Losing the Label
I promise I’m back, I just wanted to write in italics one more time. I wrote this post yesterday on our flight home, the old-fashioned way with a “borrowed” ball point pen from the health food store and the backside of my lengthy grocery list. I typed it up today, though, and included a recipe that we are enjoying with dinner tonight. So here I am, out of italics and back to real life:
We are flying over the Pacific right now and I’m reflecting on our trip, a task made easier by the fact that I have a sleeping Lulu on my lap, praise Morgan Freeman.
Like we all do, I’m dreading our return home, and not only because it is rumored to have snowed last night, it has been confirmed that I have 116 pounds of luggage to unpack (including two tikis and a pink ukelele purchased under protest) and I’m sure to engage in a game of “Where Did the Hostile Cat Hide the Vengeful Hairball?” when I walk through the front door. I’m actually hesitant to return to “the rules” of daily living, including taking my mulitvitamin (which I packed but “forgot to take”), only drinking one cup of coffee per day (I’m on my third cup this flight) and “no cocktails before noon” (okay, maybe that one’s a keeper).
This past week I really loosened up a lot of the ties that bind me, and I credit much of that to an article I read, tore out of this month’s Vogue and packed along with me (you can find a similar article here).
In the article, former model Sophie Dahl beautifully explained how she maintained her sanity in a career where she was called both “fat” and “anorexic” by her critics, and how now, as a cookbook author, wife and “normal woman,” she is at peace with food. For her, food is not only a source of fuel, but without shame she allows it to also be a source of enjoyment. The most touching story for me that Dahl relates involved her day of sailing off the coast of England with a group of friends, enjoying fresh caught oysters on a open grill with local bread and ending the day with a competive swim in the ocean, with the winner laying claim to a fudge brownie.
I put myself in Dahl’s shoes for our trip, thinking, “Am I going to turn down fresh fish for a salad I could get at home? Am I going to pass on going for a swim because I’m self-conscious about my body and my hair? Am I going to turn down a fudge brownie when I win the race?”
And then, I just didn’t.
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t eating Spam on white rice, topped with brown gravy and fried eggs out of Styrofoam containers that I cast off onto the shoreline when I licked my platter clean. My environmental conscience didn’t get left at home with my layers of winter clothing, but I did have a bite of Pea Daddy’s local ahi. I did share cinnamon rolls with Kona coffee with a splash of real cream for breakfast. I’m currently having an airborne dinner of a Larabar and Diet Coke.
I’m not using this story to have my own Eat, Pray, Love moment, or to announce that “I’m no longer vegan” and changing my approach to food, exercise and wellness. But I do know that my most precious memories this week involved food and activities that I could have found a million reasons to avoid.
I’m not sure how long my running path was and I certainly wasn’t breaking any speed records, but it still was exhilarating each morning to take my time jogging along the seawalk.
I didn’t question whether my stomach was as flat as the woman’s on the towel next door at the beach, any bulge or cellulite didn’t make watching my girls play or spotting sea turtles on the beach any less amazing.
I didn’t pass on the gorgeous tofu stirfries, salads or mashed purple sweet potatoes at the luau because they might not be raw or vegan;
the stage show was without a doubt the highlight anyway.
Not to take away from those mashed sweet potatoes, though, and my at home replication:
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed and boiled until tender (use purple, if available)
- 1 T. nutritional yeast
- 1/2 t. fresh grated nutmeg
- 2 T. hummus
- 2 T. non dairy milk
- 1 T. Earth Balance
Combine all ingredients with a hand mixer or blender until creamy and smooth.
The end result of my vacation, aside from an uneven tan, peeling pedicure and sand in my suitcase, is a new found goal to avoid labels. I won’t go by “vegan,” “former runner” or “high maintenance,” if you please. Someday I may want to taste local fish or attempt another race (though it will be a 5K), and if I want to let my curls go the way of Troy Polamalu, a label (or a flat iron), isn’t going to stand in my way.
In the words of Sophie Dahl:
“…on the drive home…I realized I had never felt so free. I wanted to gather up ever woman I knew and take that plunge all over again, dropping weightless into the sea, for every last one of us.”
