Category Archives: self efficacy

Food as Medicine: How food and diet impact the treatment of disease.

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🍽 FOOD AS MEDICINE 🍽
My heart skipped a beat when I saw this report released last week, Which also includes 10 key recommendations to stakeholders to advance food as medicine practices in the prevention and treatment of disease which are all very impressive calls to action. 👏🏻

This is the first of MANY posts I’ll be doing on this.

Let’s dive in👇🏻
In the 18th and 19th centuries, scientific investigation and innovation dominated Western understanding of medicine During that time, American medical education underwent notable advancements. In 1745, the first formal course in human anatomy was established at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1829, the first American textbook on pathology was published.

These innovations, among others, ultimately inspired a shift away from nutrition-based medicine towards allopathic medicine.

Allopathic medicine is defined by the National Cancer Institute as: “A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine

However, the use of food as medicine is rooted in science and has been adopted and practiced by numerous cultures despite the fact that the history of food as medicine was largely ignored by academics until the 21st century.

Now, largely because of its increasing social media presence and online attention,academic study of the history and use of food as medicine has begun to gain momentum, finding its place in journals, conferences, and programs of study!

Last slide says it all 🙌🏻

SOURCE:
Platkin, C., Cather, A., Butz, L., Garcia, I., Gallanter, M., Leung, MM., Food As Medicine: Overview and Report: How Food and Diet Impact the Treatment of Disease and Disease Management. Center for Food As Medicine and Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center; March 30, 2022

Movement creates HOPE! Let’s talk myokines aka ‘hope molecules’!

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❔Did you know your body can help your brain feel more hopeful through movement?
“Every time we move our muscles, we are giving ourselves an intravenous dose of hope.”— Kelly McGonigal, PhD

💥 Let’s talk The Power of Hope Molecules 💥 Swipe 👉🏻 to learn.

Exercise & movement are about much more than weight loss.

People who are active are:
-Happier & have more life satisfaction
-At a lower risk for things like depression & loneliness
-Better able to cope with stress & anxiety
-Feel more of a sense of purpose & social connection

Among its many life-altering rewards: the generation of hope, happiness, a sense of purpose, greater life satisfaction and rewarding connections with others, are benefits of exercise that go under appreciated.

Emerging research suggests that when exercised, your muscles become “basically a pharmacy for your physical and mental health.”

If you are willing to move, your muscles will give you hope. Your brain will orchestrate pleasure. And your entire physiology will adjust to help you find the energy, purpose and courage you need to keep going.

Recreating the relationship that we may have with exercise and why we do it is one of the most important aspects of shifting from disordered and restrictive-driven behaviors & cultivating a happy and lasting lifestyle that is pleasant to keep up 🤍

Looking for more support navigating your cycle with fitness & nutrition? Check out my FREE guide & pro-metabolic strength training guide available for purchase!

✌🏼💯LINK to apply for 1:1 coaching

SOURCES:
Psychosomatic Medicine 62:633–638 (2000
PMID: 31142190
PMID: 30627775
Dr. Kelly McGonigal

#mentalhealth #myokines #muscles #moveyourbody #bodyneutral #dietculturedropout #onlinepersonaltrainer #personaltrainer #personaltraining #fitnesscoach #hopemolecules #fitness #hope #antidepressant #strengthtrainingforwomen #prometabolic #exercisemotivation #fitnessmotivation #womenshealth #resilience #trauma #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #explorepage #movementismedicine

Ever felt “low on motivation”? This post is for you.

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💡 If you’re frustrated about not being motivated, this SHOWS that you do actually have some motivation.

Because if you’re truly not motivated, you don’t give a 💩 that you’re not motivated. 🤣

We are complex beings who are rarely driven by only one type of motivation.

There are many qualities of motivation, and when people say they “lost motivation”, they usually mean they lost intrinsic motivation.
👉🏻(Intrinsic motivation refers to behavior that is driven by internal rewards. In other words, the motivation to engage in a behavior arises from within the individual because it is naturally satisfying to you.)

