"It’s NOT about the food…"
This might surprise you, but it’s a realization that hit home for me, both personally, as someone who struggled for years with emotional eating and binging, AND as a coach. For those who don't know, my own battle with these issues was a significant catalyst that led me to further my education and become a coach specializing in behavior change, particularly in health and fitness.
You see, I was under the incorrect assumption that all I needed was more self-discipline and motivation. I thought if I could just muster enough of these, and focus on WHAT I should be eating, I'd magically be able to make good choices with food, eat healthily, and 'just do it' – being more in control of my eating behaviors and habits. But, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth."
People often ask me, “How do you stay so consistent with your exercise?” or “How do you manage to eat healthy all the time? Where do you get the willpower?”
First off, I’m far from perfect. But what I can and do well is try to be consistent! The simple answer? It aligns with my values and what’s important to me, and I’ve gotten crystal clear on what those are! It’s part of who I am. But in full transparency – it's much more complicated than that.
If we talk about myself or anyone who seems to “just do the thing,” we didn’t simply wake up one day, decide to “just do it,” and magically summon all the motivation and self-discipline. It’s a journey that involves cultivating a set of skills – like self-regulation, self-awareness, problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, and planning.
Now, truth be told, some individuals naturally possess a strong set of these skills. They manage their habits and choices effortlessly, often without realizing the complexity of the skills they are applying. This seamless integration of skills can be innate or a result of their life experiences. For others, especially those who haven't undergone specific training, behavior change education, or coaching, developing these skills can be a more conscious and deliberate process.
It started with gaining clarity on who I wanted to be. For me, it was “I’m someone who truly and deeply values my health.” Then came the strategic effort, the planning, and the practice to become proficient in these skills.
But why does this matter?
As you welcome 2025 and set your resolutions, many of which may focus on fitness and nutrition, consider how your relationship with food and exercise mirrors other areas of your life.
The choices you make, your commitment to a workout routine, how you care for your health - these are deeply intertwined with your inner beliefs, values, and the personal narratives you’ve crafted.
This year, I invite you to dive deeper. Look beyond the ‘what’ of your eating and exercising habits and explore the ‘why’. What motivates your choices? What stories are shaping your health journey?
Remember, transformation is a process, and it's about more than just the food on your plate or the hours in the gym. It's about aligning your actions with who you want to become.
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