“Next Monday, I will start my diet.” But as weeks go by, you just don’t find the motivation to start—something is holding you back. The truth is that we often sabotage ourselves without even realizing it. In this article, we´ll share the 5 obstacles that prevent you from changing your diet.
5 Obstacles that prevent you from changing your diet
Believing that you can’t
As Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
You might think that it’s too difficult for you, even though you admire others for achieving it. You dream about the goal you’d like to reach but see it as a daunting mountain to climb while believing that others do it effortlessly.
Another common belief is thinking:“I’m too old” or “If I haven’t done it until now, why start at this point in my life? My body won’t respond the same way, so why make the effort?”
I Can’t Live Without…
“How can I give up sugar, bread, cheese, alcohol, or deli meats?”
Even though you know these substances might be harmful, you feel incapable of not taking them or even reducing their intake. Certain substances, like sugars and cheeses are addictive and have a highly rewarding emotional effect.
Often, we eat because of anxiety, using food to mask our emotions. Or, if certain foods are missing from our meals we might feel an emotional void.
All or Nothing
One of the main enemies when starting any change is perfectionism and over-demanding expectations.
Does this sound familiar to you? “If I don’t do it perfect, I won’t do it at all.”* This attitude often stems from a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. When we don’t meet our own expectations, we feel guilty and stop trying. Guilt is another major enemy in achieving our goals.
I Start with Great Enthusiasm but Lose Motivation
As the saying goes, “A long journey begins with a single step,” and what’s important is to get started and keep on going.
We often set our expectations too high, thinking that we should see significant physical or emotional changes immediately, without considering that adaptation takes time. Deep and lasting changes follow their own timeline and process.
You might also feel that, while changes are positive, they are boring. You find yourself eating the same thing over and over again and losing interest.
Certain personalities need constant external motivation. Similarly, you might feel drained of energy, always tired. Without energy, we can’t maintain excitement for things that are beneficial for us and our health.
Needing all your circumstances to be perfect
You might be one of those persons who find it difficult to make positive dietary changes because others depend on you, such as your partner, children, or even your parents and siblings.
Does this sound familiar? “I don’t have time to prepare different meals for everyone, let alone for myself!” or “It’s too complicated!”*
Or maybe you feel that your family doesn’t support your changes, making it a battle you eventually give up on.
Whether we admit it or not, most of the time, this is an excuse because deep down, we don’t want it enough or don’t want to put in the effort.
How to Overcome the 5 Obstacles
First, review your beliefs
And try to be honest with yourself. Identify those negative thoughts and limiting beliefs that are building a wall between you and your best version of yourself. Everything is in your mind! Open yourself to possibility and ask yourself: “Why not?”
Don’t over-demand yourself
Be kind and gentle with yourself, be positive and remember that it’s not everything or nothing. There is always a middle ground. Trust yourself and go at your own pace. Introduce one or two small positive changes into your diet, a tip that applies to all areas of life—such as incorporating a healthy, colorful seasonal vegetable dish daily. Make sure you consume enough fiber, as it is very filling and offers many health benefits for your gut.
Learn how to compensate
What does this mean? If you overeat on a day—whether due to a family event or meeting friends—eat lighter the next day. Or, better yet, practice intermittent fasting by skipping a meal like breakfast or dinner for example. This works wonders. Another option is to take care of yourself during the week and relax during the weekend without feeling guilty.
Drink plenty of alkaline water
You probably already know the benefits of staying well-hydrated. Did you know that the brain cannot distinguish between hunger and thirst? We often confuse the desire to eat with the need to drink. I recommend drinking a glass of water at least ten minutes before eating to see if you’re truly hungry. This tip is especially useful if you tend to eat due to anxiety.
Ensure your menu is varied to avoid boredom
Although we have many options, we often tend to repeat the same meals, in fact, we all do this. However, knowing that you can choose different things at any time gives you a sense of freedom. This trick keeps your mind engaged and prevents it from pulling you back into your comfort zone.
Incorporate alkaline supplements
Did you know that when you’re well-mineralized, especially with the four essential macromolecules for life—calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium—you have more energy? And the truth is that to make any life changes requires energy. Everything we do, think, and feel in life requires energy. Without energy, we are literally nothing! When you have energy and are well-oxygenated, it’s easier to get excited about new things, making it much easier to implement those healthy changes you want to make. Discover Phour Salts here.
Now you can face the 5 obstacles that prevent you from changing your diet!
