorrow’s not a rest day because I’m FINALLY going to Dance Trance in the morning after way too much time away and I’d love to see you there, shakin’ your groove thang!

    And when the haters get you down, just remember the immortal words of one of our greatest musicians (oh yeah, I went there): Jon Bon Jovi: “It’s my life. I ain’t going to live forever. I just want to live while I’m alive. IT’S MY LIFE.” Do what makes YOU happy!

    • Fitnessista on October 29, 2010 at 11:41 pm

      tomorrow’s definitely a DT day! so stoked you’re going to be there!!!!
      bon jovi is full of words of wisdom. and he sang about tommy and gina… and my husband’s name is tom 😉 so we trust bon jovi, haha

  15. fittingbackin on October 29, 2010 at 11:24 pm

    You’ve said A LOT of things I agree with – but this hit the nail on the head:

    “how we respond to things is our responsibility as well.”

    thank you – we could ALL ALWAYS be offended by things – if we choose to. Great reminder, missy – love your optimism and this-is-who-I-am personality!

    • Fitnessista on October 29, 2010 at 11:40 pm

      thank you! 🙂

  16. Laughter-Loving Stacy on October 29, 2010 at 11:29 pm

    Exactly, every person is different! You’re healthy and don’t over-train.. so w/e. Just have fun! 🙂

  17. Kiran on October 29, 2010 at 11:30 pm

    Delish looking bagel 🙂
    Blogging is where we write, listen, and respond 🙂 And I love your spirit! Keep doing great things dear 🙂

    • Fitnessista on October 29, 2010 at 11:39 pm

      thank you!!

  18. Stefanie on October 29, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    You’re so right–blogging is about sharing opinions, and opinions are all over the board. As long as we discuss in a positive manner (i.e., Your way looks nice, but I actually prefer this way), then all is good in the blog world! 🙂

  19. Cara Craves... on October 30, 2010 at 1:13 am

    Wise words Gina!

  20. Haleigh on October 30, 2010 at 7:21 am

    I think the beauty of blog writing is communicating with people that have the same interests but with a different viewpoint, that’s what makes it so fun! You have such a great attitude Gina! You are extremely gracious and I love that! Keep up the fabulous blog girl! xoxo

  21. Crystal on October 30, 2010 at 7:34 am

    I LOVE your blog- and I am right there with you.. People are always going to have something to say about what we do, and how we do it.. but if you love it- and it’s right for you.. go to it!

  22. CaSaundra on October 30, 2010 at 8:48 am

    Bagels are always good–I still am trying to master the art of making my own!

  23. Emily on October 30, 2010 at 8:48 am

    You’re awesome, Gina! Such a great part of the blog world. Thanks for being so open and honest and for having so much grace. 🙂

  24. Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun on October 30, 2010 at 8:53 am

    Hope whatever the emergency was is resolving itself okay. That’s never good to hear! 🙁

    And I completely agree with you that we must be true to who we are. If we are respecting our bodies, then no one should try to convince us otherwise. One day of “triathalon” workouts here and there is not going to harm you. In my mind, it’s the same as people going on long runs of 15+ miles each week. You aren’t doing it all the time, you still have balance, and you LISTEN to YOUR body. Keep it up!

  25. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on October 30, 2010 at 9:03 am

    Amen to this Gina! It would be silly to censor our posts or change the way we live our life just because of what others might say. Blogging is all about doing our own thing. 😀

  26. Menden on October 30, 2010 at 9:20 am

    I love that quinoa salad combination…yummy!

    And I love that your blog posts have sparked such conversation…like you said, that’s what blogs are all about…conversation!

  27. Melissa @ Running with Needles on October 30, 2010 at 9:29 am

    I hope everything is okay with the family! Emergencies can be so scary.

    And I agree with you when it comes to blogging the way you live, not the other way around. No one but ourselves should be dictating how or why we do the things that make us happy.