But that’s fine, we aren’t always going to feel intrinsically joyful to meal prep our food for the week, or to get in the 12-15 workouts on our program each month. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Taking motivational inventory is the ability to search for and leverage other reasons.

Maybe you:
-want to feel less aches & pains
-want to sleep better
-want to be a good role model for your kids
-want to have energy to play with your kids
-want to improve your performance & physique

ALL of those are motives, some are for external rewards for an outcome that feels rewarding.

Others are when you identify the outcome is meaningful to your current values, you may not want to exercise for FUN, or focus on your protein intake but you will do it because you want the outcome in the end.

You’re not always going to be motivated to workout.

Out of 12 workouts in a month:

Two workouts you might feel JAZZED and PUMPED

Seven workouts are like meh….

and three workouts you may have to force yourself to get it done. (Those are the ones that matter the most).

MOTIVATION

Simply put: Motive + Action

is the driving force behind your actions. It isn’t something you simply have and keep forever; motivation is like campfire that you must keep stoking to benefit from the warmth.

Because: 💯 Truth be told, you’re not always going to be motivated. It’s normal. Motivation itself is unreliable!

Looking for more support navigating your cycle with fitness & nutrition? Check out my FREE guide & pro-metabolic strength training guide available for purchase!

LINK to apply for 1:1 coaching 💛

#onlinepersonaltrainer#personaltrainer#onlinenutritioncoach#motivation#motivationtips#trainertips#trainertiptuesday#trainertip#originalaudio#fitnessmotivation

You’ve got to earn your right to diet PART 2 Reverse dieting & Nutrition periodization

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It’s common for new clients to hire a personal trainer wanting to lose weight (fat loss). While I understand the desire to do this, we can and will get there..
⁣
We usually have to enter a different kind of approach before we can actually “diet” for fat loss because ⁣our first intention must be to achieve optimal psychological & physiological baselines.⁣

Most clients have struggled with yo-yo dieting, binge eating, poor relationship with food, negative body image and sporadic consistency with their workouts.
When we first discuss the concept of dieting in reverse, they are naturally hesitant because it’s quite different than what they are used to. 😲

The amazing part throughout this process they realize that achieving maintenance is a massive progress flex! 💪🏻 It still requires lots of effort and consistency.

In maintenance phase you experience:

🔘Better sleep
🔘Improved performance
🔘More muscle
🔘Not 🤔 about 🥘 all the time
🔘Stable energy
🔘Less mood swings😃
🔘Ability to be social🥂
🔘Restore hormone balance
🔘Increased libido😈

It’s important to spend enough time optimizing your metabolism, building muscle, and enjoying your life, so that when & if the time does come to enter a diet phase, things will be easier, an the progress will be sustainable.

Curious to see what this process looks like for you? Apply for coaching here ✌🏼

#onlinepersonaltrainer#personaltrainer#onlinenutritioncoach#nutritioncoach#nutritionist#nutritionperiodization#reversedieting#reversediet#maintenancephase#chronicdieting#dietculturedropout#sustainablenutrition#eattonourish#nourishyourbody#fitnesscoach#newyorkfitness#hudsonvallyny#newyorkpersonaltrainer

What is body neutral fitness?

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Have you ever thought about WHY you are engaging in your fitness & nutrition routine?

🧠Intention is is a mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. Intention involves mental activities such as planning and forethought.

Body Neutral Fitness is shifting the intention behind WHY you want to workout.

Instead of aesthetics being the main intention, the focus is more on how you want to FEEL and cultivating a more positive body image through developing body appreciation

It can be easy to fall into the trap of pointing out what you are insecure about, or hearing someone else do the same. But try to avoid this, or at least notice when you are doing it and how it makes you feel. Redirect the conversation to another topic

Body neutral fitness is about nourishing our bodies with foods full of vitamins and nutrients that you need, but also not depriving ourselves of delicious treats. We do not engaging in restrictive dieting behaviors.

Exercise is not meant to be a punishment. If your body needs a rest day, then give it a rest day. I work closely with my clients to build their programming with activities that they enjoy. More recreation, more walks and MORE FUN!

For me, I’ve spent years dieting and exercising to change my body and make her look a certain way. To be accepted. To be seen as worthy. 

I’ve torn down my old identity and entire sense of self and rebuilt a new version from the ashes of who I once was.

I’ve shared a bit about this process, how a lot of it revolved around SELF-ESTEEM and improving my concept of self.

Contrast can be an amazing teacher. When we experience things we do NOT want or like, it provides clarity and insight into what we DO want.

🌱You’ve got to CHOOSE growth 🔝
We can either go through life, or GROW through it. 🌱

Growth hurts. & it’s always worth it. It’s also never ending. 📈

Health is not a destination that you “arrive” to and stay. 📍

It’s a flowing, growing, shifting, seasonal journey. 🗺

This past year I’ve done some deep soul digging to rebuild my identity around fitness to be coming from a place of excitement and joy !

“The deeper your why, the higher you fly” 🦋

Ready to make the shift into Body neutral fitness? Apply for coaching HERE

Fitting in movement into your busy schedule

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#trainertips

✅ Schedule it in & Commit
When time is your biggest challenge when it comes to exercise, then knowing what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it is very important! At the beginning of each week, schedule your workouts like you schedule your meetings or appointments. Create a plan, know what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it, and commit! You can even have an alternative day to make up your workout if something does happen.

✅Morning or Earlier in the day workouts. Plan your workouts in the morning or during your lunch breaks. This way you dedicate that time for you before the day slips away. Being busy throughout the day usually leads to fatigue by the end of the day and can make commitments to workouts later in the day harder.

✅ Boost Your Daily Activities
Try giving some of your daily activities a boost to get your movement in. Take advantage of every situation. This can be parking a little farther from the grocery store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking while chatting on the phone, or walking during meetings that you do not have to participate in.

✅ Change Your Mindset Around Movement
Movement should not be looked at as an activity that you dread or that takes over your life. We want to view movement as a GIFT to yourself not a chore. If you wake up and think “I don’t have time to workout today” you’re most likely not going to find the time to get it done. If you wake up thinking of it as a priority and how much better you’re going to feel after its done you are more likely to find the time.

✅ Make It Enjoyable
Do something that you actually enjoy. It’s easier to get something done when you like the activity. Focus on what makes you feel the best, helps you to reach your goals, and is rewarding for your mind and body.

What’s the #1 thing holding most back from their goals?

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Change of any kind intimidating and it may seem like you have a long way to go in achieving your goals…

Here are some tips for hacking consistency:

1️⃣Focus on 1-2 habits that you can easily commit to start. Get into the groove with them. Next, build one or two habits on top of those, this concept is called habit stacking.

Example: Two daily habits could be eating protein with almost every meal and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Next you could focus on drinking water first thing before coffee and adding in a morning stretch routine.

Building on habits is what creates a routine.

A routine is what creates consistency. Consistency is what creates results.

This is why fad diets, 30 day challenges and 75 hard is a waste of your time. If it’s not based around your own individual health markers, lifestyle and goals, if it’s not teaching you about your own biofeedback and empowering you—You’re likely not gonna stick with it.

2️⃣Focus on what’s being added in and improved. Adding in more protein, more fruits and veggies, more movement etc. (not what’s being taken away or restrained.)

3️⃣However your path looks like on the journey to feeling better it should be rewarding and tied to deep personal meaning and intrinsic motivation.

4️⃣Self-Efficacy is the name of the game- building belief in oneself over time, creating a foundation of knowledge that is a sustainable lifestyle.

Consistency is everything— if what you’re currently doing is too difficult to stick with, it’s not YOU. It’s your approach.

Link for my 8 week foundations program ✌🏼💕

Wellness Simplified Coaching with Meganmefit

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Megan offers an online fitness training program through Trainerize app, that involves movement screenings to address any muscle imbalances and individualized fitness programing specific to your goals, with detailed videos for demonstration, daily habit coaching, supplementation recommendations, weekly check-ins, mindset support & on-demand workout videos! everything you need for your success.

