If you’re like I was before 2007 you know you need to eat better. I was trying to lose weight and worried about my health. I struggled for years to make a change.
I tried all types of diets and quick fixes but nothing worked for long. I couldn’t figure out why what I was doing wasn’t working. Somehow I always ended up letting stress, depression, anxiety and fear of failure derail my efforts. My cravings and emotional eating seem to take control and I’d find myself justifying the sugar and junk food.
Does any of that sound familiar? Have you struggled too?
Here’s my story of how I went from overweight vegetarian wanna-be to putting and end to my tug-of-war struggle. I’ll also share the Three reasons why we fail at making long-term lifestyle changes below this video.
Three reasons why we fail at making long-term lifestyle changes:
Reason #1 – Change is hard. Real hard.
Very few people can make significant change on their own. Simply deciding you’re going to do it isn’t enough for most of us.
We all have emotional, psychological and addiction issues that subconsciously influence us. You’re probably not even aware of how much they control you and the choices you make.
Reason #2 – We live in a society that’s set up to insure you’ll fail.
All around you are motivators for keeping with the meat-eating status quo. Television, radio, restaurants, your friends and family, even the medical system and those who you should be able to trust are pointing in the wrong direction.
Change can feel like you are swimming upstream against the current.
Reason #3 – No one can do this for you.
There are lots of diet plans, and cookie cutter programs out there. You spend hundreds of dollars on detox systems, or meal plans, or retreats that give you no more than short-term benefits at most. You do great for a while, then you’re back where you started. You’re feeling depressed and like a failure because you’re battling the same old problems all over again.
Why is this? It’s because the solution you tried didn’t show you how to deal with the reasons that got you into trouble in the first place.
You still have the same emotional, psychological and addiction issues.
You’re still confronted with the non-vegan world and all its triggers.
You’re left feeling discouraged because you don’t see the change you want and need.
You’re a unique person and you need a unique system to insure your success. What you really need is a solution that will help you create that system for yourself.
Does this resonate with you? If so stay tuned. Tomorrow I’ll share with you three common assumptions people have about a vegan lifestyle, and why they are wrong. We’ll also uncover the mistakes people make when trying to make diet changes that lead to trouble and how you can avoid them. We’ll share our formula for staying consistent and making lifelong changes that is tailor-made just for you. You can learn how to cope with emotional eating and develop sustainable eating practices as a way of life for yourself and for your family. You can learn how to prepare meals that are delicious and filling and good for your mind, body and spirit.
For now I want to know more about you.
What in your life do you want to see disappear? What is your motivation for change? Share it in the comments below.
Thank you opare i look foreward to your pos1 everyday . It helps me so much. Mario d
That’s what we’re here for!
I’ve been in the food/catering business for over 20 years, and are leaning towards plant based options
Hello weight loss, more energy.. And a lifestyle I can stick to!!!!
I hate that I can’t stay in control of my sugar and fat addictions. It is so frustrating. I want my two children to experience good health (normal body weights, sustained energy, and a love for being active)…something I never had. I want to raise them without these crap foods but between family pressure and high stress levels, I give into those old familiar comforts. How do you transitions to a whole plant-based life without being a social pariah and losing your mind???!!
I hear you! That’s what we are all about joyousjuicery. Our programs are designed to help you make it work.
Yes, for me to is family support. Its so hard when you live with alcoholics, weedheads, & sugar addicts. I was on the path when I was living in a different city than my family. I even had my 3 yr old on the track. Now im back living at mom’s & totally full of toxins. Low energy, no motivation. I know its will power, but Mommas fried chicken, ice cream, sweet potatoes constantly call me. I need to get out of this house. Peace
Indeed! It is extremely hard to make a change in an environment like that.
I recently made the transition to vegetarian approximately 3 months ago but I know that the vegan lifestyle is the lifestyle best for me. I now have vegan days twice a week and have notice a difference in the way I feel. It is my goal to transition to the vegan lifestyle by the end of this year. What I hope to accomplish with this transition is a better quality of life by losing the extra 70 pounds of unnecessary weight and releasing my need to take high blood pressure medication.
Looks like your 2016 will be a new beginning for you. We are here to help.
I would like to cure my Fibromyalgia and Bursitis; sugar cravings and to inspire others to cure their diseases.
You can do it Jamie!
Peace. I am motivated to complete this journey of developing my vitality. This is the first step to freeing myself from the bondage and attachment to anything on this earth. Ascension is my goal but I cannot ascend without letting these habits and attachments go. Ama, I really appreciate what you are doing. I joined as a member because I know that I am also motivated and encouraged by other successes. I especially appreciate that this site is for people of Afrikan Descent.
hekalu I applaud your goals. I am happy to have you as part of the community. May you also be an inspiration for others here. Welcome!
Yes you are Ebonye!
Hi Ama, I am going to lose 30 pds, I need to stay off of sugar, for more than a week! I want off of these Bo meds!
My biggest motivators for continuing to try to change my diet and lifestyle are my weight, fear of developing chronic medical conditions and my desire to start my family.
Aisha, thank you for sharing. These are powerful motivations for sure.
My biggest issue is weight loss. I’ve tried diets and cleanses and I can’t really stick to anything for a long period of time. My husband and I want to have more children, however, losing weight is a requirement from me so that the baby and I can be healthy and prosperous. I’m not on any meds but I do need to lose at least 100 lbs as well as clearing mild acne, my mind, energy and concentration. Looking forward to the coming days.
Antoinette, you are not alone. Without the mental and spiritual work and self understanding making long term change is difficult for most people. This is hope 🙂
My motivation for eating Plant Based is I’m Type 2 Diabetic, and Inflammation.I have to watch my Carbs. which is very limited . My family isn’t supportive of me eating this way.My issue isn’t lack of WillPower but lack of support from my spouse.I tried to do vegan and experienced thinning at the crown of my head (also could be diabetic related). Eating meat or not my Blood Sugar is out of wack it seems like there’s carbs in everything. I refuse to go on medication I became violently ill on Met Formin 500mg. I’m not into the mock meats too much sodium. @ this point I’m Frustrated .Any advice would be appreciated.
Gigi, lack of support from family is something many of us face for sure. Stay strong! Fill up your plate with raw fruits and veggies. Go to nutritionfacts.org he has a lot of great videos talking about diabetes and diet. And stay tuned for more information here.
I started eating a plant based diet after juicing. I didn’t want to go back to my former way of eating after the many benefits I received. I wanted to rid my body of inflammation and joint pain after exercising. I also wanted to finally be healed of hypertension, especially after a doctor told me that I would be taking meds for the rest of my life. The weight is coming off just from eating a clean plant based diet.
What great news, Lynn! It is really a shame that more doctors don’t know about or tell their patients the truth about the power of a healthy diet and lifestyle. May you continue to heal.