Seeing great before and after photos of success stories makes feel really good inside.
But what it actually does is feed our instant gratification! It’s kinda like the emotional equivalent of a candy bar. Yes it is great for inspiration, but it also sells to an idea that is not always realistic.
We understand and see that a transformation is possible, which is great, but we are also sold short of what that transformation actually entails.
It’s like seeing the first minute and the last minute of a 4 hour movie….the most important part is lost.
And that in my opinion sets a lot of people up for failure, because it undermines the importance of what lays in the middle….which is the PROCESS of that transformation.
Weight loss of hundred pounds, great muscle definition, healing of “incurable” diseases….whatever it might be, you can rest assured it was not accomplished overnight and without sweat and tears.
That’s why I want to bring back the importance of the process, and give you some tips on how to best navigate it, so you can be most successful in your attempts at a better you!
Here are few element that have been pivotal in helping myself and my patients through the process of healing:
- Triggers
- Support network
- A plan
- Step by step
- Coaching
Triggers: recognizing what your triggers are, and most important getting to the root of why they are triggers in the first place!
If having your in laws for dinner, triggers binging behaviour, for example, you should first of all becoming aware of that. As you will have to probably deal with that fact of life, knowing ahead what is coming can help you choose a better strategy for yourself to prevent the event from triggering that specific unhealthy behaviour. Then you can start to figure out why…maybe they bring back childhood memories of judgment and punishment from your own parents around your eating habits. Keeping a journal of your triggers will be helpful!
Support network.
Once you know what your triggers are, you can start creating a support network around them to help you stay strong in that specific situation. Maybe in the case of the previous example you can enroll your husband to give you some positive feedback, and support to avoid getting sucked into your destructive pattern, Maybe is a friend who you can call to intervene before the behaviour happens.
A plan
Having a plan B you can implement in place of the self destructive behavior is always beneficial. Creating a strategy for maybe a just slightly better option….So in case of a dinner at home with in-laws, make a plate ahead for yourself, and commit to not eat more than that plate!
Or having meal plans ready to plan your food week, so you are committed to buy only what is on that list….
Step by step
Of course we can not expect to change our ingrained habits in just a day! So being kind to yourself means not getting attached to minor relapses but sticking to the bigger picture! Being able to forgive yourself and quickly move on, back to the plan you made with the support of your chosen support network!
Coaching
Of course working with a coach who could provide professional support and experites can be extremely valuable, even if for short periods of time. It only takes about 3 weeks to form new habits after all, but 3 weeks of good compliance are crucial for that new habit t take root and become the new normal. Having the accountability and receiving the wisdom and support of an expert can make all the difference!
Needing help with your nutritional needs?
I have developed The Healing Foods Method to help you feel great, balance your hormones, lose weight and keep it off.
