Ruud and Mignon are the faces behind Mindgains. Ruud brings his knowledge of and passion for fitness and nutrition, Mignon her expertise as a GZ psychologist. In the lead-up to Walk & Talk #3 on November 11, they will explain why healthy living is sometimes difficult to maintain and what patterns can get in your way.
A week full of good intentions
You start the week full of good intentions. You stock up on healthy groceries, make time for a walk, and feel like you're doing great. This time you really want to stick with it.
But then things get busy at work. You sleep a little less well for a few nights, skip your walk, and order something in the evening because you don't have the energy to cook. On the weekend, there's a drink and an evening on the couch with snacks.
And before you know it, you think: why can't I do it again? I'll start over on Monday.
Sound familiar? Then you're certainly not the only one. Healthy living is about more than good intentions and willpower. Your expectations, your environment, and how you feel also play a role.
In the lead-up to Walk & Talk #3: Less dieting, more exercise, feeling better in your own skin, we will reflect on the patterns that can make it difficult to maintain healthy habits.
When you want to do so well
You want to eat healthier, exercise more often, and take better care of yourself. So you make a plan: reach your step goal every day, no more snacks, and exercise a few times a week.
But how much room does that plan leave for a day when things go differently?
If the bar is set very high, even one missed walk can feel like failure. Or after an evening of snacking, you think: now it's already ruined anyway. While that one moment doesn't determine how well you're doing.
A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be perfect. Above all, it has to fit your life. Also on busy workdays, during cozy weekends, and on days when you have less energy.
Six saboteurs you might recognize
In practice, there are several things that can get in the way of your good intentions. Which ones do you recognize?
1. The demands you place on yourself
You make strict rules and expect yourself to always stick to them. As soon as that doesn't work, you are disappointed in yourself. That all-or-nothing thinking can make it difficult to simply move on.
2. The weekend
During the week you have a fixed routine, but on the weekend your day looks different. Maybe you alternate between being strict during the week and letting go of everything on the weekend. Monday then always feels like a new start.
3. Your environment
“Have another piece!” or “One time is okay, right?” It's often well-intentioned, but it can be difficult to stick to your own choice. Especially if you don't feel like explaining it every time.
4. Alcohol
Maybe you notice that after a few drinks it's easier to snack or you let go of your plans for the next morning. Therefore, also take a look at the habits that go with a drink for you.
5. Fatigue, stress, and emotions
After a long, busy day, cooking or exercising sometimes feels like yet another task. You look for convenience, relaxation, or comfort. What do you need at such a moment? That question often gets you further than blaming yourself for not having enough discipline.
6. Comparing yourself with others
On social media, it seems like others exercise effortlessly, cook healthy, and achieve their goals. You just don't see their whole day. Yet you quickly compare your difficult moments with what they do show.
From strict plans to achievable habits
Maybe you recognize one of these patterns, maybe several. You don't have to tackle them all at once.
First, take a moment to reflect on a time when things went differently than you wanted. Were you tired? Did you expect too much of yourself? Or did one small deviation immediately feel like your whole plan no longer counted?
Then ask yourself: what would make it easier at such a moment?
That is exactly where the search for a lifestyle you can maintain begins: with choices that are feasible in your daily life.
Walk & Talk #3: Less dieting, more exercise, feeling better in your own skin
On November 11, we, Mindgains, will continue this further.
During this Walk & Talk you will discover why healthy living is sometimes so difficult to maintain and how you can make it easier with five smart habits. You will get relatable insights and practical tools that fit a busy daily life.
Take this question with you: which habit would I like to make easier for myself?
Join the walk on November 11 and discover your first small step.