I have had that vogue sitting on my dining room table since Tuesday and I’ve yet to crack it open. As soon as I submit this comment, I’m rushing downstairs.
I love the message of this post–and I am so happy for you that you were able to let loose–in a way so much more meaningful than “drinking before noon.” Not that I’m knocking that…
this post was one word–> simply beautiful…ok technically thats two words
glad to have you back!!! and im glad u had fun on ur trip! that picture of LuLu asleep is precious!
-Lena
Sounds to me that you had a vacation in every sense of it! It’s so good for us to work through things and make peace and come to the right answers for ourselves in that moment. Sounds awesome. That running scenery doesn’t look too bad either!
Hope the vacation mindset can stick around! Cheers!
This is very inspiring…glad you mixed it up while you were on vacation. I think I need to do the same, on vacation and in real life. I am way too strict with not just eating, but life in general!!
Sophie Dahl is gorgeous, no matter what size she is. I hope to think like her one day!!
What an awesome vacation – glad you enjoyed yourself to the fullest – it seems like you came out knowing yourself a little better, too.
I often think to myself, if I died tomorrow would I be satisfied with my life. My answer is usually a big fat NO and it’s because I don’t live my life to the fullest every day. While I don’t think every moment of every day should be wildly indulgent, I do think it’s the moments that I let go a bit that are the most memorable and satisfying.
Thanks for a great post reminding me of just that.
Well said, Allie. My point exactly.
I think this is my favourite of your posts!
It’s so true that when you let go of self-imposed rules, labels and restrictions, you suddenly find yourself actually *living* instead of just existing. It’s really hard to do and probably impossible to do all the time, but I’m so glad you were able to embrace that.
And, also, cellulite? Bulges? I’m not sure what tiny woman in her smokin’ bikini you’re looking at!
I assure you, Laura, I have both cellulite and bulges, which I say not to get compliments but to tell you all that I have plenty of imperfection and it’s learning to accept that, not obsess and fight my body to rid myself of any flaws, that is my goal!
I loved this post. You sound really happy. I’m glad that you had a good time and had time to think about things and come back with a different perspective.
That picture of Lulu made me wish I had kids.
Those mashed sweet potatoes look fantastic! Can’t wait to try them!
Welcome back!
Such a great post! sounds like you had an amazing and enlightening time in Hawaii. And I can’t get enough of those turtles- too cute.
I’m glad to know you are safely home. But I also want to thank you for taking us on your trip with you. I really enjoyed it!
I applaud you Mama Pea! This is just how I feel about food… I don’t really like meat or dairy all that much but if I want it then I’m going to go out of my way to find it from the most humane source possible not from McDs. It’s not easy and I still struggle with the guilt at times but I can see my own progress as I’m sure you will as well!
(P.S. Is it ok that when I type Mama Pea I start singing it to the tune of “Imma Bee” and making up verses?)
I am bawling in Oz. The tears are for you, for your daughters, for your husband and for all of the other women out there who are suffocated by food/body images/elliptical machines and flat irons.
I don’t think this is ‘throw yourself into the wind’ rather it’s ‘go with the wind’
I have battled, struggle, fought, bawled, stuffed, starved my way through the past 1 1/2 years. Reading your words, made me realise how far I’ve come. How much more to life there is than food, exercise and obsession. There’s LIFE. Family. MOMENTS that you live in for the pure beauty that they present.
I hope and pray that you continue to bring this peace back to you. That you realize that you are loved by God no matter what size your bathing suit is, how it hangs, how it sits, how it curls, what it tastes like. Enjoy the grace you’ve been given and keeping shining.
