Intuition, Decisions, and Food
In a world driven by absolutes...
…and quick fixes, where opinions often seem black or white, it's time to stop for a minute and just think about how complex the situation really is. Let’s embrace the nuance in our decision-making, whether it pertains to nutrition, relationships, or any other aspect of life.
It’s clear that we’re often pressured to make snap judgments and rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. However, life rarely follows directions. It’s not enough to say that something is definitively right or wrong because everyone and every situation is different.
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Unsolicited Advice
One area where this struggle for nuance is particularly apparent is in the realm of health and wellness. Many people are quick to share their success stories or personal experiences as the standard. Whether it's weight loss, dietary choices, or exercise routines, this well-intentioned but unsolicited advice can sometimes do more harm than good.
For example, someone who believes they have “successfully” adopted a low-carb diet may passionately endorse it without considering that individual nutritional needs vary significantly (besides for that it’s just probably a bad idea because bodies need carbs.) This advice also doesn’t account for personal circumstances, such as financial constraints or access to specific foods. So while they’re intentions may be good, this advice isn’t ideal.
Universal Recommendations
I’m sure you can think of a few common recommendations for “healthier living”. Such as, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, drinking more water, etc. These require a nuanced approach. What works wonders for one person may lead to discomfort or adverse effects for another. We have to stop blindly accepting advice, even if it comes from reputable sources and would technically be good advice, just not for you. Personalization is key when determining what suits your unique circumstances.
The Role of Critical Thinking
Despite living in a world of conflicting information and well-intentioned but potentially misguided advice, we should lean into critical thinking. Take time to evaluate information, and consider its source and relevance to your life. Does it align with your personal experiences, beliefs, and needs? Critical thinking empowers individuals to make informed decisions rather than relying solely on external guidance.
The Power of Self-Trust
It’s time to trust our own intuition and judgment. While outside guidance can be helpful, it should complement rather than dictate our choices. We have to recognize that we are all living unique lives. Some advice will resonate with us, while others can negatively impact us. We live in a world of information overload. So take a moment to filter out the information that isn’t helpful.
Being able to make informed decisions is empowering.
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Tweetable Quotes
"It is very hard to come to a consensus or a compromise or even an understanding of each other or of ourselves if we have differing opinions internally or ambivalence." - Rachelle Heinemann
"Please take everything with a grain of salt. Take everything on social media with a grain of salt." - Rachelle Heinemann
"What do I deep down know to be true and healthy for me in particular?" - Rachelle Heinemann
"It's kind of ridiculous for somebody to say, ‘This works for me and therefore it'll work for you.’ They don't know what your life story is. They don't know what your home situation is.” - Rachelle Heinemann
“A lot of people say, ‘Sleep is really important. You should get at least seven to eight hours of sleep.’ Well, if you're talking to any new mom or dad, that is completely impossible.” - Rachelle Heinemann
Related Episodes
Episode 90. How Do I Learn To Trust Myself? with Dian Barth
Episode 74. The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get
Episode 67. Is It All About Control?
Episode 60. Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life with Jen Diaz
More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
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