Post by @stephflockhart

I was one of the "healthiest" people I knew... I ate clean, counted calories, prioritized protein, did HIIT, cardio, F45, 12 week bootcamps... I even had a 5AM morning routine that included meditation, working out, fasting, walking and listening to self-development podcasts. I was doing everything right, but my body wasn't responding. I was constantly puffy and inflamed, holding onto fluid, never seeing the definition I was working so hard for, and dealing with random symptoms like irregular cycles, PMS, rashes and skin issues, bloating, anxiety and low energy that seemed to make absolutely no sense. And the more frustrated I became, the harder I tried. I genuinely felt like my body was working against me. What I didn't realize was a lot of the things I thought were "healthy" were causing the issues I was trying to fix. Looking back now, I can see how much stress I was putting my body under while simultaneously expecting it to feel safe, balanced and healthy. I was so focused on fixing myself, that I had completely lost the ability to listen to my body. Eventually I started doing almost the opposite of what I thought I needed. I slowed down, I stopped fasting and restricting, I swapped punishing workouts for Pilates and walking I prioritized rest, I started working with my nervous system and changing the beliefs I had around my body. And for me, that was when things finally started to change. This wasn't an overnight transformation. It took me years to understand what my body was actually asking for, and I learned a LOT the hard way. But I would have saved so much time if I knew what I know now. If you're currently in the "I'm doing everything right, so why don’t I feel good or confident in my body?” Follow for more 🤍 #TikTokShopMyWellnessJourney #womenshealth #selfcareroutine