For many, good nutrition and regular exercise are a way of life, habits so ingrained, they are as necessary as brushing one’s teeth in the morning. For others, living a healthy lifestyle is an emotional rollercoaster, where they are riding high and having the time of their life one moment, only to fall off frustrated seconds later. So how can we learn to break the “dieting” cycle, and form these healthy daily habits like the so called fitness buffs? It’s all about learning to make your health a priority, and anyone (even you) can do it!
The truth is, even the fittest, most dedicated health nut has their moments of weakness when they indulge in a delicious piece of pie or skip a training session on a rainy day in favor of their favorite tv show. But then something wonderful happens to these health nuts. They scrape their butts up off the coach and pick right up where they left off as soon as they can. They don’t tell themselves, they’ll get back on track “tomorrow” or on “Monday”, or “after the holidays”. Instead they jump back on their routine when life allows them too, quickly falling back in stride with their trusty nutrition and fitness geared lifestyle. See, one of the main barriers that separate those who are consistent with their nutrition and exercise, from those who are stuck on the yo-yo roller coaster is a realistic, forgiven mentality. The “committed” understand that good health is not black and white. They are never all or “nothing”. They understand that they are humans with weaknesses, busy lives, families, stress and worries and they do what they can, when they can. They don’t dwell or feel immense guilt when they do fall off track; it only motivates and excites them to try harder tomorrow. They are never “on” their health plan, or “off”. They are just simply “healthy” people that choose to live a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to teach everyone, including you, how to do the same!
In all my years as a Nutrition Coach, I’ve worked with every kind of client and my number one goal is to give everyone the understanding that this stuff isn’t rocket science! Sure you need to understand blood sugar stabilization and correct exercise and have the tools and a plan, but your most powerful weapon is your mind! Every “health nut” out there has had to start somewhere, and consciously or subconsciously the successful ones decided early on that good health is NOT black and white, and to roll with the punches.
If you are reading this particular blog and thinking to yourself, “I’m always on the diet and exercise rollercoaster and I want to get off!”, it may be time for you to start thinking differently too. Try reminding yourself that you are human with faults like the rest of us, and you will have struggles. Understand that in order to be successful permanently, you must possess a realistic attitude. Life will always throw us curve balls and we’ll always be tempted to give in to chocolate cake, and the key is finding the balance. Give yourself credit when you do something right and forgive yourself and move on when you don’t. And remember, that with practice, patience and consistency, you will be successful!
If your still struggling and need the encouragement, support and motivation of a professional, try giving Phone Coaching with Venice Nutrition a try. Our certified nutrition and fitness coaches will work with you at your pace, helping you to develop a healthy attitude and healthy habits to last you a lifetime. For more information about Phone Coaching, please visit the STORE tab on www.venicenutrition.com. We look forward to working with you!
My best,
Valerie Cogswell
Lead Venice Nutrition Coach and Head Chef