“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” – La Rochefoucauld
10 years ago, this quote flipped a switch. It helped me simplify years of struggle with food and finally take steps towards controlling my eating.
Because of it, I lost 100 pounds.
It started my career in coaching people in nutrition and fitness.
However, as I look back, the switch that flipped was essential but it wasn’t the end of it. What I thought “intelligent” meant was strict, structured, and required white knuckling discipline.
It was my way or no way.
I was wrong!
Although it served it’s purpose, that old definition no longer is appropriate. It’s not how I teach my kids, nor is it how I coach my peeps.
The new “intelligent way” is a holistic approach.
It requires an understanding of the body, mind, and spirit.
It requires knowing when to push people and when to empathize with them. It requires the presence to avoid dogma, and the skill to help without ego-driven agendas.
Easier said than done.
The new “intelligent way” is the use of the information at an appropriate time and in an appropriate way to help someone be successful. Bonus points if you can do it by allowing others to find their own way without you pointing it out to them.
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