March is Nutrition Month.

This actually comes at the perfect time for me. I am going to be completely honest. I feel transparency on the internet is important. I am not perfect, nor do I try to come across as perfect. We need to realize everyone struggles. No matter how happy or fit someone looks, they are struggling with something.

nutrition month

For me, my current struggle is excess pounds. Yes, I’ve mentioned my 8ish pound gain after my initial celiac diagnosis but this is on top of that. I didn’t lose those 8 pounds instead I gained about five more in the two weeks before my vacation. Now instead of a few vanity pounds to go, I am up to nearly 15 pounds.

I have struggled this year and my eating habits have become horrible. Instead of watching my protein I’ve been stuffing my face with dark chocolate. And I’m not talking a serving here and there. I mean eating half the M&Ms in one sitting. It’s not healthy fo my body or mind.

Nutrition month is the perfect time for a reboot. I need to focus on increasing my protein. I want to build muscle and protein is the best way to aid in that. I need to keep adding in fruits and vegetables with each meal. I love fruits and vegetables but I tend to reach for premade snacks. Those snacks tend to be carbs and full of sodium. I get more than enough starch and sodium. I’d rather have fruits and vegetables be my carb source.

Don’t worry, I will continue to eat dark chocolate or ice cream but I will get back to having it in moderation. I can’t pinpoint exactly what made me go off the rails but it is time to get back to moderation and consistent exercise.

I believe in moderation or an 80/20 approach to eating. 80% healthy, 20% of something you want (I try not to use terms like junk food, treats etc). This is what always works for me. When I lose the balance, I gain weight.

So my challenge this month is to get my eating habits under control, eat more nutritious foods and hit all my workouts.

What are your goals for March?


Jenna

Jenna Volden has a degree in business and has spent the last 10 plus years working for others. She believes it is time to start her own photography and writing business. She enjoys running, coffee and helping others achieve their goals. Gluten-free foods are a lifestyle, not a choice, for her due to celiac disease. She is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona.