People have great expectations when they visit a dietitian for the first time. They are motivated and ready to make real changes in their lives. I have seen many clients with serious health problems - often caused by reckless, addictive or otherwise dysfunctional lifestyles. Naturally, I talk about the importance of sound nutrition, the need to exercise and the dangers of alcohol and nicotine. That is what gets discussed on the surface. In most cases, it doesn't address the real issues. It's only the tip of the iceberg.
Unhealthy lifestyles are typically symptomatic of ailments that lie much deeper. People who have otherwise happy and fulfilling lives don't normally exhibit self-destructive behavior. Consequently, I don't believe in treatments that deal only with the symptoms and don't go to the root of the problem at hand. Prescribing a weight loss and exercise program may be a good and even necessary first step, but it can only go so far - like kicking tires when buying a used car: you don't learn much about the other parts that may need fixing. The picture has to be much larger.
As a rule of thumb, I tell my clients that their health and well-being rests essentially on three pillars: A balanced diet, physical fitness and peace of mind. Neglect one of them over time and things will start falling apart.
Developing a healthy lifestyle is a complex undertaking. We're not born with the instinctive knowledge of how to take care of ourselves. Despite of the relentless onslaught of health and fitness advice generated by multi-billion dollar industries, we seem more confused than enlightened. Even the experts are unable to agree for long on one theory or another. We have to learn what works for us as individuals - often by trial and error. There is no single "right" path to achieve this, as there's no "right way" to live. However, there's a way that's right for you and me. And to find that way is what matters. The question is: Where do we start looking?
Learn from prior mistakes
Here's my proposal: Before you enroll in another weight loss or fitness program, think about what went wrong last time - and the time before.
What is it that tempts you to reach for that doughnut, that extra glass of wine, that cigarette. Is it hunger for food or for comfort? Is it because you haven't eaten or because you're bored and frustrated with your day? Are cigarettes or alcohol your remedies of choice whenever you're stressed out? Do cookies and ice cream make you feel less lonely?
It may be far less important to pay attention to what you're actually doing than to understand the underlying motives that lead to your actions.
When things go wrong despite your best intentions, don't blame it all on your weakness and lack of determination. It's easy to give up and let the chips fall in your mouth. However, resigning yourself to the idea that a healthy lifestyle is just too hard to maintain is not a solution. Especially when negative health effects begin to show up. You're not bound to fail forever - unless you want to.
Don't allow yourself to make excuses that keep you from succeeding. Ultimately, it is up to you to make the decision and choose to be healthy. Yes, it requires a commitment - but not a commitment to a program that has been designed and packaged in a one-fits-all format for sale. Rather, it requires a commitment to yourself. Take ownership of your well-being! Before I start working with new clients, I make a point of asking them a very important question: What do you want your life to be? Then act upon your answer.
So, when you feel next time that things are getting off balance, don't make another resolution. Make a choice instead. Choose to make your life what you want it to be. Instead of dwelling on regrets, start over by setting realistic goals and building clear strategies. Then implement and execute your plan. You will know how to.
Timi Gustafson R.D. is the author of The Healthy Diner - How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun. Her book is available in local bookstores and at www.thehealthydiner.com.[[In-content Ad]]
