Last night I was reading a book that I have been meaning to read for some time now, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
I got halfway down page 48 and read this line, “The way we see the problem, is the problem”…
I had to re-read it several times to let it sink in. Once it did, it was perfect. The author goes on to write, “people are intrigued when they see good things happening in lives of individuals…that are base on solid principles. They admire such personal strength and maturity…and their immediate request is very revealing of their basic paradigm…”
What is the usual immediate request?
“How do I fix this?” “What are some tricks/tips?” “Tell me what to do…”
Now the author goes on use examples such as kids misbehaving, marriages falling apart, and managers failing at work…but I’ve got to take the nutrition approach.
The way we see the problem, is the problem…
What will me writing out a specific meal plan for you change in your life?
What will me telling you to eat this and not that change in your life?
What will me telling you what I eat change in your life?
What will me telling you the “secrets” to fat loss change in your life?
Sure, answering simple questions might get you a little closer to your goal, but most of the time these type of questions lead to short term solutions, initial progress, followed by back tracking into usual habits.
There are people out there who will gladly give you these answers, for only $49.95, and they will probably help you – in the short term. They may “fix” some of your problems…only to expose deeper issues and struggles when it comes to your mindset and relationship with food.
The more and more you look for a quick fix and an easy solution, the more and more that very approach will contribute to your underlying chronic problem.
So what the heck do you do?
Good question. Everyone is different. Your needs, your intolerances, your habits, your cravings, your guilty pleasures, your body type, your hormone status, your food you enjoy, your food that you hate, your stress and emotional eating tendencies…
This is why cookie cutters rarely work (long term). Remember what I have said, if you lost weight doing something for 12 weeks, and gained it all back, did it really ‘work’?
Because I want to provide SOME actionable content here, I guess I will give you my 3 general “best” practices when it comes to changing your mindset and relationship with food – and playing the long game.
1 – Take away any morality and power you have given to food. It is not bad, it is not good – it is food. It is nourishment. It can under nourish, and it can over nourish. You are a human being, the most advanced creature on this planet, and that is a 2×2 square brownie – who has more power?
2 – Learn about your food. What food contributes to your most calories? What food surprises you when it comes to calories? What food is less calories than you thought? What food is high protein?
If you want to change your body, take some time to learn about what you are putting in it.
3 – Focus on and Enjoy the process. Stop fixating on your goal weight in 6 months. Stop talking about how much you weighed in college. Focus on the now. What are you currently doing to improve your current situation?
Looking to change your relationship with food? I am opening up 3 limited spots in my online coaching program in the New Year. Fill out this quick survey to find out more!
Like what you read? Want to get up to date blog posts sent directly to your email? Sign up below!
[blog_subscription_form]
Stay healthy my friends,