Hi honeybunnies!
I’m writing to you from super awesome San Antonio, TX!
I am SO excited to be here for the weekend for a close friend’s wedding! Texas is one of my favorite places because everyone is so friendly and laid back.

Mac-Ruby-Woo-Lipstick1First of all, I got a new red Mac lipstick the other day and I’m obsessed! The color is Ruby Woo.

Soooo remember on Monday when I decided to do a juice cleanse? Well that completely failed halfway through day 2. I know I told you guys that I would give you daily updates on how it went, but it did not go well. To be honest, I’ve had such a hard time staying on track recently. I feel like I’ve gotten into this terrible black & white/ all or nothing mentality when it comes to food. It’s like “eat super duper healthy and become too restrictive” or “eat something ‘bad’ and the whole day is ruined so I just don’t care the rest of the day.” I’m definitely struggling with balance again and I feel myself going towards that darn rabbit hole.

There is still something about my relationship with food that is so… ugh… annoying.

Instead of getting down on myself about things like not completing a cleanse, or overdoing it on the halloween candy, I have been trying to move on and live. When I find myself obsessing over food and my weight, I don’t feel like I’m actually living.

Being a “healthy living” or “health food” blogger, I’ve thought a lot about what that really means. What constitutes something as healthy? Yes, I do believe that food wise, healthy means eating fresh, whole, unprocessed foods as often as possible, but I also believe that healthy means being happy. There is much more to health than just the physical food related aspects that we always attribute it to. Health is all about a balance. A happy place of nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs, and being happy.

I find that it’s almost impossible for me to truly be happy when all I focus on is “eating healthy.” I love eating healthy because of the way it makes me feel, but once it becomes an obsession, I find that it actually comes along with a lot os sadness and guilt, and that is no way to live. There are so many bloggers and even “fitspo” accounts on Instagram that seem to have it all together. They eat “perfectly,” workout multiple hours a day, and can say “no” to bread like it’s poison. I’ve recently had to unfollow these types of bloggers and IG accounts because it just made me sad and angry that I couldn’t be as strict as them. Do they really always have it together? Do they ever eat cake on their birthday? Do they enjoy a glass of wine? Do they ever say, “today, I don’t want to go to the gym?” It seems so superficial to me. I’m not here to talk badly about other people, I’m just here to say that I’m human, I’m not perfect, and at times it’s really hard for me to stay on track. I don’t want girls and women to think that they have to live to unattainable standards that you see on the internet to be healthy. And I want you to know that it’s ok if you fall off the wagon. It’s normal! I’ve fallen off about 10 times the past couple of months. At times I felt like I was actually dragging behind the wagon! But you know what? Life goes on and tomorrow is a new day. You are gorgeous, and you will accomplish anything you set your mind to! Take a deep breath and take things one day at a time.

As promised, I’ll be posting my cracker recipe made from leftover juice pulp tomorrow : )

xo Catherine

Rehearsal

60 Comments on What is healthy?

  1. Alexa
    November 7, 2013 at 9:54 pm (10 years ago)

    Hi Catherine,

    Reading your post really touched me. I too feel like I have the same “black/white” relationship with food, and I often get REALLY down on myself for having something “bad”. However, it’s nice to know I’m not the only human being falling off the wagon (or dragging behind it)! Thank you for posting! After a particularly tough food day today, I appreciated reading this.

    Reply
    • Catherine
      November 7, 2013 at 10:11 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you so much for your support and for reading Alexa! It’s sooo easy for us to get into that mindset, but know that you’re not the only one! xo

      Reply
    • Michelle Irons
      November 27, 2013 at 5:39 pm (10 years ago)

      Totally agree too, and it makes me feel better to know I’m not alone!

