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why avoiding certain foods may not be the answer

approach goals vs. avoid goals


Are you having a hard time avoiding certain foods?  Are you trying to cut out sugar, grains, or dairy, but just can’t seem to fight the call of a mid-afternoon visit to the vending machine?  Maybe avoidance isn’t the answer for you.

Maybe you need to make an “approach” goal instead of an “avoid” goal.

What I mean by that is maybe your goal should be “I will drink 60 ounces of water a day.”

Or maybe, “I will eat 100 grams of protein a day.”

“I will eat two eggs per day.”

“I will eat three cups of vegetables per day.”

“I will spend 20 minutes outside each day.”

“I will exercise 30 minutes each day.”

You get the picture. 

Set a goal for something you will do, not something you won't.

Setting yourself up for success and celebrating the wins is always better than punishing yourself for the transgressions.

These are all examples of goals I personally have for myself.  If I’m craving a cookie, I tell myself that if I’ve done all the other things I had planned then I can go ahead and have a cookie.  Usually, by the time I’ve eaten my protein and veggies, drunk my water, and taken a walk, I’ve pretty much forgotten about the cookie.

Of course, if you want to be successful, you need to build these approach goals into your daily routine.

Make sure your water bottle is always with you.  Have some protein already cooked in your fridge.  Cut up your veggies ahead of time.  Block out time for exercise—preferably first thing in the morning or right after work so nothing else can interfere.  Get some sunshine during your lunch break to build your vitamin D stores for immunity, strong bones, and mental health.

Then give yourself a pat on the back instead of a kick in the shins.  Chart your progress with gold stars instead of demerits and see how much better you feel about the process.  Hating yourself healthy (or thin) never works, friends.  Your body may be a bit rebellious at times, but ultimately, you’re on the same team.

You've got this, friends!

If you'd like to talk to me more about creating a wellness and nutrition plan that works for you, I've got you!  I'm a certified Nutrition Coach who will create a simple, customized meal plan for you and coach you through how to implement it into your busy life.  We also talk about all the pitfalls that make it hard, and help you make it the anchor that keeps you healthy, energized, and sane through the whirlwind of your everyday life.

I'd love to talk to you about the program, so please book a free consultation with me by clicking the Calendly button. I look forward to talking to you!



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