Sometimes you won’t be able to follow my recommendations. In this case, choose the next best option, even if it’s far from optimal. In other words, eat the best foods that you can find in given circumstances. Don’t look for excuses though!
Life gets in the way to get started like a busier time at work or a difficult situation at home. The truth is, everyone is busy these days, which contributes to health imbalances in the first place. But you still have to eat, right? There is never a perfect moment for change. First, make a decision about the things you will implement. Then, you will have to make the effort to learn how to shop for different foods, cook different meals or maybe go about your daily routine differently. Accept that it will cost some time and effort rather than looking for an easy fix. Get your environment ready for success so that you always have the right foods at hand. Change does not happen overnight. Initially, it will feel like an effort but soon it will become your new routine. I am happy to support you on your journey and make that change easier - you can always book health coaching sessions with me. Again, having more on does not mean you are stopping to eat. Quite the opposite - we need good nutrition during demanding times. Also, you may just have better things to do like sport and hobbies rather than prepare meals. This is a matter of balance and priorities, and ultimately, it comes to figuring out how make it work for YOU.
More time spent in the kitchen: home cooking is key to better health. If you haven’t cooked regularly, you may find this frustrating, unless you have someone cooking for you or have access to a good catering company. The useful strategies here are availing of convenience foods listed in your notes, batch cooking, freezing and having a simple menu on rotation, like 3 breakfasts and 5 lunch / dinner options. For a little more variety, you can have 4 seasonal menus, 3 months per menu.
Food restrictions: there is still lots that everyone can have on my plans. It just takes a bit of time to learn how to shop for and prepare new foods. It doesn’t mean more work per se, just working with different ingredients. Focus on the food list I attach. My meal recommendations should also help. Rather than thinking ‘I can’t eat xyz’, focus on the foods that you CAN have (again, your food list). There are logical reasons behind my recommendations. For example, if porridge is not on the list, it means it’s not doing you any favours right now.
Sugar flu: when you clean up your diet of processed foods or reduce starches and sugary foods, sugar consumption will naturally go down, which may cause withdrawal symptoms and electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms include headaches, weakness, irritability, tiredness, craving sugar and starchy foods - because they are addictive. Optimal protein, fat and electrolyte intake is key, especially potassium (vegetables). Warm herbal teas work well, as well as adding electrolyte drops to water.
Feeling worse than before starting my programme (´healing crisis´): all my programmes encourage detoxification. You may experience detox reactions as your body processes the released toxins. Side effects include: flu-like symptoms, brain fog, tiredness, headaches, diarrhoea, constipation, lack of belief in the therapy, poor concentration, dizziness, nausea, irritability, weakness, breakouts, exacerbation of all current symptoms. Perseverance is key. You should start to feel better again within 3-7 days.
What can help immensely during the first few days is electrolytes. You can either try my power tonic, meat stock, bone broth or simply buy electrolyte drops.
Money: eating more protein, vegetables and quality produce in general is more expensive. However, eating good quality foods is the best preventive medicine available to humans which can save money on healthcare expenses in the future.
Social situations: friends and family will be asking ‘why don’t you eat xyz” or will be encouraging you to have xyz. This can be uncomfortable however your healing path is no one else’s, and it’s meant to improve your situation. Be prepared for questions and have a couple of answers ready so that you feel comfortable.
Eating out: read a separate post here.
Poor motivation: intrinsic motivation can be too week to last. Look for self-discipline instead. You may never be ready to get out of your comfort zone. At the same time, there will be no positive outcomes is you don’t change anything. The most important aspect of breaking the vicious cycle of poor lifestyle habits is making a decision about what it is exactly that you are changing and HOW, step by step. I recommend watching these two videos: