Have you traveled this road? The (Health) Road Less Traveled. The one where you choose to make healthy lifestyle changes that goes against the “normal” way of eating and drinking.
It’s a challenging road with an abundance of hills and valleys. I have been on this road for over 25 years, and ultimately it’s been hard and worth every mile!
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In this article, we’ll look at the 10 biggest obstacles associated with making food related lifestyle changes. The secret to staying the course and 10 ways you can have success with your new food challenges.
While taking the (health) road less traveled, prioritize gratitude and remember you are not alone!
The (Health) Road Less Traveled
GRATITUDE. I couldn’t be more thankful for the health challenges I have experienced over the years. What if I hadn’t struggled with my health in college; would I have naturally turned to making better food choices?? Would I have known what to do when my twin daughters developed a wheat and dairy allergy shortly after their first birthday? Could I have encouraged others with healthfulness?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! If you are on this health road, you might feel lonely or the odd person out. However, this world is full of people striving to fight disease and in general desiring to take care of their bodies.
Maybe you abandoned this path for lack of encouragement or motivation. (Please, no need to feel guilty either!) It’s a hard road that requires time and energy.
I know others would join us if not for so many obstacles. Can you relate to any of these obstacles?
Here are the 10 most common obstacles:
- Cravings; either physical or emotional
- Lack of Convenience
- Ads and commercials
- False sense of desire or fulfillment for an unhealthy lifestyle
- Peer pressure
- Feelings of unworthiness
- Lack of desire
- Youthfulness; feeling invincible
- Commitment
- Expense; cost of time and funds
The Secret to Staying on the Less Traveled Road
Clarity; know your mission!
- Why do you want to overcome disease?
- Heal your body?
- Honor what has been given to you & care for it accordingly?
- Prevent future illness and disease?
Commitment; follow it when it’s hard and inconvenient! Hopefully the following tips will encourage and fuel you to maintain your commitment to traveling the less traveled health road.
10 Ways to Succeed on this Less Traveled Road
- Cultivate a desire for healthfulness.
- Make commitments to yourself and/or family.
- Be willing to be inconvenienced.
- Provide positive peer pressure (to be health minded).
- Prepare to succeed; plan meals, make time for exercise and get outdoors.
- Be chemical conscious; avoid exposure to toxic products.
- Keep the journey fun. (Real food is colorful and fun!)
- Buy locally grown food & shop in stores that promote good health.
- Aim for consistency NOT perfection.
- Gain knowledge; learn about the necessary nutrients found in fresh vegetables, fruit, and meat.
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The (Health) Road Less Traveled
I hope you found encouragement either as you embark on this journey or continue on this road. You are worth it! Each one of us is only given one body. My personal view is to overcome sickness and disease and live the best life possible.
Become aware of others that may be quietly trying to walk this health road. They need to know how you push through your own challenges and struggles. As you travel this health road, come along others and be an encouragement.
Remember to have Clarity, Commitment and Enjoyment! Embrace consistency and do not worry about being perfect 100% of the time. We’ll continue on this health road together!
Pursing Better Health Together,
Please comment below with a health area that concerns you the most. Either myself or another reader might know of a resource for you.
Lisa @ https://meandmymomfriends.com says
Great post! My biggest health struggle is taking my medications. I have Lupus SLE and take meds daily (in theory) but I often fall into the trap where I start to feel better, and forget to take them, then after a while of not taking them, I start feeling sick again. This has motivated me to get myself back on track and keep it up to stay healthy
Michelle says
Lisa, I can relate to that very well!
Kirsten @ ObtainingBliss.com says
These are such great tips! I need to remind myself of these while I’m on my journey. Thank you!
Miranda says
Wonderful post Michelle! I totally agree that it helps to aim for consistency not perfection. And adding in small changes at a time has helped. I never thought of thinking of my rare heart condition as something to be grateful for in regards to how I have had to look for natural healthy ways I can bring energy to my body other than caffeine and sugar. Thanks for the new perspective.
Michelle says
Miranda, you are right about small changes over time! That is so helpful for people having to make a lifestyle change. Hope you have a great day!
Jane says
I cant imagine just how hard it must be to try to fit eating healthy due to a health condition. I know that staying committed to health choices can take alot of willpower. Great post and very good information and advice.
Missy says
Thanks for this encouraging post. I too struggle with staying on this road as I battle MS. Your insights are quite helpful.