I think we’ve all started a new diet or exercise program with the very best of intentions that this time we’ll see real change.
We put time and effort into planning out this new program, waiting for Monday to arrive so we can get started. Secretly, we hope this will be THE program that gives us our dream results.
But it’s only a few weeks (or days) later and our best intentions are gone while another program bites the dust.
If you’re stuck in the “start strong, then stall” cycle, you’re not alone. Many people who deal with health issues feel like they know what to do—but struggle to do the work.
That’s why trusting yourself to follow through is such a powerful goal.
When you know you can rely on yourself to act, everything changes. You begin to see progress. You feel more in control. You build confidence with each step forward. It becomes easier to keep going, because you’ve proven to yourself that not only can you, but you will, do this.
In this blog post, I share three strategies that will help you stop second-guessing yourself and finally trust that you will follow through. These strategies are exactly what I use in my nutrition therapy and health coaching work, and they’ll give you the foundation you need to build lasting change.
Strategy #1: Understand Why You Want Change
If you’ve been told that you need to “lose weight” or “eat better,” you know that advice is vague and frustrating. Knowing you have a condition is not the same as knowing why your body acts the way it is.
That’s why we always start by getting to the root of your symptoms.
Your body’s current condition is the result of your personal history—including your past habits, environment, stress, medications, schedule and so on. When you clearly see how it’s all connected, your motivation to follow through skyrockets. This is about clarity, not blame.
In nutrition therapy, we will:
- Take a deep look at your history using a detailed intake process
- Identify patterns and nutritional deficiencies so you can see why symptoms occur and get answers that make sense
- Explain how your body works and why it reacts in specific ways.
Once you understand the why, it becomes a whole lot easier to stick with the what.
Strategy #2: Know How to Make the Right Changes for You
“Just eat healthy!” is not helpful advice. What does that even mean when you’re trying to manage diabetes, lose weight or understand your digestive issues?
This is where so many of us get stuck. You try to follow generic plans or the latest food trend, only to feel defeated when you don’t see results for your life or your body.
But the truth is everyone is different, and your path forward doesn’t look like anyone else’s.
You need a plan that takes into consideration your unique condition, preferences and lifestyle. This type of plan helps you make realistic, enjoyable and sustainable changes.
Instead of feeling restricted or overwhelmed, you feel empowered to follow through.
Stacey wanted to lose weight and kick her afternoon fatigue. She knew her reliance on coffee and sugary snacks was not a great way to get her through the day, but she really didn’t think she could, or wanted to, give them up.
We brainstormed small changes designed specifically for her. Stacey discovered she could reach her goals by feeling in control … and without feeling deprived.
Strategy #3: Build Your Own Toolkit for Life’s Challenges
Life isn’t linear. You’ll have moments when you feel motivated and on top of your health game and moments when everything feels hard. That’s completely normal.
When things feel hard, you need tools to help you adjust and keep going.
That’s why one of the most important parts to better health is building a personal “tool kit” or a set of skills, habits and mindset shifts that help you stay on track.
Challenging times could be a vacation, a stressful work season or an unexpected health challenge for you or a loved one. With your tool kit, you’ll know how to reset without starting from scratch.
Some tool kit examples are:
- Building a sleep routine
- Choosing nutritious and satiating foods when there’s little time to eat
- Helping your body get the nutrients it needs to function optimally
- Planning healthy and enjoyable meals without feeling deprived
- Recognizing what your body really needs in the moment
When you can navigate life’s ups and downs without losing momentum is when you truly start to trust yourself.
You Might Be Wondering…
“I’ve tried several times to make healthy change, but I couldn’t stick to them. Will this really work for me?”
With nutrition therapy, you’re in the driver’s seat. I will show you the map and help you decide what to pack. You set the pace and choose the direction. Then, I will help you get there by providing you with support, guidance and accountability.
This isn’t about forcing a cookie-cutter plan on you. It’s about creating a sustainable path that fits and empowers you—so you can finally trust yourself that you will follow through.
Are You Ready to Begin?
Schedule a free phone consultation to share with me your struggles and hear how we’ll work together to help you reach your goals.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information presented here is intended to help you make informed decisions about your health and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.
