Are you waiting for January to "start fresh?"
Are you indulging during the holiday season with the plan to reset in January and "be good" in the new year?
Are you waiting until the temptations are fewer so you can succeed at your health goals?
This mindset typically coincides with an ‘all or nothing’ approach. And most feel this is the best way to lose weight or finally get healthy." BUT IT'S NOT.
Why? Because despite the fact most people go all in from day one –
Hitting the gym 5 days a week…
Cutting out all sugar and carbs…
And swearing off alcohol…
By the second or third week, they are mentally exhausted and give up the consistency (after a night out or a binge on something that's been calling their name from the pantry) only to end up gaining back the few pounds they've lost AND a few more!
And you know what? I don’t blame them for a second.
Dragging yourself through hours of mindless cardio that you loathe every week…
Cutting out all your favorite foods…
And giving up social experiences is no way to live – especially if you’re just starting your wellness journey or if you've struggled in the past.
I understand WHY most people adopt an ‘all or nothing’ approach. After all, we’ve been told to “eat less and move more” our entire lives, right?
However, there are 2 problems with this approach:
First, ‘all or nothing’ is NOT sustainable.
Second, people who adopt this do-or-die mentality end up beating themselves up when they fall off track, and say things like:
“I don't have any willpower!”
“I have to get back on track!”
“I need to be more disciplined!”
"I failed again, so I may as well not try!"
So what’s the solution?
Make SIMPLE, CONSISTENT (but impactful) changes to your current lifestyle.
I know, this sounds overly simplified and maybe even a little obnoxious, especially if you’ve tried everything to improve your health already.
It is possible to lose weight, balance your hormones, gain confidence around your choices, increase your strength, and feel energized by making simple changes to your daily routine. For example:
Start your day with a protein-based breakfast. Not only will this increase energy and increase your feelings of fullness until lunch, but you’ll be more inclined to eat healthier foods for the rest of the day, too.
Go for a 10-minute walk outside once throughout the day. Although this seems like nothing, you’d be surprised how much this encourages you to move more throughout the day.
Add a fermented food into your day (just a couple tablespoons). Gut health is essential for fat loss and hormone balance. Increasing the good bacteria in your digestive system will affect your mood and cravings.
Now, if you’re sitting there thinking:“Jaime, I’ve got over 20 lbs to lose, that’s not going to work for me!” You’d be right, the above changes alone won’t be enough to shed 20 lbs of stubborn fat off your body. But that’s NOT the point.
The point is, that these simple changes create a ‘snowball effect’ which nudges you towards a healthier and less stressful lifestyle over time because you are in the practice of actually "practicing" better habits.
And this habit-stacking strategy is key.
So you COULD continue to adopt an ‘all or nothing’ approach.
Or, you could commit to making SIMPLE (but impactful) changes to your current lifestyle.
So if you’re sick of choosing ‘all or nothing’ only to be left with nothing:
Email me at jaimepalinchak@gmail.com and let's just connect.
Book a free initial consult and get the ball rolling on working together for a healthier, fitter, more confident version of you.
Explore some of the less time-committing options I have to dip your toes in the water. Don't want to start with a 12-week coaching program or personal training? Try a fitness class or become a Healthy Cook Member.
I'd love to be the source of support and encouragement and accountability you may have never thought you needed.
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