Food can be fun! It is usually the life of the party! So, why do we struggle?
I find that people are usually capable of great change, but one of the hardest things to do is to change what they eat! Don't mess with my mashed potatoes! Or ice cream! Or scrambled eggs! Everyone has favorite foods because they give us comfort when the world seems against us. Sometimes there is nothing we'd rather do than shut out the world with a good movie and some...food. We love our food.
Barriers to Change
A major reason why it is hard to change how we eat is that most people try to do it all at once. This is quite addictive behavior it seems. We love the immediate thrill of setting that goal and making it happen. Unfortunately, those kind of changes are like rollercoasters, complete with exciting peaks and uncomfortable valleys.
So, you want to lose weight? - okay, a 4 weeks of shakes will help you do that, but will not get you through what comes next. Or eat all the meat you want, but no carbs. Look at your blood type and let that determine your food choices. There are diet for certain zones, diets for geographic locations, diets for women, diets for stress. They all have a hook, and none of them really work.
So why do we keep going back to these diets?
They all promote their diet with a lengthy book about why it rescued them. Take a step back and look. These diets all follow the same formula. A compelling book. A testimony. Advertisements filled with before and after bodies. They prey on your insecurities, instead of leading you to a new way of relating to your food.
Decide
Anyone who has made a life change will tell you that there was a moment of deciding. They set their mind to the task. Knowing that it will take some trial and error, but keeping a clear focus on their goal. Then the next steps are about learning and taking a chance. It is only when we move forward with understanding, determination and commitment that we see the results that are meaningful and lasting.
What is the ultimate goal? To enjoy food, and benefit from the amazing health that it can provide. So find yourself a good nutritionist. Someone who can lead you to discovering what works for you. Health is available to everyone, and it is earned one step at a time.
Here are a few guidelines:
1. Read a book on nutrition
2. Make ONE new meal a week
3. Create a book of the favorite new meals
4. Exercise 5 times a week. (Walking is a great place to start)
5. Repeat
In gratitude,
~ Rose