Cravings and Lack of Motivation: Your Blueprint for Overcoming Both
I really love food.
Food isn't just sustenance, it's an experience. From feasting on Ethiopian food for the first time to discovering our favorite ice cream flavor or brand, having these types of special food experiences is something I value sharing with my family.
But I don’t love working out.
Let's be real — I don't leap out of bed in the morning eager to hit the gym. The thought of sweating it out on a treadmill doesn't fill me with excitement. While I understand the importance of staying active, exercise isn't exactly my idea of a good time.
Those two realities don’t exactly align with a healthier lifestyle. It's like this ongoing struggle of wanting to indulge in all the tasty treats life has to offer while I also would rather avoid putting on my workout shoes and getting moving.
Aligning Actions with Your Goals to Overcome Cravings
A few of my values include having energy, aging stronger, and being able to enjoy running around and adventuring with my kids. I also value not living in the gym or kitchen to reach those goals either.
After years of trying to figure out how to strike a balance between loving food and not being motivated to move, I’ve begun to align my actions with my values. For instance, when I catch myself mindlessly munching on Nutella biscuits or whatever is around, I pause and assess if my actions align with my desired outcome.
Occasionally, indulging in Nutella biscuits aligns with my goals, while other times it doesn't. Healthy eating isn't about brute force or deprivation.
That approach might work in the short term, but long-term success in deep health requires a different strategy.
It’s not just mindless munching out of the pantry that can make you feel stuck there are many hidden roadblocks to healthy eating:
Social Situations: Family movie nights, birthday parties, and cultural traditions often center around food, making it difficult to stick to healthy choices.
Emotional Eating: Food can be a source of comfort during stressful times, leading to emotional eating that can sabotage healthy habits.
Cravings and Hunger: Managing cravings and trying to prevent excessive hunger throughout the day can be a constant battle.
Healthy eating isn't always easy. Temptations abound, and it can feel isolating when others seem to indulge while you're stuck with salads. However, community support can make all the difference.
In my Facebook group, Simplified Nutrition, you'll find a supportive group of people who understand these challenges because they've faced them too.
Take Mike, for example:
Building Confidence and Making Sustainable Changes: Mike's Story
Mike's journey began with a simple yet profound question: 'Why?'
We delved deep into his values and aspirations, laying the groundwork for meaningful change. As we navigated through healthier eating habits together, Mike discovered his own compass, guiding his decisions with newfound clarity.
While his diet didn't undergo radical shifts, small changes like adding extra veggies made a world of difference. He found relief from bloating and discomfort and even managed to be super intentional when the ice cream truck came to the park and CHOSE to have a treat with his kids.
The best part is he was doing it alongside his wife and they were passing down that mindset to their kids with the conversations they were having.
At the same time, being part of a community made a significant difference in Mike's journey.
He discovered a foundation to be able to make autonomous, confident decisions about food. He connected with others who shared their experiences managing cravings, and their tips helped him develop healthier strategies.
Most importantly, the group provided a space to celebrate his progress, no matter how small. Seeing others succeed kept him motivated and on track.
Join Simplified Nutrition Today and Receive a Free Coaching Video
Ready to experience the power of community for yourself? Join Simplified Nutrition, my supportive Facebook group, and discover a treasure trove of healthy recipes, expert tips, and inspiring success stories. Plus, for a limited time, new members will receive a FREE coaching video (the same one that helped Mike overcome cravings!) on the # 1 hidden habit to naturally eat less and manage portions without restrictive rules.
Don't wait, take control of your deep health journey today! Join Simplified Nutrition now.
