Ellen Metzger MS, RD aka PrimalRD starts off 2024 with an insightful look at how to achieve sustainable resolutions!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As we move into a new year, we set out once again, to make resolutions.
All resolutions succeed, until they don’t.
All resolutions are sustainable, until they aren’t.
We start off doing great! Motivated! Excited! But eventually fall into an ‘all or nothing’ approach, tapering away as months go by. We seek excuses and realize no magical quick fix will sustain long term goals. Some may do well for a longer period of time, but soon rebound to old ways and habits.
Why do we fail when we start off so strong?
The problem isn’t your goal.
The problem may be the methods you use, to not just reach that goal, but SUSTAIN that goal.
You may not have addressed your ‘WHY’.
Beyond Resolutions: What is your ‘Why’?
Remember the S.M.A.R.T. criteria from the previous blog?
Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
This is a great template when you sit down and try to map out a plan.
But in my experience as a Dietitian and Nutrition Counselor, achieving these goals may not always be possible unless we address the client’s ‘Why’ - specifically, the compelling reason why they want to achieve a specific goal.
“I want to lose 10 pounds”…what is your WHY?
“I want to practice Intermittent fasting”…what is your WHY?
“I want to go Vegan”...what is your WHY?
Before you ‘GET SMART’…know your WHY!
Success = your ‘WHY’ + nutrition education + behavior and lifestyle change
The recipe for success begins with your ‘why’. Add in Nutrition basics, then sprinkle behavior and lifestyle changes, to taste.
For example:
A few years ago, a patient of mine succeeded in losing 100 pounds! We started our sessions by discussing the food and lifestyle choices that led to weight gain, cravings and fatigue. Ultimate success was finally achieved when we addressed the compelling reason that defined his ‘why.’ Did he want to lose weight, sure! But why? To be healthy, to be there for family, and be a positive role model for his children. The ’why’ was the fabric that weaved through every session. His remarkable weight loss was not because he tried to lose weight by chasing numbers on a scale, but the weight loss was achieved because he addressed his compelling ‘why’…his health. Link HERE for testimonial on website.
Another patient wanted to address her food issues and sensitivities, with a goal of feeling better. She knew her ‘why’ was to be healthy, which was a great start. But by gaining a more in-depth education of the complexities of nutrition, there was a clearer understanding of the interconnectedness of body systems. The foods we eat, the choices we make, have a profound effect on how we feel. Her current healthy glow is not because she tried to achieve a glow, but rather, the glow was achieved because she addressed her ‘why’. She learned to appreciate that a healthy outside begins from the inside.
Others use Nutrition/Diet Programs with journals, apps or tracking methods to tap into an awareness of identifying underlying issues. By focusing on behaviors and addressing the ‘why’, a healthier relationship with food is often attained. Adding accountability and lifestyle modifications, will establish new habits and bring about positive change. Challenges and setbacks are expected. Sh*t happens. Recognize triggers and use this opportunity to learn. The accomplishment is knowing your ‘why’ and having a reset – adjusting your approach when needed. This is when sustainable success is most likely achieved.
Achieving your goals starts with addressing your ‘Why’. This will motivate and inspire you to stay focused and driven throughout your Nutrition and Lifestyle journey.
This may very well lead to successful and sustainable New Year’s Resolutions.
Ted Metzger, MD is a practicing board certified Radiologist as well as founder and owner of PrimalMed, LLC. PrimalMed educates and advocates on Metabolic Health and Wellness, as seen through the lens of a curious radiologist.
Ellen Metzger MS, RD - the other half of the PrimalMed team, is an Integrative Registered Dietitian, addressing ancestral and primal nutrition principles as drivers of metabolic health and wellness.
Very informative article. We often don't think of the WHY when we set out to accomplish new goals. Gives me a different prospective going forward.
You are so right Ellen, the WHY is important in all walks of life because it’s a path to awareness. I’m sure people can be healthier if they face up to the reasons for why they do things that are not healthy. I loved reading the comments from your patients and seeing how successful you are in helping people. So many problems that people have, physically and mentally, could be helped by a healthy lifestyle. You’ve proved that over and over again with your clients. Bravo!!!