Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I could never stick to a special diet” or “There’s no way my family would eat like that”? These kinds of thoughts can feel like brick walls, stopping us from making the changes that might improve our health and ease our digestive issues. But what if those beliefs weren’t as set in stone as they seem?

Let’s take a look at some common limiting beliefs around eating differently, how they can hold us back, and how we can start to shift them to make space for change. And we’ll do it in a way that’s simple, clear, and doable.

Step 1: Turn a Limiting Belief into a Question

One of the best ways to shift a limiting belief is by turning it into a question—especially one that starts with “How can I…?”

Instead of thinking, “My family will never eat like me,” try asking yourself, “How can I eat in a way that supports my health while still making meals my family will enjoy?” When we ask questions like this, our brains start looking for solutions, and suddenly, the wall of “I can’t” starts to crumble.

This approach takes your mind off what seems impossible and focuses it on what might be possible. It encourages your brain to start brainstorming ideas, which can make finding a solution feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

Step 2: Write It Down

When you think about making a change, like your eating habits, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Are they encouraging, or do they make you feel stuck? Often, we don’t even realize we’re holding onto beliefs that limit us.

Try this: write down your thoughts about changing your diet. Be honest. Do you think, “This will be too hard,” or “My friends and family will think I’m being difficult”? By getting these thoughts on paper, you can start to see which beliefs are keeping you from moving forward.

Step 3: Create a New Belief That Feels Right

Once you’ve identified a limiting belief, it’s time to replace it with something that feels good to you. And this is important—your new belief needs to feel true to you, not like an empty affirmation. If the new belief doesn’t feel real, it won’t have the power to shift your thinking.

For example, if your limiting belief is “I’ll feel awkward eating differently in social situations,” a new belief might be “I can enjoy food in a way that makes me feel good, even around others.” Notice how this new belief doesn’t ignore the discomfort; instead, it focuses on something positive and empowering that still feels real.

When we start believing in a way that feels true and achievable, it’s like swapping out an old light bulb for a brighter one. The new belief lights up our options and makes the path forward easier to see.

Step 4: Visualize Success

Visualization can be a powerful tool to make new beliefs stick. Picture yourself at a family dinner, confidently choosing the foods that support your health, and still enjoying the meal. Imagine feeling calm and proud of your choices, rather than stressed or awkward. Visualization helps you see what’s possible and makes it easier to step into this version of yourself in real life.

Step 5: Ask Yourself, “What’s Really Holding Me Back?”

Sometimes, it helps to dig a bit deeper. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Why does this feel uncomfortable?
  • When did I first start feeling this way?
  • If the opposite of my limiting belief were true, how would I act?

By asking these questions, you can start to uncover the deeper reasons behind your limiting beliefs. This can be a little uncomfortable at first, but it often leads to important “a-ha” moments that make real change feel easier.

A Simple Trick to Shift Your Mindset

Changing a long-held belief isn’t easy, especially when it’s about something as personal as food choices and health. But here’s a trick you can try the next time you catch yourself thinking, “I just can’t do this” or “This is too hard.”

Pause. Say to yourself: “I can think of this differently.” Sometimes, giving yourself permission to look at things in a new way is all it takes to start feeling less stuck.

Remember, shifting your mindset is a process. You don’t have to get it perfect right away. But each time you challenge a limiting belief, you’re taking a step toward a more empowering outlook on your health journey.

Changing your diet to support your digestive health is possible—even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first. By letting go of limiting beliefs, asking yourself helpful questions, and learning to see things in a new way, you can make choices that support both your body and mind.

For more tips and strategies tailored for these situations, download my Holiday Digestion Survival Guide. Now you can enjoy holiday meals without stress and stay true to your health goals.

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