Stepping into 2021

Dec 27

No need for self-sabotage or new year resolutions that don’t guarantee sustainable health changes. Instead consider the following simple steps to supercharge your 2021 goals. Believe that you have the power to transition unhealthy habits into long term healthy routines and… remember Antique Nutrition is here to support you!

Routine

Did you know it takes > 60 days to form new habits before they become an automatic routine for us? ... and for those who have tried to “change their overall lifestyle” (like most of us at the start of the New Year) > 80% experienced “behaviour relapse”. However, individuals who altered one or two habits within their lifestyle and created a healthier routine, improved overall health and decreased the risk of chronic disease.

ROUTINE IS LIKE AN ANCHOR, it allows us to feel comfort in knowing no matter what might be thrown at us across the day, we have structure to keep us accountable, productive and focused. If you have ever read “the power of habit” you will appreciate just how powerful our unconscious mind is, assisting in improved decision making. A quote from Charles Duhigg the author wrote, “Rather, to change a habit, you must keep the old cue, and deliver the old reward, but insert a new routine.”

He discusses the importance of … “THE FRAMEWORK”:

• Identify the routine

• Experiment with rewards

• Isolate the cue

• Have a plan

Routine allows us to feel more in control and less stressed, improving our sleep-wake cycle, dietary intake and exercise regime. Yes, new routines require time and patience and sometimes we don’t have the energy to action our routines, but they help to deliver improved decisions when we allow our body the time.

‘Implementation of a lifestyle change implies that a routine is followed and habits are formed (Arlinghaus., et al (2019).

80/20 Mentality

This one is about not throwing the towel in when you have a bad day or thinking that one “healthy” meal will achieve your goals instantaneously, because well sorry ladies and gents, unfortunately it won’t! Diets and quick fixes aren’t going to help the elephant in the room, look at the big picture!

“Small wins are a steady application of a small advantage.” Charles Duhig

In other words, some days are good, some days are bad and this is called balance. In my clinics, I like to see results, but I also like to see people enjoy their food and live their life!

Individualise

Why follow someone else’s anecdotal advice when you can find a routine and plan that suits you and only you!? I apply individualised nutritional support when seeing all my clients, whether it be weight loss, gut health or oncology clients. The most frequent comment I receive when practising is “you really listened to my needs and wants and provided practical advice that suits my/our lifestyle”. Remember, the take home message is, yes there are plenty of broad statements and advice out there but how can we narrow this advice down to suit you!? At Antique Nutrition, Aimee supports you with sound, practical, achievable and evidence based advice.