The Real Life RD

helping you find peace with food and your natural body size

  • the RD & NP
  • Online Courses
  • Women’s Wellness
  • Speaking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Eating Disorders, Self Care, Stress

Listening To Your Body Versus Pushing Through

September 20, 2017 By Robyn 24 Comments

I started to write a blog post during my lunch break yesterday and then realized, “I’m so tired my brain cannot form sentences…” and then I stopped typing. I knew I wanted to blog, but was writing a post on intuitive eating and that was requiring way too much thought yesterday. I was zonked.

We met up with an older couple who mentors us and didn’t get home until after 11pm the night before. I still got 7 1/2 hours of sleep, but I think the late night after coming back from a weekend of travel sent my body for a loop…and now it’s hard to keep my eyes open…

cloudy day

Soooo I cancelled on the IFEED dietitian dinner I was suppose to go attend and instead took myself home to get some rest. I knew I would be muscling my way through talking and engaging with other RDs, and I also knew chilling out and getting in bed early was what I really needed.

There were a few rotten bananas leftover from last week so I baked them into banana bread when I got home. I thought it was a great idea to buy a 3 lb bag of almond flour from Amazon a few months ago not realizing that’s a lot of almond flour. So to use up some of this never ending stash of ground almonds I used this recipe and added in lots of chocolate chips.

paleo banana bread

I very confident I will never get tired of eating banana bread. It never gets old. And topped with some vanilla ice cream, it’s become my staple bed time snack. I am one of those who needs a bedtime snack or I wake up in the middle of the night hungry or find myself tossing and turning. So even if I’m not that hungry before bed, I always eat a little something.

After dinner, I started to put together my fall wardrobe capsule last week. So I spent yesterday evening, while eating banana bread and laying on the couch, doing just that. Some of my favorite pieces so far include this twist front fleece pullover from Nordstrom. It is so soft. This green utility vest I snagged online, at Kohl’s out of all places, for under $30 and this ivory pintuck top that I can mix and match to dress it up or down – and it was 40% off so…yay.

Dinner was whatever I could find in the fridge. Nick had a dinner out last night and I had planned on dinner out so we didn’t cook much this week. I rummaged the fridge and ate the same thing I ate for breakfast, avocado toast with two fried eggs and banana and pb.

sourdough spelt toast

And then ate banana bread and vanilla ice cream while watching an episode of Grey’s Anatomy before heading to bed at 8:30…at that point I was falling asleep on the couch.

In the past, if I was tired for “no good reason” I probably would have pushed through with my plans, I would have still exercised and I would have made myself check off my to do list. I hate cancelling plans, but I also really dislike not taking care of myself. I’m not always the best of asking myself, “what do I actually need?” But last night was one of those nights where I knew I needed my jammies, comfort food, and a very early bedtime.

paleo ice cream

If you’re interested in learning more about self care and how to develop peace with food, your body and movement check out a free online summit happening Sept 24-25th this month – The Happy Healthy Mom Summit – but I kind of wish it didn’t have the word ‘mom’ in there because it has so much valuable information that I think is helpful for any woman. I’ll be speaking on healing hormonal balances and cultivating a healthy relationship with food AND there are tons of other great speakers talking about body image, freedom from dieting, self care and mindfulness and much, much more! And again…it’s FREE. Sign up here!

If you can’t make the sessions when they air, or you simply want access to the webinars for the rest of your life (in addition to tons of free bonus content, 10% off Nutshell Nutrition services (a $40 value in itself) and tons of other discounts and freebies) you can purchase an All Access Pass for $67 before the summit starts on the 25th. During the summit that goes up to $97 and after the summit the price increases again to $127. While $67 isn’t chump change, I do think it’s worthwhile money spent. (versus when I throw cash at happy hour….) You can grab that pass here!


