I’m a rebel.
Okay, that’s not true. But the more I read about what to do and what not to do in order to be as healthy as possible, the more rebellious I feel. Sometimes, the “rules” just don’t work for me. And sometimes, I really should be following the rules, but I just don’t. For example…
“Your sports bra should never have a birthday.”
I wear a sports bra at least six times a week. Sports bras are expensive. I am a teacher (i.e. not rich). These three things mean that I have some old bras. But for the most part, they’re still doing the job. Except this one.
Don’t worry. My tetanus shots are up to date. Also, I threw that one away and ordered a replacement this weekend.
“Don’t eat white foods.”
Okay, I get the point of this one. A lot of white foods are over-processed and under-nourishing. But some white foods are good for you. See?
That’s a pan of potatoes and turnips… a.k.a. a pan of low-calorie potassium and Vitamin A goodness. I ate it for dinner last night (not the whole thing, calm down). Which brings me to…
“Don’t eat carbs at night.”
Maybe if you are a bodybuilder, or your primary goal is to look saucy in a bikini, this is an okay rule to follow. If, like me, you’re a runner who trains at night, this is a terrible rule to follow. Your body needs carbs to replenish its stores. (Hence the aforementioned potato/turnip goodness). Eat them.
“Consume a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein within 30 minutes of a workout.”
This is one that I’m really working on, especially after long runs. My usual post-LR routine goes something like this: come home, go to the bathroom, make fun of whatever show J is watching while I pretend to stretch, take a loooong shower, slowly get dressed, screw around on my phone… and suddenly realize that I’m STARVING and eat everything in sight. This is not a good nutrition strategy.
“Stretch.”
I do not. Which is why I am the most inflexible human on the planet.
But my 10k training plan has two days of stretching each week– once after speedwork and once after long runs — and I’m keeping up with that. So, I’ve stretched six times in the last three weeks. Go me.
The moral of the story here is that rules don’t always apply in every situation. Do what works for you! But don’t discount advice just because you don’t like it, either. Some rules do matter.
What “rules” do you break?
Rural Running Redhead 
Check x Five. I am with you on all of the above. When a sports bras gets old? I double up. White foods? I studied rice in grad school and white rice just tastes so much better than brown. And so on.
You studied rice in grad school? I’m intrigued. And I also feel like if I re-read your “about” page I would find that answer…
haha this made me chuckle, the sports bra one rings way too true for me. along with the stretching, ouch it hurts to even think about the last time I actually stretched. not good. and carbs at night are a must for me, whoops!
I just had a giant bowl of oatmeal because I was still starving after dinner. Mmmm, carbs.
OMG your sports bra had me laughing!!!! I have really, really, really old sports bras. As in, I wore them in college sports bras. But here’s the thing- my boobs are non existent so my bra doesn’t have to be super effective, if you know what I mean. I only recently started stretching and I definitely eat carbs at night. 🙂
Haha At least you can wear those cute bras that Target always comes out with!
I don’t like to follow the “rules” either. There are so many out there related to fitness that I can’t keep track.
I have never heard that one about the sports bra – mine have definitely had a few birthdays but I do need new ones – I have some holes happening!!
I kinda feel like that rule was made up by sports bra companies. At least that’s what I’ll keep telling myself.
I honestly had absolutely no idea that sports bras aren’t supposed to have a birthday…. I’m poor. Most of mine have had 3 or 4 birthdays. Oops…. Also, I think I would beat you at least flexible. I’ve been trying to be better about stretching, but when I go to stretch, I lay down instead.
Yes, that is EXACTLY what I do. And the husband (who despite not working out is insanely flexible) thinks it’s funny to do something ridiculous like put his leg beside his head and say, “Like this? Is this what you mean to do?” And then I give up. 🙂
I have gotten better about my stretching lately. I probably need to do more though because my stretching routine is still only a couple minutes long right now. lol.
The name of your blog is my new favorite thing. I must go see it now. 🙂
I have never heard of the sports bra one, but I am an elite athlete and mine have had many birthdays!!! Some of the others are very true though, I am not too good at stretching, but I definitely make sure to get the nutrition down as that is critical to recovery!
I really need to work on that….seriously, I love to eat; this should not be so difficult!
LOL…that sports bra! I have super old ones too that pretty much have no support anymore. Good thing I’m an A cup! 😉
You and I are so much alike! I also train at night and therefore must have carbs in the evening. I’m such a rule-breaker! 😉 I love potatoes and turnips….I eat them all the time.
Love this. Plenty of my sports bras have been around a few years. They are too expensive to buy new every year! I bought two new ones this weekend though and they are glorious.
Rule I break? A glass of red wine a night is good for, but three drinks in one night is not. I don’t like to drink every day and usually have 3 cocktails tops on Saturday night.
I am such a lightweight that three cocktails would probably do me in. 🙂
HA, the sports bra picture and shout out to tetanus totally cracked me up! I think your chest and back regions will thank you. ☺ I’m the same way about stretching – who has time for that. I hold a stretch for about 5 seconds and feel as though I have wasted an hour. I really should though.
Yes, that’s exactly how I am…like, “How has it only been 15 seconds?!”