Why are we so judge-y?

 

Seems to be a theme lately.

Anytime you go against what people view as “normal” you’re going to get remarks.  I have no problem with that.  I actually welcome them because it opens the door for a conversation.  And I’ve always been a little different.  #strangebutgood

 

Story number one.  

I ran into a friend this weekend who wouldn’t quit when I explained that I couldn’t join them for burgers and drinks 3 weeks out from a competition.  (Granted, she ad been drinking and we all know that when you’ve been drinking you can’t understand why everyone doesn’t want to join that party.  I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this.)  

She kept on and said something along the lines of “How long are you going to do this?  It can’t be fun.  I’d be miserable.”  Something clicked in me and I told her I choose NOT to go eat burger because I am in a good place.  I am focused and happy.  In fact, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.  She paused and said ‘I can’t argue with that!”  And let it go.

 

Story number two.  

I was in the gym locker room in my office building yesterday and a lady complimented me on my workout.  She called me a beast AND said she liked my hair.   I was totally flattered and thanked her… but then she said something that really struck me.

She said “No homo.”  I asked her to repeat herself and she explained “I’m not gay or anything.”  Okay…

I went to Pride this weekend in Atlanta.  I had a blast.  I have no problem with who you want to screw/marry/raise kids with.  If you compliment me, I’m going to be appreciative and feel good about it.  I’m not going to assume you’re trying to get in my pants (although it’s been a while, so if you are trying let me know 😉 ).

I appreciate the compliment, but I’m sad that women feel the need to qualify compliment – giving and receiving.  I’m guilty too!

 

Lately it seems there have been more unnecessary remarks than usual.  Lindsay wrote a great post last week asking why it’s so hard to compliment women.  I replied to her, realizing I am guilty.  It dawned on me that I have an easier time accepting compliments from men than from women too.  My chiro said I had good arm muscle and I said “I know.”  A lady in the elevator complimented my hair and I said “Oh no! I need a cut! It’s bushy.  But thank you so much for being kind!”  WTF?!

My point is… I think there’s a lot of judging lately.  People bitching about the pregnant bodybuilder lifting weights.  The article about a super fit mom I posted last night.  The stories I relayed today.  I believe it comes from insecurity about ourselves.  Lacking confidence.

No matter who you are and what you do, there’s going to be someone with an opinion.  Their opinion doesn’t matter.  Know what matters to YOU, who YOU are, and why you live your passion.  Be confident in those things.

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This is WIAW I am 3 weeks from my next competition!  No big diet changes yet… but next week… well, let’s just say food prep will get easier with limited options.  Hello, stinky asparagus pee.

Read on for my eats, and then check out Jenn’s blog for everyone else delicious creations!.

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Breakfast:

Typical start to the day I had my Aminos and ACV morning cocktail.

My breakfast was one that I never wanted to end.  I scrambled egg whites with turkey, pre-roasted kabocha, and blackberries mashed into pico de gallo.  Then I threw it into an almost empty no salt cottage cheese container for my ride to work.

 

Mid-Morning Snack:

I discovered the gym in my office building.  It’s made my life 100x better.  As such, I’ve begun bringing my post workout smoothie to work.  Today I had a Strawberry-Lime-Jalapeno Smoothie.*

*I had a killer workout and was too hungry to bother with a pic.  Pretend this is it.  It all looks the same after I add the spinach.

 

Lunch:

Turbot with cucumber and a delicious new recipe.  I made Janet’s Tamarind Roasted Eggplant and Chickpeas.  Just a few tweaks, but it was absolutely delicious!

My modifications:

• Replaced the coconut oil with 1/2 T of olive oil
• Added ~ 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Reduced tamarind paste to 1T (the flavor is too strong to me)
• To save time, I cubed the eggplant before roasting (only took ~15 mins; I prepped the rest of this dish while I was waiting) 
• Added chickpeas directly to the post without pre-heating or mashing

 

Mid-Afternoon Snack:

I have a little yellowtail sashimi (SO good) and a little turbot… so this became a  “I only have bits of things left” meal.  With sweet potato, snow peas, and chipotle hummus.

Does anyone else snack on raw snow peas?  They are so sweet it’s almost like dessert.  Not really – dessert is scared.  But they are really good and make a refreshing end to a meal.

 

Dinner:

Dinner was an experiment gone right.  I baked tempeh with my Thai Peanut Sauce. It was delicious with red pepper and kale chips.

Dessert:

Giant bowl of Zucchini Bread Protein Batter made with Greek yogurt as the base.  Topped with balls of Quest.  These balls were made from the new double chocolate chunk bar, rolled up and baked (I still like the cookie dough best). Also topped with blackberries, popcorn, and almonds

Rock out with your carbs out.

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“Wearing a mask wears you out. Faking it is fatiguing. The most exhausting activity is pretending to be what you know you aren’t.” ~Rick Warren

Do you struggle with compliments?  Does it differ depending on who is delivering the compliment?

Have you seen more judging lately?  How do you handle pressure from others?