The all or nothing mentality is when we focus on making huge changes, sometimes overhauling our current lifestyle. Normally people will adopt this way of thinking when quitting smoking, drinking, and changing their diet. This mindset does not allow room for flexibility, focuses only on will power, and most often leads to feelings of failure.
When someone has gone all into their new lifestyle, there is usually a F**k-It moment when you go through tough times. This is when you throw your hands in the air and eat a family block of chocolate, smoke a few cigarettes, or drink a bottle of vodka. You have thoughts of “I’m a failure”, “I can’t do it”, “I’ll never do it” or “I’m broken”. The all or nothing mindset is completely changing your life and hoping that your will power, co-workers, family, and friends will get you through, assuming they support the change. Striving for perfection over consistency. In some cases going cold turkey works.. when it comes to changing your diet, it generally doesn’t.
When we want to change our diet, incremental changes, over time, is the most sustainable, way to create long-term change. Consistency isn’t black and white, it is a continuum made from shades of grey. Encouraging you to make slightly better choices in various situations, over and over again. Focusing on moving the notch one small step at a time, not everything at once.
When you strive for consistency it gives you the flexibility to go eat out with friends, making decisions on the fly and when life gets in the way (which it will) being able to make better food choices, then move on and get right back on track towards your goals.
We do this by creating an environment around us that supports our goals. When our home, workplace, family, and friends support our goals, it removes resistance, allowing you to make fewer choices based on will power alone.
Our Tips
- Create strong eating habits that allow you to make the best choices you can.
- Have sleep and stress management practices.
- Eating a diet high in a variety of fresh produce, nuts seeds, and some animal products.
If you would like a more specific strategy tailored to your nutritional needs, contact us by booking your FREE nutrition help call below and speak with one of our coaches.