  28. Heather (Heather's Dish) on October 30, 2010 at 10:02 am

    much love girlfriend 🙂

  29. Caitlin on October 30, 2010 at 10:49 am

    Wow! I had no idea that negativity had even gone on. I had read yesterday’s post and honestly didn’t give it a second thought. Who cares if you want to do a bunch of FUN exercise?! Gina, I hope you realize that those who might be judging you are a much, much smaller number than those who are rooting for you and we are SO grateful for what you share with us each day. I’m actually just about to hit the gym for another round of your Bridal Bootcamp workout #2!

  30. Karen on October 30, 2010 at 11:28 am

    You lead a very balanced life based upon what you post. I do not think that a rare occasion of exercising 3x in a day is indicative of an issue. What is far worse is how often and easily people get derailed from healthy eating and exercise based upon family issues, work or whatever. What works for me is doing what I can in the time allotted. Sometimes it is nothing, sometimes twice in a day, sometimes a long workout, sometimes I get 15 min. I am a mother of 4, work full time with a 2 hour daily commute – I do what I can. In my mind, you saw an opportunity to do extra of what you love and you did it! Good for you.

    Nice, mature way of handling the discussion (I can compliment you on your maturity because I am one of you older readers). I love your positivity. Keep living your life and thanks for having the courage to tell others about it.

  31. carpensm on October 30, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Thanks for being honest and open in your blog…honestly, it is why I read it…you’re human just like all of us! I think you have to do exactly whatever you want and what makes you feel good. I know sometimes I will workout every day for 2+ weeks without even realizing it just because I enjoy it so much… and then others (like you said) will feature a nap 😛

    Have a great day and Thank you!!

  32. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine on October 30, 2010 at 12:25 pm

    Love, love, love this post. It’s so true- I feel like there’s a LOT of unintentional judgment on the blogworld when someone’s choices are different than ours. Exercise and food are such intensely personal things, and only WE know when we’re overdoing it. It’s easy to judge out of concern or jealousy, but you’ve always been the picture of balance and moderation and I don’t see anything wrong with your “triathalon” 🙂

  33. Stephanie @ FITCHICKS on October 30, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    It’s all about balance and limits – two things that you always stay connected to. Keep doing what makes your body feel good, chick!

  34. Kelly on October 31, 2010 at 11:14 am

    It’s a little sad to me that there’s a price you pay once your readers start to increase and that had the potential to make you reconsider your workout today. The more readers you have, the more likely some will be critical. No one says a word when I run 16 miles, then go to power yoga the next day. Maybe because I don’t have “those types” of readers yet or maybe I get a pass because I’m training for a marathon so it doesn’t “seem” as extreme. The ironic thing is, I bet you’re more fit than I am, so of course you can do a little extra activity one day and go one to the next day feeling great and ready for more. As bloggers we are sharing our lives, but at the same time our readers have the potential ability to affect our lives too. For me, this raises the question, to what extent do we question how this or that is going to affect readers? I would never want to spark an unhealthy obsession or relapse in someone, but I am blogging about my life and how I prefer to live it. I’m so glad you went with your gut and did what you really wanted to do, instead of worrying about what others might think. Sorry for the long comment, this is just something I’ve been mulling over lately and it seems like you might be dealing with it as well in much more direct way.

  35. Rhea (Greek Feaster) on November 1, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Hey Gina, I am really late on this, but I just wanted to say that while I agreed with the commenter-who-started-it-all re: exercise overload, your classy response totally won me over. You have NO idea how refreshing it is to read an honest response to reader criticism that was free of pretense or defensiveness. After the MC article, I have gotten VERY disillusioned with the health blog world, especially since I suffer from a bit of a perfection complex, myself 😉 I even shifted the focus of my own blog from food and fitness to life. It feels good.
    I appreciate your willingness to use your blog as a discussion forum and not as a means to deify yourself. You rock!

  36. Caroline on November 2, 2010 at 8:01 am

    I definitely agree that you should workout however you’re feeling it! I mean look at professional athletes, they train for hours a day, on a daily basis. If you have the endurance, enjoy what you’re doing (and of course fuel your body properly), I don’t think there is a *too much*. Personally your Thursday(? I’m behind) sounds like a blast!

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