Michelle, I LOVE this: “you realize that you are loved by God no matter what size your bathing suit is, how it hangs, how it sits, how it curls, what it tastes like.” That is true for ALL of us. Any moments that are wasted worrying about anything else are wasted moments that could be spent LIVING. Thank you so much for sharing this!
what a fabulous post! off to read that article!
glad you had a fabulous trip and are back safe and sound
Beautiful. Finding peace is invaluable. Finding yourself priceless.
you rock. i, too, felt liberated when i was in hawaii (last july or whenever it was), and tasted bites of my family’s fish dishes, and found that i felt so at ease when i didnt have to worry about the time of the day and random other things…but then, i think thats what vacations are supposed to do – free you from the stress of everyday life and give you a breather. so its only natural that it should includes diet and exercise. plus youre a hotty, and your kids are cuter than anything in the world. i am glad youre back though, for my own selfish reasons. your blog is the highlight of my day after all
adding this post to my bookmarks.
such beautiful writing- really just hit me. thank you mama!!
Sarah, this is one of my favourite posts of yours. I absolutely love it. I am so glad that this last week in Hawaii with your family has been everything you hoped and MORE. It sounds like you really have done a lot of reflecting and even though you already knew what was important in life, I can see that you are ready to let go even more of the “labels” that you lived up to.
I’ve been going thru the same thing with my pregnancy. Yea it’s not a trip to Hawaii but the end result has been very similar in that I feel like i’ve gotten to know myself and my body a lot more in the last 5.5 months. Even with the extra bit of booty i’m carrying around and the C cups i’m now trying to get a handle on i’m not seeing it as “weight gain” or “failure on my diet” but i’m seeing it more as a growth of life, an inner growth of myself and a trust that I now have in my body that wasn’t there before.
How incredible, Leah! It sounds like you have done an excellent job of handling the changes in your body during this amazing time. I hope you continue to embrace the important job your body is doing right now and will continue to do even after your baby arrives!
What a great attitude and I sometimes feel bound by the chains of the blogosphere..that god forbid I indulge in a Luna bar, 17 people write to me to tell me it’s not vegan. Oh gosh, the horror. And that it’s not raw. Really, say it aint so? I made the choice and who gives a flip that Averie ate a Luna bar on Tuesday at 12:14pm. But, apparently they do. And they write to tell me about it. And I am so glad that YOU lived life to the fullest; ahi, cinny rolls, coffee, drinks, and had an amazing time with the family. So happy for you. And I am so sick of labels and judgments. Oy. I am so happy for you that you hit your groove. And those last pics out the airplane windows are always so bittersweet…we grow so much on vacations, and then, we must say goodbye, hoping to keep the magic alive back in real life.
xoxo
I am obsessed with your blog. so inspiring.
What a beautiful post! Love all the pictures, makes the message much more powerful.
I got goosebumps reading this post – I am so happy you found happiness and enjoyment in the most important things on your vacation – taking time to “enjoy the view,” watching your girls play, worrying less about your body and not obsessing about what you put into it, etc. I hope you can continue to do so when you get back to “real life.” You are an amazingly beautiful person on the inside and out, Mama Pea. Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with us! I truly enjoyed your posts and your guest’s posts.
another amazing post Mama!!! It’s liberating to read that women can be free of our own judgements!
Beautiful pictures, wonderful post. I hope that I go through several “stages” or “labels” in my lifetime. When we don’t continue to change and grow, things can get boring or taken for granted. Thanks for sharing.
I got goosebumps reading this. Welcome home – so glad you had a wonderful vacation!
I love the last line. It’s incredible and true.
Thanks for this post. I feel like I need reminders like these every once in a while.
You’re so incredible. Thank you for this post! I remember feeling the same way when I was in Hawaii – no amount of anxiety or self-consciousness was going to keep from enjoying my time with my mom. It’s obvious that you took the same approach with your family and it certainly paid off. I love the picture of you pointing at the sea turtle – you look beautiful, relaxed and just plain happy.
Glad to hear that you made it home safe! I also have to tell you that I love your hair curly
As someone who can also wear it either way and too often pulls out the straightener, I say we make a habit of being natural more often!
Great post.. Spent 10 days in Hawaii once, seven years ago….. Know how you feel.. I think it does that to you…
miss it every day…have a little bottle of moisturizer from the hotel that somehow still smells like the whole island did..
