I have a question for you: How do you view change?? Are you the kind of person who welcomes a new opportunity or challenge or do you prefer a comfort zone? Are you the sort of person who can’t bear the thought of changing your commute to work, changing your environment, changing your song choice even??? Well, according to a Psychology study in 2010 titled ‘Longer is Better,’ the longer we do something, the more correct we perceive it to be. Does that mean that in many of our lives ‘Change’ is an unwelcome visitor, who dare not knock at our door???
Non-negotiables…
Well to be honest with you, my personal view is that there are certain core values such as love, kindness, forgiveness and happiness that deserve a firm, permanent place in our lives; however, there are several areas that are up for flexibility. Some of these might be environment, a change in routine, or even a wardrobe shuffle…just to experiment with something new.
As a nutritionist, and especially a plant-based nutritionist, I find that for many, food has been placed in the category of ‘non-negotiation.’ Some of us have a sign hanging in our food mentality that says ‘No Trespassing’...and certainly no Change. We are not willing to challenge our thinking regarding our food patterns…and there may be some room for us to challenge ourselves to new thinking. I could probably tell you a hundred stories about how dietary change has been a true fork in the road for me…and for my clients as well. However, dietary change…and ANY change, for that matter, always requires a willingness to look at things in a new way.
Rock-On Changers!!
At one of our past vegan pop-ups, I was really encouraged and inspired by the variety of people our food attracted that evening. There was a beautiful mix of people with varied ideas about food and it was so amazing for all of us to be in the room together, with Amazing food, flavours and a bit of Billy Holiday playing in the background to complement the class of the evening.
There were vegans there, who always show us so much love and support; but I was most thrilled when I walked over to a large group of people and I asked ‘So how many of you in this party are vegan?’…and they answered ‘None of us, but the food is AMAZING’. I was so surprised that so many people would come out to a Veg event…and not one of them were vegan. They explained that they were all at different stages of health, with varied diets…just like all of us!!
Embrace the Journey…
Of course I have strong views about what constitutes a healthy diet. And I have learned a lot through my own health journey and research which has shaped these ideas. However, I would still say to fellow nutritionists, doctors and individuals everywhere to embrace the journey, rather than idolising the destination. If you’ve eaten more veg this week than last week, Well done!! If you drank more water than usual recently, Well Done! If you’ve taken even one small step toward change, Well Done…and to all those Non-veggies who attended the Pop up, ROCK-On !!!!!! Keep showing the rest of us what it means to try something new! Thanks for coming, Swap Meat
Change Tips below:
Research the Change...Look into the Pros and Cons of the change you're considering. Talk to an expert about how this change could impact your life.
Toes in first...Sometimes dabbling with a new concept might be the correct step forward. Give yourself the exposure initially that will eventually draw you in fully; this could mean visiting new houses or test driving a car...Why not give yourself a month for exploration...and then Just Go For It!!!
Don't Wait for Courage...Remember that Superheroes are only in the movies...chances are you will often feel fear about a New thing. Never let nerves dictate your movements. 'Feel the fear and do it ANYWAY!'
And Remember, if you need any advice or support for any health change, we are always here to help...we're cheering you on every step of the way!
In Health,
Dr T