      Reply
  2. Jordan
    November 7, 2013 at 10:07 pm (10 years ago)

    I love this post more than words can say! I get that way too… Where you feel like no matter what if you aren’t picture perfect… You’re wrong. It’s such an awful mindset to be in when your health is more than food, it’s self image, spirituality, relationships. As I’m preparing for my wedding I’m finding that all I do is beat down about how bad I feel physically but at the end of the day my weight doesn’t define me unless I let it! You are so strong and so much more powerful than you think. I’ve been following you for year(s) now and I have never felt like many blogs become as personal as you do. You are wonderful and beautiful… Weight is a number that can be changed! You’ve got this!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      November 7, 2013 at 10:41 pm (10 years ago)

      Oh my gosh Jordan that was the sweetest comment! Thank you so much for continuing to read my blog and support me through the ups and downs. Smetimes it’s so nerve wracking to click “publish” on these personal types of posts but time and time again I am so humbled by everyone’s support and love! It’s amazing to see how many others are going though similar hurdles and how a complete stranger can make me feel so comforted! It literally surprises me and makes me smile every time. You guys are the best! And I love what you said about weight not defining us unless we let it! SO true! love love love this! xo

      Reply
  3. Gabi.R
    November 7, 2013 at 10:23 pm (10 years ago)

    This was an amazing post. I have been struggling just as you are, and i have this extreme all or nothing mentality. I go a month eating extremely clean, not going out out of fear of eating something that isnt perfect and working out four times a week. after a month, i break, im fed up, and i eat everything. and that is my cycle.
    I am trying to get rid of this mentality. but i am not sure how.
    you are inspirational, you are beautiful, and you are an extremely strong lady. I enjoy your blog, and I am hoping that I will be able to learn from you, as you learn about yourself.

    Reply
    • Catherine
      November 7, 2013 at 10:34 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you so much for your kind words and support Gabi! I 100% relate to what you just said. It’s a tricky cycle to get out of but I know it can be done! Your support means so much to me 🙂 xo

      Reply
  4. Megan
    November 7, 2013 at 10:33 pm (10 years ago)

    Catherine, I am not only so thankful for finding your blog, but even more so for the vulnerability that you offer readers like me! I am an extreme perfectionist and have lately really been struggling with the transition from college athlete to a ‘normal’young adult. Women are already put under such stress as oit is, and being a female athlete only made it worse! Now that I’ve graduated and am beginning a new chapter in my life as a married woman, I am discovering the girl that God truly made me to be, regardless of how many pull ups or front squats I can do! I have experienced a roller coaster of emotions as well when dealing with food, often feeling so restricted that I am not enjoying friend and family events or so frustrated with eating a ‘bad’ food that the whole day just feels like a waste. Recently, I have truly felt it on my heart to simply just let go. Of the comparison trap, the guilt, the fear, and anxiety of not being able to always live up to my physical standards as a college athlete. We are BEAUTIFULLY and WONDERFULLY made! So if you want to eat a cookie, eat the dsrn cookie and move on! Balance is key, and if you don’t love yourself for the unique beauty that you all are, then no number on that scale will ever be good enough. Thanks for posting Catherine and for being such a blessing to all of your readers!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      November 7, 2013 at 10:48 pm (10 years ago)

      Megan, I am so thankful for YOU! Your comment was so beautifully written and really hit home. I literally sat nodding my head to everything you wrote, especially about restricting to a point of not enjoying time with loved ones. I’ve definitely been there with the fear, guilt, and anxiety. Thank you so much for your kind uplifting words! I am so happy you commented 🙂 xo

      Reply
  5. Lois
    November 8, 2013 at 12:40 am (10 years ago)

    Catherine, I found your blog earlier this year and always enjoy reading about your funky recipes and competitions. You are so very different to all these other health food fanatics! You make eating healthily quirky, fun and importantly deliscious! What I love about you an your story is that you have shared your ups and your downs and you remain human! I am constantly battling with myself and my weight, my sister tells me I’m obsessed with my weight and eating…maybe I am. Your post has really made me feel that I am not alone and everyone has their bad days. I have given up quite a lot over the last few months and was feeling terrible about it this week, and I can totally relate to what you have said, that we need to find a balance between good and maybe some foods that aren’t as healthy to enjoy life. You have made me smile… Thank you Lois x

    Reply
  6. Claudia
    November 8, 2013 at 1:17 am (10 years ago)

    Catherine, I am having this internal discussion about food, living healthy and being healthy since I gained a lot of weight back in 2001. I lost most of it, but I also tend to obsess about food, set myself strict rules which I’m constantly breaking. This makes me feel worthless und I think I’m a failure, because I cannot even stick to my own rules. It’s a cycle which I want to break and I think the key is, to be open about it! Accept that I’m not perfect, that I do struggle and enjoy every day of clean eating, without being overly restricting myself. I thank you kindly for your honesty! You are an inspiration! And I think it’s totally normal that inspirational people struggle, too. 🙂

