The Other 84% of Health

In last week’s blog, I mentioned water intake, slower eating, and increased movement. Did you pick up on the fact that I never suggested WHAT to eat?

This week, I invite you to look at all the habits you are living into throughout your day. The way you live plays into how, why, where, when, and even what, you eat.

Food and fitness, the physical aspects of health, determine only 16% of your success in achieving your optimal health goals.  

Yes, you read that correctly. On the surface, dropping the pizza and getting off the couch may help you drop some pounds, lower your cholesterol, and give you more energy.

That’s a step in the right direction, if you find contentment with whatever you choose to eat and do instead.

However, if you feel as though you’re living life in food and exercise prison, you will never be able to maintain whatever it is you have achieved, for any sustainable length of time.

Which is why losing the weight and getting healthy is always about more than the food.

In order for you to reach your optimal health goals, we must also consider the other 84% of the total picture:

• Relational: Do you feel connected to others? Do you feel as though you belong?
• Existential: Is there meaning and purpose to your life?
• Mental: Are you alert and focused? Do you continue to learn and challenge yourself?
• Emotional: Do you feel a variety of emotions and express them appropriately?
• Environmental: Do all your environments (work, home, social, etc.) support your best health and wellbeing?

All of these areas play into the total picture. This is the reason why diets are typically not effective on their own. There’s always more.

As you review your habits—food and otherwise—look for clues to help you figure out what may be keeping you stuck. And, celebrate those areas you’ve transformed that are helping you move ahead!  

If you feel as though you keep hitting a brick wall, I invite you to email me and we’ll set up a time to figure it out.

By the way, this conversation is complimentary. Together, we will identify the most powerful action you can take immediately to feel balanced and energetic.

To your best life,
Carol

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.”—Thomas Merton