The monotony of monotony

Dang, I'm boring.

Alright, maybe I'm not that boring.

Humans are boring.

Humans are creatures of habit.

And this habit creates monotony.

It has been interesting to relate habits and personal development to eating and bodybuilding. I have had many friends not as knowledgeable about the fitness/health industry ask for dieting advice. I have read nine books to date out of my goal for 30 by December 31. I can safely say that at least 6/8 of them mention habits. This could be anything from the creation of habits, to bad habits to understanding habits and our development. After reading the book "Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength", and "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business", I feel more confident in giving advice on how to develop workout, eating and healthy lifestyle habits.

Some might not realize that our brains and thoughts are within our control. As one of my favorite leadership gurus and sales leaders once said:

Photo found on: this website

"You are what you are and you are where you are because of what has gone into your mind. You change what you are and you change where you are by changing what goes into your mind.” - Zig Ziglar



I think this goes along with our bodies. Our mind controls our bodies. If we control what goes into our minds, we control our health.

This is great! Form a habit, stick to that habit and it all becomes easy, right?



WRONG.

This is where human flaws get in the way. We are constantly tempted. The monotony of monotony builds. Our willpower can only endure so much until we mentally cannot handle it any longer.

This is why many health professionals recommend a 80:20 ratio for clean eating.

Eighty percent of the time, eat a well rationed, balanced diet.
The remaining 20 percent allots for "stretching" your diet to things you like but aren't as nutritionally beneficial for you... aka "cheats".

However, you have to know your personal limits and keep yourself in check.

One of my good friends had this experience last weekend. He is very good about working out every day and eating healthier. However, he had been on a stricter diet for a few months now and went home over the weekend. He did not have a shopping spree. Instead, he had a calorie splurge.

The only reason I know about it was because he confessed to me this week. His experience goes to show that all of us have our moments of weakness. But, more importantly, we all have the capability to learn and overcome it.

Treat yourself to a bowl of ice cream every so often. Go out with friends one night on the weekend. That is the beauty of balance. Just don't let the scale tip too far that it tips over.

As I am a few days out from my bodybuilding show, I don't have the luxury to be as balanced right now. And I accepted that. This is my goal to achieve. I am embracing this experience!

After show, I am looking forward to more balance. More wine. More healthy protein treats. More gains. Until then, I overcome the monotony with variety in my cooking methods and seasonings... like these turkey burgers. Nom.

Ingredients: 93% lean ground turkey, 1 cup broccoli, 1 Tbsp butter, and random seasonings on a bed of Jasmine rice. Delicious and nutritious!

Or these protein peanut butter cookies garnished with Yup Brands B-Up Peanut Butter bars. Look for recipe soon!

Because I love baking too much to stay away!

What is one thing you can do this week to create a new habit? What do you want to try to overcome the monotony of our daily lives?

Send me a comment or email (carolineaweihl@gmail.com) and I would love to help you overcome monotony of our lives, especially in food and healthy lifestyle choices!