The Power to Choose.
Finding balance along the journey
3 Tips for Beginners that Worked for Me.
If I could share anything about this journey with someone that is beginning, it would be to take the time to figure out what your motivators are, your goals are, and how to make it a lifestyle.
Figure out:
1) Motivators and Demotivators
What motivates you?, What decreases your motivation?
Answers to these questions will help you effectively plan to keep yourself encouraged and help you with choices and emotions that will not serve you well on this journey. I made a common mistake, I chose a goal that only pertained to my outer appearance. I achieved the goal. Thanksgiving and Christmas arrived I was back to my starting point (actually 15 pounds heavier). I realized that I had a pattern of over-eating non-energizing foods over the holidays that led to excessive weight gain. I developed a plan to stop the behavior and change my mentality. My motivation became preventing preventable diagnoses and having a high quality of life as I age. My motivation has been the best motivation and the most sustainable one yet. I also learned that giving too much power to guilt doesn't serve me well. The experience of guilt as an emotion can serve a positive purpose. It can help to keep us accountable to ourselves. I acknowledge this purpose and strategically plan to be more efficient and effective.
2) Goals
Figuring out that I didn't want to be a certain rigid weight but wanted to maintain a certain physique and energy throughout the day allowed me to have days where I eat foods that aren't always energizing but within reason. I don't consume meat-based protein with each of my meals. I have come to appreciate vegetarian meals quite a bit. I know I want to stabilize my weight. I increase non-meat protein intake on days when I do not consume meat. I dine in places that have tuna and veggie-based options. This has been a life-changer.
3) How to make it a lifestyle
I had to make decisions that addressed my physical, emotional, and mental well-being to truly make the changes that supported my healthier choices. Try to make choosing new options fun! Choosing alternatives to the common menu items in your home can be a fun way to introduce new items to your menu.
Thank you for reading today's blog. Be intentional and stay healthy!
Author: Alita-Geri Carter, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Disclaimer:
The information provided is not to act as medical or legal advice. My views are my own.