It’s Not That I Can’t, It’s That I Don’t

When it comes to being healthy, we all know that we need to eat well and exercise.  It’s time to change our attitudes on why we are spending the time and effort to be healthy.  It’s a free, powerful tool to help us be successful.  Eating well does work and can make our bodies feel better, minds sharper, and enhances almost all aspects of life.  Let’s enjoy these benefits!

Often, we get on the wagon, grit our teeth through our daily workout and choke down that kale salad.  Depending on how deep your reserve of fortitude is, this situation will end in dropout sooner or later.  A negative outlook is one of the most powerful indicators that a person will not be successful with their eating habits and exercise.  Try not to get bogged down thinking of everything you’re missing out on eating.  Instead, connect your attitude to your intention.  Tell yourself: “It’s not that I can’t, it’s that I don’t.  Allow yourself to take control of and enjoy your decision to be healthy.

We’ve all been there, standing in the break room as our co-workers dig in to the Monday morning doughnuts before the meeting.  Rather than leaning over shoulders, longingly dripping saliva on others, stand tall and proclaim:  “No, I’m good.  I don’t eat that stuff.”  This allows you to take the power back.  The power of the doughnut will fade.  It helps to lessen the internal struggle by removing contradictions.  You will align your decision to eat right with your attitude towards food.  Further, you can take pride in your hard work, creating a feedback loop which boosts your ability to make good decisions.

Last, have faith!  Healthy eating habits will work!  I’m not implying that it’s easy to eat well, and you have to make it a lifestyle rather than a five-day-per-week inconvenience.  What works for each person is slightly different, but if you commit to making a change, you will see change.  The benefits of eating well are numerous: improved digestion, enhanced mood, lower stress levels, weight control/loss, the list goes on.  I always love to hear about all of the unexpected benefits my clients experience when their diet improves.  However, be careful of the most common pitfall American dieters have: The Cheat Day.  This is a topic for another day but believe me, Cheat Days will severely impede your progress.  All the hard work you’ve done to change your lifestyle will be wiped out and you’ll be starting at square one each week. 

If you have a specific question, or would like to continue this discussion in more detail, please contact me directly by visiting my website: www.MagmaCoreFitness.com.