I write this article as I am finishing my second Whole30 diet. I have learned a great deal from The NHCAA Whole30 Group that we created on Facebook.
Here are some Keys to Success that you can apply if you are trying to positively change your diet.
1. Structure a Plan/Strategize
Planning is a large part of any new endeavor. You have to have the idea of what you want to do along with the tools to do it. When it comes to changing your diet you have to decide what you are trying to accomplish. And then, make lists and shop for the foods you will need to make your meals. Make your goals and write them down.
Strategies that help me are washing and cutting my vegetables ahead of time, cooking soups on Sunday to eat through the week, using a crock pot frequently, and buying small amounts of perishable groceries every few days (so they don’t go to waste).
2. Study
Learn everything you can about what you are doing. The more information you acquire the more likely you understand why the changes are important. There are many good resources on health. Some are: westonaprice.org, http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen_list.php, http://whole30.com, http://www.schwarzbeinprinciple.com/pgs/home.html.
3. Stamina
Diet changes are a lifestyle change. It can take time to achieve all your health goals. Think of it as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term experiment. Hang in there. Don’t give up. If you experience a setback, start again.
4. Support
Having The NHCAA Whole 30 Group showed me how important support is when you are trying to achieve a goal. There were several times during the Whole 30 that I might have “cheated” if I wasn’t part of a larger group all rooting for each other and trying to achieve the same thing. The support of your spouse, family, friends, and co-workers makes success easier to achieve.
The Practitioners and Staff of The NHCAA can help you and be part of your support team for health and wellness.
5. Succeed!
Decide in advance that you will succeed. Once you have achieved a goal quickly set another one so you keep making improvements.
We plan to continue the Whole30 Facebook group. So, feel free to join us to see what other people are doing to change habits, improve their health, and succeed. Go to Facebook and search The NHCAA Whole 30. And, click to join our group. Let us be a part of your success and show you how to change your eating habits by combatting common diet mistakes!
Yours in health,
Kerry Cradit