You Gotta Be Fit to Run a Farm..
I bet there are a lot of people that would disagree with me. I know that there are a lot of farmers out there with below optimal health. I know that there are a lot of farmers’ wives with tighter fitting trousers than they had 20 years ago. I also know that there are machines that can simplify the work for you, and that you don’t have to break your body to be proud of the land you work.
I’m honestly torn with the new ‘body positivity’ movement. I see it in my face constantly. Influencers telling you that it doesn’t matter what size you are, healthy is subjective.
On one hand, I think I should allow my body to age and take up the space it needs. I know that I’m not 15 anymore.. and I also know that when I was stick thin at 22 it was because I was engaging in unhealthy habits. I know that my body wants to have curves and hips and hold on to squishiness so it can possibly create life in a healthy way some day.
I know that I deserve to fuel myself. I don’t have to put myself into an aesthetic.
I know all of this.
And yet.. I find myself huffing and puffing down the driveway when I go to check my mail. I find clothes tighter than they used to be, and they’re clothes that I really want to be able to keep in my wardrobe. I’m exhausted after dinner and lacking energy to really take care of the things that need to be taken care of.
So while I agree.. I should let myself take up space.. I also need to be honest with myself and stop being so dang lazy. I deserve to be stronger.
Which starts with nutrition.
I’ve never been a health nut. I’m definitely a bread first thing in the morning and a coffee on an empty stomach type of girl. But when I had my blood tested and we found that my hormones were a bit out of whack, I realized that to keep a farm running.. you need to keep your health in check. I can’t be running on an empty tank. I started researching (mainly on instagram), and I found two health accounts that really focus on fueling your body properly so your hormones can be healthy. Did you realize that as women, we need to maintain our hormones? Our hormones are honestly the building blocks of our health.
I know I won’t be able to really explain as well as others, but here are two women I reallllllly have enjoyed reading.
https://www.jessicaashwellness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heal.with.fifi/?hl=en
Both of these women have found similar things, but have different mental approaches. Jessica has a bit more of a gentle tone, and Fiona tends to be more blunt. I enjoy reading/listening to them both. I’ve already noticed a huge shift in my energy. Small changes, like protein first thing in the morning and putting a sugar and a fat in my coffee. (Maybe some day I’ll cave and give up coffee altogether).
The second change? Activity.
I’ve always hated running. I cannot stand going to the gym, I hate to sweat, and I get severely self conscious when people confront me about my activity level. I’m not sure where that stems from, but I’m sure I was scarred in my childhood in some random way. Isn’t that where all problems stem?
I try to get outside a bit every day. I’ve noticed that if I can just get outside in the first place, I can breathe. I find myself in the sun and wanting to walk and explore.
However.. we are in winter.
…in the cold.
..in the damp.
And I’m sure a lot of you all don’t have acres and acres to walk at your leisure. If you are anything like me and extremely anxious about the gym, try this puppy on for size -
https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/products/total-body-advanced-stepper-machine-sf-s0979?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi8KfBhCuARIsADp-A57KhtOQwOC9cfQIyE6ZI8AHE6r77UcTcaLLaUdXuOlSqB4M210GMhoaAndzEALw_wcB
I’m serious - and no, I’m not paid for this at ALL. I literally just adore this thing. It was a Christmas present (don’t worry, I requested it), and I use it all. the. time.
I put on New Amsterdam and just walk. I started out with 5 minute intervals, and before I knew it I was able to do 12-15. I’m still working on getting higher, but my goal is to do 30 minutes a few times a week, and then supplement my steps/cardio with working and feeding animals and gardening.
Speaking of gardening…
I’ve started germinating some seeds.
That’s all I will say - I want to make an updated post.
In the meantime, know that you are worth taking care of. Small steps matter - and they make a big difference.
It is okay to let your body grow - and it is also okay to want better for yourself.
I’m ready to keep going.
XOXO,
Windham