This post is wonderful! My husband and I are taking a trip to Europe this summer, and I’ve been struggling with how I’ll eat while we’re there– should I try to stay as healthy as possible, or should I just enjoy myself to the fullest? I’m a little weary, because when I went to Europe to study in college, I gained 20 pounds (LOL…funny to me now, but not so much at the time). Your post as shown me that there is such a thing as freeing yourself and enjoying everything in moderation, while not tossing your healthy lifestyle to the curb. And actually, that applies to life in general, not just life on vacation
Oh Anna, I hope you don’t let your fear of what to eat (or of any possible weight gain) hold you back at all on your trip. Sure, you can enjoy Europe without cheese, bread and wine, but regret is a lot harder to live with than an extra pound or two.
That was a true vacation! Such a great post. You are right on all counts. Its so easy to forget to live life to the fullest. Sometimes it takes a vaction…being away from the normal routine, to remind us what life is about.
I read that article last week and found it very inspiring. I’m glad you did too. This reminds me of the times I have felt most free around food–when I was working with a medical mission team in Honduras. We ate to fuel ourselves and sometimes to experience the culture. There was no judgment by anyone, no questioning of whether we “should” or “shouldn’t” eat certain things. We just ate the food that was there, what we liked, and what we needed, then went back to work. That “mission” trip ministered to me, and has greatly influenced my food philosophy. I’m grateful for experiences like vacations that do that to us.
Exactly, Sarah. I don’t want this to just be an experience that fades away for me, at home I want to continue to eat the food that is here (so be it if I surround myself with a plant based diet), eat what I like, what I need and get “back to work.” Thank you for sharing your own experience, and thank you for your service on your mission team!
wonderful, thoughtful post. i echo allie’s comment above about looking back and being satisfied with your life and choices. your vacation looks like one that you will never ever regret a second of! thank you for sharing your fun with us (nothing like a vicarious beach trip!) and your thoughts/perspective on an important topic.
HOORAY!!! I love this post! I adore reading about people’s food stories and how they accept food as something to nourish and enjoy. Awesome girl!
Beautiful post Mama Pea. Thank you for sharing that with us.
I loved this post mama pea. It’s amazing what a vacation can do for a girl!!
I agree that labels aren’t necessary – be who you want to be at the moment. There’s no need to worry about what others think because it’s YOUR choice.
And I totally agree that food is not just fuel. Enjoyment comes with preparing, eating and sharing food!
Glad to know you and your family are back home safe and sound!!
I too am obsessed with your blog! What a beautiful and uplifting post! I’m a huge Steelers fan let the curls go, lol. Thank you for taking us “with” the Peas on vacation! loved all your guest post!
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your post vacation state of mind with those of us still in our day-to-day boredom…
HUG!!
Amen. Have realized lately that a little dark chocolate and adding new foods into my life have opened things up and balanced me out.
Great, great post! Here’s to all living label free!
I loved this post, Sara. I have been mostly happy with veganism but was feeling like a) I was too rigid with my dietary choices and thus was creating more obsession and b) also, maybe I wanted to eat fish. I ate fish for about a month and a half, but ultimately decided to return to veganism. Regardless, it taught me to chill out a little with what I eat. I know that my body doesn’t like too much gluten or too much soy, but a little here or there won’t hurt me. I know that my body thrives on raw foods, but it isn’t possible for me to eat that way all the time. Figuring out how to nourish your body, maintain your ethics and keep your sanity is difficult, but a constant learning process. Something different works for everyone, and I am so glad you are figuring this out.
This isn’t really about anything in your post, but rather a personal rant, and since I don’t blog anymore I’ll just do it here: I do want to add, though, that my problem comes when people call themselves vegans and don’t eat exclusively vegan. . I don’t think it’s about being the vegan police or anything because I could care less about that, but I think, as bloggers, it’s important to know that bloggers recognize, whether or not they want to, are influencing people who are reading your blog. When bloggers say “I am vegan!” and then consume non-vegan things, it sends out confusion to those who are maybe interested in a vegan lifestyle but don’t really know too much about it. Sure, that person can google and recognize that casein or whatever is not vegan, but you know how it is. When you’re a popular food blogger, you are the Miley Cyrus or Britney Spears of their Google Reader. I think language DOES matter, because it can be confusing and conflicting for people. A friend of mine tells everyone she is a vegetarian, but she eats fish. I didn’t care that she ate fish, because I think fish can be highly nutritious, but it sent out the message that ALL vegetarians ate fish. I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to a restaurant and asked for a vegetarian item and someone would say “oh, well, our fish is great!” or something.
Anyway, sorry for ranting — basically, I love that you are admitting to shedding of the labels. I think being a Hot Mama Pea Who Loves Plant-Based Foods But Doesn’t Shy Away From Other Things is too long to add but it works. So glad you had a great vacation, and I don’t know what it is about purple sweet potatoes that make them that much more enticing, but damn, they look good.
Agreed! And I guess that’s just another reason that I want to strip off the labels (and please say I’m not the Britney Spears of your Google Reader…). I don’t want to feel like I have to “live up to” any sort of expectation that others have of me or that I have of myself!
Absolutely loved this post!
*Big applause* I realized, once removed, that the label thing was silly when we ran all over town for a client who we’d heard was vegan but then was seen eating a steak. I guess he’d thought he was vegan at some point (not saying you’re gonna start eating meat, just sayin’).
The thing is You can eat anyway you want and should be able to have the freedom to just BE. We label ourselves, and that’s the most dangerous thing. Good for you for having a fabulous vacation AND a revelation….usually you have to pay extra for that.
Excellent post!
Good for you! That is such great news! You are such an inspiration. I hope I can be as good of a parent as you one day!
Mama Pea – I didn’t think it was possible, but I love you more. Amen Sophie Dahl – I LOVE her! I have finally gotten to this point too (although it admittedly IS a process to get there – it don’t happen overnight), and I could not be happier. I guess that is one of the reasons I kind of chose “everythingtarian” – life is too short not to enjoy what I want to enjoy, ya know? I eat a primarily veggie-based diet, but if I want a hunk o’ fish or chicken, damn it, I am going to have it.
You have every right to eat what you want to eat and exercise how you want to exercise – the gov’t's food pyramid and exercise guidelines can shove it. I really don’t know where I am going with this comment, other than I loved this post.
Lots of love to you – chat soon
Mama Pea, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed every minute of your vacation. In the past, I have allowed my own labels to get in the way of truly enjoying myself. It’s just not worth it. Life really is too short.
Glad the Pea family is back home safe and sound, and also happy to hear I’m not the only one who makes out her grocery list before getting back home.
This post is incredible. I am always surprised how easily I conflate the weight of all my decisions with actual, physical weight. The former often feels like the latter, but it is composed of all the anxiety and rules and counting and portion sizes and guilt. I burden myself with this weight! And when I feel heavy and bogged down, I will gladly add more rules in hopes to subtract more pounds. No wonder I always feel like I’m treading water- sometimes it feels like every step forward requires at least one step backwards.
Congratulations realizing that this is no way to live your life. I know I told you this on le fb chat once, but you inspire me.
I loved this post! I’m glad you had the opportunity to loosen up a bit…when you look back on this vacation later in life you won’t remember the food but rather the time you spent with your girls and husband!
i hope you had a great time!
Amazing post. Not much more to say than that!
I really want to read that whole article.
It’s so true how labels can stop us from living life to the fullest.
It’s funny…when I went to Hawaii in 2008, the same thing happened to me. It’s just such a magical, laid back, enjoy life type of place, that you can’t help but bring it back with you.
Sounds like this vacation was good for you on so many levels. Hope you have safe travels home!
Oh Hawaii’s love of spam. Not one that I shared. Did you see the spam sushi? I’ll pass on t hat. But holy moly purple sweet potatoes! I loved those when I lived in Oahu.
I have not read my latest copy of Vogue yet, but I cannot wait to read that article. You and your girls look positively radiant and gorgeous.
