Involve all of your senses:

I often speak with my clients about taking T.I.N.Y steps.  These are particular steps that help us make sustainable change. 

T is for – Transformational – Transformational change involves all of our senses. It involves a major shift in behaviour and thought patterns.

Let your eyes shine…

For example:  When I initially began to change the way I ate, I wanted the foods I chose to be appealing.

I chose lots of colour so my eyes could enjoy the experience.

Involve your tastebuds…

I chose some crunchy carrots and some soft yogurt so my tastebuds could really get involved in this new way of eating. 

I chose some foods that were familiar and made my brain & body happy – such as cauliflower – and some that made my brain and body sit up and take NOTICE – such as unfamiliar spices.

Thai Chili olive oil became a favourite stir-fry addition

Choose things that you enjoy.

I enjoy silence and beautiful dishes and cutlery, so I sat at the table in silence, lit a candle, and thoroughly enjoyed this new way of eating – ok, maybe not the first time, but I did enjoy it eventually.

I persisted because I knew this was important to my health and now my body enjoys healthy food and has strange reactions to processed foods.

When we decide to make changes, it is imperative that we make it as positive as possible and involve as many senses as possible so that we can make ENJOYABLE memories.  That way, our brain will file it under “Enjoyable and Sustainable” instead of under “Let’s not do that again!”

I hope that when you want to make sustainable changes, you focus on involving all of your senses so you can make slow, enjoyable, sustainable changes that led you in the direction of positivity and possibility. 

Come back next week to find out what the letters I.N.Y. mean.