Nutritional Guidance-Megan uses a holistic approach to foods and Nutrition. Her philosophy is simple and easy to follow, by providing an education on how to nourish your body appropriately while enjoying your favorite foods. She reviews your food logs each week providing individualized guidance and support depending on your specific needs, creating an individualized Balanced nutrition program that is sustainable called Intentional nourishment. it is not about following “rules” or restrictions that create deprivation— we focus on creating healthy habits that facilitate lasting results.

I’ve been trying to find the words to market what I do with clients and while it’s an organic process that is unique to each individual, I believe the second slide describes the core elements of what we dive into together. 💕

This program has evolved so much since it launched in the the beginning of this year and I’m so proud of what we are accomplishing!

For more info check out my website http://www.Meganmefit.com &
my testimony highlight reel on profile to read more from past/current clients!

✌🏼Link to apply to coaching!

Body Appreciate and Gratitude are key in improving body image.

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Reframing our thoughts is an important aspect of cultivating our healthiest best lives. ♥️

In recent studies, body appreciation & gratitude towards the body have been the central organizing variables within how to cultivate positive body image.

🤗Body appreciation has been defined as accepting, holding favorable opinions towards, and respecting the body, while also rejecting media, promoted appearance ideals as the only form of human beauty. (Avalon et al., 2005)

Many of us struggle with negative self-talk.⁠
⁠
We put ourselves down, criticize ourselves, and beat ourselves up… and some of us do it so much we don’t even realize we’re doing it!⁠

Negative self-talk can become a habit, and it’s an important habit to break because the thoughts and words we say and think shape our reality. 🙅🏾‍♀️🙅🏻‍♀️🙅🏿‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏼‍♀️ ⁠
Thankfully, studies have shown that using neutral or positive affirmations can help us rewire our brains and change our outlook! 🧠⁠
⁠
❓How❓⁠
⁠
By disrupting these negative thought patterns and reframing them into statements that serve you better. Basically, by being deliberate with your self-talk!⁠

Sources:
•Body Image 12 (2015) 53-67
•DOI: 10.1.1002/eat.23238

Thank you @emmasmyth.nutrition for your graphic 🤎
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✌🏼Link in bio to apply for my 8 week foundation coaching program, where we create optimal health and wellness through individualized fitness programming, mindset coaching and balanced nutrition! 💟

#bodyimage#bodyappreciation#weightloss#diet#dietplan#dietculture#dietculturedropout#nutritioncoach#onlinepersonaltrainer#personaltrainer#fitness#onlinefitnesscoach#fitnessmotivation#research

Why before and after photos can be harmful

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Health and Fitness has much more to offer than a side by side photo. Many of the benefits of movement are internal:
•Improves circulation

•Increased strength & endurance

•Enhances tissue oxygenation

•Stimulates lymphatic drainage

•Reduces stress and tension

•Increases bone density

•Enhances mental clarity and memory

•Balance key brain neurotransmitters


❌None of that is fully depicted in a before and after photo.
When looking at a side-by-side of two different bodies, it’s implied that one body type is better than the other. And even if the caption says “it’s not about weight”, it’s easy to subconsciously assume that it still is-especially online, we’re captions are often skimmed or not read in full.


Essentially, we cannot work towards fixing our society‘s obsession with weight while also posting something that is so weight-focused.


What’s problematic behind these images: it suggests an endpoint, where the AFTER is the life and body of their dreams and everything is perfect. That’s not how it works.🚫
There are NO before & after’s. It’s all just during! It’s time to focus on the journey, 🗺 not a false destination! 📍


💡 Other ways to celebrate your transformation:
•Reflecting on your improved mood, energy and confidence

•Sharing a regular video/photo of yourself

•Going out with friends

•Wearing an outfit you feel confident in

•Trying a new fitness class
Whatever journey you may be on, there are many ways to celebrate your newfound appreciation for your body!
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✌🏼Link https://forms.gle/cFJakvt746dkDUvMA to apply for my 8 week foundation coaching program, where we create optimal health and wellness through individualized fitness programming, mindset coaching and balanced nutrition! 💟