    Reply
  7. BerryBloomXO
    November 8, 2013 at 1:19 am (10 years ago)

    This post is perfect! I feel like it’s reflecting everything I feel right now too, thank you for making me feel like it’s not the end of the world! Thank you so much xoxo

    http://berrybloomxo.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  8. Nancy A.
    November 8, 2013 at 2:08 am (10 years ago)

    I feel like that, too, when I read how others and sticking to their strict diet plans and exercising all the time. I think that begin to be unhealthy. It’s all about life and enjoying it. We won’t be here forever. I try to eat well and then when there is a special event, have fun, live!! You are human and sounds like you are doing great and just don’t worry about it. Healthy is laughing and feeling good and enjoying yourself. That is good for the heart and body!

    Reply
  9. Anne F
    November 8, 2013 at 3:15 am (10 years ago)

    Catherine, I have and …ugh… relationship with food as well. Hence, I follow your blog. I want to also say thank you for your candid and brave comments. It’s much more inspiring to me knowing that it’s actually hard for others too, especially those like yourself who are so lovely. It’s a pleasure to find out you’re just as lovely on the inside.

    I’m hoping to find my balance. It’s nice to know I have some great company on my journey.

    Reply
  10. Sharese A.
    November 8, 2013 at 4:41 am (10 years ago)

    I love this post. Your honesty and realism touched my heart. Though I fall off the wagon way more than you, I completely agree with your definition of happy. Actually everyone at our company does. But on a personal level, this post really resonated with me because I as well go through these extreme obsessive patterns with food, and I know it’s not healthy but finding a happy, healthy medium is extremely difficult especially during periods of stress, when I’m traveling, or out with friends. Problem is these thing happen frequently in my lifestyle. Anyway, we will figure it out! Thank you for sharing this.

    P.S. Your look gooooorgous is this pics!! Loving that red lipstick. Now I’m gonna have to swing by MAC this weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Emmalee
    November 8, 2013 at 4:50 am (10 years ago)

    Hi Catherine,

    As a fellow 23 year old woman I just want you to know that you’re such an inspiration to me. You’ve done a lot for not being around so long and that’s something to be proud of. And I agree completely that a lot of fitspo blogs are actually kind of de motivating because trying to live up those standards seems almost unobtainable. I think the fact that you share your struggles with us is actually a good thing. So you ate too much candy. That’s okay because realistically it hasn’t set you back or caused you to gain 15 lbs. it is okay to fall off the wagon, the important thing is getting back on. I’ve seen a lot of the all or nothing mentality in a lot of fitness forum communities and it makes me sad. What’s life without enjoying a slice of cake or a glass of wine everyone and then? More power to the people who don’t hear the siren call but I think it’s okay to do sporadically as long as it doesn’t become a habit. Everything in moderation.

    Anyway, keep on fighting the good fight. Everything will be all right. You’re beautiful inside and out and you’ve got a whole community behind you to support you!

    Xo

    Emmalee

    Reply
  12. Sarah
    November 8, 2013 at 4:52 am (10 years ago)

    Oh my gosh! I needed this post. It’s nice to see that people I lookup to and aspire to be like struggle too. I always felt like bloggers such as you have an easier time than people like me with weight loss and eating healthy. I, too, have a black and white relationship with food. It’s all or nothing and if I slip up I really get down on myself for the rest of the day or sometimes the rest of the week. This post reminded me that it’s okay that I slipped up, it happens, and life goes on. The hard part is recovering from the slip up…the guilt, self-loathing, and disappointment. I need to learn to dust myself off and get back on track. Thanks for always being so positive and encouraging, I know it’s not always easy to do that for your followers. I appreciate the honesty.

    Reply
  13. Jenn
    November 8, 2013 at 5:04 am (10 years ago)

    Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve been struggling with my eating lately too. I recently read a post from another blogger about how he can go to convenience stores and restaurants and never eat anything processed and it really got me down. Then I would get into a sad and defeated mood if I ate one wrong thing in the day and just eat a bunch of Halloween candy figuring the day was ruined. This really was such an inspirational post. Yours is my favorite blog and I love getting your posts in my email. Sometimes, though, I would think, “I don’t know how she does it. What if you haven’t planned and there aren’t a lot of healthy options around? What if I overest on portions?” etc. I think it’s really great that you’re so honest about your struggles with eating. It makes me feel a lot more relieved and I’m sure is much “healthier” than stressing!

    Reply
  14. Kaitlin
    November 8, 2013 at 5:49 am (10 years ago)

    Absolutely insightful! I have had similar thoughts and realized I need to do what makes me happy. I’m not perfect, I love vegetables (especially a weird obsession for kale) but I love ice cream. I can’t try to please everyone by being superwomeb, but doing what’s right and sane for me 🙂 love this thought!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  15. Natasha
    November 8, 2013 at 5:51 am (10 years ago)

    Girl you are preaching to the choir!!!!

    Even when I was at my “healthiest/fittest” I still did NOT have a perfect diet and I only worked out about 30-40 minutes per day maximum, so these people that always eat chicken and asparagus and go to the gym for hours are surely lying. Because it is just not physically possible. If you workout that much, you will crave sugar like no other, so being on a “low-carb, health” diet would not work!!

    And to be honest, now I’m way more comfortable with not being perfect. Just healthy…I don’t need a six pack and I don’t need to be able to deadlift 23049230498 pounds for 2304923490 reps. So unnecessary! I’m happy with being a little more “skinny fat” and not being super strong. To me, being super fit is a trap…it is over-consuming and exhausting!
    So, yay to eating halloween candy, chocolate, apples, eggs, or whatever your heart desires. As long as you feel good that is all that matters! 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  16. PattiNYC
    November 8, 2013 at 6:35 am (10 years ago)

    Hey-
    Thanks for posting. It is good that you share the “real” parts of your life and not just the parts that you think that people should see or the parts that you want other people to see.
    It is appreciated 🙂
    Keep up the fight, you are doing great and inspiring the rest of us in the interim 🙂

    Reply
  17. Valerie
    November 8, 2013 at 6:59 am (10 years ago)

    Thanks so much for this post Catherine!
    I feel like I can relate so much to you and I have had a very similar journey with my weight and getting to an idea of what it is to be “healthy.” I recently also fell into that “black and white” whole, but have now moved on, and hopefully found a light! I’ve been following your blog for a while and am always inspired. So inspired, in fact, that I decided to start my own blog! I could only DREAM that one day it will be anything like yours 🙂
    If you have a minute, if you wouldn’t mind checking out my first post and reading my story on the About page? I think you’ll find we’ve been on the same wavelength. And I’d appreciate any feedback or encouragement for a new blogger!

    Thanks again for your honesty and vulnerability. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep on living!!

    Reply
    • Valerie
      November 8, 2013 at 7:04 am (10 years ago)

      Oops, I don’t know if it shows up, but the website is EatableFood.com

      Thanks! <3

      Reply
  18. Alexis
    November 8, 2013 at 7:00 am (10 years ago)

    Everyone falls off the bandwagon from time to time, true strength is in how you pick yourself up! :). You should not beat yourself up about it, you have been a true inspiration to me and all your other followers for your inner strength, don’t forget that.

    Reply
  19. Stephanie M
    November 8, 2013 at 7:32 am (10 years ago)

    Oh how I LOVE this post! I agree completely that healthy has to include happiness. I’m working on eating clean and healthy most of the time, while allowing myself a small daily “treat” – whatever that may be – without falling into a pit of guilt. Keep up the great work with your blog and healthy lifestyle! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Cathy
    November 8, 2013 at 7:41 am (10 years ago)

    Thank you so much for your genuine & truthful blog! It’s funny because I almost stopped reading your posts because I thought that you were too perfect for me. I try really hard to be good to my body by eating cleaning, working out everyday & maintaining a healthy attitude but I have weaknesses & set backs. I assumed that someone who looked as beautiful as you, who is so educated about food & nutrition, who writes such a great blog & has followers & sponsors must have a VERY disciplined lifestyle.
    I never imagined that like me, you would ever drink a glass of wine or eat too many Halloween treats.
    I now see that we each have struggles and truimphs.
    Thanks again for your honesty. And I still see you as a beuatiful, smart role model but now have even more respect & appreciation! So be easy on yourself ….. you never who you you are inspiring. Cheers!

    Reply
  21. Becky @ Olives n Wine
    November 8, 2013 at 7:59 am (10 years ago)

    This is great, Catherine! No one is perfect in their eating or fitness habits even if it is portrayed that way online. You need to do what’s best for your body and it sounds like you are! I love your focus on being real and living a realistic healthy life.

    Reply
  22. Julie
    November 8, 2013 at 9:21 am (10 years ago)

    I’m not one for self help books generally but you should look into Bethenny Frankel’s “Naturally Thin”. She talks a lot about ‘food noise’ (constant chatter in our heads about being good or ridiculing for ‘cheating’, etc). She also chooses to see food & exercise as a bank account. Another slogan she used that I like is “Eat nothing, taste everything”. Like Megan said, if you want a cookie- eat that cookie! Just don’t eat 7 of them! 🙂 And if you splurged a little today, make better options tomorrow. Don’t wallow in it. It’s really so much easier said than done- I know! Ha Its just about finding what works best for you & going with it. Either way she has some really great ideas or starting points to helping you rid of your “food noise” & make peace with eating & exercising- BC DIETS DONT WORK! 🙂 I know (as women in particular) we often obsess over numbers on the scale or sizes but isn’t it exhausting?!? Hope this helps you & others struggling with the same issues! Thanks so much for sharing your triumphs & struggles & being so open & honest with us! Love seeing new blogposts pop up from you!

    Reply
  23. Megan
    November 8, 2013 at 9:27 am (10 years ago)

    Thank you so much for posting this! You described exactly where I am mentally right now when it comes to my relationship with food and fitness. It’s such a relief to know I’m not alone.

    Reply
  24. sonia the mexigarian
    November 8, 2013 at 10:21 am (10 years ago)

    it took me a while to wipe the black/white mentality from my mind, it sill perks up every now and then, as comparison traps are hard to avoid. I just know that I have to do what’s right for my mind, body and soul. no one else can tell me what’s right for it. I have to discover it myself, and that’s life 🙂
    <3 the post

    Reply
  25. D @ The Kosher Cave Girl
    November 8, 2013 at 11:47 am (10 years ago)

    You definitely have the right attitude. I know I mess up all the time, as a health/fitness blogger, and I’m sure everyone does. No one is perfect… but at the same time, while everyone loves broadcasting their successes, no one wants to broadcast their failures.

    Your food/workout choices should not dictate your life. Never forget to live your life and enjoy your life, or you’ll regret it far more than the chocolate chip cookie that you ate last night.

    Reply
  26. Sarah
    November 8, 2013 at 12:08 pm (10 years ago)

    Catherine,
    You have no idea how much this means to me. It goes above and beyond how I feel everyday. I fall off the band wagon a lot, if I eat poorly or don’t feel like working out I make myself feel the worst, to the point I don’t want to even be touched. It really alters my mood. The fact that I can read and know that someone feels the exact way, especially someone like you who I admire, means the world to me. Very inspiring and thank you for your honesty.
    -Sarah

    Reply
  27. Stephanie
    November 8, 2013 at 2:16 pm (10 years ago)

    What a wonderful post. It’s funny because I felt like I’ve been struggling a lot with balance as well lately, this post is perfect timing for me. You’re beautiful and inspire me so much!

    Reply
  28. Heather
    November 8, 2013 at 4:12 pm (10 years ago)

    I love your honesty; its the reason I keep reading. You are inspiring. As I ‘drag behind the wagon’ right now and read your words of encouragent, I know I’m not alone and will preserve to be my healthiest self Each day is a new beginning!

    Reply
  29. fardous
    November 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm (10 years ago)

    i agree with u , it okay to cheat some times , it is okay to skip our workout some times , thank u 4 sharing this

    Reply
  30. Amber
    November 8, 2013 at 6:23 pm (10 years ago)

    This was a great post and much needed! Thank you pretty lady! xoxo

    Reply
  31. Amanda
    November 8, 2013 at 6:43 pm (10 years ago)

    This is such an amazing post! You are such an inspiration to me – for being who you are! A normal human being looking for balance and health and happiness. Just like everyone else. Not fake at all! Thank you for this. Keep up the awesome work – and know that you’re making a difference in so many people’s lives!

    Reply
  32. carole Sebag
    November 9, 2013 at 9:15 am (10 years ago)

    hi Catherine,
    ” Bravo”for your blog!
    I have always the same black and white relationship with food.At the moment. I’m too greedy and always tempted and hungry :o( . Netherless, I practise a lot of sport but all is in the kitchen (30% Sport and 70% kitchen).So when I lost weight, I have to many restrict and later I take back all the weight lost,because the temptation is there. I have to find a food balance for life.It’s for that I appreciate your blog. I know you by pinterest.
    I’m living in France, Paris.sorry for my basic english.
    Carole

    Reply
  33. Daneka
    November 9, 2013 at 3:13 pm (10 years ago)

    +1 Thank you for posting this. In 2012, I lost of total of 16 lbs (pounds that weren’t that necessary to lose) by living off of soup, running 5-6 days a week despite rain, wind, snow and below freezing temperatures, and also by completely skipping dinner Monday-Friday. The very definition of restrictive! Well, I have gained about 10 of back this year, and I definitely have days where I’m super down on myself. To the point to where I get reallllly stressed when I meet up with friends because I am worried that they will think I’m a ‘failure’.

    Obviously my old model wasn’t sustainable, because restriction never is! Don’t beat yourself up over it, because being female in our weight-obsessed society means that we always have an uphill battle. We have to go to battle every day to fight the voice in our head, societal standards, etc and build the mental strength to love yourself and not give a s**t about what anything thinks. Below is a blog article that I found a few months ago that I like to read on days when I feel crappy about myself. It helps put things into perspective, and puts me in a better mental place! http://dumbleadore.com/2013/02/19/fat-its-on-my-mind/

    and p.s. I love your blog and have shared it with so many friends because your recipes and insight are outstanding!!!

    Reply
  34. Stacy
    November 9, 2013 at 6:02 pm (10 years ago)

    Hi, Catherine. I read your blog regularly, but I don’t think I’ve ever commented before. Just wanted to say that I love this post, and I admire your honesty.

    I too obsess a bit over being healthy. My weight has yo-yo’d a lot over the years. Sometimes, I’m eating healthfully and loving everything about my diet and exercise, and I can’t imagine living any other way. Other times, even yummy healthy food doesn’t satisfy me anymore. I know rationally that watermelon tastes better than a Hershey Kiss, but some emotion makes me crave the low-quality chocolate instead. Which starts a cycle. Yeah, it’s hard to get back on the bandwagon.

    Thanks for your post. You are an inspiration, whether you feel like one at the moment or not.

    Reply
  35. Melanie
    November 9, 2013 at 10:34 pm (10 years ago)

    I wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, because I feel no one understands my obsession with healthy foods. I daily basis its ‘you’re too skinny’ ‘just relax treat yourself’, ‘it’s not going to change anything’, etc. etc…. but with severe mental OCD, I don’t understand what RELAX is, what it’s like to just be depressed and eat something fatty/carby. I can;t re-wire my mind to let it be okay. When you said “eat super duper healthy and become too restrictive” or “eat something ‘bad’ and the whole day is ruined so I just don’t care the rest of the day.” I COMPLETElY get it. If I don’t do Zumba and eat like a rabbit, I cannot be productive that day. I’ll beat myself up, and become unmotivated. Bad food must be balanced with excursive, or the ‘scale’ is tipped and I am in turn off balance. I HATE the constant pressure, the nagging my brain puts me through. I need to learn how to enjoy life, and not let food destroy me! Easier than it sounds.

    Reply
  36. Carole sebag
    November 10, 2013 at 2:11 am (10 years ago)

    Hi Catherine,
    I have the same black and white relationship with food. At the moment, I’m too greedy and always tempted and hungry. Nevertheless, I practise à lot Of sport but nothing can be done. But all starts by the kitchen : 30% sport and 70% in the kitchen. When I lost weight I have too many restrict and later, I take back all my weight because the temptation is here! I have to find a food balance for Life. I appreciate your blog. I know you by pinterest. Sorry for my basic english. I’m living in France, Paris.
    Carole

    Reply
  37. Cailee
    November 10, 2013 at 1:47 pm (10 years ago)

    This is a great post! I love that your view of healthy eating and living has room for balance and slip ups!

