THREE KEYSTONE HABITS TO CREATING A NUTRITION MINDSET

 

Nutrition. Just using that word changes the conversation.

Have you ever been the one who orders something healthy at a restaurant and watched how everyone else responds?

I continue to be surprised not only what people order for lunch or dinner but how they justify their behavior. Like it’s going to add weight to me!

It’s like the oxymoron of McDonalds and nutritional value. Three words that really don’t go together.

Out of all six specific categories of excelling in areas only you can change (Nutrition / Fitness / Planning / Productivity / Purpose / Character) nutrition seems to be the one resounding category so out of balance. But why?

Most people eat what they want because…

it’s easy (simplicity)
it’s what you’re used to (routine)
it’s what you like (preference)

Yet this is a reactive approach to nutrition. I want to challenge you with a pro-active approach instead to gain control in this area of your life.

I’ve found most motivated, busy professionals want to gain better (or even some control) in this key area of their lives but are missing one critical ingredient:

NUTRITION MINDSET

Let me define those two powerful words when put together:

Nutrition – quality foods that give your body life
Mindset – a way of thinking then living

But a nutrition mindset MUST be developed especially if there has been neglect in this key area of your life. How can you create this much needed discipline?

 

There are Three Keystone Habits to Creating a Nutrition Mindset

 

1. THIS MATTERS TO YOU

Simply put, you now care. You’re getting beyond the comparisons because “your average” is different than everyone else’s average and in the end you’re trying to “escape YOUR average.”

Most people blame poor eating on the following:

• Not enough time to prepare

• They don’t make the meals

• Too busy

• Just plain lazy

I’ve found if someone else wants something for me more than I want it for myself, the motivation quickly fades and I fall back into my old way of doing things.

In the end, you have to care about your own nutrition. Excuses aside, nutrition must matter to you for any real change.

 

2. AWARENESS

Once a nutrition mindset matters to you, then you must develop the habit of becoming aware.

I drive a Dodge Charger as a rental car most of the time when I’m traveling (my wife calls it my 2nd car and my only allowed road mistress).

I’ve developed what’s called DCS: Dodge Charger Syndrome. I was never really aware of Dodge Chargers, let alone how many were on the road until I started looking for and driving one.

The same is true in nutrition awareness.

Once you’re aware of a behavior, you will be amazed at what you will see. And really see. This is where true change in the area of nutrition.

How many times would you catch yourself reaching for a Diet Coke, chips, extra cookie or un-needed extra helping of…?

You must develop the habit of awareness of what you consume and when within your day. And it can happen if a nutrition mindset now matters to you.

 

3. LONG-TERM FOCUS

Most diets and dieters fail because of one major factor: It’s short term.

Once the goal is met and the “diet is over”, the weight almost always come back and usually brings additional “heavy weight friends” with it as an added bonus. (literally!)

Once you truly care about your nutrition and have developed an awareness of what goes into your body, then you must develop the habit of long term focus.

This means you’re looking at your nutrition as a way of life not a quick way of losing a few extra pounds.

Will this happen? Absolutely. But it’s a means to an end.

Your third and final habit of creating a nutrition mindset is a long term focus. No tweaks or quick fixes but the long haul.

You must determine this is the way you’re going to live from now on and you will see a difference.

 

In the End…

Maybe this is an area that used to be a strength for you but no longer. But this can change today for you!

Ultimately, a nutrition mindset will help you in the following:

• What you eat
• When you eat
• Why you eat

All are critical for the needed change you want in this area of your life. But it starts with the keystone habits of this matters to you, you’re now fully aware, and you have a long-term focus.

Nutrition is a VERY personal area. We eat for different reasons and if comfort is one or busyness is another, this will be a challenge for you.

You can do this and change your life! Motivated, busy professionals can make the necessary changes to escape their average. Will this be you…?

Can you imagine the changes in your life just six months from now if you decided today to create a NUTRITION MINDSET? Sold yet?

Closing Question…

What do you need to do today to begin creating a nutrition mindset?