Barriers to Change

By: Nikki Nies

How’re your New Year’s resolutions coming along?   Do you remember what you initially sought out to improve on?   If you’re still carrying out your New Year’s resolution, that’s great! If not, having the goal to be the healthiest version of yourself is not a bad goal to have either.

Constant improvement of oneself is a great goal to have.  While people often put health professionals on a pedestal of health.  We all have traits and goals we can work on.   I’ve been thinking about what I want to improve on and publicly admitting makes one more accountable for said goals.

First, I know I drink an extensive extra amount of coffee than the recommended 3 cups maximum per day.  While other portion servings are more valid, my concept of a portion of coffee is skewed.  I don’t think coffee should be served in anything than less than 16 oz, but preferably closer to 24 oz.  While, I’ve cut out a lot of sweets (i.e. ice cream, cookies) in my regular diet due to my weekly grocery budget, I still use sugar in my coffee.  I don’t feel as guilty about the sugar packet I add to my coffee,  but I know if I drank it black, the coffee wouldn’t be a problem.

I know if it was a life or death matter, I could give up coffee, but it’s become like a third arm to me, it’s like drinking water in the morning.  I fully recognize that I have a slight coffee addiction, but am nowhere means willing to decrease to the intended 6 oz. servings.  Perhaps, when I’m done with dietetic internship? Probably, not.

However, there’s another part of my life I know I need to make better efforts.  While this blog emphasizes nutrition’s role in good health, exercise is an equally important part of the equation.  While I see myself as an active person, I definitely don’t get the recommended minutes of  daily physical activity.

We all need to acknowledge the mental barriers that impair our ability to keep our healthy routines.  What goals do you want to achieve and what’s in your way?

For me, I’m not a morning person.  Studies have shown starting your day with time at the gym or at home exercise can be a great kick off to the rest of the day.  I’ve been seen to go to the gym at 10PM and obviously it gives me an adrenaline rush.  Also, if you’re not completely committed to a new change, it’s so easy to talk yourself out of plans.  I’ve rescinded using my apartment’s elevator and only use the stairs.  I convince myself this is an adequate substitute of daily exercise, however, we all know it’s not.

Being held accountable to stick to a new goal can help remove barriers to change.  I’m heading to the gym tomorrow with my roommate.  Honestly, I wasn’t intending to go to the gym tomorrow, but since she asked me to accompany her, I know this is the time to seize a new healthy exercise routine.

Join me in living a more permanent healthy lifestyle and don’t allow those barriers inhibit your chance at reaching your goals.  Let’s do it!