3 weeks into the new school year — Summer has officially died down, (although, I am holding onto it for dear life — meh), and I am back to my usual disciplined self — workouts, cleansing, and protein shakes. I am struggling to get through my first cleanse day, cursing myself for taking too long of a break and trying to power through a headache while brainstorming my first ever blog post. I feel a little sluggish, but I am definitely not shocked considering my voluntary nutrition hiatus. In front of me is a corkboard filled with pictures of Summer and I am reminded of how incredibly freeing it was. From greasy BBQs to weekend trips, alcohol-fueled nights out, FROSÈ (Oh-My-God), and business conferences in other states, I am so happy I lived it up and even happier to have the resources to bring myself back.

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Sure, I can preach about eating clean and drinking my gallon of water religiously — all day, every day.  I can pretentiously remind you to not ruin your progress, your scale, or your metabolism, by having Summer BBQ slips, wine nights every Sunday because the kids made you question your sanity from Monday through Saturday, your best friend’s birthday in Atlantic City, chasing endless sushi with boardwalk funnel cakes, and bottomless Cosmopolitans delivered to your slot machine.  AND don’t you dare bang down Starbucks’ door at 5 am because today is the first day of Pumpkin Cream Cold Brews. Instead, opt for focused DETERMINATION in reaching your fitness and weight goals, no matter the day, time of year, stress-level or emotional breakdown, all of which may be cured by tequila and our favorite male best friends, Sir Ben & Honorable Jerry. Eat your kale poolside, drink your cleanse juice next to the roulette table, and sip your protein shake while driving passed an open doored Starbucks and cry at the scent of brewed happiness.  When you need a drink — Vodka straight. Hold your nose and have a happy low-calorie, low-sugar buzz. Also, I’d be the biggest hypocrite on planet Earth — especially this summer. In my defense, I discovered Frosè in three different cities and lost all control. I think the teenagers call this, “Living my best life”.  

I know I am not alone, though.  We have all been there — face deep in a pitcher of high fructose corn syrup.  We commit to our health and exercise for a week, a month, 40 days and 40 nights, and then break it with a weekend binge for “Susan’s Golden Doodles 3rd birthday” or “Isabella’s baptism”, complete with fondue fountain and Belgian waffle station.  After Sunday’s brunch, we have Monday regret and recommit to working out more, hitting the gym for 3 days, and then struggle to get out of bed when we notice the scale only moved mere ounces. We set visions for our lives, careers, body’s, relationships — and our momentum and excitement feels infinite, only to get sidelined with everyday responsibilities.  Sometimes it is discouraging, an all-around bummer, and I definitely get it, and whole-heartedly relate to it.  

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This Summer, I REALLY lived it up, for probably the first time, and it was UH-MAZE-ING.  You know you did too, and if you didn’t I suggest you make that your goal next summer — Trust me, it’s good for the soul.  I scrolled through my phone to find endless Instagram boomerangs of clinking martini glasses and pictures of a pulled-pork sandwich WITH mac and cheese, (not even mac and cheese on the side, it was IN THE SANDWICH — I know RIGHT?!).  I spent a week exploring the Carolina’s, eating never-ending seafood, and drinking BUCKETS of the prettiest drinks on every menu (I don’t even care what is in it, if it’s any hue of pink, I’m ordering it — one for here, one to go, please).  I flew straight to Nashville — you know, the capital of bad decisions, BBQ everything, and home to the Pedal Taverns (google it, you’re welcome). It was a hot, beautiful disaster in every way, and for the very first time, I am not even mad about it.  I am not beating myself up over it, and I am actually pretty proud of myself for all of it.  

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I know I always have a reset, a program that sets me back on track, QUICKLY and enjoyably.  I can refocus, set new goals, and be back in the swing of workouts, training, and Zumba classes, without feeling like I have to sacrifice a summer, a moment of fun, or Frosè.  My advice? Live your life, make your memories, enjoy some summer indulgence, and do not regret it. Live a balanced life of health consciousness and buzzed selfies. Find your support system, your gym buddies, your healthy recipes, your delicious shakes, AND your indulgence.  It is so much easier to stick to a healthy workout schedule, a healthy diet, and stomach kale, if you do not feel like FUN is always related to PERMANENT weight gain or one piece of bread means NEVER successfully reaching a fitness goal.  

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So, as I sit here with a massive overload of gratitude, sipping my Cleanse for Life in between typing this today, I feel completely different about coming back to a place of structure and healthy habits.  I am grateful to know that one incredible summer does not mean I am a failed fitness instructor or a fraudulent weight-loss mentor — It means I am balanced, and I want you to be too.

— x K

Having trouble getting back on track?  Let’s connect! Fill out the Health Questionnaire for a FREE 15-minute consultation with me.  You can tell me about your summer, I can describe the Frosè in detail, and we can come up with a plan together to keep you balanced!