Fit-for-You vs. Body Beautiful
a citrus vinaigrette for almost spring • pilates • IE #9: movement, feel the difference
It’s possible to get in a rut with salads. This past weekend I hit the wall with my usual Dijon vinaigrette, just couldn’t do it again. While on my computer, I came across this photo (above, by Samantha Lord) from the early days of Edible Bozeman, a citrus vinaigrette that will rejuvenate your salad life. For more ideas on how to use it, check out that issue’s recipes: Hakurei Turnip Salad with Orange and Fennel and Farro with Roasted Carrots (and more turnips!)
Citrus Vinaigrette
Zest one orange, lemon, and a lime into a 2-cup glass measuring cup then juice the fruit into the glass, straining out the seeds. Whisk in a tablespoon and a half of honey or agave nectar, a tablespoon of Champagne vinegar, a couple good pinches of salt, and ¾ cup olive oil. Keep refrigerated, it will last at least a week.
pilates
When I stopped dieting I also stopped the “45 minutes of cardio!” as it seemed to go hand-in-hand with diet mentality and I was done. Done with the constant angst of all-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism. All of it pointed to what seemed like involuntary submission to external standards and an unhealthy objectification of my body.
During that time of decompression from my 20-year career in software development, I walked my kids to school down the dirt alley behind our house then set off to write at coffee places and the newly opened Wild Crumb bakery. While walking in that north-side neighborhood, I noticed a pilates studio. Free from back-to-back meetings all day long, I decided to give it a try.
Immediately I was welcomed and felt cared for. Coincidentally, the owner of Bridger Pilates was also my daughter’s ballet teacher; I could sense a common heartbeat in both businesses: “fit-for-you” versus “body beautiful.” I didn’t want to sign up for a “package” because I needed the freedom, thankfully they had drop-in rates. Even that small financial decision helped me heal psychologically and come at exercise through how I wanted to feel versus calories burned, boxes checked, adding up minutes, or a sense of duty. It worked! Ten years later and I’m still at pilates multiple times per week. The combined strength training, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and whole-body alignment and functionality feels so good, I’m in it for life.
But the cardio. After experiencing the positive mental benefits of changing my food relationship from dieting to something more mindful and in sync with my love of food and cooking, I wanted to feel better in my body, which was bigger than I preferred—ahem, carrying around some extra padding, was how I thought about it. I came to a point when I trusted myself to make changes that would not sacrifice my food relationship progress. My doctor nudged me in the right direction: move more but in a way that brings you joy.
So I tried some new things to get my heart pumping. Now, three years into that effort, I’m walking more, getting to the gym for some weight training, attending a Bozeman Power Yoga class once or twice per week, and actually using the water rower I bought years ago. Pilates set the stage and I do what feels good, mentally and physically.
Intuitive Eating Principle #9: Movement, Feel the Difference
Wouldn’t you rather come at health from a place of peace and calm and connection to your body? Intuitive Eating helped me stop tormenting myself with dieting and regimented exercise. Regardless of how you look on the outside, if you struggle on the inside, I recommend reading the Intuitive Eating book:
Smooth Sailing, Fix Your Food Relationship in 2025!
So this is week 10 of what I’m calling Smooth Sailing, how to fix your food relationship in 2025. I’ll keep posting every Monday. Please subscribe and share. Thank you so much for being here!
Here’s a recap so far, since the beginning of January:
About Love & Cookies, homepage
Week 1: Food Addict? Or Something Else?
Week 3: Sugar “Addiction” and Primal Eating
Week 4: One is Never Enough…because None are Allowed
Week 6: Allow Yourself to Receive
Week 7: Think About Food Less + Enjoy it More
Week 9: Your Natural Healthy Weight
Have a great week!
