It turns out, the thing that changed my relationship with food the most wasn't a diet. It was letting go of perfection. I talk about looking back on my relationship with food in my first blog post More Than Hunger. This shift didn't happen overnight. In fact something as simple as understanding the difference between meal prep and meal planning took me a long time to figure out. Even now, I wouldn't say I'm great at it, but I am better than I used to be.
Before I started working with my personal trainer, Shianne, I didn't even know where to begin. Honestly, I struggled with more than just food. I felt unlovable, unworthy and frustrated with my body for what I had let it become.
Shianne and I actually go way back. We were best friends in elementary school before her family moved away around grade 3. For years, we were strangers. Then one day, a mutual friend shared her Mind & Body Reset program with me, and I decided to give it a shot. I figured the worst-case scenario was that I wouldn’t learn anything.
Shianne Marie | Women's Health & Wellness Coach (@miss.shiannemarie) • Instagram photos and videos
Turns out I learned a lot.
One of the biggest things Shianne has taught me is how to give myself the permission not to be perfect. When I fall off my plan that she worked so hard to put together for me, she is there to keep me from spiraling out of control. She helps me refocus on just one small step forward to get me back on track.
Her 1% rule changed so much for me.
I don't need to be 100% better overnight. I just need to improve by 1%. One choice, one action, one moment at a time. Those small steps add up and will take me to where I want to go.
Generally if I can get to working out I can stick with it. My nutrition is what holds me back and is usually why I give up on working out. I don't see much improvement so I quit.
So instead of trying to do everything at once I've shifted my focus to improving my relationship with food.
If that foundation is strong, everything else should become easier.
Meal Prep is a game changer.
I used to think those people who meal prep just had too much time on their hands.
Now I realize it actually saves time (when you do it.)
I cook and do less dishes throughout the week. I stay more fueled nutritionally so that I have energy to do the things I enjoy.
It creates a rippled effect that supports the lifestyle I want to be living.
This week, instead of making full meals, I prepped 100g portions of chicken and pork and froze them. Now I can pair these and mix and match frozen veggies, quinoa, or wild rice to quickly build balanced meals.
This is really helpful when I go into the office. Having a one hour commute with no lunch ready used to mean defaulting to Dairy queen... a lot.
There is nothing wrong with Dairy Queen for lunch but three days a week adds up and leaves me tired. Having ready-to-go meals has helped me break that habit.
I am finding a balance without guilt.
One of the biggest mindset shifts I've made recently is how I think about food. This is still evolving however I used to label food as "good," "bad," "treats," or "cheat meals."
Now, Food is just Food.
Some foods nourish my body, while some nourish my soul. Both of these have value.
Taking away the negative connotation from my food been a huge improvement for me. I binge less, I feel less guilt, and I don't put as much pressure on myself. Instead of restriction, I focus on balance.
When I removed the negative label I found I enjoy food more, and my relationship with food became a lot healthier.
I am still figuring things out.
I am experimenting with different ways of meal prepping. Sometimes full meals, sometimes mix and match components. I am learning what works best for my lifestyle, especially with travel for work.
The biggest change I have seen is I am kinder to myself, and it is making a difference.
You do not have to be perfect.
You do not have to overhaul your whole life overnight.
Just start with one small step. One better choice. One 1% shft.
It adds up.
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