Reset Needed
Photo by Jim Wilson on Unsplash
Action required.
Successful and lasting personal change requires a fine balance between giving yourself grace when things are not going well and expecting more of yourself. This is a critical piece of success that does not get enough air time.
These last few weeks I have again (for the thousandth time) found myself having a couple of weeks of not wanting to shop/plan/cook the food that I know works best. What is that? Why does it happen periodically? I feel so much better when I manage the food piece well - why would I not do it? I am not sure of all of the deep answers, but here are my thoughts.
I have noted for myself that the problem is either environmental - the weather, events on the calendar, emotional circumstances in our lives, A PANDEMIC. Or, it is simply that we are stuck in a rut, bored, feeling lazy or uninspired. These two causes often overlap, although not always. The result is the same though - our healthier behaviors and habits fall by the wayside and if we are not careful they will get away from us before we know it.
This is a time to act even when you do not have faith. Where to start? Continue any of the healthy habits you are able to. For me the daily habits that I never have trouble keeping are drinking 64 ounces of water, getting about 7-8 hours of sleep, no food after dinner, and moving my body in some way. Doing these things serve as a baseline of support, self care and positivity when the food piece is not going so well.
Next, make yourself a plan. What actions can you take that will help you pivot? What has worked in the past? What have you thought about trying? Are there new foods or recipes you can use? What about eating lunch for breakfast, or a big lunch and small dinner? You do not need to overhaul your whole program - just change up enough to get momentum.
Finally, and perhaps the hardest piece - check your thoughts because they are ALWAYS at the root of the problem, even when we are not aware of it. Practice noting your negative thoughts (this will never work, I will never be successful, I messed up again, I am a failure) and replace them with new, positive ones (I can do this, I am smart and I can figure this out, I am not giving up, I can find support). This does not happen overnight but when you practice it over and over, you will start to see a shift.
The prevalent cultural story around weight loss is that success comes from doing ALL OF THE THINGS RIGHT ALL OF THE TIME. Striving for that level of perfection is not only impossible but is utterly exhausting. Setbacks happen and enthusiasm recedes, but when we take concrete action we are taking our control back.
As for me, this week I made my plan of what to cook or purchase so that I can get back on track. Not glamorous or flashy. The work never is - but the results do not come without it.
