Why this health coach wants you to “add more” instead of focusing on calorie restriction.

By Brook Barney

HEALTH & WELLNESS

What is the first thing you think of when getting healthy? Reduction of food, right? Removal of the foods you believe to love. This scarcity mindset creates feelings of deprivation and lack and escalates your emotions if you haven't addressed your habit of "filling the void" with food or other substances.

 The approach I take with clients and invite you to explore when getting healthier is to ADD MORE. Shifting your mindset to what you are gaining rather than taking away allows the brain and body to release fears of change due to lack and restriction. Instead, it cultivates pleasure, happiness, support, and fulfillment within.

 Now, what do I mean by Add More? Add more intention into planning, preparing, cooking, and eating your food. Add more antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods, color, fiber, supportive proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, water, and variety. Add more sleep, movement, mindfulness, play, and joy.

Often, getting healthy solely focuses on dieting, strict repetitive meal planning, calorie restriction, and physical image. While restricting calories will assist in weight loss, this method alone is missing the critical components of sustainable health and healing.

With time, you can rebuild your health, create a balanced state, revitalize your energy, and GAIN physical health, a fulfilled soul, and mental well-being. Not just tip the scale. Let's take the meaning of being healthy beyond weight loss and do away with the outdated mindset of lack by restriction. Start by creating and engaging in a lifestyle and health plan that supports your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being by ADDING MORE.

 Enjoy this colorful recipe full of a variety of vitamins & minerals, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory properties, to ADD to your health today!

 BUTTERNUT SQUASH BLACK BEAN SOUP

DIRECTIONS

One pot soup:

Peel and cube 1 butternut squash

Sauté in olive oil for 3 min:
1 chopped onion
1 chopped red pepper
3 cloves minced garlic

Add and sauté for 10 min:
butternut squash
1/2 Tsp thyme
1/4 Tsp cayenne pepper
salt/pepper

Add and cook for 20 min:
1 1/2 C cooked black beans
1 can of coconut milk
3 C vegetable stock
Add 1 C chopped kale

Enjoy it as soup or over rice!

Want a deeper dive into "filling the void?" Join one of my classes or programs.