Ave and I really enjoyed reading/(Ave looking) at your posts this last week. I’m so glad your time was blessed and some revelation moments as well. Looking forward to getting the girls together soon after all this crapy weather subsides, and sharing with you the influence you have had on me and now so many others. You have a real gift Sara, and I love to see people embrace that. It’s encouraging to all, that what’s been given to us not only effects ourselves, but so many people around us. Take care, and hopefully see you guys soon.
Awww, Ang, thanks so much. We are so lucky to have you as dear friends in our lives!
What a great post Mama Pea! This is why I love your blog so much – it’s so uplifting!
This is such an inspiring post!!! It is a reminder to myself that the world is not going to end and I may even be happier (imagine that), if I let go of a little riggidity in my life.
Your trip looks like you had so much fun, yes I am seeing a little green eyed monster (and not the smoothie type) as I read your posts and wish I was on a nice warm sandy beach. I am glad you had such a wonderful time and can not wait to see some trip inspired recipes!
Wonderful and inspirational post. Not to mention the fact that I think your curls are beautiful! Happy to hear you had such a fantastic vacation!
Wow, I am going to go searching for this article!
When we made our trip out to the West Coast, we went through New Orleans and the South. Not exactly the type of food I was used to. But I am SO happy I didn’t hold myself back for that trip. The five pounds I gained went away in a few months and I’ll have the memories of New Orlean’s fried crab claws forever.
We’re all foodies at heart, otherwise we wouldn’t be doing blogging about it nonstop!
You truly said it best about being labeled or ridiculed for not “living up” to a persona people have thrown at you. Being healthy, and feeling healthy is about so much more than food or not eating animal products. When i was in Germany in October i feel like i allowed myself to just totally live in the moment. I don’t know if it was being so far from home; out of my element, or if it was the fact that i was so excited to be there but that trip alone changed my outlook on labels and living life to the fullest. I still may not live my life to the absolute fullest every day, but i know that in the long run, having to focus on happiness is not what being happy is about. There are so many other things you HAVE to focus on in life, and being happy shouldn’t be one of them because it should be as easy and effortless as breathing. You just have to let yourself be, and i am so glad to see that you had that kind of trip. Doesn’t it feel great/refreshing?
Love this post. Love your honesty. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
This was a WONDERFUL post (like all of yours)! I think it’s so easy to label ourselves, and live within that label and forget who we really are. Humans are just way too complex to be compartmentalized so easily!
Glad you’re home safely!
great post..and so inspiring!
And those purple sweet potatoes? YES PLEASE!
Love! What a wonderful post
Love this post- how much do we miss because we limit ourselves…. what a great question to ponder
Oh Mama Pea I love this! I want to move to Hawaii and abandon all rules. I hope you are able to find a little bit of Hawaii in Oregon everyday! xoxo
I love your honesty and your way of thinking. Vacation is never a time to restrain your desires or be self-conscious
yay, the peas are back! i love the new found goal to avoid labels. i’ve been trying to figure out what category i fit in and couldn’t find one, so i referred to myself as a fishetarian. the drama of having a label and having to explain the moments when you “stray” away is just not anything i’m interested in, so like you, i too am shedding labels. let’s all be free, free to make our own choices without the dogma of labels.
What a great realization! That’s wonderful that you were able to really enjoy your vacation in a way you were comfortable with. I’m not a vegan myself, but truth be told, I eat more like you than a standard (aka not-as-awesome) American on any given day of the week. I just can’t find a label that fits me, unless I make one up myself! So for that purpose I guess I’ll just have to call myself a badassitarian.
Wow, just had to say lovely, lovely post-best ever!!!
And my gosh you look sooooo gorgeous and stunning with curly hair-wowsa!!That is my fave look so far!
I love how refreshed and relaxed you sound about food/life and just BEING.
Just so you feel better…my husband broke open a can of spam this week to enjoy with the kids! He was making spam hash like nobody’s business. I did not partake, but I understand it was amazing from my youngest son. I am with you on labels. I hate them! I never referred to myself as a vegetarian, but others do. I guess they need something to relate it to. I am always judged, most people seem to do it so they can judge me before I judge them, but I don’t judge. I think food and people are constantly evolving and you do what is right for you when it is right for you. It should not be a have to…it should be a choice you make for you at the time. I am so happy that you feel great about yourself and your choices after that trip. Really, there is nothing more important that just being you and being happy about it! I am glad you are back and those potatoes look delicious!
