Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” He was referring to how people will compare their lives to others and think they come up short. Some comparison is good, such as comparing prices or labels of products. However, when we start comparing ourselves to friends, neighbors and strangers, we always seem to sell ourselves short. This is a lesson that has come with age and I wish I had been better and more confident in myself when I was younger.
Often I hear women say they do not like to go to the gym because they cannot lift as much or run/walk as far or as fast or they do not look as good in workout clothes or they aren’t as disciplined or… you can fill in the rest. Pshaw! I don’t know a single person who works out on a regular basis that wouldn’t welcome anyone of any ability wearing any outfit to the gym.
Often I hear women compare themselves to other women, both in pictures and real life. They will say things like, “I wish I had her body,” or “I wish I could dress like her,” or “I wish I looked as good in that outfit,” or…you can fill in the rest. If you recognize yourself as doing this, STOP! You have your own amazing body that you dress in your own awesome style and you look fabulous!
Often I hear women compare their eating habits to others. They will lament not being vegetarian or voice regret at eating a donut instead of oatmeal or express guilt at indulging when eating out instead of ordering the diet plate or…. you can fill in the rest. Okay, on this one I will qualify my response by saying if you eat well 80% of time, then go ahead and have the cinnamon roll. It doesn’t matter what the person next to you or in front of you is eating. It is important to take care of yourself, but it is also important to enjoy life. If you told me I could never eat a snickerdoodle again, I would be sad. But knowing I can have one if I want, lets me be in control of when I have it, not depressed because I have to eat like the person at the next table over who is eating a leaf of lettuce with plain cottage cheese and no dressing. I do not care if she is looking at me and thinking she shouldn’t be having that cookie! Because she is probably looking at me and wishing she could have that cookie!
This week’s recipe is vegan, but if you if you want to make it with greek yogurt made from milk, it is just as good! Please note, the vegan version will take time since you need to drain the yogurt overnight.
Vegan Tzatziki Dip
Ingredients:
16 oz container of non-dairy plain yogurt (I used Kite Hill almond milk yogurt)
1 cup english cucumber, chopped (or deseed a regular cucumber)
1/4 cup chopped, fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dry (adjust to your taste)
1/2 tablespoon good olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
Step by Step:
