Why Is It So Hard to Stick to Healthy Habits?

Why is it so hard to stick to healthy habits?

The not-so-simple answer is that it's you but it's not entirely you.

It's not you in that complex brain of yours because:

- Physiologically our bodies give us cravings because of so many reasons, hormonal, an aromatic smell in the air (fresh-baked brownies, anyone?), being so tired after a crazy day at work that take-out is just easier and faster, need I go on?

- Our bodies and minds seek the path of least work and most rest, as a response from how things were hundreds and thousands of years ago during hunting and gathering times. Evolution hasn't caught up with the pace of technology and convinience.

-You may have lost weight but physiologically your body would rather maintain your starting weight. This is scientifically proven and is the main reason why you're so hungry while trying to restrict calories.

- The people that surround us may not have the same goals or level of disclipine. Our family, our kids that are so skinny, our friends at that party you finally get to go to, the people at work that want to order out for lunch. All of that sounds SO GOOD, we just want to join in!

But it really is you because:

-You're tired.

-You're tempted.

-You're busy.

-You're stressed out.

-You're craving _________.

-You want to make the people you're with happy.

-You didn't plan ahead.

I don't really want to go on, because it sounds mean, but you get what I'm saying.

But we all have been there, maybe daily. I mean, sure, I struggle. I struggled daily this past weekend. But it could have been way worse. Why?

Because I didn't want to feel super guilty for being bad.

I also didn't want excuses, because that's what everything is above. Excuses, not impossibilities, not barriers, but things that you CAN get past in your mind.

Does it physically hurt to say no?

What if saying no to a temptation was an inspiration to someone else and you didn't know it?

What if giving in to a temptation actually robbed you of a larger feeling of satisfaction later where you become PROUD of yourself for saying no and making today's "healthy score" higher?

What if saying no to a drink, a dessert, an extra helping, to a soda, to a larger portion, each equated to a numerical score and you tried to outdo yourself every day until you've achieved a perfect day?

How would that make you feel? If I guess, that feeling of satisfaction lasts waaaaaay longer than the 2 minutes it takes to taste that fresh-baked brownie.

Some things to think about. Any thoughts to bounce ideas around concerning this topic? Drop me an email at pafenutritionandfitness@gmail.com