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
Body Image, Courses, Intuitive Eating, Life, Self Care, Travel

New Things Coming For You! [and some talk on self care + body image]

March 2, 2018 By Robyn 27 Comments

We spent yesterday at the beach and it was everything. Warmth. Toes in the sand. Reading a book. Long, slow walks.

Having these kind of days is actually really hard for me. Not because I don’t want to (how could you not want to?) but because my brain has a really hard time shutting off. My mind is constantly thinking about next things with the blog or practice or my to do list. Call that therapist back, send an update to that physician, start writing that blog post today, learn more about ___ topic, find more research on that question you were asked, apply for jobs, get a handle on your inbox, oh and don’t forget to get on Instagram! My mind can become a jungle gym. I’m working on shutting it down, but I struggle sometimes.

One, because I love what I do so much (and for that I am 1000x beyond grateful to get to do something I’m so passionate about) and love learning and connecting that I could do this 18 hours a day if I allowed myself. But then other important areas of my life would crash and burn and eventually I would too. Not good. And two because I struggle a lot with allowing myself to not be productive. I think a lot of you can maybe relate. Maybe? But learning to let myself just be and enjoy life and not be doing and producing is actually an active process for me. I have to intentionally be like, NO SHUT IT DOWN ROBYN. And when anxious thoughts about what I need to get done creep in, it’s a constant circling back to what I know to be true. “Rest is good. This refreshes you and allows you to do more meaningful work. The work will always be there and the world is still spinning.”

The mental process (NOT the difficulty because recovery is HARD stuff) is similar in a lot of ways to recovering from disordered eating or an eating disorder. That’s an active process to work against your natural tendencies and what society tells you. And you have to constantly be circling back and grounding yourself in your values, your truth and what really matters. It’s hard and exhausting but so worth it.

I just went on a tangent but that kind of just flowed out so let’s roll with it. Back to the beach. We had dinner out last night and then today we have more beach laying plans…I think we’re going to make a fun cocktail to take with us to the beach because that sounds fun. I like excuses to make fruity cocktails.

Other really exciting news is that our Real Life Women’s Health team is expanding and I’m pumppeeddddd. I’ll be sharing more details in the weeks to come, but we’re adding a therapist who specializes in eating disorders, Health At Every Size and Intuitive Eating. Beyond 1:1 services, we’ll be offering virtual support groups and other things down the road that I hope will be so helpful and relatively affordable because feeling supported and not alone in this journey is so vital. Cheers for community.

Also, I’ve been toying with this idea of monthly webinars. Essentially it would be open to a certain number of people and it would be about an hour with 20-30 minutes of Q&A at the end. There would be tools and handouts to go along with it and we could cover a range of topics. You could also purchase the webinar afterward if you couldn’t make it at that exact time. I did a little poll on Instagram and 85% of you raised your hand. So that’s exciting! Next up is sharing in the comments or emailing me on a topic that you’d like to see addressed. I’d also want to keep costs as low as possible, less than a week’s worth of groceries for one.

And while we’re on this topic of learnin’ I also want to expand the Real Life RD Learning Center and offer courses that are shorter and more affordable (as in less than $100) and then perhaps longer ones down the road over topics/health issues that are important to you guys too. I’m thinking PCOS, PMS, hypothyroidism, body image, gut health etc etc. So share those as well in the comments or email me ([email protected]) if that is 1) something you’re interested in and 2) what you’d like to see talked about.

Before I bop off I want to just share that I’m not pumped about being in a bathing suit and I think that’s normal and okay. I’d rather be in jeans and a sweater because I feel most comfortable in that. But I also really love the beach and my friends and you can’t do that in jeans and a sweater. I say that because I think sometimes it’s our tendency to think other women feel 100% awesome and don’t have body image issues and that’s just not true. Even me, who talks about this all day with clients and writes about it and tries to practice body kindness all day, that doesn’t mean I get in a bathing suit like, “Yea girl you rock this, let’s go!” It’s more like, “This isn’t my first clothing choice but what is my first choice is caring for my body, enjoying my life and engaging in conversations and experiences that matter and this bathing suit allows me to do that. Now go enjoy your life and focus on what matters Robyn.”

And if you’re worried about what others think of you in a bathing suit, that’s their problem and not yours. I’ve been there, judging other women’s bodies on the beach and that had nothing to do with them but everything to do with me. I was the one preoccupied with micromanaging body size. It was my heart issue. We can’t control what other people think and I won’t spend my life trying to be accepted by everyone because it’s an endless, impossible, exhaustive pursuit. What I can do is enjoy my life and focus on living out my values.

So I hope you do that this weekend wherever you are – on your couch, in the arctic tundra or on the beach. Have a fabulous weekend!


