Making Healthy Progress
If you told me a few years ago that I’d be where I am now, I wouldn’t believe you. I’m a certified personal trainer, food blogger, studying to be a nutritionist. I’ve recently started a shockingly healthy dessert company, because I am very passionate about eating amazing food that is good for you – and sharing that with the world (or as many people as I can reach!).
I was chubby growing up. Until I started to learn about nutrition in my early twenties, I went years trying diet after diet, and feeling deprived. Exercising regularly also began in my early twenties.
My background is actually in acting. When you’re an actor, it’s easy to focus on the superficial aspects of your health when your appearance is a factor in your ability to get work. Enjoying food without over-thinking it seemed impossible.
Sometime over the last few years, something clicked. My fitness and food-related reading became more health focused, rather than short-term-weight-loss focused. Magazine headings like “how to shed those last 10 lbs” lost their appeal. Super foods sparked my interest, and I began running races. Along the line, my weight fell into place.
Workouts became something I wanted to fit in, rather than an obligation. Now, I’m grumpy when I miss my workouts.
I also started to notice how much better I felt when focusing on nutrient-dense foods.
My solution was adapting recipes to be healthy. I stopped constantly wavering between indulgences and strict dieting. Double chocolate pancakes with salted peanut butter sauce have replaced the peanut butter puffs I grew up eating.
A year and a half ago I was itching for a career change. Food and fitness were the areas of my life that I put all my spare time into. I wanted to make my hobbies my reality. I took a leap, became a certified personal trainer, and began to study to become a holistic nutritionist.
I’ve enjoyed helping people learn to love fitness, and reach that point where they miss their workouts if they can’t fit them in. Being fit doesn’t always mean being athletic; it means being active and constantly challenging yourself. I am amazed at how much power you have over your own health when you take an active interest in what you put into your body.
Ironically, now, the food I eat is much more gourmet and delicious than before I became health-conscious. When I go out, I always try to eat where there’s healthy food that I can’t make at home. I find it increasingly challenging to find places beyond the scope, healthfulness and creativity of my own kitchen. That’s probably what I’m most proud of in my food journey thus far.
No matter what your stage in life, you can improve your health. Your journey is the product of small actions and decisions you make on a daily basis. This week, I’m focusing on eating more dark leafy greens. Green key lime pie smoothies are my answer. And you?
About Lauren Breuer
Lauren Breuer is the creator of the popular shockingly healthy food blog Cravings Gone Clean, and is also a certified personal trainer. She is currently studying to be a Holistic Nutritionist. Lauren is passionate about helping others eat their way to their health through meal plan consultations, recipe makeovers, and selling her shockingly healthy brownies. Come order them in Toronto! Follow Lauren’s new recipes and musings on food and nutrition at www.cravingsgoneclean.com
