Yes, quite. This might seem odd on a food blog, very odd in fact, I hear you on that. So what's this all about? Let me explain, and let's start with a definition.
Well-being: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
I remember some years back meeting up with another food blogger who felt conflicted. They were trying to stick to a diet and run a food blog at the same time. We, the CC, looked at each other and we both had the same thought, 'good luck with that.' Food writing and 'staying trim' rarely go hand in hand. Sure enough, over the years we did the blog, I (Mr CC) put on weight; unsurprisingly, quite a lot. And when we stopped blogging, we carried on eating, we simply didn't write about it. I continued to put on weight.
Just under two years ago, as an avid reader of current affairs, I also noticed another trend: articles in newspapers describing the onset of a 'diabetes epidemic' and the likelihood that it would bankrupt the NHS. The rise in diabetes also seemed linked to the nation sliding into obesity. Given where I stood, it would be easy to gloss over these articles, I enjoyed life right? But I wanted to carry on enjoying life, free of limbs being amputated, and sometimes you have to face the brutal facts. I took an online NHS diabetes risk assessment and did not like what I saw (but quite frankly, was not surprised). I committed to change my ways.
Well-being: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
I remember some years back meeting up with another food blogger who felt conflicted. They were trying to stick to a diet and run a food blog at the same time. We, the CC, looked at each other and we both had the same thought, 'good luck with that.' Food writing and 'staying trim' rarely go hand in hand. Sure enough, over the years we did the blog, I (Mr CC) put on weight; unsurprisingly, quite a lot. And when we stopped blogging, we carried on eating, we simply didn't write about it. I continued to put on weight.
Just under two years ago, as an avid reader of current affairs, I also noticed another trend: articles in newspapers describing the onset of a 'diabetes epidemic' and the likelihood that it would bankrupt the NHS. The rise in diabetes also seemed linked to the nation sliding into obesity. Given where I stood, it would be easy to gloss over these articles, I enjoyed life right? But I wanted to carry on enjoying life, free of limbs being amputated, and sometimes you have to face the brutal facts. I took an online NHS diabetes risk assessment and did not like what I saw (but quite frankly, was not surprised). I committed to change my ways.
Fortunately, the time in my life when I chose to do this coincided with me becoming an executive/life coach and I applied the scientifically proven methods that I was using in my coaching with clients to help me succeed in my weight loss goal. Within six months, my BMI had fallen below 25, with the NHS definition of 'healthy weight' being a BMI between 18.5 and 25. Sure, BMI is not perfect, one size fits all blah, blah. But it does fit about 95% of people, so if you think BMI is fake news, have a clear idea why. In any case, it's a convenient and easy benchmark and the one that I adopted.
My challenge (to myself) therefore is this: can I run a food blog and maintain my BMI in the NHS prescribed 'healthy weight' zone?
But more than that, I recognise that anyone who reads food blogs likes eating. I am guessing therefore that many readers would like to achieve that balance, enjoying food but keeping the pounds off and wonder if it possible. Through a series of blog posts, I will share my thoughts as well as the techniques that I used to achieve my goal to help you likewise achieve yours. This is not a diet plan, hell, this is a food blog. These are tips to help take better control of life and its consequences.
Those who know me can testify to the full extent of the change that I have achieved, and if you want to change (any aspect of your life), you can too.
Accordingly, as well as food, it applies to so much more: drinking, smoking, exercise, sleeping, work, not work, life. Not much I say is original, but there again, not much your GP does is particularly original either, rather, follow a formula to get a result. It may not be original but it is well researched and much of it likely new to many.
Einstein said the definition of madness was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. This is an invitation to change. If this is not your thing, or you think this is too preachy or sanctimonious, simply don't click this tab. But if you are struggling in any way in achieving your goals, this might just be what tips the odds back in your favour. Embrace the change, enjoy the results. It worked for me.
My challenge (to myself) therefore is this: can I run a food blog and maintain my BMI in the NHS prescribed 'healthy weight' zone?
But more than that, I recognise that anyone who reads food blogs likes eating. I am guessing therefore that many readers would like to achieve that balance, enjoying food but keeping the pounds off and wonder if it possible. Through a series of blog posts, I will share my thoughts as well as the techniques that I used to achieve my goal to help you likewise achieve yours. This is not a diet plan, hell, this is a food blog. These are tips to help take better control of life and its consequences.
Those who know me can testify to the full extent of the change that I have achieved, and if you want to change (any aspect of your life), you can too.
Accordingly, as well as food, it applies to so much more: drinking, smoking, exercise, sleeping, work, not work, life. Not much I say is original, but there again, not much your GP does is particularly original either, rather, follow a formula to get a result. It may not be original but it is well researched and much of it likely new to many.
Einstein said the definition of madness was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. This is an invitation to change. If this is not your thing, or you think this is too preachy or sanctimonious, simply don't click this tab. But if you are struggling in any way in achieving your goals, this might just be what tips the odds back in your favour. Embrace the change, enjoy the results. It worked for me.
Author's note: I am a professional life and executive coach with a special interest in success and goal achievement. I work with individuals and groups to help them achieve their goals. I also undertake events and public speaking engagements. If you are interested in how I can help you or your organisation achieve your/its goals, without obligation, please get in touch via email (david at thecriticalcouple dot com) or via the contact tab on this website.