Experiencing a big life change? Maybe you are moving, had a baby, experienced a loss, started a new job, lost a job…. I’m not sure what it is for you, but it seems like change is everywhere. And it can be hard to get back on track and keep dieting among change! I feel ya!
We recently moved from Sicily to Kansas, and the last few months have brought on a lot of change! When I surveyed you on Instagram, many of you are also going through some life changes and have a hard time staying on track with healthy eating. Let’s go over a few ways you can keep your nutrition on point when life is crazy.
Dieting and Change in Life
Here are some tips to help you:
- Start Small:
Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to make drastic changes all at once. Instead, focus on small, achievable goals that you can gradually build upon. Lets look at meal times, for example. If you tend to struggle with family dinners, don’t make your goals about breakfasts or snacks. Work on ONE thing right now: Family dinners. Maybe that means you need to batch early in the week, work on mastering your shopping list to avoid running out of options, or try new recipes for variety! - Establish a Routine:
Creating a daily routine can provide structure and stability during times of change. Include regular mealtimes, exercise, and sufficient sleep in your schedule. It’s hard, but keep to it every day as much as possible. - Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and can help maintain your energy levels. If this isn’t a habit for you already, start here! - Get Moving:
Don’t panic if you aren’t able to get to the gym like you’d like or like you used to do. Things have changed. It’s probably not as easy as it was. Change your fitness goals. Walking every day is more than enough! - Prioritize Sleep:
One of the most underrated things you can do for your health. Before scheduling 6 am workouts, make sure you are getting adequate sleep. Your adrenals and your hormones will thank you. - Connect with Others:
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Talking to others about your experiences can be therapeutic and help you feel less isolated. - Avoid Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms:
Be mindful of turning to unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption or overeating to cope with stress. Seek healthier alternatives instead. We’ve talked about this before as far as overeating at night, if that’s what you struggle with. Instead of saying you WON’T overeat at night, try to set small goals of things you WILL do during the day- like eat more protein at each meal, take a walk after dinner, etc. - Set Realistic Expectations:
Understand that getting healthy after a big life change may take time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Don’t be hard on yourself, it all takes time.