There is a common saying in the nutrition world that a child may have to try some foods ten times before they realize they like it. As a mom of a picky eater, I have to remind myself of this saying multiple times a day while I am on my hands and knees picking up food that was spat on the floor.
However, I think this saying can be strongly related to the process of making a healthy lifestyle change. Sometimes you might not like that first bite of change. You might take that first bite and realize that it’s harder than you thought and takes a lot of effort, but don’t have that be the reason you give up. It can require time and personal commitment before you see the desired results.
Don’t get me wrong, there are going to be some things I could try a hundred times and still know after each time that it’s not for me. Mine would be cooked oatmeal. That stuff gets me every time! But even though I hate oatmeal, I have found other healthy foods that I do enjoy and can incorporate into my breakfast.
If you find after trying to become more healthy that there is a particular sport that you don’t like or specific food you can’t stand, don’t give up on your goals. Keep trying. There isn’t just one way to be healthy.
As a registered dietitian and nutrition coach, I would recommend that even before taking that first bite into a healthy lifestyle change, know that some changes are harder than others.
Don’t let that prevent you from starting or keeping at it.
With the right attitude, you can achieve any goal.