Taryn tries Keto

Posted on October 4, 2018 Posted in Life, TravelTagged Brain, Carbs, diet, Food, Humor, Keto, Mental Health, Moody2 Comments

So yesterday was my birthday. I turned 29. I was going to write about it (and will, probably tomorrow) but I feel like a total POS because I spent the last few days off of Keto and I’m miserable!!!!!

It started with a trainer

A few months back, I decided to not only get a gym membership but to also get a personal trainer. After all, I was staring down being in two weddings six weeks of each other, a girl’s gotta look good. Anyway, my trainer (who I absolutely adore and miss terribly) made me switch my dietary habits and told me to try Keto. I’m not going to get into the specifics of Keto, but it’s basically a low carb, moderate protein, and high-fat diet. I was skeptical and annoyed about how expensive and mindful my shopping had become, but I’d be lying if I didn’t see how much of a difference it did for me mentally.

My brain with superpowers

The biggest change (well one of them) for me was my brain processing/mental state– whatever you want to call it. My ability to focus, power through mundane tasks, and just my overall emotional resilience went THROUGH THE ROOF! At my pique performance, I was going to the gym 5-6 times a week, eating a Keto diet, and just loving life. Like seriously, I HATE administrative/repetitive tasks, but I found myself not only being more productive, I didn’t mind as much. I could go on and on about how my diet also improved my gym recovery, etc, but for the sake of this post, I’ll stick with my brain. Anywho, fast forward to this past week. I decided to “treat” myself and ate all kinds of tasty and horrible food.

Hello darkness, my old friend

When I ditch my Keto diet and eat crappy food, I AM SO MISERABLE AND DEPRESSED, it’s not even funny!!! You’re probably thinking, “Taryn, c’mon, it’s not the food.” Oh, but it is! When I eat poorly, I’m sluggish, foggy, cranky, and just downright depressed. Fortunately, I’m very cognizant of my mood and the causes of my changes in behavior. I am glad that I’ll be fine in a day or two, but man it is gnarly how food can really alter your mindset.

You are what you eat

I’m not advocating that everyone go on Keto– it depends on a few factors. That said, the difference of cutting out sugar, bad carbs, and processed foods is astounding! Do I miss bread? Sure. BUT, I LOVE how I feel when I eat healthily and exercise on a regular basis. It’s worth cutting out the crappy stuff, hands down. Anyway, that’s the end of my dietary rant. I will be back to normal in a day or two.

5 Things I Could Not Live Without

Posted on May 1, 2014May 3, 2014 Posted in LifeTagged 5 things, Brain, Dog, Family, friends, happiness, Health, Humor, perspective, Starbucks, thankful, Witty4 Comments

Despite my constant whining about life, I am thankful for many things in my life. Sometimes I can forget to appreciate all that I’ve been blessed with. So here’s a list of things I’m thankful for and could not live without.

1. Family

I’m pretty sure I have the coolest parents around. Whenever I need some advice, words of encouragement, or I just need a hug, they’re always supportive with arms wide open. I’m even thankful for my siblings. We may not always see eye to eye, but as we get older they aren’t so bad ;-). My niece and nephews each stole a part of my heart when they were born. I don’t think they’ll be returning anytime soon either. If I had to choose my favorite occupation to date, it would be aunt. Also my furchild is seriously the best dog in the universe who loves me even when I’m not giving her treats. She helps me relax and enjoy the simple things and has taught me patience more ways than one.

2. Friends

Seeing as I’ve spent some time in several states, I have the privilege of having friends in different places. I’ve even managed to make a group of friends here in Vegas, which almost felt like a never-ending task in itself. Those girls provide me with awesome activities and shenanigans that I’m sure we’ll be talking about for years to come. I’ve managed to make some lifelong friends in this young life of mine and they are some of the best around. I am very thankful for everyone of them.

3. My Health

Obviously this makes the list as I would not be alive without it ;-). This is something I take for granted all the time. In reality my immune system kicks butt. I’ve rarely been sick, ever. In spite of my frustrations with trying to navigate this world, my body has never failed me. So thank you, self for keeping me healthy!

4. Starbucks

I know I know, spoken like a true junkie, but this place provides me with more than just coffee. There’s always a plethora of hot dudes, the baristas are super chill, and I get 90% of my writing done here (yes I’m at Starbucks at this very moment). I’ve actually gotten jobs out of Starbucks, I’ll do a post on that later. It is indeed my home away from home.

5. My Brain

I love my crazy little brain. If only you knew half of the craziness that goes on in my head. From time to time I’ll share my little blurbs with others, which usually incites a ton of laughter. I tend to look at things in the most random way and I would not change that for all the money in the world. Even with all of life’s insecurities, I can honestly I like the person staring back at me in the mirror. She’s pretty rad.

So to wrap this all up, I know I haven’t been the most positive as of late. Sometimes one can get wrapped up in this thing called life and that’s when you need to take a step back and appreciate what you have the most. Even just writing this, I have a smile on my face and am more so appreciative of my life and loved ones who fill it. Life isn’t always going to be sunshine and daisies, but looking back at all the awesomeness that is around me, I’ll deal. 🙂 So, what are you thankful for?

Take a Break If You Need One

Posted on April 29, 2014May 3, 2014 Posted in LifeTagged anxiety, Beanie, Brain, Break, Creative, Crochet, Freelance, Hunger, Mind, Nerves, Orange, Overwhelmed, Ravelry, Rest, Starbucks, Starving, writing2 Comments

I’ll admit it, when I get into something new, I tend to obsess, be it work, reading, or Starbucks ;-). So on my freelance journey, nothing really has changed. I think I’m so desperate to prove to myself that I can do this, I often take on a bunch of projects all at once, and will work furiously to make sure they are completed as quickly as I’ve accepted them. The problem lies in the fact that I often neglect myself whenever I’m engaged in my obsessive endeavors.

Today for example, about 30 minutes ago, I was lightheaded and dizzy. At first I thought it was an onset of an anxiety attack. Upon further speculation, I realized that I hadn’t eaten since 8am this morning. It was about 1:45 pm when I had realized this. After scarfing down a Cara Cara orange (If you’ve never had one, I highly recommend them as they are delicious) I feel a million times better.

I also came to the realization that I need to take a break from working and get away from my computer screen for a bit. With that being said, I’m going to go crochet for awhile. I’m actually pretty good at making beanies, and I’ve found a super adorable pattern on Ravelry. I’ll be sure to do a post on that a little later. I suppose the takeaway is, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breather, and just unplug. When you’re up to it, just go back to the task at hand. Your brain and nerves will thank you. 🙂

Taryn Was Here

Tag: Brain