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

  • When Sleep Is More Important Than ExerciseWhen Sleep Is More Important Than Exercise
  • Three Health Habits To Change Your LifeThree Health Habits To Change Your Life
  • Answering All Your QuestionsAnswering All Your Questions
  • Quieting Diet Talk During The HolidaysQuieting Diet Talk During The Holidays

Filed Under: Eating Disorders, Self Care, Stress

« Weekend In Charlottesville
Round Table Talk with RDs on Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size »

Comments

  1. emily vardy says

    September 20, 2017 at 6:15 am

    I kinda did the same thing last night…I was supposed to teach a yoga class and was just not feelin’ it. Thankfully my sweet friend covered for me, and I came home and ate comfort food and got a bath and went to bed. Feeling a lot better today!

    I love reading your blogs; they’re always so insightful and I feel like we have the same mindset about a lot of things. 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      glad you were able to rest too …have a great day!

      Reply
  2. Megan @ A Continual Feast says

    September 20, 2017 at 6:20 am

    So inspired by your self care! I’m working on saying no to others sometimes so that I can say yes to self care more often 🙂

    Ps that link didn’t work for me to sign up for some reason!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      I just fixed it! hope it works now

      Reply
  3. Carrie this fit chick says

    September 20, 2017 at 8:48 am

    This was such a hard thing for me to overcome, but I can safely say that the past 3 or so years have been a lot different. Im much more in tune with my body, mind and emotions, so I know how much I can or cant take. Hard to do, but such a great feeling when you can trust yourself!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      it is! it’s a learning process, and i’m still in the process myself

      Reply
  4. Adrienne says

    September 20, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Love love love your blog! What’s your go-to vanilla ice cream by the way?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      I love Breyers or Nada Moo – both have a really good fresh vanilla taste and are fluffy/creamy in texture which I love

      Reply
  5. Katherine says

    September 20, 2017 at 10:12 am

    I am still working on this…it’s so hard to know when doing something will give you energy and when you need to rest. Do you have any insight on this?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      I think doing those things and then looking back and realizing if it was life giving or life sucking is a way to start – it’s all a learning process!

      Reply
  6. Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy says

    September 20, 2017 at 11:26 am

    I am so with you on the idea of taking care of yourself and sometimes that means canceling plans. It’s taken me a long time to realize this isn’t selfish, but self care. Saying no to things I am not interested in / don’t feel like doing because I’m too tired has been one of the best ways I’ve been able to care for myself. I think it’s really hard for some people to do, but just like with anything it takes practice. I used to worry so much about disappointing others, but then I flipped the reverse around and realized that if someone that supposedly cares about me is mad at me for wanting to take care of myself, then it’s THEY who are disappointing me! Most people that care about you will understand, and those who don’t care whether or not you attend perhaps aren’t even worth worrying over!

    Reply
  7. Naomi says

    September 20, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    The link also did not work for me to sign up for the summit!

    Also, love this post. This is something I am continually working on in my life. It is okay to rest…I’m learning that I really can only have plans one (mayyybe two) nights after work. Otherwise the week feels too full and chaotic–I need that downtime at home to recharge!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:53 pm

      I just fixed it so let me know if that works – sorry!

      I very much agree with you, I’m maxed out at 1 ha

      Reply
  8. Lindsay Rhodes says

    September 20, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    Hi Robyn – thanks for this message… it’s a nice reminder to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY :).

    Could you please check the link to the Happy Healthy Mom Summit? It doesn’t seem to work for me.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 20, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      Ahh sorry! I just fixed it I think – let me know if you still have trouble!

      Reply
  9. Erin says

    September 20, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    Listening to your body is so important. I’ve been going to bed very early lately – like around 9PM most nights – and don’t struggle as much getting up in the morning, working, and working out. I don’t have as much chill time (tv, reading) but the extra sleep is great.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 27, 2017 at 9:51 am

      I’m learning that sleep is king too Erin 🙂

      Reply
  10. India says

    September 20, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    You are amazing. Thank you for giving us the gift of your blog & your writing. I’ve cut back on the blogs I follow, but every M/W/F I look forward to reading yours. Love all the fertility talk lately too. Proud of you for listening to your body and doing what felt soul-giving yesterday.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 27, 2017 at 9:50 am

      I’m so glad you are enjoying India <3

      Reply
  11. Bethany @LuluRuns says

    September 21, 2017 at 11:43 am

    I so agree with you. Sometimes, we just need a mental and physical break from it all, regardless of how ‘good’ those other things may be. Since recovering from an ED and having a baby, I have learned the importance of listening to your own body – although it can be hard at times! Thank you for always being a fresh voice in this internet world!

    Reply
  12. Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off says

    September 21, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Love this, Robyn! This is definitely something I need to work on, letting myself rest and go to sleep early instead of pushing through and checking off 5 more things off my to do list. I have been feeling pretty run down this week, and it’s only today when I had a couple hours to myself that I realized how much I needed them to just chill out and ignore my inner busy bee telling me to go get 5 tasks done.

    Reply
  13. Olivia Grace says

    September 22, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    I would LOVE to see a post and/or video on your capsule wardrobe!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 27, 2017 at 9:45 am

      coming soon!!

      Reply
  14. rachel says

    October 2, 2017 at 10:41 pm

    Yes this is exactly how I felt today! It’s a Monday which is already a tiring day, but it was also my first grad school midterm followed by a quiz in my next class. I was supposed to go to a Texas Academy networking event, but decided to skip it to go home and relax instead. I definitely felt a little guilty because I know networking is important as an RDtobe, but I’m so happy I didn’t force myself to go.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

More On Lady Hormones

How Birth Control Methods Affect Your Hormones, Period and Fertility

What Your Cervical Fluid Can Tell You About Your Reproductive Health

women's reproductive health

Women’s Reproductive Health 101

I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

Postpartum Hormones: what’s happening in your body and how to care for yourself

* indicates required

Categories

Get in Touch!

Follow Me!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

I talk a lot about moving, eating, and living intuitively so you can be well hormonally and live a fulfilling life in line with your values

