Why the doubt? Skepticism surrounds healthy decision-making.
Welcome back!
Something that has been bouncing around in my mind lately is a curiosity about why we are so averse to making changes that are good for us? I am currently in the midst of a transformation challenge at my gym, and I've found myself surprised by my own reluctance to welcome lifestyle adjustments, despite being a health & wellness coach who's previously shed 60 pounds.
I’m reminded of a saying that goes: "Put a piece of cake in front of people and they eat it; no questions asked." But introduce something "healthy" and suddenly there are a BUNCH of questions:
How healthy is it?
Is it organic?
Where did it come from?
What's it going to do for me?
I can’t help but wonder: how did we get to the point where we don’t question the foods that don’t nourish our bodies, but we are so skeptical of the ones that do?
It’s not just about food. Since beginning my journey as a health coach, I've noticed this pattern in any aspect of life where someone is attempting to adopt a beneficial habit or make positive changes. We seem to conjure up reasons why change wouldn’t be good, or sustainable, while readily accepting less than optimal habits we already possess.
But is it truly because staying where we are is easier? I don’t think it's that simple. I believe it has more to do with the overwhelming complexity that has become the health & wellness field in America. Junk food, processed foods, alcohol, marijuana, candy, and soda are all simply bad for you. It doesn’t really matter how. Most people know when they consume them, they aren’t doing their bodies any favors, yet they continue to buy them, week after week.
Anyone who has ever tried to adopt a healthier lifestyle or lose weight will have quickly been exposed to a plethora of “options”. People are presented with a myriad of diets, supplements and exercise routines. It’s no wonder people run back to the safety of what they know. Finding quality, factual and personalized information is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It’s made worse by social media, where folks are presented with and abundance of opinions and little factual informational.
What surprises me the most is the competition around defining what's healthy and prescribing what people should be doing within the health and wellness field itself. There is far too much of “do this, not that".
But what if, instead of fixating on the perfect morning routine or the organic fruit, we simply celebrate the small victories. Whether it's getting out of bed on time or choosing an apple over a Twinkie, every step towards better health deserves recognition. We shouldn't create a culture of guilt around food choices; rather, we should applaud any effort towards healthier living, regardless of the starting point.
As a health coach, my role isn't to dictate what people should do or eat, but to empower them to find their own path to wellness. I serve as a guide and a cheerleader, drawing from my own experiences and understanding of the challenges they may face along the way. I believe in meeting people where they are and supporting them as they navigate the journey towards a healthier lifestyle. With a health coach's assistance, the likelihood of sticking with better habits increases dramatically compared to going it alone. We can also help you break through the noise, and find what works for You.
In the end, it's not about perfection or adhering to rigid rules; it's about progress and the willingness to embrace change, one step at a time. So, let's continue to question, to explore, and to support one another on this journey towards better health and wellness.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let’s get this discussion going!