What to Do when You feel Disconnected from Your Nutrition RoutineđŤ
Recently, an acquaintance said to me âI knew you were healthy, but I didnât think you were that healthyâ. This was after I told him that I am vegetarian and have been for over 5 years.
It made me laugh, as I reflected on my recent weekend away with my family to Queensland where I ate and drank my way through the holiday with numerous plates of fries and prosecco.
You see, there are times when even I can feel completely disconnected from my healthier nutrition routine and this is absolutely OK! I also see this a lot with clients and friends. The difference is I know what I need to do to get back on track and you can do the same. Getting back on track is necessary, for both our physical health but also our emotional health. Too many times I experience clients valuing their self-worth based on whether they have eaten âgood âor âbad âfood. Does this mean you are a good or bad person? No.
However, having a routine with your nutrition has a few positive benefits such as:
Eating a variety of healthier foods more often to keep you energized and performing optimally in life.
Feeling less overwhelmed by knowing what your meals look like for the day and/or week.
Using food as fuel to support your training goals.
Freedom comes through discipline. Having structure and consistency brings awareness and focus.
But why do we feel disconnected? Perhaps youâve been showing up to your training session, eating consistently healthier meals and feeling fatigued because you are not getting the results. Or perhaps your WHY is no longer resonating and your goals are not clear (read this article on how to set and achieve your health goals).
Iâve been there. I have plateaued too and even spiraled. However, this is actually where you need to press pause.
Here are 3 ways to get back on track:
Step back and think about what is really going to make you feel healthier today, this week? Donât âforceâ healthy. For example, instead of a workout you may need a rest, more sleep, a massage, a week off from lifting weights. If you are pushing yourself, you may be feeling a little resentful and instead sabotaging your nutrition routine (and your health goals) by eating poor quality food.
Re-asses your health goal. Was this a goal you set 12 months ago? If so, it may be outdated or simply unachievable given your lifestyle. Set two new goals: one for the short-term i.e., one month and one for the longer terms, i.e., 3-6 months. Reassess your goals when the time comes and note what you have achieved and what needs to be worked on. What gets measured, gets improved, and provides clarity (read this article on what to do when youâve reached a health plateau).
Have a meal plan ready and track your nutrition. Two things here; having a meal plan for the day, week or month provides you with a guide that you can follow and not overthink. Itâs created for you, it works, and it gets you results. The other thing is when you start to track what you are eating, it can bring awareness as to how you are actually feeling and how your food intake is impacted by your feelings, and of course, what type of food you are consuming.
These three steps are simple and effective. This is what I do when I am feeling disconnected from eating food that serves me and then inspires me to take action.
I hope it works for you too.
If you are feeling disconnected from your own nutrition routine, let me know why.
If you feel these tips have worked for you, I love to know how!
If you want to learn more, or get further support I recommend these articles:
Structure and Consistency with Nutrition
Setting Training Goals. How. When. Why.
Have you reached a Health Plateau
3 Steps to Meal Planning Success
Ready to start? Book your free call today to get further support with your nutrition routine.
Karen
