Sticking to a healthy routine is hard. Let’s just be honest about that from the start. It’s especially hard when you’re battling health issues like fibroids, trying to take control of your body, and hoping to see lasting results. I started a health challenge recently to manage my fibroids, and for the first week, everything was going great. I felt proud of myself. I was eating clean, nourishing my body, and avoiding all the junk that usually tempts me. I was even seeing some positive changes in my skin and my energy levels. But by the time week two rolled around, I found myself back in the cycle of binge-eating processed junk food. It’s like everything unraveled overnight.
Why does this happen? Why is it that when we start doing so well, something seems to pull us back into our old habits? For me, it’s frustrating beyond words. I can physically feel the effects: my skin breaks out, the bloat returns, and my body feels sluggish. But the hardest part isn’t just dealing with the physical symptoms; it’s the mental battle of feeling like I failed.
The Struggle of Healthy Habits in an Unhealthy Environment
One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed is my environment. I live in a home where processed junk food is everywhere. It’s not just that it’s available; it’s the norm. Everyone else in the house eats chips, fast food, and soda like it’s second nature, and while I know it’s not an excuse, it makes sticking to my healthy habits much more difficult. Temptation is everywhere.
I’m sure many of you can relate—whether it’s living with family members who have different eating habits, being surrounded by unhealthy snacks at work, or even just feeling like the world around you isn’t set up for the healthy changes you’re trying to make. It can feel like every time you’re motivated to take control, your environment pushes back.
It’s frustrating because I genuinely want to make these changes for my health. I know that eating clean, whole foods will help me manage my fibroids, reduce inflammation, and make me feel better overall. But when you live in a space that doesn’t support those changes, it feels like you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Why Do We Fall Back Into Old Habits?
The question I keep asking myself is: Why? Why do I fall back into old habits, even when I know how bad they are for me? The truth is, changing your habits—especially ones that have been ingrained in you for years—is incredibly difficult. Our brains are wired for comfort, and when we’re stressed or tired, it’s so much easier to reach for the familiar comfort foods we’ve been conditioned to love.
Add to that the social aspect of food. In many households, food is a bonding experience. When everyone else is eating pizza or ice cream during movie night, it’s hard not to join in. And even though I try to tell myself I’ll just have a small portion, that often turns into a full-blown binge.
But the problem isn’t just about willpower. It’s about understanding that we’re human. We crave comfort, we crave belonging, and sometimes, we crave that quick fix that processed foods offer. The key isn’t to punish ourselves for slipping up but to understand why it happens and how we can gently guide ourselves back on track.
The Frustration of Setbacks
The hardest part about these slip-ups is how they make me feel—physically and emotionally. My skin, which had started to clear up, is now breaking out again. The bloating that had disappeared is back, and I feel sluggish and uncomfortable in my body. But beyond that, there’s the mental toll of feeling defeated. I start to wonder if I’ll ever be able to stick to a routine for good, if I’ll ever reach the health goals I’m striving for.
And yet, I have to remind myself that setbacks are part of the process. Change is not linear. You don’t just decide to make a healthy change and magically transform overnight. It’s about progress, not perfection. I have to keep reminding myself that just because I had a bad week, or even a bad month, it doesn’t mean all the effort I’ve put in is wasted. It’s not about starting over from scratch; it’s about picking up where I left off and moving forward.
How to Stay Committed When Your Environment Isn’t Helping
If you’ve ever felt defeated based on where you live or who you live with, you’re not alone. I know the struggle all too well. But here are a few strategies I’m trying to help me stay committed to my health journey, even when my environment isn’t supportive:
- Create a Healthy Space Just for You: If possible, designate a small area in your kitchen or home for your healthy snacks and foods. Having a physical space that’s separate from the junk food can make it easier to make better choices.
- Plan Your Meals in Advance: Meal prepping has been a lifesaver for me when I’m trying to stick to healthier options. When you already have nutritious meals ready to go, you’re less likely to grab whatever’s convenient (like junk food).
- Find a Support System: If you can, connect with friends or online communities who share your health goals. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to or vent to can make all the difference.
- Practice Self-Compassion: This is a big one. Be kind to yourself when you slip up. It’s part of the journey, and beating yourself up won’t help you move forward. Remind yourself why you started in the first place and give yourself grace.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of trying to overhaul your entire diet overnight, focus on small changes. Maybe you start by committing to a healthy breakfast every day, or you make a goal to drink more water. Celebrate the small wins, and they’ll eventually add up to bigger changes.
Final Thoughts
Sticking to a healthy routine is hard, especially when your environment doesn’t support it. But it’s not impossible. While it’s frustrating to deal with the temptations of junk food and the setbacks that come with binge-eating, it’s important to remember that you’re doing this for your health and well-being. Every healthy choice you make, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
We’re all going to have setbacks. We’re all going to fall off track sometimes. But the key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you’re taking two steps back. So, if you’re in a similar situation, know that you’re not alone. We can get through this—one healthy choice at a time.