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needs versus wants in nutrition and life

needs?

My husband and I are constantly harping on our kids about the difference between needs and wants.  Do you really need the newest iPhone, or do you just want it?  Do you need the coffee flavored Oreos (maybe?) or do you just want them?  Do you need another Squishmallow crowding your bed or do you want another one because they're on sale at Fry's and they're "just soooooo cute!"?

Yes, there are things that we need to have and do in order to stay healthy.  We need to eat real, whole, food.  We need to move our bodies on a regular basis.  We need to sleep well and manage our stressors.  But I would argue that we only need to do these things if we want to be healthy.

Sometimes the "need to's" camp out with the "shoulds" and the "have to's," waiting in the wings to bring us down and make us feel bad about what we're doing, or more likely, not doing.  Those little words in our head fill us with shame, and shame is not a very good motivator.

Instead, celebrate the things we have done.  That's what builds real habit change.  Just ask any kid with an Instagram account.  Every "like" you get is a dopamine hit, every small success gives you a surge, and that dopamine is a very good motivator!

Brainstorm ideas for changing a habit, choose one or two, and come up with a plan that fits into what you're already doing on a daily basis.  Try it, see how it goes, celebrate every small win, and adjust accordingly.  

But--here comes the big but--only if you want to.  You may say to yourself, "I really want to eat healthier, because I have to if I want to control my pre-diabetic blood sugar levels," but even then, do you really, really want to deep down inside?  Sometimes our current state serves us in ways that may not be healthy but fulfills some other need or want.  That's where the deeper work comes in.  What is the benefit to me of having the extra weight on my body?  How does the food help me deal with uncomfortable emotions?  How would things change in my life if I didn't eat and drink the party foods along with the rest of my family and friends?

Spend some time with yourself and think through these things.  I find that long walks and journaling help me process things the best.  Maybe you have a good friend that can help you talk through it. Until you do the hard work of discovering your true wants and the things standing in your way, you will keep sabotaging all your success and end up dejected and resigned to the status quo.

Finding your why (not just the superficial one) is essential.   When you have that figured out, then recognizing patterns and being aware of them as they happen becomes easier.  That, my friend, is the first and most powerful step in creating change.


If you'd like to find out 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 book a free consultation with me by clicking the Calendly button. I look forward to talking to you!


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