EVERYTHING IS ENERGY

Trying to change your body composition, fixing your inner voice, or getting stronger in the gym are all about ENERGY. Everything is energy! Hear me out:

Energy Balance

Let's start small and consider your daily calorie intake. Calories are the ENERGY needed to run the body. When you consume too much energy, you gain weight. When you consume too little energy, you become malnourished, and you can gain weight long-term from a loss of lean body mass. When you consume energy in the wrong ratios, you do not get the body composition you want. But when you eat the right amount of energy with the right ratios, you change your body composition over time!

Exercise Energy Balance

Now let's look at your workouts. It looks very similar to your calories! When you move your body, you expend ENERGY. If you expend too much energy, your cortisol levels rise, and it keeps you from losing weight, gaining muscle; you may even feel sick. If you expend too little energy, you won't see the change you want. However, if you find workouts that don't kill you every time you do them and that you enjoy, you start to build the body you want healthily.

The Effect of Emotions on Energy Levels

Okay, let's get into the mind now! We all know that mental ENERGY is very real. Your brain is responsible for 400-500 calories burned throughout a 24 hr period (these calories will not help with weight loss btw😝). Every time you have a thought or your brain does functions for you, that's energy out. Some thought patterns drain us of our energy even more (depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, fear, insecurity, stress, jealousy, limiting beliefs), and others give us energy (love, joy, peace, a sense of purpose, empathy, gratitude, self-acceptance). Try to notice where you are sinking your mental energy. What emotions do you feel most often during your day? 

Energy Takers vs. Energy Givers

Building on this, what activities do you spend your energy on outside of your obligations (work and family)? Do you spend a lot of time doing activities that negatively expend more mental energy? Things like watching too much TV, scrolling on social media, consuming calories that harm the body like alcohol and junk food, or exposing yourself habitually to fear-based media. Or do you spend your time doing things that give you energy? Activities like exercise, reading, meditation/prayer, spending time with loved ones and supportive people, play, creative hobbies, and getting outside. The activities that make your heart full and make you feel better after doing them! 

So, where is your ENERGY going every day? How are you spending it, and how are you replenishing it? These are equally important. I guarantee, if you take a deep look at where it's going, you can change your life for the better in so many ways! It's all about balancing out your energy for a happier and healthier you. 

I get it, though! You can only spend so much of your energy on noting negative thoughts, physical exertion, motivation, and meal planning, right? These are all finite sources of energy. Though helpful, they cannot sustain you through a lifelong process. That's why we backslide. There are times when you have to embrace those negative thoughts to move through them, or you're body is not up for working out. You may be tapped out after a hard week, or you're dealing with a loss. Burnout is an inevitability, and rest is unavoidable for a balanced life. 

Everything is Energy

The one form of energy that is infinite, though, is LOVE. There is no end! If you are a caregiver or if you have loved ones, you know this is true. So when you are out of energy, dip into your self-love or your love for the people who depend on you. Do this process from a place of love for yourself, and you'll have infinite energy to accomplish your goals!!! Also, notice how you are framing your goals:

"I want to change my body because I hate the way I look" vs "I want to change my body because I want to be able to do the activities I love, set a positive example for those around me, and be there for my family". See the difference?

Everything is energy! Make sure to comment on your thoughts! You got this!

Coach Nai