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

  • 5 Thoughts [thoughts on hawaii and a helpful body image analogy]5 Thoughts [thoughts on hawaii and a helpful body image analogy]
  • 5 Thoughts [including questions to see if you’re at your set point]5 Thoughts [including questions to see if you’re at your set point]
  • What I’ve Been Waiting To Share With You!What I’ve Been Waiting To Share With You!
  • Dealing with Difficult Thoughts and EmotionsDealing with Difficult Thoughts and Emotions

Filed Under: Body Image, Courses, Intuitive Eating, Life, Self Care, Travel

« Weekly Eats Round Up
Wedding Weekend In Clearwater Beach, FL »

Comments

  1. Hillary says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:13 am

    It’s funny. I lived on Maui for awhile and one of the things I love and miss about it is the wide array of half-naked bodies you would see on a daily basis. I know that sounds a little weird, but I don’t mean it in a sexual way. It was hot, people are at the beach, so you throw on your swimsuit and it is what it is. It didn’t matter if they were thin, fat, old, young, whatever. It was so normal to see different body shapes and sizes in all their glory. And it was so refreshing. I still struggle with bathing suits a bit, but it’s something I am actively working on getting comfortable with. I remember when I took my husband back to visit we hiked up to a waterfall. We were sitting there and I looked at him and said, “All these women are hanging around in bikinis and they don’t seem to care very much. It still boggles my mind a little bit.” My husband looked at me and said, “Dear, they have bodies and they’re all different. Those bodies just made a massive hike to a beautiful waterfall on Maui. Does what they look like in a bikini really matter?” We smiled at each other, stripped down to our respective swimsuits and dove in.

    Reply
    • Kerragh says

      March 2, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      Such a great point! I live in the Northeast and peopl are obsessed with getting ready for “bikini season”. I so wish that wasn’t even a thing 🙂

      Reply
      • Robyn says

        March 5, 2018 at 11:02 am

        Agreed Kerragh! You have a body. Put on a bikini and you’re ready for the season.

        Reply
      • sarah wine says

        March 27, 2018 at 11:01 am

        i am not sure, but i think,the best thing is to know your partner very well, and also ensure that they are transparent.i had to hire a good hacker, FIRMHACKER AT gmail . com to verify my spouse. please do the same ,dont get heart broken.

        Reply
    • Rachel says

      March 4, 2018 at 12:09 am

      Ahhhh I know exactly what you mean! It’s one of the things I really miss from my (brief) time in Japan – onsen! Or sento, depending. Anyway, I found it so therapeutic that all these women would be (presumably) comfortable with stripping down naked and bathing together. All ages and all body types, in and out of the water. I just loved that nobody cared, even including myself in that particular scenario. I wish we had a similar culture here in Australia. <3

      Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:02 am

      It so refreshing to see bodies in such a objective and normalized way.

      “Those bodies just made a massive hike to a beautiful waterfall on Maui. Does what they look like in a bikini really matter?”

      SO TRUE ^^^^

      Reply
  2. Cora says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:18 am

    Absolutely!! Living against the societal expectation to always be “doing doing doing” and being productive at every moment is just like living against the societal expectations of diet and body image. It’s a process of shifting our brain wiring, and it is very very hard to fight against! We have to constantly be there for each other to remind ourselves that not being productive one day – one week etc – is completely okay. Because we are still being us. Probably more “us” than when we are distracting ourselves with to do lists. There is a lot more to us than productivity and keeping “busy.” You can do it! Enjoy that beach <3

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:03 am

      So well said Cora!

      Reply
  3. Taylor Filaroski says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:23 am

    I live in Florida and have for the vast majority of my life. While I went through a period of time feeling insecure in my body wearing a bathing suit (in HS, of course), I actually don’t feel the most uncomfortable in them now. Part of that is due to consciously thinking what you explained in this post, namely, it’s not MY problem if someone doesn’t like my body in this bathing suit, but also because I feel like I’m always surrounded by bodies in bathing suits! So it’s normalized. I think thinking of bodies being in bathing suits as “normal” or the status quo goes a long way towards accepting my own body in one. Conversely, I feel the most uncomfortable in chunky clothing like big sweaters. I am working on taking up space, and I think my uncomfortableness in chunky clothing goes along with not wanting to take up space! Just my two cents. Love your posts!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:04 am

      Yes I think normalizing it is so refreshing and key in feeling comfortable. I found that as the weekend went on I didn’t think twice about being in a suit. You make an interesting point about chunky clothes so thank you!!

      Reply
  4. Jen says

    March 2, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    In my judge people for what they look like in a swimsuit days I think it was my way of trying to convince myself all the food rules, exercise goals, and the missing out I did on life to live by those rules was worth it. Sometimes deep down I would assume the others weren’t letting that dictate their life & would feel a twinge of jealousy so it came out in jerky thoughts. Lack of food will do that to you (: The worst part was was that I wasn’t even much more happy with myself in a suit with all those rules. My life just was that much less fun!! And shutting off the brain & learning to have fun is hard. It’s one of the things I put on my mission statement for the year, “be more fun & playful”, you are not alone (;

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:05 am

      Oh how I can relate to degrees of your thoughts Jen – thank you for being so beautiful honest <3

      Reply
  5. Maggie Niemiec says

    March 2, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    I struggle a lot with allowing myself to not be productive. I think a lot of you can maybe relate. Maybe? But learning to let myself just be and enjoy life and not be doing and producing is actually an active process for me.

