Between my five kids (the ones still at home) getting this year’s flu, “support” training, for a marathon with my friend, preparation for my nutrition classes every week, homeschooling my kids, taking care of my 90-year-old mother, working full time at a vet clinic, and blogging, I can’t say I’m doing anything reeeeaaally well. Let’s just say, my house is kind of a mess, I’ve missed a lot of my daughter’s volleyball season and I’ve dropped more than one ball recently.
I’m not sorry I tried this rotational fasting challenge. It hasn’t been perfect, I wish I could have fasted longer periods of time more often, but I have learned things. For that, I am grateful. As James Clear remarks in his now famous book, Atomic Habits, “it’s more about systems than goals.” I’ve recognized and taken note of more than a few systems that need overhauled and repeated to win in this challenge of eating healthy and being healthy. Here are a few thoughts worth reflecting on:
- Sleep can’t be undervalued. Getting to bed on time and getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely critical to being able to make good health decisions. If you’re constantly fighting your hunger hormones because of lack of sleep, you will inevitably fail. So, get your sleep!
- Stress and overdoing the good things isn’t worth it if it’s actually hurting you and not helping you. I’m the number one culprit here. I have about ten more things that are all good that I try to fit into a day than I should. Alot of them are good. Too many will actually bring harm. Finding that line is crucial.
- Set yourself up to win. Don’t bring temptation into the house and expect to win when you’re already tired and worn out. The place to fight the battle is on the front end of the week when you’re rested and clear headed. Set dates with friends to meet them at the gym or the pool, to stay on track when you want to stay in bed instead.
- Don’t get hung up on lack of progress. Discouragement is the enemy of achievement. We set our goals and when we fail or, just as likely, fail to see progress, we give up. Focus on wins. I know I have to do this because I’m my own worst critic. I feel like I should be perfect to share knowledge about health with others. The truth is, if I was perfect, I wouldn’t have much to share. So, be thankful for your imperfection, strive to do a little better each day and learn to let imperfection go.
Here’s to moving forward. Beth
Deep Roots Wellness 