Information isn’t all we need to create change.

Often, simply knowing that something is beneficial is not enough to motivate a person into action. For example, it’s common knowledge that vegetables are superstars, yet less than 5% of Australian adults eat the recommended amount. Why? Because knowledge doesn’t always equal action does it? In fact, sometimes learning more about something can actually backfire! I've consulted with many people who I would say are in a state of inaction/ paralysis due to overwhelm that can come with an overload of information.

Even I (someone who's always hungry for knowledge), have had to learn when to pull back from learning, so I can actually absorb and implement what I already know! The "doing" part is often harder than knowledge seeking, and of course, will bring it's own lessons.

I’m forever curious about what motivates someone to consistently eat well, and I believe it’s incredibly important that we understand what drives us to create great nutrition habits (that stick!).

Here are some of the MAIN reasons behind why people are motivated to source, prepare, and eat nourishing food on a regular basis:

• A love and desire for the feeling that comes with eating well.

• The flavours and deliciousness that nutrient-dense, wholefoods provide.

• A passion for reducing food waste and supporting the environment, which comes with a tendency to get creative and “use things up” when there is an abundance and minimise the intake of ultra-processed foods due to their detrimental environmental impact.

• A drive to set a positive example for family, or others in your social network.

• A passion for cooking and the creativity that cooking offers.

• A need to eat well to effectively manage a condition which requires dietary diligence

• Training for an event / specific goal that requires a high compliance to specific dietary targets.

My hope is that you find some inspiration from this list, remembering these reasons when you're in need of a motivation boost! 

As well as knowing what drives you to stay motivated on the foodie front, it’s important to know what is UN-motivating, so you can manage these potential ‘hand-breaks’ and stay on track.

The most common dietary deterrents are…

• A lack of clarity on what the actual goals are, and what steps need to be taken to get there.As James Clear says, "Most people think they lack motivation when they really lack clarity". 

• A lack of inspiration/ meal ideas/ recipe suggestions

• Comparisons and self-doubt

• Overwhelm, confusion and/or too many dietary “rules”

• Low kitchen literacy (because results take motivation AND ability)

• An environment that is not conducive to great health (i.e. limited cooking facilities, ubiquitous access to ultra-processed foods, lack of access to fresh foods)

In my opinion, ALL of these “barriers” can be worked through and with some support, creative thinking and attention.Now it's time to ask yourself... "What are my nutrition motivators? What's holding me back?"

A final thought... 

As you know I’m a big fan of improving nutrition and health literacy, but of course not all information is created equally. In this day and age, referring to credible, unbiased and trusted sources is more important than ever.

So, although information isn’t ALL we need to create change, I firmly believe the right information, at the right time, can absolutely help!