    Reply
  38. Jackie
    November 10, 2013 at 3:19 pm (10 years ago)

    Thank you so much for an honest and inspiring post! I cannot express to you how much I love this post. Your words really touched my heart and brought me to tears but also put a smile on my face. The saying “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing” definitely applies to the healthy lifestyle. Yes, making healthy decisions 100% of the time and “splurging” on paleo cookies or a nibble of dark chocolate works for some people, but it doesnt happen so easy for me. The last few weeks I have been working on achieving a healthy balance — my panic disorder/anxiety was triggered a few weeks back when I skipped the gym to meet my friend at the Olive Garden. As I started to drive and think about what I would eat and how much more work I would have to put into my next gym session I went into full panic mode. I had to pull over, cancel my dinner plans, and have my bf pick me up bc I was having a full blown panic attack. I knew THIS was not healthy and decided to take a few days off. Since then I have been back to my healthy habits but have also enjoyed a night of drinking, halloween candy, and fries from Wendy’s without beating myself up too bad. Thank you for being so open with us and making me feel I am not alone in this struggle for balance. I will continue to remind myself that the ultimate goal in making healthy choices is to feel good and live a longer and better life!

    Reply
  39. kika
    November 11, 2013 at 9:44 am (10 years ago)

    Hi Catherine, I totally understand your feelings… I won’t tell you how many times I had/have experienced frustration in my relation between the food and me… and is glad to heard you talking (writing) with that honestly to us…that made me realize that we are not meant to be that perfect and is ok to fail sometimes, and of course… to be happy!

    Reply
  40. Erin
    November 11, 2013 at 12:52 pm (10 years ago)

    I can guarantee you that all those people who are blogging & posting those IG photos are NOT perfect & do have times of doubt, frustration, sadness, guilt, etc. You have to remember that what you see online is only a glimpse into the lives of these people & only what they WANT you to see. I’m glad you made this post so others can see that you feel the same way we do & we are not alone.

    Reply
  41. Kel
    November 11, 2013 at 5:12 pm (10 years ago)

    Thank you for this! I have been feeling exactly the same and wondering if it’s just me having trouble to get back into a routine. This has really inspired me and reminded me that we need to live life and be happy! Not obsessive and guilt ridden 🙂

    Reply
  42. Claire
    November 11, 2013 at 7:05 pm (10 years ago)

    Catherine, as you’ve seen on my Instagram, this is something I’ve been struggling with too lately and I really admire you for being so open about it on your own blog. Finding balance is hard enough in normal, everyday life, and keeping a health/food/nutrition/fitness blog on top of that can make it feel like all I focus on is food. To refocus, I read Intuitive Eating and despite my initial hesitation that some book could solve all my problems, it really has helped me put things in perspective and begin regaining that balance that I’d lost over the course of losing weight, studying nutrition, and starting the blog. Based on this post, I’d highly recommend it to you if you haven’t read it already. I’d also highly recommend you making your way to Austin on your next Texas visit so we can chat about #healthygirlproblemz over cake and wine in the original Whole foods!

    xo,
    Claire

    Reply
  43. Missy
    November 12, 2013 at 5:36 am (10 years ago)

    Catherine,

    I’ve been following you since July 2012 and you are the best inspiration. When I find myself in a slump, I always know I can visit RFFMBT and be REinspired every time. This post proves that. Thank you for being honest and sharing the realness that it takes to find the balance for self-control.

    You are wonderful and have helped so, so many people (like me) feel happy, healthy and (mostly) in control of their eating habits.

    Stay away from that darn rabbit hole and know that you are enough!

    Missy

    Reply
  44. Melissa Bowen
    November 12, 2013 at 8:41 am (10 years ago)

    Girl I needed to read this today. I have been having some troubles staying focused latley. What do you do to keep on track or to get back on track? Hope you are doing wonderful!!

    xoMel

    Reply
  45. Carrie
    November 12, 2013 at 12:22 pm (10 years ago)

    Catherine, this is such a great post and so clearly articulates my current problem with healthy eating too. When you’ve had success losing weight and getting fit with an all or nothing approach, sometimes it can feel like that’s the only way—when really, it’s not. I am trying to remember that sense of balance everyday but it’s really hard, and I’m my own worst critic. We should just always remember that nobody has it perfectly together, all the time. Even if they seem like they do!

