Once upon a time A Knack for Nutrition was all about the food. Over time it transitioned to a place of logging countless miles and sweaty workouts. But as of late I just haven’t been feeling the whole “let’s inspire others and get inspired” part of blogging. I think that is partly to blame for my absence. This community of ours has changed my life in so many positive ways, but I can’t help but feel a little unsure of myself when I don’t have a 10 mile run, 100lb weight loss, or new lifting routine to blog about every day.
Life has changed and so I must change with it. Fitness and health is still a part of my life, that will never change. But it isn’t my whole life anymore. That is a bold thing to say coming from the girl that moved home to become a personal trainer after college.
(Embracing the schweat in my new apartment gym.)
The damnedest thing about it all is that I am completely okay with this new phase of life. Yea I sit on my ass all day, but I love my job and the people I work with. Most 22 (oh geez I am 23 next week!) year olds would kill to be in my position. That is certainly not lost on me. Races, gyms, and the competitive side of the fitness industry will always be there.
Moving forward I still intend to work out and take care of myself in that regard, but I am not sure it will ever define me in the way it once did. I am proud of what I have accomplished (minor weight loss and 2 half-marathons whatwhat!) but I am also proud of the life I am building for myself. The transition to this point has not been easy and sometimes it feels like the adjustments and sacrifices just can’t be worth it. Yet at the end of each day I am so genuinely happy with where I am right now I just can’t imagine that giving up my obsessive exercise tendencies isn’t going to be worth it.
Life is about balance. I certainly haven’t figured out how to do this successfully but I am sure am trying. So from here you’re likely going to see a resurgence of food-focused posts.
(Breakfast: Green Monster with banana, pineapple, mango, Vega protein powder, 1/2 cup brown rice crisps, and 2 tbsp PB granola <–dangerously delicious!)
I am in foodie heaven between the endless shopping trips to Whole Paycheck, Trader Joe’s, the farmer’s markets around every corner and DC Vegfest (!!) which is happening this weekend. I want this blog to be me in the most straightforward, honest way it can be. Right now that means taking a step back and enjoying what each day has to offer, whether that involves exercise or not. 
Question: How do you balance fitness, a full time job, and life?
P.S. I am a total hypocrite and completely aware of this fact. If you accept it, I will too.
I ran on the good ol’ treadmill this morning and it hurt so good. Like I say every.single.time I post about running, I have lost A LOT of fitness but I’m still pumped I got my ass out of bed to get it done. Turns out I have a 10k in a few weeks that I am utterly unprepared for. Go figure.
Ironically, since becoming a personal trainer…my health and fitness has been put on the back burner. Every monday morning I wake up and say “this is the week that I make a change” but then sunday night comes and I am back to square one. I am not sure if it is because I stopped blogging as much and I don’t have you guys to keep me accountable. Also, I am just so TIRED. I rather pick up the phone and order takeout after working a 13 hour shift at the gym then making something healthy and nutritious for myself… I guess what I am trying to say is that I am yet to find the balance…lol
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Hi Jen!
I really like your blog and have been following for almost a year now! I just graduated in May so I totally feel you on going through transition. I am feeling the SAME way as you right now too! In college I taught fitness classes 5 days a week and all I really cared about was fitness! Now, I’m lucky if I can get in a few runs/week and haven’t touched a weight or seen a gym since May because of a crazy busy job. Anyways, just wanted to let you know I’m going through the same thing
AND please don’t quit blogging, because I would be sad haha.
I love your comment! Ha! The last line put the BIGGEST smile on my face
Thank you for that!
I’m glad you can relate though. It’s a struggle and knowing we’re not the only ones fighting to find balance is always reassuring.
And I promise I won’t stop blogging, I just need the Internet in my apartment!
Cool blog you have here and you post a tough question. Managing career, life and fitness is a challenge. I am working mom and i deal with this challenge by taking it easy. i just try to do my best and i congratulate myself for the effort. There was a time when i am so strict with myself and i have so many expectations- i ended up being so stressed out.
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What day is your birthday next week? Mine is next week too! Thursday the 29
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Ah we’re almost twinskiesss…mine is the 27th and my dad (Chef Bob’s is the 28th!) Happy almost birthday!
My balancing of a full time job, exercise, and life has been a MAJOR fail the past few weeks! I could use some tips
And that’s a pretty nice looking apartment gym!
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