If you are trying to make diet changes stick, please know that you CAN do this. You’ve taken the very first step towards getting your diet back on track and sustaining that change over the long haul. Now, it is time to take action and commit!
Get Clear On Your Why
If you aren’t absolutely clear in your own mind as to why you want to make diet changes, take a moment to reflect on why you want to make this change. Do you want to improve your physical health and wellbeing? Do you want up amplify your energy level and overall vitality? Are you looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint? Do you have a big heart for animals? You must connect with whatever motivates YOU to successfully make the change. Now, think about what will happen if you DON’T make the change!
Let’s take a big step toward achieving your goal. Write down your answers to the following questions on a note card for reference:
- What is your specific goal as you bring more plant-based meals into your diet?
- What do you want to achieve with this diet change?
- Why do you want to achieve this?
- What will happen if you don’t change your diet?
- What commitments are YOU willing to make to achieve your goal?
Let’s be realistic here. If you’re used to eating like crap, you are going to have major cravings until that garbage is completely out of your system. It is going to take REAL commitment on your side to push through it. Put all of these points on a note card somewhere where you will see it every single morning as you get ready. You’ll want to review this card at least once a day until those cravings subside and you’re actually living up to your own personal commitment.
Make Diet Changes On Your Terms
You must make diet changes on your own terms. If you want to make a big dietary change, this is what it takes. I know because I’ve done it myself. I was 80 pounds overweight and pre-diabetic. My blood cholesterol and triglyceride measures were through the roof. Worse yet, I felt absolutely exhausted. By all measures, I was well on my way to an early grave. Then, I made a serious commitment to changing my ways. I got very real about what would happen if I didn’t make a change. For the first time, I chose to fully embrace life and make the most of every second that I have on this wonderful planet. Fast forward 14 years, I’ve kept off the weight and my blood chemistry is now spot on without the use of any medication. I also feel great knowing that my diet makes me a better citizen to the world around me. And my energy level? It’s better than ever!
If I can do it, YOU can do it. Whatever your personal motivation is, it is time to make a commitment to yourself. It’s time to move from theory to action and try this dietary change on for size. Life isn’t about what you say you’re going to do. It’s about what you actually do. This is a moment of decision, and it is time to make a new choice for yourself. You MUST focus on what you want, arm yourself with the tools you need to succeed and take action.
Taking Action
Before you leave this post, finish the exercise as described in the previous section. Jot down the answers to each of your questions on a note card, in a journal or on your smartphone. Once you’ve committed your perspective, set a few minutes aside to focus on these notes and the change you want to make each and every morning. Better yet, look in the mirror and smile when you read them because you’re actually making it happen!
- What is your specific goal in shifting your diet?
- What do you want to achieve with this diet change?
- Why do YOU want to achieve this?
- What will happen if you don’t change your diet?
- What commitments are YOU willing to make to achieve your goal?
If you aren’t doing this exercise at this point, I recommend that you stop and evaluate your own resistance. What is stopping you? It’s time to shed the excuses. I’m just being honest here. If you don’t have the discipline to get off your butt and note these things down, how are you going to have the discipline to say no to all of those things that got you here in the first place? You need determination to make this happen, and this is a baby step to help you build that determination. You must commit! This isn’t about the resources you have available, what your friends think or your own past failures. This is about YOU. It’s about where you are RIGHT NOW and what COMMITMENT you’re willing to make. So, suck it up and grab a pen. It’s time to get MOVING!
If you want to make this change, you MUST commit to action!
