While reflecting on a conversation I recently had with some friends who were struggling, I was brought back to the countless times when life seemed hopelessly overwhelming and all I wanted to do was give up. I thought of the times when I’ve been stuck in a rut of overeating while not exercising at all, knowing that I desperately needed to change, but the thought of doing anything different was paralyzing. I thought about how I wished God would just snap His fingers and either put me out of my misery or make it all better.
When we are in the midst of a struggle it’s often impossible to believe that things will ever get better because depression tends to pollute our thinking, convincing us that it’s ‘too hard’ or that trying something like nutrition could never actually work for us because we aren’t capable of changing. Those voices are obnoxious and prevent us from ever taking that first step.
I want you to know…You are not alone! The good news is that I’ve heard those voices as well and I’ve found ways to defeat them. Take it from someone who has been there struggling to claw herself out of the pit over and over — recovery is possible! You have more strength and courage than you realize and every step you take toward reclaiming your life, no matter how small it seems, is setting into motion something powerful and positive that will gain traction and change how you feel. My current favorite quote is by Brad Stulberg — “You don’t have to feel good to get going. You need to get going in order to give yourself a chance to feel good.”
I want to share a few thoughts and tips that have helped me to stay motivated. Some people can set a goal, make a plan and then once their mind is set on it there’s no stopping them. I, however, do not operate that way. Instead of continuing to beat myself up over the fact that I can’t “just do it” I’ve found little things to do that make a big difference in helping me stay on track with healthy choices when things get difficult.
You don’t have to radically change your lifestyle overnight. You don’t need to completely overhaul your kitchen, take up running, sign up for a marathon or say a permanent farewell to sugar the moment you wake up tomorrow in order to start feeling better. Some people like to make radical changes and it works for them. But if the prospect of changing your nutrition seems like a daunting task, then start slowly. Try one thing at a time and go from there.
Start by adding healthy foods instead of taking things away. (A green smoothie in the morning is a great way to set the tone for the day and it’s so easy and delicious!) Crowd the unhealthy out with more healthy options. Then you won’t feel like you are deprived or making a sacrifice. When you successfully add something positive to your day it gives you an opportunity to celebrate and with each celebration comes more motivation.
The odds of me making healthy choices are much greater when I immerse myself in them. What I mean by that is instead of watching the news in the morning (or ever) I watch YouTube videos about health and wellness. There are several channels I watch regularly that are very well done and provide ideas for meals and snacks along with education and inspiration. My favorites are: Simnett Nutrition , Rich Roll , and Dr. Greger . Netflix also has a great selection of documentaries that are informative and inspiring. (Forks Over Knives, What The Health, Vegucated, Hungry For Change and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead) When I’m on my treadmill or lifting weights in my living room, I watch videos of ultra marathons, or vlogs about women lifting or running, and it fires me up.
Most of the books or blogs that I read are focused on faith or nutrition. Recently I made a goal to consistently read the Bible and when I follow through I find it very calming. It’s easy to become consumed with health and nutrition but then forget about God who created our miraculous bodies in the first place. Reading the Bible puts me in a better headspace and reminds me of what’s most important. If I want to be able to help and love others, I need to be healthy. Then before bed I read the latest books on nutrition/health/psychology/fitness which inspires me for the morning.
Knowing that my family will also benefit from healthier eating is a tremendous motivator. I get to see how the smoothies and healthy fats and large quantities of veggies keep them fueled and thriving. Find a friend who may be open to making a positive change with you and share recipes, go for walks or lift weights together, and check in on each other. It’s much easier and more fun than going at it alone. And if you can’t do it in person, there are tons of ways to do it virtually.
My hope is that you are able to find the courage and strength inside of you to take a leap of faith and try something new. If I can do it, you absolutely can too. Make a goal and then celebrate your success. Stifle the negative voices with ones of victory, then ask God for help and choose another. You are a warrior who is on a quest. You have the weapons, now decide what you are going to do with them.
In six months you will have either six months of progress or six months of excuses. The choice is yours. Unknown
Do the small things each day and you will develop better habits that will help you reach your goal in the long run. Steve Magness
My typical smoothie recipe. (I drink 40oz every morning!)
In a Vitamix:
Fill blender with kale (or spinach), add 16oz water and blend (to make room!)
Add 1-2 frozen bananas, 2tbs chia seeds, 5mg creatine, scoop vegan vanilla protein powder, approx 2 cups frozen berries/fruit and more water if needed. Blend!
