A Stronger Mindset
I believe how you look has a direct impact on how you feel and think. But is image really all that?
The most satisfaction I get from seeing my clients improve is their mental approach towards health and fitness. There are so many stigmas and issues in today’s health and fitness world, that most people tend to be utterly baffled by most of it. When I see a client really grasp the concept of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, it makes me a very happy coach.
Not only this, but the increase in energy levels is a big thing for me too. If we can crack the mental approach to food and exercise, and our energy levels begin to rise, then the body image will follow. But it’s not the most important thing to consider.
The mind is SO powerful
If you feel tired, lethargic, anxious, insecure, downbeat, it could well be due to a lack of nourishment within the body. These feelings tend to lead towards nutritional issues that will need to be addressed if you want to improve your health, energy levels and physique.
Beat Cravings
Cravings are a problem with most people trying to get into shape. They can kick in at random times, but they usually occur due to a lack of nourishment within the body and your body is crying out for nutrients. So why do you reach for a chocolate bar when you’re craving?
Well chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine, which triggers a release of endorphins, which are the ‘feel good’ hormone and helps us feel relaxed. This is why chocolate is considered a ‘comfort food’. However, another way to release endorphins is to exercise. That’s why once you finish exercising, you usually feel great.
Alcohol can also make us crave foods. After a night on the town, our bodies are very dehydrated, and we lose salt and electrolytes. This results in a loss of energy, resulting in the body ‘craving’ the comfort foods we spoke about earlier. The way to beat this is to make sure your fridge is full of healthy nutritious food choices so the day after a drinking session you’re ready to re stock your energy levels with great foods.
Having said all of this, we are all human, and we all cave in to temptation sometimes. So, what I would say is that if you do, allow yourself a little bit of a treat. But keep it at just a little treat. Think, will it really be worth that minute of pleasure to un do some of your hard work? Didn’t think so!
Having the support of friends, family or loved ones is always a great way to keep on track and beat the cravings. By having others in the same boat as you can not only inspire you all to succeed, but also keeps you all accountable as you don’t want to let each other down. This is a powerful way to reach your goals.
So, the next time you feel cravings coming on, try and put into practice some of the tips here, and see if you can reduce them as much as possible.
