While I've never considered myself to be unhealthy or overweight, I do think I've always had somewhat of an unhealthy relationship with food. As I look back on my life thus far, I can remember thinking I was healthy at certain points in my life when I definitely was not.

In my teenage years I was spread about as thin as a high schooler can be. From before-school practice to after-school clubs, sports, and lots of homework, I didn't find much time to eat. My daily lunch was a bag of M&Ms and an iced tea. Before swimming and diving practice one evening, my coach's wife (a nurse) decided to check our blood sugar levels. She was amazed that we had enough energy to walk, let alone swim laps, do flips, and pull ourselves in and out of the pool.

After high school I had the amazing opportunity to go to a really awesome college, Northwestern University, and to be part of their Division I softball team. My four years were full of incredible mental and physical challenges. With a full class schedule plus 25+ hours of practice a week, it's hard to believe I had time to do all the normal college things (meet people, go to parties, challenge authority, and plan for the future). With all this going on, I pretty much ate whatever I could get my hands on. I had the best nutritional coaches and physical trainers at my disposal. Unfortunately I only remember eating high-calorie microwave meals, Chipotle burritos, and Dunkin' Donuts. I grew incredibly strong during this time (in fact, I was the school's first female Iron Cat and could lift ridiculous amounts of weight), but I was plagued with pulled and torn muscles. I look back now, wondering what kind of things I could have done if I had only fed my body the nutrition it needed.

After graduation I quickly realized my 8-hours-behind-a-desk daily job would not allow me to continue eating the way I did in college. But instead of eating balanced meals throughout the day, I would rush out of the door in the morning without breakfast (always with coffee in hand). Some days I would eat lunch, some days I would skip it completely. There was no schedule and my body was undoubtedly confused. In the stressed-out months before my wedding I ate even less. My motivation: I could pig out on the honeymoon while looking fabulous in my bikini! Crazy, I know! I'm a smart girl, but I still fell victim to this unhealthy trap.

Today I am 100% confident in saying I am currently living my healthiest possible life. I eat breakfast every day (a New Year's resolution), I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, I limit the amount of processed foods in my diet, I exercise four, five, or six days per week, and I am at peace with all aspects of my life. But, to be completely honest, eating healthy is never an easy thing and I continue to struggle, trying always to overcome the unhealthy me-food relationships I've had in the past. This little blog is great for holding me accountable and keeping me inspired!