This is my favorite post ever…and you know I never comment. Glad you are all back safe, sound and tan…
Labels are for people who can’t figure out who they are, who needs them?
Oh, Anne! I feel so special that you commented
I also feel very glad that you didn’t die of H1N1 while we were gone!!!
Glad you had a great time in Hawaii! Miss you and the girls…Hugs to all!
Two words, Kel: PLAY DATE.
So wonderful to read. And I’m glad you didn’t let a label hold you back from enjoying your life and vacation.
I am so glad you enjoyed your vacation and it sounds to me like you definitely got the most out of it. I’m not a fan of labels either and I’m glad that you are going to do what you feel is right for you.
Definitely going to have to make those sweet potatoes soon
I love your recipes!
I get frustrated with labels too. I hate having to explain myself because I eat vegetarian/vegan, but I like to have fro yo or (gasp) chicken every once in a while. Seriously, so what? Life is definitely too short to have to stay within the confines of a little box. Excellent post, I think a lot of people can relate.
This post was super inspiring. I think we all feel the pressure of “labels” especially when it comes to eating. “vegan and vegetarian” are all over mainstream Tv, especially on ellen and oprah this past week. It’s hard to find a balance! Thank you for this wonderful post!
Amazing post, Mama Pea!
You´re such an inspiration
Have a great weekend!
Ah, loved this post for so many reasons, Mama Pea!
1. It reminds me of just how much I want to do another Hawaii vacation. I wasn’t a runner when we went but now I really envy your beautiful Hawaiian runs!
2. I recently went through something similar and decided to be label free–which played a big part in why I put my blog (a blog that very much labeled me!) on hiatus. My food hasn’t really changed but I like it better this way.
Glad your home safe and sound and that you had such a lovely trip.
Love this post! Enjoy your honestly and great words of wisdom
Glad that you had an amazing trip!!! that is what it is all about being with family and friends and just enjoying the moment and being truly happy!!!!
Welcome home M. Pea! Growth and change…that is what it’s all about.
This post could not have come at a better time for me. I was just pondering the same kind of topic recently. So many of our fondest and most carefree memories revolve around food, especially when traveling, and being too uptight or high-maintenance can really destroy that, AND make you feel badly about it in the process. I had a similarly freeing experience when on vacation last year; it seems getaways provide the chance to view the world through the eyes people in other geographies and provide the fresh slate to start anew.
I love this post! It does feel so free-ing. I am unable to label myself so have given up even trying to describe how I eat, aside from “mostly vegetables” but even if a whole bunch of it is raw, I still eat cooked veggies, and I still eat shrimp now and then for example. I did try going 100% raw one week and the emotional impact that had on me was not worth it one iota. Some days before I had just been eating raw, but once I put that label on it starting to feel restrictive rather than just something that is.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Wishing you and your family and very lovely weekend.
loved this post, friend.
when i first got into the raw thing a couple of years ago, i started to get so stuck on the label and missed out of enjoying foods that are COOKED. as soon as i dropped that all or nothing attitude, it’s been so much better.
so glad you had an amazing vacation <3
xoxo
This post just made me smile
Hearing that you just enjoyed your trip and took it all in–I love that! And that’s totally how we’re supposed to live life, right?!
And oooh mama pea. You have nothing to feel self-conscious about! You are lookin’ so fly in that bikini girlllllll. Hey, papa pea’s a lucky man!! LOVE YOU! Hope the transition from paradise to real life is going well, hahah!
Hi Mama Pea,
I visit you’re blog from time to time, but I’ve never commented. This post is AMAZING. I’ve been seeing more post like this throughout the blogosphere, and I applaud them because they are so desperately needed and inspirational. More and more people are letting go of their diet dogma and just living and being themselves. And I think that ‘s what this thing is all about. Eating shouldn’t be about expectations, anxiety, stress, and other negative things. You shouldn’t question every little thing you put in your body. Eating should be natural.
