I’m not perfect

10.23.12
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If you want pretty pictures, smiling faces and delicious recipes, well, come back tomorrow. If you want a real post about life, blogging and trying to find a balance, well, hello!

Guys, I’m completely exhausted in all senses of the word. Not only am I completely jet-lagged, but I’ve been running around the state of Washington like a chicken with its head cut off for a PR trip for work. Don’t get me wrong, it was incredible. I still can’t believe I can call what I do my job. MINE. It’s amazing. But we’re not here to talk about that. We’re going to talk about little ol’ me instead.

“HI!”

Lately, I’ve been really apathetic towards blogging. I’m sure you can all tell, my content isn’t up to par, I haven’t made a new recipe for this site for a couple weeks and I’ve been snarky, sassy and sort of rude on social media. And as I write this, part of me wants to say “I’m sorry!” Part of me wants to make up some fluffy bs about what’s going on and then beg for your forgiveness. But you know what? I’m not going to. Because I’m not sorry. My life has been crazy these past few weeks with work, travel and a new part time job. I just haven’t had the time or energy to commit to this. And you know what? I think that’s okay. Because here’s a shocking revelation…I’m not perfect.

I sometimes go through lulls or crazy busy weeks where I don’t eat homemade meals. Where I order pizza, Chinese food or eat peanut butter out of the jar for dinner and call it a night. Or days when I’d rather poke out both of my eyeballs with a fork than talk about food because it’s what I’ve been doing all day for work. Sometimes I just want to crawl in a hole with my husband and puppy and never come out.

My busy schedule isn’t the only reason for my apathy and dismay towards blogging. I’ve gotten some pretty rude, hateful and ridiculous comments lately that have made me start to question why I even blog at all. I know there are rude and mean people out there. I know that acknowledging them is letting them win. I know that these hateful, rude comments mean “I’ve made it,” or whatever that saying is. But I don’t have super thick skin. When people lash out on me, my views and my food, I take it to heart. It’s hard for me not to. This post has actually been a long time coming, but it all started with one person.

I posted a recipe a few weeks ago, a pumpkin coffee cake bread to be exact. Someone didn’t like it and told me it wasn’t healthy. Okay, fair enough. So I told them that, yes, she was right, just because something is labeled as low-fat doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthy. Then she lashed back to say “well your site is about nutrition, I thought all you posted was healthy.” That’s the comment I had trouble with. See, I can see her point, my site is titled “the Realistic Nutritionist” but they KEY word in that is realistic. (I mean, read my about me.) I never once stated that I was perfect. I  never once promised that all of my recipes would be low-fat, healthy or nutritious. I try my best to lighten up recipes so they can be enjoyed guilt-free, but that’s all. All I can do is try because I’m not perfect.

via Pinterest.

It’s hard as a healthy living blogger, especially, because people EXPECT perfection from you. They expect you to eat and post only healthy recipes. Well, friends, if you are expecting only healthy, only light, only this or that kind of stuff from here, you might be disappointed. I try to live my life in moderation. I sometimes eat bacon. I also sometimes have wine for dinner. And that’s just how I live.

And you know what? I love it that way. My life may be messy with stains, tears and dust, but it’s the only life I know and it’s one I’m insanely proud of. And who wants to be perfect anyway?

