Take it with a grain of salt

I can confidently say that within the almost-5 years I’ve been writing this little thing, I haven’t really experienced much writer’s block. In all fairness, the first two years’ posts were mostly fluff and getting the hang of blogging (there’s some background stuff that goes into it and I’ve never been very tech-y). Since then, I feel like I’ve always had something to say and on the days I don’t have as much, I just post less.

Two nights ago, I had nothing.

I sat down at the computer, only had a half hour -usually posts take +/- an hour to edit photos and write- and on the forefront of my mind were the ludicrous workouts I kept seeing pop up all over Pinterest.

In a nutshell, someone without any fitness credentials or background will post a picture of a super fit girl and her toned abs, along with some asinine workout (“every day do 100 burpees, 80 jumping jacks, 50 sit-ups and run 5 miles!”) and it will be pinned from here until eternity. So, BOOM. I thought, “I’ll write about scary fitness trends!”

Wait a second…

Did I write about that already?

Yep. A year ago. And I called it “scary fitness trends.”

It was a clue to step away for the night.

Yesterday, I woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the day (4 classes: Zumba, Barre, Latin dance and stretch)

Ball4

and actually have things to talk about now 😉

I was thinking about last week, when a friend’s daughter came over to make raw desserts. She’s a college student and is really getting into health and fitness, so I lent her some of my favorite cookbooks.

Some of the books in the stash:

(she’s interested in the vegan diet and cooking techniques)

Let Them Eat Vegan!

Detox for Women

Ani’s Raw Food Essentials

Everyday Raw Desserts

Skinny Bitch in the Kitch <– awful name, some pretty great recipes

Dolmas

While I was handing her each book, I couldn’t help but give a disclaimer for most of them:

“This women is incredible and has extensive knowledge of nutrition and detox techniques, but she’s a little cray-cray about food combining, which I don’t totally agree with.”

“This one has awesome recipes, but some of them need specific kitchen tools- let me know if you want to borrow anything!”

“This book has a ton of good recipes, but also a lot using processed ingredients so just a head’s up.”

The only books I didn’t have much to say about (other than the fact that I adore them) are the Ani Phyo and Dreena Burton book: whole healthy foods and simple recipes.

While I’m not going to play the “eating plans I like” banjo again (haha), I think it’s important to note the extra consideration that must be given with any food or fitness plan. You have to take it with a grain of salt, research, and experiment to determine what works best for you. 

Some of the things I wish I would have known when I was first getting started with health and fitness:

-Stay away from the processed stuff. I used to abuse Splenda and my poor friends had to eat baked treats that I made using it. I’m sorry, friends.

-Fats are not the devil. I can’t believe how much life I wasted without nut butter. I like to think that I’m making up for lost time 😉

Salmon  1 of 1 2

-You really can enjoy everything in moderation and maintain your goals. My eating has changed so much through the years as it’s been a process to educate myself and find the best methods for me. I eat the widest variety of foods now and feel better than I ever have. I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss, even though my daily menu includes much more than the packaged and microwaved “health” meals of my past.

Carrot cakes

(Renee’s Organic Oven carrot cake: gold star)

-On the same note, there really is no “one size fits all.” I would love to be vegan; however, my body does better with some animal proteins mixed in. I just try to be aware of their sources,  remain mindful of my consumption, and emphasize organic and local whenever possible. You do what you can.

-Quality > quantity. It’s possible to get in a killer strength and cardio workout within 30 minutes if time is limited. (HIIT is AWESOME.)

What’s something you learned the hard way with nutrition or fitness? What’s a fitness or health book that you still use and love today? 

I always find myself going back to these books when I need a boost with meal revamp ideas:

The Raw Food Detox Diet

Eat, Drink & Be Vegan

Canyon Ranch: Nourish

See ya later today <3

xoxo

Gina

*This post contains some Amazon affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting the blog <3

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94 Comments

  1. Ashley @ Life and Fitness on February 28, 2013 at 10:38 am

    You should write a cookbook! You have such great recipes. I eat your oatmeal cookie almost everyday haha.

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:55 pm

      thank you! i would love to write a cookbook. i had a few failed attempts and put it on the back burner for a while 😉

  2. Rebecca@Running.Food.Baby. on February 28, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Funny – there seems to be quite a few bloggers who have had a bad case of writer’s block lately 🙂 I’m still trying to figure out things on my blog – mostly what my main purpose is as I have felt very un-focused as of late 🙂

    The only fitness book I have read/still use is my Running Room “Book on Running”. It is very easy to read and has lots of pieces to consider when developing a running plan. I also read Runner’s World? Does that count?

  3. Jennifer@knackfornutrition on February 28, 2013 at 10:44 am

    I have learned that perfection isn’t necessary. Sometimes oyu have to let go and accept that you can’t control everything. A healthy lifestyle is all about balance.

  4. avery on February 28, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I tried Tabata and HIIT workouts via your suggestion and its changed my life. I ran cross country and have always been a long distance runner, so I’m used to intervals here and there, but mostly the “mileage, mileage mileage” theory has been pounded into my head. Now most of my weekday runs are no longer than 45 minutes, and I add in long runs on a weekend day if I’m training for a longer race. I’m so pumped that I can get up in the morning and get in a quality workout before work! It also gives me more time to add in some strength training which I’m normally a huge procrastinator about. If I’m short on time I will choose a couple of your “workout quickies” to do and I am always so glad I did!

    Bottom line, short, intense workouts are totally worth it!

  5. Mila on February 28, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Gina, one of the things that keeps me coming back to your blog is that is’s so well balanced! Honestly, I’m sure other bloggers do it well too but I feel like you practice what you preach, and what you preach is SO. DAMN. RELATABLE! (which is apparently not a word) “No one size fits all” and “do what works for you.” You keep it sensible, and I love you (and your blog) for it!

    But secretly I love it when you review/cover different health/fitness (Tracey Andersen workout anyone?) topics even though in the end it always comes back to those two nuggets of wisdom listed above 😉

    I’ll probably still read crazy, not so crazy, and sensible diet/fitness advice (c’mon – sometimes it’s just out of this world ridiculous like 6 weeks to OMG or whatever) but I love reading and coming to a place that’s so on the mark about balance – all kind of balance – food, fun, life, exercise, family – and for me, your blog is just that.

    So just a big THANK YOU and keep up the great work (with and without writer’s block!)

    Although I haven’t avoided fats like the plague, there was an unfortunate time in my life where I would do the mental calculation of my daily caloric intake at every single meal. Sad but true. I’m happy to say I’ve definitely moved past that and now instead at every meal I “focus” on two things: 1, eat more produce, in as “whole” of a state as possible given the situation, and 2, does it taste good? what would make it taste better? a squirt of lemon? some butter? a sprinkle of walnuts or brown sugar? And then enjoy it 🙂

    I read Mireille Guilliano’s French Women Don’t Get Fat years ago and I love her philosophy (quality > quantity) and just to move every chance you get throughout the day.

    I also really like – and I have to stress the do as she says, not as she does – Bethenny Frankel’s Naturally Thin. It’s two parts, and the second part definitely focuses in on some VERY LIGHT eating. But the first half is very good (about intuitive eating and really enjoying yourself).

    As you can attest above – even if you don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean they don’t have a nugget of truth among what they preach (like T.Andersen and her workouts vs. diet)

    So – coming back full circle – thanks for all you do! Of all the things I read, there hasn’t been anything on your site I disagree with on fitness/nutrition – even if I don’t do things the same way. Plus, you have some of the best fans/commenters. I feel like I enjoy the comments almost as much as each post. This is definitely a testament to the quality of your site and fans 🙂

    • Meredith on February 28, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      Ditto Mila’s comments! Gina, you have no idea how much of a breath of fresh (inspiring, cheerful & genuine) air you are!

      • Alexandra on February 28, 2013 at 5:47 pm

        I third this! You really are my favorite blogger, Gina! You are so real and relatable and truly an inspiration for all of us! Thank you for all that you do!

        • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:35 pm

          thank you so much for hanging out with me over here! 🙂

      • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:47 pm

        thank you! you all know how to make a girl’s day 🙂
        xoxo

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:54 pm

      thank you so much, mila <3
      i couldn't agree more about the awesome readers and commenters. i'm such a lucky girl to "know" all of you- you make this space what it is
      xoxo

  6. Emily on February 28, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I <3 the Skinny Bitch cookbook, but I always hate the name. Also, the Kind Diet is one of my favs as well. I love reading as many cook books/blogs as I can to get ideas, then I usually will wing it in do my own thing. It's great for a little inspiration when you're feeling like your in a food rut.

  7. Tara on February 28, 2013 at 10:51 am

    I love how you are so honest Gina! I’m definately a moderation girl myself, but have joined the gluten free bandwagon for health reasons. Your blog has been a major key to my success so far and I just wanted to thank you for it 🙂

  8. Camille on February 28, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Thank you for writing about how some of those fitness pins are so ridiculous!!! My ‘favorite” pin is

    “”Set your alarm for 6am. Don’t groan when it goes off and pull the covers over your head, get up and start your day. Put on a baggy top and running shorts. Go downstairs and pour yourself a nice big glass of ice water. Cut up some fruit and mix it in with yogurt. Add some granola. Now go outside. Stretch for 10 minutes. Skip for 5 minutes. Jog for 10 minutes. Run for 10 minutes. Walk back. Lay out a towel on the ground and lie down on it. Do 50 crunches. Yes, they hurt, but they are 100% worth it. When you’re done, get in the shower. Use a nice smelling shampoo and matching conditioner. Shave your legs and wash your body. Exfoliate your face. Get out of the shower and let your hair air dry. Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If you do, good for you. Do this every day and you will continue to love yourself. If you don’t like what you see, do this every day and pretty soon you will. Being lazy might feel good at the time, but being active feels better in the long run. How badly do you want it?”

    Who really has time for that? In theory it’s a good idea, but its so unrealistic. Watching my college friends pin stuff like that drives me bonkers.

    • Amanda on February 28, 2013 at 11:31 am

      I haaaate posts like that. Like I’m not supposed to love myself if I don’t do some asinine workout every day? Also, am I the only one who things daily shaving and exfoliation might be overkill?

      Ain’t nobody got time for that.

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:52 pm

      i just threw up in my mouth a little. haha

  9. Corey on February 28, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I loved how honest this was, and I totally admire your balance with it all. I find myself prepping all of my meals and trying to stick to a meal plan because I totally lack that balance when left to my own devices. Not only do I feel so much better when I eat the good stuff, but it leaves me plenty of room to try new dishes out for dinner, and make sure I am getting all of the nutrients I need!

  10. Lisa on February 28, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Love the honesty in this post Gina! Especially as a blogger, I think we all get hit with that sense of perfectionism. And it’s almost like we get criticized if we aren’t perfect and even if we are coming across as perfect. It’s like you can’t win, but that’s only with the haters really. They say let your haters be your motivators;)
    I’ve learned that moderation is really key! And quality over quantity. That goes with food, workouts, friends, anything you can apply in life really.
    I always come back to your blog because I find you really open, honest, and most of all relatable which is awesome.

  11. Maria on February 28, 2013 at 11:03 am

    Hey Gina! I’ve been reading your blog for over 2 years, but this is my first time commenting. Let me just just start off by saying that though I read other blogs as well, yours is by far my FAVORITE. I love how ALL your posts, really feel like you put your heart into it! Keep up the good work 🙂

    (P.S.I know that this is totally random, but I just had to say that, Liv is the CUTEST THING EVER!)

  12. Maria on February 28, 2013 at 11:06 am

    Hey Gina! I’ve been reading your blog for over 2 years, but this is my first time commenting. Let me just start off by saying that though I read other blogs as well, yours is by far my FAVORITE. I love how ALL your posts, really feel like you put your heart into it! Keep up the good work 🙂

    (P.S.I know that this is totally random, but I just had to say that, Liv is the CUTEST THING EVER!)

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      thank you, maria! thanks for leaving your first comment, too 🙂 hi!

  13. Caitlin on February 28, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Gina, this post right here is one of the reasons you are one of my favorite bloggers! We are bombarded every day by negativity and especially as women, constantly being put down for the way we look. We should practice appreciating and loving our bodies, not hating them and restricting. Thank you for being such a positive light. I know so many people are thankful for it!

    I have learned so many things on my journey of health and fitness. I’m constantly trying out new recipes and learning about the best way my body functions. The “one size fits all” thing is something I really resonate with. I’ve tried being vegan and although it does really seem to help my stomach issues, it’s just not something I can maintain. This doesn’t make me “unhealthy” or “less clean” than anyone else, but it’s taken me a while to realize that. I’ve learned that my body is smart, and will tell me what it needs. And it REALLY is going to be different for everyone! I think it’s a beautiful thing, because it shows that we really are all uniquely designed.

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      it’s so true, and it makes me sad to hear that people expect a “one size fits all” solution, or judge those who choose to nourish themselves differently.

  14. Allison on February 28, 2013 at 11:28 am

    I learned the hard way that it’s important to switch up your workout and take rest days. In college, I thought running was the only way to workout. I ran 6 miles every single day…on a treadmill. And I was a dancer. Guess who quickly blew out one of her knees! I’m so lucky it wasn’t more serious. Now I know that it’s important to work in some low impact workouts with the running so I keep my body HEALTHY! 🙂

    afitnessprincess.com

  15. Amanda on February 28, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Love this! I would love to read more cookbook and eating plan reviews on the blog- I love picking up new ones, but I have limited money so I have to pick and choose (unless they’re at the library of course!). Your reviews are always fair but still critical, and I like that.

    I also like how honest this post is. Healthy eating is this always-evolving thing for me, and sometimes it’s hard to remember that it’s like that for other people too, even fitness bloggers! If you ever get a chance (and haven’t already) I’d be interested in a post about how you manage a sweet tooth because it’s something I still struggle with a little- how much sugar can I have, how I can feel in control of how much I eat, how to not devour the whole cake 😉

  16. Amanda on February 28, 2013 at 11:34 am

    Totally agree with you – I look at some of the things on pinterest and can’t help but be a little bit afraid for anyone following them! I am so so thankful that I became friends with someone to go to the gym with who pushed me out of my comfort zone – together we have tried all the classes at the gym and at a few local studios and I cringe thinking about the days when I used to only use the elliptical. Fitness should be fun!!

  17. Cassie Vaughn on February 28, 2013 at 11:37 am

    I totally agree that you just have to see what works for you. It’s an ever evolving process.

  18. Meg @ A Dash of Meg on February 28, 2013 at 11:40 am

    You got it girl!!!!!!!!!!! You definitely need to learn what works for YOU and not follow what others do. It’s so much fun learning more about yourself. I mean, if you’re going to learn, why not become an expert on yourself!?

    Raw food totally intrigues me, so I loved this post! Thanks Gina and have a great Thurs

  19. B on February 28, 2013 at 11:41 am

    Love this advice! I’m at the beginning of my journey and feel like I am doing something different everyday! I always decide then I see something that is “better”. It is so frustrating!!

  20. Sarah @ Yogi in Action on February 28, 2013 at 11:42 am

    I absolutely LOVe this! I so definitely agree with everything you’ve stated. I hate Pinterest for that reason- people always post such ridicolous workouts and women with these obviously photo-shopped bodies and say how they want to look like that.

    Thanks for a realistic approach to health 🙂

  21. Danielle on February 28, 2013 at 11:50 am

    This is a great post Gina! I love how you emphasize that any sort of advice should be taken with a grain of salt. This is so true with everything from workouts to diet books to just about anything. I love the balanced healthy lifestyle you represent on your blog and it has been such a positive source of inspiration in my own life 🙂

  22. Ali @ Peaches and Football on February 28, 2013 at 11:57 am

    I love looking back and seeing how I change my eating habits over time. Plus I think a lot comes from being more educated over time. I used to be a HUGE splenda fan as well – and I’d buy the big bags in the store and go through one every month or so. It was a bit cray-cray. Now I try and use stevia wherever I can and look at suclarose the same way I used to look at aspartame a few years ago.

    But I agree, everything is with a grain of salt and also everyone is different. What works for one person may or may not work for you. You have to be aware, be conscious, and just keep at it!

  23. Kristen on February 28, 2013 at 11:57 am

    Unless it’s for a REAL health reason or sincere personal conviction, I don’t believe there is any reason to be without any type of food. People going sugar/grain/gluten/dairy free, being vegan or vegetarian just to be “trendy” annoys the &@$:?!&@/”@$! out of me!
    I believe eating a well balanced diet full of clean, minimally processed foods with little treats here and there is how I am meant to eat. I don’t follow a specific diet or read books on how to eat. I give my body healthy nutritious fuel 80% of the time. The other 20, if I want a pizza or cookie (I’m talking real pizza-no cauliflower crust or anything like that, and no substitute this for that cookie) I’m going to eat it, enjoy every bite, and move on.
    This has worked for me for years now. Throw a little physical activity in there a few days a week and BAM! I feel great and I never feel deprived. 🙂

  24. Tracey @Talkative*TLC on February 28, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I agree with so many other commentors here – I love the way you write, and how well balanced your approach to food, fitness, life is. Thank you for keeping it real! And thank you for some awesome recipes & workouts!

  25. Amanda on February 28, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Ugh, the fitness pins drive me bonkers! “Do these three moves 7,000 times each day and you will love 7lbs in a week!” Kills me every.single.time.

    Love your blog though – it’s very well balanced between fitness/food/family/fun stuff along the way. Keep it up!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      thank you, amanda!
      ugh. i try not to get mad about little things but wow. a fiery anger in my heart haha

  26. Kim on February 28, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Gina,
    I love your blog. I started reading over a year ago and spent months going back to the beginning and getting caught up. I didn’t know much (anything) about blogging at the time so I never commented (couldn’t figure it out I guess – after starting a blog almost 6 months ago I realized that it isn’t hard to leave comments). I love the variety of exercise/work-outs that you share on your blog. I also enjoy reading your posts because they are so well written and I can tell that you put lots of thought into each one!
    Oh, and thank you for commenting on all the pins on Pinterest that make it sound like 10 jumping jacks a day are the answer!
    You have a great blog and I’m happy that you do what you do!!!

  27. Sarah on February 28, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    It’s amazing how much your eating philosophies can change! I’m still evolving, and now that I’m pregnant again, I’m finding that the place I was nutritionally, is not the place my body wants now. This leads to me to look into other ideas and explore – which is always great. All that said, the basics that I always keep with me are these:

    1. Whole, real food trumps
    2. Fat is your friend
    3. Careful with sugar

    Great post, Gina!

  28. Catherine on February 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I am just now getting to the “whatever works for you” stage – when I became a vegan I was so unbelievably healthy that I thought every single person on earth should eat exactly the same way, but now I see that everyone needs to find their own way!

    I am considering adding a few animal products back in, especially seafood and occasional white meat – mostly because I hate feeling like I am so high maintenance all the time and always have to order something “special” when I go out. That starts to get old.

    • Abby on February 28, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      Hi Catherine. I went through the same thing. Now I eat eggs, seafood, and the occasional dairy. 🙂

  29. Jess on February 28, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    I definitely learned the hard way that vegetarianism—at least to please a boyfriend—is not for me. B12 deficiencies are not fun. I feel much stronger and healthier as an omnivore : )

  30. Hillary on February 28, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    I lost the majority of my weight eating highly processed foods and exercising like a madwoman. Did it work? Sure. Could I maintain that for life? Hell no—and I definitely don’t WANT to. I’ve spent the last 6-7 years reading about nutrition, exercise, and general health-related topics to educate myself, and like you, I feel better than ever! I still have a lot of learning to do, but I think I’m on the right track.

  31. lucie on February 28, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    You are such an inspiration, Gina. Especially for pepople like me whi are in recovery from a long years ED, it’s so wonderful to get advice that is not connected with restriction, CardioMasterWOrkouts and low carb, low fat low everything. I am on a good track to find a ideal balance of healthy food/exercise and treats/lazy days. Blogs like yours are a fantastic support. Thank you!!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:47 pm

      that makes me so happy to hear. keep taking great care of yourself, friend.
      xoxo

  32. Jeannie on February 28, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    I love this post. I love the tosca Reno books. I pretty much eat the way you do which is similar to the tosca reno books and feel it works well for me. I also like incorporating more vegan or vegetarian meals a few times per week.
    I actually bought the eat drink and be vegan book a few mos ago and love it. If I knew it was one of your amazon affiliations I would’ve bought it there!
    Do you have a link to all your amazon affiliates? I would love to support the blog so was wondering if there was a link to a list of items that you have as amazon affiliates. Is there such a thing?
    I do get the sun warrior on your open sky. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:46 pm

      thank you so much, jeannie! i was debating opening an amazon store -i used to have one- but will definitely do it if it’s something you’re interested in.
      xoxo

      • Jeannie on February 28, 2013 at 10:59 pm

        Yes, definitely would be interested. I am sure alot of other readers would be as well as you have great recommendations that we may not be aware of….personal products, kitchen items, books, and non perishable food items etc..do it! 🙂

  33. CourtStar @ StarSystemz on February 28, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Great post! I love Ani Phyo and have actually had the treat of taking her to coffee and digging through her mind a bit 🙂 She is one amazing soul + very passionate about raw foods. The great thing about her is she now eats some animal products of course organic etc. but she got a lot of criticism for eating fish at an event because she wrote raw food cookbooks. Crazy how this positive community can be so NEGATIVE at times. I will def. check out The Raw Food Detox Diet like you I wish my body could be 100% vegan but I do try to be 75% raw/vegan + 20% animal + 5% whatever I want. I feel this works well with my exercise regime because without the animal I was losing hair + never felt quite healthy. Have a great week! Love + Shine CourtStar

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:46 pm

      shut the front door! i’ve met her once and stammered something embarrassing about loving her donut holes. it was a mess haha

  34. Kerry @ Totes My Oats on February 28, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Love this post, Gina! I always love your honest tips!

  35. Natalie S on February 28, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    Love this post! The pinterest pins can get really wacky, and I always find myself just going to your page to find a workout 🙂 I would like to lose a little weight and tone up, and have started slowly eating only whole foods. I have never felt better and actually realized some issues I were having are gone. So yes, everyone needs to find out what works for them. Thanks for all you do!!

  36. Abby on February 28, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Hi Gina! While I appreciate you not wanting to play the same old blog post songs, I don’t think many (any?) of us would care if you reposted here and there. You do have almost 5 years of blogs and sometimes it helps to have a reminder. So I guess what I’m saying is don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself being repetitive because your posts are so great and full of helpful info we probably would roll with it! I have been reading for a while now – almost since you started – and I have never once said to myself, Dang, she already said that. Your blog always feels so fresh and new. Keep up the good work!

    • Irene on February 28, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      I had the same comment! I bet even posts with the same name can have a new twist that might really speak to a different set of people. Not everything really resonates with me the first time I read it – it take a couple variations to really sink in. Love your blog, please keep it up!

      • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:45 pm

        thank you, irene!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:45 pm

      thank you, abby- i appreciate that! good to know i’m not playing the same song on the banjo over here 😉

  37. Tracy on February 28, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    I wish I wouldn’t have feared fat for so many years!! Life is so so much better with nuts, olive oil and avocados!

    Dreena Burton can do no wrong in my book! Love her cookbooks! I also love Terry Walters’ books (Clean Start) and Heidi Swanson’s (Super Natural Cooking and Super Natural Every Day). And of course I love Mama Pea!!!!!

  38. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on February 28, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    I love this! No body is the same so why would there be a diet for everybody? You gotta do what’s best for you and listen to your own body.

  39. Brittany @ Kitchen::Candid on February 28, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    When you’re trying to lose weight it is SO easy to get discouraged. You see people around you doing things with ease and you are struggling with one minute on the treadmill.
    It’s all about those small steps and sticking it out. You CAN do it!!!

  40. Katie on February 28, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    What a great post!

    I love the quality > quantity – it’s all about balance! 🙂

  41. Heidi on February 28, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Yes, I totally agree that advice should be taken with a “grain of salt.” So many programs are so extreme, it is nice to read suggestions about moderation. I enjoyed this post!

  42. JBecca on February 28, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    Love this! It drives me so absolutely crazy when people who’ve chosen a specific type of diet insist that it’s the way everyone should eat. I know it comes from a good place, but it often doesn’t feel like it.

    I’ve learned through my own diet experiments that I need healthy carbs. Not a ton, but low-carb diets make me foggy and sick and it doesn’t go away. I also need some fats. I trained for my first half marathon on a diet plan from a trainer that allowed for 10-15% of my daily calories to be from fat. By the end of my training, my body fat was the lowest it had ever been, but I had two injuries that required me to stop running for 12 weeks and my nerves were frazzled. When I boosted my fat intake to 25-30%, my moods and ability to cope improved so quickly (and I don’t have as many injuries now). I also learned that I do better without dairy. Unless I’m pregnant, then I crave it like crazy. 🙂 Oh, and much of my family doesn’t believe me, but Splenda gives me headaches.

