KEEP GOING!

Encouragement. 

I know people talk about it a LOT these days. And if you will bear with me for a moment, I’ll explain why I think encouragement is so important – especially if you’re on a health journey.

We are wired to cling together as a group. Survival and all that. But we are also unique people with quirks and individuality. It’s difficult to reconcile our need to do things on our own with our instincts for connection and interaction.

Any mom who has ever battled their toddler knows what I mean. We watch our toddlers try to climb up the steps or put the sock back on their foot and we instantly jump in to help them. And are met with the familiar phrase, “I do it!” So, we step back – still hovering – and watch as they struggle to make it up the step or get the sock to slip back over the toes.

And we start telling them they can do it. You’ve got this. Keep trying. Sometimes they make it to the top, or get the sock back on (crooked and half falling off, but it’s over the toes!). Sometimes they fall on their tushies or can’t make the sock and toes cooperate at the same time.

And that’s when they need the hug from momma, and the encouragement telling them they did a good job and we’re very proud of them for trying.

Well, as mommas on our own journey, we need that hug and encouragement, too!

It’s an ACTUAL physiological need for hugs – for survival, for stress relief, for our immune system (yes, really!), for our mental health.

Encouragement can come in lots of different forms. It can come from a spouse, family or friends. It can come from media sources; quotes, podcasts, videos, other people’s success stories. It can come from online or in-person support groups. It can come from a coach or a trainer.

But you are more likely to lose weight, maintain your weight loss, improve your health outcomes, or reach your health goals if you have support and encouragement along the way, according to the National Institute of Health.

If you are working to improve your health, I just have to say, it’s not easy. Anyone who tells you it’s easy is not being honest. IN THEORY, it’s easy. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat lean protein. Watch your calorie intake. Exercise more. Lift weights. Do enough cardio. Manage your stress. Get more sleep. Drink enough water.

Find a magic unicorn. Sprinkle fairy dust. Wave your magic wand.

Sometimes changing your habits to improve your health can feel like an impossible task. And that’s why it’s important to be encouraged. To get the hugs, to hear someone tell you you’re doing a good job, to feel like what you’ve accomplished today is STILL a step in the right direction, even if it wasn’t THREE steps in the right direction.

I like doing things on my own, much to my husband’s annoyance, but I also need to hear an “Atta Girl!” sometimes, too. I need someone to listen to me vent about how much I don’t want to try kale even though I know it’s SUPER good for me. And I need to hear that my hard work is paying off. That the 30 pounds I’ve lost so far IS an accomplishment, even though I still have another 20 pounds to go. I need to hear that even when I don’t eat perfectly healthy every day and the journey is taking longer than I WANT it to, that I’m still DOING IT! I’m on the path, I’ve come this far, and I’m going to make it the rest of the way!

We all need encouragement, no matter what our health goals are.

Tell your spouse what you need from them. Reach out to family and friends. Join the support group for an extra boost. Find a coach who will be your guide and personal cheerleader every step of the way!

Because you CAN reach your goals! You CAN lose the weight! You CAN improve your health! Don’t stop now! Keep going on your journey.

And if you would like to find out more about how Health and Nutrition Coaching can help you start your journey and reach your goals, Book a FREE Consultation Call with me.