My habits started slipping away after just a few weeks of being locked inside back in 2020. I didn't realize it at the time, but I started making one small compromise after one small compromise. Rather than doing something productive during moments when I felt even the slightest bit of hunger, I would go over to the fridge or pantry and grab a snack to immediately satisfy my need.
Whether it was stress or boredom, it really didn't matter. I was home, the food was right there and I slowly fell into the habit of snacking unnecessarily. I was working out a few times per week, and had a good amount of muscle on my body so I figured it wouldn't be a problem.
What I didn't anticipate was the impact it would have on my mind. Snacking on these ultra-processed foods didn't satisfy me (because they had little nutritional value), AND weighed me down mentally. I found myself not being able to think as clearly and falling deeper into the poor snack and food rabbit hole.
Eventually I ended up in a place where I didn't pay any attention to the food I was putting in my body. I would always revert back to "well I'm young, I workout and have muscle, so it really doesn't matter too much" (compromise).
This lasted for a long time. Up until about November of 2022, actually. These compromises started spilling into other areas of my life, and my performance as a father, a husband, a coach, and a manager were not even close to where they should have been. I found it hard to feel truly happy or joyful. Something had to change.
Making the nutritional shift back into healthy habits was definitely a mental test, but the immediate results were profound. I found myself feeling energy like I hadn't in a long time. The mere commitment to a healthier lifestyle made me feel more confident, even though I was just getting started.
Fast forward 7 months later and I've noticed significant changes... to my mind and body. Yes, being down nearly 10% body fat feels great. However, the mental changes have been the most impactful.
I have more energy, discipline and dare I say.... organization (my greatest weakness). I am more present with my wife and son. I wake up at 3:15 in the morning and have energy that lasts all day until 9:30 at night. I have confidence that I've never had my entire life. I'm experiencing joy and happiness unlike I've ever felt.
Without getting too Yoda on you here, I've realized that going through the process of becoming nutritionally disciplined has spilled over into every area of my life.
If you're at a point in your life where you know you're not reaching your full potential or maybe you're just stuck in a rut, I would seriously consider looking into your nutritional habits. The physical changes feel great, I won't lie. The changes to my character and daily life were things I did not anticipate.
If you're not sure where to get started, our 21 Day Summer Shred Challenge could be a great place to jumpstart you both mentally and physically.
Here's what the program includes:
-Meal Plan (vegetarian option available)
-Grocery Lists
-Weekly workout/movement challenges
-Accountability App
-Weekly Coaching Calls
-InBody measurements
-Constant support & Accountability
-Zoom kickoff meeting
The challenge begins on Monday, 5/22. Click the link here to register!
