We are all embarking on a new year and all the dreams, desires and shifts we envision for ourselves, our loved ones and even our friends. At the top of the list for most people has something to do with changing their body and/or their health. Given this country is in a health crisis ,especially with the number of people that are overweight or obese, this is a great area to address and if this is you your not alone. So given there are any number of ways to approach creating a different body, weight, body fat ration why is it so hard? Why do so many people try numerous programs, gyms, classes, books and profession support only to find themselves back at square one come next December? Answer:
The key is behavior change or as Tony Robbins put it in his book “Money Master the Game” it is change the three S’s your strategy, your story and your state. I will not go into his description of this but you can read it yourself and I highly recommend that you do. What I do want to discuss is behavior change and the target area “Healthy Eating.”
Many of us know why our county is in a health crisis regarding weight and weight management but if you don’t here is a brief review:
- People are eating more processed food then ever before
- Portion sizes are much bigger then they need to be at restaurants and even at home
- People are preparing clean, lean and green foods much less then even 10 years ago
- People are eating more fat laden, sugary and food with little nutritional value then ever before
- People prepare healthy meals at home far less
- People are exercising less and living sedentary lives to a greater extent
- People have careers that require far less movement then in the past.
These are the short list. There are more and you get the idea. So if we know what the issues are why is it still hard to make healthy eating choices for the better? A few things need to happen before people will make lifestyle change that lasts.
When it comes to changing your strategy the first thing to consider is what are you currently doing that is working and what is not supporting your goal. If for example you want to change the way your body looks/feels (I use these terms rather then loose weight) and you are committed to change if you keep doing what your currently doing you will not see change. Something or many somethings have to look and feel different. If you currently eat processed or fast food just changing this is a big shift. If you drink soda of any kind changing this to other non sugary or chemical laden options is another big one. I do not recommend an overhaul all at once unless your the kind of person that can stand huge change. Most people need to have a more gradual approach in order to stick with the commitment.
Your story:What I mean by that are all the things you have come to believe for some reason. I am overweight because everyone in my family is, I hate to exercise, my mom is Italian and loves to cook, I can’t say no. If you have a story that keeps you stuck you may consider changing it. Just because something has been in the past does not mean it has to follow you forever or that you have to believe it. Changing your story is hard as often it has been a part of you for a long time. If you want your life to be and feel different you may have to tackle this one.
What about your state. How are you currently feeling about your body? Do you have all the energy you need to get through your day? Are you sleeping well at night for at least 7 hours? If you want to feel fully engaged, vibrant, alert and focused you may need to do somethings that will lift up your state of being.
Lastly, change is up to you and the more tools you have , the more support you enlist the easier this journey will be. Behavior change is creating life long habits. Here’s to your new ones!
It is my desire to help people reach their health, fitness and wellness goals. For more information I can be reached at www.health-fitness-coaching.com
In health,
Laurie
Laurie Bagley MS in Outdoor Adventure Leadership, is a mother, ACE certified health coach, entrepreneurial business owner, VeraHeart coach and teacher. Her Health and Wellness products business and her Health Fitness Coaching Business, focus on assisting people reach their health/wellness/fitness and financial goals. She is also the 6th woman to summit Mt. Everest from the North Col route and has written a book called SUMMIT.