About six months ago, I had a call with a client who was desperate to lose weight. She was frustrated, doing everything “right” and could not figure out how to get the pounds off. She also informed me she had just started a super extreme diet – 500-800 calories per day and taking supplements. I expressed my obvious concern and explained this would likely not lead to long term results, but she was determined. She was going to do this plan, lose the weight and then figure out the next steps. We lost touch-she lives on the East Coast, she had a plan she wanted to follow and I had a hunch she didn’t want to hear much from me since I wanted her create a more sustainable plan.
I was beyond thrilled when I received an email from her last month with a quote that now inspires her. “I don’t diet, I eat in accordance with my goals.” She said this quote has allowed her to look at food and weight loss differently. As opposed to going on and off a diet and feeling guilty when she is off and deprived when she is on…focusing on her goals is way to stay mindful and more positive with each bite.
Some of you may find this odd or counter intuitive, but eating healthily, eating in a manner that will allow you to achieve your goals, is a major confidence builder. Every time you choose foods that create the lifestyle you want, the health you want, the body you want, the energy you want, you are doing something to get you closer to that goal. And knowing you are taking steps towards your true goals is a phenomenal feeling! Making these decisions will become easier and easier.
So eat with confidence! For example, it may feel uncomfortable or awkward at first to order a bit specific at a restaurant, or workout while on holiday, or drink less when you are at a social event or eat differently when you are with your friends…it is a skill that requires practice…and practice makes perfect. What once felt daunting, becomes effortless.
What was also fantastic, is this quote has allowed my client to talk about food differently around her family, in particular her daughter, who she is so worried is going to fall into the diet mentality far too quickly.
I am so darn proud of you – and you know who are you! – because you are discovering how to create a healthy relationship around food. It is not going to be a quick fix. It is not going to easy. But it will happen. Day by day…and you will reach your goals and beyond!
Paying it forward…maybe this quote will inspire you!