Explained: The Psychology of Healthy Eating

Healthy eating should be simple shouldn't it?  It's only food after all, so why can it be so challenging to stick with a routine of eating the right things at the right time? 

And what constitutes healthy eating anyway?  There's so much conflicting information that it can be difficult to decide what to eat, let alone why and how we should follow specific guidelines.  

To help people navigate their way towards a pattern of eating and drinking that results in great energy, mood, performance and personal effectiveness for every individual, we’ve been busy delivering our workshop designed to explore the psychology of healthy eating.

'My routine has most definitely improved.'

The workshop provides participants with the opportunity to examine a closer definition of what constitutes healthy eating for them, why it matters, and how to fit it into their daily routine.  

We explore some of the habits that we develop with our food, and the ways we make decisions around our eating and drinking choices.  We then ensure that everyone leaves the workshop with a clear plan of action for their individual, sustainable approach to eating well forever.

'All is well thanks - still choosing more 'healthy options!’

As part of the process we regularly check in with participants following their workshop and it’s great to get feedback on positive progress.  Here’s one example.

'Thanks for the email - quite interesting that I don't really feel aware of the changes I have made until I reflect on them!  I am definitely eating less cake and I am making far more effort to prep my meals and am buying more fresh ingredients.  I have also bought a blender which is AMAZING.  I need to sign up for a half marathon/ten miler to motivate me, but I am regularly running 5k so one step at a time :)  Thanks again for coming during Wellbeing week, look forward to the next one.'

To organise a workshop on The Psychology of Healthy Eating for your organisation simply email us at info@the-tonic.com.  It's a great way to help everyone get 2015 off to a postive start with healthy eating, great energy and fantastic wellbeing results.

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Wellness for the Weekend

This morning I posted a link to the article below on LinkedIn with the recommendation that everyone plan a little bit of time this weekend to do something they enjoy, something that energises them and something that will really help to recharge the batteries.

Lack of ‘me time’ is leading to stress, tiredness and depression

I promptly received the following message from a participant in one of our programmes earlier this year.

'Absolutely agree Jeff. You won't believe it: I’m doing sport each and every day (Taekwondo: Monday, Thursday and Saturday, Gym: Tuesday and Friday, Basketball: Sunday. I also think one of the key to success is to do it with a group of people you actually like, then you'll feel more pleasure than pain and wouldn't be able to stay 2 days without any activity. Your workshop definitely impacted me forever. Keep it up!!!!!!!'

A great illustration that doing more of what you enjoy is an invaluable investment of time.

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How Long Does it Take to Change Healthy Living Habits...

...and how long does it take to get results with health, wellness and performance behaviour changes?

The short answer is, it depends how much of a priority billing you give to your wellness changes, and how effective and consistent your actions are.

How to ensure quick and lasting wellness results
We see plenty of evidence that with the right information and motivation, individuals and groups can achieve fantastic results in a very short time.  We also know that with appropriate support, these changes will be long lasting. 

To illustrate this, here are a couple of examples:

1) Wellbeing results can be quick
One group we worked with recently was attending a 4-week leadership programme, during which we delivered a selection of wellness modules.  We assessed various wellness KPIs at the beginning of the programme and again after 3-weeks.  During this short time the progress of the group was incredible.  They attended a selection of wellness presentations and activity sessions with the result that:

• 38% lost weight

• 49% lowered their Resting Heart Rate

• 42% reduced body fat

• 62% lowered Blood Pressure

Which proves that new habits can begin paying dividends almost immediately.

2) Wellbeing results can be lasting
On another programme we worked with participants during a leadership programme made up of two weeks in May and then two weeks in September.  Over the period from the start to the finish of the programme, participants remained focused on their wellness (with a little help from us and a selection of healthy living workshops, workouts and coaching) which meant that by the end of 4-months:

• 67% lost weight

• 61% lowered their Resting Heart Rate

• 53% reduced body fat

• 37% lowered Blood Pressure

The exciting thing here is that participants felt they'd made changes that would continue to pay dividends for a long time to come.  Their new decisions and actions had become habits and routines that were easy to follow and would stick.

We've complied a summary of the key changes made by these participants and the 5-step process they employed that led to these amazing results.  For a copy of this information simply email us at info@the-tonic.com and copy 'Quick wellness results' into the subject line of your message. 

Click here to read a further example of how lifestyle changes can make a positive difference that lasts for years

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