Protocol Success – Be Clever and beat the Overwhelm

A client said to me the other day… “you have to be a clever shopper to be a good eater” I wrote it down, never a truer word I thought. It all starts in what you put in the shopping basket…or maybe the step before that…...the shopping list.

I love a good list. I love to plan and execute the plan. There is a smidge of spontaneity in there but generally I am a planner…I confess – I am also a Capricorn (we are well known planners). What makes a protocol successful can often be in the approach. Being prepared is part of that but also embracing simplicity and practicality should also be a criteria for
success. So here are my tips ( and pitfalls ) for my gut health clients to ensure a successful (and well executed) protocol.

Tip 1:

Know your why?

I am often talking to clients about key symptoms and how the body is talking to them about where things are headed in the wrong direction. In my clinic fatigue would be one of the top symptoms on the list, along with foggy brain, anxiety and depression. The alleviation of these symptoms often forms part of the why and therefore the motivation to embark on a gut healing protocol.

But often the why is deeper…

• making sure we have the capacity to do the things that make us feel happy
  and fulfilled
• having fun and being able to rely on your health to say YES to social
  activities that you enjoy
  
• spending time with family and friends- being able to kick the ball with the
  kids or go on hikes
  
• participating in the community and giving back
  
• being physically active—including sexually
  
• getting good rest and restoring sleep.

Tip 2:

Get Your Head in the Game

Start planning for what you are going to eat and even test recipes!

Know yourself and prepare for pitfalls – it might be late night sugar cravings, sugary drinks, Friday Night Social catch ups or the need to destress with things other than alcohol. Get a list going of things that can help:

• A regular massage
  
• Phone a friend
  
• Epsom Salts baths
  
• Sauna
  
• Beach walk
  
• Movies

Tip 3:

De Clutter the Kitchen – before you start.

Lets remove temptation by doing a clean out.

Tip 4:

Plan a shopping list.

When I am restricted on a diet I love to go gourmet on the food I can eat. I get the best cuts of meat, the freshest of the fresh produce and the gourmet trimmings to go with it.

If what you can eat is super special – you will sparkle inside AND out.

Tip 5:

Go shopping with excitement.

The shopping basket is where it is at – lets face it – it is setting you up for what you are going to eat – so get clever about your choices and make them good ones. Remember variety = Diversity so go for variance.

Tip 6:

Identify key recipes that are going to be your saving grace.

This could be my famous vegetable frittata or maybe it is lamb shank soup. Have you downloaded my Gut Health Recipes yet?

Knowing ahead of time is going to set you up for success as this can be the backbone of your protocol and help get you closer to your goals.

Remember you are not alone and can reach out for help as needed.