🍎 As a bustling hawker centre dies down in the Singapore night, Su Ling (name changed for privacy) faces a familiar struggle: her love for the rich, hearty food that she grew up with, against her failing resolve to maintain her figure as a Zumba instructor.
Despite her best efforts of sticking to a strict exercise routine, Su Ling felt betrayed by her own body. The scales never tipped in her favour. The exhausting paradox of living her passion for Zumba and relishing local delights left her disheartened and drained.
🥗 Our collaboration started by laying the groundwork, the ‘Foundation Stage’ of my Body Thrive Academy programme. We unpacked the nutritional complexities of her favourite foods, and explored the science of metabolism — simply put, how her body turned prata into power for her Zumba classes.
We journeyed next into the ‘Transformation Stage. It was here that Su Ling discovered a deep connection with her body’s signals, learning to distinguish physical hunger from emotional cravings, a skill more difficult to master than the trickiest Zumba moves.
Finally, the ‘Consistency Stage’ was about integrating this newfound understanding into her daily life. An extra 10-minute cooldown after her class, or swapping her beloved prata for a nourishing bowl of sliced fruits became habitual changes, seamlessly blending into her routine.
👍 Su Ling’s story isn’t about massive weight loss or drastic diet changes, it’s about recalibrating her lifestyle while embracing her love for food and dance. This balancing act was possible because she learned the right skills, she didn’t need a chaperone throughout but just the right toolkit for her health journey.
For those experiencing the same hurdles, here are five tips from Su Ling’s playbook that might help:
- Understanding your body is key: Learn to distinguish between real hunger and emotional cravings.
- Subtle changes matter: Incorporating small changes in your diet can yield significant results.
- Joyful movement: Make sure your exercise routine is something you enjoy, not dread.
- Create your tribe: Surround yourself with a supportive community who encourages your journey.
- Consider a mentor: A coach with the right expertise can help steer your journey in the right direction, providing insights and guidance.
Su Ling’s journey inspires me every day. It’s about overcoming self-doubt, accepting oneself, and taking a step forward each day. By sharing her story, I hope to encourage those facing similar struggles.
Your body is your closest ally, and with the right understanding, it can become your best supporter in your health journey. Remember, each small step towards a healthier you is a victory in itself. 💪