I’d like to start a discussion.

When I began my work in the field of nutrition, my mission was to de-mystify the complex messages surrounding food and health. By doing that, I hoped some of you will take away a nugget of information that inspires you to make a change in your lifestyle that leads to a greater level of wellness.

I know I can’t reach and teach everyone, but I’m still astonished at the number of people that suffer needlessly when even simple changes can yield such large, positive results.

The clients I work with come to me with myriad issues – unwanted weight, food sensitivities, emotional eating, sugar addiction. In the end, their success in managing these comes down to embracing a change they have consistently resisted making – usually accompanied by a long list of reasons why.

Change means stepping out of your comfort zone on Convenience Street. It means thought and work. Like any new job, change is the ropes you need to learn. But for anyone who has learned a new job, you know that your skill level rises, your confidence increases, your performance is enhanced and you are less intimidated by challenges. In short, you find a new comfort zone.

Despite many people thinking they are alone in their health challenge, the reasons for not making changes can be distilled down to a surprisingly short list.

You don’t know how

Eating well isn’t as hard as you think. Taking off your food blinders is a start. Taking charge of what you eat – and by that I mean cooking for yourself – is essential. Keeping it simple should be your mantra. Your doctor may give you dietary advice, but working with someone who can teach you how to feed yourself is what can make the difference.

You believe you’re too busy

Your health is a 24/7 priority because your ability to perform – in all aspects of your life – depends on it. Your schedule might be jam-packed, but where have you scheduled time to nourish yourself. Yes, scheduled.

You don’t think it will make a difference

A negative experience with a health initiative doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue seeking a positive one. Wellness is a lifelong journey, and I’ll guarantee that most of you have not yet started it in earnest. It’s important to remember that we are all unique and what works for one of us could be disappointing for another.

You rarely put yourself first

If you’re always putting other’s needs ahead of yours or feeling that you’ll never be able to get others to embrace the changes you’d like to make, ask yourself how they would also benefit. Make your case, stand firm. Yes, you’ll need patience and some flexibility, but remember there is a difference between compromise and sabotage.

You’re reluctant to face down what’s standing in your way

These are obstacles that undermine your resolve every time, and you know what they are. It doesn’t pay to hold onto them, so find out how to make them less of a barrier to your success.

So which is it? You may feel your obstacle is insurmountable. I assure you it’s not. And I encourage you to explore – maybe that’s the nugget you need to make a change.

Mary Porter is a nutrition counselor living in the Fort Hunt area. You can email her at mary@betterplate.com