Health4Tips: motivation

Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Focus on the journey NOT the destination

Every time I hear someone say - I have 20kg to lose, or I have 100 lbs to lose, it always worries me. How do you work on such a huge goal? How do you stay motivated for the months or years that that will take? And what happens if you lose only 18kg, or just 90lbs (both an amazing achievement)? Does that mean you failed? And how arbitrary is a goal weight for you anyway? We know statistically what BMI means for populations and that people within certain ranges are at decreased (or increased) risk of disease. But does that mean that YOU need to be a "certain weight" to be healthier than you are now? Possibly not.

Stop with the unachievable goals. If you really need a numerical goal then make it something you can achieve like 5kg or 5lbs and then readjust when you get there. But to be honest, your goal should be to make healthy changes in your life. Make your targets tangible. I will eat less fast food this week. I will drink more water tomorrow. I will walk 3-5 times a week. I will aim to go to bed earlier tonight. I will eat 5 serves of vegetables today. You can succeed at those things and you can succeed at them TODAY. And you know what? The evidence is clear that those changes WILL make you healthier and decrease your risk of disease. And you will probably lose weight in the process anyway, but you are much more likely to be happy and consider yourself a success, and that's important.

Focus on the journey, not the destination.

Lyndal @ Lean Green and Healthy

It's okay not to be perfect.

Privacy motivation ,

Guess what? You're not perfect and neither am I.

Some days you are going to be all over this healthy lifestyle change, you'll be motivated and focused and nothing will stop you. Other days you might wonder if it's all worth it, think you're defeated and not want to get off the couch. And some days you might make not so healthy food choices and feel grumpy and guilty like you've really fallen off the bandwagon.

That's okay. We are all human, none of us are perfect. There is no reason to feel guilty, it's just food. And this is not a 30 day plan or a 12 week program that you have "ruined". This lifestyle change has no expiry date, so you know what? You've got the rest of your life to get it right. Brush yourself off and start again, not tomorrow, not next week, right now.

Just aim small, step by step. Make changes, day by day, one healthy meal at a time. You don't have to be perfect. You're doing your best. And that's pretty awesome in my book.

Lyndal @ Lean Green and Healthy

"Food is fuel" or is it more complex than that?

Privacy healthy eating , motivation

I have seen mottoes written on the internet such as "Eat to live, don't live to eat" and they always make me feel uncomfortable. These one-liners just don't sit right with me. That concept that "food is fuel" and nothing more is I think simplistic and unrealistic and certainly doesn't reflect the way I live. Sure, some people see it that way, but for the vast majority of us, food is more than just fuel.

Food can be a source of nourishment and pleasure, a social activity, a celebration, a tradition, a reinforcement of culture, a religious ceremony, a creative outlet, an expression of love, giving and sharing..... and for some of us also a reward and a punishment. For many people who are overweight or obese, or who have an eating disorder, their relationship with food is one of the fundamental problems hampering their eventual recovery.

I believe it's perfectly fine to enjoy your food, to love your fuel and take pleasure from your nourishment. But make your relationship with food a positive one. If food makes you sad, angry, guilty, stressed, anxious, obsessed, depressed or hateful then this is not good for you, your health or your weight. If you reward yourself with food, or punish yourself with food, perhaps you need to look at alternatives. If your relationship with food is less than positive its time to examine it, and consider doing so with the help of a qualified professional such as a psychologist, a dietitian or a doctor. Like any bad relationship, don't be afraid to seek help and improve it, for your own health and happiness.

Lyndal @ Lean Green and Healthy

Create healthy habits, not restrictions.

Privacy motivation , tips and tricks

Making healthy choices should not be negative or miserable Changing your life to be more healthy shouldn't make you feel deprived. If you focus on the things you "can't" or "shouldn't" be eating, this will not be a positive experience.

Instead, try to focus on the everyday positive habits you can ADD to make your life healthier. Focus on the powerful choices you are making. Be positive and proud.
Here's some ideas....

Today I will go for a walk.
Today I will drink a glass of water every time I pass the kitchen.
Today I will eat two pieces of fruit.
Today I will add a serve of vegetables to every meal.
Today I will start drinking green tea.
Today I will look at myself in the mirror, smile, and think something positive about myself.
Today I will start getting healthier.

Create healthy habits, not restrictions.

Lyndal @ Lean Green and Healthy

Be kind to yourself

Privacy motivation ,

Be proud of what you achieved so far, even if what you have achieved is making the decision to start! Your body is amazing and is capable of so much. Don't hate it, or shame yourself, or feel guilty. You will achieve much more by confidence, by loving and nurturing yourself and treating yourself well. You deserve it.

Lyndal @ Lean Green and Healthy

Health4Tips

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Focus on the journey NOT the destination

Sunday, June 1, 2014

It's okay not to be perfect.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

"Food is fuel" or is it more complex than that?

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Create healthy habits, not restrictions.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Be kind to yourself

Popular

Categories