'Balance is not something you find, it is something you create'
- Jana Kingsford
This is one of my favourite quotes by Jana Kingsford as I think it is so important to remind ourselves that we should always aim for balance regardless what part of life we are trying to change or alter in someway or another. Extremes always have a negative consequence in the end but initially seem easier to follow; they don´t however make us happy long term.
I will be the first to admit that this topic is something I have always struggled with, in particular, during the times I was fighting in recovery from a long term mental illness anorexia nervosa. I only ever saw 'solutions' in a black or white light, there was never an in between or median; focusing on extreme dieting, weight loss schemes, workout routines etc. It has only been within the last 12 months that I have begun learning what the term 'balance' truly is defined as in not just the 'diet' aspect, but in all aspects of my life; and the truth is it's been tough. It isn't easy challenging yourself and thoughts every morning and accepting that if I am to do A, then the outcome B will only but have a negative consequence so lets look at C and see the positive difference it will make.
I had been eating a relatively healthy diet for many years before going plant based but I was always quite extreme in the way I thought about certain foods. For a long time it was a vicious circle of eating extremely healthy and working out a lot and then having 'cheat days', binging and feeling guilty afterwards. I was still recovering from anorexia at the time and basically based on what I ate I considered myself happy or unhappy. It wasn't until I made the decision to go 100% vegan when the change finally happened, and to this day I would never look back.
To some people eating a plant based diet seems extreme, however, to me it is all about abundance, and in particular focusing on a high carbohydrate vegan lifestyle with most of my foods coming from whole plant based foods likes fruits, dates, greens, starches etc. I have gained such great understanding with the help of a private medical professional specialising in gastrointestinal health; gaining so much knowledge and learning what balance looks like for myself and in my own body. What made me really curious about this lifestyle is that people often say you can always eat as much as you want without ever being restrictive, yet still be in great shape, and it's true! I couldn’t feel happier and more balanced at this present moment in my life and am so grateful for that. Eating an abundance of fresh fruits, dates, potatoes and other plant based foods (gluten free breads, rice, quinoa, whole food bars and acai bowls all included) has had such a positive impact on my mind and body that I couldn’t imagine eating differently anymore. I honestly think balance really is the key to happiness and that this is what we should all aim for.
THINGS I HAVE LEARNT SINCE FINDING MORE BALANCE IN LIFE:
If you are already on a high carbohydrate low fat vegan lifestyle (like myself), try not to be over overly obsessed with FAT. Low fat does not mean no fat (how can you say no to avocado on toast or that dollop of pb on top of an acai bowl). You are already eating so healthy that you shouldn’t be worried about labelling your diet and keeping detailed track about the amount of fat you consume. I truly believe that your body tells you what it needs and it is a good thing to listen to that.
If you are not vegan and just trying to eat healthier, focus on the healthy foods you can begin incorporating into your diet rather than what to cut out. Many people complain about not having the discipline being 100% 'healthy' all the time and the best you can do is to forget about being perfect and rather focus on balance. Don’t put pressure on yourself and simply start by adding for example more fresh fruits into your diet where and when possible. I recommend trying to find the ripest best quality fruits available because they taste so much better and are going to turn you into a fruit lover (like myself). The more fresh goodness you can add into your diet the better you are going to feel.
Try figuring out where your stresses come from and work on slowly eliminating these out of your lifestyle. This is one which I have found is so important and has only but helped and benefited me in so many aspects. Try going for a run, take the bike rather than the car, workout or try a new workout class, or just go for a walk whenever you are feeling a bit down. It does wonders, trust me! It is inevitable that everyone has their bad days and it all depends on us as individuals what we do and how we act upon them. Learn to love yourself unconditionally.
The most beautiful and influential people are those that are happy within themselves; so surround yourself with happy and balanced people as they truly will bring more balance into your life as well. I am working on this and at the same time, trying to be that person to other people in my life. Spread positive energy and be someone people feel happy to be around, something my mother has alway said to me; take it day by day. Learn that every day is new opportunity to be a happier, healthier and better version of yourself. If you have a bad day, leave it behind yourself and wake up the following, feeling refreshed with new intentions and goals in mind.
REST. Find time to rest, whether it be getting a massage, doing more yoga, meditation, sleeping more, stretching etc. This is still something I still struggle with but find myself working on each and everyday that goes by. We tend to forget to use the opportunities that are given to us living in such a fast paced society, and sometimes it's just a matter of stopping in the moment, taking a deep breath and appreciating all that is around us.
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