“If you believe you can change – if you make it a habit – the change becomes real.” ― Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
On the evening of July 16th I had the pleasure of visiting Collegiate Coaching Services (CCS) and discussing nutrition habits with some of the staff and their clients.
What is Collegiate Coaching Services?
CCS is an amazing therapy business owned and operated by Tracy Markle, MA, LPC in Boulder, CO. The staff is comprised of a well rounded team of professionals including licensed therapists and coaches who offer a wide range of support services to both young adults and parents.
Tracy invited me to CCS to discuss healthy nutrition habits and practical ways to integrate these choices into everyday life.
I have been Tracy’s personal trainer for several years now and can see that she value’s a healthy lifestyle. She leads by example and includes exercise and good nutrition in her daily routine. Tracy is successful because she makes it a habit!
“This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.” ― Charles Duhigg
Nutrition Discussion
My presentation to CCS was entitled, 7 DAILY NUTRITION HABITS FOR A BETTER BODY. The talk summarizes key habits that millions of fit and healthy people have in common. According to experts in neuroscience, one good habit leads to another and we can train our willpower like a muscle in the body.
We started off with a discussion of how the media drives our nutrition beliefs and food choices. It didn’t take long to realize the group in front of me was very intelligent. I was impressed with their knowledge of how to identify a “better” food choice when selecting a meal or grocery shopping.
Everyone seemed to grasp the concept of how food can effect our brain chemistry. We discussed how sweet and fatty foods stimulate a neurotransmitter called Dopamine which is linked to the brains pleasure center. The takeaway from our discussion on Dopamine was that the neurological reaction to foods can cause addictive eating patterns. CCS clients and coaches are very familiar with the effects of Dopamine because of it’s relationship to other addictions such as video games.
I brought along some foods, supplements and books that I tied into the nutrition habits examples. Having some actual products in the room inspired great discussion items and questions.
We reviewed a lot of great information in the one hour presentation. The basic ideas are simple and practical habits.
“I am still learning.” – Michelangelo, age 87
Nutritionists, therapists and other health professionals are always learning more about how the mind and body function. When we have effective nutrition perspectives and practices we can choose to make these thoughts and actions our great daily habits. It’s the effective daily habits that pave the way to achieving our goals and make us successful.
I am impressed with the culture at CCS and their supportive efforts to help their clients such as attending this nutrition discussion. I had a great experience and enjoyed meeting everyone. The final words I shared with the CCS crew was to start integrating the 7 habits we discussed now, don’t give up and do your best!
For questions and information on nutrition, personal training or any of my services please visit me a ENDURANCEWORKS or contact me.
Happy and Healthy Eating!
Krista Schultz, MEd, CSCS