And regarding labels, I think so many people use them the wrong way. Your labeling shouldn’t come from the outside. It shouldn’t come from what you see others doing, what others tell you is best for your body, or living up to certain expectations. It should be about who you are and what you do at that moment. And the way one eats evolves through life. So instead of me worrying about whether I should be raw because it gives me “life force”, or vegan for the environment, or vegetarian because I don’t really crave meat that much, but sometimes I want a pulled-pork sandwich, etc… I just trust my judgment and my body and eat what I think will be most nourishing to me at the time. Nourishing goes deeper than getting the right amount of nutrients; it’s emotional, too.
– Paisley
YES. YES. YES. A million times YES. Thank you so much for leaving this comment, Paisley. I couldn’t agree with you more. This should be a disclaimer on all food blogs.
Also, you look amazing! No need to be ashamed of that body.
Sarah, I think this is one of your best posts EVER. Truly. As much as I think there is a time and a place for labels, and I think that they can help us in many ways, I don’t think they serve a good ethical or personal purpose when they’re forcing you to feel bound in by life, rather than in control and capable of enjoying it. You made a couple of perfectly healthy decisions while on vacation — and I mean healthy in ALL sense of the word: physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological. Way to go. I’m really touched and proud.
So wise. Life is too short and it changes in an instant.
I WILL have my brownie after winning the race! Loved the post Mama Pea! : )
LOVED this post and I love how you keep it REAL. I never feel like you are trying to be something just because that’s what the blog world thinks you should be (does that even make sense?) and it’s kind of a scary thing to ditch labels…thanks for being such an inspiration.
I know I’m a little late on commenting, but I just wanted to let you know that I loved this post! Your posts are always so inspiring to read and I apologize for waiting to comment until this post. It’s easy to get caught up in labels these days in order to explain our choices (especially in the blogosphere), but I think it’s a fantastic idea to just live and enjoy the special moments in life as they come! I always laugh when I do let restrictions go and don’t feel the guilt that I expected afterwards. Thank you for reminding us to embrace our freedom to live!
I love this post.
That is all.
Love this post. With your time with your family it’s great to see the big picture of ‘WHO CARES?’. live your life without labels and worry and just enjoy the smiles your girls give you daily.
Ummm, why are my eyes watering? Maybe I read too much into this post but I want to share this concept with the world – “Live life while balance your belifes / responsibilities”….
Oh wow! I just found your blog today and I love this post. Getting rid of labels is such a fabulous concept. I think there is a lot of complexity when it comes to making ethical food choices and there is not always one right answer. I don’t think vegan has to be an all-or-nothing concept. I eat vegan most of the time, but I made exceptions during my three pregnancies, for dairy, eggs, and fatty fish during my 1st and 3rd trimesters when I was really craving it. (During my 2nd trimester, I was really craving healthy vegan food – legumes, greens, whole grains, etc). I write a vegan food blog and I do eat that way most of the time, but I enjoy the flexibility of not labeling myself as vegan. It makes it less stressful when I’m invited to someone’s home for dinner or when I’m traveling.
Bookmarking your blog now – I’ll look forward to your posts and recipes!
Thanks, Rebekah. I really to think we should all just do the best WE can. And that’s different for everyone. Life’s too short to try to fit a mold that may not be right for us. I’m excited to check out your blog too!
Never ever let food restrictions or the like limit you – life is far too short. Way too short. And there is so much more that is important.
But you know that
Have you read the book “Hungry” by Crystal Renn? Also a model – former anorexic turned plus sized.
She had a very similar “aha” moment where she GOT OVER IT! And decided she was tired of drinking diet coke and eating salads – she indulged in salmon – who knew that was an indulgence!
And she got out of the gym. She actually has some very poignant points and phrases throughout the book about society and the modeling world in general.
Sounds amazing. I’m familiar with Crystal Renn but had no idea she wrote a book. I’m looking forward to reading it, thanks. And I really appreciate your comment