    Reply
  46. Halle
    November 13, 2013 at 8:49 am (10 years ago)

    I was so grateful to hop onto your website and see this post this morning! I have been struggling with disordered eating lately and this really helped put things into perspective. I agree: happiness is really what’s important. I love your blog so much and it makes me feel better to know that I am not alone!

    Reply
  47. Beth H
    November 16, 2013 at 9:42 am (10 years ago)

    Thank you for this post, this what exactly what I needed today. I have the same issues with food and I beat myself up thinking if they can be so perfect, why can’t I? But I am not them, and I need to be happy with my own accomplishments.

    Reply
  48. Leanne
    November 19, 2013 at 6:43 pm (10 years ago)

    I love your blog. So raw and true. I was just wondering if you have read a book called “Intuitive Eating” by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. It is a great read about learning to have a healthy relationship with food.

    Thank you so much for sharing yourself with your readers. Always a delight to read your posts.

    Leanne

    Reply
  49. Katherine
    November 20, 2013 at 2:17 pm (10 years ago)

    You are amazing! I’ve had those moments where I’ve had to ‘unfollow’ a bunch of blogs and instagrams because those people were just too perfect, or making me feel shitty about myself. One of the reasons I keep following YOUR blog, is because you are awesome and real. (And Heather Waxman, that girl is AWESOME. I love that you guys have collaborated/traded shirts? before!)
    I know you know this, but those people who “have it all together” probably don’t. They only post online what they want to project, and they can so easily be hiding behind social media. (I LOVE the tone it up girls, but at the same time, their photos are heavily edited.)

    Keep being awesome! I love your blog and have tried lots of recipes from it before!

    Reply
  50. Kate
    November 23, 2013 at 6:56 pm (10 years ago)

    thank you for being so real and honest in this! I think that social media can be really deceptive because people only present what they want you to see– they aren’t gonna show you the bad days or the cheat meals and what not, so it is easy to think someone is living one way, when they really are not (or that they are happy when they are actually not). Check out the website GoKaleo.com (she has a facebook page too) she is all about practicing moderation and is so awesome! I think you will like her and find her posts helpful =)

    Reply
  51. Suzanne
    November 24, 2013 at 5:49 pm (10 years ago)

    Catherine, I love your blog! You have such a hopeful tone. Posts like these are what gives your blog your unique voice. Thank you for sharing your struggles. I hope you had a wonderful time at the wedding. My personal favorite diet rule: Wedding cake has no calories because it is all love!

    Reply
  52. Lourdes
    December 4, 2013 at 10:12 am (10 years ago)

    OMG!!!! You bought a MAC lipstick???? A rabbit lover like you buying cosmetics which are tested on animals, mainly on rabbits??? CAN’T BELIEVE IT, WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!!! I am very sad right now….please, think about it an go cruelty free….

    Reply
  53. Alex
    January 30, 2014 at 11:10 am (10 years ago)

    I recently found your blog via pinterest and just wanted to thank you for sharing your struggles along with your success. Everyone who has been through a weight loss journey has experienced both but so many fitness and health accounts only share the positives making it seem like the rest of us are failing. I have struggled with restricting/bingeing for many years along with strict calorie counting for the past 5 years. I long for the day where I can establish a healthy and “normal” relationship with food. This day may never come fully but your blog has inspired me to work towards it! I have stopped calorie counting and began focusing more on what I am putting in my body. I have ordered Intuitive Eating and cannot wait to begin learning from the book and your blog. Thank you again for your bravery and story!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      January 31, 2014 at 1:43 pm (10 years ago)

      Hi Alex! I am SOOOO apply that you found my blog! Thank you so much for the kind words and for stopping by to comment and share your story. It’s crazy how common eating disorders are and how easy it is to fall into them. I’m so glad you ordered Intuitive Eating, it’s a great read. Wishing you success, health, & happiness! xo

      Reply

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