Nutrition: Food & Culture
I am so excited to kick off my Nutrition: Food & Culture Series. I’m starting with A Talk with the Elders feature. I talked with one of my beloved elders to see how food in America has changed in his lifetime.
I cannot lie. I am extremely grateful that I am not only qualified but also available to provide nutrition education during these times. However, if I am completely honest, I have found that everyone contacting me are simply not ready. Allow me to explain. Majority of the people who have contacted me did so because they are unhappy with the physical changes they have observed in their appearance; only a fraction may have noticed the emotional connection to those changes. It can be easier to identify the emotional issues resulting from an undesired change in physical appearance, but what about the emotional issues that acted catalytically? Yes, there is a cause and effect in this situation. However, there is also a catastrophic coexistence.
Once we begin to discuss their expectations of nutrition therapy and their desired results, I find that many people have not realized that changing their behavior is only one detail of much a larger picture. When we review the onset of change, their mindset throughout the period of change, and their behavior(s) driving change, they become triggered. This is about when it is revealed and/or realized that the source of their behavioral change(s) may have not been properly identified. Changing their physical status can’t be resolved until they understand the cause of the change in their behavior.
For many, this is where they have to acknowledge that they are still coping. I am speaking specifically about cases relating to the pandemic. The desire to restore their physical health may be there. However, the realization that changing their physical appearance may be difficult while still experiencing the causative emotional trauma must be realized. It is required actually.
After seeing this situation occur repeatedly, I decided to shift my approach for the pandemic pound sufferers. I counseled them to understand that there is an additional layer to address. Consequently, there is potential for this to be a somewhat more difficult weight management experience. It’s not that they cannot achieve their goal; they must acknowledge the intensified challenge of seeking change while experiencing trauma.
Below I have listed some questions I encourage pandemic pound sufferers to ask themselves to determine if they are ready to confront this issue.
If you found it difficult to answer these questions or found them triggering in a way, take a deep breath. Do not place pressure on yourself to make any adjustments right away. Grab your journal and begin writing. Ascertain where you are and identify your present position. Refer to my Mindful Nutrition post for additional information and suggestions to assist you with determining where you are. Accept where you are currently and set a timeline of realistic measures to achieve your nutrition goals. For suggestions on how to do this, refer to my post about Setting Practical Nutrition Goals.
Once you are aware of where you are and when you are comfortable, gradual changes may serve you more beneficially instead of committing to an abrupt strictly regimented reconditioning. Know that you are not alone. You are not on a clock. There is not a set date and time in place by which you must recover from this experience. Allow yourself grace to regroup and the space to prioritize your concerns.
If you have answered these questions and feel that you are ready to tackle those pandemic pounds, I wish you well on your nutrition journey and hope that your total wellness is restored. Be encouraged.
I am so excited to kick off my Nutrition: Food & Culture Series. I’m starting with A Talk with the Elders feature. I talked with one of my beloved elders to see how food in America has changed in his lifetime.
Do you have a nutritional aspect of your self-care routine in place for the season change?
Pumpkin flesh and seeds are mineral and vitamin rich. Pumpkin flesh can easily be incorporated into sweet and savory dishes making them quite versatile.
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