Hey there. When it comes to eating and exercise, most people overcomplicate the process. We hear about “optimal” diets or “perfect” workout routines and think we have to follow them exactly. But the truth is, if you want to build lasting habits, you have to start with what you’re willing and able to do right now.
Think about exercise. Instead of trying to force yourself into a routine that doesn’t fit your life, ask yourself: What am I willing and able to do? Maybe that’s walking for 10 minutes a day or doing a quick bodyweight workout at home. The key is to choose something you can stick with, rather than something that sounds good on paper but never actually happens.
The same principle applies to food. Instead of forcing yourself to eat a certain way because you think you “should,” start by identifying what you’re willing to eat on a daily or almost daily basis. Not what someone else says is best, just what works for you. Once you have that, consistency becomes much easier, and you start building a sustainable foundation for your nutrition.
Making Small Adjustments Over Time
Once you’ve established a baseline of consistency, you can start tweaking things to better suit your needs. Here’s an example from my own routine:
For a while, my go-to breakfast was a chocolate chip protein waffle with a ready-to-drink protein shake. It was quick, easy, and fit into my routine. But over time, I started questioning whether there was a better option.
I realized that while the waffle had some protein, it was mainly a starchy food. So I started thinking about what small change I could make to get the same benefits while making my mornings even more efficient. That’s when I swapped the waffle for oats in my morning smoothie.
Now, instead of taking five minutes to heat up the waffle iron, mix the batter, and wait for it to cook, I simply add a half cup of oats to my smoothie, and it’s done in two minutes. Same general meal structure, but more efficient, and it still fits what I’m willing and able to do.
Why This Approach Works
So many people struggle with consistency because they’re trying to do things that they’ve been told are "optimal" but those things don’t actually fit their life. The real key is starting with what works for you, building consistency, and then making small, manageable changes over time.
This same strategy applies to both food and exercise. If you start with what you’re comfortable doing, you create a solid foundation. From there, you can experiment, swap things in and out, and adjust as needed without feeling like you’re constantly struggling to keep up with an unsustainable plan.
If you’re looking for a way to build long-term consistency in your health and fitness journey, I’d love for you to join The YLF Experience. It’s all about finding what works for you and making sustainable changes that fit your life. Sign up here!