Figuring out your values

Now that you've tuned in to what feels off, let’s talk about where you are heading.⁠⠀
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Too often, we have this whole concept of goal setting backwards. How many of you have desperately wanted something - a particular job, a new piece of clothing… only to find out later that it was not what you expected? We are too busy focusing on very specific, short term goals, without even knowing if they will bring us what we truly want. ⁠⠀
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Goals are very specific things that we can check off of a list. With most goals, we either win or lose, which often leads to misplaced beliefs about our lack of willpower or commitment. Values, on the other hand, are aspects that we nurture. Values are things we can choose to embrace any minute, and yet are also ever evolving and growing. There is no finish line when it comes to values, only practice. ⁠⠀
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This might seem a little intense when it comes to health. But, when you can identify your values, and keep those in mind, suddenly making small choices becomes easier. If you don’t know where you are going, the daily decisions in between can become overwhelming, distracting, and often defeating. ⁠⠀
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So, instead of thinking about what you want right now, I wonder what it would feel like to first figure out what you value. Think of this as starting at the end and working backwards. ⁠⠀
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Then, with those values in mind, re-evaluate your short term goals….Maybe counting calories helps you stay on track but is too hard on your mental health. Maybe you are waking up early to work out but it’s draining the only energy you have to give to your family later in the day. Maybe your low carb diet is affecting your once healthy sex life, or maybe you value time with friends or family but can’t seem to do that while following a certain meal plan. Maybe your short term version of success does not align with your ultimate values, but you never even thought of it through that lens. ⁠⠀
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There are so many different pathways to health. But the one that will work for you in the long term is the one that aligns with your values. ⁠⠀
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Reach out if you are ready to think about how to more closely align your health goals with your values 👌

What does healthy feel like to you?

For years, I’ve used Instagram to inspire you to make real foods the centerpiece of your table. While that is a great compliment to my work, I recognize that my feed does not reflect my practice. So to give you a better taste of what I do professionally, I’ve decided to include more content posts. Not to worry, I will still be sharing colorful and seasonal recipes for those of you who are here for the eats. I plan to cover topics such as hormones, digestion, mental health, and more, but if there is something you want to learn about, please share in the comments! ⁠⠀

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First up on my list is the reminder that your body is smarter than my degree. In other words, the best way to assess YOUR health is to check in with YOURSELF - physically, mentally, and emotionally. ⁠⠀
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We are inundated with health messaging, but no one else can say what the right path is for you without first knowing you. If you are interested in pursuing health, it’s critical that you stop and sit with what you believe it means to be and feel healthy, give yourself space to listen and notice, maybe even find a good teacher that can help you read the red flags, and evaluate where things feel off. This doesn't have to be an overwhelming process, but it does require honesty. ⁠⠀
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My suggestion is to start paying attention to your body like you would your own child. Try your best to notice, without judgement, and observe...How are you sleeping? Do you constantly feel fatigued? How quickly do your moods change? Are you often irritable or annoyed? Do you have a hard time recovering between workouts? Do you poop every day, and what does it look like? Do you regularly feel bloated or gassy? Do you have a sex drive? Do you know how to eat throughout your menstrual cycle? Do you enjoy what you eat; does it satisfy you and keep you full? ⁠⠀
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You might not know yet what healthy feels like, and only you can make that discovery, but that isn't something you have to do alone. My job is to empower you with information and tools so that you know how to listen (and later what to do about it). It’s hard to move towards health if you don’t know where you are, or what you are moving towards. ⁠❤️