Reframing Ambivalence and Resistance

By: Michael Beiter

Hey everyone,

Let's discuss a common challenge many of us face: ambivalence toward food logging, especially on weekends or during moments of overindulgence. Food logging is a valuable tool that can help us understand our eating habits, identify areas for improvement, and stay accountable to our wellness goals.

Have you ever felt like, "I know what to do; I just can't do it!" That's ambivalence at work. 

Imagine this scenario: your weekend is filled with your children's sports events, or maybe you're simply looking forward to some downtime after a busy week. In these instances, meticulously tracking every morsel might not be at the top of your list. Your attention naturally shifts towards cherishing time with family, unwinding, and preparing for the upcoming week.

Similarly, when you find yourself indulging a bit too much, it's sometimes about needing more discipline, but it could just as well be about curbing an emotion or celebrating an event. It could be about savoring the moment, connecting with loved ones, or simply giving in to cravings.

Instead of viewing this ambivalence as a lack of dedication, let's acknowledge it as a result of competing priorities. We all have valid obligations that pull us in different directions. As your fitness and nutrition coach, my aim is to assist you in finding equilibrium.

Rather than imposing strict rules, I've found it best to work together to develop flexible strategies that fit your lifestyle. When food logging is too much, we can use our hands as portion guides, which allows for control without complexity, and intuitive eating, which involves listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Dozens of approaches can help you nourish your body while enjoying life's pleasures.

So, next time you feel conflicted about food logging on the weekends or when celebrating, don't beat yourself up; it's normal. 

You are not weak for getting wasted at that wedding. 

You are not a piece of crap for forgetting everything you ate over the weekend while you parented and watched golf. 

You are not doomed if you don't know exactly how many grams of a nutrient you ate. 

Reframing ambivalence and resistance as competing priorities helps people change. It's not a lack of willpower or self-sabotage; it's having equally important other things to do and adjusting your behaviors as you see fit.