Comments on: Listening to Your Body

By: A Leombruni

A Leombruni — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:21:54 +0000

Alyson,

Just wanted 2 say I admire all your hard work & dedication 2 fitness & healthy eating. I love all your recipes & am always looking 4 new ones to try as mine get old! So I will def. b trying many or urs..:) Thanks 4 all your info. bt. everything! U truly r an inspiration to all!

Keep up the amazing work girl! You look great!!!

All the best to you,

Alicia

By: Alyson

Alyson — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:15:34 +0000

I think it’s decided that I must come to your first show in TX!

By: Alyson

Alyson — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:14:52 +0000

Thank you so much for your comment! It’s always so nice to know that other have similar experiences and feelings. You said it so well too. I’m definitely a better/happier person to be around when I’m getting all my workouts in.
Heather: At first I was embarrassed carrying my food tote around. Now I almost feel naked without it!

By: Alyson

Alyson — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:11:33 +0000

Thank you Scott for your supportive words!

By: Scott Stransky

Scott Stransky — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:04:55 +0000

Great post! I started on a super health kick in July myself (in anticipation of changing careers from corporate America into fitness) and people look at me similarly, as if I believe I’m superior to them. But you know what? I actually kind of like it a bit, and when I think of what would happen if more people began taking a “holier than thou” approach to diet and exercise, I believe we could actually get our obesity epidemic–and ostensibly healthcare costs–under control.

Fact is, people need to be goaded, badgered, guilted, or shocked into changing for the better. If that weren’t true, salespeople would be order takers, doctors would be advisers, and Jewish and Catholic mothers would be left with nothing to do! (Oh, c’mon, even my own Jewish mother would find that funny).

Joking aside, you should feel absolutely no shame or remorse for others’ inabilities to understand you or your passions. You’re absolutely right to not outwardly preach, but there’s simply nothing wrong with offering genuine, insightful replies to questions…no matter how snobbish your reactions may appear.

Keep up the great work!

By: Heather (Where's the Beach)

Heather (Where's the Beach) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:13:35 +0000

So glad I am not the only one who brings my own food places!

By: Angelalovesfood

Angelalovesfood — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:48:45 +0000

At first I didn’t understand fitness competitions, the thought and idea of women competing in it boggled me. But after a while, I have come to admire it! it’s so fun and interesting reading about the discipline, scarifice, and lifestyle. I am hoping one day I have to courage to do it! I’m glad I found your blog too.

Yummy eats!

By: Brandy Craddock

Brandy Craddock — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:32:55 +0000

I know how you feel, I get the impression that many people I know think I have a superiority complex over them with respect to my eating and training. One person recently who is strictly a vegetarian, was asking me what I ate and I told her mostly lean protein (meat) and non-starchy veggies. Her response was, “surely, you can’t eat like that ALL the time?” Well I try to for the most part, I have my bad moments, coming from someone who is already on a fairly strict diet I thought it was a little odd. Others get that glazed over look when I respond to their question of what I eat. They just can’t comprehend not having fast food or sauce laden meals as a part of their life. You are what you eat. On that note…I’m trying to not gorge on the holiday baking I’ve been doing for my family. Soooo tasty.

By: Ironlady

Ironlady — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:16:11 +0000

I could have written this post myself. I’ve been working out a lot, mostly classes, spinning, bodypump and other fun classes as I try to let my muscles and body rest from my last competition. It’s hard to draw the line between becoming obsessed and just trying to push yourself everyday to reach your goals. I too, have everyone looking at me like I have 2 heads when I turn down invitations for parties or bring my own food, because I don’t want to have to deal with figuring out what to eat and what is the healthiest choice. I love talking about fitness and nutrition, but I will only talk about it when asked because I think people are starting to think I’m snobby too. When you are in the zone, eating well, working out hard, you become really passionate about it and I think it’s sometimes mistaken for being a know-it-all. Really, it’s just that being healthy makes you feel good and you want to spread the word to everyone else. But, it’s often not taken that way. And we all know how bad we can feel when we are not working out and not eating properly. We start to despise everyone that is. All we can do is lead by example.

I’m trying those cookies tonight. They look delicious!

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:51:38 +0000

Hey Alyson. I think there’s a component to over-training that you ignore. You make good points about the physical effects of training a certain amount per day, but what about the social and psychological effects? I’m not suggesting that you, or anyone else I know, falls victim to this, but I think one of the biggest dangers is letting ANY passion/commitment run your life. For some people, being obsessed with work leads to a compromised lifestyle (and negatively affects loved ones). For some, it’s an addition to the internet or TV that affects their lives. Etc. Just another consideration when defining what “over-training” means. Singular focus can be good at times, but when it gets carried away it can be dangerous…