Empowering Mindset Shifts for Healthier Choices Moment by Moment

In a hectic world full of commitments and distractions, maintaining a Hashimoto's friendly healthy lifestyle can feel overwhelming. The constant temptation of unhealthy snacks and the pull of a cozy couch (who doesn't love a good Netflix binge) can make the journey toward health seem daunting. Since my Hashimoto's diagnosis, I have struggled with choosing health over "fun" and 9 times out of 10, I chose "fun." Yet, the secret to overcoming these obstacles lies in a simple yet powerful mindset shift. By consciously choosing health at every moment, we can radically change our approach to diet and exercise, paving the way for lasting transformation.

This blog post delves into the importance of mindset shifts, highlights the significance of making mindful health choices, and provides strategies to overcome feelings of laziness and lack of motivation. Learning that "fun" doesn't have to mean skipping physical activities to spend time with friends or choosing the yummy foods that will make me sick.

The Power of Mindset

Our mindset shapes how we perceive life and make choices. A positive outlook empowers us to take charge of our health, whereas a negative mindset can lead to self-sabotage. Studies indicate that individuals with a growth mindset—those who believe they can improve their abilities through effort—tend to achieve better outcomes. I was stuck in a negative mindset, until one day, I WOKE UP!

Rather than seeing obstacles as insurmountable, I choose to see them as opportunities to grow. This shift allows me to embrace my wellness journey, focusing on daily progress rather than fixating on distant goals.

Choosing Health Moment by Moment

Making healthy choices goes beyond strict diets and intense exercise routines. It involves making conscious decisions throughout the day. This awareness can lead to healthier habits.

For example, when a coworker asks if I want to order sandwiches for lunch, am I saying yes out of obligation knowing gluten isn't good for me? Instead, I choose to live in my commitment to a better life and recommend an option I can enjoy. By cultivating this awareness and taking a moment to align with my vision for myself, I align my choice with my health objectives instead of relying on automatic habits.

Battling Laziness and Lack of Motivation

Laziness and lack of motivation are familiar feelings, especially regarding diet and exercise. However, recognizing that these feelings are temporary can help us push through.

A practical strategy is breaking tasks into smaller steps. Instead of focusing on an entire workout, I will commit to a short, 10-minute activity. Motivation builds once I begin. I used to think if I didn't close all my rings on my Apple Watch, I hadn't worked out hard enough. I know that's not true. Small steps deserve celebration! All movement is celebration worthy, regardless of the total time or calories burned.

Surrounding ourselves with positive influences also combats laziness. Join a local workout group, follow inspiring accounts on social media, or share your goals with friends. Having a support system boosts our motivation and keeps us accountable. I have shared my goals with people I know will hold me accountable and give me feedback - something that can be seen as negative but I CHOOSE to see it as an outward expression that they care about me.

Choosing Power and Change Anyway

Even when motivation falters, we still hold the power to choose change. This choice requires commitment, but the benefits are substantial.

Setting clear and attainable goals is one effective way to harness this power. For instance, instead of trying to overhaul my entire diet at one time, I am choosing to eliminate one food type at a time (I started with gluten), master that removal, and move on to the next. Small changes can compound into significant results over time.

Moreover, celebrating small successes fosters positive behavior. Recognizing progress, however minor, builds confidence and encourages continued efforts, even when challenges arise.

The Role of Self-Compassion

Everyone faces motivation challenges from time to time. Practicing self-compassion helps us navigate these moments without harsh self-criticism. Instead of punishing ourselves for feeling unmotivated, let’s acknowledge our emotions and choose into a new way of being. Our minds can be so powerful if we allow.

When we treat ourselves kindly, we create an environment that encourages growth and resilience. This mindset shift allows us to recover quickly and keep making health-focused choices, even after setbacks. I know it sounds silly; however, looking at myself in the mirror every day and reminding myself who I am lights the fire within me to keep going.

Your Path to Healthier Choices

The journey toward a Hashimoto's friendly healthier lifestyle is filled with choices made moment by moment. By embracing mindset shifts, we empower ourselves to make conscious decisions regarding our health, overcome laziness, and embrace change even in low-motivation times.

Remember, every small step is significant, and it is the accumulation of these choices that leads to authentic transformation. The next time you face a decision about your journey, take a moment to pause, reflect, and choose wisely. Your future self will thank you for it.

A refreshing green smoothie packed with nutrients