Open Mindset is the Key to Healthy Eating Habits
For over 3 years I resisted getting the eye glasses I needed to improve my vision. I simply “got by” using the drug store “cheaters.”
In my mind I had a “fixed belief” that because I had had corrective surgery on my eyes 20 years ago, I shouldn’t EVER have to wear glasses!!
It’s a known fact that our thoughts become our reality. In our brains, a neurological pathway actually develops to continually reinforce our beliefs, and this then influences our habits.
Oftentimes, beliefs about food and our eating habits are also unknowingly shaped by “fixed beliefs.”
“We always have blueberry pancakes with bacon and eggs on Sunday morning.”
“I deserve a big bowl of ice cream after dinner—I had a rough day at work.”
But we can run into trouble down the road if our eating habits are shaped by fixed beliefs which lead to not-so-healthy, longstanding habits. Seemingly small or inconsequential habits, day in and day out, add up over time. And, these habits may contribute to weight gain, lack of energy and/or poor quality sleep. This puts us at risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
So, what’s the SOLUTION?
First of all, it’s important to recognize that our mindset and our habits—in particular, our eating habits– are really a huge part of who we are, and they are actually “encoded” in our brains. Oftentimes my clients will tell me that “I have no will power.” They find it very difficult to change bad habits. I then remind them that it’s not really a matter of will power; it’s understanding how our brains work, and then coming up with a plan to change any bad habits.
The next step in trying to change a bad habit is to then choose one meal or snack and focus on ONLY that. Don’t try to overhaul your whole day of eating at once or give in to the latest fad diet. Examine any fixed beliefs you may have that may be sabotaging you. For example: choosing to pick up fast food on the way home from work because you’re tired and don’t have the energy to prepare a healthier meal at home.
Or, another example: “I have to eat a quick bowl of cereal for breakfast. I don’t have time for anything else.”
And try to keep an “open mindset” as you explore possibilities for changing the bad habit.
As a Board Certified Health Coach, I am an expert in guiding and supporting my clients to make health habit changes. As your Coach, I will encourage you to freely express your desires, and we will work together to build a unique health plan for you.
One of my recent clients, J.G., has lost 25 pounds, and brought her Hgb A1c (blood sugar) down from 7.6 to 6.0.
NOW is the time!
Take advantage of my Fall Reset:
Buy one health coaching session ($79) and get the 2nd one for ½ price ($40)
Schedule your FREE 20-minute phone consult
To see if you qualify.
To Your Good Health!
Karen