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Comments

  1. Posted by kjpugs on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    Love this and love you. I vote for more "real" posts- like if you order Chinese... what do you order? What do you do with leftovers? No need to hide that stuff, I just love learning about you. And I thought it was VERY CLEAR what your site was about... "realistic nutritionist" to me says that you make things from scratch when you can, healthy when you can, and when you can't, you make something delicious as guilt free as you feel like, which no matter WHAT, is better than getting a crappy fast food or packaged dessert item. That's how I inspire to be, and I would assume others would too. Some people might eat healthy and perfect and clean all the time but that's not me. CONFESSION- I ate an ENTIRE BAG of Milanos last night. LITERALLY. All I could think about eating when sick was potatoes but I saw Milanos at the store and they actually sounded good and so I bought them and freaking ATE them. I went like, 500 calories over my goal. Oh well.... I move on and eat well today. I think people who criticize, like what you shared, are honestly missing brain cells. I don't get it and don't care too. I love you and all of you and hope you keep sharing the REAL you!
    Reply
  2. Posted by Alicia French on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    Amen. Maybe you should add a disclaimer that the Food police are not welcome here.
    Reply
  3. Posted by Paula on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    OMG! don't even waist a minute thinking about that rude woman. Eat Healthy doesn't mean been obsessed with what you eat, but the way you eat during a period of time. What's the matter with eating a decadent and indulgent cake if you're going to balance your diet in the next days? or even if you don't do that. Healthy is also to be happy, love yourself the way you are, be kind with people and the ones you love. Don't give up, please. In my opinion( humble op.) you should erase any unpleasant comment ( because there's a fine line between been critic and rude)Your recipes are great. I have an autoinmune desease and so I have to eat healthy, but doesn't mean not eating carbs, sugar, fat...it's just about balance. Like everything in this life. Thank you for sharing your lovely recipes.
    Reply
    • Posted by The Realistic Nutritionist on
      Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
      Thank you Paula! It's so hard not to focus on that but at the same time, it's life ya know?
      Reply
  4. Posted by Teresa on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    I'm so sorry that you had to deal with someone who has unrealistic expectations. I'm not super creative in the kitchen and I think your site has been an excellent resource for finding healthier options. Keep up the good work and definitely feel free to share more about yourself. That's one of the things that makes blogs so special.
    Reply
    • Posted by The Realistic Nutritionist on
      Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
      Thank you Teresa! It's one of those hard lessons to learn but I do need to grow thicker skin!
      Reply
  5. Posted by The Beeroness on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    I think we all need to get together and have an Anti-Conference. No PR people pushing their stuff on us, no sessions, just a bunch of bloggers, in a house in Palm Springs, cooking and laying by the pool and chatting. I feel you with all the comments. I have a guy email me JUST to tell me he thinks I am completely unattractive. AND I had someone leave a comment about how I would be better served to shoot myself in the heart than continue to eat unhealthy things like Beer & Bacon Mac n Cheese. Seriously. Ugh. AND I am not well adapted enough NOT to get my feelings completely hurt by those things. I'm just keeping my head down, focusing on the awesome comments and emails I'm getting and staying tuned into looking for opportunities to take it all to the next level. I feel you, hang in there. It is all just a wave, up sometimes, down other times. Higher highs always come with lower lows. Just ride the wave.
    Reply
  6. Posted by kita on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    Great post :)
    Reply
  7. Posted by Savory Simple on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    I love your honesty here. I've been very hurt recently by some of the things people say in comments as well as on Twitter (even other bloggers sometimes). It's amazing how nasty people can get while hiding behind their computer.