The Real Life RD on Pinterest

  • Instagram Find: Viktoria's Awe-Inspiring Kids Rooms Filled With Pretty Design - NordicDesign
  • 10 X DE MOOISTE KINDERKAMERS VAN INSTAGRAM OKTOBER
  • Wooden Rainbow Lamp Wooden night light Kids room decoration | Etsy
  • This cute little walk-in wardrobe for kids is too cute of an idea! Loving the white tones with a pop of teal drawers
Follow Me on Pinterest
We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care f We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care for a nap. Putting baby down was harder than I wanted it to be. Miraculously, I had a moment of clarity as I was covered in tiny humans and decided I wasn’t doing the nap battle thing a on 60 degree, gorgeous, sunny spring day 🙅🏻‍♀️ so I piled both babies into the car half naked, opened the sun roof, put on white noise for them and an audio book for me and drank a kombucha as I drove a meal to a postpartum mama. Thirty five minutes later we had a sleeping baby and a toddler who at least had a rest. Baby transferred without waking HALLELUJAH and although my toddler didn’t nap today (lord help) at least we got soaked in breezy sunshine 😎🤘🏻💆🏻‍♀️
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!
I am not a craft mom. My version of crafts is baki I am not a craft mom. My version of crafts is baking because 1) my toddler actually engages with it and 2) we have tasty things to eat in the end.  Wanna know how long crafts last in our house? Approximately 23 seconds. Maybe 51 on a good day. So we just stopped crafting a long time ago and instead started baking.  And when I need my toddler to stay in one place, I turn on the faucet. I am still utterly amazed at how long water can entertain a small human. And it’s FREE. 🙌🏻 well, mostly..  Send me all your favorite baking recipes because we are on a roll over here 👩🏻‍🍳
Just left my mom vacation. 💆🏻‍♀️ I do Just left my mom vacation. 💆🏻‍♀️  I don’t know what this says about me. Anybody else find the dentist weirdly relaxing? For the most part, I love being with my two tiny humans all day, but BLESS does it feel good to lay in a chair for 60 minutes with my eyes closed and do nothing except hold my mouth open.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 two babies are asleep at the same time in their beds (and not on me) for the FIRST TIME IN 7657 DAYS and dear lord I could cry tears of relief straight into this latte and bowl of chocolate chips bc I woke up this morning exhausted and weary and told Nick I didn’t want to parent today 🤣 Not even calling this self care. It’s sanity right now. And even if it lasts 5 minutes it will be 5 minutes of freaking glory. p.s. yes that brick is crooked bc v uneven floors are part of the charmed package of this old house
Learning over and over again in this season that f Learning over and over again in this season that feels unsettled and chaotic and longgggggg that sometimes, you just need the viewpoint of a toddler to remind you that the seemingly insignificant things & moments really are....straight up magical. And that yes, these mundane days are packed full of goodness & beauty if I keep my eyes fixed on what actually matters.
Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, wowww 🤯 Asked at least six people where to find something and their opinion on all the options bc holy decision fatigue. Nursed my newborn on the floor of the paint aisle. And BLESS my new contractor friend Matt I found in the lumber section that pushed my cart around and helped me avoid the mistake of buying exterior wood for some DIY bathroom shelves.
.
I’m giving all our bathrooms a DIY makeover and I couldn’t be more of a rookie. So shoutout to all my Lowe’s buddies and YouTube 😜 You’re making this happen.
We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t plan to close on a house 10 weeks after having a baby, but here we are. And we are so, so grateful.  And I’m also terrified. We’ve moved three times and lived in three different states since we got married three years ago. After six years spent living in New York City and Boston, moving back to Charlottesville was really, really hard for me. I cried a lot those first six months because my heart ached for the northeast and for city life. I wanted to pack up and go back to Boston ASAP. It felt so different and so quiet here and at times, very lonely. Even though it felt like the next right step, I second guessed our decision A LOT.
.
But here we are 10 months later ready to continue investing in this neighborhood we’ve come to love. And this community of people that have become so dear. Ten months later and it feels so, so right. And although committing to settling down here for a good bit feels really scary to me, it also brings so much peace to know we aren’t moving again anytime soon. We are here to plant and grow. And raise our babies in this house as we make it a home. It’s also really fun to have one of your best friends be your realtor. We love you @kelli.teter.nesting 🤗
.
Now, to see if we make it out of this kitchen renovation all in one piece 🤪
my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in ghee with sautéed spinach (also in ghee) and an english muffin with more ghee + some sort of jam on half for that sweet & savory combo. we discovered these local english muffins (from The Bread Basket) and they are doughy and delicious and we are obsessed.
.
I’ve found that I need a solid source of protein and lots of fat for breakfast to keep me full while breastfeeding this time around vs with Cal, I was so into big bowls of pb & chocolate chip banana oatmeal. just goes to show our bodies know what they need and change cravings accordingly. also, just a psa: go pick up the maple butter from @traderjoes bc it is bonkers 🤤 and lastly, shout out to my husband bc a lot of mornings he is making this bfast for me while I nurse & try to pull myself out of bed - don’t for a moment think I’ve got it together 🤪
I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brai I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brain of if/how to use this platform in a way that aligns with how I want to live my life. I’m finding it tricky to discern that when 90% of my use on this app is for professional purposes. But I’m not sure if even professionally, it makes sense for me. Because I feel more aligned with what matters to me when I’m not regularly present here.  I’m not really sure what things will look like moving forward, but for right now I’m here to share with you that I somehow found some spare minutes between newborn & toddler life to write a post with some semi-coherent thoughts on life lately. 🤪 You can head there by clicking the link in my profile.
I’ve been completely disconnected from social me I’ve been completely disconnected from social media and that’s been vital for me during this tender postpartum period of transitioning from a mama of 1 to 2. But today, I’m bopping on briefly to share how Teddy entered this wild world with you - if you’re into a lengthy, detailed birth story, the link in my profile will lead you to the blog post 💙
Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our famil Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our family at 12:48am on Wednesday after a quick and swift labor & birth at home 💙 Thank you Father for another healthy baby boy & your abundant, tender love for us. What an undeserved gift.

Copyright © 2021 · The Real RD· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer


Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy