Lifestyle Changes; Not Quick Fixes

Two things I like to always reiterate:
1. Progress is not linear
2. Consistency is key. 
This is huge when it comes to nutrition related goals.

Setting and working towards goals is awesome. It provides motivation and can result in a rewarding feeling of accomplishment. Sometimes, however, it is easy to get frustrated with the patience and time it takes to create long term lifestyle changes. Quick fixes sound much better, and who wouldn’t want to see changes overnight, right? These quick fixes most likely will not last for the long term. Creating new habits takes weeks and months but will lead to lifestyle changes that are permanent. For example, a week-long crash diet or 5 day juice cleanse, or other fad diet that is short term will likely end up contributing to the concept of “yo-yo dieting”. Unfortunately, these “quick fixes” can cause a rebound and leave you farther away from your goal than you initially started. Sometimes, these “quick fixes” can even be unhealthy. 

In order to make lifestyle changes and reach your goals, it is important to set realistic and measurable goals. You must also continue working towards your goals and not get frustrated or give up when you hit a plateau or maybe feel like you “went backwards” for a bit…This is where the phrase “progress is not linear” comes from. There will be days and weeks that you feel better than others. There will be times you are more motivated. On the contrary, there will be times that you feel like you are not making progress. This is the most important time to not give up and to stick to your goals! Stay positive, stay consistent, and keep working towards those nutrition goals, one day and one step at a time. 

Furthermore, focus on feeling better, getting stronger, and setting performance goals. Focus on the things you will do, not the things that you won’t. For example, having a goal of eating 3 different vegetables each day is much more positive than setting a goal of not eating chocolate anymore, which would leave you feeling restricted and can make you feel defeated when you do eat the chocolate (because, let’s face it, who could go the rest of his or her life without chocolate??). Another tip: do not let the scale define you or your progress. If you are getting stronger and fitter, there is a good change that the scale could go up or stay the same while your body composition changes. Quick fixes are not likely to last, so stay consistent, and keep working towards those long-term lifestyle changes, one day at a time. If you would like to schedule a nutrition consultation, click here, and let’s work together on helping you reach those goals. 

- Lifestyle Changes; Not Quick Fixes -