By Coach Shawn
We all know how important it is to nourish our bodies with nutritious foods, but let’s face it—eating healthy isn’t always easy.
- Busy schedules,
- Cravings,
- Social pressures,
- Emotional triggers,
- Lack of knowledge,
- Our own mentality: ie: all or nothing
There are countless obstacles that can trip us up along the way.
But here’s the thing: struggles are a normal part of the process.
At Railroad CrossFit, we’re all about embracing the journey and supporting each other through the ups and downs of eating healthy.
So, let’s dive in and explore how to navigate those struggles successfully.
Understanding Your Triggers:
The first step in overcoming struggles with eating healthy is to understand your triggers.
What are the…
- situations,
- emotions, or
- environments that tend to derail your efforts?
Emotional triggers, such as stress, boredom, sadness, or anxiety, can often lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Whether it’s stress eating, late-night snacking, or mindless munching in front of the TV, identifying your triggers can help you anticipate and prepare for challenges ahead. Let alone it’s step 1 – awareness.
Keep a food journal, track your eating habits, and pay attention to patterns to gain insight into your triggers and develop strategies for managing them effectively.
Cultivating Self-Compassion:
It’s important to remember that nobody’s perfect when it comes to eating healthy.
We all have moments of weakness, slip-ups, and setbacks along the way.
Instead of beating yourself up over a lapse in willpower or indulging in guilt and shame, practice self-compassion.
Be kind to yourself, acknowledge that struggles are a normal part of the journey, and focus on progress rather than perfection.
Remember, every healthy choice you make is a step in the right direction, no matter how small.
As I taught my one-on-one Nutrition client Matt, view each meal as its own subset of decisions. Not the mentality that one slip up, setback or “zag” is a permission slip to unravel or beat ourselves up.
Building a Support System:
One of the best ways to navigate struggles with eating healthy is to surround yourself with a strong support system.
In one-on-one Coaching this starts with your Nutrition Coach.
A trusted coach, guiding and supporting every step of your journey who’s in your corner and understands your goals.
Meets you with encouragement, accountability, the knowledge and guidance you need which makes all the difference.
Also is the ability to expand your support network to friends, family, fellow members of the Railroad CrossFit community who have similar or their own goals.
Lean on your support system during challenging times, celebrate your successes together, and lift each other up when you need a boost.
Practicing Mindful Eating:
Mindful eating is a powerful tool for overcoming struggles with eating healthy.
Instead of rushing through meals or mindlessly devouring food, take the time to savor each bite. Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, and tune in to how different foods make you feel physically and emotionally.
Practice mindful eating techniques such as eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly, and focusing on the sensory experience of eating.
By being more present and mindful in your eating habits, you can make healthier choices and enjoy your food more fully.
Setting Realistic Goals:
Finally, it’s important to set realistic and achievable goals when it comes to eating healthy.
Instead of aiming for perfection or drastic changes overnight, focus on making small, sustainable changes that you can stick with in the long term.
Set specific, measurable, and realistic goals that align with your values and priorities, and break them down into manageable steps.
Celebrate your progress along the way, and remember that every positive choice you make brings you closer to your ultimate health and wellness goals.
Marry The Process –
At Railroad CrossFit, we know that struggles are a normal part of the process when it comes to eating healthy.
But we also know that with the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can overcome obstacles and make lasting changes to your eating habits.
Together, we can navigate the challenges of eating healthy and emerge stronger, healthier, and happier than ever before.
Keep pushing,
Coach Shawn
Need support and accountability with your eating habits?
Book a Free Consult;
Talk to a Coach about getting started in Nutrition Coaching.
You do not need to be a member of Railroad CrossFit to enlist in Nutrition Coaching.
