My Rx? Exercise.
We all know exercise is good for us.
It keeps the heart kickin’, the muscles sculpted, the lungs breathing, the mind sharp and the everything functioning so we can be our best selves. It’s how each of us views exercise that differs. Some of us do it to fit in our skinny jeans, some of us do it to maintain our sanity, others because they know it’s good for them, some people do it for athletic achievement while some do it for a million and one other reasons.
I won’t lie to y’all. I started exercising for reason #1: to look dayum good in my Levi’s. However, as the years have passed, my attitude towards exercise has too. It’s progressed from solely looking good to feeling good.
Now, I view exercise the same way I view my daily multivitamin: as a prescription.
And what better prescription is there? Just like I take my daily multivitamin, I take my daily dose of exercise. I can feel when my body hasn’t exercised – something is just off. Once I’ve sweated out a good run or downward dogged my way through yoga, I can feel Holly coming back, and things seem to fall right back to where they are supposed to be (most of the time 
).
When I don’t feel like grinding out a run or hopping on the elliptical, I try to remind myself of this. Exercise is more than looking good, gaining medals or a reason to socialize – it’s about giving your body the medicine it needs to work it’s best, so you can feel your best.
Alright, alright…enough of the rambling – onto the eats!
1 cup Kashi Heart2Heart
1/4 cup Dylan’s Sunflower Almond Chia granola
1 cup skim milk
1 small sliced banana
These past couple days, lunches have been all about the random snackage…
Two things: notice the pink beet fingers and the Buckingham Palace chocolates (which my co-worker brought me back from jolly ol’ England). *sigh* London, how I miss thee…
After work, I laid on my bed, ate the rest of the spelt pretzels from the car snackage of Sunday and talked to one of my besties, M.A.S. (her nickname and initials) on the celly.
Then my friend Chris and I popped our pills. And by pills, I mean our exercise! In addition to the 5 miles we ran together (9:00/mile pace), I ran an additional 1/2 mile to meet him and then probably another almost 1 1/2 miles home for a grand total of 7 miles on this fine Tuesday eve.
When I got home, I devoured some delish dinner – Sunshine Barbecue patty with avocado + tomato + BBQ sauce alongside a mountain of kale chips!
Now, I am off to relax and head to bed for my doctor’s appointment in the morning. And by doctor’s appointment, I mean meeting my friend Brett for a 6am 6-mile run. I told ya, exercise is my Rx peeps!
Why do you exercise? How do you view exercise? Remember, sharing is caring .
Tags: avocado, banana, beets, cereal, chocolate, kale, nectarine, tomato, veggie patty
September 15th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Great post
I LOVE exercise. I am in total agreement with you–exercise is not only good for me physically, but also mentally!
<3 jess
xoxo
September 15th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
My whole life I’ve exercised and it wasn’t just to lose weight. I was raised on a swim team, so swim practice was just a way of life. I started running however to lose weight. And then it just grew to a passion. An obsession. And an addiction!! (Not always a good addiction, either!). I wouldn’t feel like my day was complete after a run. Why else would I run? (I posted this on Whit’s post the other day)
I feel like superwoman afterwards
That easy free feeling at mile 8 is the closest I can get to flying
You get killer legs
It spikes my appetite like no other = all food tastes better
Bragging about my distance doesn’t hurt
It’s my music time. I just zone into the music
September 15th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Omg fab post my friend. I don’t care if I run for 5 minutes or 5 miles, ENDORPHINS ARE MY LIFE!!! I feel x20000 better after I run, showered, put on outfit, and start or end my day. You are my blog world hero/idol (I’m surious) with your humor, beautiful looks, RUNNING SKILLS, EATING SKILLS, and food. I will be coming to your state sometime to say hello and eat your state’s cheese.
Loves you a long time,
Homegirl
September 15th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Like Tay, I’ve been active my whole life. My mom is a very active person and I just remember her carry my 11 year old self on her back while she would rollerblade. So doing exercise never seemed like an extra chore to me. Now it helps me reduce my stress, get rid of that extra energy, feel balanced, and feel strong!
September 15th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I used to be OBSESSED with exercise to the point of exhausting myself. No longer. I have found the perfect amount of exercise that makes me feel SO good.
I love exercise because it’s what wakes me up every morning, and it is a great “ME” time, where I have a quiet one-to-one with God, and plan out my day’s schedules. Plus, the endorphins can’t hurt!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Over the years I have learned that I need some sort of exercise every day. It calms me down, relaxes me, makes me more flexible, but at the same time gives me energy and makes me strong. Without exercise, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I just love being in motion, sweating, feeling energized, and making myself stronger. My body craves movement and I feel better after any form of exercise – walking, running, biking, etc. Love this post!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
So great to here you say what I’m thinking as well! I definetely get my daily dose and when I don’t I’m really off!
I need those kale chips:)
September 15th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
my relationship with exercise has changed over the years, and still changes each day. right now, i love it because it’s ME time — no one else is around except for strangers running beside me in the park, and i love this anonymity and freedom outdoor exercise allows!
PS i love beets. i also enjoy eating them plain. it’s weird.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:13 am
You are so right. Exercise is a prescription for a healthy body just as much as nutrition.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am
I need an exercise fix too. I’ve tamed things back from my dancing days, but NOTHING beats the adrenaline rush after a class
Now I have to stick to walking…it clears my mind, gives me time/space to think (or not think- just focus on my music/surroundings). I see it more as relaxation than a “work-out”. There was a post recently on whether you eat to exercise/exercise to eat… I drift inbetween the two without really realising. I try to keep it focused on feeling good physically/mentally, rather than tying it into calories/weight.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Exercise, it’s my meditation and my medication.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Exercise is therapy for my soul!
September 16th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Exercise is my “me time” and keeps me sane. I also run for the health benefits and getting the heart pumping too.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:34 am
exercise is now a fun thing for me. i used to hate working out. but running to me is a stress reliever and it makes my body just feel good. i love a sweaty workout!
September 16th, 2009 at 7:59 am
i started for the same reasons you did, but I think everyone does it for that reason at some point.
Now it’s something I feel good about it. I’m proud of what I can do and it makes me feel good when I get outside to run .
September 16th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Exercising clears my head! I’m not much of a runner because of my craptacular knee but long walks are key for mental health
Ahhh London! Next blogger summit?! I think so!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Ahh I love you and your honesty. And your bowls of breakfast love. Buckingham Palace chocolate coins eh? I wouldn’t say no.
I swam when I was younger and ran cross country/played field hockey and back then it was all for competition and/or because my mum made me!
Going to the gym at university was purely bcos I thought I should to stop me from gaining a ton of weight with the ton of food I was eating (not a very healthy attitude I know!)
Finally when I started working out about 21 months ago it was to get in shape and gradually as I got in better shape it was to maintain that and to get FIT. Haha.
Starting to run changed things around for me a bit and I remembered my old friend competition – I run to set and beat my own goals, to enjoy killlllaaaahhh endorphins like none other, to enjoy my killah appetite, to stay in good shape, and because it’s me.
It’s constantly evolving though..yoga I think might change me again. I just roll with the tides lady.
Sorry for rambling. That’s what happens when you ask questions like that when I just ran 7 miles and am high on caffeine! Love you! xxx
September 16th, 2009 at 8:20 am
miss holly thanks for sharing! i guess i have “exercised” all my life due to my involvement in sports. but when i really got into exercising (post-team sports) it was at first for the reason of losing weight, looking good, etc. but i have found, just as you found, that it just makes me feel good. it makes me feel like me. without it I am lost! It relieves my stress and makes me happy and makes me feel good. sure, i like the fact that it helps with weight managment (i mean, who doesnt like that perk?) but now adays I have realized that it doesnt matter what i look like. i work out a lot. i eat really healthy. that is all that i can ask for. i know ill never be america’s next top model- but so what? who said we had to look like that? if i just take steps to keeping my body healthy- then i think i am doing a-okay in my book!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:22 am
I quit smoking 7 months ago. Everytime I wanted one or had a craving I would exercise or do some sort of physical activity–I wanted to push myself and realize how good it actually felt to BREATHE! Now I don’t crave cigarettes, I crave the amazing feeling that exercise gives me everyday!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:26 am
What a great description of exercise. I admit, I don’t always want to run first thing when I wake up. Shocker, right? Well I tihnk about how I’m going to feel the rest of the day knowing I ran 7 miles versus the alternative, and the runner’s high is too much to resist
September 16th, 2009 at 8:37 am
I need to make Kale chips ASAP. How have I not tried them yet?? Congrats on all the fabulous mileage lady! Running is a great medicine for the mind, body, and soul. I think it makes me a better and happier person!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I am really glad you wrote this..I really needed to hear it. I have been struggling with keeping my carido regular…it doesn’t take much to de rail me.
