As a health coach and clinical nutritionist, I've seen it....a MILLION times (only slightly exaggerating). A perspective client will come to me, feeling so low and defeated. They tell me they've done Keto, and Whole30, and Weight Watchers, and Atkins, and Paleo, and any and all other fill-in-the-blank diets that are constantly thrown out into the media as the "cure" for weight gain. They tell me they've failed. And nothing works. And they feel so hopeless. To which I reply, "friend, the diet did it's job then." 

A diet is not designed for the long haul. No. None of them. Not even that one your sister or neighbor swear by. If it was then you wouldn't be here reading this. Somewhere along the lines, a diet failed you (notice how I phrased that?). You may have seen a few pounds drop. Maybe you even saw a significant amount of weight loss. At some point though, something changed and you may have gained some, or all, or all and then some back. Do you want to know why? It's because that die...

At this point in our lives, we all know the basic benefits of establishing a healthy fitness and nutrition routine. Just to keep it fresh in your mind, some benefits include:

• increased energy
• better sleep
• less injury/illness
• better concentration
• improved mood
• overall feeling of well-being

And many more! So why, then, is it so hard to establish a routine and what can you do to help get started with one? I'm so glad you asked!

There are a number of reasons why it's hard to establish a wellness routine but one that I find to be especially true is SUPPORT! We humans like to be supported in the tasks that we do, especially when it comes to health. Could you imagine running a 5k or a marathon with no spectators cheering you on and nobody at the finish line putting a medal around your neck? It would be so boring and you likely would rethink your next race. Having the support of a group of people or even just one person can exponentially increase your success in achieving your well...

We've all wanted to change or improve a behavior at some point. When I say behavior, in this case, I mean a habit or an action. Maybe you want to add in something to improve your health such as another glass of water or a vegetable at dinner. Maybe you wanted to reduce or eliminate a habit such as smoking or biting your nails. If you have decided at any point to change something you most likely have encountered some obstacles along the way. Let's break down why this is and what we can do to make it easier.

Change is HARD!

We are surrounded by routine. Some of us even thrive on it. To change a routine (even if it's for a good cause) takes effort. For some, the effort to change becomes the biggest barrier. For example, raise your hand if you had every intention to add more veggies into your diet. You buy all the leafy greens, orange things, and shredded whatnots, and bring them all home. With nothing but hope and intention radiating from you. Then, when it comes to be dinner time, you ...