    Blog because you love it not because of what anyone else thinks. There is no shame in taking a break or even moving on. I think you're awesome.
    Reply
  8. Posted by Hattie on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    I'm a newcomer to your blog, and it was exactly the title "realistic nutritionist" that drew me to it. I adore food, and obsessively read cookery blogs and books even though my every waking hour should be spent figuring out how to lose weight faster. I live for blogs/posts like yours that inspire/let me still cook and not feel so guilty I think I've blown the diet, might as well eat a whole cheesecake too. I read the bread/cake recipe when it came through on my reader, and noted that every single ingredient provided something the body needs and it WAS low in fat. Sure, there was sugar, but not much stretched out over 11 portions! Clearly your critical commentator hasn't heard of a BALANCED diet, with a little bit of everything involved. Besides, life has enough trauma - who wants to live on lettuce leaves alone? Thank you for your site, your time and honesty. It truly is appreciated.
    Reply
    • Posted by The Realistic Nutritionist on
      Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
      Thanks Hattie!! I couldn't agree more, life is all about balance. And sometimes you need butter and mayo ya know? :)
      Reply
  9. Posted by Elaine Anderson on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    It's a shame that people are so cruel. It's also a shame that many of your readers, like myself, don't comment as much as we should PRAISING you for the great job that you do. Unfortunately, it's human nature to voice your concerns and negative opinions. So, I am making this a personal goal of mine to remind you and other bloggers that I follow how much I love reading your posts, trying your recipes, and you for being you! Keep up the great work! And go ahead and crawl in a hole for a few days. Your readers will be here when you return.
    Reply
  10. Posted by Julie on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    Bless your heart. I'm sorry that people are so rude. I know that it really bothers me when someone doesn't like my quilts, or makes judgement. Well, guess what? None of us are perfect, and others need to get used to that. There are advantages of getting older--I guess I just don't care as much what others think as I did 25 years ago. I love your blog and if someone doesn't want to make a recipe (they think it's too fattening/unhealthy/whatever), than they don't have to make it. Hang in there. It will get better.
    Reply
  11. Posted by Reasonable Snob on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    Keep up that attitude. As a still-recovering anorexic, I am just as interested in healthy living as the next girl; but I get tired of people with extreme views on nutrition vehemently asserting that their way is the only way. ("ALL WAYS ARE MY WAY!!" -Queen of Hearts) I enjoy healthy treats, but I also think most diets have room for full-fat, wheat-laden, sugar-laced goodness. Props to you for being a(n increasingly rare) voice of balance. Being able to enjoy the decadent in moderation is just as important for a healthy lifestyle as eating your fruits and vegetables.
    Reply
  12. Posted by Kelly Hunt on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    LOVED this Claire! Don't change for anyone and rude comments are just that...rude. I get them sometimes and try not to let them bother me too much, but I do know that's easier said than done. Your blog is a representation of you and YOU are the one that should define it :) Continue to be your amazing self and don't let others get you down....you are FABULOUS!!! xoxo
    Reply
  13. Posted by Karen on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    You know what I do when I get rude comments? I delete them. Or I block the person on facebook. It's empowering. Ha ha ha to them. Then I have a file in my email folder that's called "favorite comments of all time" and I read some of those. It doesn't completely erase the sting but it helps. Keep your chin up!!! :)
    Reply
  14. Posted by Anita at Hungry Couple on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    We all get nasty comments on our blogs. And nasty behavior in real life, too, sometimes. Some people just suck. It's difficult to rid yourself of nastiness in the outside world because there are only a limited amount of things you can do. But a rude person who comes into my home will certainly be tossed out. Same with the blog. Hungry Couple is my home. You can critique my recipes or tell me they didn't work for you...although no one ever has. But the minute you're nasty, I hit the delete button and toss you out of my home. Life is too short to let the lowest members of society affect how you feel.
    Reply
  15. Posted by Julie @ Table for Two on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    LOVE LOVE the honesty in this post and how you share how you feel. don't ever change that. i feel that you and i relate on the same level a lot when it comes to blogging and work - which is probably why we get along so well ;) anyway, keep doing you. don't ever change, don't crumble under the stupid people. I LOVE YOU!
    Reply
  16. Posted by Celtina on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    I stumbled across your blog just a few weeks ago - it's become one of my favorites to check with your frequent updates and recipes to drool over. Keep it up, even though there are ups and downs! :)
    Reply
  17. Posted by Megan L on
    Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
    I find it a sad state of affairs when trolls leaving negative comments our blogs equates 'making it' in the blogging world. It's sad, but true. Anyone who has met you, either in real life or online, knows you're a genuine and awesome person. Screw the ones who don't quite get what the 'realistic' in Realistic Nutritionist means. Keep on doing what you're doing - the rest of us love you! :)
    Reply
  18. Posted by Emilia on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    Hi Claire! I'm new to your blog, but I absolutely love it. Please don't listen to those people! I especially love what you say in this post about being busy and ordering the occasional pizza. I have been in the same boat lately, and it's so refreshing to hear your honesty. Keep up the good work!
    Reply
  19. Posted by Kammie @ Sensual Appeal on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    Oh gosh, don't even worry about stupid people. I've had to deal with a few negative comments lately too, but I guess there's an upside to that - you know you're doing well with your blog if people are bashing you and your work - there will always be negative people and haters. No matter what, and it just means you're doing something right. People are jealous and selfish. So don't worry about that. I think you're great and all your recipes rock. I think it's safe to say we can use common judgement about deciding what is healthy and what isn't. And don't hide your true feelings, and I'm glad you're not sorry for "being mean on social media" although I haven't noticed but WHO CARES :) It's our life and we live how we want to. Screw everyone else. Nobody is perfect and if they are or think they are.. well THAT'S not healthy becuase that means they're obsessive about it. Because it's impossible to be perfect.
    Oh and yeah...
    I'll always be your fan :)
    Reply
  20. Posted by Tutti Dolci on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    Love this post, Claire! We don't have to be perfect, and life certainly isn't!
    Reply
  21. Posted by Frani on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    I just started following you in the beginning of this month but what I've seen has been wonderful. Don't let anyone make you doubt yourself - your blog gives what the name promises: REALISTIC nutrition. There are always going to be negative people with nothing better to do than try to make other people feel bad because they feel bad themselves. Keep true to yourself, follow your instincts and pity the people who don't realize that life isn't perfect and they shouldn't expect it from themselves or anyone else.
    Reply
  22. Posted by Steve Davis on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    Keep Up Your Great Attitude!! You are an Awesome Person and Very talented in all you do. Remember, the problem is with those making the negative comments, not you!! Nobody is forcing them to follow you, and if they have nothing nice to say, they shouldn't be following you. Blogging is not always easy, but if you're passionate about it, it can be very rewarding. I, like many of your followers, look forward to your posts. We have made many of your recipes, and there has not been one, that Liz and I have not Loved!! I am proud to know you and look forward to our next cooking show audition!! Keep Up your good work!!
    Reply
  23. Posted by Ashley on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    Sending big hugs your way, lady! I think you're one of the sweetest girls I've ever met, and um, there is nothing wrong with ordering chinese and pizza (come visit me in NYC - I do it all the time!). Get some rest with that cute pup and hubby of yours ;) x
    Reply
  24. Posted by jacquie on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    so so well said. moderation is the key. and yes there is good, bad, tears, smiles etc. that is life and if you don't experience those then IMHO you are not really "living" your life. i personally would like your blog less if you didn't have a range of recipes and telling your life as it happens. afterall is that what being "realistic" means? keep going the way you are going girl - keep those feet on the ground when possible and when not hang in there. perhaps have some chocolate or a good dessert :)
    Reply
  25. Posted by Alice Choi on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    Hi Claire, I love this post! And I'm sorry to hear about the bad experience with that commenter. Like everyone else has been saying, just let it roll off. And block them! :P