    ^^ Totally relate to this! Slowing down and allowing myself to rest is an active decision for me. Isaiah 30:15 always helps me:

    “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

    Um, YES. I want that kind of a restful and quiet heart!

    Anyway, lots of exciting stuff on the horizon for you — can’t wait to see it all unfold!

    So many exciting things on the horizon!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:05 am

      I think we struggle with similar things Maggie 🙂
      And YOU have exciting things! Hi, marriage. So excited for you!

      Reply
  6. Anna says

    March 2, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    I think people often think of body acceptance as always having positive feelings about their body. Someone I know (we work in an ED clinic together) once said body acceptance is taking care of your body DESPITE how you feel about it. I loved that. It gave freedom to having days (or months, or years) where you don’t love the way your body looks and that not being a “bad” thing. Just a thing. So not loving being in a swimsuit isn’t bad, it just is and it doesn’t make you wrong, distorted etc.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:06 am

      YES. Being a caregiver to your body and building a fulfilling life outside of your body. Thanks for sharing Anna!

      Reply
  7. Summer Rae says

    March 2, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    Thank you Miss Robyn! This post was a blessing to me!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:06 am

      <3

      Reply
  8. Abigail T says

    March 2, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    Do you have any advice for someone who is like you constantly thinking about things and about what needs to get done but is so overwhelmed nothing gets done? I think accomplishing small tasks and getting few things done always helps feel more productive.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Yes! breaking up stuff into small steps helps me a ton

      Reply
  9. emily vardy says

    March 3, 2018 at 7:35 am

    Really like the quote about bathing suits…kind of good to remember that people are generally pretty focused on themselves and their own body issues while they’re in a bathing suit and no one else really cares at all what you look like in yours!

    Reply
  10. Suzanne says

    March 3, 2018 at 9:29 am

    I love this post Robyn…and hooray for you for getting in that suit and focusing on what matters. It is particularly hard when winter isn’t even over so we haven’t even moved into shorts weather and are already putting a bathing suit on. I find , similar to another commenter who lived in Maui – that as summer progresses there is less focus and stress about what our body looks like bc everyone has seen everyone and ‘it is what it is’ at that point. Of course, I still stress and truly dream of the day that it just does not matter at all!
    I also love your efforts to allow rest. I too am working on that as my life has allowed for some downtime. I even borrowed a book from a friend – (a novel that involves no’ educational’ info!)- it feels so good to read for pleasure again!
    Enjoy your warm weekend!

    Reply
  11. Meghan Dillon says

    March 3, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    I so appreciate your thoughts on bathing suits…because I’ve never ever felt comfortable! And you know what – even if I don’t feel GREAT in a swimsuit now, you know who always thinks I look amazing? My hub <3. So if I'm having a low day, I'll at least flaunt that suit for him <3 🙂 he reminds me constantly how I should be kinder and more loving with myself!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      March 5, 2018 at 11:07 am

      hahah this is so true. what a man you have <3

      Reply
  12. Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy says

    March 5, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    All of these changes sound so exciting for you, Robyn! I’m so glad to see you prospering and feeling so motivated in your business. Like you, however, I have a difficult time shutting down at times, too. At one time, I found myself reading research articles “for fun” , lol! Sometimes, it is fun because I love my work so much. But on a fun scale, I can definitely think of things in my life that are way more fun.

    Also, a note about the body acceptance on the beach. I love that you put it out there that not everyone, including yourself, is pumped about being in a bathing suit. It IS one of those things that is different and out of the norm for us, because our “norm” is wearing business attire for work or casual clothes for our social outings. I bet if it were more normal to us to be in a bathing suit most of the day, then we would become more desensitized to the experience of it.

    Reply
  13. Katherine says

    March 5, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    Ugh…I can completely relate with not being able to shut down. I work for myself and love what I do, but I think other areas of my life suffer because of it.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. New Things Coming For You! [and some talk on self care + body image] - Curious Center says:
    March 17, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    […] post New Things Coming For You! [and some talk on self care + body image] appeared first on The Real Life RD|NYC Dietitian […]

    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 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.
Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his due date, but also....LET’S GO DUDE. Still over here eating dates (check out the @ebbirth article on the research showing dates can help ripen (aka soften) your cervix, reduce the need for medical intervention in labor and can overall, improve birth outcomes) drinking red raspberry leaf tea and sleeping as much as possible with a 19 month old running around. And also trying to survive July in VA without public pools or splash pads bc it is BLAZIN HERE (and I’m a wuss with the heat 🤪)

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


Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy