Embracing Change: The Inconvenience of a New Healthier Habit

The inspiration for writing this week’s simple post is this:

Hubs decided that we should do a better job taking care of our planet by doing a better job of recycling the amazon and supplement packages we get.  In order to make that work effectively, we had to change our thoughts, actions and the location of our new recycle bin.  It was actually quite funny to notice how we  mumbled and grumbled about the extra trip to the garage multiple times a day. It was an interruption of the usual way we did things.

Fast forward just a couple of weeks and it has become a new routine. No more muttering and we feel great about our extra effort.  Our DESIRE to make the change out weighted the initial inconvenience of trekking up and down the hallway to the garage.

Embracing Change: The Inconvenience of a New Healthier Habit

The pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, we often find ourselves confronted with the challenge of integrating new habits into our daily routines. Whether it’s committing to a new exercise regimen, prioritizing self-care, or, perhaps most notably, adjusting our dietary habits, change can be both exciting and daunting.

This week I wanted to delve into the realm of nutrition and explore the journey of adopting a new healthy eating habit – navigating the inconvenience, overcoming hurdles, and reaping the long-term benefits. Nutrition and our relationship with food can be challenging even when we want to make change because the food industry knows how to market, create bliss points and tastability that lights up our brains (Dopamine) which then causes us to want more of these chemical foods.

Picture this: you’ve decided to ditch processed foods and embrace a whole-food, plant-based diet. Suddenly, your weekly grocery shopping trips require meticulous planning and label-reading, meal preparation becomes a time-consuming task, and social gatherings present a minefield of temptations. In the face of such inconveniences, it’s easy to feel disheartened and tempted to revert to old, familiar eating patterns.

So, how do we navigate the inconvenience of adopting a new healthy eating habit?

First and foremost, it’s essential to approach this journey with patience and self-compassion. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are healthy eating habits. Understand that change takes time, and setbacks are an inevitable part of the process. Instead of berating yourself for slipping up or feeling overwhelmed, acknowledge your efforts and focus on progress, no matter how small and jump back on the bandwagon. We have already talked about this but DESIRE is a huge motivator.  Call the shots on your own self talk, take ownership and make it positive. ” I’ve got this “.

Next, arm yourself with knowledge. Educate yourself about the nutritional benefits of your chosen dietary approach, familiarize yourself with healthy food options, and experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques. Cooking at home is nourishing on so many levels and has huge benefits.

The time you take to prepare and smell the food promotes a shift in your nervous system that helps your body better prepare to digest your food. It doesn’t have to be from scratch everynight…click here for my Batch Cooking Suggestions if you need some suggestions on how to simplify the process and have nutritious meals ready in no time.

The more you understand about the food you eat and its impact on your health, the more empowered you’ll feel to make informed choices. Whole foods that are found in nature and minimally processed is best.

Embrace flexibility and adaptability. While it’s essential to have a clear plan and vison, it’s equally important to remain open to adjustments along the way. Life is unpredictable, and rigid dietary rules can often lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for balance and sustainability. The last thing you want to fuel a poor relationship with food.

Embracing Change: The Inconvenience of a New Healthier Habit

Finally, focus on the long-term benefits.

Yes, adopting a new healthy eating habit may be inconvenient  however if you stick with it, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. For more info on Habits: Check out the best selling book called Atomic Habits by James Clear.  He also has a new app called atoms if you are into tracking habits.

From improved physical health to enhanced mental clarity and emotional well-being, the positive impacts of nourishing your body with wholesome foods extend far beyond the immediate inconvenience.

In conclusion, embarking on the journey of adopting a new healthy eating habit may seem daunting, but with patience, knowledge, support, flexibility, and a focus on long-term benefits, it’s entirely achievable.

Embrace the inconvenience as part of the process, and remember that every small step towards better nutrition is a victory worth celebrating. So, here’s to nourishing our bodies, embracing change, and cultivating a healthier, happier future, one meal at a time.

Have a healthy week and embrace a healthy habit!

Dr Pia