    I echo everything you said here. I have kids and I even order pizza, eat peanut butter out of the jar and sometimes have wine for dinner! :) (after I've made dinner for them!)


    Hang in there. I hope you're able to get some R&R soon. I think you're lovely.
    Reply
  26. Posted by Bree on
    Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
    I love this post because why should you always eat healthy, low fat food anyway? This is real life and we all need to splurge now and again to enjoy it! You have so many great things to share so keep it up and don't let the negative nellies get you down! ;)
    Reply
  27. Posted by Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. on
    Thursday, October 25th, 2012
    Nobody is perfect and anybody who has the audacity to expect you to be is just crazy. Not everything we put in our mouths has to be be perfectly healthy! I'm with you, everything in moderation!

    Don't let those people get you down! I think some people just like to say mean things because they get a rise out of it. They need to get a life!

    Keep your chin up and never change!
    Reply
  28. Posted by Grubarazzi on
    Thursday, October 25th, 2012
    I also have a very hard time with rude comments, or people trying to tell ME what I should be blogging, talking, writing, eating. You are right though. Screw them. You are perfect in my book. Keep on keepin on.
    Reply
  29. Posted by Neenie on
    Thursday, October 25th, 2012
    Bravo ... you totally made my day. I've lost 100 + lbs via Weight Watchers & I can tell you that I didn't achieve that success eating carrot sticks. Thank you for being "real" & "realistic". Please don't change & keep up the fabulous work. Sign me, one appreciative follower :)
    Reply
  30. Posted by Skylor Powell on
    Thursday, October 25th, 2012
    Right on my friend! You are right on and I would imagine that most of your fellow bloggers, including myself, are relieved to read such a post. I'm a health coach and I'm sitting on a beach drinking a corona. We can be healthy and enjoy life!!
    Reply
  31. Posted by Debbie on
    Thursday, October 25th, 2012
    That's why I enjoy your blog. Because you are realistic about food!
    Reply
  32. Posted by Amber @ Mamas Blissful Bites on
    Friday, October 26th, 2012
    I would look pass the other person view. Think about it, we all have different meanings and views on what "healthy" means. There's no one definition. That's what I'm trying to say on my blog as well. What does it mean? You write about what healthy means to you. Stick to your guns, your beliefs, you will be JUST fine. Love your blog and adventures!!!!
    Reply
  33. Posted by Jessica lynn on
    Saturday, October 27th, 2012
    I'm sorry you're feeling that way, Claire! People will always hate and will always have something to complain about. I like that you are REAL and that you admit to eating pizza and Chinese food. It makes you like one of us :)
    Reply