Change Your Internal Dialog

"Have you missed a few workouts, made some poor food choices, went back to your old habits? It’s OK, almost everyone has lapses in motivation from time to time. Now is a great time to get back on track. Remember your cause, your highest value, what is most important to you. Is it your kids, your grand-kids, your drive for success? This is why you train, why you eat well, why you strive for health. Once you see how exercise, healthy eating, and maximal health help you to be better at what you value/love the most. These lapses in motivation will be few and far between."
~Dr. Steve Czys~

When I read this post on facebook this week, it got me thinking about a few things. First, just how far I have come, and second, just how far there is to go, as we continue down this path of life. There are always things you can do to make healthy changes easier. Finding your cause, then changing your mental attitude and internal dialog can  make all the difference in the world.

It is amazing how well I can remember these battles from past years, when I was initially struggling with my weight. That defeatist attitude really can make or break your success. It quite simply comes down to this: If you tell yourself yo

u will not be successful, you will not be successful. If you tell yourself you WILL be successful, then you WILL be successful!

Easier said than done, believe me I know. First, we have to contend with the constant temptation and the people around us who have not really realized or discovered their cause, so they don't understand what you are trying to do. Here is a great opportunity to change your internal dialog! Just remember that they are dealing with their own battles and you can just smile and continue munching your apple slices or carrot sticks while they suck down candy bars and soda - while silmultaneously increasing their risk for heart disease and diabetes.

For those of you struggling to get started or struggling to keep going, here area few things that have helped me along the way!

• Set Goals and Remember your Cause - Write some things down and then put them somewhere where you will see them every day! I have mine in a sort of collage on bright colored paper tacked to the wall at the top of my stairs. It is a constant reminder of the things I am focused on, long term and short term.
• Clean out the Crap - If it is not in the house, you won't eat it! I am an all or nothing person. When I made up my mind, I never looked back; I was committed. I cleaned out the cupboards and took food I didn't want to waste to the local food pantry. Then I restocked with healthier snack options like dried fruits, nuts, jerky, fresh veggies and fruits. (If you are needing to take it slower, just removed one thing at a time. ie: start with clearing out all refined sugar and in a couple of weeks, maybe switch your milk to almond milk...)
• Dont Restrict Yourself, CHOOSE! - Rather than telling yourself you can't can't have something; CHOOSE not to eat something you know is harmful and not healthy for your body! Always remember just how poisonous those sugary treats are over time, despite how they may taste for the 5 minutes it takes to eat them. Eat to nourish your body!
• Find Healthier Alternatives - The internet opens up a whole wide world of recipes, so when you are craving that brownie or cookie, just google a recipe for ones made with almond on coconut flour.
• Never Stop Learning! - Knowledge is power! The more you read, the more you learn, then the easier it gets to make good decisions about your health. You will also be constantly reminding yourself of things like: just how powerful exercise is, new ways to prepare different foods, and even the science behind it all (if you are interested!) Technology has made it so easy to get knowledge through the internet, eBooks and podcasts.

I hope that some of this helps you, please don't hesitate to ask questions! We are available via phone and email anytime. Best of health!