“Are you ready to tackle nutrition?” I asked during the monthly check in
“Not yet.” the client shook their head vigirously.
The question served a simple purpose: assess where the client was on their journey.
A lot of times people come to me expecting to start tackling it all- fitness, nutrition, stress management and recovery.
But that’s not how it works.
Yes, there are a plathera of things that we can do to start transforming. The truth is you have agency to decide which task you’re ready to tackle.
The good thing is “being ready” to address something begins with learning about it. Which is exactly what these newsletters are all about. Providing you with insights and to encourage you to take the action.
When people think about nutrition they assume it’s just about looking at what they’re eating and how much. That’s part of it. The other gets a little deeper It revolves around your relationship with food, what role your culture plays and the identity we take on.
It’s important to note that there is no right or wrong entry point when it comes to nutrition. You might find it easier to start focusing on macros from one day to the next, while Molly might need to start with becoming aware of her water intake. Regardless of where you are on your journey, there is one fraction of the equation that supports you in all phases: preparing & supporting yourself to take action.
Today we’re exploring three unique ways to tackle it: through conversations, boundaries and indulgence plan.
Conversation
When it comes to making changes in your nutrition - having conversations with familly, friends, colleagues or those you spend time with is underrated. They can become the support you need to keep going or what is hindering you from reaching your goals.
Think of this as an opportunity for you to share your vision, how you plan to execute it and how they can support you through your journey. But I get it, conversations can feel scary, specially when the fear of being judged or failing creeps in.
For example, I have a client who didn’t want to take the next step in working on her nutrtion because of how her family would react. Being part of a family, where you ate what was made and got served a second plate - meant that there might be friction in the changes she wanted to make. Her fear was that she would be guilt tripped and even shamed. After revisting with her why this work she was doing mattered to her, she was realized if she wasnted to be successful, this was something she would need to to. Soon she was able to share her ‘why’ with ther family, making it easier for her to slowly start incorporating new habits without getting pushback during family dinners.
Sometimes it’s all about having a conversation to realize that those around you do want to see you succeed. And having that support system boosts your confidence and willingness to try.
Other times you might discover that it takes more than a conversation to feel brave enough to move forward.
Boundaries
For some it might be more challenging to feel confident enough to take the next step. People might say things or the environment isn’t supportive. Then there’s the studies that show how humans will give up their soveirgnty in order to belong and not be outcast.
This is requires creating boundaries that will support you in creating the change you want. This can be physical, emotional and material boundaries.
Maybe it’s not going to specific gatherings, deciding you want to spend less time with a certain group of people or addressing how someone is speaking to you.
Here are a few ways to identify where and when to set a boundary:
- Observe your physical and emotional reaction to people or situations.
- Identify patterns of being uncomfortable, angry or hurt.
- Reflect on what you want from relationships.
Ask: how do you want to feel supported during your transformation?
Knowing that makes it easier to know where you need to create a boundary to protect that. At times, that boundary needs to be with the inner bully who criticizees you.
Catch the Bully
When it comes to creating change - people tend to blame external factors. But the biggest challenge is actually that they are their own bullies.
They talk down to themselves for not doing something, making a mistake or even trying.
People tend to down play the importance of self-talk. Yet that voice inside is there 24/7 repeating and telling stories that impact how you show up.
Just to be clear, this doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice until one day it changes.
When it comes to your nutritional habits - it can be easy to start guiliting or accusing yourself for not following through. Perhaps you hear yourself list all the things you should or should not have done.
Instead, replace should with the “I chose to”.
I chose to eat the whole cake instead of a piece.
I chose to have 4 drinks and have a hangover the following day.
I chose to skip lunch and binge eat during dinner.
Taking personal responsibility for your actions fosters learning and growth. Now you’re reflecting honestly and can make adjustments- instead of ruminating and feeling stuck.
Having conversations, setting boundaries and catching the bully are ways to get ready when it comes to making the change you know you need to make. It doesn’t mean it has to happen all at once, but it’s a start.
If you’re someone who is struggling to ‘be ready’, hit ‘reply’ and share with me what’s your biggest challenge. I’m here to get you one step closer to taking action and start creating a your healthier lifestyle.
-Milchu “Ready” Perez