DANKA
xo
September 16th, 2009 at 8:56 am
how are those raw rev bars ?
i am starting to get sooo sick of bars. sort of. i have been buying tooooo many for my reviews haha
September 16th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I can’t function without movement…it is like sleep to me. It clears my mind and heart, and I feel ALIVE!
YOU ROCK! Check out my K Cooks, you’re on there for the giveaway!
September 16th, 2009 at 9:41 am
i started to look good too, and now i do it to feel good too! yay!
love the thinking of exercise as medicine. it really does make you healthier even if you didn’t know you were sick!
that chia granola looks AWESOME.
-muffy
September 16th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I was the same way. I started exercising because I was unhappy with the way I looked. And when I started losing weight, a funny thing happened – I realized I felt better too! It also boosted my confidence. Now, I’d say about 75% of my motivation to exercise is to feel good, and that other 25% is still for vanity.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am
hahaha. i love it. “off to my doctors appointment!” you definitely have a healthy outlook on exercise. i agree, i just don’t feel right if i don’t workout. i even think that having a good sweat sesh is ideal for hangover days! it makes you feel better! if you can muster up the energy to get off the couch that is… anywho! i love you lots, thanks for the tip on the future posting, i got that email as i was reading this, eerie? coincidence? i think not. we are soul mates.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Exercise keeps me sane. I don’t think I could do my job without having pounded out some frustrations on the pavement before/after a long day. Aaaand I still do it to be skinny…I won’t lie. But it is two-fold for sure.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I think my exercise history follows yours. I used to exercise because I was worried about fitting into my jeans, but now I exercise for stress release and also because it really is a time I can get away from all the other craziness in my life
Have a wonderful Wednesday dear!
September 16th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Love this post! It’s taken me a long time to view exercise as more than a means to an end. And, honestly, there are still some days when I feel that way. But by the grace of God, exercise has slowly become something I crave – something I can’t live without. I love it! No turning back now.
Love the beet fingers
September 16th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I excercise as a stress reliever…gotta love that endorphin rush!
Plus, I noticed that it helps me not to get sick (like the cold or flu) as much. The final reason: to fit into my jeans!
September 16th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
YES double YES I use to be that girl who exercised only because I wanted to be skinny. I knew it was good for me but my pants were the main reason I made myself get out there. Now I do it because I LOVE it. And LOVE this post and LOVE my Holly girl too!
September 16th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I don’t know if thats a peach or a nectarine- but it looks so freaking good! That is some delicious snackage.
I <3 exercising. I do it for a million reasons- #1 my health in general, #2 It makes me happy/feel good, #3- Looking good in my jeans
September 16th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Great post! I have to admit one of the reasons why I exercise is to look good.. but that’s not the only reason! I also exercise to strengthen my muscles, my bones, my heart, and my lungs. I also exercise to relieve stress.. and most importantly I exercise because I can! I’m fortunate to have legs and arms and a body that is able to exercise.. some people cant!
September 16th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I totally agree with you about “feeling good” as a reason to exercise!! I started out with the intention of looking great in my clothes, but now it is how hard can I push myself, how far can I take this, how fast can I really go. Since I didn’t start working out until the fresh 15, I have been surprising myself over what I can do working-out-wise for a few years. And I love surprises!!
September 16th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
So true..Getting exercise is fun and makes your body stay in fit as well. It’s not that easy though but you’ll see, it pays off all your effort.. You’ll be in great shape.. and much healthier than you’ve ever been. I like this post.. Keep posting more!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Hm. Depending on the day, I either see running as a way to totally unwind and de-stress OR I see it as something I must do as part of training. I’m one of those people that needs an end goal when it comes to running. Running, just to run usually only lasts a couple months for me so I like to scatter races throughout the year to keep me going. I see it as a way to challenge myself and keep things interesting
Plus, I may just love getting really sweaty. ahhaa.
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 am
Holly! I for some reason lost your blog out of the list to read, but I’m back!!! Hope you are doing well!