Generally speaking, change goes through many stages from pre-contemplation to continued commitment. Everyone has different motivations for change.
Making a small change, rather than a drastic one can be easier for many people. There is even some evidence to back up this theory. The National Institute of Health’s “Changing Your Habits for Better Health” handout has some terrific ways to start those healthy habits.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diet-nutrition/changing-habits-better-health
It is a four step system to create the motivation for change:
- Imagine a healthier you.
- Create a plan.
- Put your plan in motion.
- Add variety to stay motivated.
An example of this process for increased blood sugar control and weight loss might look like imagining yourself joining a local CSA (community supported agriculture) delivery service or attending the local farmers market for increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Next, you might have the CSA delivered or take a trip to the farmers market. When your box arrives or you get back, you might continue your journey by putting your plan in motion using those fruits and vegetables in your daily cooking. Finding new recipes and ways to utilize the produce would keep it interesting to stay motivated.
Consider looking at the the pros and cons of changing your lifestyle when you are contemplating change. What are lifestyle changes that you can add to improve your life and what are the consequences if you continue on the same path? Ask yourself some questions regarding the changes you might make. Will this lead to better health? Will I have more energy? What are the financial costs?
Imagining a healthier you can create the framework for change. Psychologists suggest using small steps in order to lead to big successes when making lifestyle changes. For example, if someone wants to lose weight, they may start by making healthier food choices. These small changes can be as simple as adding that fresh fruit or vegetable to your breakfast. Once that change has been implemented you can set your goal higher to incorporate five fruits or vegetables in your daily routine. This habit might help you swap unhealthy foods for healthy ones. When we make these small changes the mere repetition of action forms a new habit. If that habit gets positive results, we are more likely to continue with it and even add new habits.
In the time of COVID-19 it can be difficult to follow the plan that may have worked for you prior to this trying time. One way to stay on track is to make a weekly meal plan and grocery list. This can be something that all family members add to throughout the week, so when the trip to the store happens, everybody has a say in the meals. Meals don’t have to be a big production…did somebody say, breakfast for dinner? (See below for a link to my “Easy Breezy Frittata” recipe) The most important thing to remember is that small changes add up to big results, so take a minute to think of one small thing you can incorporate daily that will lead to a healthier you. Maybe it’s a longer walk with the dog or choosing the salad instead of the fries. Every little change can lead to a sustained improvement, especially when you see the results.
Think of the song in that children’s classic Christmas movie, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, “Put One Foot in Front of the Other” and soon you’ll be walking out the door. Transformation doesn’t have to be a painful process. With a little planning and some small easy to accomplish changes, you can achieve even the most seemingly impossible goals.
Easy Breezy Frittata
4 servings
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped lunch meat: ham, turkey, chicken, corned beef, whatever you have
½ cup chopped onions (can use frozen)
1 cup chopped frozen broccoli, bell peppers or whatever frozen veggie you have on hand
1 cup shredded cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, monterey jack or whatever you have on hand
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Non stick spray
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Crack eggs into a large bowl and whisk in milk and the rest of the ingredients. Spray the skillet with non-stick spray. Heat a non-stick (oven safe) skillet over med-high heat and pour contents of bowl into skillet. Cook undisturbed until the egg starts to cook around the sides. Transfer to the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until the middle no longer wiggles when you shake the pan. Turn on the broiler and brown to top for 3-5 minutes longer. Turn out onto a cutting board and cut into wedges. Serve with a salad.
Jennifer Smith, MS, RDN
A Bowl Full of Nutrition
www.abowlfull.com
abowlfullofnutrition@gmail.com
References
Benjamin Gardner, P. L. (2012). Making health habitual: the psychology of ‘habitformation’ and general practice. Royal College of General Practitioners, 62 (605): 664-666.