    The thing that bothers me most about diet pushers is their insistence that anything else is wrong or disordered. It’s almost up there with religion and politics: we all have to figure out what we believe in our own way and in our own time!

    Thanks for your awesome perspective, Gina!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:44 pm

      i craved some dairy while i was preg, too! that was the most cheese enchiladas i’ve eaten in a long time 🙂
      and that’s a very valid point. nutrition can become a touchy subject 🙂
      xoxo

  43. Beth on February 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I’m so with you on the quality over quantity – it really applies to everything in life! From food to workouts, even to clothes!

    P.S. Just got the Canyon Ranch cookbook (thanks again!). But I learned (re-learned?) a very important lesson – don’t look at delicious recipes while hungry. Dessert might’ve happened before dinner. I can’t wait to try out a couple new recipes next week!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:42 pm

      haha i do that all the time! it warms up the palette… haha

  44. Lauren @ Eat Like An Elephant on February 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I’m with you on the “you do what you can.” Especially with the vegan issue. Ethically speaking, I have explored veganism, and make a lot of vegan recipes, but realized that my body doesn’t run as well with out some lean white meat proteins. I am also already involuntarily gluten and dairy free, so it was just way too much of a restricted diet. I was hungry and lethargic! I’ve realized that for ME, I need to eat fish and poultry. That said, I will gladly pay a bit more for chicken and turkey that I can be assured is raised as ethically and earth friendly as possible! You do what you can 🙂

  45. mi-an dela cruz on February 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    i’ve read so many blogs since i started reading blogs in 2010 gina and throughout the years, the number of blogs i read has decreased just because sometimes life gets busy you know, but your blog is always a must read for me either when i wake up, or before i sleep. so thank you! for giving me something to look forward to each day!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:40 pm

      thank you so much for reading! you all make this blog as fun as it is 🙂

  46. Anna on February 28, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I totally agree with you about different strokes for different folks. 🙂 Once you started talking about scary fitness crazes, it made me want to read that post. Could you provide a link for that one?
    Thanks!

  47. Emily on February 28, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    I agree with your attitude on food choices. I hate labels, but I like to eat “strict paleo”. It’s totally not for everyone; cutting out food groups is a decision one has to make individually based on their own research and experimentation. But for me, it works great.

    Even though we make different dietary choices, I keep coming back to your blog because you have such a healthy attitude about food and how “our eats evolve” as you say. I feel as welcome when I read your site as the paleo blogs I peruse. Thank you for being candid, open, and accomodating on the sensitive hot spot that personal food choices can be.

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:40 pm

      <3

  48. Evita on February 28, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    Awesome post! This just further supports why I look forward to reading what you have to say. Everyday. Thank you for that.

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      thank you and love to you, friend!

  49. Catherine on February 28, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Try Chloe’s Kitchen she vegan, I’m not, but I love all the recipes I have tried. Not a lot of processed ingredients either, yum. Try the muu shu pancakes!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      i’m on it!

  50. Liesl on February 28, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    Hey Gina,
    Yeah, sure did miss you yesterday, but understand the writers block.
    I know many ladies have said it already, but you are by far my favorite blog of all things fitness/food related, because you have real life experience with both, and you share all of it…the good and bad.
    Thanks for your truthfulness about the hard issues, and for being real and writing amazing workouts to share with the public for free.

    And I do think you should write a cookbook, I would buy it, and any publisher who hasn’t picked you out yet is missing out. Maybe you are just too well rounded in your knowledge.
    That said, thanks! You are an encouragement to live a healthy balanced life, and you do it better than any other blogger.
    Plus, you have the cutest baby…makes some of us scared to try. haha 🙂

    Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

    • Fitnessista on February 28, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      thank you so much, liesl (which totally makes me think of sound of music! LOVE)
      it means so much to me and thank you for reading <3
      haven't given up on the cookbook yet, even if it happens years from now 🙂
      xoxo

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