Eating right can be one of the most challenging undertakings! When engaged though, it can produce some outstanding results. I truly believe we are what we eat. Here’s a fun exercise: go to a restaurant and simply observe what type of people go there. You may notice all different shapes and sizes (we aren’t judging, just observing), however, I’m sure after a while you’ll notice a certain common, over-riding theme. You can do this at grocery stores too. Go to a “cheap one” and go to a health food store, and simply observe.

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard the advice, “everything in moderation” which is great, but what you’ll quickly realize is everyone has a different, unique definition of what “moderation” is! Is that only 4 Energy drinks a day instead of a 12 pack?

I’m sure you’ve heard, paleo, gluten-free, dairy free, vegan, soy-free, non-GMO, no hormones, no antibiotics, sugar free, fat free, no high fructose corn syrup, eat right for your blood type, if it didn’t grow it’s not food, the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, the Mediterranean diet, the Eskimo diet, the Raw Food Diet, the throw-your-arms-up-in-the-air-and-wave-them-like-you-just-don’t-care diet…. Oh my, the list could go on and on.

There are people who’ve lived long, healthy active lives with intact minds over 100, and the reality is that the chances are greater than ever that you too will be a centenarian. The big question is: “What do you Want your Health to Look Like when you’re there?” Do you want to be just existing and dependent on others? Or do you want to be actively engaged in a community and passing your wisdom on to others?

So, how do you get there? First off, who are you? What does your lineage look like? What’s your genome have in store for you? What’s your current health look like? Take note and ponder for a moment. Now, take note on this…regardless of your genome, your life can look entirely different (in either direction) based on your environment and lifestyle. That’s a researched FACT. Check out: Bruce Lipton.

Just because your Grandmother had cancer, doesn’t mean you’ll have cancer… if you do the right things. On the other hand, just because your Grandmother lived to be 102, doesn’t mean you can live a carefree life and do what you want and be guaranteed the same age. It is, however, valuable information.

What’s the advice I received? Employ the psychology of change. The psychology of change says start with small, beneficial steps. DO NOT STOP what you are currently doing, unless you have the willpower to make it sustainable. Instead, create a habit by adding something beneficial and once it’s a habit, move on to the next thing. This is how you will create true momentum and lasting change! Take your notes about who you are, your lineage, your inherited genome, your current state of health, and be REALLY HONEST WITH YOURSELF HERE…how much and how fast do you need to create change to save your future self from a not-so-great future?

Research and identify with a way of eating that makes sense to you intellectually and emotionally and stop worrying about all the other diets and options. Find someone you can identify with, who has “been there, done that” that you might be able to gain inspiration and coaching from. If you start with the right intention, you’ll find your way. And know that there’s no end. It is constant and never-ending improvement you are after. Take the tortoise route and you’ll beat the hare jumping from diet fad to diet fad. You aren’t doing this for a “target weight goal,” you are doing this for overall health, and the weight goal will come. Engage the Psychology of Change and you’ll be on the path to Nutritional Success!